65 - video/action for Celadon/backdated to yesterday;

[islandshore]

[The feed opens with a view of the sky as twin Charizards zoom by, scattering streamers and confetti. One is large and bright orange, the other black and red, and as the duo swerves down, so does the camera, panning down to a sign with brightly colored letters and words that viewers may not be expecting.

Breeding Center.

A Hawlucha stands at the top of the sign, a rose in his talons as he takes a dramatic bow. He trills and dives at the camera, swooping up at the last second. Whoever's recording this is going a bit crazy with the choreography. Well, assuming it wasn't the Pokémon's idea.

A rose drifts to the ground, caught by a leaping Heliolisk who does a quick spin, and... okay. This is getting kinda silly. So silly that there's a whistle off screen, and the camera pans away from this silly display to show a silver-haired dork, about six feet tall and twenty years old, smiling wryly at his goofy party.

For a long time, the Breeding Center was one of the top trainer-run businesses in Johto and Kanto. It got its start around four or five years ago and kept going strong until last fall, when its owner disappeared and the place finally shut down.

It sucked, because the place had a lot going for it. Free eggs for newbies, a Foster Home for abandoned Pokémon. It was the go-to place for trainers and breeders alike. So, Sora and I decided to start working on bringing it back to life. And speaking of goofs, there happens to be a spiky-haired dork with him.

But what's the deal? Why the fanfare? Turning away from the building, Riku addresses the camera.]

So, some of you guys might remember the Breeding Center. Before it shut down, it was the place to go if you wanted to scoop up new Pokémon eggs. Thing is, they closed down last fall, and ever since, there hasn't been a central hub for egg sales. So, Sora and I got the bright idea to bring it back, and we're planning on bringing back the Foster Home for good measure.

[He casts a side glance to Sora.]

And no, you can't keep them all.

[It's said as a joke more than anything. Sora's roster's already huge. They're definitely gonna have their work cut out for them if people put their 'mons up for adoption.]

[ of course Sora has his arms full of eggs. as Riku makes the comment, he sticks out his tongue. ]

Ignore him. He's the one that always wants to breed. And it's not my fault that these guys like me!

[ Sora. the pied piper of pokemon. ]

[Well, that didn't sound awkward at all. So, it's not even remotely intentional, but it's enough to make Riku cough and avert his eyes for a moment.]

Hey, c'mon. It's not like eggs come out of thin air.

[Plus, it's a good way to make money and get people the Pokémon they've always wanted. A win/win situation in his book.]

Anyway, if you're new or just looking to expand your team, we've got a roster of about fifty-four species to start, and newbies get a free pick of one egg, plus a fifty percent discount on all other eggs. But more than that, we could use your help. See, Sora and I have a lot of Pokémon, but there's no way we can cover every species out there. So if you've got spare eggs or don't mind lending a few of your teammates, we'd appreciate it. Or heck, if you're out of town, we're always up for donated catches.

[And just when he's about to wrap things up, a Weavile takes his turn onscreen, speaking with a fake accent, though in fluent English. He's kind of a nerd.]

I, for one, would adore the company of an intelligent and refined member of my fine species. Or a Sneasel. The point being, I'm--

[Riku pushes him away.]

Getting kinda desperate, and this isn't a dating service.

[Ugh. Why's he gotta ruin the mood?]

So, if you've got questions, we'll do our best to answer them. And for those of you who just popped up, I finally got around to updating my guide if you're still feeling a little lost.

[This is still sounding like a glorified ad, so just to give people something to talk about...]

Think I'll close this off with a few quick questions. What kind of Pokémon do you prefer? Big, tough and intimidating? Small and cute? Do you like evolution or hate it? And just for a random curve ball, what's your favorite background music here?

[With that the feed ends, leaving a few attachments.]

Training for Dummies.txt
Breeding Center Contact
Foster Home Contact

Comments

[heartdive]

[ Sora stands there. just watching Riku go on and on and on with his commercial.

finally, he can chime in. arms still with eggs. ]

Isn't it kind of a dating service though? ...Or maybe one night stands. I don't like to think of it like that though.

[ what even... ]

[islandshore]

Not romantic enough for you?

[He rolls his eyes and jabs Sora with his elbow, while Slash huffs in indignation.]

Is it so wrong to seek companionship? Honestly...

[heartdive]

[ Sora shoots Riku a look. of course it's not romantic enough for him. Sora kind of likes all of that stuff. or has Riku forgotten that...?

so he just gives Slash an apologetic smile. ]

No and I think if you want it, you should find someone.

[video]

[paladinlost]

[That little opening number earns Riku's team some vigorous applause. Both from Cecil himself, and from at least a handful of Pokémon somewhere offscreen.]

An impressive display, though not quite impressive as the news. Between the Training Center, the Breeding Center and your newfound work as a pollster, when will you find the time to sleep and eat?

[It's probably not a serious question. Probably.]

That's quite the impressive selection you have at the moment. Are you looking for specific additional eggs, or will you welcome any we might have to offer?

[video]

[islandshore]

[The other Pokémon snicker at Cecil's words, with Flare in particular crossing his arms and giving the camera a knowing look. Yeah, he's in over his head. When isn't he?

Riku is either oblivious, or he's chosen to ignore this, focusing on the screen.]

I'm sure we'll manage. Besides, if we're not in town, we can hire some local help. Plus I've got Slash, Psych, and Knight to hold the fort.

[Pokémon employees may seem like an odd pick, but Slash is obsessed with acting human...]

And as far as eggs go, we'll take just about anything. More variety wouldn't hurt, though.

[video]

[soundmind]

[Well, that was definitely a thing.]

It probably is Sora's fault that they like him, he looks like the kinda guy that hides treats in his pockets.

[It's just a joke, but Maka won't further bang on that point.]

Anyway, I think I've got some Pokemon that would be...uh, willing to volunteer for the center, just to help with your stock.

[A pause, then:] My Sneasel is a little young for that, though, so sorry you're out of luck there.

[video]

[islandshore]

Ha. He's the kinda guy who'd take home a basket full of stray kittens if he could.

[He's grinning shamelessly. He's always got time to tease Sora, even when he should be talking business.

But while Slash perks up at the mention of Sneasels, he deflates when the age comes up. Riku ignores this and presses on.]

And as long as it's not too much trouble. And as long as your team's okay with it.

[video]

[heartdive]

I can't help it okay!


[ nail hits the head there. ]

[cawsforalarm]

Whooo!

[VIGOROUS CLAPPING from Henry and the Skorupi on his head.]

Hey, I just thought of something. You keep all of your young Pokémon over there in Celadon or whatever, right? Don't any of them ever get, you know, bored? Want to go out and see the world and stuff, even if they're not adopted yet?

[Yeah, he's basically volunteering himself and his Pokémon to take your little ones on field trips. HE LOVES BABY POKÉMON, OKAY.]

[islandshore]

[...On one hand, it's Henry. On the other hand, he seems pretty okay when it comes to Pokémon, and that is a good suggestion.

Riku grabs his chin, mulling this over.]

You sure that's not too much work for you? You've probably got your hands full with your own team.

[video]

[solas_ion]

Hey, that's great--I was hoping somebody would open it up again.

[video]

[islandshore]

Yeah, I know what you mean.

[He reaches for the side of his neck, blowing a small puff of air.]

It's just... The Breeding Center's been such a big part of this place that we figured somebody had to get the ball rolling. Don't know if it'll ever be the same, but who knows?

[Maybe it can be that same sorta uniting force between Breeders it was before.]

[Video]

[friendyousohard]

I have to admit, I'm rather surprised. This is a great deal of work to add onto what's already a pretty intense load.

Sora, you will make sure he doesn't work himself into the ground, right?

[Video]

[heartdive]

You know how he is. Riku's just got to keep himself busy.

[ but you know. he gives a little salute and impish grin to match. ]

But I've got ways of making sure he doesn't get too busy.

[Video]

[islandshore]

[Riku's face is now red because Sora. Sora, please.

God, this is embarrassing. So, so embarrassing.

He coughs, then sweeps a hand through his hair.]

Hey, it's nothing we can't handle. Give us some credit.

[Video]

[crouching_sin]

... Interesting.

[There's a Gardevoir peering into the camera with him, looking... a little confused, but happy that there's so much excitement over something.]

I have to admit, I've been here a little while and I'm still getting the hang of breeding. It seems many people here who have eggs up for sale have Pokemon with... unexpected move pools, so it's a bit difficult to compete. Still, if you'd like my extras, I can't complain about them going to a place where they'll be adopted out.

... As for favorites, I can't say I set out to have them, but out of a dozen on my roster I have five ghost types. I don't mind evolution, though if one of my Pokemon was particularly opposed I wouldn't force them to evolve before they were ready.

[Video]

[islandshore]

Hey, long as it's not too much of a hassle. You'd still be getting a cut of the profits, so it's not like it'd be a total loss.

[Ghost types, though... Riku laughs, though he nods in agreement all the same.]

Ghosts come in handy. Think I just pulled the short straw when it comes to personality, since half of mine are chronic pranksters.

[video]

[codeforhope]

I'm so glad to hear that you're bringing the Breeding Center back!

[Now this is the kind of good news that Chihiro's been needing to hear for a while. He certainly looks excited, as does his Leavanny visible on the screen next to him.]

I actually have quite a few eggs leftover from my last clutch...and I'd like to donate them to you, if that's okay!

[video]

[islandshore]

Go for it. Just let me know if you want some of the profits. I figure it's only fair.

[After all, they're not from his or Sora's roster, and such a kind gesture deserves some kinda reward.

There's a faint smile on his face-- all the excitement's a bit overwhelming, reassuring as it is.]

Truth is, we're still not sure what we're doing, but we're gonna try our best to meet the expectations.

[Somehow. It's just gonna be tricky.]

action

[shatterings]

[ Naminé--and her Gallade--are standing off to the side, watching. ]

If... you need a bit of breeding diversity, I think I can help.

action

[islandshore]

[With the broadcast done, Riku tucks his 'Gear away and turns to Naminé with a smile.]

Thanks, Naminé, but have you talked it over with your team?

[Since they're the ones involved, it never hurts to check. Especially since he'd learned that the hard way after forcing a few pairs.]

Video

[red_roses]

Hello! I'm a breeder, too. I was wondering if you'll take extra eggs when I have bunches to sell.

Oh, I like cute Pokemon, and I usually let them evolve if they want to, but most of my own Pokemon like to stay small.

Video

[islandshore]

[Aww, it's just a kid. He might've even seen her over the network before. He's not entirely sure, but she gets a gentle smile as Riku addresses the feed.]

Of course we'll take them. We'll even give you some of the money if you want.

[Just seems like the right thing to do, and he'd hate to be a freeloader.]

Good on you to let your team decide, too. I've seen people push evolution on Pokémon that just weren't ready, and it almost never works out.

[armoredsoul]

Oh, this is great! I don't have any Pokemon to donate, but I can send any eggs that don't sell from my batches or bring some of mine over to help. I don't think they would mind at all.

And I think I like the music out on the routes the best. It's really cheerful, you know?

[islandshore]

Hey, no worries. Just having eggs is more than enough in my book.

[There's a smile as he says this. So many positive reactions; it makes him proud that he and Sora made this decision.]

But I hear ya. Can't think of a route song that isn't upbeat. Now, the caves? That's a whole different story.