complexrestart | 014 [video/action] backdated to the afternoon

[The time has finally come for Rika to battle Whitney. The battle goes by quickly as Rika manages to fly through the first five pokémon with her Ampharos and Mr. Mime. However, when Whitney's Miltank comes out, Rika runs into some trouble, but she is able to defeat Whitney with her Ninetales. As usual, Whitney bursts into tears after the battle, prompting Rika to comfort her.]

There, there. [She pats Whitney on the head, but it doesn't seem to help much.] It is only one loss. If you become stronger and believe you can do it, then you can win battles in the future. [It doesn't stop Whitney's tears, but she calms down enough to hand the badge to Rika. After deciding that anything else she said wouldn't help the situation, Rika walks over to the Gear, which is being held by a Shinx. She takes the device and scoops the pokémon up into in her arms.] Mii. I did it.

[She smiles at the screen for a few moments before pointing to her Shinx.] This is my new team member. She hatched several days ago. [She smiles again, this time at the Shinx, before looking back at the screen.] I wish good luck to anyone else who decides to take on the gym.

[The feed cuts off as Rika heads towards the gym's exit.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Wow. Does she always cry like that?

Nice job Rika.

I believe so. Everyone I know that has challenged her has ended with Whitney crying.

Mii. Thank you, Smoker.

You think she'd get over it. It's just a battle.

Was it difficult?

I agree. I believe that she needs to learn that winning is not everything.

... A little. I had trouble with her Miltank.

Or at least how to get stronger so she stops losing constantly.

What's so tough about it?

Yes. Hopefully she will learn that it's what she needs to do.

It's the highest level, and the one that she's saving until things get difficult for her.

I see. Certainly something to be careful of then.

Yes. Have you challenged any gyms yet, Smoker?

Just Falkner.

I was hoping to challenge Bugsy, but halfway to Azalea Straw-Hat decided to go back to Violet to fight Falkner. Then Kazooie came back and Hina showed up, so it's like were going in circles.

You don't mind it though, do you?

Well... I do. Going backwards just rubs me the wrong way, but heh...

Between you and me, I'm really relieved they're here. Hina was the one I was saving the second gyarados for.

That's good to hear. Did you give it to her yet?

Yeah, well kind of. I told her I had one for her, heh.

What did she think?

She's thrilled.

She always wanted a pet sea monster.

Do you have sea monsters at home?

Yes, they're much bigger though. And far harder to tame. Kind of impossible really.

Have you ever tried?

Not worth it. Marine ships are coated to avoid seakings. We only kill them if they attack.

Besides, it's not really like you could bring one along with you.

Mii. I see. Although, it may be fun trying to tame one.

Or suicidal.

I suppose. Although, that could make it more fun.

Heh, I'll leave that to her then, I'm sure she'd enjoy it if she ever found the time.

Are you good friends with her?

Very close. We've been friends since our days in the academy. She kept err... bailing me out when I got in trouble with the bosses.

[Because Smoker takes orders like a rebellious teenage. Which consists of "Go to hell! You're not the boss of me I'll do what I want!" and running away on his motorcycle.]