smashacademy | [004G

[A hand lifts and she adjusts the video feed to offer a closer look at her. Her expression is a tad thoughtful with perhaps a little concern lying beneath the surface.]

Hello.

[She waves a little. This is the first time she's using video. Evidently this is a big deal for her.]

I understand that tensions are running a bit high at the moment, so I thought it might be appropriate to offer a bit of a distraction. Don't worry; I've not started anything yet. This is more or less gauging the response of the public to see if there's an interest or lack of interest in an idea.

I'm from a town called Lilycove. It's well-known in Hoenn for being the centre of Pokémon contests. I've noticed we don't have anything like this in the academy or in Final Destination. I'm aware we have quite the variety of people here and I thought perhaps there might be some intrigue in having a contest hall right here. It'd certainly make things easier on those who don't wish to return to their regions due to inconvenience.

For those unfamiliar with the term, back home the contests are used to display a Pokémon's particular abilities based on efficiency and aesthetic. It would be a bit unfair for me to limit to Pokémon, however, and I want everyone to feel like they're welcome to participate as well. I'm still working on how I'd like to do that, aside from talent competitions. Such as a 'come and show us everything you have'.

Winners get ribbons of their accomplishments and there are all kinds of ribbons, too. They look like... [For demonstrative purposes, she reaches past the camera feed and draws back a plaque of ribbons.] ...this! Aren't they cute? And there are all different kinds.

I'd really like some of your guys' thoughts on the idea, perhaps suggestions, or things you'd like to see or experience. I'm rather well-versed in the world of contests, so I'd really love to have a hand in making it come to life. I just think this would be a really great way to add something to the community and make it more welcoming.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[[he sighs, staring off to the side of the camera for a moment before directing back at it, so as to stare directly from her screen]]

I...still see no purpose in such a thing, yet I may participate just the same. This is something you would wish to know, yes?

Really?

[Colour her all kinds of surprised. She watches him carefully, trying to get a better reading on his feelings. Maybe she can figure out if he's being sincere or not.]

You would want to participate, Cyrus? What would you be interested in doing?

I am not one to lie, Voile.

[[Intentionally misleading is not the same thing, after all]]

Overall, my interest here lies in understanding what drives people to different actions. In this instance, what motivates them to participate in meaningless entertainment. I am...

[[He pauses. For everything, he comes across as genuine, but the strongest thing he's conveying is confusion]]

...I think there has to be something missing. Something that I have yet to learn.

[She bites her tongue and refrains from trying to argue with him. It often goes nowhere...]

I do it just because I enjoy it. I liked being in the spotlight. I liked bringing my trainer pride and winning ribbons for him. I liked winning them for me, too. Contests are a great way to raise a Pokémon's self-esteem, and all people in the world need that.

[Even him, though he'll deny it.]

There is something to be said for attracting attention.

[[He'd refrain from commenting that the attraction should then serve some purpose.]]

...Are you entering on your own?

Hm...?

[She shakes her head.]

No, no. I'm running it.

Of course. So you are functioning as a judge. Those qualities sought, you will interpret them.

Something like that. I'm not really judging. I'm more like... just watching to make sure everything goes smoothly. I'll need to find good people I can trust to judge, though.

I doubt there are any here who are qualified to do so officially.

Well, of course not. You're so silly. This is just for fun. I can make ribbons to give to people, but it's not going to be like the contests in the home regions...

[[At being called "silly", Cyrus pulled back an inch or so. Voile's sense of humor and the inappropiate terms she used to describe him always surprised him.]]

So it is performed outside of the official system.

Right. I don't know how I could do it within the official system considering I don't have the credentials to do so. Besides, if word got out that there was a contest hall here, I think too many people would come.

In Lilycove, contests were very popular and still were, last I knew. I wouldn't be surprised if word of mouth advertisement got too many people out here. I wouldn't know what to do with everyone.

So you seek to keep this a small event. Yes, that is preferable. Though we require a variety of occurances to keep our minds sharp, we must not become bogged in distraction.

Yes. That's true. Within moderation, I think!

Logic must not be forgotten either, in anything we do. We must not throw our minds away for the sake of that sharpness.

I don't think anyone ever said that they would. Unless you're assuming everyone will.

It is commonplace that people are lost in distraction. They lose sight of what is truly important.

What's 'truly important' is different with whomever you ask. I can guarantee that what you think is truly important isn't the same as what I think is.

[She smiles.]

Yes, that much is certain. Others claim to hold a perfect world in high regard, yet none are willing to devote themselves to it, utterly and completely...

...I've wondered, then. What is it that you find important? What is truly the ultimate to you?

My loved ones.
The people I love most are the people who are truly the most important to me.

Not for my sake. Never for my sake. Always for theirs.

Of course. I would expect nothing else from you.

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