A true hero... in training (Pokemon Gym Leader's apprentice quest)

@Luxicato:
How fast are Pokéballs? Because honestly, none of our options are great. Catching Shinx before Luxray commits to killing him would remove the challenger and might allow us to de-escalate by playing to his pride. Yes, Shinx may hate us for taking away his choice, but my top priority is that everyone survives, not to get Shinx as a Pokémon. We can give him the choice whether he wants to stay with us later, when we're not in mortal peril.
 
[X] Move quickly and get in the way to protect the Shinx. Maybe the Luxray will not kill you.

*Looks at Quest title*
Yup, time to try and be a hero, alright. I don't exactly feel like getting a new pair of mittens either.
 
So why I think we shouldn't safe the Shinx is because this is part of nature. The Luxray has been portrayed as something that can reason and has been reasoned with. There are agreements in place and he has allowed us to stay for now and reminded us of the agreement (that is to leave soon). The Luxray is in charge here, especially of all the Shinx and its evolutions.

Another part of not catching the Shinx who doesn't want to be caught is that we can't possibly release him later. This is the place you would release him and this is what would happen to a Shinx with a personality like his. Maybe he'll live, maybe he'll die, I think that's an important part of any self-sustaining ecosystem.
 
So why I think we shouldn't safe the Shinx is because this is part of nature. The Luxray has been portrayed as something that can reason and has been reasoned with. There are agreements in place and he has allowed us to stay for now and reminded us of the agreement (that is to leave soon). The Luxray is in charge here, especially of all the Shinx and its evolutions.

Another part of not catching the Shinx who doesn't want to be caught is that we can't possibly release him later. This is the place you would release him and this is what would happen to a Shinx with a personality like his. Maybe he'll live, maybe he'll die, I think that's an important part of any self-sustaining ecosystem.
But Shonen personality! Also the fact that there is a breject factory of shinx in this area means the ecosystem would still be destabalized anyway unless you dealt with the operation.
 
So why I think we shouldn't safe the Shinx is because this is part of nature. The Luxray has been portrayed as something that can reason and has been reasoned with. There are agreements in place and he has allowed us to stay for now and reminded us of the agreement (that is to leave soon). The Luxray is in charge here, especially of all the Shinx and its evolutions.

Another part of not catching the Shinx who doesn't want to be caught is that we can't possibly release him later. This is the place you would release him and this is what would happen to a Shinx with a personality like his. Maybe he'll live, maybe he'll die, I think that's an important part of any self-sustaining ecosystem.
As Hoshu has already noted, there's a bit of a problem with that idea. First, this place is apparently being used as a dumping ground for the rejects of an illegal breeding operation. Second, this Luxray has an axe to grind, it was likely dumped itself, which is hinted at due to knowing a move that its line can only learn through human intervention. Also, the Luxray has already proven that it will not accept Shinx thanks to its attempt to challenge Luxray. Better to capture him and give him the chance to realize his potential. Maelstrom is our starter, but Shinx has the makings of a good 2IC for our team.
 
I have to wonder what effect this whole situation will have on Violet. The Shinx is at risk of dying, just like her pokemon did before. If Haru can save him, that would probably have the best outcome for her mental health while Haru dying to try to save Shinx will have the worst outcome. I can't really guess the outcome of Haru getting injured to save Shinx.

In theory, Violet might be inspired to become a stronger trainer so that she can protect others, but I think it's more likely that she'll need another pep talk from Haru before continuing on.
 
I'm going to close the vote now. Time to see what happens and if the quest is over because Haru dies or not.
Adhoc vote count started by Luxicato on Dec 11, 2018 at 12:18 PM, finished with 61 posts and 29 votes.

  • [X] Move quickly and get in the way to protect the Shinx. Maybe the Luxray will not kill you.
    [X] Move quickly and get in the way to protect the Shinx. Maybe the Luxray will not kill you.
    -[X] "Please. I know he has given offense, but I ask you. Spare him. He was bred and abandoned by humans who didn't care. But I do. And I humbly ask that you allow him to live."
    [X] Move quickly and get in the way to protect the Shinx. Maybe the Luxray will not kill you.
    -[X] Watch him carefully and have an eye out for any moves. Look him directly in the eye and show no fear. "If you are going to kill children, I can't just sit idly by and watch. Please, let him go."
    [X] Move quickly and get in the way to protect the Shinx. Maybe the Luxray will not kill you.
    -[X] Entreat the Luxray to let you take Shinx away from here.
    [X] Move quickly and get in the way to protect the Shinx. Maybe the Luxray will not kill you.
    -[X] "Stop it! He's a child for Arceus' sake!"
    [X] With Lily as translator, ask Luxray to allow you to take the Shinx away.
    -[x] with the intention of giving shinx to the gym leader
 
So, it turns out that this is still probably the best course of action, because if we hadn't done anoything, Violet would have jumped in front of the kitten instead.

Really? o_O

He just challenged a Luxray out of arrogance and desire for dominance. He might die because he's too stubborn to stay down. He may have the leader trait, but he certainly doesn't have the right personality to lead.
He's still a child. Evolution usually leads to maturity, especially after this kind of brutal beatdown.
 
He's still a child. Evolution usually leads to maturity, especially after this kind of brutal beatdown.
That means choosing to raise him as a leader is less bad, not that "Shinx has the makings of a good 2IC for our team" as you claimed.

Besides, his personality isn't just going to completely change when he evolves. For all we know, it might become worse, as seen with Ash's Charizard. The situation wasn't that different - Ash saved Charmander's life as well, and as soon as he evolved, he became arrogant.

I don't want a second in command that would constantly challenge our position, or worse, risk the lives of our team out of pride.
 
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Where did it say that? I was hoping that we could throw the pokeball without jumping in front of the kitty that wanted to eat us.
I asked Lux on the discord, once the vote was locked, what would have happened if we'd chosen the "do nothing" vote. He said that Violet would have leapt in front of the Shinx to protect it instead. Given the context of what's happening, she's probably having some pretty serious flashbacks right now. Plus Lily probably would have gone berserk. And the option to fight the Luxray with Maelstrom would have made the cat furious that we sought to challenge him with a Magikarp of all mon. Definitely not an auspicious choice.
 
Playing hero
Luxray's teeth were crackling with electricity. His mouth holding the power to kill anyone, to make others submit to his rule. He was proud of his power, oh so proud. He managed to defeat the last pack leader and no one dared to challenge him… until now at least. Even if it was the foolish actions of a kitten he had to…

The human was now in front of him. He was shielding the Shinx with his body and looking at him. He DARED to get in his way? To stop him from passing judgment on his own kind? All humans are so… He wanted to bite him too, get rid of him, but the human started to talk.

Not all pokemon understand humans. Most of them don't. Humans are easy to read, their intentions clear when they try to communicate but only the strong can truly understand them. And he did. The human was begging him to spare the Shinx. He was telling him about his tragic past as if he cared about that. The only thing that matters is the fact that the Shinx challenged him. Maybe he would not kill him… but he had to teach him a lesson. To him and the human.

He got closer to him. He felt the psychic tendrils of a pokemon warping around his mind, trying to read his thoughts, to slow him. He allowed it. He allowed the Kirlia to see images of what he was planning to do to these two. Of how he would let them live but making sure they never forget this moment of…

Then he stopped. A sharp pain in his neck.

It wasn't too painful, it was just a reminder. It helped him to calm down, to regain control of himself again. The pain still there. He had to take a step back from the trainer and it stopped. The device in his neck, under the skin, reacting to the trainer's ID. Of course. He couldn't get too close to a human. He could power through the pain and just attack but… No. He had to remember what Volkner told him. He closed his eyes and tried to relax.

He couldn't just walk away now. His pack was watching so he had to do something.

A stomp on the ground with his paw and another thunder came down. Just in front of them. At the exact distance to not kill or do lasting damage.

"Haru!" Violet screamed as the light hit the ground in front of him. Lily tried to do something, but she had to make sure that Violet didn't get too close. It wasn't easy.

The girl starting to run, breaking the hold that Lily had on her and got closer to the Shinx and the human. Both on the ground. The Shinx badly hurt and Haru unconscious. She dropped on her knees to check on them, not caring anymore about the Luxray. She had to save them.

Lily teleported between Luxray and Violet. This would be a losing battle but she was ready. If he wanted to attack her she would fight until the end. No one would hurt her as long as she was there.

But the Luxray didn't attack. He just stood there, looking at them for a moment with a difficult expression. Lily tried to read his mind but it was a mess of regret and pride for bringing his enemies down. She realized that the Luxray had a problem. Something inside his mind fighting against himself. He then said something. An apology and a promise to that Shinx. A promise for a real chance at challenging him some day.

He quickly disappeared into the forest with the rest of his pack. The two other Shinx with him.

Lily dropped to the ground, her levitation failing. All that tension disappearing and making her head spin. They almost died today.





Your everything hurts. Your muscles are tense when you wake up and it takes you a minute to relax them. Your eyes are closed and your head is resting on something soft. You are comfortable at least. You remember the Luxray, the… attack. Right. It hit you. Is everyone okay…? You feel too slow to even panic. You are alive, so everyone will probably be alive too.

Your hand moves slowly and you touch something. Where are you resting? It's soft and warm and… You open your eyes. Above you the face of a really embarrassed Violet and an angry Lily. You quickly move your hand away from Violet's thigh.

"And to think I was even worried about you…" Lily says before kicking your side. It's a light kick but enough to make you roll away from Violet. Your head now on the cold ground. You sit down as quickly as your body allows. It's still late at night. You probably were knocked out for a short time.

"Where is the Luxray? Is everyone okay?" You asked, ignoring where your hand was a moment ago. Any apology would only make Lily angrier and Violet more embarrassed.

"He walked away. He's probably allergic to stupidity." Said Lily. She was standing up in front of you, her face at your height as she poked your chest with her hand angrily. "You jumped in front of a fully evolved pokemon! It's a miracle you are still alive!"

"But... Did it work?" You asked ignoring her glare. She then looked next to the fire where a Shinx was resting with a serious face. You sighed relieved. "So it did work… See? If a stupid plan works then it's not stupid." You smile at her knowing how that reasoning will frustrate her. That's for the kick.

"You… You… Agh! I can't talk with you." Lily pushed you again, this time a bit harder. You landed on your back as she stepped on you to go approach the Shinx. Worth it.

"Haru Are… Are you okay?" Violet asked next to you, still sitting down on the ground. It seems like she managed to at least talk now even if she was still really embarrassed.

"Yes… Don't worry…" You sit down again and touch the back of your head. Lily was too physically strong for a Kirlia. "I'm glad that everyone is okay."

"M-me too…" She said looking at Lily and Shinx. They were too far to hear them. "I… was really scared. I'm supposed to help you but I just stood there and did nothing while you saved that pokemon…" She seemed sadder as she talked. There was a word unsaid there. She thought that she did nothing… again.

You just smile and stand up, your body slowly returning to normal. You stretch your hand to Violet to help her stand up. "Come on. I told you… Everything will be fine. Everyone is safe this time." She hesitated. "Don't worry. There is no pool today."

Once you said that she smiled remembering the little accident of the other day and accepted your hand. Violet had a beautiful smile, even more when she smiled thanks to you.

You turned around to go talk with the Shinx, but him and Lily were already approaching. The little pokemon was serious and as soon as he got closer he… did something close to a bow.

"He is grateful about saving his life." Translated Lily. "He says that he wants to become stronger to defeat the Luxray someday. He also has a debt with you because you saved his life. He wants to travel with you to get stronger."

You looked at Lily and then at Shinx. The pokemon had a look of determination in his eyes. He was going to get stronger no matter what, even if you don't help him. He now had something to fight for.



[] Capture him.
[] Don't capture him.
 
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[X] Capture him.
-[X] "We will get stronger... Together."

WE SURVIVED, (mostly) UNHARMED AT THAT.

jokes aside we should get this young cub in a ball and roll, i do not fancy our chances of surviving a second encounter. Lots of interesting stuff in this update aswell lux.
 
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[X] Capture him.
-[X] "We will get stronger... Together."
 
[X] Capture him.

My one complaint of this quest is we didn't start with Swinub. :p

More seriously I passed by this quest a few times but seeing a recommendation led me to check it out. This is interesting and I'm more than willing to participate and watch.
 
Maybe he would not kill him… but he had to teach him a lesson. To him and the human.
[...]
The Shinx badly hurt and Haru unconscious.
Great.:rolleyes:
If it weren't for Volkner, he'd have used Thunder Fang and we'd be even worse off. Thankfully, we were lucky and seem to have avoided burns and scars.

He wants to travel with you to get stronger."
While I still think Shinx wouldn't be worth actively pursuing, the fact that he asks us to train him changes the situation.

[X] Capture him.
 
So QM has a Discord group? Can someone link to it please? I'd like to join.

Also hope to run into a Swinub with Huge Potential Trait, but I'd be fine with a regular one. An Ice/Ground Type would be great for our team.
 
[X] Capture him.

Pokemon with set of elemntal moves will help us at that stage and we can part later if our paths no longer converge.
 
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