[ Ash was used to having trouble with his Pokemon in various ways, but he would always admit that he wasn't educated on the matter. He wasn't a pokebiologist or a vet or anything like that. But he also didn't know who else to really approach about such matters. Most people in this world were like him; unprofessionals who were just sort of thrown into this world with a pokeball and a pat on the back.
But he knew that Newt was some kind of animal specialist from where he came from. God knows, Armin gushed about his abilities. So it seemed sensible to call up and ask. Ash liked to think he had enough sense to toss any bad advice out the window. He was sitting in his armchair, curled up with Macavity on his lap. ]
Ur, hey Newt! Sorry for ringing up outta the blue, but I got some questions about some Pokemon of mine who are worrying me a little or that I need a bit of advice for. Three in particular. But if you're busy then I can ask another time or whatever.
[When Newt appears on his head he looks extremely disheveled, flour turning his hair white in areas and splotched on his cheeks as well. His sleeves are rolled up and there's a thick scarf around his neck--probably due to the kitchen window being open behind him as Albus the Drampa pokes his head through to see what was going on.
Also in view are Queenie the Audino, who is making what looks to be small pies at the counter, and Malie the Pikachu who is sitting on the counter covered in flour munching on some cookies.]
Hello, Ash. There's no need to apologize, I'm always happy to help. [The young wizard smiles reassuringly before a curious look touches his face.] What seems to be the issue?
You sure this isn't a bad time? [ He looks like he's in the middle of baking. But still, Ash exhaled and stood. Best to start with the biggest Problem first. ]
I told you about Team Rocket, yeah? Well, I've got..shit, five Pokemon that were hurt by them. One of them I got after that fire in Goldenrod recently - he's rough. Not like, in pain, he's scarred but I've had him checked by the nurses and they've assured me that he's in okay health. But he'll hiss and spit acid if I get within a foot of him, and he'll act hostile towards my other Pokemon. He's okay- I mean, he'll tolerate some of my Pokemon who've been held by Rocket in the past too. But others he'll attack, and I'm a bit worried he'll end up hurting someone or burning down the house.
[ Ash sighed deeply, eyes downcast. ] I just, want to help him get better. Even if he doesn't want to hang around and decides to go back to the wild, that's fine. But I don't want to let him go as he is right now. He'll hurt someone or he'll pick a bad fight and end up really messed up. But I can't help him when he's about as approachable as the gates of Hell.
Hm? No, no, it's alright. They'll be fine without me for a moment or two.
[This seems a bit serious, given Ash's expression, so Newt is more than happy to take a break.
He's quiet as Ash explains the situation, familiar enough with the abuse Team Rocket inflicts on Pokemon to understand both sides of the situation. Montague wasn't quite that bad when he ended up with the little guy but he had been rather unsociable and afraid of everything that moved practically. Newt could definitely understand Ash's worries and he also understood how much the other wanted to help.
It's the exact same thing Newt would do.]
It might be wise to take it slow. If you're in the same room with him, sit down on the floor and talk quietly to him. Make sure any of your Pokemon that are more energetic and overly friendly even aren't in the room. Give him space to settle in and allow him to realize that it's safe. Anything you want to give him, medicine, food, anything of the sort, make sure you explain it as you present it to him. Allow him to make the decision if he wants to take it at that moment or perhaps take it later. It's not going to be easy and it could take quite a bit of time but it's all about building trust with him.
[ Ash nodded, clearly listening and taking in Newt's wisdom. He was walking outside as Newt talked, heading towards the shores of Olivine. ] I admit I ain't...I'm a bit of the energetic type myself. But I'll give him space. Should I like, make a room in the house that's like a 'ex-rocket' club only kind of space? I've got a lot of Pokemon so I can't like, constantly try to herd them out of a room if he walks in. Or maybe just a space for the quieter ones to go in.
[ He mussed up his hair. Scuabtuinne had been so different. And speaking of her... ] Talking of that, there's another ex-rocket I need some advice with. I got her a while ago; she was really shy and had her problems but she's never been violent. But, we've hit a slight snag. She's a Lapras and we'd love to go surfing together. She'll tolerate me being behind her but if I touch her back, she loses it. Hold up, let me call her. Scuabtuinne! Can I borrow ya a moment?
[ From the water came Scuabtuinne, with a curious call. She swam to the beach, leaning down and peering at Ash and the Gear. ] This is Newt, I was just talking to him about surfing.
That isn't a bad idea at all, honestly. It doesn't have to be an entire room but even just a quiet corner of your housing. A spot with areas to hide in and curl up, places to feel safe. [A pause.] Actually an open space may be the best choice just so they don't feel enclosed or captured again, so to speak.
[You just have all sorts of ex-rocket Pokemon don't you, Ash?
Hearing that it was a Lapras made Newt...it made him mad, honestly and it probably showed momentarily on his face. It was bad enough that Team Rocket captured and harmed Pokemon but ones that were already endangered?? That was just--how could anyone..
Newt closes his eyes a moment to collect himself just before Scuabtuinne appears and, when she does, he gives her a warm smile.]
Hello, my dear. Aren't you gorgeous? [Because she was. She was absolutely beautiful.] If she's alright with you being behind her, perhaps it might be worth trying having her tow you while she surfs? If you were to ride a board and devise a way to have her pull you along--a tow rope, in a sense. Then you could surf together without upsetting her.
That's...kind of the thing. She's okay with me behind her but she doesn't like me approaching her from behind so, I dunno if towing would work... [ Scuabtuinne lowered her eyes, ashamed of her difficulty in this. Ash pet her neck. ] Newt's here to help us with this. Dya mind if we show him where you were hurt? So he gets why it's difficult? [ She hesitated, looking between Ash and Newt, before nodding. ]
[ She turned to the side and there was the problem; her cut and cracked shell. ] When I first got her, she couldn't stand anyone being behind her at all. Like, I mentioned her being okay with me there because it was progress. But I'm pretty sure, she wants me to ride on her back. [ Scuabtuinne turned around and nodded again. She did want to surf with Ash on her back. She just...she lowered her head and ducked a little behind Ash. ]
[Okay. Newt absolutely needs to find a way to help them because this was just unacceptable. This lovely girl clearly wanted to bond more with her trainer but it was understandable that she would hesitate.]
Give me just a moment.
[Newt disappears from view then and Ash and Scuabtuinne would hear the sounds of shuffling and pages turning as the wizard started looking through some of the books he'd borrowed from Ecruteak.
While he's busy, Malie scoots over to peer at the pair and her ears fall back as she waves at the Lapras.]
It'll be okay! Mr. Newt is pretty rad!
Ah! Here we are--
[The Pikachu scoots to the side as Newt returns, looking at the book he has curiously.]
There may be a way to help repair her shell. There is an epoxy that can be used to repair damaged shells of any Pokemon that have them. It would be a good start at the very least, as long as Scuabtinne would allow it.
[ Scuabtuinne smiled shyly to the Pikachu. Ash had lots of...eccentric Pikachus, but Malie seemed quite normal and not too hyper. When Newt suggests healing the shell, Ash's eyes widened and Scuabtuinne also looked surprised. ]
It...wait, that's, possible? I always thought it was like a scar, or like, it was something that had to be done immediately after the injury.
Would that help your confidence, dya think? If we could fix up your shell a little? [ He turned and looked up to his Lapras. She gave an uncertain sound. This wasn't something either of them had ever considered as an option. ]
In which I do research on turtle shells to try and use here
Since it is an older injury, there would be no way to really fuse the shell back together--that would have required immediate attention. But in this case, using epoxy would help seal the crack and basically create a sort of fake portion of the shell that will set and become apart of what's already there.
[It wasn't a perfect fix but it would definitely help--and could even be painted to match!]
Worst case is that it may take a few coats to help it match evenly so it's flush with her shell but I'm rather confident it would be easy enough to do!
It wouldn't hurt, right? [ He doesn't know anything about this, he just doesn't want to hurt his massive Loch Ness baby. Scuabtuinne peered from behind Ash, clearly considering it. ]
Ur...how much would...that kind of thing cost though? I've taken her to the Pokemon Centre several times, including right after I got her, and they never mentioned this.
It wouldn't cause her any sort of pain. It would all superficial; merely rebuilding the gap between the cracked portions of her shell.
[Oh he's invested in this now because this is the sort of thing he did back home with a lot of his rescued creatures.]
Really the only cost would be the epoxy. I..have no idea how much that sort of thing costs but we could certainly look into it and I would be more than willing to help.
[ Ash ducked his head a little. Old shame burned at him and he folded his arms. ] I'd get it done. I'd just need to know the cost so I could get the money.
Would you want it done? [ He glanced to Scuabtuinne. She hummed softly, still unsure. Before giving a small, shy nod. It sounded like a good idea. ]
[Newt tilted his head, watching Ash thoughtfully before making a decision.]
If you give me a day, I can figure out the best procedure and then I can come pay you both a visit to see about fixing that crack. I can pick up the supplies here in Azalea and we can worry about the price of things once I'm there.
[ Video! ]
But he knew that Newt was some kind of animal specialist from where he came from. God knows, Armin gushed about his abilities. So it seemed sensible to call up and ask. Ash liked to think he had enough sense to toss any bad advice out the window. He was sitting in his armchair, curled up with Macavity on his lap. ]
Ur, hey Newt! Sorry for ringing up outta the blue, but I got some questions about some Pokemon of mine who are worrying me a little or that I need a bit of advice for. Three in particular. But if you're busy then I can ask another time or whatever.
[Video]
Also in view are Queenie the Audino, who is making what looks to be small pies at the counter, and Malie the Pikachu who is sitting on the counter covered in flour munching on some cookies.]
Hello, Ash. There's no need to apologize, I'm always happy to help. [The young wizard smiles reassuringly before a curious look touches his face.] What seems to be the issue?
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I told you about Team Rocket, yeah? Well, I've got..shit, five Pokemon that were hurt by them. One of them I got after that fire in Goldenrod recently - he's rough. Not like, in pain, he's scarred but I've had him checked by the nurses and they've assured me that he's in okay health. But he'll hiss and spit acid if I get within a foot of him, and he'll act hostile towards my other Pokemon. He's okay- I mean, he'll tolerate some of my Pokemon who've been held by Rocket in the past too. But others he'll attack, and I'm a bit worried he'll end up hurting someone or burning down the house.
[ Ash sighed deeply, eyes downcast. ] I just, want to help him get better. Even if he doesn't want to hang around and decides to go back to the wild, that's fine. But I don't want to let him go as he is right now. He'll hurt someone or he'll pick a bad fight and end up really messed up. But I can't help him when he's about as approachable as the gates of Hell.
no subject
[This seems a bit serious, given Ash's expression, so Newt is more than happy to take a break.
He's quiet as Ash explains the situation, familiar enough with the abuse Team Rocket inflicts on Pokemon to understand both sides of the situation. Montague wasn't quite that bad when he ended up with the little guy but he had been rather unsociable and afraid of everything that moved practically. Newt could definitely understand Ash's worries and he also understood how much the other wanted to help.
It's the exact same thing Newt would do.]
It might be wise to take it slow. If you're in the same room with him, sit down on the floor and talk quietly to him. Make sure any of your Pokemon that are more energetic and overly friendly even aren't in the room. Give him space to settle in and allow him to realize that it's safe. Anything you want to give him, medicine, food, anything of the sort, make sure you explain it as you present it to him. Allow him to make the decision if he wants to take it at that moment or perhaps take it later. It's not going to be easy and it could take quite a bit of time but it's all about building trust with him.
no subject
[ He mussed up his hair. Scuabtuinne had been so different. And speaking of her... ] Talking of that, there's another ex-rocket I need some advice with. I got her a while ago; she was really shy and had her problems but she's never been violent. But, we've hit a slight snag. She's a Lapras and we'd love to go surfing together. She'll tolerate me being behind her but if I touch her back, she loses it. Hold up, let me call her. Scuabtuinne! Can I borrow ya a moment?
[ From the water came Scuabtuinne, with a curious call. She swam to the beach, leaning down and peering at Ash and the Gear. ] This is Newt, I was just talking to him about surfing.
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[You just have all sorts of ex-rocket Pokemon don't you, Ash?
Hearing that it was a Lapras made Newt...it made him mad, honestly and it probably showed momentarily on his face. It was bad enough that Team Rocket captured and harmed Pokemon but ones that were already endangered?? That was just--how could anyone..
Newt closes his eyes a moment to collect himself just before Scuabtuinne appears and, when she does, he gives her a warm smile.]
Hello, my dear. Aren't you gorgeous? [Because she was. She was absolutely beautiful.] If she's alright with you being behind her, perhaps it might be worth trying having her tow you while she surfs? If you were to ride a board and devise a way to have her pull you along--a tow rope, in a sense. Then you could surf together without upsetting her.
no subject
[ She turned to the side and there was the problem; her cut and cracked shell. ] When I first got her, she couldn't stand anyone being behind her at all. Like, I mentioned her being okay with me there because it was progress. But I'm pretty sure, she wants me to ride on her back. [ Scuabtuinne turned around and nodded again. She did want to surf with Ash on her back. She just...she lowered her head and ducked a little behind Ash. ]
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You poor thing.
[Okay. Newt absolutely needs to find a way to help them because this was just unacceptable. This lovely girl clearly wanted to bond more with her trainer but it was understandable that she would hesitate.]
Give me just a moment.
[Newt disappears from view then and Ash and Scuabtuinne would hear the sounds of shuffling and pages turning as the wizard started looking through some of the books he'd borrowed from Ecruteak.
While he's busy, Malie scoots over to peer at the pair and her ears fall back as she waves at the Lapras.]
It'll be okay! Mr. Newt is pretty rad!
Ah! Here we are--
[The Pikachu scoots to the side as Newt returns, looking at the book he has curiously.]
There may be a way to help repair her shell. There is an epoxy that can be used to repair damaged shells of any Pokemon that have them. It would be a good start at the very least, as long as Scuabtinne would allow it.
no subject
It...wait, that's, possible? I always thought it was like a scar, or like, it was something that had to be done immediately after the injury.
Would that help your confidence, dya think? If we could fix up your shell a little? [ He turned and looked up to his Lapras. She gave an uncertain sound. This wasn't something either of them had ever considered as an option. ]
In which I do research on turtle shells to try and use here
[It wasn't a perfect fix but it would definitely help--and could even be painted to match!]
Worst case is that it may take a few coats to help it match evenly so it's flush with her shell but I'm rather confident it would be easy enough to do!
[Beside Newt, Malie beamed.
See! Everything was going to be great!]
8D LEARNING IS FUN
Ur...how much would...that kind of thing cost though? I've taken her to the Pokemon Centre several times, including right after I got her, and they never mentioned this.
no subject
[Oh he's invested in this now because this is the sort of thing he did back home with a lot of his rescued creatures.]
Really the only cost would be the epoxy. I..have no idea how much that sort of thing costs but we could certainly look into it and I would be more than willing to help.
no subject
Would you want it done? [ He glanced to Scuabtuinne. She hummed softly, still unsure. Before giving a small, shy nod. It sounded like a good idea. ]
no subject
If you give me a day, I can figure out the best procedure and then I can come pay you both a visit to see about fixing that crack. I can pick up the supplies here in Azalea and we can worry about the price of things once I'm there.
no subject
Take the time you need. I'd do anything for her to get her confidence. [ Scuabtuinne gave a soft sound, nudging Ash affectionately. ]
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[Newt smiles reassuringly at them.]
We'll get this taken care of, I promise.
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[ Woops he's forgotten to ask about Shockmau5. But they can catch up and discuss his odd little Pikachu another time. ]