icansolvethemtoo | second ✿ video/action for the Layton house

[And on the screen pops the ever so lovable Flora, standing in the kitchen of her home. She really loves not having to live at the inn anymore--it gives her full reign in the kitchen. But as a burned, scientifically-concocted breakfast sits on the table for her little family (really, the only things properly edible are the fruits in the bowl and the juice in the pitcher), today's post has nothing to do with food. In fact, it's all about treatment. And this subject is one Flora is growing to feel very strongly about.]

Good morning, everyone! I hope you're well. I apologize for being a bother, but I've got a few concerns regarding this world, actually. I know everyone's taken up the habit of battling their pokémon and I understand they're quite useful when it comes to defense against wild encounters, but... [She pauses, takes a deep breath, and:]

I truly don't think it's fair to force these little animals to fight! In fact, I think it's cruel. Someone I had spoken to earlier had suspected that we're to train them for war, and that's not right at all. Why should we make them fight for us, especially in a war with no clear meaning? They're just little animals, they shouldn't be forced to battle.

[That was hard. She looks genuinely bothered by this! But after a calm breath, she smiles back at the gear.] Instead, can't we just love and care for them? They're all quite cute. Even the dinosaurs.

Thank you for listening. I hope you all have a good day!

[And with that, she shuts off the gear. She feels better about it, in any case. But she'll stay in the kitchen a little while longer.

Meanwhile, her Gible is currently at the table, trying to steal one of the 'pancakes' she made. Too bad his stubby arms can't reach. But at least, if anyone wants to pretend they've eaten her abominable breakfast, her Gible is willing to help.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Well, I mean... Why not just find other ways to avoid them so it wouldn't come to that? Or, I'm sure there's some sort of local technology that could be used... Right?

Pokémon exist everywhere. Their reach is limitless and a couple have invaded towns before. Not to mention, avoiding them would mean that we'd have to live isolated lives away from the rest of the towns which would mean that the technology might never come because, while Town A has the resources, but Town B has the intelligence to do something with it.

Couldn't the towns work together? The ones with the intelligence can use the resources and help the other town create something for both of them.

How will they get the resources over there without any means to defend themselves? How will they even discover the towns without the ability to travel without being torched by lizards that breathe fire or picked apart by birds that can create slicing winds.

You're asking some very good questions...

[Can she have a hint coin, please?]

Point is, it's very natural for people to use pokemon for protection or traveling. As for actual fights, you might view it as some type of competition. Pokemon don't usually get injured beyond a trip to the health center, and, it's used as a bonding mechanism. Pokemon seem to enjoy battling and view it as a sport. It's only the bad trainers that taint the friendly competition for everyone else. As seen with their hostility in the tall grass, fighting is a very natural genetic trait for pokemon.

[ No. Lust is cheap. 8|aa ]

Oh... I... I'm still not sure.

[But Flora needs them! By the expression on her face, she's still very dubious.]

Well, most people aren't very sure either, to your credit. It's a moral decision. There are other things to pursue that aren't battling anyways.

Personally, I think I would prefer to exercise these other options. But... I don't feel as opposed to battling anymore.

Well, some people do it for the elusive, and false, idea that it'll return them home. Others do it because they believe it's the best way to bond with their pokemon and allows for friendly competition and interaction with others. People that use pokémon solely for their own tools are disgusting, and I think we can both agree on that. [ Except this is just lip service and it's exactly what she does. ]

[She nods at that last one.] The other two don't sound so bad, but that last one...

But do people truly think training their pokémon would send them home?

I think the first one is selfish. Using your pokemon as stepping stones to get your ultimate objective with nothing in it for them at the end. Where are they going to go after you leave? Especially since they've developed a bond with you. [ Okay, now she's blasting into mind fuckery, sorry, Flora ): ]

Yes. The old tale that defeating all gym leaders gets you the ability to leave is still surprisingly prevalent in suggestions on how to return.

Yes, that isn't a good idea either... It's better than abusing them, but not by much.

[She sighs.] That doesn't seem very fair to the pokémon. To battle and connect with them only to leave them...

[She frowns a little. Now she's just thinking about setting them all free.]

Yes, it's a terribly cruel thing. However, if one leaves by accident, then that's not something that should be taken as an offense. Johto is fickle, and, its fickleness shouldn't overcome one's love for pokemon to be their friends. [ she doesn't even know what she's saying anymore!! ]

It shouldn't! Perhaps we should just be friends and care from afar. So we don't hurt them when we leave.

[Flora is hanging onto Lust's every word. Woman, what are you doing?!]

I wouldn't do that. Pokemon give us opportunities we'd never get otherwise. They can teach us valuable lessons and undoubtably impact the rest of our lives. Some pokemon might not survive in the wild and go extinct if it wasn't for breeders and traveling under the protection of an owner. [ She remains calm and collected as usual. ] I think they'd understand the ways of the land better than us. If one of us disappears, they'll carry on. Perhaps they automatically revert to how they were. Have you ever heard of a released pokemon finding its way back to its owner, or being seen in the wild again?

They might go extinct?! [Staaaaring.]

I... haven't heard of anyone releasing their pokémon at all....

Usually the releases happen when no one inherits the pokemon after their departure. And, yes, if some pokemon weren't caught, they'd most likely be hunted down by their natural predators which would mean they might have a lower population than they do today thanks to breeding and widespread claiming of multiple species.