21. Look at all my big shiny balls

[X] A stall showing off a variety of odd-looking pokeballs

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"Ah. Welcome, welcome!" the hunchbacked, gray-haired stall owner crooned, leering at you through a mouth full of missing teeth. "You are interested in my balls, yes? I have many balls to show you. Many colors, many effects. All good prices!" 

"What exactly do you have here?"

The stall owner picked up several pokeballs, rolling them around to show you the different patterns on their surfaces. "I can customize normal pokeballs, engrave or paint them with whatever designs you have in mind. For customers who desire a more... flashy appearance, I can also cause special effects whenever your pokegirl is released."

"Like what?"

"Oh, depends on your personal taste." he shrugged. "Some people want sparkles, or glitter or even some kind of theme music to play when they activate the pokeball. It's all just harmless light and sound, but it lets you make a memorable entrance. But if you're looking for something with a bit more substance, I can show you some of my special balls."

He picks up one of the orbs and rolls it over to you. Apart from its green and white coloring, there's nothing that really seems to stand out with this pokeball. "This here is one of my best-sellers: the Heal Ball. This little baby can speed up a pokegirls healing threefold. Can't beat a decent pokecenter, of course, but if you're wandering the wilds it'll save you a fortune in potions and medkits.

I've got a couple of similar items, so take a look and tell me what you want. I might even throw in a discount!"

Items for sale:

Standard Pokeball: 200 SLC

Great Pokeball: 500 SLC

Pokeball Painting: 250 - 1, 000 SLC

Pokeball Engraving: 500 - 2, 000 SLC

Release Effects: 500 - 5, 000 SLC

Premier Ball (More comfortable to the girl inside, but lacks built-in conditioning): 1, 000 SLC

Luxury Ball (More comfortable to the girl inside. Has built-in conditioning): 1, 500 SLC

Companion Ball (The pokegirl inside can view what's happening outside and release herself if necessary): 1, 500 SLC 

Elemental Ball (Increased chance of capturing girls of one element, but lowered chance of capturing girls of other elements): 1, 000 SLC

Punishment Ball (Causes the pokegirl inside to suffer constant pain. Can be dialed up anywhere between "a minor headache" to "being burned alive"): 1, 000 SLC

Bonded Ball (Will always return to the owner, even if lost or stolen): 2, 000 SLC

Heal Ball (Provides limited healing to the pokegirl while out of combat): 3, 500 SLC

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Current Budget: 55, 000 SLC

[] Buy?

- [] What? How many?

[] Nah, let's just go

20. To market, to market, to buy...

Street Market (lets see what we find of interest)
Talk some more (try to get her to open up)
Meet Reds mum (and see if she can help us to better work with our Witch)

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

"Witch, huh? A decent enough choice, I suppose."

The gym leader took another sip of her tea as you dug into the sandwiches on your plate. The two of you had agreed to meet up for breakfast at a newly opened restaurant near the pokecenter. It was a little ritzier then you'd expected, but Red's mum had waved off your concerns by announcing that she would pay for the meal. 

"Mmm... I've been having a few problems getting her to open up. Do you have any advice?" you asked. 

The older woman sighed, leaning back into her seat with a thoughtful expression on her face. "Well, it's hard to say. Every girl is different, after all. But in this case... you said that she'd only recently thresholded?"

You nodded. 

She winced. "Yikes. Yeah, I can see why she might be difficult. I can think of basically three ways to fix this problem." she said, raising three fingers before lowering them one by one.

"Option number one: Level 5 her. Quick and easy. Only problem is that she'll lose all her memories. Now normally that isn't a big deal, but if she really did get some magic training in the past then you'll have to restart all her training from scratch.

Second option: Break her will. Stick her through some hard training, show her who's boss and make it so that she won't dare to disobey your orders. Main problem with this choice is that you're probably not experienced enough to pull it off properly. Personally, I'd recommend practicing on a girl that you wouldn't mind getting rid of first. 

Third option: Let her get over it. Treat her like a human, let her get over her grief. Problem here is that she's not human, not anymore. At some point, you will have to show her that you're in one in charge. If not..." she shrugged. 

You part ways not long after, though you do manage to wrangle some of Red's travel plans out of her before you leave. You're not sure which of the three options you should go for, but for now you'll just stick to what you're doing. 

Returning to your room at the pokecenter to shower and change, you take the chance to release your pokegirl and have a quick chat. Unfortunately, despite your best efforts she seems just as surly and uncooperative as she was last night. In the end, you decide to just ball her again until you can figure out what to do with her. 

Heading back out, you make your way towards the street market downtown. Most of the stalls are still getting set up, so you take the chance to have a look around for anything interesting. 

You decide to check out...

[] A stall showing off a variety of odd looking pokeballs

[] A stall selling brightly colored liquids in old fashioned glass vials

[] A stall containing a small armory's worth of weapons and armor

19. The Gloomy Witch

[X] Friendly - try to get her to relax

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Pressing the button, you release your pokegirl. 

"A-Ah..." she fidgets uncomfortably. "So you're my... my mistress." The last word is barely audible.

With a sigh, she begins pulling off her top. "Well, let's just... let's just get this over with..."

"No need for that." you interrupt, causing the pokegirl to pause and glance at you quizzically. 

You gesture towards the chair. "You can sit. I just wanted to get to know you better."

The Witch collapses into her seat, staring at you dully. "What is there to say? I'm a pokegirl now. A pet. A plaything for whoever decides to use me."

"What about before?" you suggest. "You were a student, right?"

"At the Academia Magica. Second year student. I wasn't the best student, but my marks were always pretty decent." she sighs. "It all just seems like such a waste now. Look, if you're going to tame me or punish me or whatever, go on and get it over with. Otherwise, just stick me back into that damned ball."

[] Punish her. Such rudeness is unacceptable

- [] How?

[] Tame her. She'll feel better after an orgasm or two

[] Ball her. You'll deal with this later

[] Keep talking

- [] About what?

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

Once you're done with your starter, what do you want to do tomorrow?

Choose 3:

[] Get to know your starter better

- [] Talk

- [] Tame

- [] Something else?

[] Explore the city

- [] Shop for basics at the pokemart

- [] Check out the street market

- [] Look for a specialty store

-- [] Anything in particular?

- [] Relax and do touristy things

[] Meet up with Red's mum and show off your new pokegirl

[] Call your mum and tell her what you've been up to

[] It's Battle Time!

- [] Challenge other new people for a better chance of winning

- [] Challenge stronger people for more experience

- [] Enter yourself into an amateur tamer's tournament for a chance to win prizes and renown 

18. Getting to Know You

[X] Talking! You want to get to know your shiny new pokegirl

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

Well obviously the first thing you need to do is actually meet your new pokegirl. Shopping and battling can wait till tomorrow. 

After stopping briefly to ask a passing Officer Jenny for directions, you make your way to the nearest pokecenter. 

It's much bigger then you'd expected, the two story building towering over the pokemart next door. Walking inside, yourself in a surprisingly spacious lobby. 

"Hi there!" the Nurse Joy at the counter greets you cheerfully. "Welcome to our pokecenter. How can I help you today?"

Showing her your new tamer's license, you ask if there are any rooms available. As a registered tamer, you're eligible for free basic food, board and healing at all official pokecenters, though you'll still get charged for any extras. 

"Sure!" the pink haired pokegirl chirped, swiping your card on some device behind the counter. "Room 16 is available. Just go up the stairs and turn right. Will you be needing anything else?"

Shaking your head, you accept the key card she hands over before heading up to your new room. 

The room itself is simple enough - a double bed, desk, chair and a mini fridge containing several stamina drinks, healing droughts and aphrodisiacs. A note taped to the fridge door lists down all the items and their prices as well as a warning not to drink too many within a 24 hour period.  

You dump your backpack onto the desk before sitting on your bed, rolling your starter's pokeball in your hands. 

You can't help feeling a bit nervous. Even if she has to obey your commands, there's a world of difference between a pokegirl who's willing to accept you as her mistress and one that doesn't. This will be your only chance to make a good first impression. 

Once you'll bring out your pokegirl, you'll need to decide on what kind of approach you want to use. 

[] Strict - make it clear who's in charge here

[] Friendly - try to get her to relax

[] Lewd - she doesn't need to be tamed for at least a few days, but why wait? 

[] Something else? 

17. Starter Get

[X] Witch C (45, 000 SLC)

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

In the end, as tempting as the fire witch was, you decide to go for the former mage apprentice. Even if she's not as experienced, her education should come in handy. After confirming the purchase and deducting the money from your account, the pokegirl employee directs you to another counter where you can pick up the pokeball containing your new starter. 

You're almost bouncing with excitement as the gray haired man across the counter shows you how to fill in the required paperwork with the resigned air of someone who has had to repeat the same thing over and over again with every new customer. 

"A quick scan of the pokeball shows that the inhabitant is healthy and not in need of taming for at least a few days." he says flatly as he scribbles the information onto an official looking form. "Pokegirl is a Witch, product designation M8-1164. Sold to tamer Blue Beryl of Wakefield town. Product was sold at about... 2.45 pm on Saturday, 12th of June 335 A.S. Please sign here... here... and here."

Jotting down your signature with a flourish, you finally collect your new pokegirl. For a moment, you can almost swear that you can hear music in the background. 

Now that you have your own pokegirl, what do you want to do next?

[] Shopping! Time to hit the shops and start buying the equipment you need in order to start your journey

[] Battle! The best way to meet other tamers and gain valuable experience is to challenge them to a friendly match

[] Talking! You want to get to know your shiny new pokegirl 

[] Something else?

16. Browsing Part 3

After a moment's consideration, you decide to focus on getting a Witche or Synthan for your starter. Sure, they aren't as powerful in combat, but their sheer versatility and evolutionary options should be enough to make up for it in your opinion.

You bring up the profiles of all the interesting Witches and Synthans you found earlier and glance through them, narrowing down the list to three individuals from each breed.

------------------ 

[] Witch Option A

Price: 40, 000 SLC

Notes: Born and raised on a Ranch specializing in magical types, this Witch only just became old enough to be sold. Her power is noted to be a little above average, but her lack of experience and limited spells has lowered the price a little. Personality wise, she seems very calm and relaxed. 

[] Witch Option B

Price: 45, 000 SLC

Notes: Surprisingly enough, this Witch is actually a feralborn that was recently caught in the wild. The tamer who caught her noted that even as a feral she seemed to have above average magical reserves and an instinctive grasp of fire magic, making her a fairly dangerous combatant. She still isn't used to civilized life yet, though, and her habit of lashing out aggressively at those that anger her has lowered her price somewhat. Personality wise, she's very passionate and wild. 

[] Witch Option C

Price: 45, 000 SLC

Notes: A recent threshold case, you'd normally pass this one over in favor of a more experienced girl. However, looking over her profile revealed that she was formerly a student at a small magical school, meaning that this Witch has a solid grasp over the basic fundamentals of arcane theory. Her former teachers have also added notes saying that she has a talent for Black magic, though you're not sure what exactly that entails. She seems rather gloomy and depressed, though you're unsure how much of that is a reaction to her recent thresholding. 

[] Synthan Option A

Price: 45, 000 SLC

Notes: Another Ranch girl who just reached her majority, this pokegirl is a standard member of her species with no real noteworthy features apart from the fact that she has not yet begun to adapt any other pokegirl genetics. Personality wise, she is very cold and logical. 

[] Synthan Option B

Price: 50, 000

Notes: Having absorbed a number of traits from insectoid pokegirls, this particular Synthan has developed a Poison affinity. She's primarily a physical battler, preferring to wear down her opponents through her venomous secretions, though she is relatively fragile due to her adaptation's focus on speed over stamina. Personality wise, she is somewhat mischievous, with a rather caustic sense of humor.  

[] Synthan Option C

Price: 60, 000

Notes: This particular individual has developed a ghost affinity, allowing her to turn invisible and intangible at will - though her former owner notes that keeping it up for too long will exhaust her quickly. She also has no problem fighting even while blindfolded, though you're unsure how exactly she does so. Personality wise, she is very quiet and mysterious, preferring to lurk in the background whenever possible. 

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

Hmm... not bad. Your 'official' budget is 80, 000 SLC, but you have 100, 000 SLC total in your account. If you wanted to, you could afford to buy two pokegirls instead of one, though that would almost assuredly mean that you'd be less prepared equipment wise. 

Decisions, decisions... A quick glance at the time reveals that you've still got about ten minutes remaining, so you decide to...

[] Buy

- [] Which pokegirl? Can buy more then one, but total price must not exceed 100, 000 SLC

[] Not buy. Look at something else instead

- [] What? 

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

QM Note: If you're wondering why the Witches seem to be cheaper, it's cause of that crit you got earlier while searching. 

15. Browsing Part 2

Hmm... surely there must be other options available?

You take a moment to recheck the Sheying's profile. They're asking 85, 000 SLC for her, which is just outside your budget, but you can probably stretch it enough to fit. Problem is, if you can't control the girl all that money is just wasted.

Moving on, you make a quick search for Synthans and Doppeldames. Surprisingly enough, while both pokegirls breeds are available, the prices seem to change drastically depending on which individual you're looking at.

[Mind Check: 12 69: 69+5 (Academic Dabbler): 74]

After looking through a few profiles, you realize why - experienced or skilled individuals are significantly more expensive then untrained ones. A Synthan who has already absorbed many adaptations or a Doppeldame who has been trained in specialized skills are pricier compared to one that is fresh from the Ranch.

Checking the time, you see that you still have 20 minutes remaining before your free hour is over.

[] You've already made a list of the best interesting Witches. May as well get a look at them. (will have higher stats due to crit)

[] The only Sheying you can afford looks like it'd be a pain, but you're sure you can break her in soon enough

[] Growlies have a good reputation for loyalty and reliability. In addition, their enhanced senses mean that they're great as guards or trackers

[] Rapitaurs are perfect for transportation and carrying heavy goods around. Why walk when you can ride everywhere?

[] Magikoi are terrible battlers, but can access a pocket dimension that can be used to store things, making them a cheap alternative to pokepacks.

[] Cameltoes are similar to Rapitaurs in that they're excellent for transportation purposes, but are not quite as fast the their fire type cousins. However, they make up for it with their higher stamina and water storage abilities.

[] Doppeldames have the ability to create clones of themselves, providing you with a small team straight off the bat. A few extra hands would surely be worth the lack of pure combat ability.

[] Synthans can serve as living wifi hotspots, making them popular among tamers who spend a lot of time travelling through the wilderness. However, their ability to 'adapt' their body by absorbing traits of other girls makes them one of the more versatile breeds available.

[] No, I'm not interested in any of these pokegirls. I want something else
- [] Search for...