Pathetic that Lanette's hiding behind Phoebe, but what else do you expect? Phoebe's an enforcer of the computer system, pressuring all the other trainers to use it, because without Bill's PC they have no hope of assembling a team capable of collecting all the required badges. Seems like Gengar might have to assemble a team capable of beating the four, without using the computer system. Which would give Lanette a way out.

...know any grumpigs?

Maybe you can find a more indirect way to get at Lanette? Like writing out sob stories of Pokemon trapped in the PC never to be brought out again, copying the tale, and handing them out in cities to get pressure on her from other humans. Spread awareness of how PCs are horrible for Pokemon. Phoebe's ghosts can't protect Lanette from societal pressure. Bonus points if you have any specific true stories you can use.

Also, if we can figure out exactly when Stetson is going to the Elite Four, we can probably give Gengar a time when Lanette may be unprotected. Emphasis on "may", as Phoebe may leave ghosts with her aside from the ones she battles with.

Gengar can act when the Elite Four battles happen. The opposing ghosts will be busy then, and we won't even have to manufacture a distraction.

tippler 2023/05/20(Sat)14:55 No. 1064206 ID: 9ea24b
File 168461975284.png - (121.77KB , 500x500 , p22.png )

>Tell Gengar to plan an attack on Lanette while you’re fighting the Elite Four with Stetson
Good idea, you fill Gengar in about where you’ve progressed with Stetson and recommend she lay low until Lanette is unguarded.

She has to leave when there’s a legitimate and strong challenger. I’ll tell you when Stetson is going to start the Elite Four and then you can do what you were planning.

Yes, then we’ll kidnap Lanette!

Uhhhhhhhhhh you know I’d really appreciate it if you didn’t kill her or anything.

Of course not, dear. This is a simple hostage situation where we force her to sit down and pay attention while we write down all of our grievances.

That’s not a terrible idea but remember to be ethical please.

>Arrange a date with Absol for the afternoon
Absol could be used as a Legendary detector if you take him Flying while you search for Latias or Latios. You could also just have a normal chill date, you’ll make a decision after you see how things go with Houndoom.

What’s your approach for the Dark dog? Remember he knows Stetson’s your trainer now and will be more hostile.

Being haunted by ghosts works best in a spooky house. The SS Cactus, maybe?
Take Absol Lati-hunting.
>Houndoom
His approach to things isn't working, and something needs to change. Tell him how you and Sceptile felt when he showed up out of nowhere to accost Stetson's pokemon: afraid for yourselves and your trainer.

>>1064219
I dunno, I thought he was pretty reasonable. A level 100 pokemon showing up out of the blue is guaranteed to cause some anxiety no matter how the approach is done.

>>1064206
Introduce yourself properly to Houndoom. He's probably going to have questions, so let him know you're Gengar's apprentice/assistant in improving Pokemon rights awareness.

>Absol date
We don't want him to feel used to track down Legendaries, that's not exactly a date. Let's take him to the beach and snuggle.

As far as a strategy for talking about being a captured pokemon, listen to his concerns, acknowledge that it's completely reasonable for him to feel that way, and address that you were incredibly concerned about being captured due to multiple and varied reasons, and only consented to do so after manipulating the situation extensively. Address how you mitigated his concerns if they were things you actually addressed.

Never mind being ethical; this will backfire spectacularly if Lannette feels threatened. Double down on the security, capture all the ghost pokemon and put them straight into the computer, confiscate Stetson's pokemon as suspects including you, etc. Gengar has to show her they want to negotiate, not just bully her. That doesn't mean letting her get away with changing nothing, but just... be careful.

Anyway just go to Houndoom and promise not to kill your trainer thank him for being there to rescue pokemon if they have a bad trainer. Stetson's a good kid, and you'll... do your best to take care of him. Apologize that you need to help him for now, and explain that you did it because Jirachi forced you toby choice, and wasn't forced into it.

tippler 2023/05/21(Sun)16:03 No. 1064300 ID: 9ea24b
File 168471022469.png - (83.56KB , 500x500 , p23.png )

>Address the Stetson allegations and introduce yourself properly
You don’t have to get into the trauma right away, it’s smarter to plan for the long term.

>But first, your greatest foe, the treehouse entrance tunnel
>Squeeze check: Failure
FUCK. DAMMIT.

You’re firmly gripped at the hips by the wood and have no choice but to call for help. Houndoom quickly descends at the sound of your cries and stops short when he recognizes you.

What are you doing here? This isn’t a place for a trainer’s Pokemon.

That’s very reasonable Mr. Houndoom sir.

I’ll help you free and then you must return to your trainer. Do not under any circumstances lead him here.

He moves to shove you, but you wave your arms frantically to stop him. You still have more to explain.

I’m actually the same Trapinch and Vibrava that came to see you a few times, Gengar’s nominee from the fighting tournament. I allowed Stetson to catch me because I think he’s a good kid and we have an agreement that was uh, arranged through pantomime.

I remember you said he was fair, but since he’s young he’ll be easily influenced by his older peers to limit your freedom. Pokemon are dangerous after all.

That’s why I’m also helping Gengar with her mission for Pokemon rights! I appreciate what you do to rescue Pokemon as well, though it was kind of scary when you showed up out of nowhere.

Gengar needs to be careful. She’s putting us at risk by attracting so much attention.

I agree, I’m trying to advise her to be cautious. She also mentioned that you’ve been feeling down and I’d like to help if you need someone to talk to.

…That is not your concern but if you’re still available in a few days you may come find me.

With that he pushes you back out of the tree onto your butt and retreats back to his room.

What would you like to do for your date with Absol this afternoon? Where in Hoenn would you like to go with him?

Absol will probably be upset as well. So you shouldn't do something that requires him to work. It should definitely be pleasant, relaxing, and away from others, where you will have time to talk to each other and some privacy.

>>1064300
Well, Houndoom sort of agreed to talk with us, that's progress.

Let's fly Absol to a quiet spot at the beach. Somewhere near where we found Gyarados, but away from the crowds.

Wow Houndoom just asked you on a date!

How about the bluffs up by Evergrande "city". They have a nice waterfall.

tippler 2023/05/22(Mon)18:38 No. 1064374 ID: 9ea24b
File 168480589074.png - (92.10KB , 500x500 , p24.png )

>Houndoom just asked you on a date
With less Legendary Pokemon to worry about, your love life is accelerating. Good.

>Relaxing date with Absol somewhere private
The beach near Slateport is swarming with humans, and Evergrande island is a bit too far, but there are plenty of isolated beaches to the west, once you get over the mountains. You hold Absol as you Fly until you find a nice spot to land and walk.

You fill Absol in on your recent adventures, including the whole Jirachi human deal. You’re worried that he’ll be upset, but he takes the information well.

I can see why I felt so much danger around you when we first met if you’re dealing with all that high stakes stuff. It’s less strong now that Groudon has been defeated, but, uh. Are you doing okay?

Oh yeah, haha, I’m doing pretty good, this is still less stressful than college was.

Cool cool cool. I’d like to help any way I can.

I’ve actually been thinking that you could help me search for Latios or Latias! I don’t know what’ll happen when Stetson tries to catch them, but if I can talk to them first maybe we can make some kind of deal.

Okay, yeah, I’m usually around the Friendlies Base so you can come find me to do that any time.

You now have Absol’s express permission to get his help with Legendary locating. How would you like the rest of the date to go?
A. Keep it cozy
B. Make it spicy

B. Definitely B! What do you take us for??

>>1064374
What a handsome lad.
A. but with a little bit of spice.
Destress by petting Absol and let him talk a bit, if he wants.
Then cuddle and ask what kind of spice he might be interested in for next time. We can get preparations in order.

Cozy? With that adorable blush?

Thank him for being so trusting coming out with you to this quiet beach, all alone, just the two of you, together. Remark that you may have been a human once, but you've always liked pokemon better. Then ask him if he has a pokemon who he likes.

Keep it cozy.

>>1064374
B

A Cozy. Spicy is fun, but I'm feeling more on the adorable wholesome mood right now.

>>1064374
Sex is a dime a dozen, but cozy is something precious

Do A, gimme something cute.

tippler 2023/05/23(Tue)18:12 No. 1064435 ID: 9ea24b
File 168489074863.png - (117.10KB , 500x500 , p25.png )

>A
You’re sorely tempted to give Absol more things to blush about, but you think it’d be best to keep the date wholesome.

You walk along the beach for a while before you get the idea to build a huge sand castle. With your Digging prowess and Absol’s artistic vision, you craft a fortress as impressive as any old treehouse.

You cuddle on the beach with Absol as the tide eats away at your creation until it crumbles into the waves. Absol offers for you to stay in his den for the night, and you accept. You’ve never been to the underground living areas at the Friendlies Base, and it’s a tightly packed space from all the various rescued mons.

What would you like to do with Stetson tomorrow morning?
A. Battle against trainers in Victory Road (guaranteed high value training)

B. Attempt to improve movesets (suggest what moves for which Pokemon, you’re going to practice Earthquake)

C. Search for Latios or Latias (base 20% + 10% bonus chance of success)

>>1064435
I'm pretty content with our current moveset, and we should talk to the twins with Absol before we get Stetson involved.

A. More training and teambuilding.

C.

A for sure.

tippler 2023/05/24(Wed)17:38 No. 1064505 ID: 9ea24b
File 168497513057.png - (89.56KB , 500x500 , p26.png )

>A, training success guaranteed High
Torkoal and Aggron each gain four Levels, putting them both at Level 50. Stetson’s Pokemon need a total of 15 more Levels before he’s willing to attempt the Elite Four. You stay in your ball the whole morning, so there isn’t much to report.

What would you like to do with Stetson in the afternoon?
A. Finish going through Victory Road (guaranteed high value training, Stetson will run into his rival)

B. Hang out with everyone at Stetson’s secret base (this is your chance to befriend Pelipper)

C. Talk to Stetson about ethics (???)

C) Knowing what we know about the training, Stetson's going to tunnel vision on the last leg of this journey. You need to have a serious chat or he might forget why he's doing any of this.

B. Enjoy your cool secret clubhouse!

>>1064505
A is tempting since we haven't seen what the rival is like yet, but C.
Let Stetson know his Pokemon are all a lot happier now, even Aggron has cheered up.

yes give Stetson all the head pats he is such a good boy yes he is.

>>1064505
C. boy needs a more responsible role model in his life.

tippler 2023/05/25(Thu)20:24 No. 1064567 ID: 9ea24b
File 168507144606.png - (97.01KB , 500x500 , p27.png )

>C, though you’re not quite sure what to say
As far as you know, Stetson is doing really well. He no longer owns any ancient artifacts of terrible power, he’s listening and letting everyone out of their balls, and he doesn’t have any mons trapped in the PC.

You’re not sure if you can convince him that the whole competitive Pokemon system is exploitative. Maybe you’ll start with some general advice and praise for doing good so far?

You write out a message to the effect of being proud of Stetson and that all of his other Pokemon are much happier.

Yeah! Thanks for all the help, it’s cool to know what my Pokemon are thinking. I wish being happy made them stronger while battling, but whatever.

You try to convey that maybe there’s more to life than battling.

I guess camping and exploring with Pokemon are fun too. I make a ton of money from battling though and I’m s’posed to become a champion.

He looks a bit moody. You ask if he even wants to beat the Elite Four.

Well, I guess, yeah. It’s still cool even though people do it all the time. I do want to catch a Legendary to show I’m extra good at Pokemon though, wish you’d let me come with you to see Jirachi…

You are absolutely certain that keeping Stetson away from Jirachi’s den of sin was a good idea. The kid doesn’t seem terribly enthusiastic about beating the Elite Four after what you said.

A. Nudge him away from competitive Pokemon (this will have major repercussions for current plans)
B. Keep him on track to challenge the Elite Four

>>1064567
If we don't fight the Elite Four with Stetson we'd need to adjust plans with Gengar. But Houndoom also seemed to have something to say about Gengar's plans, and how much attention they'd draw. For all his fearsome countenance, Houndoom seems like a voice of reason too tired to speak up.

But Houndoom was also doubtful that Stetson could remain a good trainer, that the system would corrupt him. If we can prove him wrong, and help Stetson find another way to live with Pokemon, maybe Houndoom would feel some hope again?

I'd say go with A. If we push him right back into competitive battling here, walking back and trying to show him another way will be harder later. And if we go with A, maybe he won't feel so pressured to climb out of his father's shadow.

B: As it is we've only gotten a small view of things as it is anyways since the entire view is tainted by who we are talking to.

>>1064567
B. You are messing with his motivation and thus his wish. Don't do that!

Wouldn't it be cool if he went up against the Elite Four with Latias or Latios on his side?

(A and B, stall for time searching for the legendary so Stetson can learn about what makes a good trainer, and how to truly prove himself.)

>>1064567
B

If you mess with his wish, then you won't be able to fulfill it and you'll end up becoming a human again!

What you can do is help Stetson look for Latios, Latias, or Deoxys. Im sure he'd be thrilled to have a legendary on his team for when he goes against the elite four!

>>1064570
>>1064579
Stetson's wish was to have a grand adventure that's different from his dad's, but just as impressive. If anything going after the E4 is just following his father's footsteps and doing nothing for his wish.

>>1064580
A link to Stetson's wish:
https://questden.org/kusaba/questarch/res/1054825.html#1056815
He wished for something more exciting because following the standard League journey his father walked was unfulfilling. B is actively in opposition to fulfilling his true wish, it's just playing to his journey crutch.

B. The Elite Four is not the end of the road for a trainer. No, after them the road gets much broader!

>>1064581
Yeah but he thinks beating the Elite Four is cool, even though it's standard.

What alternatives do we have, aside from catching a Legendary? Research? Battle Tower? Traveling to different regions?

>>1064585
That's something Stetson would have to figure out for himself, but it would set him on a road away from the role models that would undo the work we've done.

>>1064590
Sorry but you're not being very convincing when you can't come up with a strong alternative, plus fighting the Elite Four is needed for Gengar's plans.

I mean, is upending the entire pokemon industrial complex through acts of sabotage to the PC infrastructure a different and exciting adventure?

>>1064592
Yes. How are we going to get Stetson on board with that though? It's something that we can maybe approach AFTER Gengar does her thing. Stetson does seem to have enough of an unhinged drive that he might be convinced to do it just out of the sheer glory of it, but... can't be sure yet.

>>1064567
B. Do the battling, get it outta the way, then come victory dance!
Seriously, if and when he beats the Elite Four, has Stetson consideres what he would do afterwards? Continue training, battling, camping, traveling? Go back home? Get a job? Aspire to become a gym leader? Pokemon Ranger? Breeder? Rancher? Other things? I mean if he wants to be an accountant we could probably teach him *something.* I dunno, for all badass his father is he doesnt come off as someone who knowns how to file taxes.

I forgot where i was going with this. Eh, maybe offer to teach his pokemon how to write so he can communicate with them better.

tippler 2023/05/26(Fri)19:16 No. 1064630 ID: 9ea24b
File 168515377342.png - (121.46KB , 500x500 , p28.png )

>What will Stetson do after his Pokemon adventure?
Ugh, I’ll have to go back to school after summer break ends. I’ll keep all my Pokemon but I’ll spend most of my time in class.

>What does he want to do with his life?
I dunno, when I was young I wanted to be a firefighter, but that’s just baby stuff.

>B, keep that kid on track
You don’t like the uncertainty of changing course so drastically. Stetson should still be able to complete his wish even if he didn’t finish the Elite Four, but this way you can distract Phoebe to help Gengar and also delay Stetson from fixating on the Legendaries.

You tell Stetson that you and his other Pokemon are super excited about getting stronger and hype him up enough that he’s enthusiastic about the Elite Four again.

There’s a cozy hotel near the entrance to Victory Road, and Stetson books a room there for the night. You drowse on the spare bed, crammed between Sceptile and Aggron.

What would you like tomorrow morning? Stetson wants to focus on training.
A. Finish going through Victory Road (guaranteed high value training, Stetson will run into his rival)

B. Train somewhere else in Hoenn (suggest where)

>>1064630
A, let's see what the rival is like.

A. Have a greeting prepared for them too.