Choosing which Pokemon to go after was something of a challenge for Violet. But by now she had a vague idea of what she wanted her Pokemon team to look like. Dratini would, of course, be her ace, a physically powerful Pokemon able to sweep entire teams of opponents. When she told him about his future role, he preened, already looking forward to doing so.
But there was more to a team of Pokemon than a single ace, most teams consisted of a few different types of Pokemon. A physical ace, an elemental ace, a defensive wall, a support Pokemon, and multiple other possibilities were valid skill sets to have. Wanting a Chansey, and in the future, a Blissey, for support was something that was near non-negotiable for Violet. There was a very good reason nearly every Pokecenter had one.
Elemental aces were more complicated, having far too many options for Violet to think about. Alakazam, Gyarados, Magnezone, etc were all Pokemon she would be more than happy with, even if she appreciated the flexibility of Magnezone more than the others. Maybe she was overthinking the problem, already planning out a team of six before catching her second partner. But thinking about the long-term was something she and Dratini believed to be a good idea.
It was the fourth category that Violet had decided to catch this week. Having spent a day camping in Route 5, she and Dratini had elected to catch a Pineco. Walking through the plains and farms, the pair made their way toward a forested section on the eastern side of the route. Passing by a well-known Pokemon care center, Violet briefly stopped to take a picture of a Steelix before moving onward to their destination.
The second night was spent in the forest, after spending much of the afternoon walking deeper in towards wilder lands. Having issues getting enough sleep due to the cries of Pokemon late into the night, Violet ended up getting a scarce six hours of interrupted rest before she chose to turn on her flashlight and spend the next three hours tending to a fire and preparing breakfast.
Within the woods, Violet thought, there was a level of tension that didn't exist. Having lived most of her life in a city with her only real travel up to this point involving a well-known trail, relying on her survival skills to navigate was daunting. Yet persevere she did, even if at the moment she was far more nervous than she would ever admit.
A part of her nerves came from knowing she was being watched. All she had to do was look up, seeing evolved Pokemon within the treetops and skies. Knowing Dratini wouldn't be able to fight them, she was relieved they had given her and her partner a single glance before turning away as if she wasn't worth their time. Violet understood why, she stood little chance against a Pidgeotto, let alone a Pidgeot.
As the day went on, she felt her nerves relax, her mind and body growing used to the understanding that there was life within the forest. Comforting Dratini, whose own nerves were on edge she made her way towards a section of the forest where Pineco would sometimes gather. Breaching into a clearing, she smiled as she saw the very thing she had come here for.
A group of five Pineco were hanging in a tree, one of whom took notice of her and notified the others. Seeing the five of them look at her, Violet froze, realizing she hadn't thought of how she would catch one of them. Looking down at the Pokeballs on her waist, she briefly wondered if she could simply battle them for the right to capture.
Then she had a better idea, "Hi!" She called out to the Pinecos, digging in her bag for food. Slightly embarrassed by how long it took to retrieve the meals, by the time she had done so one of the Pineco had already made it to the ground.
Surprisingly relaxed, the Bagworm Pokemon looked towards the food, waiting for Violet to place it in front of her before beginning to slowly eat. After taking a few bites, the Pineco looked up at the Pokemon trainer before letting out an inquisitive vocalization.
"I wanted to catch a Pineco for my journey." She replied to the question.
Dratini chirped in agreement, adding additional context regarding Violet and her goals. Focusing mostly on how it was fun to perform and show himself off, he explained how Violet wanted a Pineco for her team.
The Pokemon in question looked between the pair, taking a few additional nibbles before asking why she should join and make the group of two a group of three.
"The forest is pretty big," Violet began, choosing to answer the question with a broader explanation. "Kanto is a lot bigger, and has new sites and places for us to see." Realizing what it was that Pineco wanted, the trainer tailored her approach.
Pineco was curious, she had chosen to hop down from the tree towards Violet, forgoing the relative safety of numbers to step into the unknown. The Pokemon took a few more bites of the food, now having eaten half of the bowl. Agreeing with the reasoning, the Bagworm Pokemon voiced its understanding before deeply contemplating the decision in front of them.
Holding out a Pokeball, Violet grinned widely as Pineco took a single hop, triggering the catch mechanism on the Pokeball. Violet took a single leap into the air, celebrating the moment before she heard the click of a camera shutter. Turning towards the sound, she felt the lack of a Pokedex before she saw Dratini with the device, looking incredibly smug at what he had done. Flushing red with embarrassment, Violet made him swear to never send that picture anywhere, even if she did save it for future memories.
The Third Week, Pick 2 of the Following
Pokemon Actions
[-] Catch a third Pokemon -
With four routes branching from Saffron City, there are dozens of different Pokemon you could catch ranging from Pidgy to Oddish to Houndour. (Cannot be chosen at this time)
[] Train with Dratini and Pineco -
Both of your Pokemon are good in a battle, Dratini having grown through their playdates, and Pineco being rather perceptive herself. Training for a few days would help them grow.
Battling Actions
[] Challenge a New Trainer -
Pokemon battles were something Violet had little experience in, she should try and find a trainer to challenge.
[] Challenge an Experienced Trainer -
The other option to seek out a Pokemon battle would be to go to the Saffron Gym and challenge one of the attendants there. You may even win.
[] Challenge a Member of the Fighting Dojo -
An unofficial gym, the Fighting Dojo still accepts challengers even if its badges mean little. As with a standard gym, one has to face an experienced trainer before facing the Dojo's master.
[-] Challenge the Saffron City Gym -
You have to challenge one of the Saffron City attendants first before winning the right to face the gym itself.
Traveling Actions (Can Take 1 of These Only)
[] See the sights in Saffron City -
A large metropolis with dozens of landmarks to see, spending a week just seeing what there is to offer would be valuable.
[] Travel to Silver Town -
A town surrounded by mountains and forests on the way to Lavender Town, it does have some unique attractions.
[] Travel to Cerulean City -
Home to Kanto's water-type gym run by Misty, the city has several attractions such as a massive bike store and Cerulean Cave. (Free if chosen this turn and you don't face the Fighting Dojo)
[] Travel to Vermillion City -
A popular seaport that's almost perpetually under construction, it is home to an electric-type gym along with numerous fishing fleets.
[] Travel to Write-in -
There are many locations in Kanto one could take a direct route towards. Traveling to another region is also an option, doubly so due to a train route running from Saffron City to Johto (Note: You can't go to another region yet, the GM won't let you).
Social Actions (For socials, it's assumed you keep up a basic level of contact through text, choosing a social means I write it up)
[] Call up your parents -
Your parents would appreciate a call just to tell them what you've been up to.
[] Call Tetsuya -
An old childhood friend of yours, the two of you drifted off recently. He did say he was headed towards Pewter City through the mountains.
[] Call Willow -
The trainer you recently defeated, she seems fun if exhausting. She did say she's about to challenge the Celadon Gym.
