>>2673924
I loaded this up at just the right time!

Welcome back, Gobble! Hope the interviews went well.

>>2673924
WOOOOOOOO! Ready for some pokemans. Hope you're having a good night Gobble!

>>2673924
Is your new job treating you well, Gobble? I hope it's better than what you had before.

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>>2673944
>>2673963
[Thanks! It's been a long few weeks but I feel great!]
>>2673980
[Only one day in and it's not that great, but it's progress in my career again. As long as I stick it out and collect hours, I'll be happy. I'm excited about having spare time again.]

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“Do you truly believe you can make a meal so delicious, so amazing, that either your opponent refuses to fight or a stand-in is willing to fight to defend your domain?

You reflect on the monk’s question for the shortest time your mind can bear, knowing full well what the answer is. “Yes. Yes I do.”

His face gives the slightest reaction. You don’t think he doubts your intent, or maybe even your ability, but he does look a bit taken back by your confidence.

“Wait, Herb, you want to challenge me with your cooking?” Maximillion tries to make the statement sound like he’s asking honestly, but there’s a heavy dose of mockery in his tone. “Sure. I’ll fence whomever you convince to clash swords with me with your grilled cheese.”

Your eyes fall to some wooden and metal weapons mounted on the wall behind him. It looks decorative, but you don’t doubt there’s a lot of practical ones for use available somewhere as well. Is he serious about fencing? Is he good at it? Whoever you inspire with your food would have to be pretty good to beat Max, if his confidence is anything to go off of.

A few people watch from the hallways and walkways that surround the large open room you’re in. There’s one man in the back who looks like a chef. It’s not just the ladle in his hand. It’s the way he carries himself too. You just know.

“What are you going to put on the line?” Laki asks him, stepping in front of you. She takes a wide, defensive stance that makes you feel protected, but slightly emasculated.

He looks her up and down. “I’m flattered by the offer, and I don’t mind a little flirting.” He winks at Abigail. “But truth be told, I’m a committed man. If it doesn’t work out though...” He gives another smile to Abigail.

She raises what looks like an interested eyebrow. How can she possibly react that way?

“Putting your relationship with this young women as a wager would show seriousness.” The monk tells him.

“H-hey now. Let’s not start talking about that sort of thing.” Hana interjects, holding your arm tight enough to hurt. “Isn’t there something else to wager?”

He leans back. “Well, Herby-boy’s the one kicking this whole thing up. What’s he putting on the line? Whatever it is, it shouldn’t be hard to match.”

“It’s not a matter of matching it with his wager. It’s a matter of something of importance to you.” The monk reminds him.

“Very well.” Max says, making a little gesture to ward off his small flash of anger on his face when the monk told him that. “My ship.”

“A boat?” Keira asks.

(continued)

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>>2674000
He laughs lightly and condescendingly. “A ship.” He corrects. “My Pride and Joy. That’s the name of it, by the way. If you climb out onto the balcony you should be able to see it in the harbor. It might not be the fastest ship in the region, but by the time you get anywhere, you won’t want to get off of it. I spent a lot of time customizing the deck, control panels, and cabin spaces.”

The monk keeps his dignified look, but just barely. “Few could deny that is something of great value.” He says.

“Mainlanders really are rich.” Abigail mutters.

“Not all of us.” He smiles back at her, gesturing towards you. “What means as much to you as my Pride and Joy means to me, Herby-birb? Besides the temporary discomfort of invasive Kecleon, of course.”

Your mind flashes back to that time. You and he were catching Kecleon on a small island. He just spammed Discharge and other area attacks all over, knocking them out indiscriminately and without being able to see how strong of an attack they could take. You and your friends went to a lot of effort to move them as peacefully as possible. He must still dislike that you disagreed with his methods.


>If he wins you’ll announce he was right about handling the Kecleon and you were wrong
>Your Super Rod. It’s valuable and sentimental
>Your frying pan. Extremely sentimental and important to you
>Ask about his girlfriend
>You’ll owe him a giant favor. Something huge
>A shard
>Something else

>>2674009
>>Your frying pan. Extremely sentimental and important to you

>>2674009
>>Your frying pan. Extremely sentimental and important to you

>>2674009
>His boat
Honestly at this point it's not even the importance, it's just that it's a ridiculously large amount of money that I feel like Herb would be uncomfortable with even betting for with what he has right now.

And again, like was talked about at the end of the last thread. I still believe that Herb just doesn't jive all that much with this temple's methods. But fine, if it's going to happen.

>Your frying pan. Extremely sentimental and important to you

Through thick and thin it's been there for us. It's the blood and sweat that really brings out the taste in Herb's dishes.

>>2674000
>He leans back. “Well, Herby-boy’s the one kicking this whole thing up. What’s he putting on the line? Whatever it is, it shouldn’t be hard to match.”


LIAR!

>>2674009
>Forget it. I don’t feel comfortable taking something so valuable from you, or bartering with anything that could match that.

>>2674009
>>2674057
Actually yeah, taking back my vote for this. It's just too much.

>>2674009
>>Your frying pan. Extremely sentimental and important to you
>>Ask about his girlfriend
If he's still dating our sister and they're happy, I'd consider letting him off the hook if/when we win in exchange for continuing to treat our sister right.

No need to suggest that before it's over, though.

>>2674087
Aw man. I don’t want the responsibility of maintaining a ship. Do you know how much work that takes?

I guess it’d make Hana happy though...

>>2674009
>>2674057
I'll back this too.

>>2674125
Thanks, but I think the tiebreaker was >>2674087

>>2674116
Even if we end up with it, we don't exactly need to keep it. We can either hand it over to our parents or, if we're really set against it, see if Val would be willing to take it off our hands. It'd make for a funny story, at least.

>Hey Val, so I gambled my frying pan and won a boat, and I'm looking for some advice...

My phone’ll die soon, so consider this you guys: can we have multiple people fence for us at the same time? Like, Laki, Hana, Abi, Keira, and whatever big tough guys we can convince?

>>2674177
I haven't seen anything against it in the rules yet!

I was actually kinda hoping we could go that route.

>>2674009
>Forget it. I don’t feel comfortable taking something so valuable from you, or bartering with anything that could match that.
Herb has already proved himself tons of times and there's nothing here worth wagering anything we value.

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You take out your frying pan. Your sure they’ll have a lot of questions about it, so you want to start by explaining how uncomfortable you are first before you put this forward as your wager. “I really don’t feel comfortable with a bet that large.” You say. “A ship? That’s just...”

“Well, you heard him.” Max says, sounding satisfied. “He’s backing out. Some of us are here to adapt and respect the Loanan way of life, and some of us are just here.” He shrugs.

“Woah. Hold on. That’s not what Soft...Herb said.” Laki steps forward. “He’s just modest.”

“An admirable trait, but not the one needed right now.” The monk says.

While that’s happening, Abigail makes her way towards the smug Max. “I’d love to see your ship sometime.” She purrs.

“Well.” He looks a little nervous. “Like I said, you can probably see iot from the balcony.” He points. “It’s the really great one.”

She and a few others go out to the balcony and look down at the docks. There are a bunch of ships there. One in particular stands out for it’s massive size and clean hull. There’s some writing on it, but you can’t make it out from here.

“Is that it?” Keira asks.

Max isn’t looking where she’s pointing. “What do you think?” He asks arrogantly and rhetorically.

Abigail moves closer to Max. “you know, there’s a thing at the pokecenter where I’m from. It’s a tracking thing for ship traffic in the region.” Max looks uncomfortable. “I always dreamed of sailing away. Having a ship of my own and being free.” She reminisces. “So I’d always look at the big ships. Sometimes thinking about which ones are big enough to stow away on.”

“Uh, yeah.” He doesn’t know what to say.

“I don’t remember seeing that name. I do remember a small liner ship coming into the region though. One with a hull like that.”

“Look, guys.” Max throws his hands up. “Herb backed out. Let the poor little guy have what’s left of his pride and let’s see the other-”

“Hold on.” Laki says, pulling her attention from the monk. “Point out the ship, Maximilian.”

“It’s over there.” He gives a quick wave of his hand.

“Which. One.” Laki insists.

He sighs. “The one at the end of the dock.”

“The dinghy?” Hana asks.

“DINGHY?” Max shouts, causing Gobble to jump back in surprise. He was trying to climb up high enough to see over the balcony. “Pride and Joy is not a dinghy!”

“It’s not big enough to call a ship.” Laki says.

“It’s not the size that matters.” He retorts. Hana says nothing, but snuggles your arm a little closer.

(continued)

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>>2674210
“It’s a grave dishonor to commit fraud.” The monk tells Max.

“It’s not fraud! Come on! I was here before, remember? I just want a chance to get my badge back. I worked hard on that gym battle and hard on my ship!” Real emotion explodes from his eyes. Probably he first time you've seen it from him. "There are some very awesome games and posters in the cabin! And yes, it's a cabin! Big enough for a queen sized bed and room for a mini-fridge, tv, game system..."


>Alright. You’ll put your pan up against that
>No way. He lied. What else can he put up?
>You don’t want to do this with him. You’ll talk to the chef and figure something else out
>Something else

>>2674220
>Just walk away. This is Max's issue. We're done here.

>>2674220

>Alright. You’ll put your pan up against that

>>2674220
>>You don’t want to do this with him. You’ll talk to the chef and figure something else out

>>2674220
>Sorry, I don’t have your badge, so I can’t wager it.

>I hope you do get it from whoever you bet it to.

>I think we should take this challenge with other people.

>>2674220
>>2674248
Backing this as well

>>2674220
I kinda want to ask if he can put up something less important to him. I'd feel bad if he lost his ship if it's important enough that he broke character over it.

>>2674220
>You don’t want to do this with him. You’ll talk to the chef and figure something else out
I mean, I'm sure Hana would love having the nerd boat full of games, but the pan is too important.

>>2674220
>Alright. You’ll put your pan up against that
He misled us about the book value of the ship, but the fact he cares about it wasn't.

I'm still willing to put up a bet and try to teach Max to be less of a shit by the end of the wager. Not sure if it'll play out that well, but we've been doing the same thing with Jane all this time. Might as well shoot for consistency.

>>2674263
I think the difference is that Jane did care in her own messed up way. Max is just an ass who sees Herb as a tool to use.

>>2674275
I'd have argued differently about Jane a long time ago, before we got to know her. Max may very well be someone okay to be around when he's not putting up his front.

It'd take a while for him to move up from being a shit (if he can at all), but we won't really know either way until we hit him hard and see what he's got hiding underneath that persona he keeps up.

>>2674298
Oh she didn't care about Herb but she wasn't trying to play everyone. She actually didn't like Herb because she thought he was. But Herb could recognize why she acted the way she did. Max is just an ass. Anytime we've tried to be nice he's taken advantage. I'd be willing to bet him now that we've seen him actually care about something. I do want to know if we can have now than one champion because if so we have an army.

>>2674220
>>Alright. You’ll put your pan up against that

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“Sorry, I don’t have your badge, so I can’t wager it.”

He sighs in frustration. “I know that. But the disciple who won it doesn’t owe me a rematch unless I get a win.” He says. “Help me beat this stupid system so that-”

“Enough.” The monk who was giving you a tour snaps. “You’re missing the entire point. We have a loose set of rules precisely because it’s the honor that matters, not the technicalities! You misled this Herb child, dishonored our temple, and I will not tolerate any more disrespect. Do you understand?”

Max holds the man’s gaze for a half second before turning away. “Yes.”

“Good. Herb, I’ll find you someone else to test against. You, young man, may earn your badge back from our monk. I know who you’re talking about.”

“Really?” Max asks.

“Yes. But you’ll need to pass our junior training class.” He gestures to another room. You can see small children training in martial arts there.

“You’re...kidding, right?”

“Herb may have modesty, but you clearly lack it.”

Max yanks his arm back. “No! Screw that! I’ll earn another badge! I don’t need to be dicked around by a bunch of monks that just play games!” He backs away.

“I bet if you work hard you can get your badge back.” You offer your advice and try to calm him down.

You expect a glare, but he just looks confused. “Is that sarcasm? A joke? What am I going to learn joining some class full of kids? I have commitments, you know. And a girlfriend. Maximillian is a man of dignity and pride. Not some backw...” He stops himself.

“You could learn everything you need to know in a day.” The monK tells him, before lowering his voice. “But I doubt it.”

Max picks up his bag. “I’d say it was a pleasure, but a gentleman shouldn’t lie.” He gives the briefest of bows, then turns away.


>Ask the monk who you’ll face instead
>Wait, Max, let’s talk
>Wait, you’ll take his challenge anyway
>Let yourself feel a little smug about him being exposed to everyone. He really fries your biscuits
>Ask to meet the chef
>Something else

>>2674355
A gentleman shouldn't be so blindly proud he misses the point of the Gym either.

It's about working hard, being truthful and upright, not lying is not enough, it's not deliberately misleading them either. It's about knowing your strengths and weakness and succeeding despite them, to be a man and when life hits you where it hurts instead of crying or trying to make excuses you get up, dust yourself off, and try again.

Max you have the mannerisms and class of a gentleman, but it's still all an act. When you get asked to back yourself up you fold.

>>2674355
>>Ask to meet the chef
Max is gone. Now onto things that actually matter: cooking!

>>2674355
>>Ask the monk who you’ll face instead
>Ask to meet the chef after

>>2674355
>Wait, Max, let’s talk
>I’ll even take the class with you.

>>2674355
>Nothing worth having is easy to get Maximilian. Good luck with your next gym!
Make sure to give the girls a smile during this.

>>2674355
>Not some backw...
Let a little too much slip about your past, huh?

Alright, I'll give it one more crack. I'll try it in his language, though.

>A gentleman doesn't run, either. A gentleman leads from the front when faced with a problem. And your problem right now... is children.

>Take the class with the kids. Ace it, even, prove the monk wrong. A gentleman should be able to deal with kids for his lady, after all.

Woo, just got here. I'm glad we have another Pokemon Island Adventure thread. Hi, Gobble!

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You go after him. You need to say at least something before he goes.

“What?” He asks annoyed.

“A gentleman shouldn't be so blindly proud he misses the point of the Gym, or run.”

“What is this, a lecture?” He asks with an uncomfortable laugh.

You brace yourself. You try to think of what he needs to hear right now. “It's about working hard, being truthful and upright, not lying is not enough, it's not deliberately misleading them either. It's about knowing your strengths and weakness and succeeding despite them, to be a man and when life hits you where it hurts instead of crying or trying to make excuses you get up, dust yourself off, and try again.”

He rolls his eyes. “Come now what is this? You do a little well with some local girls who treat you like some fetish to make their fathers upset, and you know all about their ways?”

You try to ignore that comment so you can continue. “Max.” He scrunches his face at that. He prefers Maximilian. “You have the mannerisms and class of a gentleman, but it's still all an act. When you get asked to back yourself up you fold. A gentleman leads from the front when faced with a problem. And your problem right now... is children. Take the class with the kids. Ace it, even, prove the monk wrong. A gentleman should be able to deal with kids for his lady, after all.”

He thinks. “You think my girlfriend would be impressed? She wouldn’t laugh at me for joining some kids class?”

You’re shocked. “What? Who would do that. If she did, would you even want to date her?”

He laughs. “Ah, you're probably right. She wouldn’t. She’s a nice girl. But even if she was that way, she’s hot enough to be worth it anyway. You should see her...nevermind.” He says. “But I don’t know if I can do this. It’s so...humiliating.”

“I think that’s part of the idea. They want to see you do something that’s hard for you. Nothing worth having is easy to get.” You say loud enough for your girls to hear. Laki winks back playfully. Hana smiles awkwardly but actually looks a little uncomfortable. Oh shoot, you didn’t mean it like that!

“Alright. You’ve made a strong argument, Herby-boy. I’ll prove I can delight the children and be humble. That I am a well-rounded gentleman.” He gives you a pat on the back. “But friend, let me give you advice of my own. It won’t work long term with the local girls. Sow your oats but don’t forget how they really see us.” He pats you on the back and chases after the monk.

What’s that supposed to mean?

You walk back to the monk after a minute and bow.

“Ah yes. Your challenge. Hmm.” He thinks. “I’ll have to find a fitting and willing student. In the meantime...”

“Could I talk to the chef?” You ask. Gobble stands right by your side, equally hopeful.

He laughs. “I don’t know, can you? He’s right over there.”

(continued)

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>>2674669
The chef, a tall, strong looking man with a casual air about him, is leaning against the wall over at the other side of the room. You rush over and bow.

He asks you a question in Loanan.

“Umm, sorry. I don’t speak Loanan.”

He asks it again, slower and louder. He must not have understood you.

You look around and see the girls all preoccupied with other things, except for Hana. Laki is peering into a martial arts class, Keira immediately found herself surrounded by monks and is holding some sort of religious talk. Abigail seems to have vanished to somewhere.


>Cooking is a universal language. Show him your recipe book and see where things go
>Ask Laki to help translate
>Err, sorry to bother you. We’ll talk later
>Try to pantomime that Gobble can cook. Maybe he’ll be interested in that
>Something else

>>2674671
>>Cooking is a universal language. Show him your recipe book and see where things go

>>2674671
Does our dex have a translator? Also where's Kai?

>>2674671
>Cooking is a universal language. Show him your recipe book and see where things go
The language thing may just be a test, but I'm intrigued enough just to get down to the cooking.

>>2674671
>Cooking is a universal language. Show him your recipe book and see where things go

>>2674671
>>Cooking is a universal language. Show him your recipe book and see where things go
Should make it clear enough we're a chef. Gobble's talents can come into play later.

>>2674671
>Get Laki or Kai to help.

I like these bits about Herb’s story as an immigrant a whole lot. I like how it compares with Hana and Jane’s stories too.

I know you like to keep a vague-ness about these things Gobble, and usually that’s for the better, but I think it would be more immersive if you wrote out his lines in gibberish.

I forget, does Hana not speak Loanan?

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Now where did Kai go?

Ah, forget about it. “I’m a chef too.” You say.

He cocks his head and answers with a one word question.

“Ah, sorry. Here.” You say, showing him your little recipe book. It has a lot of pictures, so you’re confident he’ll be able to understand.

“Ah.” Is the one word you understand before he says something else. He lights up and points to himself “Toomai.” Then to you. “Toomai.”

“Toomai means chef?” You don’t know why you asked that out loud. “Yes. I’m a toomai.”

He asks a few questions, which again, you have no idea about. But seeing your difficulty, he points to the book. You’re pretty sure he’s confirming if you know each one.

“Yeah. Oh, yup, I’ve done that one a few times.”


He makes a face. “Sore.”

“...Sore?”

“Sore-er.” He says, making that face again, but more exaggerated.

“Sour? Sour! Yeah, I agree. I used to try to hide it, but I found that instead if you add in a nice sweet bread as a side it really goes well together.” You point to a picture on another page. He seems to understand the general idea.

“Mau Toomai.” He laughs, emphasizing the first word. You’ve heard that one before. By context, you think it might mean many, or large, or something to that effect.

Gobble tugs at your leg. He wants in on the conversation too. “Oh, and this is Gobble. Gobble is Toomai too.”

He really lights up at that. “Toomai...pokemon?”

“Toomai pokemon!” You repeat.

He looks really enthusiastic. But he calms himself down and puts a hand on your shoulder, then says something. You don’t know what it is, but it’s serious.

“He says you’re interesting enough to skip the challenge, if you want to learn from him.” Kai says.

The chef nearly jumps out of his skin, and so do you. Neither of you realized he was there.

You examine the chef’s face. Every sense tells you he’s sincere and not testing you. Your not even sure if he’s offering a lesson or just a tour of his kitchen.

“Right, well, have fun.” Kai moves on to somewhere else. He vanishes around a corner.


>Awesome! Let’s go!
>Wait, you want to prove yourself first with a challenge so there’s no room to accuse you of bypassing the system
>Grab someone who can translate first. They’re busy and would miss out on what they’re doing, but you don’t want any misunderstandings
>Something else

>>2674671
>>Cooking is a universal language. Show him your recipe book and see where things go

>>2674922
>>Grab someone who can translate first. They’re busy and would miss out on what they’re doing, but you don’t want any misunderstandings

>>2674922
>>Wait, you want to prove yourself first with a challenge so there’s no room to accuse you of bypassing the system

>>2674922
>Grab someone who can translate first. They’re busy and would miss out on what they’re doing, but you don’t want any misunderstandings

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>>2674897
[She does not]

>>2674922
>Awesome! Let’s go!

>>2674922
>Grab someone who can translate first. They’re busy and would miss out on what they’re doing, but you don’t want any misunderstandings

While I disagree that we need a translator (who I feel would be thirdwheeling and making i less fun to bond over food) we could switch to have this be how Kai makes up his debt to us.

>>2674984
>>2674922
>Grab someone who can translate first. They’re busy and would miss out on what they’re doing, but you don’t want any misunderstandings
I'd back this. I'm not thrilled on pulling someone in, but didn't want to tie the vote to stop it either.

Good compromise here.

>>2674922

>>2674984
This!!

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You glance around first. You need a translator.

Hana sits on a small bench in the corner. She looks exhausted. She doesn’t know Loanan anyway, but even if she did you’d hesitate to bother her. You know she can get a little overloaded with too much socializing and needs some breaks now and again. Gardevoir sits down next to her and looks the same.

Laki is now chatting with a monk who was teaching some children fighting moves. It looks like she’s getting a quick lesson on something right now.

Keira is surrounded by people now. She’s accidentally fallen into some sort of spirited debate about theological matters and has drawn a small crowd.

You can’t find Abigail anywhere. Where did she vanish to?

You peak around the corner Kai went to. He’s bowing to an important looking clergy member. You’re not sure what the story is there.


>Search for Abigail, even if it takes awhile
>Ask Keira. She probably wants out of that debate
>Gardevoir wouldn’t mind if you asked nicely, you’re sure
>Ask Kai to help. It’d give him a chance to clear any debts he feels he owes you
>Ask Laki for help. She loves helping you
>Something else

>>2675065
>Ask Kai to help. It’d give him a chance to clear any debts he feels he owes you

>>2675065
>Ask Kai to help. It’d give him a chance to clear any debts he feels he owes you

Chicken-Chan pics are the best.

I’m interested to know what Keira is talking about more specifically though. She might have the advantage in personality, fighting doesn’t affect ghost.

>>2675065
>>Ask Kai to help. It’d give him a chance to clear any debts he feels he owes you

>>2675065
>>Ask Kai to help. It’d give him a chance to clear any debts he feels he owes you

>>2675065
>Tfw abigail is cheating with Max because she's garbage like her mother and falls for that us vs them race baiting shit.

>Ask Keira. She probably wants out of that debate

>>2675179
Please, Abbie's just messing with Max. She knows that type of guy and how to play them.

>>2675179
She was being so good that I refuse to believe it's not some ploy. Though I could see her doing something like this to make Herb jealous.

>>2675196
He's not jealous, you're jealous! Shut up!

>>2675193
Yeah, she basically said she was doing exactly this when he made sure she wasn't falling for Max's behavior. We know for a fact she finds a jealous Herb to be cute.

>>2675198
The soft-hands doth protest too much, methinks.

>>2675238
Yamero

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>>2675238

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You approach Kai slowly.

“And that’s what it means to be a man.” The older man concludes. “Oh, is this the one you were talking about?”

Kai looks surprised to see you. “Umm, yes sir. This is Herb.”

The important man bows, you return it. “Well, I must be going then. Think deeply about what we’ve discussed. And if you still think that’s the right choice, I’ll respect it.”

“Right choice?” You ask Kai when the man leaves.

“Joining the temple.” He says casually. “So what do you want?” His tone isn’t impolite, he’s just being direct.

Joining the temple? You guess you’ll ask about that later. Instead, you ask him to help translate for you while you go with the chef. Kai agrees, saying it would be the right thing for him to do. The two, followed very closely by all of your pokemon but especially Gobble, go to join the confused chef. Kai explains something and the chef nods and leads the way.

“You really should learn Loanan if you’re going to live here.” Kai says.

“Well, it was sort of a last minute move, and my mom said we’d only be here for about three years.” you say absentmindedly. Your own words don’t even reach you until they’re out there. You hadn’t thought about that at all until just this moment. It all hits you like a hyperbeam.

“So Laki’s going back with you to the mainland?”

“I...”

The conversation is cut off as you arrive at the kitchen. You and Kai apply your hair nets and move in. Gobble is stopped at the door until he wears one too. All of you pokemon do, despite the obvious lack of need for most of them. Dice gets his over his entire head somehow. Mace looks looks incredibly unimpressed with having to wear his.

The chef begins to speak. “I make no exceptions in my kitchen. I know it’s silly for some pokemon, but it’s important to have universally applied rules.” Kai translates. “I understand you’re looking to learn new recipes. I’ve heard about you from a chef at another temple. She was impressed. But I’m less enthusiastic about foreign boys who come to our islands and take our women.” His tone makes that sound like a joke. You don’t laugh though, it’s a bit uncomfortable. “Tell me, why do you cook?”

That’s a good question. You love doing it, of course. And you’re good at it. You started because your family needed some help around the house and mom and dad would fight about money when she had her gambling problem, so stretching ingredients and making good food helped smooth that over. And grandpa taught you a lot. But that’s why you started. Why do you do it now?


>You’re good at it, but want to get better. You want mastery!
>You feel a need to care for those around you, and what better way than with food?
>It makes you feel useful. You’re not much without it
>It makes you popular and appreciated
>Every time you do it well, you feel like grandpa is nearby
>Something else

>>2675256
>>Every time you do it well, you feel like grandpa is nearby
>You feel a need to care for those around you, and what better way than with food?

>>2675256
>Every time you do it well, you feel like grandpa is nearby
>You feel a need to care for those around you, and what better way than with food?
These two seem right.

>>2675256
>A few reasons, but mostly because I like seeing people, especially the ones close to me, be happy and healthy. I want to be the best I can be at that.

You know, I don’t think we’ve made any stat-boosting meals like we made before for a while.

>>2675256
>>You feel a need to care for those around you, and what better way than with food?
I mean, we could also help people accessorize, but food is one of the universal things for humanity. If we want to be able to take care of *anyone* with our skillset, it's only natural to build on cooking.

>>2675256
>>You feel a need to care for those around you, and what better way than with food?
>>Every time you do it well, you feel like grandpa is nearby

>>2675256
>>Every time you do it well, you feel like grandpa is nearby
>You feel a need to care for those around you, and what better way than with food?

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>>2675238
Fixed this for you.

Side note whoever did the original cute lil' herbs and laki art you're amazing.

>>2675256
>You feel a need to care for those around you, and what better way than with food?

>>2675304
I think it was lamb.

Lamb a good.

>>2675304
Herbs and Laki art?

>>2675325
But this is a blue board!

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>>2675332
I swear we used to have more posters. Whoever did pic related. There were a few others. The first few threads had a lot of mace art. There's a few of dice. etc.

>>2675339
Looks like Lamb to me.

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>>2675339
Your mom gay.

>>2675362
She's a grown lady and she can make her own choices.

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>>2675372
aaBut if i learned anything from alex jones is that there turning the freaking frogs gay. So coulx turn your mom gay.

>>2675362
Everyone’s gay, it’s pride month.

>>2675390
Have you been drinking?

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“I like caring for everyone around me.” You admit. “It probably sounds a little silly, but I think good food has this amazing ability to help people. Especially people that are down or hurting. But even if you’re on top of the world, a great meal is always something that makes the day better. Food feels like the best way to care for everyone. Mostly because I like seeing people, especially the ones close to me, be happy and healthy. I want to be the best I can be at that.” You look up, waiting for Kai to finish translating.

The chef nods and listens. “Why else? What are you holding back?”

Jeez. Wow. You feel a little naked right now. “Um, well. This is going to sound strange, but when I do it really well, I feel like grandpa is there again.”

He says something to Kai, and Kai replies. There’s a bit of a back and forth between them that makes you feel left out.

“Chef just means someone who makes food. And that’s usually how people use the word toomai, but it comes from a root word that means to care for like a mother. You have a very feminine nature.” Kai gives you a pre-emptive shrug. “His words, not mine.”

“Uhh, thanks.” you say.

“You’re here to learn a recipe, aren’t you? I like you, young man. And your,” Kai sighs. “Little assistant. Oh no, not you, translator. You have an attitude. I meant the Munchlax.” Kai somehow matches Mace’s unimpressed expression after that. “I’d like you to show me a recipe from your homeland. One that reflects your current state of mind. Then I'll show you how to improve it.”

What...does that even mean? Your current state of mind? Does he mean how you feel, or what you’re working towards?


>Make a dish of many varied appetizers. You’re scattered in a lot of directions, but you can make it work
>A very masculine, meaty dish. You’ve been really manning up in every way
>A simple rice dish. You don’t have any complicated feelings right now
>Grandpa’s souffle. You have long term romance on your mind
>A hearty soup. You can always use something solid to keep you prepared for the most draining, demanding day
>Something else

>>2675409
>>Grandpa’s souffle. You have long term romance on your mind

>>2675409
>Implying he can improve grandpa's souffle

>A hearty soup. You can always use something solid to keep you prepared for the most draining, demanding day

>>2675409
>Grandpa’s souffle. You have long term romance on your mind
I really thought about the girls when Herb was describing why he cooks.

>>2675409
>Grandpa’s souffle. You have long term romance on your mind
Definitely seems the most fitting after that realization.

>>2675409
>Make a dish of many varied appetizers. You’re scattered in a lot of directions, but you can make it work

I feel this fits best. Plus, it’s not like soup is really a mainlander thing. I think that a big sampler really reflects a place that has been open to the world longer. Really, it’s hard to pick a fish without knowing what was grown back home or what their traditions were. Although, if we want to extend a metaphor into the literal...

>Make a melting pot. Lots of different flavors, like ideas or people, should come together and be embraced.

>>2675409
>>Make a dish of many varied appetizers. You’re scattered in a lot of directions, but you can make it work
Eh, I know i'm in the minority, but I'm thinking back on the aura vampire discussions we were having. Between that, Abby seeming receptive to Max, dealing with the in-laws Laki's parents, talking Keira off a mountain, traveling through time and everything else, we kinda are scattered most of the time. We don't even mean to be, it's just everyone pulling in different directions and we're trying to keep all these things in our orbit before they fly off, forgotten. Like Polu and Val, for a while.

I think I've hit my limit. Have a good night, everyone, and thanks for running, Gobble!

>>2675409
>>Grandpa’s souffle. You have long term romance on your mind

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>>2675443
[Night!]

>>2675409
>>A hearty soup. You can always use something solid to keep you prepared for the most draining, demanding day

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A lot of ideas come to mind, but it’s the girls that always occupy it in the end. You quickly get to work on grandpa’s souffle. You grab the ingredients from the kitchen on instinct. This chef has a fantastic layout. It’s all so intuitive.

The chef asks Kai a few questions, to which Kai responds in Loanan and doesn’t translate for you. You hear Laki’s name and a few words you recognize, but not enough to make sense out of anything.

That’s okay. You need to focus. Despite the simplicity of this one, it’s the timing and precision that makes this dish. You get all the ingredients in place and feel the sweat drip down your face as you slowly rotate it for even heating. You need three hands for this next part.

And that’s when Gobble offers you help.

“Alright, Gobble, let’s handle this part together.”

You do exactly that, with Gobble helping hold things as you add in ingredients at the right moment, at the right times.

“There, all done.” You announce.

The chef, who has been watching closely, moves in closer. He smells it, walks around it, and pokes it with a fork. Amazingly, he manages not to pierce it.

“Very intimate.” He judges and is translated through Kai. “Nice body, smells fresh, excellent rise.” He sniffs some more. “But there’s a problem. It’s perfect, yet imperfect.”

“What do you mean?”

“You know what I mean. It’s missing something.” Kai’s monotone voice doesn’t reflect the chef’s tone at all. “This is a dish intended for two.” He says. “That’s interesting. It’s a dish of love, which is also interesting. It’s a souffle, which is very boring and no use to me, but it means a lot to you. But it’s not quite done. What’s missing?”


>It just needs more time
>It should be larger, because it might end up needing to serve more than two
>You didn’t commit enough heat
>You should have asked for more help from others
>Try to apply an aura infusion
>Something else

>>2675582
>>It should be larger, because it might end up needing to serve more than two

>>2675582
>It should be larger, because it might end up needing to serve more than two
>Try to apply an aura infusion

>>2675582
>It’s meant for an occasion. My grandfather made it when he proposed. I won’t be making this for real for a while. This is just the recipe.

>I might end up having to make it bigger, won’t I? It feels a little weird, adjusting his recipe. But I think he’d approve.

>>2675582
>It just needs more time
Thanks, Gobble. I got to sleep. See you next time!

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>>2675582
>It just needs more time
>It should be larger, because it might end up needing to serve more than two

>>2675339
I did a couple. Mostly just lurk these days though.

>>2675597
you're awesome!

>>2675597
That’s adorable.

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>>2675597
[Cute and saved!]

>>2675582
>>2675589
This is really well thought out.
Backing this.

>>2675589
Supporting this

I messed it up, he made it when he and grandma conceived our parent, not when he proposed.

Sorry.

>>2675654
You done goofed

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“Well, It’s meant for an occasion. My grandfather made it when he proposed. I won’t be making this for real for a while. This is just the recipe.”

The chef keeps circling around it. “Yes. I can see that. You’re very open.”

“I might end up having to make it bigger, won’t I?” You admit. “I think it needs to serve more than two. It feels a little weird, adjusting his recipe. But I think he’d approve.”

Kai gives you a funny look, but adds no commentary.

“You’ve bared your soul to a stranger.” He says. “And your grandfather's.” He pauses. “Did you know that both of our langauges have the same expression, but it has a different meaning? When you say that someone is dead to you, it means that youn no longer care for them or their fate, from my understanding. But to us, it’s a much nicer expression. Saying ‘you’re dead to me.’ just means you haven’t seen someone for awhile but still think of them often. Their ‘spirit’ is still with you, influencing you. The reason being is that the spirits just go to the next world but they’re not ‘gone.’. They’re just not in sight, but they’re still very much there.” Kai looks a bit weirded out at translating this conversation.

“That sounds nice.”

“Your talk of your grandfather reminded me of it. Isn’t that a funny coincidence?” He doesn’t wait for an answer. “Your souffle should be cooked in glass when you do it for real. The clarity will help you see if it gets too hot, and the properties will allow you to heat it more precisely.”

You bow and thank him for the advice.

“It’s fine. I’ll need your help on my dish. I need an expert opinion on this.” He reaches into the fridge and brings out some cold pizza.

“It’s cold pizza.” You say.

“Yes, but the old men all complain. It’s not like the cold pizza they tell me about from their teenage memory. The kind they’ve had before when that foreigner brought it as a cultural exchange, and they had leftovers.” He walks you through the whole process he used to make it. It mimicked the same kind of pizza oven settings, got ingredients from most of the same suppliers, and even got his hands on a special heating element that only a certain franchise pizza places uses. “And yet, when I present it, they complain. It’s the same meal they had that time.”


>Leftover pizza needs memories of the night before to achieve peak excellence. It can’t be replicated
>Leftover pizza is sometimes eaten by people with a hangover. Misery can make the good things better
>Their taste buds changed with age. He needs to account for that. Nothing stays the same for long
>He needs to let it cool in a cardboard box. That’s the missing detail. There's no magic to it, just nostalgia
>Something else

>>2675671
>>Leftover pizza needs memories of the night before to achieve peak excellence. It can’t be replicated

>>2675671
>Leftover pizza is to be reheated by microwave, with a paper towel on top, and taste a little bit like your fridge.

I don’t know man, that’s just how I do it.

>>2675671
>>He needs to let it cool in a cardboard box. That’s the missing detail. There's no magic to it, just nostalgia

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Leftover pizza is to be reheated by microwave, with a paper towel on top, and taste a little bit like your fridge. But that’s not the only thing. Leftover pizza needs memories of the night before to achieve peak excellence. It can’t be replicated. Not without replicating the night before.”

He thinks. “Yes. Yes! Of course!” He grabs you by the face and kisses you. It’s brief, but that doesn’t make it better. Lots of wet lip. “You truly understand the emotions of your eaters! I look forward to working with you, assuming you pass your challenge.”

“But why does he need to pass?” Kai asks as soon as he’s done translating. “Can’t you just teach him now?”

“Oh? Of course. But as Herb here just explained, it’s the experience that makes it special. And we must keep traditions alive. It’s those traditions that keep us Loanan. Herb, please fight hard. I’ll teach you my greatest recipe. Maybe you’ll be able to complete it.”

He dismisses you and Kai, which is a relief because it’s getting late. Kai yawns, looking exhausted. You don’t blame him. It’s getting late. The two of you start going back to the main lobby to find the girls. You see an exhausted Keira. Her voice cracks from the strain of talking all day. She’s up on a small crate, still locked in a debate over what sounds like absurdly detailed theological fine print. You overhear two of the young men still sticking around to watch.

“You’re just agreeing because she’s cute.” One boy says to another.

“Nah ah!” He disagrees. “And you can’t just call a Ghost priestess cute. It’s disrespectful!”

“We get few enough girls on the island as it is, let alone the temple. Trust me, just because my thoughts aren’t pure doesn’t mean they’re disrespectful. I would worship that ass.”


You move Kai away to another group, and overhear another conversation.

“Did you see that new mainlander boy with the turban? Says he can’t take it off. Some sort of custom.”

“Poor kid. Bad enough being a Haojin at this age with these boys. But going in being so soft-faced? He’s going to get eaten alive.”

“Nah. He’s got a strong attitude. Don’t let the face fool you. He can scrap. Swears a lot, too. Really mouthy. You don’t get that mouthy without knowing how to take a hit. He’ll be fine.”

You find Hana asleep in the lobby on the bench, cuddled into Gardevoir. Laki is just drenched in sweat, having spent the day practicing wrestling. She still has some of the predatory energy, from the way her eyes focus in on you when she sees you.

Apparently you’re just in time as the bell rings. “The women must sleep outside of the temple. No exceptions.” A monk announces to the room at large. He looks to you and Kai. “You may sleep in one of our simple chambers, or go outside with the women.”

(continued)

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>>2675767

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>>2675769
>>2675767
[oops!]
“I want to stay the night, if that’s alright.” Kai asks.

“Of course. The accomodations can be quite difficult for those that are used to more pampered lifestyles, though. And you, young man?”

Your natural instinct is to camp outside so you can be with your girls, but Abigail is still in here and you have no idea what she’s doing. Still, if she wanted you involved, she would have involved you, right?


>You’ll go camp outside with the girls
>You’ll stay in. This could be a unique experience
>Something else

>>2675774
>You’ll go camp outside with the girls

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[Also, last vote for the night! I'm off. Take it easy!]

>>2675774
>You’ll go camp outside with the girls
there are maxes out there dammit.

>>2675777
Nighty night!

>>2675774
>>You’ll go camp outside with the girls

>>2675777
Goodnight Gobble.

>You’ll go camp outside with the girls
Night Gobble

>>2675774
>>You’ll go camp outside with the girls
Thanks for running Gobble!

>>2675777
Just read the rest of the thread. Good stuff! I always like when Herb thinks about his grandpa, lots of love there. Herb's Grandpa, the one who ran the day care, was his mom's father right?

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>>2676181
[Thanks, and yup! Grandpa is from mom's side.

Also, thread a little later today. Just clearing out a few things. My last paycheque looks short, and my former boss was kind of a scumbag so I'm making sure to keep pressing it and recording everything.]

>>2677018
Good luck with that, Gobble. I hope you get what they owe you without much issue. You are aware that some of us wouldn't mind helping you if you ever find yourself in some actually serious financial problem, right?

>>2677153
Spoiler
>Patreon jew shekels intensify

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>>2677153
[Thanks! I'm doing decently. I don't *need* that money, but I've just seen too many people (including myself) get ripped off and do nothing about it, so I'm going to be stubborn on this. It's a principle thing.]

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[Thread shortly]

>>2677634
Man, I miss having summer holidays and staying up for this.
Have a nice thread, guys! Don't make us lose the fucking pan or anything equally terrible!

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Camping Outside the Fighting Temple

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Pokemon%20Island%20Adventure%20Quest
https://twitter.com/GobbleQM
Character info pastebin in progress: http://pastebin.com/iB0tb7rz
Dice odds for best of 3: http://pastebin.com/994WTT3g

General rules:

There is a 10 minute voting period after each post. Non-contradictory votes will be combined as best as possible.
Write-ins for all votes are always welcome and encouraged. They may not all make it into the post or be altered to fit in, but I'll do my best to at least try to address the spirit of the write-in.

Very important or contentious votes may be redone in a stricter voting system as circumstances warrant.

Combat mechanics involve three rolls of 1d100, taking the best, and using the base accuracy and crit ranges of the the PTU system, roughly, but the 'turn order' will be more like the anime, where sometimes you can do a few moves in a row or be hit by a combo of moves yourself, all depending on circumstances. Stronger moves tend to take more time and have more cooldown than weaker moves and also may leave you open to an interrupt, so beware of that timing. Speed is more important for closing ground, intercepting, and other things and doesn't necessarily mean going first.

Pokemon and trainers are unique, and may have certain specializations, skills, or other things that the video-game mechanics might not allow. Some examples: That kung fu Bellsprout in the anime, that crystal Onix, or a Roggenrolla that can fly. Herb's perception skills, pokemon knowledge, context clues in general, and other things will hopefully come into play to avoid completely unfair, unforeseeable bullshit, but expect more bullshit from more advanced trainers.

Call me out on a mistake and receive a suggestive picture, mostly likely a butt.

Pokemon:
Gobble (Munchlax)
Mace (Roggenrola)
Belladonna (Roserade)
Dice (Croconaw)
Sorbet (Vulpix)

Location: Akaneki, the Fighting Temple

>>2677709
Woo! Pokemon-hype!

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You decide to camp with the girls. After all, there are a lot of guys like Max out there. Well, that, and that predatory look Laki gave you makes your heart flutter a little.

“You’re crazy, wanting to sleep outside when you don’t have to.” Kai says as he goes with some of the other young boys towards the dorms.

“Mneh? Eh?” Hana says as you and Laki go to wake her up. She embarrassingly removes her hands from Gardevoir. The large, humanoid pokemon looks unphased. “I fell asleep? What are we doing?”

“Going to bed.” Laki says, pulling her up.

You approach Keira, who looks absolutely exhausted. She’s still locked in a long discussion with a monk about some theological issues that go way over your head. She doesn’t look like she can really get away easily. At least, without leaving her debate opponent with the last word.

And of course, Abigail has vanished into the temple, dressed as a boy for some reason.

If you want to have your nightly call with Valerie, massage time with Laki, and everything else, you should probably get moving now.
>Signal to Keira that you’re leaving to camp outside. She can figure out how/if she wants to come right away
>Interject and pull Keira away. She needs some sleep and rest
>Stay a bit and listen to the conversation. You’ll miss time on other things, but it could be educational
>Something else

>>2677755
>Signal to Keira that you’re leaving to camp outside. She can figure out how/if she wants to come right away

>>2677755
>Interject and pull Keira away. She needs some sleep and rest
That's all nice guys but she's done being harassed. We also need to find Abi

>>2677755
>>Signal to Keira that you’re leaving to camp outside. She can figure out how/if she wants to come right away
>>2677763
She's sleeping inside the temple for some reason.

>>2677761
I think if she could figure out how to get away she'd have done it by now. I think she's trapped by being polite.

>>2677755
>Signal to Keira that you’re leaving to camp outside. She can figure out how/if she wants to come right away

>>2677755
>>Interject and pull Keira away. She needs some sleep and rest

>>2677768
That doesn't mean we can't save her from constant harassment.

Reverse trap?

>>2677790
Pardon?

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You wait around a bit for Keira to notice you. Since you stick out a bit, it’s not that long. You signal to her to that you’re going to camp. She half nods while she brings out her counterpoint to the monk’s statement. Her make-up doesn’t hide the shadows forming under her eyes.

She moves to get away, but the monk brings up a counter-counter point that you can see makes her eyes light up. It’s that look someone gets when they almost expect someone to say something and they’re sick of dismissing it.

“So...are we going to bed, or ‘bed’? Hana asks in a low voice.”

“I still have to call Valerie and I think I owe Laki a massage.” You say.

“I’m glad.” Hana says. She quickly realizes how she sounded. “I-I mean, that you two are talking a lot. It’s good to keep in touch.”

“Yeah.” Laki stretches. “I should get some of my own friends. Besides my pokemon, I mean.”

Hana hugs her Tirtouga.

The three of you make camp in a dark spot under some trees, a short distance from the temple, using that small tent. Laki insisted on making sure you’re off temple grounds officially, despite there being a few perfectly fine areas. She explains that they don’t mind it, but she doesn’t like to abuse that sort of thing. “Our society relies a lot on social pressures. It’s how we stay free, but structured.”

That’s really interesting, but yet another reminder of how little you know.

You call up Valerie to catch up again. Making this a nightly routine was a good idea. Even though she doesn’t have much new in the way of news, you wo can always fall into some really great conversations. She’s always busy doing something like brushing her hair or working on a routine while she talks, but instead of that distracting her, it seems to help her focus on topics.

Hana comes into the tent quietly. Laki is still out doing some last minute training. You give her a quick nod of acknowledgment without interrupting your talk with Valerie.

And that’s when you feel the tug at your pants.

“Hana.” You whisper, and point to the pokedex. You’re on a call.

“Did you say something?” Valerie asks?

Before you can answer, you can feel Hana do something very lewd to you. Oh jeez. Oh wow! She looks up and winks.


>Subtly get Hana to stop. That’s rude
>Try to carry on a normal conversation, be subtle
>Eh. Keira and Abigail were fine with that sort of thing in front of them. Let it happen and don’t be subtle
>Something else

>>2677875
>She moves to get away, but the monk brings up a counter-counter point that you can see makes her eyes light up. It’s that look someone gets when they almost expect someone to say something and they’re sick of dismissing it.
Great job guys. She's really having a great time... stuck there.

>Try to carry on a normal conversation, be subtle

>>2677875
>Subtly get Hana to stop. That’s rude

Oh nothing just trying to tell Hana that I was on the phone and would appreciate some quiet so we could talk without interruption. I'll help her in a bit after the call.

>>2677875
>>Try to carry on a normal conversation, be subtle

>>2677875
>>Subtly get Hana to stop. That’s rude

>>2677875
>Try to carry on a normal conversation, be subtle

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>knock them both out with a punch and then get then carry them to a cave to be raped.

>>2677875
>Try to carry on a normal conversation, be subtle

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Not knowing what else to do, you decide to carry on a normal conversation to the best of your ability.

“Which blue do you think? The lighter one, or this deeper shade?”

“Deeper.” You suggest.

Hana takes that as a request and happily complies. Oh jeez!

“So you lost your last battle, huh? You don’t seem that torn up about it.”

“Well, it was just a friendly battle. The breeder taught me a bit. She actually offered to breed Bella and Dice.”

“Breeding? Really? Are you going to do it?”

“I asked them how they felt.” You say, working really hard to keep your voice steady. Hana is a very considerate and person most of the time, but right now she’s being outright vicious in her oral assault. “I don't know.”

“Well, good breeding can produce some great results.” She says in time for Laki to come into the tent. Laki almost says something, but stops herself. Instead she makes a half-amused, half annoyed face. “But you have to make sure it’s a good outfit. You don’t want someone negligent handling it.”

“Yeah.” Is all you can manage in response without your voice cracking.

“Are you feeling alright? You sound strange.

“I feel great. I’m just a little distra-ha-hacted. Sorry.”

“It’s fine.” She combs her hair. “We’re friends. And I’m always doing stuff while we talk, too.” Hana moans into you. It’s a soft, needy growl. “I’m glad. It makes me feel less self-conscious. So, after the fighting temple, and I assume the fighting gym, what are you going to do? The festival is starting soon. It’ll run for a whole week, but I’ve heard some people go for the whole thing. Sounds like there’s really a lot to do.”


>Spend a few days doing hardcore training. You need to catch up
>You think you’ll try to find Polu. You’re getting concerned
>Show up early to the festival so you can spend days and days there!
>Spend the next few days mastering cooking. Maybe you’ll have enough new experience to create a new dish
>Spend those few days meditating and working on your aura
>Something else

>>2678015
>Spend a few days doing hardcore training. You need to catch up

>>2678015
>>Spend a few days doing hardcore training. You need to catch up
>Spend those few days meditating and working on your aura

Team training and personal training HOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

>>2678015
>You think you’ll try to find Polu. You’re getting concerned
Unless he shows up in the meant iem then,
>>Spend a few days doing hardcore training. You need to catch up

>>2678015
>There’s always a lot to do between training my Pokémon, cooking, and aura. I’d really like to go to the festival.

>I’m a little worried I’m going to have gone the whole contest season go by without watching one of your routines. Is there one coming up we should go see?

>>2678015
>>2678039
Sounds like a good thing to add on, ask if she has a routine schedule.

>>2678015
>You think you’ll try to find Polu. You’re getting con
>Spend a few days doing hardcore training. You need to catch upcerned

>>2678015
>>You think you’ll try to find Polu. You’re getting concerned

>>2678015
>>Spend the next few days mastering cooking. Maybe you’ll have enough new experience to create a new dish
If in doubt, cook.

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[Oh yeah! Give me some rolls, please!]

Rolled 62 (1d100)

>>2678096
Oh dear, composure rolls

Rolled 7 (1d100)

One thing about PTU is that the fashionista class is good at letting their Pokémon use multiple items. I’d like to see part of hardcore training be finally accessorizing our Pokémon on top of their usual held items.

I’m also interested in learning that motionless dragon dance alongside Dice, which we started.

Gobble could use the elemental punches for coverage, as well as certain moves to use alongside rest, like snore, sleeptalk, and yawn. The stockpile moves would be good too.

Bella could benefit from finishing off Synthesis, as well as laser focus, ingrain, and weather ball.

Not sure about Sorbet, but she’ll be happy if we let her use fire with that berry move.

Not sure if we’re raining Cubone. I don’t really want to.

Mace doesn’t have too deep a move pool, but now that he’s got sandstorm, it might be good to get him earthquake or bulldoze or something. I’d also like to see him learn that rolling technique the kid with the voltorb showed us.

I’m also interested in Herb working on that poetry style the flower girls were using.

As for Abi, who is inside the fighting temple dressed as a boy, we should tease her when she gets back that she was in there to try and satisfy her voyeuristic tendencies.

>>2678096
Oh my. Good luck Herb.

Rolled 64 (1d100)

>>2678096

Rolled 78 (1d100)

>>2678096

>>2678102
>Herb bullying Abi for crossdressing

I can see the smirks from Hana and Laki now.

Also Mace learning Earthquake just sounds so... Right. Especially with Rocks Fall

>>2678110
I mean herb has cross dressed before. I'm not sure he should cast that stone.

>>2678132
The joke is at the voyeurism, not the cross dressing.

>>2678132
Well the joke I was going for was the crossdressing, not the voyeurism.

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“Lots of things.” You say. “Training my pokemon is the big thing though. I feel.” You scrunch your face, trying to keep your composure. “Feel like. I’ve been, neglecting things.”

“You’re the least negligent person I know.” Valerie says. “I’m sure you’re giving everyone exactly what they need.”

Hana finally gets a mouthful of what she apparently needed. You turn the pokedex away because you know your face is contorting. You manage not to be too loud, but you definitely made some noise. You sit up and thrust forward slightly, causing Hana to choke and cough for a second.

“Oh, is Hana there? Are you okay?” Valerie says as you quickly move the pokedex back. “Oh Herb, you look all sweaty. It must be humid there. It's always humid.”

Woo. You managed not to slip up and tip Valerie off.

“Sorry. Herb was feeding me something.” Hana says with a shy but very satisfied smile.

“I’m jealous. I wish I had a taste.” Valerie says, to Laki’s stifled giggle. “The catering for the last event was just awful. It does not stay well under those heavy lights.” She sighs. I’m doing that rich girl thing where I complain about stuff like free food, aren’t I?”

“Soft Hands just spoiled us all.” Laki says, pinching your cheek. “But that’s why we love him.” She kisses the sore spot she just made. It’s gentle and soft.

“I’m also a little worried about Polu. I think if I don’t hear from him after a few days of training, I might start looking for him.”

“It has been awhile.” Valerie says. “I miss him.”

“Yeah.” You say, feeling a little down. Or maybe just a little sleepy.

“Well, I’ll keep an ear to the ground.” Valerie says. “But I’m afraid I’ll have to let you go. I’ve got an early day tomorrow.”

“Wait! Before you go, I’m a little worried I’m going to have gone the whole contest season go by without watching one of your routines. Is there one coming up we should go see?”

Valerie smiles. “You really don’t have to if you don’t want to.”

“I really want to see!” you insist.

She tells you about a few coming up. There’s one tomorrow, which you definitely can’t attend, and another in a few days, and finally, one at the end of the festival, assuming she places well in the next two. After that, she ends up falling asleep with the pokedex on, and you hang up on your end.

“She’s really pushing hard.” Laki says. “But I guess everyone is, except for me.” She stretches. “That’s it. I’m waking up early tomorrow and training.” She commits.


>Good idea. Let’s get to bed early so we can make the most of the morning
>In that case, you’ll give her an extra long massage. Make sure she’s nice and relaxed
>That makes you all hyped up! You’re going to train right now! Night training!
>Lay down, but stay awake thinking of fashion ideas. Maybe there’s something you can come up with
>Something else

>>2678206
>In that case, you’ll give her an extra long massage. Make sure she’s nice and relaxed

>>2678206
>In that case, you’ll give her an extra long massage. Make sure she’s nice and relaxed
Have we still been working out with Laki in the am? If not we should.

>>2678206
>In that case, you’ll give her an extra long massage. Make sure she’s nice and relaxed

>>2678206
>In that case, you’ll give her an extra long massage. Make sure she’s nice and relaxed

>Chat. Is she planning on training Pokémon or herself? Did she know Kai wants to join the fighting temple?

Can we practice vampirism once our Pokémon are too tired to train tomorrow?

>>2678206
>>In that case, you’ll give her an extra long massage. Make sure she’s nice and relaxed

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>>2678245
>Can we practice vampirism once our Pokémon are too tired to train tomorrow?
[Herb's not too tired. He's not fully recovered energy wise, but he's not in a bad way either.]
>>2678234
>Have we still been working out with Laki in the am? If not we should.
[I believe anons voted to join awhile back and I've been neglecting to write it, but yeah, Herb has been doing some light exercises with her on the days he hasn't been horribly injured/otherwise preoccupied.]

>>2678261
Oh I don't really need it written out, just wanted to make sure we were still doing it. Maybe go for a little more strenuous activity after he's healed up a bit more.

>>2678206
>>In that case, you’ll give her an extra long massage. Make sure she’s nice and relaxed

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“In that case, lay down. I want to make sure you’re nice and relaxed and not straining any muscles.” You tell her.

Laki gives you a smug, happy look and drops her clothes, laying face down onto the bedroll. “If you insist.

“I meant a massage.” you clarify.

“That’s how it always starts.” She wiggles her bottom a little. Oh wow. Look at that.

You give Laki a nice, professional, and surprisingly non-lewd massage. You figure it’s important to actually do it all the way once in awhile. It’s only after you’re done that she gets that funny look in her eyes and grabs you by the collar. Her powerful, thick legs slowly and firmly wrap around you, making sure you know she won’t take no for an answer.

“Pants.” She commands.

And that’s when keira comes stumbling into the tent. She lets herself crumple onto the cramped sleeping bag and yawns an apology if she woke anybody up.

“Long day?” Hana asks.

“He just kept going in circles. He’d have me agree to vague proverbs or statements and then try to make that connect to unrelated issues. Every time I thought I had my point clear, he’d feign ignorance.” She says softly into her pillow. “It’s like he wasn’t interested in finding the truth at all, just in being seen as right so I could be seen as wrong.”

“Well, that’s just how some people are.” Hana says.

“But he has influence in the temple.” Keira sounds defeated. “I know I shouldn’t let it bother me, but it’s just...there are so many people like that in the temple. How can I reform anything?” It’s a rhetorical question. “I’m sorry. You were going to mate. Go ahead.” She says, curling under the blanket close by.

That sort of dampened the mood a little. Laki looks a lot less enthusiastic, but on the other hand, you know a few ways to get her going again.


>Sure, keep going with Laki, even with Keira right there
>Have a nice wholesome and restful cuddle-sleep. Get to 100% for tomorrow
>Meditate before bed
>Invite Keira for a walk and talk. She sounds like she’s depressed
>Something else

>>2678351
>Meditate before bed

>Try to get Hana and Laki to meditate with you. You’ve been wanting to try aura mixing with them, and this could be good practice.

>>2678351
>>Invite Keira for a walk and talk. She sounds like she’s depressed

>>2678351
>Invite them all to mix auras.

>>2678351
>>Have a nice wholesome and restful cuddle-sleep. Get to 100% for tomorrow

>>2678351
>Have a nice wholesome and restful cuddle-sleep. Get to 100% for tomorrow

>>2678351
>>Invite Keira for a walk and talk. She sounds like she’s depressed

>>2678351
>>2678372
Then
>Cuddle and sleep

>>2678351
>Have a nice wholesome and restful cuddle-sleep. Get to 100% for tomorrow

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You decide to do a little meditation before bed.

“Oh, you’re going to do the thing.” Hana says from behind. She was just about to glomp onto your back. “That’s bad. My cool.” She cringes at her own statement. “I’ll uh, leave you to it.”

“Want to join me?” You ask. “I was thinking about how aura mixing works.”

Keira shoots up. “Aura mixing?” She then yawns and curls back up. “I...you’ll be fine. You’re always fine.” She mumbles. “Wait, no. I’m your guide.” She forced herself up again. “Let me help.”

“I wouldn’t know what to do.” Hana says.

“You just need to relax.”

“I, uh, my statement remains.” Hana says.

Laki puts her hands on Hana’s shoulder, then gently embraces her from behind. “It’ll be fine. You’re always so worried about being judged. If we haven’t kicked you out for being a little deviant by now, we’re not going to.” Lake let’s hana lean back against her. “Keira, Soft Hands, how do we do this?”

“Aura mixing isn’t easy to learn in a day, but we can practice a little.” Keira says. “A group makes it easier, but also harder.”

“That’s a little vague.” You keep your tone upbeat.

“Sorry. It’s hard to explain. Remember when we did it?”

You think back. It was like your soul was this liquid and your body was a container. You’d just splash into Keira and she’d splash into you. The more heavily you leaned into each other, the more would pour in and the ‘heavier’ it felt.

“I get it. Since there’s more of us, we can control the flow better, but there’s also more weight to it if we lean too heavily into anyone.”

“Exactly!” keira brighten up. “You make me feel like a useful teacher. Herb, you understand perfectly already. Go ahead and take the lead. We won’t get far today, but it should give everyone an idea about how it feels.”

“Is this going to get really personal?” Hana asks.

“Yes.” Keira answers.

Hana inhales deeply, preparing herself. “Alright. I’m ready. Be gentle.”

You’re not sure if she’s ever requested anything to be gentle.

The four of you hold hands in a circle, and by your lead, you try to pour a little arua to swish around. It’s actually a lot harder than you thought it would be. There are a lot of hands on the steering wheel and nobody really quite gets hw to use it. But after some time, everyone gets a small, rough idea. As you giggle and fail a lot, and feel the strange, vague sensations you recognize as each others personalities, you sort of slowly fall into a little cuddle pile and gently go to sleep.

But you have a funny dream. Not one of your own making, but one reflective of one of the girls. Like you had an extra heavy dose of somebody’s aura before falling asleep. It feels like...


>Laki
>Hana
>Keira
>Wait, is that a pokemon’s aura?
>Something else

>>2678509
>Keira

>>2678509
>Laki
>Hana
>Keira

>>2678537
Is.. such a thing possible?

>>2678509
>>Keira

>>2678509
>Keira

>>2678509
>Keira

>>2678509
>Laki

>>2678509
>>Hana

>>2678509
>>Keira

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You find yourself is a strange dream world. You’ve dreamed plenty of dreams, some almost lucid, some not, most of them not something you even remembered when you wake up. But you know, without a doubt, you’ve never experienced this one. This strange filter over your vision and feeling. It just feels like Keira.

You let yourself travel around this surreal area. It’s a lush green island, with a sort of soft, friendly purple haze. It’s like a halfway point between worlds. Alive and breathing, but also with dead and resting.

Your legs feel like and springy. Like you can just jaunt across the land with ease. There’s no tree or mountain you can’t climb.


>Go to the beach of passion and drive
>Visit the lake of comfort and safety
>Go to the volcano of rage and harm
>Go to the forest of joys and fun
>Go to the swamp of forgotten ambitions and regrets
>Something else

>>2678671
>Go to the forest of joys and fun

>>2678671
>Go to the beach of passion and drive
>>Visit the lake of comfort and safety

>>2678671
>Visit the lake of comfort and safety

>>2678671
>>Go to the beach of passion and drive
>>Visit the lake of comfort and safety

She's been dealing with a lot of negatives lately, it'd be nice to remind her of some fun or more comforting stuff.

>>2678691
Weird my id changed. I must have lost wifi for a bit there on my phone.

>>2678708
Your ip has changed as well.

>>2678692
>remind her of some fun
>Literally an option that has fun in it

>>2678671
>>Go to the volcano of rage and harm

>>2678727
Yeah I think my WiFi is up again.

>>2678733
Fuck I somehow missed that. How the fuck did I miss that?

>>2678671
>dive into the whirlpool of sexual tension

Also,
>Your legs feel like and springy.

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>>2678762
[Oops!]

>>2678671
>>2678762
supportan

>>2678762
>>2678671
Imma switch to this for a giggle.

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Your first trip is towards the lake of comfort and safety. Since you’re freshly arrived here and there’s a lot of Keira still lingering in you, you’re sure it’ll be a vivid adventure.

The lake is in a clearing, surrounded by woods and lush green ferns. The calm, almost completely translucent waters have small wooden rafts on them, and small, harmless fish below. A large mountain on one side helps isolate it further, and the slight overcast protects it from overly harsh rays.

This is a place of peace. You let yourself relax on one of the small rafts as the winds gently push it around. You cloudwatch for a bit, expecting there to be some sort of shapes that form, but they just keep slowly patrolling around, forming a soft blanket that protects this place from any evils from beyond.

The qualities that make this place peaceful are it’s isolation and softness. Even as you dive into the water, the fish come towards you to help push you back up if you spend too much time under.

Cutiefly is here. It admonishes you for doing that. But it doesn’t do it harshly.

“How are you doing, Cutiefly?”

It happily snuggles up onto the raft, looking comfortable and relax.

Yeah. This place is pretty great. But there’s a problem. It’s not entirely safe. You can hear things from the forest, beyond the clearing. And things from the mountain. Despite the relative isolation, it’s not entirely isolated. Despite the great distance between here and there, it still gives the slightest feeling of unease.

The noises are whispers. Small things. You hear someone yelling at Keira about something she did. There’s a voice of you expressing your disappointment over her actions while she slept. A quiet sound of monks expressing doubt over her assertions. The judgements of younger priestesses about her being the weird one they don’t want to end up as, as judgements of older clergy cautioning her on how many paths she might cut off.


>Create a white noise device to drown that out
>Shout back at the voices so they leave
>Work with Cutiefly to catch each whisper in a bottle
>Let them whisper. It’s just noise.
>Move on to somewhere else without addressing that problem. It’s not your place
>Something else

>>2678892
>Work with Cutiefly to catch each whisper in a bottle

>>2678892
>>Work with Cutiefly to catch each whisper in a bottle

>>2678892
>Move on to somewhere else without addressing that problem. It’s not your place

Insecurities exist as a reminder of what’s important to us. They drive us to do our best. These seem to not be out of proportion.

Although I can’t remember Herb expressing disappointment.

>>2678892
>Move on to somewhere else without addressing that problem. It’s not your place

>>2678892
>Your disappointment is vastly outweighed by your approval.

>Assure her, her arguments are well founded.

>The younger girls haven't experienced as much as she has and she's got nothing to worry about being unique.

>Everyone takes their own path, it's ridiculous to worry about all the others.

>>2678892
>>Let them whisper. It’s just noise.

>>2678948
Basically this

>>2678892
This
>>2678948

No seriously, when was Herb saying he was disappointed?

>>2678993
I think it's just in general doubts and worries, kind of like when Herb had his dive into his inner self with Jeanine.

>>2678993
When she molested him in his sleep and told him about it.

>>2679007
But this was her hearing us talking about it while we thought she was asleep.

>>2679011
Then I'm not sure in particular, maybe it wasn't disappointment and she misunderstood.

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You hear a voice from the wind. It’s Herbs. You mean, your own. But you don’t remember saying that. You think a lot of this is just her way of seeing things. “Any disappointment I’ve had is vastly outweighed by my approval. You’re one of my closest friends.”

Your words gently collide into the that whisper, turning it into smoke that whisps away.

You address the others. You assure her that her arguments are well founded. The younger girls don’t have the experience to judge her and that she doesn’t have anything to worry about for being unique. Everyone takes their own path, and it’s ridiculous to worry about all the others.

Each time you do, you create bigger ripples in the water. Stronger winds in the air. The calm and peace of the place is disturbed. After awhile, it begins to worry you. As you look back at your surroundings, you’ve become tall and mighty. Behind you, safe under your watchful guard, Cutiefly sleeps on a raft. Your spirit leaves the giant body, and it remains there like a sentry.

The winds and the waters calm down. The temporary disturbance, as unsettling as it was, has made the place more peaceful in the end. You leave. And in your wake is a new, giant Herb-guardian watching over the peaceful lake. He might make disturbances when he needs to protect it, but he’s gentle enough not to destroy anything. No other guardian would fit so well here. That's just how she sees you.

Your springy and carefree feelings of movement return. The world is a pinch less vivid now. You go off to another location.


>The whirlpool of lust and sexual tension
>Go to the beach of passion and drive
>Visit the lake of comfort and safety
>Go to the volcano of rage and harm
>Go to the forest of joys and fun
>Go to the swamp of forgotten ambitions and regrets
>The plains of isolation
>Something else

>>2679022
>>Go to the forest of joys and fun

Oh dear.

>>2679022
>>Go to the forest of joys and fun

>>2679022
>The whirlpool of lust and sexual tension

>>2679022
>Go to the beach of passion and drive

I want to see some Martin Luther stuff here.

>>2679022
>Go to the forest of joys and fun

>>2679022
>Go to the beach of passion and drive

>>2679022
>>Go to the swamp of forgotten ambitions and regrets

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[I'm afraid that's all for tonight. I've got the new job in the morning and have to take off a little early. I'm not exactly sure about my schedule, but I know my hours will be less than the old job. I'll keep you guys posted as soon as I know.

In the mean time, I'm always lurking. Feeling really pumped up to have the quest back and running again!

Sleep tight, everyone!]

>>2679059
Thanks, Gobble! You also sleep well!

>>2679059
YEAH! Good luck at the new job Gobble!

>>2679059
Thanks for running Gobble! Hope the new job goes well!

>>2679059
Nighty!

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>>2679064
>>2679065
>>2679075
>>2679087
[You guys are the best. Seriously!]

>>2679059
be sure to sleep the tightest.

Keira doesn't need help with her joy and fun, she's already got that nailed.

I reckon the passion and drive would be better for her quest to strengthen her conviction. Swamp of regret would be interesting desu , dont know kuch about that, sane sith volcano of anger.

Whirlpool is for lewd heram anons

>>2679240
Speaking of the harem:
I’m really attached to the size we have now. That Herb can only hold two hands at once, which is a nice little poetic bit that I think exemplifies how with too big of a poly relationship, one living situation can’t satisfy everyone. With Keira, it’s obvious she’s close with everyone in the harem. But it doesn’t feel like the same type of closeness? But I can’t place why. There’s intimacy, trust, attraction, caring, everything that would signal to me a healthy romantic relationship. Is it just because I’m opposed to expanding on principal? Certainly, I’m against Keira going into the fertility route if she’s not long-term certain about it, since it would limit her ability to do other things in the church. Not that a romantic relationship can’t work without penetrative sex, or sex at all. I’m less conflicted about Valerie. She also shares a meaningful relationship and attraction with the whole harem, but I don’t see anything but friendship and maybe swinging coming from it. Abi’s reference images are really really great, and both Herb and Hana are into that, but she’s really only got a connection to Herb, and she pushes boundaries a lot in a way that can be uncomfortable. And there’s no way Herb is going to promise her marriage when he hasn’t even technically proposed to Laki. And if Herb tried to expand, it could make his current relationship with his girls look less serious/meaningful to outsiders, or worse, to Hana/Laki.

Anyways, Herb’s finite time and energy and the limits of his current relationships contesting with his much more boundless capacity to love and care for others and desire to make them happy is a fun one. I’d like to see, say, Laki express romantic interest in some third party to her current boyfriend and girlfriend/sal-mate, since she was set on building her own harem at first. Most preferably Keira, but more likely Val. I want to revisit in more detail the conflict between Loanan ideas about ranking within a harem (leaders, girls, possibly lower-ranking girls, gender roles) with mainlander ideas about everyone being equal in any healthy romantic relationship.

tldr; Keira, Val, and Abi would all be super fun to invite into the bedroom or maybe romance but there are reasons for each that a physical or romantic relationship with any of them could be very bad and even attempting it could really damage our current friendships and romances, so it’d be nice to see Laki take a turn to initiate the conversation about adding a physical or romantic relationship, since we’ve already had Herb cause the current harem and Hana broach swinging with anyone, Abi in particular.

I’d also lie to add that I’d like to see Herb do some in-character prioritization to keep track of all his different interests and goals. For instance, does Herb have a plan for how to help Gardevoir with her amnesia/altzheimers? Visiting a psychic temple (as they should know about memories and psychic type Pokémon) would be a good start. Or maybe putting her through a Pokémon center healing machine? When will we teach Cubone how to fish like we wanted? When is vampire practice? When will we decide who should train Cubone? (I don’t want Herb to. Cubone doesn’t appeal to me.) And so on. I think that keeping track of his goals would not only serve a nice in-character piece of growth as he learns to manage his natural tendency to promise a lot of things to a lot of people and have a lot of interests, but it would also help the audience keep track of what’s going on and keep the story tighter by helping keep loose plot threads from happening. Remember when we told Sorbet and Bella we’d do a contest type thing with them sometime? I don’t want that sort of ring to be dropped.

Anyways, that’s my pent-up feedback. Hope it’s helpful, Gobble/Anons.

>>2679466
I feel like you've nailed that Herb has more than the capacity to love others but I disagree that it's a bad thing to add more in. Keira's life has been pretty open and she's repressed her sexuality for a long while, it feels like it's less that there's not that closeness and more like she's stunted or normalized it to an extreme degree.

Abigail's most definitely got that connection with Herb but she IS friends with Laki as well, even if they jab at each other all the time.

I'd like to see Laki being more aggressive like you talked about as well.

So yeah, nothing new really to add, just think that romance is totally doable without it being a bad thing. Also Cubone a cute and I want Herb to hug and cuddle her in his arms with Dice and Sorbet for one big picture.