findingbeasts | IC Communication

[The smile is returned for like.

Newt might not be familiar enough with the route to recognise it, but Armin is sitting on one of the many sections of pier that make up Route 12. He's facing out over the ocean, his feet trailing in the water, with Morgan perched on his shoulder, swaying contently in the long ends of his hair.]

I just thought you might like seeing this.

[He turns his gear to aim it at the water. There is Nemesis. Newt must recognise her from the last time. But she is not alone! Several other Carvanha have joined her, wild ones that live along this route. And okay, while the scene isn't exactly group hugs and cuddles, the atmosphere between Nemesis and the wild pokemon seems relaxed enough. Nobody attacking anyone. They might even be talking a little.]

[Newt's quite pleased to see Morgan enjoying herself but he's even more pleased to see Nemesis with other Pokemon. Other Carvanha even!]

Well isn't that quite the sight!

[He's so pleased to see her doing better. He'd been quite worried when he and Armin talked about the Carvanha originally but this.

This is such a nice thing to see.]

How long have they been chatting together? Has she shown any interest in other Pokemon that may approach her in the water?

I first noticed them a few days ago when we left Lavender town. They kept their distance at first, but earlier one of them approached and Nemesis let them.

[Which, you know, for his fish is a huge accomplishment.]

I have no idea how she'd react to any other water pokemon coming near. I think having a school of Carvanha is making them keep their distance. She been-- I suppose I can't quite call it making friends yet, but she's been allowing Morgan near too. I've been trying to keep their encounters somewhat short as to not stress out either of them.

Some progress is better than none at all. The fact that she allowed them to approach at all is definitely great progress!

[He's so happy for Nemesis and you both, Armin. Seriously.]

That's a good way to go about it. With time I'm sure it will get easier and easier. It looks to me like you've been doing a wonderful job working with her, Armin.

[Unseen, Armin ducks his head a little, his cheeks feeling warm under the compliment.]

I think this must be the first time she's seen other members of her species since she got captured by Team Rocket. At the very least, it's the first time we've encountered other wild Carvanhas.

I bet it's a bit surreal for her, if you think about. After being locked up for so long, seeing other creatures like her must be strange. It's good that she's taking it all in stride though.

[It just goes to show how resilient animals can be when given the chance.]

Careful or she may end up forming her own school before you know it.

[Armin hums softly, his eyes on the gathering of fish.]

I have thought about that but... wouldn't that be a good thing? Rather, if that is what she wants to be happy again, I don't think I would be able to deny her that. I wouldn't want to keep her if being with me makes her unhappy.

It might be strange to say this when I am their owner and have technically captured them, but I don't want to deny any of my pokemon their freedom.

There is absolutely nothing strange about that. I feel much the same way.

[You see the smile on his face right now, Armin? It's one that screams just how fond he is of you right now because you feel the same way he does.]

They deserve to make the choice just as any of us would and the fact that you'd be willing to let them make that choice speaks volumes about you, Armin.

[He ducks his head again.]

I just want them to be happy. I've had one or two that weren't happy with me, so I let them move on to other things. I feel this is the least I can do for them. They do so much for me, after all.

And that is what makes you such a good caretaker for the Pokemon with you, Armin. You consider their needs before your own.

IC Communication

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