findingbeasts | IC Communication

Thank you.

[Armin moves the gear around. There is a momentary flash of a rather dejected looking Skarmory resting her head on Armin's lap, as well as a pokemon egg sitting carefully nestled against his bag, before Armin points the camera ahead of him and angled slightly downward.

It looks like he's at a forest brook of sorts, his bare feet trailing in the water with his cuffs rolled up. Near to his feet (but not so near, there is a very pointed distance between them) a Carvanha rests in the water. She doesn't look completely tense, but her posture isn't one of total relaxation either. And while she currently looks very well-fed, there is also no denying that her body carries the marks of a rough life: some of her fins are tattered and there are a few scars that run along the length of her.

Armin's voice is quieter when he speaks.]

This is Nemesis. She came into my possession a few months ago. She was-- [A soft hitch of breath, an old anger.] In the past, she was held captive by Team Rocket. I have no idea how long they held her, nor do I know exactly what she was forced to deal with. When I found her she was in a cage in a basement. Ever since then I've been trying to make things right for her, and I think there has been some progress.

[The very fact that she is willing to rest only a meter away from him without shredding his ankles is progress.]

I've never dealt with something like this before though. I keep wondering if there isn't something I'm overlooking...

[Newt is quiet as Armin speaks, giving him all the time he needs to explain the situation. He can't help but feel a bit angry himself considering this isn't the first time he's heard about Team Rocket treating Pokemon in such a manner. His own anger is carefully controlled though his Noibat companion is another story. The bat's ears fall back as Armin speaks and there's a clear fury on the little creature's face.

This is why he doesn't trust humans. Outside of Newt.]

Abuse is..it's a rather tricky thing to deal with. There's no right way to go about it and a thousand wrong ways. [He keeps his voice soft as he replies, reaching up to rest a hand on Salazar.] The most important thing is patience. There are--she most likely has wounds that you can't see just as you or I would in the same sort of situation. [He's watching Nemesis as he speaks, a thoughtful look about him.] How does she fair with people and Pokemon that aren't you or your team?

Hmm. At first she would attack anyone who came near her. She's gotten more used to me, and knows my friend Jean somewhat, but I haven't introduced her to any other people yet. I don't want to overwhelm her. And I don't really want anyone getting hurt either.

As for pokemon. [Armin makes a soft thoughtful noise.] When I first got her, I tried introducing her to Juniper my Dragalge, but that wasn't a success. Despite the fact that Juniper is normally quiet and polite, I think they both saw each other as threats very quickly. I suppose from Nemesis' point of view, Juniper was so much stronger, she had to be some sort of threat. As for Juniper, back then she was taking care of my newly hatched Dratini. I think having Nemesis nearby probably roused some protective instinct in her. [Armin shakes his head for a moment.] It was my fault. I should've thought it through more.

For a while I didn't introduce her to any new pokemon until my friend suggested one of his own. Burrito is-- [Armin searches for words, though while he is doing that, Newt might notice that Nemesis has opened an eye at the sound of that name, watching them with something bordering on interest.] Burrito is really one of a kind. My friend actually rescued him from the same basement Nemesis was in, though I don't know if he had been in there as long as Nemesis has. He's a lotad and he's not much of a fighter. In fact, I'd be willing to say Burrito has the least aggressive personality of any pokemon I've ever seen. Most pokemon will at least defend themselves if you attack them, but not Burrito.

It took a little while and a few introductions but... honestly, I'd say Burrito is Nemesis' only friend right now. Despite having such different personalities, they really grew close. She's gotten very protective of him though. I watched her completely knock out a magikarp that had accidentally splashed a little too close to him.

[Poor King. Oh well, Armin had caught him because dear god, that was one pokemon completely unprepared for life in the natural world.]

We've been thinking about introducing her to new pokemon one at a time, but we aren't sure yet how. Or what pokemon would work best.

It was an honest mistake. You can't fault yourself for trying.

[Though it had probably been too soon from the sounds of it. That plus the newly hatched Pokemon had probably just made the situation far too much all at once.

He did indeed notice the way Nemesis seemed to start paying more attention at the name and it made the young man smile. Well, there was something at least.]

Burrito is most likely going to be your starting point for any introductions from this point forward. If Nemesis trusts and cares about him, then I think she'll be willing to trust his judgment on other Pokemon. If she sees him interacting with others it may help her bridge the gap a bit. I would..it would probably be best to introduce them to Pokemon similar in nature to Burrito--on the calmer side, that is. Pokemon that will not be prone to getting too excited? At the prospect of a new friend, that is.

[Newt's attention shifts back to Armin in full now.]

Take it slow, of course, but allow Burrito to interact first and have Nemesis where she can see the interaction and gauge it. Let her take the initiative to approach when she's ready. And if she doesn't want to approach, don't force it. You can always try again.

[Armin nods earnestly even if Newt can't see him with the gear still pointed at Nemesis.]

I've considered something like that. I think the only trouble is going to be... finding the right pokemon among the ones I own.

Circinus is the calmest pokemon I own. He's not very much like Burrito. Despite his species' reputation, he's very calm and patient. I just worry that... he's an electric type. A voltorb to be exact. I'm not certain if Nemesis wouldn't see him as a threat even with Burrito there simply because he holds such an advantage over her.

That may not be the best choice, if only because of the type difference.

What about the people you're traveling with?--Ah, I'm..you are traveling with others, are you not?

We are. Burrito belongs to one of my friends but the rest of his pokemon are rather--

[A pause as Armin tries to find a diplomatic way of putting this.]

... for the most part, they are very competitive, so I don't feel that would work very well.

[aka, they are assholes, the lot of them.]

Blitz especially should be kept away from her.

Hm.

[Newt looks off to the side suddenly, clearly listening to something before he leans over. When he straightens up properly he's got one of his Flabébé on his hand, the little thing twilling and going on about something. ]

Perhaps I could offer someone to try. Morgan here seems rather keen on the idea.

[The Flabébé beams, waving at Armin.]

She and her companion stowed away in my jacket when I left Cherrygrove. [Newt's smiling fondly as the Flabébé turns her smile on him.] She's proven herself to be quite easy going around others. It may be worth a try.

[~~what a nice smile~~]

I certainly wouldn't be opposed to trying it, but you are in Johto, aren't you? It's a good bit of travel to Kanto.

[~~Isn't it darling?~~]

I believe Merlin might be willing to give her a ride. Neither of them have Pokeballs, unfortunately so transferring her would be--

[He's interrupted by Morgan twilling softly, floating up closer to his face so she can touch his cheek.]

You're certain?

[The Flabébé nods and spins her flower about happily.]

It seems as though she'd be willing to go into a Pokeball in order to help. I could send her through one of the Pokemon Centers then.

Would she? I'd really appreciate it.

Of course, I'll take good care of her while she is here. She's doing me a huge favour, after all.

I have no doubts you will, Armin. What city are you currently it or currently headed to, I suppose I should add. I can send her to the Pokemon Center as soon as possible.

We're currently still in Cerulean City. We'll start travelling again in a few days, but I should be able to visit the pokemon center before then.

[Newt smiles warmly.]

I'll get Morgan on her way, then.

[~~what a really nice smile~~]

Thank you. Is there anything I should keep in mind while she is here? I've never had a pokemon like her before.

Nothing really--ah, actually, she does enjoy her snacks. I'll send some money along as well to compensate. She's particularly fond of berries, any kind. She hasn't been very picky thus far.

Well, if that's the case, she's in luck. My friend has been growing berry plants, so we always have plenty. And Atticus contributes his share too.

[Good little elephant friend, best pick-up ability.]

[Newt's smile gets a bit warmer.]

I'll still send a bit along, just in case, but it sounds like everything will work out just fine.

I'll make certain to keep you updated on any progress. If you'd like, that is.

I would very much like that, Armin. Not just because Morgan will be there but because I do want to make sure your companion flourishes as well.

[Usually, lots of attention just makes Armin feel slightly awkward. But boy, somehow when Newt doest it, it just makes him feel warm. Super weird. Probably nothing though.]

Then I will. As soon as there are any changes.

I look forward to hearing from you then, Armin.

[Newt gives him a soft smile as Morgan twills softly.]

Until then, take care and as I said, Morgan will be on her way soon enough.

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