It very much is good…! My partner and I both support each other whenever we can, for the same reason.

I have no objections! I think it’s lovely you have your own support, Clive. I’ll be happy to have him along for our meal afterwards, too.

Of course, of course!

Oh, oh yes. How about this, after we see to your glasses, I’ll treat you and Clive to a meal as thanks to her for looking out for you, and I’ll tell you the whole story then, hm?

And… everything Clive says about being odd is true. It’s okay, you know? Being a little different is how I met some of the most important people in my life. I thought it might help to hear that from someone else, too.

Oh, any time this weekend!

I read the rest of this thread, I hope you don’t mind. I’ll be able to come along! And yes, yes, it’s very practical for a Trainer to have a spare pair of glasses, Ruby! You wouldn’t want to go without if they were to break while you’re out on an adventure. +

And I’m very glad to have you! The work you do helps everyone, not just me. That you enjoy it is all the better.

Good, very good! I’m so happy you benefit from it.

Having a friend to support you can go a long way for feeling safe…! The same way that people feel like they can accomplish more with Pokemon, Pokemon feel the same way when they’re with a trusted person. That’s what I think.

Oh dear…! Whatever their motives, you’ve given help and comfort to someone in need. That counts for something.

That’s very considerate of you. Whether he chooses to stay or go, you’ve made a wonderful difference in his life.

Of course, of course! And the poor thing. I’m sure you’ll do a fine job of taking care of him. Is he to become your personal Pokemon?

@rutilate.bsky.social I hope you don’t mind the extra company! We’ll be headed out Saturday to better accommodate Ingo, so you’ll also have some time to rest after your current trip. I’ve booked a room for each of us to stay at an inn close to my old home near Ecruteak.

It is! We could make a weekend out of it. Possibly longer… Yes, yes I think a somewhat extended stay may be in order. I’ll arrange for it when you next return. It’s been so long since I was last home, and I would love for you to meet my old mentor. Perhaps he even has some insight on recent events.

Oh, oh yes, PLEASE do! I have a mountain of questions about their experiences I’d wish to ask them if you’re ever lucky enough to come across one. And maybe, maybe we can consider tickets to Johto just for the best odds…

I would so very much love the chance to go and observe them myself. Does their differentness affect how their peers perceive them? Held in higher regard, perhaps, or outcast? Are they aware how coveted they are by Trainers and thus deliberately make themselves more elusive, or the opposite…?