Treasure Town ~ Marketplace

[Cresselia92]

"No, no! It's fine. It's just that people rarely ever comment about my flowers in a positive light, or they just don't say anything about them at all." Cynthian gave him a momentary somber smile and left things at that.

Icetales said nothing at first, merely focusing on the expression of the Roselia. So he wasn’t the only one who got criticized and got negative reactions about his different color, then. He took a quick glance at his paws, studying the star-patterned silver fur that was the source of scorn from goodmons and goodladies alike in his homeworld.

He sighed and showed a small smile, full of understanding. “This is most regrettable to hear, sir. Then, I hope my comment has given thee some comfort, reassurance and appreciation.”

"That puts us in the same boat then. Before I came here, I rarely ever had to fight at all. Fighting isn't exactly necessary for a florist and botanist like I am. I've already fought more life threatening battles in these past few weeks than I've ever had in my life," Cynthian said with an exasperated sigh. "I'm working on fixing that though."

Icetales looked at Cynthian with sympathy. So he wasn’t the only Goldeen out of water around there. Not exactly a pleasant situation for either of them, but it was good that they weren’t alone among seasoned fighters, at least.

“…I understand thy plight, sir. As a head butler, I never had to fight for anything, either. Sure, I used to duel with my siblings, but they were simple games. Not actual battles where our own lives are at stake.” He offered a friendly smile. “Howbeit, if thou so desire, perhaps we could train together some time? I could help thee better handle the frigid energy of an Ice-type, and thou could help me deal better with the toxins of a Poison-type. What dost thou think?

"Why did you come to the bookstore then? Is there some kind of training that involves reading?"

“In a sense, yes. Thou see, in my homeworld they sell some manuscripts that teach various methods and techniques to learn how to better channel our energy and refine our physical and magical prowess. What I am looking for is some manual to teach me how to clear my mind and get in better contact with the ambiance.”

He looked at his tails and flicked them. “Vulpix’s tails have the unique capability of absorbing water from the air to turn it into frost. If I learned how to sense the tiniest droplet in the atmosphere, I would be able to channel my ice attacks even while standing close to a volcano.”

He chuckled. “Not that I am planning to do that anytime soon, mind thee! Though, it would still aid in channeling my powers more efficiently.”

 

[Persephone]

“Reading could help,” Cuicatl murmured, more to herself than anyone. “Ninetales are smart. One might’ve wrote about their own adventures. That would have potential strategies and weaknesses. Not sure how you’d write without thumbs, though... And for both of you, first you’d have to figure out what your strategy is. Get good at one thing first. For you, Icetails, it might be Aurora Veil support. Protecting everyone else. I don’t really know much about grass-types, though. Sorry.“

She had no experience of her own, and while her mom has trained a ferrothorn... she was pretty sure that Cynthian wasn’t anything like that tank of a Pokémon. He moved delicately, in such a way that the earth barely shook and the wind barely moved around him. And he smelled nice. Like a flower with her old nose, but magnified. She was pretty sure that was still a weird thing to tell someone, even if that person was a literal flower and she was a creature who primarily ‘saw’ the world through scent.

“And good to meet you again, Cynthian. Sorry. I was distracted last time.”

 

[Adamhuarts]

He sighed and showed a small smile, full of understanding. “This is most regrettable to hear, sir. Then, I hope my comment has given thee some comfort, reassurance and appreciation.”

Cynthian nodded with a smile. "It has, thank you. I like the silver sheen of your hide too. It's striking to say the least."

“…I understand thy plight, sir. As a head butler, I never had to fight for anything, either. Sure, I used to duel with my siblings, but they were simple games. Not actual battles where our own lives are at stake.” He offered a friendly smile. “Howbeit, if thou so desire, perhaps we could train together some time? I could help thee better handle the frigid energy of an Ice-type, and thou could help me deal better with the toxins of a Poison-type. What dost thou think?

"I wouldn't mind that at all actually! My last few attempts at training since I got here were with mons far ahead of me in the curve, but training with someone closer will be a welcome change of pace. Just let me know whenever you feel like taking a go at it." Cynthian took a few steps forward and glanced the books in the shop over.

"If you're seeking new moves, you could try the TM shop or go to Blissey's daycare for help. She can teach you moves your ancestors might have known if you'd like."

“And good to meet you again, Cynthian. Sorry. I was distracted last time.”

"It's okay, and don't worry about not knowing much about grass types. I do appreciate the thought though. How far have you been training yourself? You've probably adjusted to your new form since you got here, right?"

 

[Cresselia92]

“Reading could help,” Cuicatl murmured, more to herself than anyone. “Ninetales are smart. One might’ve wrote about their own adventures. That would have potential strategies and weaknesses. Not sure how you’d write without thumbs, though...”

Icetales chuckled. That was a very common question he had heard in his homeworld, too.

“Ah, yes. Thou see, writing without thumbs requires compromises and plenty of exercise.” He puffed out his chest and waved his leftmost tail forward. “As of yours truly, I have practiced a lot bending my tail to write on paper. It took me years to finetune this skill, but it was well worth it. A fellow Vulpix of mine, instead, uses his tongue and jaws to write letters. I still wonder how he accomplished that, however…”

And for both of you, first you’d have to figure out what your strategy is. Get good at one thing first. For you, Icetails, it might be Aurora Veil support. Protecting everyone else. I don’t really know much about grass-types, though. Sorry.“

Aurora Veil. Indeed, a most outstanding move.

Keo’Keo VI always claimed that the art of bending auroras to thicken the air and make it harder for attacks to rush through was one of the most invaluable skills during wartime and one of the most sought-after talents. Also, it was a mesmerizing technique to behold, if Keo’Keo III’s aurora-bending was any proof. However, there was a downside…

“Aurora Veil support sounds like a valid option, yes. Howbeit, as I recall, it would require dropping the temperature and atmospheric pressure of the surroundings to such a degree that the aurora could be sustained constantly and without dissipating with a single attack.

“I am afraid I do not have the technical skill and cryogenic prowess to lower the temperature to such degree yet, and I am not sure if fellow heroes are able to stand the cold for too long. It is something to consider, indeed, but I want to opt for something that would be more tuned to my current skills. Status moves, in particular, seem a good start.”

Cynthian nodded with a smile. "It has, thank you. I like the silver sheen of your hide too. It's striking to say the least."

Icetales showed a shy smile and wagged his tails. “Oh, my thanks. It is… something I have inherited from my family, too.”

Not exactly the best inheritance, but…

"I wouldn't mind that at all actually! My last few attempts at training since I got here were with mons far ahead of me in the curve, but training with someone closer will be a welcome change of pace. Just let me know whenever you feel like taking a go at it."

Icetales grinned and his tails wagged faster. “I am swell whenever! I can always make some room for a good fellow. And, yes, it would make me feel more at ease working with someone who is closer to my own caliber. I shall keep thee informed.”

"If you're seeking new moves, you could try the TM shop or go to Blissey's daycare for help. She can teach you moves your ancestors might have known if you'd like."

Icetales tilted his head. “Oh? TMs are an item here, too? Well, this makes everything easier, no doubt. And Blissey… hmm…” He narrowed his eyes and placed a paw under his chin. “Why, yes. There are quite a few techniques that my ancestors knew. However…”

All our ancestors are renowned as the best of sorcerers in their respective, unparalleled by anyone except from the gods themselves.

Powerful.

Talented.

Ruthless.

And I can sense that same magic and prowess in thy soul and blood, Keo’Keo X…

Hm. I wonder to what extent thy powers can go. We should bring them out to understand them better… don’t thou agree?

Back then, it sounded like Father was amazed by his unique magic force and was looking forward to see him become a talented sorcerer, just like their ancestors. But oh no. How much mistaken and naive he was, to not detect the deadly venom seeping through those words…

“…I, huh. Well, I shall consider that. I need to realize what a Vulpix like yours truly can learn first, I suppose. I shall… drop by those places later.”

 

[Adamhuarts]

Cynthian couldn't help but notice how Icetales seemed to zone out for a second there, and he felt a pang of guilt well up in his chest.

"It's alright if you'd prefer not to. TMs and books will be more than enough in my opinion," Cynthian said in an attempt to cheer him up. "Speaking of which, I should look to find any books about Roselia and Roserade. I might get some fresh insight on my kind, though this is a different world from mine. Do you think there are books about dragons too?"

Cynthian glanced at Cuicatl and the realization struck him. "I can volunteer to read one for you when we find any, if you want?"

 

[Persephone]

Right. No audiobooks here. Maybe? She had a smart phone in her bag. “Hmm. There might be something that reads books for me. There was in my world. If not, though, that’s very kind. My sister already taught me about the hydreigon before her, but it would help to know about... gods, history, culture, geography... all the other stuff that’s going on here.”

“And I was here for a TM myself. Flash cannon, probably. For defense against fairies.”

“Oh, Icetails, that’s understandable. Pix doesn’t use aurora veil, either, but she can wear opponents down with baby-doll eyes and confuse day until they don’t even know who they’re fighting anymore.”

 

[Cresselia92]

“Ah, Sir Cynthian. Any suggestion to improve is much appreciated, truly. There is an ongoing strife, after all, and I am willing to take any available avenue to become a reliable and dependable member of this cortège.” Icetales smiled. “So do not be afraid of suggesting more ideas. Speaking of them…”

He looked at Cuicatl. “Hm! Baby-Doll Eyes and Confuse Ray are fascinating options. They should also be easy to learn and channel for someone of my caliber. I will consider either of them.” He rubbed his chin with a forepaw. “But now that thou mentioned Flash Cannon, huh… I had never heard of Deino using that move. I have knowledge of Hydreigon being frequent users of that technique, however.”

He stayed silent for a moment, before shrugging. “But alas, I cannot say. I am no Dragon, after all. Anyway…” he said, before grinning. “Since we all are looking for way to improve, let us dive our paws and flowers into those books and look for those manuscripts, shall we?”

 

[Adamhuarts]

"For sure, we should. It appears to be decided we're going to face Darkwhite and Lugia in a few days... Neither of them are good match ups for me honestly." Lugia alone was very dangerous. She was psychic and flying type, but at least it's not as bad since she wasn't part fire.

A stray thought then flew into Cynthian's mind, one that was quite a bit silly. He brought a flower to his chin and snickered.

"Say, what if I taught myself Attract from the tm shop and tried it out in our next battle?" Cynthian began, though his expression turned a bit more serious afterwards. "If it works, it'd really disorient Lugia. If it doesn't work, well... Either way, nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?"

Or perhaps it was a bad idea after all...

 

[Persephone]

Cuicatl had thoughts on the flower learning attract. None she would say outright.

"Disruption is a good tactic against stronger opponents. Just... make sure that it isn't disrupting our side as well."

And on flash cannon... hmm. She'd never heard of a deino using it. Not exactly. Stories about deino tended to focus more on how hard they worked than on their many battle techniques. And, to be honest, Cuicatl had no idea how well she could even aim a projectile right now. Especially against a target that wasn't just standing there, waiting to get hit. Might be best to just repeat one of her strategies from the last two battles.

"Good point, Icetails. I'd help look through books, but... the looking part is a bit of a problem."

 

[Adamhuarts]

"Disruption is a good tactic against stronger opponents. Just... make sure that it isn't disrupting our side as well."

"Goodness me, I wouldn't even entertain the thought! Attract is almost a one way ticket to destroying mutual friendships, and I'm not about to do that," Cynthian said looking away with an uneasy face. He wasn't speaking from experience, but he had heard stories...

"That aside, the rest of my most used moves are disruptive abilities too. Stun Spore, Sleep Powder, you name it. Wouldn't hurt to add one more. If it works out, then all the better for us, right?"

 

[Cresselia92]

“Well, I wouldn’t wish to learn Attract due to… um, some unfortunate implications I have heard about, haha. But something like Charm would be fair!”

Icetales hopped back on his hind paws and started digging through the mass of books with his forepaws. “Let us see… The Neverending Roleplay… The Lord of the Magnagates… Kirlia in Voidlands… Peter Pansear…” He tilted his head, while his eyes shone like diamonds. “Ah, such fine selection! I wish I could buy them all!”

Then, he blinked as he spotted something that piqued his interest. “Hm?” He leaned forward and bit into the book, before dragging it toward his companions. He dropped the book to the floor and read the title. “…The Art of Attacks, Volume Three: Status Moves. Oh, could it be…?”

 

[Persephone]

"Well, so long as you're careful, I guess there shouldn't be problems."

And ignoring the... mechanics... of the move, it is a good trick for a disruptor. Especially a scent/pheromone-based one.

"And the last one sounds like a useful book, yeah."

 

[Adamhuarts]

Then, he blinked as he spotted something that piqued his interest. “Hm?” He leaned forward and bit into the book, before dragging it toward his companions. He dropped the book to the floor and read the title. “…The Art of Attacks, Volume Three: Status Moves. Oh, could it be…?”

"This book does look useful, I agree," Cynthian said, leaning over to take a look at it. He noticed that Icetales radiated less cold air than Astrid, which was peculiar.

"You probably need a something more attack oriented right, Cuicatl?" Cynthian said, throwing her a glance. He stood back up right and browsed the other books in the shelves. "I should take a look at one myself. Status moves are great and everything, but all it takes is one taunt and you're kind of screwed. I'll have to be more versatile."

 

[Cresselia92]

"You probably need a something more attack oriented right, Cuicatl?" Cynthian said, throwing her a glance. He stood back up right and browsed the other books in the shelves. "I should take a look at one myself. Status moves are great and everything, but all it takes is one taunt and you're kind of screwed. I'll have to be more versatile."

“Hmm… If this book is the third volume of a series, then perhaps there is something about physical and ranged attacks. That would be thy best best, I reckon.”

Icetales began flipping through the pages of the book, pawing carefully at the delicate paper in order to not shred it with his tiny claws.

“What moves are thee both wishing to learn, Sir Cynthian and Miss Cuicatl?” he asked, before checking a chapter that piqued his interest: Hypnosis. “Pure offense? Some move with additional effects? A good balance between accuracy and power? Or are thou for high risk and high reward techniques?”

 

[Adamhuarts]

“What moves are thee both wishing to learn, Sir Cynthian and Miss Cuicatl?” he asked, before checking a chapter that piqued his interest: Hypnosis. “Pure offense? Some move with additional effects? A good balance between accuracy and power? Or are thou for high risk and high reward techniques?”

"Hmm, so far I've only really been focusing on the grass half of my element that I feel I've neglected my poisonous side somewhat. What are some good poison type moves I could learn?" Cynthian asked with a head tilt.

"Aside from poison sting. That move isn't very good for my tastes."

 

[Cresselia92]

"Hmm, so far I've only really been focusing on the grass half of my element that I feel I've neglected my poisonous side somewhat. What are some good poison type moves I could learn?" Cynthian asked with a head tilt.

"Aside from poison sting. That move isn't very good for my tastes."

“Hmm… Poison, are thou asking?”

Icetales sat on his haunches and started pondering about the question. “Well, there are plenty of Poison-type moves. Like, for example…” He blinked and started wagging his tails. “Ah! Sludge Bomb is a very common move among Poison-types, I’ve heard. Fairly simple to control and aim, and with a respectful power. Also, it may spread toxins on the target, which could be a fairly useful move against opposing Grass-types. After all, they are immune to spore techniques. Otherwise…”

He flipped another page. Encore.

Hmm… Encore… disruptive… status… forces the opponent to repeat their last move… maybe even forcing a daemon with multiple attacks to stick to one move only…

…He loved that plan!

“…Um, well! Alternatively, if thou want to take a more technical approach, thou can consider a combination of Toxic and Venoshock. That would leave a painful sting on thy foe, I reckon.”

 

[Persephone]

“Last time I just stayed back and helped strategize or encourage the others. It’s what I used to do as a human, since I was small and weak, even for my species. And blind. Most humans aren’t. The time before I just rushed in and attacked. That’s what most deino do... I think I might hold off on learning new moves until I’ve evolved at least once.”

 

[Adamhuarts]

“…Um, well! Alternatively, if thou want to take a more technical approach, thou can consider a combination of Toxic and Venoshock. That would leave a painful sting on thy foe, I reckon.”

"Oh those are all good suggestions, but doing a toxic and venoshock would probably exhaust me quickly in my current form," Cynthian said while rubbing his cheek. Then he smiled at Icetales. "Sludge Bomb seems manageable enough however! I never even thought to learn it before now, and I'm truly grateful for the suggestion!"

“Last time I just stayed back and helped strategize or encourage the others. It’s what I used to do as a human, since I was small and weak, even for my species. And blind. Most humans aren’t. The time before I just rushed in and attacked. That’s what most deino do... I think I might hold off on learning new moves until I’ve evolved at least once.”

"I'm truly sorry to hear that. Things must have been difficult for you back then, and possibly even now. But hey, you'll one day become a mighty and strong Hydriegon!" Cynthian said, patting her shoulder with his flower to cheer her up. "When you evolve, I bet you'd be thrilled to see all the colors around you, right?"

 

[Cresselia92]

“Last time I just stayed back and helped strategize or encourage the others. It’s what I used to do as a human, since I was small and weak, even for my species. And blind. Most humans aren’t. The time before I just rushed in and attacked. That’s what most deino do... I think I might hold off on learning new moves until I’ve evolved at least once.”

Icetales’ ears flicked as he heard what the Deino — or rather, the former human — said. Small, weak, blind. He felt his heart swelling with sympathy and sighed.

“That… must have been a rough life for thee, miss. Having to rely on thy other senses to move around and to experience the world. I… can only fathom how that must feel like.”

He nodded to himself. “Anyway, thy approach is valid. If thou feel the need of gaining more power to learn some new moves, then thou have my approval. But, well…” He looked away. “Just… beware when that time comes, alright? I have no clue how the growth of a human works, but… I am aware that some Deino have issues adjusting to their evolution spikes. Notwithstanding…” He looked again at Cuicatl. “If thou ever need anything, like a reassuring shoulder or a friendly paw… just call me, even telepathically. I shall be by thy side, I promise.”

"Sludge Bomb seems manageable enough however! I never even thought to learn it before now, and I'm truly grateful for the suggestion!"

Icetales grinned and wagged his tails. “Ah, splendid! I am most glad of being of help to a good comrade like thee! Thy skills shall improve significantly with that move, I reckon!”

 

[Persephone]

"I will, Icetails. Thank you."

And she probalby would. It wasn't exactly healthy to deal with missing someone by latching onto a member of the same species, but Cuicatl had never really cared if her coping habits were healthy or not. If they got her through the day, they were just fine by her. "And evolution will be... strange. I'll keep your advice in mind, Cynthian."

She liked these two pokemon. Time was running short before the next god battle, but she was perfectly happy to spend what remained here, listening to them sift through a pile of books.