|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 5:15 pm
"Some of us are, but it's not all like that." I told him. "We're actually a group of Pokemon mercenaries. While we try to maintain the balance of the world, trying to make sure that no one group of people gain too much power, there are some things we do at the behest of others, at times for compensation, at times just to prevent irreparable damage."
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 5:18 pm
Al gave this some thought for a moment before he snickered. "Sounds like Captain Planet exploded into a bunch of little mini heroes." He joked, for the first time in a long time, he actually laughed like no one was watching.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 5:23 pm
"Captain what?" Keiko asked, looking confused.
Her expression would have matched mine perfectly, so I chose not to respond.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 5:36 pm
"He was a cartoon superhero on TV back when I was a kid......." Al responded, suddenly realizing just how much older he was than these kids.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 5:49 pm
"Oh," I said. That explains it.
Keiko was the one who kept quiet this time, unsure on what to say about that.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 5:55 pm
Al looked back and forth between Terashi and Keiko for a moment before he broke the awkward silence. "A-anyway, um.....tell me more about this group of yours. I'm intrigued."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 6:21 pm
"That's pretty much all there is to it," I said a bit nervously. "It beats wandering aimlessly when it comes to Pokemon Training, though."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 6:26 pm
"I see....." Al said as he scratched his chin, giving the previous information a bit more thought. "I wish I could help you out but I'm not really a trainer." He finally said, halting his chin scratching in the process. It was true their cause seemed noble, if a bit hackneyed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 6:38 pm
"Well, not everyone here is a Trainer," I admitted. "We have some hybrids and channelers, too. And if you're interested in becoming a Trainer, there are lots of them here, and most of us enjoy helping other members."
"Plus, if you joined, you could have a room in the complex. You wouldn't have to live in here anymore." Keiko added excitedly, loving the concept of Al joining Team Snagem.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 6:44 pm
"I dunno....I don't like the idea of battles." Al replied. "See....I'm a pacifist. I actually don't like any form of violence, even if it's just a friendly battle...." It should be obvious at this point that his Pokemon were more friends and companions to him than battling partners.
Perhaps joining this group would be good for him, though? Even if he didn't want to, he knew there would likely come times where he would not have a choice but to fight. It would do well for him to learn how to fight, even if he chose not to do so. Perhaps he simply needed more convincing, though?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 7:19 pm
"What if someone doesn't give you a choice, though?" I asked, knowing full well that there were some seriously depraved people in the world. "What if the only way to defend yourself, or someone you care greatly for, was to have your pokemon fight, and you didn't prepare for it?"
I decided to end my speech with a lighter tone. "Besides, there are very good reasons to have your pokemon fight, even in friendly battles. Many people train their pokemon as a way to grow close to them. You'd be surprised how strong a friendship can be when it overcomes hardship."
"I never thought of it like that..." Keiko gasped, impressed with how strongly I felt on the subject.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 8:31 pm
"I hadn't ever really considered it that way before...." Al said as Terashi's words sank in. "I still don't like the idea of battling.....but....that would explain why Togetic's personality seemed to change when it said it wanted to accompany me....." Now things were beginning to make sense once again.
"And...If I joined this team of yours....would I be forced to fight against my will?" He asked after a moment's consideration. He would try and get used to battling if he and his Pokemon could grow closer from it but he refused to be part of a group that would force such a thing upon him.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 8:45 pm
"Nobody's going to force you to do anything," I said flatly, although that tone didn't last. "Look, I won't lie to you. The things we do aren't exactly safe either. If I had known Keiko was my sister... if I had even met her before she joined, I would have cautioned her the same way I am to you. If you don't want to risk hurting your pokemon by training them or putting them in battles, then Team Snagem isn't for you. But the team offers plenty of opportunites, and if you did decide to train your pokemon, you could do a lot of good. Lately, we've been taking down psychopaths..."
"Ter... it wouldn't have done any good. I've been in some dangerous situations already, but I don't regret joining. I'm happy here." Keiko interjected, putting my fears at ease.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 9:26 pm
Al didn't even need to consider this. "I think....I think it would be better if I didn't get involved, then." He admitted with a small sigh. "Maybe someday but.....I just don't think now is the time for it. I need to evaluate myself and determine what would be best, not only for myself, but for my Pokemon as well....." This was the most polite way he could imagine of saying 'I'm not likely to ever join you.'.
But as he said, he may join, someday. After this personal evaluation of his was done and over with.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 9:30 pm
Little did Al know, but he earned my respect just then. "Understood. I've got some hungry Pokemon to feed, so I'll leave you two be. Good evening."
With that, and Keiko's goodbye, I stepped out of Al's Secret Base and headed toward HQ's kitchen.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
