[Post 046] Video/Action for Blackthorn City

[francia]

[France has clearly planned this communication. His hair is nice and neat, usually facial scruff clean and trimmed, and friendly smile firmly in place. So this isn't his usual I'm here to boast/show off or Watch me do something silly/stupid/sensation in the name of cosmic irony. No, this is France, ready and with clear purpose at the 'Gear. Treasure this rare sight.]

Back in October, I asked about taking the gym challenge and how I should best go about it. Because of a combination of various circumstances -

[This is a lie. France is just lazy.]

I am only now ready to do so. I'm currently in Blackthorn City, and I've decided to take on Clair because I believe her to be a worthy opponent for this France!

[Ah, and there's the arrogance France is reknowned for.]

So, I wish to inquire specifically as to what I should expect from such a beautiful dragoon and if there are particular moves that I would find useful. In exchange for your information, which I do understand has been hard won, I would be willing to offer compensation in the form of a painting. Perhaps a portrait of someone you care about here or your pokémon.

[France grins winningly. Sparkles may feature unsubtly in the background, although that might just be static.]

I would also be willing to negotiate fees for my paintings if you're interested and don't have information.

Thank you very much for your attention, and I look forward to your response.

[A grand, flourishing gesture, and then the feed cuts.]

Comments

[trainingblitz]

I'm afraid I don't have any advice to offer aside from recommending ice type moves. However, I do wish you luck on your battle. Dragon types are tough, I hear.

[francia]

Dragon types appear to be one of the hardiest of pokémon species and are the perfect challenge for my wonderful team.

[Arrogance +100, check.]

[Thankfully, a thought occurs to France, which distracts him somewhat from his posturing.]

I'll be teaching my Milotic, Cecilia, Ice Beam once I pick the TM up from the Goldenrod Department Store. Do you happen to need anything from there?

[trainingblitz]

Are you sure that the hardiest type is really the best challenge for you? [Ah, Ludwig, ever the skeptic. He hesitates before going on.] Well, you have been here longer than I have. I imagine that your Pokemon are more used to battle than mine are.

Thank you for the offer. I bought most of what I needed at Goldenrod before I left, but... perhaps, if possible, could you buy me an Ice Beam TM as well? I'll pay you back.

[francia]

[France grins winningly.]

This France never turns down an opportunity to showcase prowess! I know that my pokémon have more than the capacity to conquer any gym. We have been training regularly for over two years.

[Mostly again wild pokémon, but that does count for something eventually.]

[At the mention of payment, France scoffs and waves his right hand dismissively.]

No, no, you must accept the TM as a gift. I implore you.

[trainingblitz]

Over two years... that certainly dwarfs the amount of time I've been here. I just hope that experience you have is enough to allow you to pull through. There's always the chance that you're missing something...

[Ludwig pauses and then sighs.]

Fine. I'll take it as a gift.

[francia]

[France's expression twists slightly. He snorts softly, shaking his head.]

This place is designed to ensure we are always missing something. At least the random weekends that end in loss of memories and unexplained injuries seem to have reduced in occurrence.

[trainingblitz]

[Ludwig's face just about falls when he hears that.]

Wait, what? I remember hearing something about soul-stealing bugs, but this is new.