Oh I uh. The being a bad kid is because I get angry and stuff, and act out. I try to hold my temper but... I'm not good at it, and I say awful stuff. It's like all these mean thoughts build up, then come spitting out.

Though... Um. Thank you. I'll try to keep that in mind. I.. I really care.

Well, point is, I don't think my dad's bad. I think we just don't make sense to each other. It's probably my fault in the end, but... I don't want to disappoint him, or freak him out, specifically because he really does try. Like a lot.

He really didn't want me to become a trainer, said he wanted me to focus on my schoolwork, so I could get a good job and be able to afford to live somewhere other than the boonies... I wore him down since mom passed, because, uh. I'm a handful. I don't mean to be a bad kid... I just...

I'm in Virbank right now, but we're going to head to Castelia after we do the gym badges.

My dad... He's not a bad dad. He's... He's really trying, but it's like we're speaking two different languages. And now, since mom... Is gone. He's taking care of my little sister alone.

[There was an ice cream shop on one end, followed by a chinese-style bakery that advertised boba tea. After that was a stationary store that had a trinket takeover at some point, and at the end was a store specialising in pokemon care objects like brushes and bags of food.]

Where to start...?

[Alphius *beamed*. They then moved to lead, but paused and looked back to Olivia.]

I know I said it before I went in, but, Congrats again!

[And with that they were off at a brisk pace...]

[The strip mall was tiny, but it was clean, even if looking a bit dated.]

I... Please. I'd like that. If nothing else having people to talk to and help me figure out if I'm crazy would be nice. Dad'd probably be weird and be all "Where did I go wrong? Didn't I always tell you you needed to grow up and be a strong man?" or something like that...

[Alphius just. Beamed at both girls.]

Trapinch really came in clutch, honestly! 'Knows some ground moves and all that!

[They looked between the two.]

Should we go somewhere to celebrate? I saw an old strip mall near here.

[Then let it out in a loud shout of glee!]

I did it! I did it! I beat Roxie!

[With each cheer they bounced on their feet, just letting themself feel the joy of victory.]

[Alphius got to their feet, looking in the same direction.]

Yeah, you're probably right! We should get to the next pokemon center.

I... Do you maybe have any suggestions on how to look into that sort of thing? And, uh, is it something you can do without parents? Ack... I guess you'd not really know since it probably varies based on region...

[Alphius beamed]

It's a long-shot, but maybe Elesa would be up for a talk after we fight her? It's a long way off, sure, but, small goals are worth working towards, too, right?

I... How would I even look into this? How would I even know if this is my whole deal, or if I really *will* get used to things and be fine? What if I regret it if I DO go for it?

I... You're really not playing games, right? This isn't some cruel joke where you're just gonna go "psych!" when I say I'd like to know more, right?

different! Like maybe they have different levels of electricity or something?

Right? [They *beamed*] I'm kinda sad that I don't think I could handle an electric pokemon easily - too many non-trainer-grade electronics - but if I felt more confident I'd totally ask one if it wanted to come with me.

[They move to pet another mareep, then grin.]

Still fluffy, but slightly ++

((If anyone wants to do it with her that’s just a trainer OC in general and not specifically Kalos but could be going to Kalos that’s fine too just lemme know and we can plan something out together

girls.]

Guys! Guys! You should feel them! It's like nothing I've felt before!

[Alphius knelt in front of one of the Mareep, then with a tentative hand, placed their right palm on the little sheep's forehead. They then started to rub the fur, and made their way to the little guy's back. Their eyes widened, a grin spreading wide across their face as they turned to look to the++