[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.]

[The scene opens up to a grand view of the ocean, white foam from the light waves in the surf. After about half a minute of general ocean scenery, the 'Gear's camera shifts to reveal France and Envy wearing aviator sunglasses and puffy winter jackets with Mai Tais in hand. The wind is blowing steadily, whipping their hair about and staining their cheeks read with the cold.]

[France raises his cocktail in a toast, grinning lopsidedly.]

More people need to take this cruise! It's comfortable and the liquor is good!

[He pauses.]

The only thing is that there's too many locals here for it to be truly enjoyable...

[Envy snorts, looking half-amused.]

They don't get any less battle crazy out at sea.

[France huffs, rolling his eyes.]

I came here to relax, not get jumped every ten minutes! All these random people just burst into your room, no announcement or anything, regardless of what you're doing and demand to see your best pokemon!

[Envy shrugs, moving the hand not occupied with his drink flippantly.]

I don't think any of the locals have ever actually heard of knocking.

[France laughs merrily, shaking his head ruefully. He makes as if to say something else, obviously jovial, but a loud, boisterousness voice from somewhere off camera but coming closer.]

HEY, YOU! Let me show you my AWESOME Tentacool!

[France's and Envy's expressions before the video abruptly cuts out are clearly, even with the sunglasses, exasperated.]



[Private to Miguel from both France and Envy]

How are you holding up? Would you like anything from the cruise?



[[OOC: Responses to this post will be from both France and Envy, whose spoken lines here are in green. The blue is the random Sailor.]]