timewasting | TFLN 2020

so in other words, you want me to come along as an excuse for you to goof off very responsible adulting, champ

[As uncharitable as Blue's interpretation is, it isn't an ...outright refusal...]

[But he's not that easy to fool!!]

if I wanted to hang out in boring Johto I can do it myself what's in it for me

I don't require your permission to leave the region.
If anything, your company will prevent me from "goofing off."

[ read: he can goof off whenever he wants! ]

As for what's in it for you . . .
You may be able to explore Johto on your own, but you can't compete in the Dragon's Den challenge without permission from a member the Dragon Clan.

Only a small handful of outsiders have passed.

[ okay, so that the first part is a quasi-lie. lance is pretty sure blue could wander into blackthorn and his grandfather would let him do whatever he wanted once blue told him who he was and that he knew lance.

but a challenge is a challenge, and one white lie won't hurt. so -- really it's for the best. ]

didn't say you did but call it what it is you delinquent

[Hmph! If you're going to criticize Blue for running off, then at least don't be hypocritical about it!]

[Blue frowns at the issued challenge, and even though he may disparage, he frowns to himself. Tch, whatever wimpy 'challenge' Lance could face him with, he'd just beat it without a sweat anyway...]

why would I wanna do your wimpy dragon challenge? I can beat yours up whenever if you want it that bad

[ somewhere, lance rolls his eyes so hard that they might fall out of his skull. ]

You cannot pass the challenge with a battle alone.
It tests your body, mind, and spirit -- of both yourself, and your Pokemon.
Your single victory against me -- while impressive -- means nothing.

But if you would rather avoid testing your limits, then that is fine.
I will have fun being a delinquent by myself.

[...fuck]

[fuck, he knows this is a trap, but he's mad]

[f u dad!!!!!]

I can make it more than a single victory if you're so sure!!

[Rrrrgh. RRRRRRGH!!!]

fine I'll do your stupid cave test when I beat it you can quit your nagging

[ one day, when blue is ready to hear it, lance will tell him that being predictable is not necessarily a strength.

but, you know. it works to his advantage on this day, which means: ]

We shall see, on all counts.

[ ♥ ]

I will meet you in Viridian by the end of the week.
Please be there.
Dragonite is excited to see you.

[HE KNOWS THAT YOU CAPED SHITHEAD]

whatever not like anyone makes it to this gym anyway I'll leave upkeep to my students

Did you not just text me to let me know that someone not only made it to that gym, but succeeded?

[ lighten up, blue. ]

At any rate, I think this will be good for you.
I began my journey to Champion by testing my abilities and limits within the caverns.
Eventually, I chose to leave Blackthorn; but it shaped my course.
I think you will gain new perspective.

champions get a pass... I said he wasn't bad didn't I?? (even you, if you weren't too scaredy meowth to challenge me again)

[Oh here we go; another looong rambling 'when I was your age'. Blue is rolling his eyes and Lance knows it, surely.]

yeah well your family runs it don't they

[He's not going to fill in the other half of the implication. He thinks Lance can do that himself.]

It is a little more complicated than that.

The ancient masters built the Dragon's Den a long time ago, to honor Pokemon.
I am descended from them, and my grandfather is the current Master that guards over it.
It is a sacred place.

[ and lance halfway considers leaving it at that, because why lance left home is something that is somewhat raw, for his family. he knows clair is frustrated by his avoidance of his so-called responsibilities, as the heir to the clan. and his grandfather wants him to return home and resume his position as the new master. but that has never really struck lance as the best way to help serve the world that he lives in.

so, he left. and ultimately, his family is proud of him. but they still want him to come home, for good. ]

We are intended to stay there until death, to guard the mountainside.
To protect the Pokemon that live there.
It's a solemn duty, to seek approval from the Dragon's Den.

[ and lance did, and then he left. whoops. ]

zzzzzzz

[That's it, that's all he gets. He didn't even read it all; he saw a block of text and gave up. Sorry Lance.]

[ what a disaster of a human being.

ah well. luckily for all involved, lance is (1) fairly unflappable; (2) usually doesn't take this attitude problem personally; and (3) doesn't seek approval from angry teenagers still proving themselves.

still. blue agreed to go. which is really what matters. it'll give lance the opportunity to actually see if he's doing well, and also get blue out of kanto while red and ethan try not to kill each other on mount silver.

and, as an added bonus: ]

My grandfather is going to have fun with you.

[ lance is going to enjoy the next trip to blackthorn. for once. ]

Pack light.

don't say weird stuff like that I know how to pack to travel, loser

[It hasn't been that long since he was a traveling trainer, sheesh!! And despite all protest, grumbling and derisiveness, Blue is at Viridian Gym at the end of the next week, preparing for his absence amongst all the other training and typical lessons he ran for his trainers. He's overseeing some kind of exercise when Lance shows up, sitting bored on a bench on the sideline.]

Oh, you finally showed up. [Blue stretches his legs out, eyes catching on one of the pairs of trainers battling.] I told Sis I won't be home for a while. However long until I get bored in the mountains....

[ lance technically arrives outside of viridian city -- mostly because showing up on a dragonite without any real warning tends to cause something of a stir, and lance isn't really in the mood to talk to sixteen different people before he meets blue.

that being said, he allows dragonite to follow along outside of his pokeball, making his way to the gym quickly enough. and when he ducks inside to see the exercises, he's immediately interested.

for one, it's good to see blue, you know, does take some part of his job seriously. and for another, it's always nice to see viridian gym operating as it should. even though it has been three years since giovanni was removed from his position, the presence of viridian gym operating as it should be has brought a lot of life and vigor to the town. despite the resident leader's obstinate and general bad attitude.

as lance makes his way toward blue to offer a wave, he opens his mouth to respond to the comment -- but dragonite beats him to it. the massive dragon is surprisingly fast as it moves toward the bench, and (perhaps sparing blue his dignity in resisting the urge to give him a bone crushing hug in front of his students) grumbles a hello before gently patting him on the shoulder in greeting.

once that is done, lance turns his attention to the trainers. ]

I have full faith you will last at least a week.

[ mildly, as lance crosses his arms, watching the battle ebb and flow, making mental note of decisions made. and after watching for a few minutes, lance shifts his attention back to blue, with a warm smile. ]

This place is full. [ with a tone of approval. ] I see you haven't had any issues in recruitment.

Dragonite..!

[At least someone gets a proper greeting. Blue appreciates the dragon's sense of propriety- he'd jump up in a heartbeat to give his tummy a big hug, but in front of all his trainers, he'd definitely like to keep things subtle... So he's thankful as the dragon thunders towards him that all he gets is an affection boop, and he returns the touch to the dragon's clawed hand as it pats his shoulder.] Long time no see, big fella!

[His sunny expression clouds again as his attention turns to Lance's observations, indignantly sitting up straighter.] Hmph! Despite what you seem to think of me, there's plenty of people who appreciate my genius and value my instruction enough to join.

You really do think I just sit around doing nothing, don't you!? [He just went on lots of training trips!! But he always had his students taking care of things... It was just more training. You should be thanking him!] Well, they all have their tasks and assignments for when I'm gone, too. You don't have to worry about any surprise attacks on the Gym; they should be more afraid of me if something happened than some weak Rocket.

[A few of the trainers have noticed Lance, to some murmuring amongst them; Blue narrows his eyes and snaps sharply across the battlefield.] --Back to your exercises! Do you want the Elite Four to think you're a slacker? Chop-chop!

Salma, remember, you're supposed to be using only Defensive tactics this week! Don't let me see another Screech.

[ at long time no see, big fella, dragonite huffs in agreement before gesturing in (mild) exasperation at lance. the dragon's expression is clearly one of that's his fault.

lance, though dragonite adores him and would fight to literal death to defend him, is always too busy to do social calls.

and, initially, it looks like it's going to be a relatively pleasant visit, until blue . . . keeps talking. ]

[ lance rolls his eyes slightly at dragonite's pointless blaming, instead shifting his attention to blue. and he sighs inwardly, as the complaining begins, though lance holds his tongue until blue is finished with his posturing.

his eyes flicker toward the trainers, noticing some of the congregation . . . but at blue's order, they immediately snap to attention and resume their exercises. he arches his eyebrows slightly, quasi-impressed, keeping his eyes on the battle as he says: ]

Sometimes a compliment is just a compliment, Blue. But if you want me to be more explicit, I can be.

[ mildly enough, watching slowking shift stances at salma's new orders. his tone shifts from mild to somewhat more wry, as he glances toward blue. ]

I have never seen Viridian City Gym this active or full. You've done an excellent job at managing a difficult situation, which is why I appointed you to this position in the first place. I'm very proud of the work you've accomplished, here.

[ he pauses, before returning his attention to the trainers. ]

Genius might be going a bit too far, though.

[ and, behind them, dragonite huffs to himself in what sounds suspiciously like a dragon-snort of laughter.

sometimes lance is funny. ]

I know, I know.. [Blue nods in understanding to Dragonite, and then shoots Lance a sour pout.] It's hard to tell when you're always sending me all these messages questioning everything I do!

[...But, compliment taken. Blue preens indignantly, finally given his due as to his instruction and reconstruction of the Gym. That's right! He's transformed this place basically single-handedly!]

--Hmph! If that's not genius, then I don't know what is. [Just had to ruin it, didn't he? As Lance watches, Blue waves a hand out at them, gaze switching to another set of trainers.]

Both Slowking and Lickilicky have excellent bulk... However she has a bad habit of only focusing on the opponent's defenses, and not her own. So I had everyone pair up and take the role of either 'Defensive strategy' or 'Offensive strategy'. They'll have to do the homework on what that means for their team on their own, though.

I don't give handouts. [He leans back on the bench and swings his legs, then glances back up at Lance.] Stop in Pallet Town yet?

Stepping outside of your comfort zone is essential for long-term success.

[ with a hum of agreement, at blue's assessment of salma's weaknesses and strengths . . . and lance continues to watch the battle. he has never been good at things like this; mass-teaching groups of people. it was one of many reasons he never remained leader of blackthorn gym. such a thing is just a thing he is not good at.

and he considers saying so when blue asks his next question.

lance hesitates for half a moment before taking a seat on the bench next to blue, resting his back against the wall. dragonite remains next to blue, seemingly interested in watching the battles, though the massive dragon glances toward lance, as his friend considers his answer. ]

I did. I needed to speak to your grandfather.

[ it wasn't necessarily a pleasant conversation. mostly consisting of what do you mean, you gave ethan permission to scale mount silver, and the bickering of two old friends who believe they know best when neither of them likely do. ]

After that, it was a brief visit. I said hello to Daisy, and Red's mother. Both say hello.

[ it's sort of hard not to say hello to the entire town when he arrives to say hello. the town is so small, and word spreads quickly. and he always feels somewhat compelled to check in with red's family, given what happened. ]

Hmm, sure. You could put it that way.

[With only a slight frown from Blue as Lance sits beside him- he inches a little to the other end of the bench to give his stupid cape more room- he tries to school his face as much as possible in response to Lance's reply about talking to gramps.]

[He's sure glad he wasn't there- he knows how stubborn gramps could be, and Lance was a pushy nag.... It probably would have been super uncomfortable. And besides, he didn't want to hear about the subject- not the actual one, but the elephant in the room.]

[...Blue talked to her every so often, still, and she never was anything but kind to him- but he could never quite look Red's mom in the eye, anymore.]

Good. I have my stuff, so we won't have to stop back there when we leave.

[Luckily, there wasn't too much time left in the day's training schedule- by the time Lance arrived it was late afternoon, and there's a little under an hour more of Blue sitting, then getting up (probably to avoid some annoying conversation with Lance) and weaving between the practice pairs, commenting and calling corrections.]

[With the exercise finished, everyone recalls their Pokémon, and split up to finish the chores around the Gym before heading out for the day; Pokémon to care for, various clerical things to be arranged before Blue's absence, and most importantly, so that any challengers would be aware the Gym would be closed for challengers in that time...]

[At last Blue grabs his trainer pack and hauls it over his shoulder, sighing up at Lance.] ...Alright, you got what you want. Where're we headed?

[ samuel oak is a genius, and an exceptionally well-known and well-respected expert in his field. there is likely no one else in the universe that knows pokemon as well as oak does, and so in that vein, lance really has no choice but to listen to certain things.

all of that said, lance had been granted an uncomfortable insight into samuel oak the person, the day that blue lost the championship to red on the indigo plateau. and while sam had brought red to the hall of fame to properly induct him, he had left his grandson with lance, who had the uncomfortable job of balancing professionalism with being a human being. in the end, being a human being won out, which is why lance is in the viridian city gym today, three-ish years later.

he knows some portion of sam is grateful for lance's interest in blue, and lance is certain sam loves his grandson very much. but that didn't excuse the perceived overstep. or treating red like some type of final battle to be won. telling ethan he could go to mount silver without telling lance, and lance finding out via blue, when ethan should probably not be the one to find red first at all . . . it had been a messy argument. dragonite had waited outside patiently allowing the other residents of pallet town to show him around and play with him in order to avoid them seeing lance and professor oak argue over nothing, and lance had left annoyed. which he dislikes doing, on most days.

he pushes that out of his mind, though, when blue is ready to go -- and once the final trainer leaves the gym with a wave toward them, dragonite wastes absolutely no time in seizing blue into a (gentle) hug.

lance, to his credit, ignores it, speaking while dragonite hugs the quasi-life out of the teenager: ]

I leave the decision to you; I have to visit Mahogany Town, to ensure the rejuvenation process of the Lake of Rage is continuing as expected.

[ relocating the gyarados to allow the magikarp population to thrive again, so on and so forth . . . it's going to be a process, before the ecosystem is properly restored to what it should be. but from what lance hears, it's slowly but surely getting there. ]

A stop in Goldenrod City is also needed, for supplies . . . but if you have no interest in either of those stops, we can proceed to Blackthorn directly.

[ dragonite grumbles in approval. ]

[Blue gives a squawk as he's suddenly gathered up into a scaly belly, but chuckles and waves his arms to wrap around- as much as he can, anyway- and pat-pat as far as he can reach around him in a returned hug.] Just waiting for your chance, huh? Heheh.

[Certainly, he doesn't mind returning the dragon's affection, and Lance wisely doesn't comment, so all is well! Eventually Blue is released, and fixes what of his hair got mussed up by the sudden cradling, mulling over Lance's itinerary.]

...I don't mind, [He finally decides, hiking his bag back up over his shoulder.] If I'm getting dragged to Johto, I might as well see the whole thing, right? 'sides, sis wanted me to grab some things for her at the department store...

[He didn't go to Johto often, and he might disparage it, but new sights were new sights. Or at least uncommon ones.... After all the drama of recent times, he'd take the distraction. And besides, he wasn't about to let Lance just drop him in Blackthorn and abandon him there!]

You're not gonna dump me off that easily. Let's go.

I wouldn't just drop you off in a city and leave you there.

[ it would be a far more useful exercise to drop him in the middle of nowhere to see how he did, but lance keeps that joke (or is it) to himself -- and lance gestures, to let blue lead the way out of the gym, now that dragonite is done with his affections. ]

But you are right -- if you haven't been to Johto, you should explore. It's a beautiful area of the world.

[ though lance is partial to certain areas of it (the remote mountainous areas, the beautiful valleys), goldenrod city is impressive on its own. and he slides his hands into his pockets as they walk outside of the gym, dragonite following close behind. ]

What did your sister want in Goldenrod City?

[ just out of curiosity. ]

[Blue gives a scoff to that, eyebrows lofted in skepticism; but he doesn't feel the need to add to it with words. Yeah, sure, like that totally wasn't your plan all along, Lance!! Blue runs fingers in his hair to fix it up a little from Dragonite's crushing hug before gathering his bags back up and giving things a once-over.]

[Well. Time to get going.]

Some lame tea stuff, you know. The usual. And I've been, [He corrects, easily taking the lead out of the Gym, waving to his trainers and staff as they go.] Since that new Battle Tower opened up past Olivine- that's about the only thing worth checking out there. But I've been to Goldenrod a few times since the Magnet rail was built, while gramps was doing his radio show... Since Mary-san wanted to do some interviews with me.

[He smirks up at Lance, chin lifted.] I bet a fossil like you never caught any of those, though.

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