sculpted | MISSION 004 [SOUTHERN ROUTE 35

[[GOOD MORNING, JOHTO! Should you be watching your video feed this fine day, or in the vicinity of the outskirts of Goldenrod City, you'll soon catch sight of Alex Louis Armstrong posing dramatically in front of the camera, shirtless. Of course.]]

I have a marvel for you all today! My beautiful Stein has evolved into his final form!

[[And suddenly, popping up in front of the camera is....

....a swan in a purple bra. A sparkly purple bra.]]

Witness the way the sunlight catches his glossy feathers! The way the light sparkles across his wings! Have you ever seen such a magnificent sight, Johto?!

[[As Armstrong speaks, the Swanna goes through a series of triumphant poses. And if one looks closely, they might even see some....pink sparkles near his eyes? Could he have learned the art of the Armstrong sparkle, passed down in the Major's family for generations?]]

My Pokemon are now all in their final forms! And so I pose this question to you, noble viewers; what Gyms do you recommend we take on? We have been training our bodies firmly and dutifully in preparation for this day!

[[And behind him, Armstrong's team of Pokemon sit quietly, mostly looking amused at his display. Some look annoyed, but more at the Swanna's posing rather than their trainer.]]

Alternatively, should you wish to come and marvel at the sight that is the magnificent and beautiful Stein the Swanna, I welcome you all with open arms!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Alekhine seems quite pleased with himself for all of about five seconds before... teleporting away. Archer doesn't seem to mind that his Pokémon has up and disappeared - he can still contact Alekhine if he needs to - the Pokémon can read his mind, after all.]

Thank you, but I have been here for quite some time. Alekhine is one of my strongest Pokémon.

[The modesty is false, of course, but he's used to putting on a show.]

Ah, about that... I take it you've never had them battle together before? How do you normally train your Pokémon, Armstrong?

[Archer prefers to train his together to foster teamwork. It's also more like commanding an army, and let's face it, he fucking loves commanding armies.]

I use a mixture of personal and mixed training, Colonel! I like to train right alongside my Pokemon!

[[....DAZZLE]]

I find it makes the training session far more rewarding, to sweat alongside your Pokemon! To feel their pain, and their achievements! We have formed an excellent bond!

[[....as for those other two...]]

I'm afraid Stein and Berli are harshly opposing personalities. But I suppose they make life exciting for me!

[[...which is one way of putting it...]]

[Well that's certainly... one way of saying it...]

I can see you have; having fewer Pokémon would certainly help with that, I'm sure.

[A pause while Archer considers; training alongside one's Pokémon probably would help a lot too. Not that he'd ever do it, of course.]

It's certainly a unique training method, but as long as it works for you. I do suggest attempting to train both Stein and Berli at the same time, however. This battle was merely a practice - if you're required to double battle anyone in all seriousness, an error like that will cost you gravely.

[Archer is reprimanding, of course, but his tone isn't harsh. There was a reason why the soldiers actually did like him, after all! ~~And it wasn't his warmongering ways, that's for sure.~~]

I don't see this as something that you can't overcome. If anyone can get two Pokémon who loathe each other to work seamlessly together, I'm certain it's you.

[That bit of flattery there is admittedly part of the Ego-Stroke Game, but Armstrong is one of those rare people Archer actually does admire. Not because of his muscles, but because of how he handles things. ...Archer just likes the people he worked with, okay.]

[[Armstrong bows his head respectfully as Archer speaks; he knows he has a point.]]

You are completely correct, Colonel. I will be sure to discipline both of them; I have no problem with a bit of healthy competition but these two take it too far, all the time!

[[....and that bit of flattery is very appreciated, ok]]

I am touched that you would say such a thing! Now I surely must endeavour to ensure that my two Pokemon work peacefully together! I would not be able to bear it if I let you down, Colonel!

[[....HE HAS A REALLY GOOD OPINION OF YOU, ARCHER....]]

[You're the only one, Armstrong...]

Excellent. I look forward to a rematch with you in the future. Hopefully the two of them will be working together.

MISSION 004 [SOUTHERN ROUTE 35 - ACTION/VIDEO]

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