Welcome/Welcome back, you crazy diamonds!

[spiritcrystal]

[An island! This is most certainly not where everyone was just a few moments ago. ...Alright, maybe some of you were on an island. Don't get cheeky.

At everyone's feet is a small note. It gives no description of their location or explanation, of course; it only says one simple thing.

Please choose one.

The note comes along with three Pokéballs with different "starter" Pokémon in them- the three Pokémon can be anything, from a Froakie, Charmander, and Treecko to a Rattata, Patrat, and Bidoof if you're particularly unlucky- and everything in between. If it's not a legendary Pokémon, it's fair game.

Of course, you can only pick one! Trying to go for a second will leave you thinking that you better not get too greedy. If you're one of those types that wouldn't care either way, the other two Pokéballs will simply disappear.

Now go forth, and into a world of Pokémon!]

Comments

[tearingdreams]

Picking a partner's important, that's why.

[He gives a grin, but not really focusing on Silver at the moment. Nope, going to focus on those Totodiles, while scratching his cheek.]

Even if it's not your first time, your partner is always important!

[Finally he's glancing back to with a grin.]

Don't ya think?

[savedover]

I don't have a Pokemon. [He made it through the window, but didn't make it to the Lab. How long did he have, before--

He shakes his head. Right. Even here, he has a role to play. With a derisive shake of his head, he gestures dismissively at the balls.] Whatever. The only thing that matters is strength. I'm not going to waste my time on something weak.

[tearingdreams]

[This has him staring as he's reminded of having this conversation before. How many times? How many times when he used to punch him, yell at him and get in an argument for the same petty thing? -...well kind of petty.]

So it'll be your first partner, huh?

...y'know I don't believe you. If you really thought strength was all that matters you wouldn't have noticed the differences in their appearance.

[He's turning his back to him while folding his hands behind his head.]

Granted that's just my thinkin', and I'm wrong, right?

[savedover]

You couldn't be more wrong if you tried. [Silver's expression, although cold, shows no signs of anger or impatience. He says the words without hesitation and without passion.] I'm observant, not emotional. Strength is the only factor that matters.

[tearingdreams]

My bad then.

[He's still not facing Silver even if he is grinning.]

Say, why are you hung up on strength? Not that I'm sayin' it's wrong, since being strong is important and all.

[savedover]

Because I hate the weak. They're worthless.

[tearingdreams]

Yeah, if you're not strong what can you do?

[It's spoken in the same, upbeat tone of his.]

Hey! By the way, what's your name?

[Time to turn back around to face him.]

[savedover]

If you don't know it, then it's none of your business. [Denied! What a pain in the ass!]

[tearingdreams]

Aw, come on! Not even a hint? If not I can always come up with a nickname!

[Playful as ever.]

[savedover]

[Firmly:] No. And I don't want a nickname. I don't want you to call me anything.

[tearingdreams]

Aw, why not? You look kinda like a-...

[...nah. Who knows how his rival would react if he knew he went around throwing super awful rad nicknames?

TOPIC CHANGER:]

You still debating on which one you're gonna pick?

[savedover]

Don't you dare-- [Thankfully, Chris cuts himself off before Silver gets saddled with what would probably be a really lame nickname.] ... since you've been bothering me, yes.

[tearingdreams]

Aw, come on! Think of it as learning to multitask! It's a great skill to have when you're a trainer.

[savedover]

I prefer to concentrate at the task on hand.

[tearingdreams]

You won't survive in battle if you're like that.

[He narrows his eyes a moment before adjusting the brim of his cap. Back to being a grinning dork.]

Right, right. I get the picture y'want me to leave you alone so you can take your time and choose right? Before that, I wanna ask a favor. That cool?

[savedover]

[Suspiciously-]

What do you want from me?

[tearingdreams]

[Before he can say anything, his Azurill is popping her head out from the front of his hoodie.]

Do ya happen to know what Pokémon Lulu here is? I mean she looks kinda like a Marill... so I figure she's a baby, at least.

[savedover]

[Silver stares intently at Lulu, brows furrowed.]

... no. I'm not familiar with species that aren't from Kanto or Johto.

[tearingdreams]

Shucks, well thanks anyway, man!

[Time to pat Lulu a top her head.]

Heh, and good luck picking out your partner. Hey, maybe when your partner gets a lil' bit tougher we can duke it out sometimes.

[savedover]

Maybe. But I don't waste my time on losers.

[tearingdreams]

I'll have ya know, I'm rather strong.

[Wow, this guy was sure full of himself.]

Though how about this? If my Lulu loses against your Totodile, I'll give you a TM. Sound fair?

[savedover]

And what would you expect me to forfeit when I lose?

[tearingdreams]

Not money for starters since I've got plenty of that! Though, hmm, let's see...

[Jeopardy music.]

I got it! You'll owe me lunch! Do we have a deal or what?

[savedover]

No. I refuse your terms. [Ugh, Golds. Always trying to drag him into spending time with them. He can see through that ploy a mile away!]

[tearingdreams]

Aw come on, I just wanted a free lunch for once-!

[The fact the Silver was around just happened to be a bonus, not that he'd say that out loud even if it's obvious.

Back to the thinking board.]

...but if that's out then I want some batteries!