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el3kid · 1 year

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Pokestop 1

So far, I have made my to Vermillion City. I have two badges, a healthy team of Pokémon, and our next journey includes boarding the SS Anne! Here are some thoughts on the journey so far.

The Places

Pallet Town: I will never not love Pallet Town. I hear the song and I am home every time. I have to say though, it’s kind of funny that there’s only two houses and a lab here. For the age of the game and the restrictions, I totally understand this. They want you, the player, to be focused on the tasks at hand and not confuse you with too many buildings. You should be starting your journey as soon as possible. These things don’t bother me. I love how immediately close to the Pokémon League it is. The water south of the town is interesting in the sense that we can explore it later, but for now is just a lovely natural feature.

Viridian City: I like that compared to Pallet Town, it does feel like a city. There’s a school, a pokecenter, a pokemart, a gym. The last gym in the league in fact! And it’s closed when you pass through it. That’s so interesting and I feel like I just flew past that fact when playing this time. Another place I enjoy. The first checkpoint on a grand adventure. I like that's there's a lot to come back to here as evident by the cutable bushes.

Viridian Forest: Not really hard to navigate. Lots of flavor with the bug catchers. Pikachu is there. Bugs teach you that pokemon can evolve and there’s plenty of easy pokemon to grind early experience from. The music scared me as a kid and I still don’t love it.

Pewter City: The cities feel like they keep getting bigger the more you travel and you KNOW this theme continues on. But how exciting to be a young trainer and to navigate through the woods to find this! It’s about the same size as Viridian City, but one might imagine that our protagonist might have been there before. Maybe they went to school or ran errands with someone with a Pokémon. But Pewter City feels distant in comparison. You have to navigate through the forest to get there! And this is where we find our first gym! There’s not too much to see here, really, but there’s a lot of flavor and there is a museum that’s worth taking a peak at for the Pokémon skeleton pixel art.

Mt. Moon: wasn’t that difficult. The design was essentially that the farthest back ladder in the cave leads to the exit. Easy. You can skip everything else if you want. I like that Team Rocket is here for the flavor. I like that you don’t need to use FLASH. I like that this magical legendary mountain is the only place you can find clefairy and there’s also paras here (they aren’t anywhere else but the safari zone). And I like that you can find a moon stone :) and you get your fossil from that guy who’s been essentially holding two fossils close to his chest and screaming “MINE MINE MINE” so ferociously that Team Rocket hasn’t tried to mess with him in earnest LMAO. Shoutout to him for giving me a helix fossil though.

Cerulean City: I have a new appreciation for how rural Kanto is as a region as I type this, but Cerulean City is the biggest city we’ve seen so far. A bike shop! A fancy bridge! Someone famous is here? The gym!! You meet your rival again! Not to mention this is where Mewtwo is hiding and where you can activate the Mew glitch if you’re nasty (I wasn’t. I’m a coward.) It feels pretty here and we’ll-designed for this checkpoint in the story. Love the music too. It also introduces two more Team Rocket incidents that seem to be stacking up at this point. I’m also going to consider Route 24 & 25 as a part of Cerulean City because I’ve always considered them like… the overlook? The peninsula nearby? They’re very attached. I like that this little cluster is where local trainers go to battle. And Bill’s there :) I like to pretend it's like makeout point lol.

Vermillion City: a port city! I enjoy that we go through an underground path to get here and find that there’s an obstacle blocking us from a location that’s pretty much at the middle of the map. The mystery! I wonder if underground paths are common at all in rural areas of Japan. Besides that, there’s so much here! You get the bike voucher from the Pokémon Fan Club— there’s a Pokémon Fan Club! A few trades open up with NPCs, which I’m doing all of in my playthrough. You get your first fishing rod! It feels like a lot of stuff is suddenly opening up in a cool way. While there are obstacles, the next places to go feel open and full of possibility from this point. The thing that bothers me the most about this city is how there’s some guy doing construction and, to my knowledge, it’s never resolved. I’m keeping an eye on that.

The Pokémon

Note: I’m going to only talk about Pokémon I’ve used that have also evolved from the stage I’m talking about. I’m only catching the first Pokémon from each area, but there is no permadeath in this playthrough. :)

Bulbasaur: this is my friend. My starter. Cherished little guy. First starter and appropriate for first starter for this project. I like the progression in Red where it learns leech seed first and takes a little while to get vine whip. As a creature, I love that. As a usable Pokemon when thinking about how if you pick them, you’re definitely relying on it to sweep Brock’s team and this means leveling them up to 13 very quickly. This isn’t too difficult and definitely helps you know that you are, in fact, ready to take on your first big challenge. I love this guy. Evolves way too quickly :’) Definitely the easiest starter to use in Gen 1 (affectionately).

Pidgey: I used to have this sour taste for Pidgey because it’s so common in gen 1 and a few generations after (this feeling might come back), but now that I’m being more mindful about my Pokémon I have new things to say about the tiny bird Pokémon. That is: it is one of the major examples that gen 1 and it’s move typing/ balancing is not perfect. Pidgey only knows gust for a bit. Which is fine when Pidgey is a normal/flying type and gust is a flying move. In Red, gust is a normal type move. And all the way up until your Pidgey evolves at its natural level 18, it never learns a flying move. So you go all through Viridian Forest (full of bugs <- weak to flying attacks) without knowing a flying move. Which is kind of interesting? However, it is also a little frustrating. The one upside to this for me is that when you pick Bulbasaur as a starter, Pidgey’s relentless gusts have no power over you 🙌. Anyway, I like using Pidgey. It’s feels reliable and strong and gains experience pretty quickly. Even if it can’t use a flying move, it still is fast and has defensive moves. She has my back.

Weedle: The last few times I've done a nuzlocke in gen 1, I've gotten caterpie as my Viridian Forest catch. So using Weedle was an interesting change! The most exciting part being that it's poison/bug throughout it's line and always knows a basic poison move. Not much advantage to that since poison is really only great against... grass? At least in Red. Funny little hairy bug.

Kakuna: Unfortunately there is never much to say about the cocoon Pokemon. They always feel cool to me when you're using them. It feels like they should only know harden and then you go into battle and poison sting. Fun stuff. Good defense. I feel like in Red, they don't learn harden when they evolve though? I need to check.

Abra: Weak sad little baby that wants to constantly be asleep and run away. I used to be so fascinated by them because they always teleported away, but I never caught one. I don't really get my own reasoning on that. But hey, I got one this time due to the way I've structured my rules. (Using Ekans' wrap really came in clutch for this catch also, I love you Ekans). You can't really use Abra in battle and have to switch it out constantly to level it up to Kadabra, but -- as is the case with most pokemon like this -- it evolves fairly quickly into something more powerful and able to defend itself. It's also the first Pokemon you get that can use a move outside of battle! That's neat!

#pokediary #pkmn rbgy #bulbasaur #pidgey #weedle #kakuna #abra

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qualiityfurniture · 2 years

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Where to Find Bar Tops for Sale

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onedivinemisfit · 3 years

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During my recovery, this has been my biggest project, no kidding. I looked but couldn’t find Obi’s witcher!AU body template so I sketched some Bruxa!yuki designs instead. <w< I’ll finalize and colour them when I’m well, or so I hope, unless I forget XD

Pls forgive any mistakes I’m not 100% yet. ^^;

Explanations below the cut~

AnS (c) Akizuki Sorata Witcher (c) Andrzej Sapkowski TW3 models (c) CDPR Art: Me

Disclaimer: I am not a tailor and as such all my opinions are based on preference and evt pushing rules in my favour XD

The main idea with her wardrobe was to underline that whatever she’s doing, Shirayuki is feminine, and wants to present feminine, hence the skirts and ribbons and embroidery. She’s also a person fond of utility, so belts, pockets, and layers that can be added or removed as she fancied, was also an important facet to add. But she’s also bruxae, monster species, so she’s got a few blind spots, so to speak, regarding what is and isn’t proper to wear in human society. But most of all, her clothes make it easy for her to use her bruxa powers to move around swiftly, silently, and with purpose

Around half of these were referenced from the witcher 3 game, with me picking my favourite garb, and what made more sense for her in different situations.

1. Huntress Outfit - this one I made myself, using only some of the basic wardrobe notes from tw3. I’ve a softness for overdresses/kaftans with splits, especially if they’re combined with tights/buckskins. Shirayuki is a poor bruxa living in the woods outside a small human settlement, so she doesn’t have access to a tailor other than on market day, or when peddlers arrive, hence she often has to redesign old/too-small clothing for new purposes. Another point was to reinforce her sleeves, to make it easier to brush away branches and undergrowth, and adding the Skelligan waist shawl, a gift from her half-sister, as recurring themes.

2. Winter Outfit - another I made myself, because I was dying to design something that included a sheepskin jerkin. The waist shawl helps redefine the jerkin and give it a feminine twist, and the wrapped sleeves both reduce noise and keeps her cuffs from leaking precious warmth. The wool tunic could have been a dress, but I wanted to focus on showing off her fur-tucked winter boots and knitted long socks. Shirayuki probably knitted them herself.

3. High Summer Outfit - another self-made design. Made so as to underline her non-humanness, borrowing heavily from witcher elven aesthetics, with lots of exposed skin, crossed fabric, and asymmetrical cuts. This is what she wears when the weather *won’t* allow you to dress decently or you get purged by the sun, basically. Again, since Shirayuki’s often short of fabric, a lot of refashioning going on.

4. Commoner Outfit - A very basic woman’s dress, very presentable, very respectable, especially since Shirayuki is trying to sell the lie that she’s a normal human woman. It’s her go-to outfit for visiting human settlements, or for performing simple chores around the house, such as cooking, sewing, or spinning. Things that keep her in or around her homestead, and not gallivanting in the woods at midnight looking for prey.

5. Relaxing Outfit - merely a dusty day dress pulled over her nightgown, for those chilly nights where Shirayuki doesn’t want to undress for bed until she’s halfway under the covers. When the chores are done and all that’s left to do is sip a cup of blood, read a book beside the hearth and wait for Ryuu to return from his late night wandering, she likes to shed all those layers and relax.

6. Throw-together Outfit - referenced from the game, almost entirely (Keira Metz’ witch model) - save the shoes and headband. After the loss of her home and her more presentable clothing thanks to witcher Obi (who will later admit that yes he does in fact owe her a new dress... and blouse... and apron...) this outfit was assembled through raiding an abandoned witch’s hut. Anything that could suffice as clothing, basically, even the old curtains. Shirayuki doesn’t personally care that some of her *assets* are pretty much on display, but she would like some linen anyway, the cotton does chafe a bit. Aside from the pearl necklace, nothing she’s wearing actually belonged to her in the first place.

7. Formal Commoner Outfit - reffed from the game, (Keira Metz’ second model) the shoes being the sole exception. A dress for special occassions, perhaps May Day, Equinox celebrations, etc. Not that Shirayuki often dared participate in such events, due to the amount of people who show up even in small villages to throw tankards together and dance around bonfires. But she does pilfer the dress from the abandoned witch’s hut anyway, thinking maybe, afterall, since it’s so pretty and it had matching sleeves to go with it... keeping it wasn’t such a dumb idea.

8. Pants Outfit - reffed from the game (juggler npc) A cross between a traveler and a city dweller, a light-weight yet very elegant outfit for strolling in the human cities. The top is presentable enough that she doesn’t look poor as a pauper, while the pants give the impression of someone on the move, a stranger. It also provides the most comfortable riding experience, the few times she does ride, as she has no need for a lady’s saddle.

9. High-Class Outfit - reffed from the game/one of my favourite tw3 modders, (New Sorceress models by Roksa) I only added the shoes and circlet. When Zen has the dress made for her, it is by FAR the most expensive thing she’s ever worn. Not a single thread of the dress isn’t well-made, the dyes are the brightest and most even-coloured, and the silk is light as a touch on her skin. While the dress itself is a demure, feminine dream, what sets the ensemble apart are the dark cat’s eye gems, just hinting at Shirayuki’s darker secrets. They’re set in gold, for obvious, unspoken reasons, as she reacts to silver much like being set on fire...

10. Evening Outfit - reffed from the game, I just changed the necklace (Ida Eméan’s Gwent card art) another very expensive dress, but surprisingly one that Shirayuki tolerates better. No stiff, itchy velvet, no heavy damask, just sheer silk with gold thread (again for reasons obvious to a bruxa) some simple sleeves, and a chain of stones, no gilded jewellry that could empty a bank vault if sold to the right people. She probably takes a fancy to this dress while attempting to woo a certain witcher, which explains the understated beauty, the most daring of cuts, one that screams “look at me, only me” and the simple-at-a-glance design. Much like Shirayuki herself.

11. Skellige Outfit - inspired by the viking-esque game design for Skellige fashion, this dress is for when Shirayuki and her family stay in the Isles, following her sister’s suggestion. A dress that signifies the matron head of a household with its pewter clasps and apron, follows Skellige fashion demanding you wear a shawl with your clan colors (Shirayuki, although clan-less, was given one by Torou) and layers. And armguards. And a split overdress. To show that this is Shirayuki’s choice wear afterall.

#akagami no shirayukihime #ans #snow white with the red hair #shirayuki #witcher!au #in which shirayuki is a bruxa #a sort of all-female vampire #and obi is the witcher #listen I have only been able to sketch so it was only a matter of time before I fell down into the rabbit hole of outfit designs again XD #let's hope I remember to render them later lolol #myart #I also tried to hint to time passing between her outfits #by using different hairstyles #idk if it worked ahahaha

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theangrypokemaniac · 2 years

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Stop

IX. Plagiarism

It's always other fans blamed, never the pagan Pokémon Company gods.

It'll be my fault they've nicked scenes from Red and Blue.

I suppose the writers are duty-bound public servants, pressured to pander to nostalgic fantasies.

They could just make it good again. That'd do.

Snorlax blocks a road during Legend? Go! Friends? Go!, not the Bridge of Silence.

Hilarious.

Three parts later Ash forgets how big Snorlax can be.

Tit.

Trade, Borrow and Steal! advertises the Vermilion bird-swapping deal, preparing kiddies for Saint Go-Kart's exchange.

'Cause like, trading is weelee kewl and like, toe tallee has no emotional consequences.

Not as it did when Ash gave up Butterfree.

Except now it's a Gentleman handing over Farfetch'd for a little girl's 'Speary', so the sprog is fleecin' a senile old-timer.

Solitary and Menacing! stresses selecting either Hitmonlee or Hitmonchan.

That's for games coming in pairs, love, not a cartoon world.

A Cracking Raid Battle! moved the Power Plant to Vermilion City and forced Zapdos to visit; merely doing it 'right', or not.

Restore and Renew! morphs Pewter Museum into a 'wacky' Millennium Dome theme park.

...

Spweshul Pwinsess Pogo finds Old Amber just sticking out from a wall, for the place is built on a fossil bed.

Yeah, who needs those pulverised artifacts?

Who needs floor when yer can paint the soil?

And why trouble that baby angel with visiting Cinnabar when we can restore it here?

This is a more accurate Kanto, I tells thee!

One Game Boy Machop flattened the earth in town for his master to build a house.

Ivysaur's Mysterious Tower! has the bastards cheerfully destroying the vernal paradise of Bulbasaur's Mysterious Garden.

What was harmless renovation of urban wasteland is now extinction-level butchery.

That's nice.

Well Vermilion couldn't hold an entire series in its earlier confines, and if it's a choice between gassing animals and promoting Go, we all know which one matters more.

Why d'yer think we've not seen Diglett's Cave?

It's tarmac'd and all the moles got put down.

Leeching off twenty-five-year- old games makes this bunch better, don't you know, than the classic writers creating a wildly popular, influential, long-lasting franchise.

It does!

All those old gits did was redesign every Pokémon, invent Team Rocket, and actually use their imaginations to turn sparse source material into a beloved animated universe.

That's bugger all compared to stuffing tidbits of game in wherever needs padding.

We're to be thankful that at last Kanto's had proper coverage, but they can't even do that.

None of the aforesaid content is accurate, and little bears any relation to the main plot, serving merely as smug, disposable 'in-jokes' dumped in the episode.

When not clinging to Go they're sewing ancient body parts together and demanding adulation for the act.

Come on, man. It's not as if there's any new games they could adapt instead.

How bad are Sword and Shield for this much effort to go into avoiding them?

#Pokémon #Pokémon Games #Pokémon Red and Blue #Pokémon Sword and Shield #Goh #Snorlax #Farfetch'd #Machop #Zapdos #Hitmonchan #Legend? Go! Friends? Go!#Trade Borrow and Steal!#Solitary and Menacing!#A Cracking Raid Battle!#Restore and Renew!#Ivysaur's Mysterious Tower!#Galar

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evanaaml · 4 years

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Trick or Treat

A little one-shot for #MistyAppreciationDay that I cooked up. Figured, with the holiday closing in, I ought to make it Halloween-themed. Hope you enjoy!

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"Ok, I think just a few more should do it, what do you think, Azurill?"

"Azu! Zu!"

Misty giggled at her little baby Pokémon as it bounced over the kitchen floor to the little table and grabbed some clementines with its tail.

Halloween was here, and at the Cerulean Gym, Misty, (with her sisters), were put in charge of hosting this year's holiday party. Every year, the Kanto Gym Leaders would take turns hosting holiday events for the league, and more importantly, the people of Kanto. The leaders would often alternate which gym would host which holiday, (with a few exceptions; Lt. Surge insisted on hosting Kanto Independence Day), and this year, the Sensational Sisters were placed in charge of Halloween.

Misty's sisters, Daisy, Lily, and Violet, preferred to host a summer event, (and Misty could hardly blame them, a part of her did, too), but they didn't complain. Any chance to dress up and socialize was a win for them.

For Misty, it was the new norm.

When she was younger, and her sisters were in charge, the league kept them out of these events. They knew they were young and inexperienced. And Misty was naive, she was traveling, looking to become a water Pokémon master, she didn't think of hosting parties or charities. She thought the gym life was just battling trainer after trainer; she thought nothing of the rules or politics that went with it.

But now that she was the primary leader, things like this were her new life. Battles, as it turns out, were a small part of the gym leader life. She had to work with the league, do a lot of paperwork, keep up-to-date on the healthcare of her Pokémon and her employees, and do plenty of personal appearances for Cerulean City.

But despite it all, the stress and the pressure and the busy lifestyle...she loved it. While it wasn't entirely what she expected when she took over the gym all those years ago, she knew that it would be difficult. And she took that challenge with her head held high. She didn't want it to be easy, she wouldn't have taken the position if she thought it would be. It would just prove to herself that she was up to the task if it worked out. And so far, it had.

Still, a little warning would have been nice.

At the moment, Misty was making snacks for the guests. Her cooking skills, while coming a long way since her childhood days on the road, were still...not up to par for mixed company.

Of course, she wouldn't admit that; of course not.

Instead, she opted to put together food already made. In this case, she was placing tiny celery stalks into clementines for a healthy pumpkin-looking treat. Her cooking may not be the best, but her craftsmanship was impressive.

Azurill hopped back to the table and with a mighty bounce, landed on top to place the clementines down. The green paper gently tied around its tail rustled. Azurill was painted (with Pokemon-friendly paint!), a dark green, and with "leaves" on its tail, made itself to be an Oddish. Misty couldn't help but smile every time she saw her adorable Pokémon in its costume.

As for her, Misty opted to go a bit more mythical. She wore a light blue and white body suit and had wired-lined white ribbon around her waist that stuck out around her body; as if flowing in waves. Attached to the back of her neck was a large hood with a light blue headpiece and long, purple hair. At the moment, it was down, but if she flipped it up, it'd stick up just above her head.

She always felt an attachment to Suicune, the Aurora Pokémon. This was of course no surprise, she felt an attachment to all Water-Pokémon. Certain ones, however, had an aura about them to that she could not help but feel drawn to in more ways than just admiration. Suicune was mist personified.

"How they comin'?" someone asked from outside the kitchen.

"Almost done!", Misty replied.

"Alright, I'm gonna show you my costume; prepared to be, like, mind-blown!" the person stated. Misty shook her head in exasperation, but giggled all the same.

"I'm waiting on baited breath", Misty replied sarcastically. Within moments, Daisy entered the room. Like Misty, she wore a body suit, but it was a much darker blue with light blue bands going down the side and around her waist and chest. She had large fins on her back that looked more like elegant Butterfree wings outside of the water. She had two sets of much smaller fins on her side and abdomen. In her hand was what looked like a flat, black baton with a pink dot on it.

"TADA! What do you think?", Daisy asked, striking a pose with one hand in the air and the other on her hip.

"A Lumineon, fitting! A shame they aren't in Kanto waters, having one in the gym would be amazing", Misty said dreamily. She imagined the glowing aura Pokémon swimming through the pool at night, its glow lighting up the water and making the pool seem almost supernatural.

"Like, don't go off daydreaming again, we need the snacks finished soon! Some guests are already here, and the doors open to the public in an hour", Daisy scolded lightly.

"Yeah, yeah", Misty said, waving her off. Misty wasn't interested in impressing the League's big-wigs, they rarely left their offices for these events anyway; instead opting to sends notices reminding her to "Keep up the standards of the Kanto Pokémon League, esq.".

Yawn.

And she wasn't concerned about making an impression with the gym leaders. Through her journey as a child, she got to know them all on a personal level. Through her new position, that level of friendship only increased; she became tight with all of them. Erika and her hung out on the regular, Misty was the first person who Sabrina opened up to, and whom she was now the closest with, Blaine continued to this day to send her riddles for her to solve, (which she never failed to do), and she became a sort of mentor to Forrest; Brock's younger brother, and the gym leader of Pewter City, (when his brother was away for studies).

Her biggest concerns came from the citizens of the city. Namely, the kids. Since becoming the gym leader, she became a role model for the kids of the city. She would host events at the gym, speak in classrooms, run charities, and of course battle any locals who wanted to test their metal before officially joining the League challenge. They were the ones she wanted to impress, to put a smile on their faces. This was for them.

She began peeling the clementines that Azurill handed her. "I have to say though, Daisy, as beautiful as the costume is, I thought you'd do a little more for the party", Misty stated. Her sisters were known for going all out for all their outfits; regardless of occasion. And while her older sister's costume was well made, it didn't seem to have that "over the top" feature that they were known for. Daisy winked.

"Oh, just watch", Daisy replied. Misty looked on as Daisy reached over to one of the fins on her side. She slid a tiny lever up, and within moments, the blue bands along her body and fins lit up in a fluorescent glow. "Like the Sensational Sisters wouldn't try to be the stars of the evening".

...Ok, she was impressed.

"Wow! That's amazing, Daisy!", Misty said.

"I know, right?", Daisy replied. She walked over towards the table to pick up a platter of the finished treats. "You know, if you weren't so stingy, we were going to add lights to your outfit, too".

"I didn't know you were going to do that, I just wanted to add my own part to the costume is all. I didn't want you three to do all the work for my own costume", Misty replied. Her stubbornness never left her. She knew her sisters were more talented at crafts like costumes than she was, but she didn't have it in her to let them do it all on their own, even if they were happy to. She had to help.

"Well, the ribbons did come out nice, so, I guess you got some of our talent after all", Daisy said. Misty glared daggers at her older sister. Did she really not think about what she said before saying it?

But she let it slide. Since her sisters returned from their trip, and she was put in charge of the gym, they had all made great strides in becoming more of a family. They had their fights and spats, but Misty felt that they were the kind of disagreements that siblings had.

So then the others have similar costumes?", Misty asked.

"You bet!", someone called out. Daisy turned around and Misty glanced over to see Lily and Violet approaching them. Violet stepped into the kitchen, walking sideways through the doorway to fit in. She had several tentacles attached to her waist from a subtle belt. Some tentacles dangled from the belt and hung just above the ground, while others had some sort of support that allowed them to stick out a small ways from her body. Two tentacles were attached to small sticks, which she held in her hand to raise and move like the real thing. She wore brown leggings and a bell-shaped costume with two large glowing plastic orbs on her shoulders, with a smaller glowing one attached to her head via a tiara. She also had a long, jagged stinger, which she currently had just dangling around her neck.

"Awww! Tentacruel! How beautiful!", Misty said.

"Well, I dunno about beautiful, but it sure is illuminating!" Violet replied, lifting two of the tentacles up in a pose with a smile. Misty was insulted at Violet's blatant disregard for one of the most beautiful sea Pokémon.

"What are you, Lily?", Misty asked, ignoring Violet for her crime...for now.

"TOO BIG TO FIT INTO THE ROOM!", Lily whined. The sisters sighed.

Lily had a large shell that hung from her waist and raised up over her head, and a pink sphere around her chest, with black leggings to finish the attire. Around her body within the shell, she had white orbs that glowed similar to her sisters. The shell was too tall and too wide to fit her through the door frame.

"It's just the shell, Lily, like, no one's gonna think you're fat", Violet stated, knowing full-well what she was worried about.

"The costume came out amazing...BUT AT WHAT COST!?", Lily asked out loud.

"The costume looks great, Lily! What did you use to keep it light and bulky like that?", Misty asked.

"DON'T SAY BULKY!", Lily replied in disgust. Violet groaned.

"EVA foam. It's in all of our outfits, including yours", Daisy answered, ignoring Lily's outburst. She used the tail in her hand to point to Misty's hood.

"Oh, really? I just thought it was cardboard", Misty replied, lifting the hood up over her head.

"As if! Like cardboard would be able to keep that form!", Daisy replied. Misty sighed. Her sisters were experts at costumes from all the ballets they put on; they really knew which materials to use and how to make them stand out. If their jobs at the gym didn't work out, Misty thought they could make a career as professional cosplayers.

"Not gonna lie, sis, I'm a little bummed that you didn't go with Lugia for your costume. I mean, like, you SAW it and everything!", Violet exclaimed, recalling her sister's incident in the Orange Islands.

"Lugia was certainly a finalist. I may go with it next year, but that costume would probably take me longer to make", Misty admitted, thinking of the struggle to make its wings and tail manageable.

"Personally, I thought you should have gone with Bruxish, I think it fits you better", Lily said with a sneer, thinking of the large, big-lipped fish. All three sisters burst into laughter at the thought. Misty growled.

"OH WHO ASKED YOU, ANYWAY!?", Misty yelled. Azurill jumped in shock at the outburst. Misty gasped, realizing her error, and rushed over to console the baby.

"Wow, way to go, Misty, scare the poor little baby why don't you?", Daisy said in jest. Misty glared, but kept her cool this time.

"So, anyway, what guests are here?", Misty asked, changing the topic. Daisy handed the platter in her hand to Violet while she grabbed another one to hand to Lily.

"None of the other gym leaders yet, but they'll be here any minute, I'm sure", Violet answered.

"The mayor's here, and some of his guests", Daisy added.

"No surprise. Any trainers?", Misty asked.

"Uhm...yeah! That Casey girl is here!", Violet answered. Misty's eyes lit up.

"That's wonderful! I was hoping she'd come around. I know she head's back to Johto during the holidays, I'm glad she could stop by before that", Misty said. She had met many trainers on her journeys over the years, plenty of whom she was still in contact with. They would make time to write her notes or video call her, some would even visit if they were in the area. It made her heart feel good that she still had so many friends from her childhood.

"Brock said he'd be over with his family soon, too. Prof. Oak said he was running late, had to pick up Mrs. Ketchum and someone else", Lily said from outside the kitchen.

"Probably Gary. Alright. Did anyone call while I was working in here?", Misty asked.

"Yes! May did. She said that she'll be here! Didn't say what time exactly, but that she can't wait to catch up!", Daisy answered. Misty smiled. May was someone who she only got to meet once or twice in her childhood, but as she got older, she got to hang out with more and more.

Any friend of his would be a friend of hers, given enough time.

She was a coordinator, a field that Misty knew she wouldn't be cut out for, but loved to see. Misty's sisters, who had an interest in coordinating before becoming co-gym leaders, quickly became some of her biggest fans. They were even one of her first sponsors when she was skilled enough to take some on.

"*Sigh* I knew she would. I can't wait to catch up, it's been far too long since we've seen her. I know Dawn can't make it, she's too far away, but she sends her regards!", Misty explained.

"Aww, how sweet!", Lily replied.

"Iris has her own League's party to deal with, Serena is in Hoenn, and...Tracy's been here all day helping set up", Misty said, thinking to herself of what friends could show up.

"Wait, aren't you missing someone?", Violet asked.

There was a pause.

"...No, I'm pretty sure that's it", Misty replied, feeling a little twitch in her chest.

"...Misty, you know you're forgetting someone", Lily replied.

Another twitch, more painful than the last.

Misty turned around to face the little snacks she was making.

"...No, I'm not. Everyone who said they were going to come, already answered", Misty retorted. The sisters looked at one another. They were all thinking the same thing. About the same person.

"Misty...what about Ash?", Daisy asked.

Twitch.

Azurill, sensing a sudden mood change in its trainer, hopped over to her side. Misty just looked at the fruit before her, her mind elsewhere.

"He...isn't coming".

The sensational sisters seemed perplexed at the statement. As if it didn't seem possible.

"Ash isn't coming? Did he say that?", Daisy asked, slightly shocked.

"He didn't say anything, I left him a message, telling him the details, and he didn't respond", Misty answered. The words came out harsher than she intended, but it felt deserved none the less.

"That doesn't seem like him. He's dense, but not rude", Violet replied.

"Yeah, like, are you sure he would just bail on you like that?", Lily asked.

"I don't know, and quite frankly, I don't care", Misty spat back. She grabbed a few clementines, stabbed celery stalks into them, and then held the platter out for one of them to grab. "Here. Done. I'll work on another treat set and then head out". The sisters all looked at one another in a mutual feeling of concern.

The sisters knew their own strengths, they knew they had beauty, charm, and a wit that would rival anyone. But they also knew their own weaknesses.

They knew that, despite all of their shared love of Water Pokémon and the gym, and the training they've put in since their time back home, that they weren't the best trainers. And though there were many, many differences between them and their youngest sister over personalities, and ideas for running the gym to its prime capabilities, that Misty always thought with the gym's best intentions.

They knew that their "runt" of a younger sister, the "not-so sensational sister", was the best the gym had to offer.

And while they had confidence that she'd get over this soon, it still pained them to see her like this. Misty was most certainly not the type to drool over men the way they used to, (or, still do in some cases), but they knew, from the moment they met him, that she had the one. And that one, right now, was hurting her.

Daisy sighed and walked over, taking the platter. She could see, albeit only from a glance, the pain in her sister's face.

"Misty, hun, listen...just, don't judge too harshly, ok? I know he didn't reply, but you don't know why yet. Maybe something came up, maybe there was bad service where he is, maybe he is, in fact, just an idiot...So please...go easy on him, ok? If, afterwards, it turns out he just ditched you, then Hell, I'll drive you to him myself so you can beat his ass", Daisy explained. Lily and Violet shuddered at the thought of her behind the wheel with their sister again. "But, until then, just...keep an open mind, ok?".

Misty clenched her hands, feeling like she was about to explode. Who were they to tell her how to feel about this situation? But...she eventually sighed, and nodded.

"Yeah...you're right", Misty replied.

And it pained her to admit it.

"Alright. Don't take too long with the next snacks, I'm sure these will last until the main course arrives. Most everyone's eating candy anyway", Daisy explained. Misty gave a half-hearted giggle.

Daisy walked away from Misty and looked to her other sisters. They both looked worried for their youngest sibling, but knew that things would be clear in due time.

Call it women's intuition.

From out of the kitchen, Lily turned towards a noise, and giggle aloud.

"Well, I don't know about Ash, but at least you can see Pikachu tonight", Lily said through laughs. Misty turned around in shock as Lily side-stepped to allow something to pass her.

Walking into the kitchen, its hands on either side of its head, was Misty's ever-so faithful companion, Psyduck. Attached to its head by a thick rubber band were long, flimsy pieces of paper, cut out awkwardly into points with black tips drawn on with crayon. Attached over its tail was a tube, which led to an equally poorly-cut Pikachu tail. To compliment the additions, red circles were sloppily painted on its cheeks.

"Psy.Duck.Psy.Duck.Psy.Duck", Psyduck said as it marched towards its trainer. It finished with a final "Psy" as it stopped on front of her.

"Ohhh, bless its little heart, it tried its best", Daisy said, both loving and horrified at Psyduck's attempt at a Pikachu costume.

"How did it struggle to paint simple circles on its cheeks, but made the brown stripes all the way over on its back almost perfect? I swear your Psyduck's like, the weirdest thing on two legs", Violet exclaimed. Psyduck tilted its head in response.

"Psyduck!"

"Oh leave it alone! I think your costume is...wonderfully you, Psyduck!", Misty stated, bending down to give her Pokémon care. The water type smiled as Misty readjusted its ears.

"Well, don't take too long, alright? Psyduck, make sure she comes out to mingle soon, ok?", Daisy said, instructing the duck Pokémon.

"Psyduck!", Psyduck exclaimed, waving its hand in the air. Daisy and Violet then left the kitchen, and, with Lily, went towards the pool area. They wanted to socialize with the elite and friends, but more still, they wanted Misty to have a moment to herself.

They knew things would turn around for her soon enough.

Misty, meanwhile, looked to her little sheet of "Halloween Snack Ideas" she "borrowed" from Serena's blog online to see what to make next. All the snacks were easy to make, and for most of them, they had the ingredients right there in the kitchen. But the more she thought, the more she got anxious. She didn't want to make anything. She didn't want to be there all of a sudden.

What was wrong with her?

She shook her head, and looked back to the sheet. They were easy ideas, Serena made them even simpler by explaining it in easy steps. But she couldn't find the urge to get started. Her mind kept wandering. Kept getting side-tracked.

She groaned.

Eventually, Misty sighed, tossed the sheet aside, and just sat on the stool at the kitchen island. Azurill bounced over and hopped into her arms while Psyduck wobbled over and leaned against her leg from the floor. They both knew what was getting to her.

"I'm sorry for upsetting you two. I don't mean to worry you. I'll be fine, I'm sure of it", Misty said, rubbing Azurill gently. She said it, but she herself didn't believe it. Misty sighed. "Who am I kidding? I don't know when I'll get over this. It's just...so unlike him. If he had told me he couldn't make it, I would have understood. He's missed more parties and events I've had than I can even keep track of. But to just...not respond to me. To just, leave me sitting here, wondering, and...hoping...it hurts".

Misty found herself clutching Azurill tighter to her chest. It wasn't just the lack of response that bothered her, it was that it came from him that really made it hurt. He just didn't do that. He was always busy, always traveling, always training. Working day in and day out to accomplish his dream; something she would never cease to admire.

But he always made time to talk to her.

Maybe she was spoiled over it. Maybe, she thought, that she expected too much from him, and that, realistically, he didn't need to answer every message that came his way from her. Maybe he was busy responding to another female friend of his?

Twitch.

She shook the idea out of her head. What made her think it was a female friend? What made her think it was even a friend he was talking to? It could have been a multitude of things. He could have gotten hung up with a gym battle. He could be traveling out in the wild with no signal. He could be somewheres out there, alone, and with no one to help him.

Twitch.

Again, she shook the thought out of her head. Why did she keep jumping to the worst conclusions? Azurill nuzzled more into her, sensing her anxiety levels rising. Misty sighed. These thoughts of hers were getting out of hand. She wanted to distract herself. She needed to distract herself.

But the motivation wasn't there. She knew what she had to do, and she knew that doing it would help. But try as she might, she couldn't will herself to start, and so she sat, with the same question running through her mind.

Why didn't Ash answer?

A commotion in the pool area startled her out of her thoughts momentarily. Misty could just make out the voice of her sisters talking to a person or persons. More guests were arriving.

It was as much motivation as she was going to get, she thought. Misty sighed, and stood up, placing Azurill down on the table in the process. Looking at the sheet momentarily once more, she decided on a snack and grabbed several bananas. She handed some to Psyduck.

"Here, peel these for me, please", Misty said. Psyduck took the bananas and began to peel the skins away with its sharp webbed claws. Misty herself peeled a banana and then cut it in half. Then, with a chocolate-filled pipping bag, began to draw the tiniest of dots on the ends of the bananas. Within seconds, a ghost face had formed. Serena's "Boo-Nanas".

With Psyduck's help, Misty managed to make a fair amount within only a couple minutes. Before she knew it, she almost had enough for a platter's worth. While it was still in the back of her mind, her concerns over Ash weren't controlling her like they did moments before.

"Ok, that's a fair amount done. Let's get a few more and we can send it out...Psyduck?", Misty asked, holding her hand out and expecting to be given a peeled banana. She turned to see that Psyduck was smelling the air. "What is it? You smell something? Wonder if the main courses arrived from the restaurant?", Misty wondered aloud. Azurill also began sniffing the air. Soon, both Pokémon recognized the scent and turned to the door. The sound of something dragging caught Misty's attention.

Entering the kitchen was a small creature, draped in some kind of old-looking sheet. Small black dots were on the lower form, while the head looked to be a misshapen form of a Pikachu. Eyes, cheeks, and a smile were drawn on with some form of crayon, as were the ear tips, not unlike Psyduck's. The head was limp, bobbing left and right and refusing to sit upright. A stick for a tail was stuck to the end of the sheet, by a means Misty could not immediately tell. The figure stood there, not saying a word.

Admittedly, Misty was creeped out, but she recognized the costume. It was a Mimikkyu, a Pokémon from the Alola region.

"Well, hello there", Misty said politely. There was no response from the Mimikkyu. "Hmm, well, I know what you're supposed to be. The question is, are you the real deal? Or are you a costume within a costume?". The figure raised up, the sides of the sheet extending out ever so slightly from the lower body, as it groaned. Misty sighed, no dark appendages.

"Ok, well you're not a real Mimikkyu. So who are you?", Misty asked. The figure darted with surprising across the kitchen floor and to the table, hoping up with ease. It crawled over to the gym leader and sat there, staring at her as the head bobbled more. Misty was creeped out, but sighed. "Ok, being stubborn huh?". She put her hand on the head, stopping it from moving. The figure shuttered, causing Misty to actually tense up. It groaned loudly as Misty held its head.

She heard of the legends surrounding the ghost type. And while she had the utmost confidence that this was nothing more than a Pokémon, dressed up as a Mimikkyu, the hesitation was still there. None the less, she gulped and lifted the head up, and the sheet with it.

"PIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII....KACHU-PI!".

Her heart skipped a beat, both from relief, and shock.

"P-Pikachu!? What, how!?", Misty asked. The mouse Pokémon had raised its paws up, growling menacingly as its costume was revealed, in an attempt to be scary. But ultimately greeted its female friend with its usual smile.

"But wait, if you're here, then...", Misty said, realizing the inevitable truth. She covered her mouth and immediately began fighting tears that were suddenly forming as she turned to the doorway. Just popping into view was a man, dressed up in a store-bought Entei costume. The man lowered the mask, revealing the face.

"Hiya, Mist...been awhile".

Misty, despite the well of emotions she was feeling, both positive and negative, couldn't stop herself as the two embraced in a large hug. Ash wrapped his arms around her tight and she felt like she would melt into him. He smelled like dirt road and wild grass, with hints of dewdrops. A combination of scents she missed, and grew to love over time.

"Damn, still got an inch on me, thought for certain I'd be taller. I think we're both done growing, too", Ash joked.

"Ash...", Misty said, smiling with tears coming down her face. "...you ABSOLUTE ASSHOLE!".

Misty immediately stepped back and punched him in the arm, causing him to jump back and rub it firmly.

"Ow! Damn, still got a killer punch I see!", Ash replied. Pikachu sighed. It appeared as if little changed over the years. It hopped down from the table with Azurill to catch up with its friend Psyduck, and admire its rendition of itself.

"What the HELL were you thinking!?", Misty asked. Despite the tears and rage inside of her, she was smiling and laughing as she asked it. She was a whole mess of emotions and she didn't know which one was in control at the moment.

"I was thinking that my plan went off without a hitch", Ash replied, still rubbing his arm.

"Your plan!?", Misty asked.

"Yeah! Your sisters knew! I asked them what costume you were wearing, so that I could match it...but dang, you really had to go all-out and make me look cheap, didn't you?", Ash explained, looking over Misty's costume.

"They knew!? Argh! I'm gonna KILL THEM!", Misty growled, nearly tearing her hood off.

"Actually, they seemed pretty upset with me, too. Did you not know I was coming or something?", Ash asked.

Twitch.

There was a moment of silence. Misty turned towards the trainer. He looked genuinely perplexed. It was a look she swore was stuck to his face nine hours of the day.

"...How could I, when you DON'T ANSWER!?", Misty asked. Ash stood back from the angry response, and Misty could tell he was rearing to protect his other arm.

"Woah, woah, I did respond!", Ash exclaimed. He then fumbled in his costume pants pocket and pulled out his Poképhone. He unlocked the screen and immediately began going through his messages. "See, look, you sent me the text, asking if I would come to the party, and showing me your official invite sheet, and yadda yadda, and here I said...".

There was a pause.

Ash groaned heavily. Pikachu did the same. He tapped a button, and within a few seconds, Misty heard the sound of a water droplet. She recognized it as her custom ringtone for a text message. She grabbed her Poképhone from off the table to see, on her screen, a single message.

"Why not both? ;)"

Twitch.

"I uh...I thought I hit send...I apparently did not...", Ash said sheepishly. Pikachu slapped its forehead.

"...Ash...", Misty said.

"Y...Yes?", Ash asked.

"...You are, in fact...just an idiot", Misty exclaimed. Ash sighed.

"Oh, yeah, that I knew", Ash replied. He expected much worse.

"Why not both?", Misty asked, referring to the message.

"Uh, yeah. Your message. After you sent me the image of your paper invite you sent out to people, you asked me, "So, Trick, or Treat?". And that was my answer.

"...Both?", Misty asked.

"Yeah, the treat was that I'd be here for you. The trick...well, the trick was technically Pikachu's costume, in an attempt to scare you, but I guess this little incident is more of a trick now?", Ash replied with a nervous chuckle. Misty sighed and covered her eyes with her hands. In doing so, more tears came out. They were residual, but it was enough for Ash to notice. He rushed over and put his hands on her shoulders.

"Misty, I'm so sorry, I swear to you, I didn't intend to hurt your feelings. I wondered why you didn't respond, and I didn't think to check and see if the message sent, I figured you were just busy with preparations and talked to your sisters about me coming over. I guess they thought that you got a reply from me until tonight", Ash quickly explained. His chest hurt from seeing Misty tear up like that. Especially that it happened because of him.

"Ash...the amount of emotional pain you've briefly given me...is nothing, compared to the amount of PHYSICAL pain I'm going to put you through after the party", Misty exclaimed. Ash shuddered. "And once I tell your mom what you did, she'll probably add to it".

"...You wouldn't".

"Gyarados won't even be able to eat your remains, they'll be so pulverized".

"...Pikachu wouldn't let that happen to me".

"Piiiii", Pikachu answered.

"Once again, you've proven to be just the BEST friend I could ask for!", Ash said sarcastically.

"But for now...", Misty started. She slowly leaned into Ash and wrapped her arms around him. "...let me just...sit here a bit?" She closed her eyes, took in a wiff of his scent, and smiled. Ash smiled himself, wrapped his arms around her, and closed his eyes.

"Take as long as you need...Happy Halloween, Misty".

------------------------------------------------------

I haven't stopped writing and editing this story for the last few hours, and I'm EXHAUSTED. I'm so sorry if this story isn't up to snuff; I'm out of practice. This was my contribution to Misty Appreciation Day, hope you enjoyed!

-EVAN AAML

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agentrouka-blog · 4 years

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ASOIAF - Dany and the persimmons of doom

The persimmon is mentioned 13 times, 12 times in Dany chapters.

What’s a Persimmon?

The word Diospyros comes from the ancient Greek words "dios" (δῐος) and "pyron" (πῡρον). A popular etymology construed this as "divine fruit", or as meaning "wheat of Zeus" or "God's pear" and "Jove's fire". The dio-, as shown by the short vowel 'i', has nothing to do with 'divine' (δῑoς ), dio- being an affix attached to plant names, and in classical Greek the compound referred to "the fruit of the nettle tree".

The word persimmon itself is derived from putchamin, pasiminan, or pessamin, from Powhatan, an Algonquian language of the eastern United States, meaning "a dry fruit".

The name was misconstrued to mean something a lot more elevated, something divine, olympian, fiery and impressive, when it really is a lot more basic than that.

Kind of loving where this is headed already.

(Long, because many quotes.)

The first and only persimmon mention outside of a Dany chapter is in AGOT, Eddard V. It’s contained in a list of offered refreshments by Pycelle, while Ned has gone to him to inquire about Jon Arryn’s death.

"Lord Arryn's death was a great sadness for all of us, my lord," Grand Maester Pycelle said. "I would be more than happy to tell you what I can of the manner of his passing. Do be seated. Would you care for refreshments? Some dates, perhaps? I have some very fine persimmons as well. Wine no longer agrees with my digestion, I fear, but I can offer you a cup of iced milk, sweetened with honey. I find it most refreshing in this heat."

(AGOT, Eddard V)

Things in a list are, in my opinion, very often symbolically loaded.

Dates. Persimmons. Milk sweetened with honey.

Dates, counting just the actual fruit, are also most heavily associated with Dany (7 mentions) and to a lesser degree Tyrion (3 mentions) and Arys Oakheart and Arianne (1 each). Also, Dorne in general.

Milk with honey, which is what Ned ends up choosing, as a combination is associated with Brienne, Jaime and the Riverland mess, oddly enough, and, sweetened milk in general also with the suppression of Sweetrobin (sweetsleep). I’m sticking to the persimmon for now.

So, what are persimmons about for Dany?

The first mention occurs in Qarth, close to the beginning of Daenerys III.

Descendants of the ancient kings and queens of Qarth, the Pureborn commanded the Civic Guard and the fleet of ornate galleys that ruled the straits between the seas. Daenerys Targaryen had wanted that fleet, or part of it, and some of their soldiers as well. She made the traditional sacrifice in the Temple of Memory, offered the traditional bribe to the Keeper of the Long List, sent the traditional persimmon to the Opener of the Door, and finally received the traditional blue silk slippers summoning her to the Hall of a Thousand Thrones.

(ACOK, Daenerys III)

Another list. Hmm...

A sacrifice in the Temple of Memory... (If I look back, I am lost. What was Hazzea’s name again?)

A bribe to the Keeper of the Long List. (Keeper of lists... Arya keeps a kill list. Other list keepers might be the maesters at the Citadel for marriages births and deaths. There are two specifically mentioned “long lists”, Pycelle’s list of people who should swear fealty to Joffrey, and Hizdahr’s list of Dany’s enemies after smashing the slave trade.)

A persimmon to the Opener of Doors. (The red door likely foreshadows her Burning of King’s Landing, which is what I think this refers to. Elsewise, Jon significantly opened the gates of the Wall for the wildlings to march through. Jon, and Dany both open doors in significant dreams or visions.)

Then she receives the blue silk slippers and is summoned to the Hall of a Thousand Thrones. (Blue silk is heavily associated with Sansa, where it’s associated with catastrophe, violence, betrayal and defeat. To a lesser degree same for Brienne and Cersei. And the blue bard. This is not a happy fabric.)

But anyway, so the persimmon is associated with the Opening Of The Door. And what else?

The Pureborn reject Dany’s offerings and do not give her a fleet. She grumbles. She contemplates returning to Vaes Tolorro and making a home there but rejects the idea. Xaro asks her to marry him. A lot. Quaithe says reaches out to her again and gives her the “To go North you must go south etc” prophecy. She decides to go see the HOTU. (Destruction will follow.)

So, persimmon -> rejecting non-conquering path. And Quaithe egging her on.

Next Mention, still in Qarth. The persimmon opens the chapter.

She was breaking her fast on a bowl of cold shrimp-and-persimmon soup when Irri brought her a Qartheen gown, an airy confection of ivory samite patterned with seed pearls. "Take it away," Dany said. "The docks are no place for lady's finery."

If the Milk Men thought her such a savage, she would dress the part for them. When she went to the stables, she wore faded sandsilk pants and woven grass sandals.

(ACOK, Daenerys V)

She consumes persimmon, and returns to her Dothraki garb, rejects Xaro’s proposal of marriage, finds herself unloved by the smallfolk of Qarth and pressured to leave.

They know who I am, and they do not love me. Dany could tell from the way they looked at her.

Xaro refuses to help her get a fleet. She contemplates the visons in the HOTU. We get a book series title drop.

“I remember,” Dany said sadly. “They murdered Rhaegar’s daughter as well, the Little princess. Rhaenys, she was named, like Aegon’s sister. There was no Visenya, but he said the dragon has three heads. What is the song of ice and fire?”

“It’s no song I’ve ever heard.”

Dany wanders the docks and meets Barristan Selmy and Strong Belwas, who save her from a poison assassination attempt by the Sorrowful Men. Selmy and Belwas were sent by Magister Illyrio along with three ships. She accepts them, and renames them for the three conquering dragons Vhagar, Meraxes, Balerion.

So, all in all we are on theme here with Dany embracing her inner dragon and rejecting alternative options of making a home. Aegon the Conquerer with Teats it is. Thank you, persimmon.

Next up, A Storm of Swords. Dany goes Unsullied-shopping in Astapor. The persimmon is at the beginning of the chapter.

“Your ears heard true,” said Dany. “I want to buy them all. Tell the Good Masters, if you will.”

She had chosen a Qartheen gown today. The deep violet silk brought out the purple of her eyes. The cut of it bared her left breast. While the Good Masters of Astapor conferred among themselves in low voices, Dany sipped tart persimmon wine from a tall silver flute. She could not quite make out all that they were saying, but she could hear the greed.

(...)

Dany let them argue, sipping the tart persimmon wine and trying to keep her face blank and ignorant. I will have them all, no matter the price, she told herself. The city had a hundred slave traders, but the eight before her were the greatest. When selling bed slaves, fieldhands, scribes, craftsmen, and tutors, these men were rivals, but their ancestors had allied one with the other for the purpose of making and selling the Unsullied. Brick and blood built Astapor, and brick and blood her people.

(…)

Two thousand would never serve for what she meant to do. I must have them all. Dany knew what she must do now, though the taste of it was so bitter that even the persimmon wine could not cleanse it from her mouth. She had considered long and hard and found no other way. It is my only choice. "Give me all," she said, "and you may have a dragon."

(…)

“Missandei is no longer a slave. I free you, from this instant. Come ride with me in the litter, I wish to talk.” Rakharo helped them in, and Dany drew the curtains shut against the dust and heat. “If you stay with me you will serve as one of my handmaids,” she said as they set off. “I shall keep you by my side to speak for me as you spoke for Kraznys. But you may leave my service whenever you choose, if you have father or mother you would sooner return to.” “This one will stay,” the girl said. “This one … I … there is no place for me to go. This … I will serve you, gladly.”

(ASOS, Daenerys III)

Persimmon & “buy them all, have them all, give me all” on triple display. Gee, I wonder if we will have another dragon escalation coming up?

Also, Dany’s special brand of slave liberation is in full swing. You are free to leave - with no alternatives provided for you. Or stay and serve as my “handmaid”. Ask Irri what that means.

The night before the transaction, she dreams she is Rhaegar on dragonback, bathing her enemies in dragonfire. A good dream, for Dany. She gets a visit from Quaithe. The next day, she dresses in Dothraki garb again. Fire and Blood.

“Unsullied!” Dany galloped before them, her silver-gold braid flying behind her, her bell chiming with every stride. “Slay the Good Masters, slay the soldiers, slay every man who wears a tokar or holds a whip, but harm no child under twelve, and strike the chains off every slave you see.” She raised the harpy’s fingers in the air … and then she flung the scourge aside. “Freedom!” she sang out. “Dracarys! Dracarys!” “Dracarys!” they shouted back, the sweetest word she’d ever heard. “Dracarys! Dracarys!” And all around them slavers ran and sobbed and begged and died, and the dusty air was filled with spears and fire.

It would appear that the persimmons signal the proximity of a dragon escalation. Persimmons always appear at the beginning of a chapter where Dany chooses Dothraki garb and dragonfire.

Does it hold up?

A newly conquered Meereen has the next persimmon mention right at the top of the chapter:

Dany broke her fast under the persimmon tree that grew in the terrace garden, watching her dragons chase each other about the apex of the Great Pyramid where the huge bronze harpy once stood. Meereen had a score of lesser pyramids, but none stood even half as tall. From here she could see the whole city:

(…)

And beyond the walls was the pewter sea, the winding Skahazadhan, the dry brown hills, burnt orchards, and blackened fields. Up here in her garden Dany sometimes felt like a god, living atop the highest mountain in the world.

(…)

All my victories turn to dross in my hands, she thought. Whatever I do, all I make is death and horror.

(…)

“My city,” said Dany. “I was looking for a house with a red door, but by night all the doors are black.”

“A red door?” Missandei was puzzled. “What house is this?” “No house. It does not matter.” Dany took the younger girl by the hand. “Never lie to me, Missandei. Never betray me.”

"I never would," Missandei promised. "Look, dawn comes."

(…)

On the terrace, a few flies stirred sluggishly. A bird began to chirp in the persimmon tree, and then two more. Dany cocked her head to hear their song, but it was not long before the sounds of the waking city drowned them out.

The sounds of my city.

(…)

“What will you do then, Khaleesi?” asked Rakharo. “Stay,” she said. “Rule. And be a queen.”

(ASOS, Daenerys VI)

After the first persimmon mention, she reflects on the conquest of Meereen in a terrible, savage sack. (Incidentally, using the same kinds of weapons to attack their gate as Jon defends against the Wildling attack on the Wall, specifically the “turtle” and ram. Jon/Dany romantic foreshadowing, surely.)

Persimmon -> Dragon and dothraki. Yes, it holds up.

But there is a second persimmon mention. Persimmons in the middle of a chapter tend to signal a rejection of the dragon path.

After a series of bad news from Astapor and beyond, making her question the success of her actions, she decides to change her plans. The birds draw her attention to the persimmon tree of dragon escalation BUT the sounds of her city drown them out. She turns away from the siren call. She decides to try and responsibly deal with actual ruling.

So far, so on theme. Will the persimmons make a comeback when Dany re-dragons? Yes. Yes, they will.

ADWD gives us more persimmons. Many more.

Daenerys II. Middle-chapter persimmon -> Dragon rejection.

She is unrestful. The Sons of the Harpy killed Missandei’s brother, and many more. She agrees to have a suspect’s young daughter tortured to get answers. She grows very tired of ruling. She struggles to comfort Missandei who asserts Dany’s Mhysa identity. But Dany is lonely and longs to be loved, longs for Daario. She takes a bath and, hello, Quaithe!

A woman stood under the persimmon tree, clad in a hooded robe that brushed the grass. Beneath the hood, her face seemed hard and shiny. She is wearing a mask, Dany knew, a wooden mask finished in dark red lacquer. "Quaithe? Am I dreaming?" She pinched her ear and winced at the pain. "I dreamt of you on Balerion, when first we came to Astapor."

(…)

“Daenerys. Remember the Undying. Remember who you are.” “The blood of the dragon.” But my dragons are roaring in the darkness. “I remember the Undying. Child of three, they called me. Three mounts they promised me, three fires, and three treasons. One for blood and one for gold and one for …”

"Your Grace?" Missandei stood in the door of the queen's bedchamber, a lantern in her hand. "Who are you talking to?"

Dany glanced back toward the persimmon tree. There was no woman there. No hooded robe, no lacquer mask, no Quaithe.

A shadow. A memory. No one. She was the blood of the dragon, but Ser Barristan had warned her that in that blood there was a taint. Could I be going mad? They had called her father mad, once. "I was praying," she told the Naathi girl. "It will be light soon. I had best eat something, before court."

(…)

If I look back, I am doomed, Dany told herself … but how could she not look back? I should have seen it coming. Was I so blind, or did I close my eyes willfully, so I would not have to see the price of power?

(…)

I am the blood of the dragon, she thought. If they are monsters, so am I.

(ADWD, Daenerys II)

Dany is chaving under the pressures of ruling, already resorting back to cruelty, and under the persimmon tree, Quaithe beckons and tries to lure her back down the dragon path. Dany hesitates. She considers Hizdahr’s 7th proposal to open the fighting pits and questions Ser Barristan on his escape from Joffrey. She visits her dragons and questions herself, harshly.

This chapter is one big hope spot before it all goes to ashes.

Daenerys III. Closer to the beginning of the chapter, but not quite up there. -> less enthusiastic dragon rejection.

A banquet to honor the visit of Xaro from Qarth. Sensual dancing. Food and trade on the forefront of Dany’s mind, longing for Daaaaario in the background.

Daenerys held out her cup for Irri to refill. The wine was sweet and strong, redolent with the smell of eastern spices, much superior to the thin Ghiscari wines that had filled her cup of late. Xaro perused the fruits on the platter Jhiqui offered him and chose a persimmon. Its orange skin matched the color of the coral in his nose. He took a bite and pursed his lips. "Tart."

"Would my lord prefer something sweeter?"

“Sweetness cloys. Tart fruit and tart women give life its savor.” Xaro took another bite, chewed, swallowed. “Daenerys, sweet queen, I cannot tell you what pleasure it gives me to bask once more in your presence. A child departed Qarth, as lost as she was lovely. I feared she was sailing to her doom, yet now I find her here enthroned, mistress of an ancient city, surrounded by a mighty host that she raised up out of dreams.” No, she thought, out of blood and fire.

(ADWD, Daenerys III)

Tart v. sweet. Right now, a sweet queen? The persimmons beckon. She and Xaro philosophize on the relative merits of slavery. He would buy olives, she has to wait seven years for the newly planted trees to bear fruit. She hears of all the alliances made against her. Then he offers her a fleet to leave Slaver’s Bay and go home. Selmy likes the idea. Dany is sorely tempted, but the swirling rumors cause her court to question her and she lets go of the plans. She rejects Xaro’s tart persimmon-flavored offer of sailing off to conquer elsewhere. Xaro regrets not having killed her in Qarth. They part on bad Terms, she receives declaration of war the next morning.

Daenerys IX. The persimmon’s open the chapter. Uh oh.

The sky was a merciless blue, without a wisp of cloud in sight. The bricks will soon be baking in the sun, thought Dany. Down on the sands, the fighters will feel the heat through the soles of their sandals.

Jhiqui slipped Dany's silk robe from her shoulders and Irri helped her into her bathing pool. The light of the rising sun shimmered on the water, broken by the shadow of the persimmon tree. "Even if the pits must open, must Your Grace go yourself?" asked Missandei as she was washing the queen's hair.

(...)

My handmaids are Dothraki, she told herself. Death rides with every khalasar. The day she wed Khal Drogo, the arakhs had flashed at her wedding feast, and men had died whilst others drank and mated. Life and death went hand in hand amongst the horselords, and a sprinkling of blood was thought to bless a marriage. Her new marriage would soon be drenched in blood. How blessed it would be.

(…)

He is fire made flesh, she thought, and so am I. Daenerys Targaryen vaulted onto the dragon’s back, seized the spear, and ripped it out. The point was half-melted, the iron red-hot, glowing. She flung it aside. Drogon twisted under her, his muscles rippling as he gathered his strength. The air was thick with sand. Dany could not see, she could not breathe, she could not think. The black wings cracked like thunder, and suddenly the scarlet sands were falling away beneath her. Dizzy, Dany closed her eyes. When she opened them again, she glimpsed the Meereenese beneath her through a haze of tears and dust, pouring up the steps and out into the streets. The lash was still in her hand. She flicked it against Drogon’s neck and cried, “Higher!” Her other hand clutched at his scales, her fingers scrabbling for purchase. Drogon’s wide black wings beat the air. Dany could feel the heat of him between her thighs. Her heart felt as if it were about to burst. Yes, she thought, yes, now, now, do it, do it, take me, take me, FLY!

(ADWD, Daenerys IX)

Well. I’d say the pattern fits. Persimmon tree shadow breaks the image of a new dawn on the water, dothraki references, FIRE AND BLOOD.

And her final ADWD chapter?

Daenerys X. Persimmon joins us close to the beginning of the chapter, but not quite at the top. But Dany makes up for that with enthusiasm.

Hers had been a lonely sojourn, and for most of it she had been hurt and hungry … yet despite it all she had been strangely happy here. A few aches, an empty belly, chills by night … what does it matter when you can fly? I would do it all again.

Jhiqui and Irri would be waiting atop her pyramid back in Meereen, she told herself. Her sweet scribe Missandei as well, and all her little pages. They would bring her food, and she could bathe in the pool beneath the persimmon tree. It would be good to feel clean again. Dany did not need a glass to know that she was filthy.

She was hungry too. One morning she had found some wild onions growing halfway down the south slope, and later that same day a leafy reddish vegetable that might have been some queer sort of cabbage. Whatever it was, it had not made her sick. Aside from that, and one fish that she had caught in the spring-fed pool outside of Drogon's cave, she had survived as best she could on the dragon's leavings, on burned bones and chunks of smoking meat, half-charred and half-raw. She needed more, she knew. One day she kicked at a cracked sheep's skull with the side of a bare foot and sent it bouncing over the edge of the hill. And as she watched it tumble down the steep slope toward the sea of grass, she realized she must follow.

Dany set off through the tall grass at a brisk pace. The earth felt warm between her toes. The grass was as tall as she was. It never seemed so high when I was mounted on my silver, riding beside my sun-and-stars at the head of his khalasar. As she walked, she tapped her thigh with the pitmaster’s whip. That, and the rags on her back, were all she had taken from Meereen.

(…)

Below, she saw men whirling, wreathed in flame, hands up in the air as if caught in the throes of some mad dance. A woman in a green tokar reached for a weeping child, pulling him down into her arms to shield him from the flames. Dany saw the color vividly, but not the woman’s face. People were stepping on her as they lay tangled on the bricks. Some were on fire. Then all of that had faded, the sounds dwindling, the people shrinking, the spears and arrows falling back beneath them as Drogon clawed his way into the sky. Up and up and up he’d borne her, high above the pyramids and pits, his wings outstretched to catch the warm air rising from the city’s sun baked bricks. If I fall and die, it will still have been worth it, she had thought.

(…)

No, Dany told herself. If I look back I am lost. She might live for years amongst the sunbaked rocks of Dragonstone, riding Drogon by day and gnawing at his leavings every evenfall as the great grass sea turned from gold to orange, but that was not the life she had been born to.

(…)

“Quaithe?” Dany called. “Where are you, Quaithe?” Then she saw. Her mask is made of starlight. “Remember who you are, Daenerys,” the stars whispered in a woman’s voice. “The dragons know. Do you?”

(…)

“Drogon killed a little girl. Her name was … her name …” Dany could not recall the child’s name. That made her so sad that she would have cried if all her tears had not been burned away.

(…)

Never, said the grass, in the gruff tones of Jorah Mormont. You were warned, Your Grace. Let this city be, I said. Your war is in Westeros, I told you.

(…)

As the western sky turned the color of a blood bruise, she heard the sound of approaching horses. Dany rose, wiped her hands on her ragged undertunic, and went to stand beside her dragon. That was how Khal Jhaqo found her, when half a hundred mounted warriors emerged from the drifting smoke.

(ADWD, Daenerys X)

She WANTS the persimmon tree. There is the Dothraki environment. She WANTS Quaithe. She starts acting like a literal dragon, nesting, eating Drogon’s leavings, wanders the grasslands half-crazed, suffery dysentery, miscarries (Mhysa v. Mother of Dragons) and makes her sacrifice to the Temple of Memory (Hazzea), which was the first step to the Hall of Thousand Thrones in Qarth.

Next up, a bribe to the Keeper of the Long List, persimmon to the Opener of (Red) Doors and then it’s Hello, Blue Silk Slippers of (stabbing) Doom in the Hall of Thousand Thrones.

Considering how consistent the theme of the persimmon is, I’m kind of excited about it seeing how GRRM will use it in TWOW and ADOS.

Next up I think I’ll look at the context of dates, and milk with honey, just to find out why GRRM chose to have Ned reject the persimmons and dates and did let him choose the milk and honey, in that very first mention. Iced milk and honey.

#asoiaf #daenerys targaryen #persimmon #foreshadowing #fruit symbolism

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lunafaeris-archive · 3 years

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luna’s office space.

Luna has two office spaces for her own personal use. One is in her London penthouse on the surface; the other is part of one of the many new additions to The Casino Carneia that she co-owns alongside the progenitor of Lust in the second circle.

Both offices are grand and spacious, housing a main and second floor. Her penthouse office has a spectacular view of the city skyline with the southern wall completely covered from floor to ceiling with tall, gallery-style windows. The back of her desk and dual-screen computer is set against the glass, opposite to a small seating area with rolled arm sofas all centered around an art deco coffee table. The western wall she has dedicated to her expansive book collection with shelves leading all the way up to the second floor alongside a spiral glass staircase, wherein she has a private reading alcove on the balcony, which slightly protrudes outward at an arc so as to look over her desk on the main floor. There she has her prized antique chaise in robin’s egg blue with several stacks of books set on the floor beside it, mostly her detective and mystery novels that she likes to casually reread whenever she has time to herself.

Her casino office is much newer by comparison and as such is still in the middle of renovations. So far she already has two floors installed similar to her first office, but instead the second floor landing is solely dedicated to even more of her books, with a variety of themes ranging from occult practices, history, astronomy charts and business finance. She even has a small bar area with sleek pewter gray countertops and a crystalline geometric light fixture hanging overhead, which is conveniently situated behind her desk and is available to guests. She keeps only the best wines and spirits on hand, her favorite being a rare vintage infused with Lamia blood from the isles of southern Greece.

She also has one corner of the room filled with large, silk pillows embroidered in middle-eastern designs (i.e., blooming jasmine, sand cranes, tigers, etc...) beneath a crisscross of purple velvet curtains that, if anyone were to ask, is space set aside for her cat. Or perhaps better known as her business partner, Asmodeus ( @etlascivus ).

#❛ headcanons. ﹙Luna﹚#long post tw.#etlascivus #i've recently started watching hannibal and /good lord/#the office set is gorgeous #basically: her above ground office is more minimalist and modern #her below ground office is where she can allow herself to let loose - just a little #and ofc asmo gets his own kitty corner #he's the only cat she can tolerate

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barinacraft · 3 years

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Hot Buttered Rum - Hoopla, History & How To

Rum Is Better With Butter

Hot buttered rum is perfect for winter nights and Christmas holiday drinks in cooler climates. Warm up a single serving or a round of drinks for family and friends with the recipes below.

Behind The Bar - How To Make Hot Buttered Rum At Home

Hot Buttered Rum Recipe:

1 tsp (small slice or pat) butter*

1 tsp brown sugar

1 pinch ground cinnamon and nutmeg

2 oz dark rum

Boiling water

Put the butter, brown sugar and spices in the bottom of an Irish coffee glass or mug. Fill about 2/3 full with boiling water. Top with dark rum and stir. If using a cinnamon stick, the ground spice is probably overkill so eliminate and add later if still desired.

Batter Up The Butter

Buttered Rum Batter (compound butter):

1 stick butter*

4 oz brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

Mix together the softened butter, brown sugar and spices until well combined. Refrigerate in an airtight container or place in your freezer until ready to use. Unthaw the rum batter several hours ahead of time and follow the instructions above using 2 teaspoons of batter along with the rum and boiling water per cocktail.

{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "VideoObject", "contentURL": "https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3txoiq", "description": "Booker & Dax bartender Dave Arnold employs the Red Hot Poker to mix a special hot cocktail for Chinese New Year", "name": "Using a Red Hot Poker to make a Fire Breathing Dragon cocktail", "thumbnailUrl": "https://s2.dmcdn.net/v/DpoDY1WOsPX-Se5t4/x720", "uploadDate": "2021-01-17", }

Red Hot Poker

Note: this site focuses on home bars which, sadly in this case, means we can't in good conscious recommend that you use a red hot poker to char your hot buttered rum while inside your home because of the risks involved. The Popular Science video above with Dave Arnold of the former New York City cocktail destination Booker and Dax shows why this procedure should only be performed by professionals in properly equipped facilities.†

Safety first when it comes to using your bar. Please, always drink responsibly.

History Of Hot Buttered Rum

First Published

Jerry Thomas included a recipe for Hot Spiced Rum in the first drink book ever published in the United States in 1862.‡ It included Jamaican rum, sugar, allspice, cloves, butter and hot water along with an ‘unspiced’ version that was only dusted with a little grated nutmeg on top.

Its predecessor may have been buttered beer or ale with centuries earlier references by Andrew Boorde, Samuel Pepys and others (Harry Potter comes later). The first recipe for Buttered Beere appears to be the one Thomas Dawson penned in 1594 which included beer, eggs, sugar, nutmeg, clove, ginger and sweet butter set to the fire in a pewter pot until almost ready to boil.1

Rumbling, Bumbling and Stumbling

You might as well add fumbling to that list too because the importance of rum to colonial America makes Hot Buttered Rum the perfect NFL team themed drink for the New England Patriots. Later in the season that is.

Mark Your Calendar

January 17th is National Hot Buttered Rum Day!

Other Hot Drinks

Glögg - dry red wine, muscatel, sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters, raisins, orange peels, cardamom, cinnamon, vodka, sugar and slivered almonds.

Hot Toddy - whiskey, honey, lemon juice, boiling hot water and a lemon wedge studded with cloves, cinnamon and/or nutmeg.

Tom and Jerry - brandy, rum, egg yolks, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. Replace the brandy with bourbon for a more traditional eggnog.

Zabaglione - egg yolks, sugar and Marsala wine.

References

* - a stick of butter equals 4 oz = 8 tbs which is usually marked off with lines for 1 tbs slices. A pat of butter is smaller (1" sq x 1/3") or about 1 tsp.

† - Red Hot Poker video transcript: Dave Arnold - I'm just testing an idea for a Chinese New Years drink that I'm going to call the Fire Breathing Dragon. In the old days when you went to a bar and got a hot drink they would pull a red hot iron out of the fire and shove it into the drink. The flavors you get from that very high heat from the red hot poker can't really be duplicated by just using hot water from the stove so I made a new version of basically the fireplace hand iron that's electrically heated. Its a new way to accomplish something very old.

‡ - Jerry Thomas, How To Mix Drinks, or The Bon-Vivant's Companion (New York: Dick & Fitzgerald, 1862), 80. Print.

1 - Thomas Dawson, The Good Huswifes Handmaide for the Kitchin (London: Richard Iones, 1594), 53b. Print.

Image: Flickr, djwtwo.

#Cocktails #Rum #Drinks #Hot #Holiday #Christmas

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mysmashplaythroughs · 3 years

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Jigglypuff Playthrough (Fire Red)

Fighter: Jigglypuff

Game: Pokémon Fire Red, Game Boy Advance. First Released on January 29th 2004.

Fighter Bio.

Jigglypuff is known as the balloon Pokémon, being the evolution of Igglybuff and evolving into Wigglytuff with the use of a Moon Stone. With its nature as a balloon Pokémon it can increase its size by inhaling air and in some cases deflate itself becoming almost flat. It can use its large eyes to mesmerize opponents and when it has their attention then inflates its lungs before singing a melody. The melody varies from place to place with it even in some cases simply sounding like it’s shouting, however it is very skilled at putting opponents to sleep with its voice. It is often found in lush green plains and grassy meadows. There have not particularly been many notable specific Jigglypuff in the game series with the only one that really sticks out being one which sits in the Pokémon Centre in Pewter City. If talked to it will sing its song, which matches the theme from the anime. An NPC nearby will say how when it sings he feels sleepy and in Pokémon Yellow, if Pikachu is following and Jigglypuff sings it will fall asleep.

Enemies/Rivals: Honestly, this barely counts as a rivalry, but in the anime, which aspects of Super Smash Bros have been inspired by when it comes to Pokémon, there is an episode where Jigglypuff seems to have a rivalry with Clefairy. The two species tend to live in the vicinity of each other when it comes to Kanto with Jigglypuff living on the route leading to Mount Moon and Clefairy living within Mount Moon, however nothing beyond an episode of the anime has been specifically stated, still I wanted to mention it at least.

Crossovers with other Smash characters: Similar to Pikachu and most other Pokémon, Jigglypuff hasn’t really had any crossovers with other Smash characters outside of its series. There was a cameo of the game Mario & Wario in the Kanto games, appearing on the tv in the character Copycat’s house, but that is the closest there has been to an actual crossover. With Jigglypuff being far less prominent than Pikachu it has also not had as many appearances overall.

Why this game?

I was going to say this was a fairly simple choice before, however very recently I have considered instead doing a separate game for Jigglypuff, specifically due to a new release, but because this release was so recent I decided instead to stick with my original game for Jigglypuff being Fire Red. I will get to the other game down the line, but I feel as it’s still so new I’d rather give it some time before talking about it. I will mention an aspect why I considered that game later on in this post, and if you look at my list of games I’ve completed you’ll probably be able to work out what game it was I considered. As for why Fire Red, well as with Pikachu, it’s simply that I consider Fire Red and Leaf Green as the definitive Kanto experiences when it comes down to it, and when I can, I like to play either the game generation where a Pokémon debuted or in some cases where they gained a significant feature, such as a Mega Evolution.

My past with this Pokémon.

So, unlike with Pikachu, I don’t feel there’s an awful lot I can say about Jigglypuff, despite me having been with the series since Gen 1. When it comes to the games, Jigglypuff is somewhat interesting to me, it’s a fairly unique Pokémon that only shows up uncommonly in one location in Kanto. As such, compared to a lot of the other Pokémon you find on that Route Jigglypuff stands out a fair bit being sort of a similar novelty in my mind to Pikachu in Viridian Forest. Of course, the bigger role for Jigglypuff and most likely why it was chosen for Super Smash Bros was its appearance in the anime, with a specific Jigglypuff being a recurring extra who would sing to people putting everyone there asleep. Jigglypuff then would get angry that everyone slept through its song and draw on their faces. This role seemed to make Jigglypuff somewhat popular back in the early days of the series, however over time Jigglypuff stopped appearing in the anime (which is understandable as it would outlast its welcome, like some other running jokes could in the anime) and overall faded somewhat in prominence, with other Pokémon from the first Generation overtaking it’s popularity in recent years such as Charizard and Eevee.

It’s due to this people for some time, myself admittedly included tended to think if any character would likely get cut from the Super Smash Bros roster it would be Jigglypuff, but I’m glad they’ve not. Jigglypuff is an unconventional character, being just simply a regular Pokémon and not one who’s been promoted really heavily like Lucario for example, so I appreciate its presence all these years. As for past Gen 1, Jigglypuff has only really had two notable changes. The first was it gained a pre-evolution or ‘baby form’ in Igglybuff, which is one of those Pokémon I tend to forget exist sometimes. (This isn’t to say I dislike it, just that it, Cleffa and Happiny are Pokémon I’ve not really had on one of my teams before, and I’ve only in recent years started really using the breeding mechanics in the games.) The second big development for Jigglypuff is one which happened for a few older Pokémon in Gen 6, that being the introduction of a new Pokémon type, Fairy. With this new type introduced, some older Pokémon gained this as a secondary type, with Jigglypuff in this case becoming a Normal Fairy type. As a Pokémon, Jigglypuff’s evolutionary line tend to have fairly high HP. I’m not an expert really on how good certain Pokémon are comparatively to others etc, so all I can really say is in my experience I remember Wigglytuff being able to take a few blows similar to Chansey and Clefable. With that said however, I believe out of the three it’s the one which can take the least hits as its defence isn’t particularly good, it just has a lot of HP. With it gaining a fairy typing it got a few more advantages with access to better moves, its main strength being special rather than physical attacks overall.

My Smash Playthrough.

At the end of my playthrough of Fire Red my Jigglypuff was at level 57 with the ability cute charm and a calm nature, having been caught on Route 3 at level 5. The moves Jigglypuff has are Sing, Double-Edge, Pound and Rest. In order for Jigglypuff to use rollout in this game it has to be bred and inherit the move as an egg move, however breeding in Fire Red is only available in the post-game, therefore I decided for this playthrough to go for a move at least close to it. I decided on Double-Edge due to the risk rollout holds in Super Smash Bros since you can easily go off the stage with it if you’re not careful. I felt this matched Double Edge damaging the user. Honestly, when it came down to it, Jigglypuff was the weakest member of my team alongside Squirtle. I feel like Wigglytuff would likely have stood more of a chance, although only perhaps in the sense it could have survived maybe an attack and respond, but Jigglypuff, other than with regular Pokémon Trainers and wild Pokémon, would only really be useful taking a hit so I could heal up other team members. I believe earlier in the game it managed to pull off one or two victories, mostly only being able to get the final blow on an opponent my other Pokémon had weakened already, however Jigglypuff’s low speed meant this was still risky. There was one occasion where Jigglypuff stood out in my run, with a lot of luck against Agatha. Jigglypuff was able somehow to avoid hypnosis 4 times and put Gengar to sleep with sing, allowing me to recover my team and take them down. That run of the Elite 4 was unsuccessful, but it was probably Jigglypuff’s shining moment. Overall however there weren’t many memories I really had with Jigglypuff specifically in my playthrough and they ended up being one of the team members I had to spend the most time trying to keep up with the rest of the team in levels. I do have to give Jigglypuff credit on one front however, its sing move was very useful in catching Pokemon without having to switch to a weaker team, it could take the hits of weaker wild Pokemon and just keep going until they were put to sleep, not to mention its low attack stat often meaning it could use pound without knocking them down in one blow.

Specific aspects about the game relating to Jigglypuff in Smash.

So, as stated earlier, I mostly kept the same moves for Jigglypuff as in Super Smash Bros, with Pound, Rest and Sing, however Rollout was unavailable until the post-game for Fire Red. With this said, in later games I have put together teams of the Pokémon from Smash with all the moves they need, so I have a Jigglypuff with Pound, Rest, Sing and Rollout. I did have this Pokémon in Pokémon Ultra Moon which was originally where I was going to leave this, however, with the Isle of Armour update in Sword and Shield, I was able to get Jigglypuff in that game. The reason this is something I was particularly pleased for relates to the final aspect of Jigglypuff in Smash, that being its Final Smash. In Super Smash Bros, Jigglypuff will use Puff Up, a move where it inflates to a giant size, pushing all others off the stage before reverting back to its regular size. This move wasn’t based on anything specifically from the games, beyond Jigglypuff being described as the balloon Pokémon and having a great lung capacity. What’s funny is that in Sword and Shield, Dynamaxing was introduced, where Pokémon will grow to a giant size. Jigglypuff wasn’t available in the base game, but with the update adding it to the game however, it gained access to Dynamaxing, being very close to it’s Puff Up Final Smash. It was for this reason I considered playing Sword and Shield as the game for this Pokémon, however in the end I figured I will cover that game later (and there’s a lot to say on it) and for now I would stick with Fire Red for Jigglypuff. Finally, I caught Jigglypuff in a regular Pokeball, matching the regular Pokeball thrown onto the stage in its entrance animation in Smash.

Credits.

For information on this game including dates of releases I must give credit to Bulbapedia.

The screenshots in this post are taken by me using Pokemon Ultra Moon’s Photo Club feature and the screenshot feature on the Nintendo Switch.

#Jigglypuff #Pokemon #Pokemon Fire Red #Gameboy Advance #GBA #Super Smash Bros #My Smash Playthrough #My Smash Playthroughs

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