15: action/video

[realmenknitplushies]

1: action

[So. In the vicinity of the Tatsumi Gallery, today? A rather serious-looking man in Calderan clothing is standing outside, talking to the old lady of the place. Kanji’s on his way back from a hard training session, a wide smile on his face - when the two call him inside with a wave.

A while later, he emerges - to sit down on a nearby bench, staring at a piece of paper in his hands as if it’s going to jump up and eat him. His Sylveon’s bouncing around his feet, and his Roselia bops him on the shoulder with a blossom. He’s … not really paying much attention to either.]

M-me? You guys, do you really think I... damn...


2: video

[Some time later, it’s a rather stressed looking Kanji who appears on the video feed. He’s rubbing his head, his ears drooping, trying to get his words out straight. It's not working. It's not happening.]

So. Hey. Uh. I … could use a bit of advice.
There’s … I’ve … I’ve been given an offer. it’s … the chance’f a lifetime. But, if I do … it’s like I’m givin’ up on…

[He pauses, looks away from the screen.]

Givin’ up on somethin’ else important to me. I just … I dunno. Not sure what’s for the best...

If anyone's got any thoughts... thanks.

Comments

[ video ]

[child_of_luv]

That sounds like a really big decision. [And something Minako felt like she could suddenly relate to.] I guess it depends on a few things.

Like, what are some pros and cons of each?

[realmenknitplushies]

Right. Pros 'n cons. [He scratches his head.]

One of 'em ... is a chance of a lifetime. I'd get to learn all kinds of new things and use the things I'm good at. But it'd take me away from here 'n my family 'n my friends...

The other ... is something that'd really help people. It'd be a hell of a challenge... then again, so would the other one, huh.

[child_of_luv]

Well, they both sound really good.

Do you think you could handle being on your own, though? Because that sounds like a big deal. Sometimes, having friends and family around is a really good thing.

[realmenknitplushies]

I've travelled a lot this last year. And I wouldn't be completely alone. Still got my Pokémon with me, right?

[child_of_luv]

Oh, definitely. I would hope you'd bring them with you!

But human friends can be good, too. Would you be okay with just having your Pokémon with you?

[realmenknitplushies]

It'd be hard, yeah, but... [He scratches his head slightly.] It ain't like I couldn't talk on warp or come home to meet folks. I'd be goin' to Caldera.

[child_of_luv]

Oh! Well, that's not terribly far if you have a Pokémon that flies.

[Minako smiled at the idea.]

Then it sounds like it would be a great adventure.

[She... might be a little jealous of someone getting an adventure.]

[realmenknitplushies]

Heh. Yeah, basically, I've been offered an apprenticeship with some top craftsmen over there. If I stayed here, I'd be trainin' to be a Ranger - which is good work, and it's doin' somethin' important to me, but...

Somethin' like that doesn't come along every day, y'know?

[child_of_luv]

Well, then... that sounds like your decision, yes? To go to Caldera?

[realmenknitplushies]

[He scratches his head.]

Guess so. It's still kinda scary, 'n I can't stop feeling like I'm - I dunno.

[Letting his dad down. Not proving his strength. Not doing what he should be doing with his Enlightened talents...
... but after all, isn't his Engineering skill just as important? Kanji sighs slightly.]

[child_of_luv]

[Minako tilted her head a little.]

Like you're... not supposed to? [She was guessing here.] Like there's something else?

[realmenknitplushies]

Like... if I go to Caldera, it's just for me. I ain't gonna be helpin' anyone else with it.

[child_of_luv]

Sometimes, to be our best at helping others, we need to take some time to find ourselves. It's not a terrible thing to do something for yourself once in a while. And you might learn something new that you can bring back to Union later to help others with.

[realmenknitplushies]

[Scratching his head pretty hard here.]

I suppose... if ya put it like that...

[child_of_luv]

Mm-hm! Besides, if it's good for you, everyone should understand.

[realmenknitplushies]

I didn't really think anyone wouldn't... it's more... just tryin' to stop myself worrying and thinkin' I screwed up.

[child_of_luv]

[Her thoughts on him going off to do what he wants might be her trying to live vicariously through him with her recent awakening to her abilities and the knowledge of her past life weighing heavily on her when it came to responsibilities.]

I don't think it would be a screw up. You'll never know if you don't try. And, if you do go to Caldera and try it, would you be able to come back if it doesn't work out?

[realmenknitplushies]

Well, yeah. The gallery's always gonna be here, Ma's always gonna be here...

[child_of_luv]

So you'll always have a place to come back to, right?

[realmenknitplushies]

Right. It's only a warp trip or a Pokémon ride away.

[child_of_luv]

Exactly!

[realmenknitplushies]

'Course, I'm hopin' I ain't gonna need to...

[child_of_luv]

Well, yeah. That goes without saying. But, just in case, it's good to know the option is there.