#ruby the flareon

“A Pokémon receives one bead for each time they prove themselves,” The way Ruby explained it sounded as if she’d memorized it from a textbook… which was probably the case, “and the way to do that is different for everyone. Although, even if one wishes to become a shaman, they may never get a bead if they do not show a certain kind of willpower that is necessary for a shaman to have.”

Ruby nodded with a smile, “So if you see a shaman with several strings of beads, they are very experienced.” She paused, pondering for a moment, then continuing added, “They also come in a variety of colors, but my teachers never explained what determines that.”

( ft. Jack from @casteliacityramen )

“As for regulars . . I’d say we got around 3-4? Obviously there’s Brooks’ family . . And then . . Ugh.”

“Then there’s that Sylveon that always tryin ta fight everyone! Somethin about gettin to know everyone better or whatever. If he wants ta do that then fine, but don’t go botherin all the customers wit it! Go to a Mystery Dungeon!” Belle huffed “I’d deal wit em me self if Mr. Brooks wasn’t already launchin them out of the Cafe every other day” The Flaaffy continued on until the ding from the bell her brought her out of her rambling.

“Oops! Sorry bout that, I started ramblin didn’t I?” Belle said with a with a sheepish grin.

“But it looks like yer orders are ready!”

Belle turned to address the flareon first.

“Here ya go! One Honey Comb tea! That’ll be 6 poke!”

Belle then turned to address the riolu

“Here ya go! We don’t have any strawberry cake but we do have cake pops! I hope that’ll do instead! Perhaps one day we can add cake ta the menu!”

“Have a wonderful night, an’ thanks fer stoppin by!”

“The Ideals are not something obtained by a shaman, rather… they are what give the Shaman their extra abilities, such as purification, that much has been established. But, other then that, some Shaman believe that the power is given through Arceus’ own values, literal “Ideals” if you will. Others think the Ideals are a group of Pokémon of sorts… and some believe both.”

“You see, there’s limited texts and books when it comes to certain things regarding the beliefs of the Shaman. The texts we do have mention the Ideals, that they are important, but not what or even who they are. If you ask me, the lack of information is a bit alarming. But anyway, I do apologize if my answer did not make much sense, or was not satisfactory enough.”

“…was when I fought a Corrupted Pokémon for the first time.”

Ruby paused a moment before continuing, as if to collect herself, “…I almost died that day, I was too young to take one on by myself. I was able to purify them, but I was in bad shape for a while after that…”

“… But I digress, thank you for allowing me to share my stories! I’m Ruby by the way, a pleasure to meet you.”

Ask hints updated

“They are very dangerous. Rampaging and destroying anything in their path. It’s as if that is their main goal. They are driven by a strange force that we have no clue what to call but “corruption”.”

Ruby paused, contemplating, then continued, "Pokémon who are about to turn usually show some signs, so it can be prevented. But as to why, how, or when even, there are only theories."

“… What’s more is,” Her demeanor darkened, and there was a sad look in her eye, “they’re just... normal Pokémon, like you and I. Pokémon with families and lives of their own. Every battle you face one you must keep in mind that that is someone’s loved one that you’re facing, no matter how dangerous they get...”

“... It's hard to believe because it’s so peaceful around here, but the situation is very dire in some places. If there was something I could do to lessen the suffering as a whole, I would do so in a heartbeat.”