autocratic | [Video | Action for Goldenrod]

[ Private Text Sent to Ventus in the early Morning }

I must speak with you. Attend to me when you are available.

[ The feed clicks on to briefly show a Shinx's face before he grabs at the Gear, carrying the device in his mouth and turning it around to face his trainer. Said trainer's currently standing at what looks to be a dock, stretching quite languidly, and... in swimwear.

Unaware of the shenanigans her little Pokemon is up to, Nero pumps up her fist once she's done stretching. ]

Mmm! Such a beautiful day! I believe Spring has finally arrived. A good time for an exercise...

Right, Praetor?

[ There doesn't seem to be an answer to whoever Nero's just addressed... until a distant roar is heard. There's a slight rumble as whatever it is is coming closer, then a very loud splash occurs in front of Nero's face as a Gyarados rises from the depths of the oceans, peering down at her trainer. She merely laughs while her Gyarados lowers her head so that Nero can climb and sit on top of her crown. ]

Now... let us dance!

[ Her response from her sea serpent is a loud roar, before Praetor crashes back into the ocean, with Nero still on top. Lux the Shinx lets out a yelp and ambles closer to the edge of the dock, where Nero and Praetor the Gyarados pop out of the surface of the ocean ahead, and you can still hear the Emperor's jubilant cries.

Yup. Someone's bouncing with her recently evolved Gyarados. In Goldenrod waters. ]

[ Actual Video, a few hours afterward ]

[ The feed snaps back on after a moment, now showing Nero actually addressing the Gear herself. Still in her swim wear, but with a red towel draped around her shoulders and currently sipping on a can of lemonade, she takes a moment to swallow before speaking: ]

Good afternoon. Due to... recent events, I feel I must ask whether or not Johto holds an annual... festival, of sorts? Truly, there are times to be serious, but keeping that a constant in one's life is just as unhealthy as being too lax!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Her arm gestures grandly to the waters before them. ]

Why, for a swim, of course! It is a perfect day to enjoy such! Besides, such an exercise might help you cool that head of yours.

[The comment actually prompts him to feel his forehead, looking up as though he'll see anything but his wrist in front of him]

Cool my head?

[ And then she goes to place a hand on his cheeks, feeling the increased there. ]

As expected. [ Grinning, yes. ]

[He'd probably be disappointed in his own transparency if he wasn't so busy getting redder and hoping he isn't]

I-I'm just-

[Can't even come up with an excuse]

[ She keeps her hand there. You cannot fool her sense of touch, Ventus! ]

You will continue to lie to me about your condition, even though the evidence is within my grasp? Come now, Ventus, it is only a swim!

I'm not lying. [He can't help but huff a small sigh] Master taught me better than to get all...

[Whatever this is. Shaking his head a little as though to dispel some mental fog, he tries to move on from that point]

I don't think I'm dressed for swimming though.

Oh? [ She'll finally move her hand away, then. ]

That can be fixed. We can march right back into that Department Store and purchase one!

Well, I could do that...

[Because naturally he doesn't think that Nero would waltz into the store in her bikini]

[ Think again, Ventus. She's moving back down the docks, briefly stopping to recall Praetor into her ball before picking up a red towel and throwing that around her shoulders. Then she motions Ven to follow her. ]

Come. To the Department Store!

[Ven can't help but stare for a moment or two, wondering if they really can just waltz in like this, but if it doesn't concern Nero...]

Okay then.

[So he'll offer an arm, something he can remember doing with somebody in the past]

[ She arches a brow, then giggles, easily slipping her arm around Ventus' as they walk. ]

Oh? A gentleman, are we?

Manners're very important, been taught that since I can remember.

[And away they go, toward that really tall building in town]

Teachings from your Master? It is good that you pay your respect to him by upholding what he has taught, Ventus.

[Ven nods before his gaze drifts toward the sky]

I really want to be somebody he can be proud of.

[Although Eraqus said he already was, the brief while he was there. He never wants to disappoint his Master]

I do not see why he would not be already. You are already proving to be a fine gentleman in my eyes, Ventus.

[ And she means this sincerely, not that she isn't a fool to think her words would be greater than actual validation from one he considers his Master. ]

[It's enough to make him flush a little anyhow. Sure he always wants his Master to be proud of him, but he can tell she believes what she says]

Well, I'm glad you think so.

Of course! You should be feeling incredibly honored. It would take many attempts and much more time for anyone else to receive my approval.

Wha- really? But what did I do?

Did you not see Praetor? You also took the time to train her yourself for me. Do not think I did not look up the levels upon which a Magikarp needs to evolve!

Ah, well, it was pretty fun. I was looking forward to surprising you and all.

Is that your desire to see your friends happy speaking, or something? You have been rather generous to me ever since we first spoke, Ventus!

Well, people have been pretty good to me too. This world's been pretty kind most of the time. But I do like seeing my friends happy, and you're my friend too.

Besides, you looked really glad with Praetor.

[And Nero's got a grand smile, she must recall]

[Video | Action for Goldenrod]

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