Victory Road Inbox

[notvaljean]

Hi, this is Jean... [loud crackling in the background, the sound of sighing] ... and Blitz. We're busy right now and can't answer, so leave a message and we'll get back to you.

Comments

Another mysterious text message!

[11121_assumption]

[ It's the same anonymous number that messaged Jean regarding his mysterious Ditto capture.

Things had been happening lately. Deeply interesting things. Team Rocket was not looking as stable as it once had, with some of Walter's ex-coworkers approaching him to ask questions, or outright leaving them in the weeks following Walter's betrayal. That was something he didn't foresee.

But a part of him remained cautious. If this was a trap to lower his guard and get close to him, he was in danger. So he needed to re-establish some old contacts. Old friends. ]

It's been a while since we spoke, regarding your Ditto and my previous employment. I hope you have been well in that time.

I would like to show something to you.

why hello mysterious stranger

[notvaljean]

oh hey, it's you again!
hi!

sure, what've you got?

also, you don't want a Voltorb, do you? I've got more eggs

NOT SO MYSTERIOUS NOW - Call

[11121_assumption]

[ Instead of a reply, the Gear begins to ring indicating a video call is coming in. When Jean answers, it reveals who Jean had been talking to; Walter, evidently somewhere bright and sunny, with his hair grown out a little and tied in a lazy ponytail. He's wearing a loose white top, albeit with a black long-sleeve top underneath it and at his side. At his side is a Bewear, who lifts a paw with a rumble in greeting.

Walter held his hands together, maintaining a stoic look. He's still worried Jean might reject him after learning the truth. ]

Hello Jean.

Call, 1/2

[notvaljean]

[So this means he doesn't want a Voltorb?]

[Jean's eyes widen in recognition when Walter fills his screen--a Walter who is looking healthier and happier than Jean has seen him in awhile--and his mouth drops open.]

Walter? You're the one who betrayed Team Rocket?

2/2

[notvaljean]

[A beat, then...]

Badass!

[11121_assumption]

[ Walter had never really heard the term 'bad-ass' before , but Jean's tone and demeanour - it's clearly positive. He smiled, a little reservedly but certainly genuinely. ]

I am. It's...a very good feeling, to be away from them. How have you been? [ The Bewear gave another rumble and a nod, agreeing with Walter. Much better, yes! ]

[notvaljean]

[Walter can thank Krieg for that little edition to Jean's vocabulary, although he probably would have learned it at home too, given enough time.]

I'm fine, I'm fine. [Yeah, yeah, who cares, Walter is far more interesting right now.] You look great! Like... healthier than before. And happier.

[11121_assumption]

Thank you. Without worrying about Alessa, and what was happening to her, I can travel freely again. And I've ensured Team Rocket cannot follow me easily. [ The Banette giggles and nods. They did very good at playing dead - so to speak. ]

I did not want to keep the secrecy for longer than I needed to. And it seems things have...shifted.

[notvaljean]

[That is... really heartwarming that Walter defected to protect Alessa and rescue her.]

Sounds like things are changing for Team Rocket. If one person defaults, that can start a landslide.

Are you in the islands now? They're great, aren't they?

[11121_assumption]

I am, and they are. I had briefly visited before but it is nice to be back, and to enjoy them. My traveling companion, is insisting that we see all of them. [ Cissnei was taking him all over the seven islands. It was a bit of a whirlwind tour, but as he had only visited Four and Five Islands, he couldn't deny he was seeing more of them than he had before. ]

I never thought about it like that, but two other members have contacted me since. One has abandoned them and is now lying low. Another has asked me for details on other labs they can destroy. [ And it could be a trap, but he is being careful. Vanitas had no idea he was on the islands, and neither did Diana. ]

[notvaljean]

When you stop on the little rocky one, you should come see us. I'm sure Thomas Wagner would like to see you.

If they need any help destroying labs, just let me know. I'm in.

[NEVER FORGET the Electrodes being used as batteries, or Burrito the Lotad in a too-small cage without enough water.]

[11121_assumption]

We're intending to see all of them.

I don't intend to cause more explosions. Not now. [ He isn't averse to more property damage and assault generally, but- ] For now, I am ensuring my safety, and my Pokemon's safety.

Alessa is not the only Pokemon I have taken from them. Before her, I worked on studying several new species who had appeared in Johto.

[notvaljean]

It's, uh... number four. If you just walk along the beach long enough, you'll find our house. Or follow one of the Voltorbs.

[The island is swarming with Voltorbs, thanks to Blitz and Donner's efforts with DittHo.]

Yeah? What else do you have? What were you studying?

[11121_assumption]

[ Walter motioned to something off camera. As he spoke, a large pokemon approached him; it didn't tread very lightly. ]

Pokemon originating in a tropical climate. One of the Pokemon in question was a Stufful. He has evolved since then. [ Robbie the Bewear had stepped into view behind Walter. He opened his arms wide and proceeded to hug his trainer, giving a low rumble. Walter lifted a hand to pat one of the arms around him. He'd gotten used to this at least. ]

[notvaljean]

[Jean cackles in delight when he sees the Bewear, especially as it hugs Walter, who frankly looks like he needs a Pokemon who gives lots of hugs. Yes, he is completely sold on this guy.]

He's great! What's his evolved form called?

[11121_assumption]

Bewear. His name is Robbie. [ Robbie rumbled to Jean, lifting a paw in greeting. ]

I've had him for a long time now; he's reached his maximum level, and I have trained him on how to be gentle. [ his tone turns a little more serious ] Do not permit a wild or untrained Bewear to hug you. Robbie nearly broke my spine after he evolved. [ Robbie groaned from behind Walter and gave him a little squeeze. Look, he's good now! Walter held Robbie's arms with his, not prying him off but reassuring him that he was comfortable. He knows you're good Robbie. ]

[notvaljean]

I'll keep that in mind.

[He won't. The first time Jean meets a Bewear he's going to get squashed like a tube of toothpaste.]