Second Ax [@the.boneless, video]

[ragnarsson]

[Ivar's improving on using the video function. This time, he gets it on the first try. His voice is just a little above a whisper and he's looking off to the side at something just beyond the camera. The background shows he's in the forest beyond the city.]

Does anyone know where I can find a fire-proof bridle?

[The question seems a bit of a non-sequitur until he turns the camera to the side. There's a Ponyta standing not too far off. Ivar's been trying to get it closer all afternoon. It's taken a lot of patience, but now it's only about ten feet away. Its diamond-shaped eyes narrow as it watches the Viking and the Pokemon tosses its head, too suspicious to come any closer.]

Come on. I won't hurt you. Just a little further. Come on.

[For someone who usually keeps everyone at arm's length with a combination of sarcasm and toughness, he sounds far more gentle than usual. It seems to be working, as the Ponyta takes a hesitant step forward, ears pricked forward in anticipation. Ivar's face is a combination of wonder and awe. He's about ten seconds away from completely freaking out. This creature looks like something from an old legend, a horse with a mane and tail of fire. This qualifies as the coolest thing he's seen since he came to the city.]

Comments

[megabond]

Why yes. Pokemon can understand anything you said, but I recommend you should watch your words carefully. It might feel offended if you don't.

[He really shouldn't mention this, but...]

If you can follow my advice as well your friend's, you might able to capture that Ponyta no problem. However, if it feels threatened or hostile, there is another option.

[ragnarsson]

Good. I'll hold off on insulting its mother then.

[The Ponyta watches him with a combination of interest and wariness, more of the former than the latter. It really does like him, lucky for the young Viking.]

Oh? What's that?

[megabond]

That is to engage a Pokemon battle. Then again, I doubt that would be an option now that Ponyta somehow likes you.

[It was a big relief as well since he didn't want him to battle without any knowledge of a Pokemon battle.]

[ragnarsson]

[The Ponyta snuffles his hand with its muzzle, searching to see if he possesses any food.]

Good. I'd hate to have to battle it.

[That would likely end with something on fire. Namely Ivar.]

[megabond]

By the way, who is this person you said that they will help you?

[ragnarsson]

Letha Regis. Since she's already caught one of these things, she knows more than I do.

[megabond]

Letha, huh?

Does she have a floating tree stump Pokemon with her?

[ragnarsson]

That would be the one.

[Sprig had kind of creeped out Ivar at first.]

[megabond]

I knew it. I actually helped her on capturing her Phantump back then.

I think she is also one of the students who attended my lecture.

[ragnarsson]

I should go to one of those.

[He's going to need more knowledge than he currently possesses to properly care for his new Pokemon.]

[megabond]

If you're interested, I have a night class this week on Tuesday or Thursday.

For now, I think Letha can help you on capturing that Ponyta for now.

[ragnarsson]

I'll be there.

[Knowledge is power, after all. The Ponyta now looks calm and content, eyes squinting shut.]

Thank you for your help.

[megabond]

You're welcome. Until then, good luck with your Ponyta!

[If he's finished with the video feed, he hoped that he and the Ponyta will get along well.]