Second Flake [video/Action for Violet City]

[defyingfrigidity]

[The Elsa that appears on the video today is a much, much calmer Elsa then was last seen at the beginning of the month. In fact, she looks very relaxed, lounging by the shore of the lake just outside of Sprout Tower. By her side is a new addition to her team; a Lapras, very young if its smaller size is anything to go by. It seems to be dozing off, its head resting in Elsa's lap. She's gently stroking the creature's neck, a soft smile on her face.]

I have another question. This one, thankfully, is on a much less distressing note.

[SHE'S STILL SORRY SHE PUT THAT NEAR PANIC-ATTACK ON YOU ALL LIKE THAT....]

Does keeping Pokemon in those balls of theirs for long periods of time... hurt them or upset them in any way? None of the locals here seem too concerned about such a thing, but even so... I can't help but worry a bit. I try to keep mine out of their balls as much as possible, but I'm afraid that might not be very doable with this one, once Anna and I start traveling again...

Comments

[Video]

[foolishwren]

The balls?

Nah, they seem pretty okay. I dunno what it's like in there but it can't be too awful.

Still, I mean, I personally try to let them all out pretty frequently... they do get restless.

_{[Except for that Scolipede. That thing is never coming out of the ball. Ever.]}

[defyingfrigidity]

They certainly don't seem unhappy about it, which is definitely a comforting thought, but still...

Let's just say that I'm not particularly keen on the idea of confinement of any kind.

[Y'know, because thirteen years of it followed by temporary imprisonment in your own castle's dungeon will definitely do that to you.]

video;

[venturesomely]

I don't keep mine in Pokeballs, but I've heard that they like them.

Video

[dreamsofahero]

It doesn't hurt them, but I've seen some who dislike it. That seems to be a trait specific to individual pokemon, however, and doesn't apply to them as a whole.

[defyingfrigidity]

I wonder why. Have the people who make the balls ever said what it's supposed to be like inside one of them?

[defyingfrigidity]

I can certainly understand why some wouldn't want to be in one, comfortable or not. Not all people like to be confined for one place for too long, after all.

[Elsa laughs a little.] Like I said, even if it was proved to be as comfortable as possible, I'd still be a little worried. I've become quite attached to all these little critters in such a short time!

[cawsforalarm]

Honestly, I think it's kind of weird. [Henry is wearing a smile, as usual, but it's pretty vague and muted. Elsa can probably see a baby Murkrow huddled up on his shoulder, beneath the cape.] They should be walking around like everyone else.

[defyingfrigidity]

[Aw, cute little bird... she has yet to see one of those yet.]

I agree. There's no real reason to keep them in those balls, is there? None that I've been able to see, at least.

[She sighs. Scratching the Lapras behind one of it's bun-like ears, smiling as it coos a bit.] But I might not have a choice with her, when I start traveling again.

[cawsforalarm]

Me either... animals shouldn't be contained by humans. It feels wrong.

[There's a moment of silence, and then Henry visibly cheers up.]

But I guess if you need to transport her over land, it's okay!

[dreamsofahero]

*nods*

That certainly often seems to be the case. But at least there isn't any harm in having them in the balls, even if there are the occasional individuals who aren't fond of it.

[venturesomely]

I don't really know, but-- maybe there's a lot of fun things in there for the Pokemon! Or, it could be that they get to rest when they're in them.

If you don't want to put them in their pokeball, you could let them run around freely, too. Kouki really likes that a lot more.

[armoredsoul]

I don't think it does? Mine don't seem to mind going in the balls when it's necessary, but I try to keep them out as often as I can. From what I do know, the only real complaint they would have is the isolation from others in them--which is fairly obvious I suppose.

[defyingfrigidity]

The isolation is a thing that does bother me, yes. They can be physically comfortable, that's one thing, but to be completely alone....

[Oh god Elsa you're starting to identify with them, aren't you....]

I wonder if anyone's tried to figure out a way to contain them together, to solve that problem at least.

[defyingfrigidity]

I agree. I can understand wanting to keep an animal as a pet... but it should still be allowed to roam when it wishes. The same thing should apply here.

[During the moment of silence Elsa seems to grow worried, but when Henry cheers up again, she smiles.]

Hopefully there are plenty of streams and lakes around Johto. That way I can at least let her out while we make camp for the night.

action;

[loveisanopendoor]

[Hopefully Elsa's ready for a hug from behind, because that's exactly what she's about to get as Anna sneaks up behind her as she sits by the lakefront!]

Already in love with the little guy, huh? I knew you'd love him.

[cawsforalarm]

Well, I just got here, so I'm not really sure. But yeah, here's hoping! Nya ha!

...And about pets, well, I can kind of talk to animals. So I don't really like looking at them as pets as much as just... friends. Limiting your friends' ability to move freely is kind of dumb!

[defyingfrigidity]

I'm glad none of mine are the type to be upset about that sort of thing. Not that I keep them in their balls, when I can help it...

It would just seem so horribly cruel, to force them into such an isolated space, even if there's no other option.

[defyingfrigidity]

Fun things? [Hm, that would make sense. Somehow give the pokemon a way to amuse themselves while they're alone. But still...]

... Really, I think that just raises even more questions.

[defyingfrigidity]

[A look of surprise crosses her face.]

You can... talk to animals? How?

[She knew Anna's friend could do that. Apparently. But she really didn't understand how and part of her was convinced it was all just some weird joke.]

[cawsforalarm]

It goes a little like this: ...I understand what they're saying, and they understand me. It's pretty simple.

[defyingfrigidity]

[Elsa does make a small noise of surprise as she's suddenly hugged and whips her head around to glance over her shoulder, but she doesn't seem too startled.]

Anna! Geez, when did you become so sneaky?

[Elsa laughs a little. Honestly, she was so focused on the new addition to their little group that she probably wouldn't have noticed Anna approach even if her sister had been stomping around.]

She's a girl, actually! According to the Pokedex. But yes, I am. [She turns her gaze back towards the Lapras, resuming the gentle petting.] I've never been this close to a baby animal of any kind before.

[defyingfrigidity]

[... Huh. That's still a bit confusing.]

So... it's not magic of any kind?

[cawsforalarm]

I don't think so! No one's ever detected any weird spells or curses on me.

I mean, I have magic, but for whatever reason that got turned off when I arrived...

[dreamsofahero]

It does seem rather unfair that, after being so encouraged to catch and raise them, there's no choice but to contain them so often, doesn't it? But it seems to be normal here, and mine at least certainly don't seem to complain about it. Well, perhaps if it means ending whatever mischief they're currently up to, but that's another matter...

[armoredsoul]

I...I think the box system might do that? It would make sense if it did, at least, since they're all stored together and not in separate devices. Though how that's even possible still baffles me.