004 // Video + Action

[actsmagnificent]

Yo.

[ Here's Haruka Tenoh's face on your Warp Band. Don't worry - she'll pause and grin long enough for the imaginary theme music to subside. ]

Gaming news today. The Rhyhorn arena's hosting a big Pokémon race. If it runs, and you can fit on it, you're welcome to participate, though there'll be other races for the smaller ones too.

We'll be putting up flyers with the details. [ It's hard to read the flyer that's being waved about onscreen, however. Probably because the Pokémon doing the waving isn't much bigger than the flyer itself. ] Sewa!

[ ...Yes, you're a big help. Haruka slowly pushes Sewaddle out of the frame. ] I'll be seeing you all in the wind this time, kittens.

[ A wink, and she's gone. Why is it always her. Why is she always the one doing advertisements? Could it be she's a naturally gifted salesman? Is this her true calling?

She doesn't want that... ]

[ action ]

[ As promised, Haruka and her Sewaddle are plastering the town with flyers - or, well, Sewaddle is putting them up at bug-level with silk while Haruka wanders around with another pile tucked under her arm. Every now and then she hands one out.

You could also encounter one of the following pairs of Pokémon helping to advertise elsewhere:

-- A Murkrow slapping people in the forehead with flyers to get their attention while a Cubchoo tugs on others' shirt hems and bashfully offers a flyer with a quivering "Cub?".

-- A Pidgeotto dropping flyers much more gently than Murkrow while a Rotom looks on in amazed admiration. Mother is so clever.

Or, if you're a Divine Theater member, you can meet Haruka collapsed in a mess hall chair after the fact! Sewaddle is fanning her with a folded-up flyer. He is innovative. ]

Comments

[sewingbox]

Oh... [Ruby looks over it while Coco is pet, the Skitty purring and nuzzling and being adorable in general.]

A Pokemon race?

[actsmagnificent]

[ This Skitty is either an attention hog or just the world's cutest cat. Haruka will continue petting her until the verdict comes in. Sewaddle peers over the table to see what's going on in his Trainer's lap and, goodness, you look comfy. He'd better wave. ] Sewa wa!

Any interest?

[sewingbox]

I think it sounds fun, but wouldn't my Pokemon get dirty?

[If she's talked to him before, she'd already know about Ruby's... well, his dislike for battles and his Pokemon getting roughed up. It's kind of ridiculous, but you can't really blame a kid for that kind of thing.]

[actsmagnificent]

There's midair and water versions.

[ Right, you're the one with the delicate aesthetic sensibilities. And if that's how you roll, that's fine. You're still just a kid. Besides, it means you'll be useful in the back with the costume staff.

Speaking of costume staff, Sewaddle is just so impressed by Skitty's pretty fur coat. Would you happen to want a leaf? You are so pretty, he wants to highlight that and make you look even prettier. ] Sewaddle sewa?

[sewingbox]

They could still get hurt, mine don't fly or swim though...

[He thinks a moment, before;]

Unless Sewaddle does? I don't know anything about Bug Types really... Most of them are too gross, so I don't think about it.

[He only bonded with his own Sewaddle because he'd been so impressed at her clothes making skills... The Skitty just purrrrrrs and preens.]

{Make it extra shiny and special, I might even wear it in the next contest!}

[actsmagnificent]

[ Yeah...no. This is a chance to be your Sewaddle senpai, but she'd rather not take it. If those are your priorities, racing is likely not your thing. ] You....might be better off doing something else, then.

[ But it's not like the racers are going to be in costume. Hmm. ]

What are you training them for?

[sewingbox]

Oh! My Pokemon are going to be in contests, Coco here's already won one in the Cute Ranking!

[He points to the little ribbon on the Skitty's cap.]

That's why I work so hard at grooming them, they need to be in top shape.

[Ruby just smiles, a bit dreamy.]

Is there something I could help with at the race that wouldn't get them dirty?

[actsmagnificent]

Crowd control, maybe...?

[ But that also sounds pretty rough. Haruka puts a hand to her chin and thinks, though her other hand rests on that prizewinning Skitty's back. If you like contests...so you're comfortable in public, and with putting on a show... ]

I'm not really an organizer, but...they might need an announcer...

[sewingbox]

An announcer...?

[He looks a little shy for a moment, before he smiles brightly.]

That would be amazing! Following the events, watching the strong, sleek Pokemon race alongside one another... I could do it!

[actsmagnificent]

[ ...Wow, she just said the first thing that came into her head that worked. You really are a surprisingly earnest kid. But then again, what's so surprising? You're always upfront about who you are and what you want. Sure, you're young, but it's a good start.

Plus, more PR for the theater. Their Commander should be happy about that. Haruka smiles. ] I'll see what I can do.

[ While she's speaking, she reaches out and puts a hand in front of Sewaddle, who is beginning to creep up to Skitty with a leaf. He's unsure...so unsure. But he would like to give you this leaf. Is that a bad idea? ] Wad?

[sewingbox]

{Is it a pretty leaf? It has to be a pretty one~ Only the best quality!}

[Coco is very concerned about the quality of the leaf. Ruby's own Sewaddle is practically an amateur at sewing, so she's cautious. Still, she gives Sewaddle the ~cutest little smile. Ruby gives her a concerned look, because she really shouldn't seduce boys.]

I really think it's a good idea! That way the spectators can really get into it...

[actsmagnificent]

[ Sewaddle waves the leaf above his head. Look! He wouldn't dream of giving anyone anything but the absolutely prettiest leaves! He's extremely proud of his judgment when it comes to all artistic matters, and like any serious artist he demands only the best materials. This leaf is vouched for by the instinctive taste of generations of Sewaddle within him.

....well, that sounded like something his Trainer might say on stage, so he tried it out because it sounded cool. But it's a good leaf! He promises! ] Sewa!

[ Haruka doesn't see a need to note this particular transaction in her memo pad. She hasn't really felt like herself while taking notes anyway, and it's not like she's going to forget this conversation. ] When I hand in the signups I'll ask about it. They'll contact you if it's approved.

[ A look back at Skitty and Sewaddle and - oh shoot. ] No silk.

[sewingbox]

[Coco puts her head down for the leaf, pleased, before looking up at Haruka in question when she scolds the Sewaddle.]

I'll definitely keep an eye out for it!

[actsmagnificent]

[ Haruka nods. ] Good.

[ ....no, this is not good, thinks Natto. No silk? How is he supposed to attach the leaf to his new friend the Skitty if his Trainer won't let him use his silk?

Wait. This is a test of his ingenuity. Of his devotion to fashion and his newfound friendship. He cannot possibly let his Trainer - or Coco - down.

Sewaddle surveys the Skitty, then gently tucks The World's Most Beautiful Leaf behind her ear. There! If you move your head verrrry slowly, that should still stay in place! ] Waddle sewa!

[ Cracking a grin, Haruka looks away. ]

[sewingbox]

[She holds still, admiring it... before Ruby is the one to reach over and pluck it off of her.]

Coco, that doesn't match your outfit. You should wear it with something else later, okay?

[actsmagnificent]

[ Doesn't match?

doesn't match

doesn't match

Sewaddle feels faint. Did he make a mistake? He just wanted to express his friendship....did he pick the wrong leaf? Should he have used a petal?

He takes another look at Coco and determines that yes, the human boy....has a point. It may be the very best leaf, but if the very best leaf clashes, it still won't look good, will it...

He looks up at Ruby in awe. You are so knowledgeable. ] Wad wad.

[ ....maybe he should try again. This is a nice flower petal with some of the same shades of red found in your outfit. Do you want it, human boy? ]

[sewingbox]

She'll wear it another time, it's very pretty.

[His promise is sincere. He'll also take that pretty petal and tuck it just under the corner of his hat so it sticks out near his eye.]

Thank you!

[actsmagnificent]

[ ....You are such a little charmer. Haruka can practically see Sewaddle losing his heart to this fashion-conscious yet considerate young man. ] Sewa!

[ Haruka drains her water bottle and....remembers where it came from. She hefts it. Feeling much better now. You're a good kid. ] Thanks again.

[sewingbox]

[Well that is his Enlightened Ability...... not really, but it would be if this were canon. He just winks at Sewaddle, before looking back to Haruka. He'll probably grow up pretty handsome if all the pretty girls at the theatre keep taking care of him...]

No problem! You looked really warm, that's dangerous.

[actsmagnificent]

[ You're taking care of her. You're what, eleven? That's amusing. ] I'll keep that in mind.

[ ...there's a little left in this bottle. Standing, she offers it to Sewaddle, who nearly falls over tipping it back to drink. He worked hard today too! ] Sewaddle!

That hit the spot. Keep settling in, and someone'll get back to you about the races.

[ If they can just keep you out of harm's way when serious Defense Force stuff goes down, having this kid around just might work out after all. ]

[sewingbox]

Right! I'll talk to you then... okay?

[He just smiles, picking Coco back up off Haruka's lap.]

You too, Natto!

[actsmagnificent]

Sewa! [ It's hard to salute when one lacks fingers. And when one's arm and hand are the same digit. But Natto will try.

Haruka, meanwhile, lightly does the real thing. The thought counts. ] Stay pretty.

[sewingbox]

[That... makes him blush! Your charms know no boundaries, Haruka. He just stammers a goodbye and heads off toward his room in the theatre to clear his head and plan outfits for the event.]