[Video] flood o'posts

[forgetbeam]

Are any of you familiar with the legend of the Dragon's Gate? They say that there exists a huge waterfall running off a great mountain. Fish swim upstream against the harsh current, but most tire out and are swept away. But those who have the courage to persist and make it to the top of the waterfall are transformed into a beautiful, powerful dragon.

It's a good lesson, isn't it?

That's right! Even though this school has countless obstacles and hurdles and dangers looming quite literally right over our heads, if we give up, we too will be pushed back and will make no progress! We must press on through the unforgiving current, and when we make it, we will come out stronger than ever! All right! Let's do our best to reach the top!!

[What brought this up? Is someone trying to keep himself from going nuts at the idea of one last year here... probably.]

On another note... There are many Pokemon and trainers here, so if anybody has any advice on raising a Magikarp, I'm all ears!

[Ah. Ah. That's it.

ACTION TIMES: Kiyotaka can be found bonding with an ugly fish he lets swim in a kiddie pool out in the stadium some days. Most of the time he can be found studying. Livin' on the edge. Although whatever he's doing, he seems to be favouring his left arm a little.]

Comments

[forgetbeam]

I'm sure there must be some aspects of the training process that are universal! I'll listen to anything you want to share!

[jonny_talbain]

There's a lot I've learned the hard way, being as I don't come from one of the regions. But the thing I think is most key, is allow your partner to develop their own interests. And share those interests with them. Even if they're things that don't come naturally to you. Your partner will see and appreciate your efforts, more than you might realize at first. The stronger your bond is, the harder you'll both work to help the other find success.

When you train together, expect a lot from your partner, but never be demanding to the point of arrogance. Every Pokémon is an individual and it's going to take a lot of time to find the best balance of training and down-time and research and recreation. Some trainers will tell you that battling is the best way to unleash your Pokémon's potential but I believe that to be as broad and general and therefore as fallible a statement as if you were saying the same thing of people. If you're not attaining the results you want, don't be afraid to be flexible and try new things.

If you are going to battle, though, it definitely sits on your shoulders to pick appropriate opponents. My own partner, Riwane, would happily fight anything, even when she's logically outmatched. Therefore, it's my job to assess which opponents might be too powerful for her to take on. If I fail in this responsibility and she gets seriously harmed, it's my fault entirely. Not to say it's a bad thing to push the limits of your Pokémon's ability and provide it with challenges... just be mindful of what you're getting into.

And, if in doubt, find someone who can speak with Pokémon and translate for you. I can, and most of the Humanized Pokémon students can I'd wager, if not all. Learning how your partner thinks and the things that are important to it can only work in both your favors.

[forgetbeam]

I see... So it's definitely a lot more than simply doing something like training a dog to do tricks where I'm from. That makes complete sense! They've proven themselves to think and feel on the same level as any human being, so it should be treated as that kind of partnership!

[His fish really isn't on that level, though...]

Right! I'll treat Magikarp with all the care and respect and equality he deserves!

[jonny_talbain]

Perfect. That's what I wanted to hear.

If you've need of a translator, I can be contacted by all the usual means you'd contact a teacher. And I wish you much luck and success with your new Partner.