First Rumble: Incongruous Evolutions [Video]

[psychicsister]

[The video feed opens up to a scene of a teenage girl out in the Rolling Plains, standing there looking extremely confused as she stares at something off the screen with wide eyes. Small feline hands adjust the camera to get it to zoom out a bit, and the source of Yakumo's befuddlement becomes quite apparent. And she's not the only one. A Pikachu and a Breloom are gaping right beside her, and a baby Riolu seems to actually be hiding behind one of her pant legs.

All this because her Drilbur, Ishihara? Has evolved! And unlike the cuddly, cute, super friendly little Pokemon she'd met before...Excadrill is decidedly rougher looking. Shiny, sharp, newly pointy bits stick out all over and the Pokemon looks extremely proud of itself. The change is jarring, and apparently Iori has decided to broadcast it to everyone with a Warp Band.

The girl takes a tentative step closer...and the Excadrill seems to sense her unease and tries smiling. It's awkward, given it's fearsome appearance though, but it seems to help. And it's about then that Yakumo notices what the Meowstic is up to and practically jumps out of her skin!]

Oh! Oh! Iori, you...

[A pleased purr follows, and Yakumo reaches out and picks up the Warp Band. Since she's got an audience, she figures she may as well go ahead and ask the question that's on her mind.]

Um...does...anyone know how to take care of Pokemon like this? I...haven't got a lot of experience with anything like an...Excadrill. And I'm not really sure how to keep him happy. He seems...[She swallows, offering the Pokemon an awkward smile...] a lot different.

Also...do...Pokemon's personalities change much, after an evolution?

[Because this is a pretty intense looking Pokemon...]

Comments

[a_gentle_boy]

Hee... I was a little surprised when I saw my first evolution too.

Don't you think it's strange that Pokemon do that? People just... grow up, but it's like they save all their growing up for one big burst.

[psychicsister]

Well, when Espurr and Shroomish evolved, it was less...startling?

[She can't help but giggle a little bit though.]

And you know, I guess we evolve too. Just slower, more gradually.]=

[a_gentle_boy]

And some Pokemon don't ever feel like evolving, right? Or sometimes they can't evolve 'cause they need something else.

...I wonder if that really means anything.

[psychicsister]

Right. I think that's a matter of choice, honestly. They evolve when they reach a certain point. But also when they feel like it.

As for the ones that need stones or items or...trading? I honestly can't say. That's difficult, I think, to really understand. Maybe it's related to energy?

[a_gentle_boy]

It must be weird to be able to decide how much you're going to grow up. ...I bet there are lots of Pokemon who don't ever really feel like evolving, too, or can't.

I think I understand a little. Sometimes I'd really like to grow up quick, but then... sometimes I think it's better just to stay like this for a long time.

[psychicsister]

I think everyone can be like that at times, Lucas.

[She was pretty indecisive as a kid too.]

[a_gentle_boy]

I guess we don't really have a choice.

[...]

Oh - anyway, I'm glad your mole friend was able to evolve. I bet he must really trust you.

[psychicsister]

I think he probably does. [She beams at him. And remembers something.]

Did you get the packages I sent? Those old clothes?

[a_gentle_boy]

((Gonna assume this was something that happened off screen!))

Oh, yes! They came just a few days ago. Thanks a lot!

I've been trying to practice more... but we're getting more patients at the Medical Center, too, since it's getting into winter. But I'm trying to get another sweater made as soon as I can.

[psychicsister]

((Yep!))

Of course. If you need more material, let me know, alright? But focus on the medical center first, of course. That's important.

[a_gentle_boy]

I'll do my best!

I think they might let me start taking care of less ill patients now instead of just watching... so that's a little exciting.

[psychicsister]

I'm sure you'll do just fine, Lucas. Just listen to what they say, of course.

[a_gentle_boy]

Thanks! ...I hope my healing will be up to the task... I'm never really sure how to treat injuries I've never seen.

But I'll let you know as soon as I've got something new made.