◓ 8th Catch [Written/Action]

[cooltrainer]

[Action]

[Green has skipped out on training, over the past few days, keeping himself busy with taking notes and giving his Pokémon a break.

He will, however, be bugging his fellow Pokémon trainers, both the ones new to Pokémon and the ones from Pokémon worlds, with exception to Masaomi. He's got quite a few people he needs to talk to. He'll find them wherever they may usually be spending their day, unless they're not seeing anyone.]

[Written: Filtered from Masaomi]

I don't like to be vague and ask pointless questions, but for what reason do people gather strength in your world?

I've had a poor conversation and need to have a better grasp of overall context.

Comments

[cooltrainer]

It's meant a lot of different things to me, in my life. Before, it was to make a name for myself and to step out of my family's shadow. Now, it's to be there for when things turn for the worse for my friends.

[deathsdoctor]

[... huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh. What is he reading? This is somewhat troubling. He's going to try to get into that filter (if he can) to verify who exactly this kid's talking about.

But he has an idea on where to take this.]

And what do you see as the wrong reasons to pursue strength?

You see, those are both pretty common reasons back in my world. Depending on the situation and the person it's either turned out well... or not. Here's another one. You see, my world has the philosophy of 'get stronger' to deal with the challenges that arise from life. A lot of us are fighters - you can see where it comes from, since as warriors? We value it. But not all of us are as strong as others in our life, so gaining strength to catch up and not be a burden is extremely common.

It's not really a simple reason, though, given what could be behind it. Person could be jealous, though more often it's because the person feels helpless and ashamed and worthless. Loss and pain often drive it - worse and more the tragedy, the stronger the push. So people strive to get stronger. It manifests different ways and can get quite competitive sometimes, yes - it's a normal thing among fighters... but good or bad... huh, where would I personally call it...

... I'd probably base it mainly on the point that the person could say enough.

[cooltrainer]

There is a place to be strong, in my world, just as there is a place for the "weak". Rather, those who don't train Pokémon intently... not necessarily weak, just by comparison. If you leave well enough alone, and just live your life, you will most likely live rather peacefully.

Pursuing strength is to pursue danger and battling. You are risking a lot when you start to collect more and more strength, and it is only your own fault if you get involved in something greater. Competing just so that you aren't weaker than your friends? That's a pitiful excuse, especially with how often you will be dragged into conflict or be the target of it with your new power. A trainer needs to be entirely aware and responsible of how far they are willing to go, and what they are willing to deal with. Competitiveness is part of battling, but making it your sole reason for gaining power is irresponsible.

It's not the same, in a world like this. But even here, petty oneupsmanship amongst friends needs to take the last priority, under protecting yourself and yours.

[deathsdoctor]

[...







... no need to crack the filter. Masaomi's name has been uttered in unfiltered written conversation. Well. Should he take this to a filter of his own? Is this that serious? Is it his business? He doesn't know. It's a bad conversation. Perhaps that's all it is. A bad conversation. He has no idea in hell what goes into Pokemon training or what that world's philosophy is. Or their taboos. And Law has been worried about Masaomi. Not for his drive to acquire strength, but for his inability to recognize his own strength.

The conversation about Grell comes to mind.

But. On the other hand. He has been worried about Masaomi. When it comes to Masaomi, Katara, and Shikamaru, he's been in the background, observing, orbiting, and has been for a long time. He seen a lot. And he's seen a lot of suffering. And he knows it's left its mark.

... and this kid is an unknown. He doesn't know how well he knows Masaomi. He doesn't know what this conversation really entailed. This kid's perceptions on power seem colored, even if slightly, by negative experiences. Perspectives limited... even, he might call him insensitive to a point. Has this kid been in the position Masaomi's in? Probably not.

He does however seem to be coming from the right place, though.

So he is going stay silent for a time to think. It's a weighty silence, in which he taps his finger offscreen. If Green gets the impression he's weighing much more than his opinions on the current subject? He's absolutely right.]

Hmm... [It's not a disagreeing sound. Nor is it an agreeing one. It's the sound of a man who is still neutral, but heavily considering every word.] I can agree with that to a point.

[Only a point.]

[cooltrainer]

That's fine. [He's not looking for your approval, because he doesn't find it to be anyone else's place to judge anything in regards to Pokémon.]

Raising Pokémon is something to be taken seriously, and when mishandled, it will be the responsibility of the remaining trainers. Because we understand what Pokémon are, and can do, I may or we may take actions not in Masaomi's best interest, but in the best interest of everyone else.

[deathsdoctor]

[... well that certainly solves his dilemma of whether or not to say anything. Green's making it his business. Okay. Fine. There's no way he can't respond to it now.]

... okay, before I'm saying anything to the rest of that, did you really need to out him, by name, on a broadcast the whole village can see and is paying attention to.

[Not cool at all, man. If you really mean to be helpful, you put up a private filter.]

[cooltrainer]

[Green raises an eyebrow.]

There was no need not to.

[deathsdoctor]

[... stare.]

... you really have no idea of the harm such things can do, do you?

[cooltrainer]

What harm?

[So people know he's been an asshole. Green doesn't see how that would change anyone's perceptions of Masaomi. Either they know better, know a different side, or they would get something from first impressions.]

[deathsdoctor]

[Boy, he's gotta spell it out to you, doesn't he?]

Let's start out with what's relevant to you. You're having him retrained, right? [Some of your conversations say that, so...] So what if he finds out about this posting from a concerned friend or worse a complete stranger? Or reads this in someone else's journal, as your filter is only blocking it from his. [Which might happen if Masaomi starts asking around about what prompted the choice of teachers for Ikki, for instance.] You really think that's going to help what you're trying to do? It's a hell of a breach of trust.

[AGAIN NOT COOL.]