no_ufo_ending | [Victory Road] Ic Inbox

I did not challenge you because I wanted to see you, Henry.

...You have been here six years longer than I have. I have defeated the eight Gym Leaders of Johto, but it's not enough. I need to check how strong my Pokemon are, compared to someone who has been here for so long.

_{[Henry can't help an ugly, genuinely amused snort at Walter's response.]}

Okay, that's fair. But...the answer is still no. Both because I just don't want to and I'm trying to get better at sticking up for myself--not letting myself bend just because it's what someone else wants--and because you would probably walk away disappointed.

I do not think you would defeat me that easily.

[ His Pokemon aren't weak. But there's another pause as he considers what else Henry as said. A soft rumble comes from the Luxray at his side, both angry that this person thought he could beat her without a problem, and curious. ]

Ah--haha. Hah. Haha. No. You have it backwards, Walter. Do you want to know how many badges I have?

Zero.

[ He stops walking because. What. Henry is not an unintelligent man. He's (usually) observant and capable of combat. And here it's all strategy. The Pokemon fight on their orders and they rarely need to get involved themselves. ]

...How?

_{[Henry can't help himself. He's overtaken with weak, wheezy laughter. He's going to consider this a tiny victory in and of itself. Silly as it is. He puffs out another sigh and stops chuckling.]}

I guess I'm just not that interested in battling. I have a few Pokemon that I'm learning to ride well. I've started assisting with first aid here at the Pokemon Center when I can get away from the computers. I like watching Pokemon in their natural environments and taking photos of them...

...I enjoy them too. Their company.

But they need to be able to fight. People will hurt or steal them. If they cannot fight back, then they can be lost.

[ He's resumed walking, voice soft and serious as always. ]

I didn't say they couldn't fight. It's not going to work, Walter. Nothing you say is going to guilt me into changing just because you want to prove something.

If you want a real battle, battle Heather.

[ Walter breathed out slowly, audibly over the call. There was a lot going through Walter's mind right now....and it concluded, that Henry was far lesser than he had thought of him when he had chosen him as the Receiver of Wisdom. If Henry took this attitude, then the ritual would be completed when they returned back to Ashfield. But he didn't voice this. ]

I was stating facts. How long as Heather been here?

Heather has been here a year longer than I have. She's very good and enjoys battles as far as I can tell when there's a good reason for them.

Would she consider this a good reason? As far as you are aware?

I couldn't tell you. I can't speak for her--I've already learned that. What will you do next?

...I do not have long.

[ Arranging things with Heather took time, and he didn't have much time left. Especially considering how Assumption was close to several of her Pokemon, a battle would need more careful planning on two parts; one to see that Assumption would not refuse to battle at some point, and two to ensure Assumption had time t play with his beloved friends as well. And as he was preparing to free Alessa.... ]

There is more to consider when challenging her than when challenging you.

_{[Henry's lofty attitude shifts a little.]}

What do you mean you don't have long?

[ There's an extended pause. ]

I do not have much time.

It does not concern you, or any ritual.

Oh. Uh. Well good luck with your...I don't know what you're doing. Just don't cause any trouble.

[ He can't see it...but Walter couldn't help smiling at that. ]

Goodbye Henry.

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