[Today on the feed, Larry looks distraught. Very distraught, and just a teensy bit annoyed. Why is he distraught and annoyed, you ask? Well, he's been cooped up in Violet City just a little too long. He suddenly slams the table that the 'Gear is propped up on, knocking it slightly off kilter.]

Okay, I seriously can't take it anymore. I need to ditch this popsicle stand. No offense to you guys who like Violet or anything, but this place is a serious energy sucker.

[Cue determined face!]

And since the thunderstorm of the century is finally over, now's the perfect time! Azalea, here I come! Bugsy, prepare yourself for the great Larry Butz! You're goin' down!

[In his triumph, he pauses. Oh yeah, he kinda forgot about something. He laughs sheepishly.]

Uh...that's okay, right Iris?

[Cue Larry with a look of pure terror on his face. From what one can see from the background, it looks like he's hiding out in an alley somewhere. His voice is a low whisper.]

Oh maaaan... You'll never believe this, guys.

Look, I know suddenly practically everyone ever is in Johto...but I seriously think I just saw all of my exes at once. And they did not look happy.

NOT COOL, JOHTO!!

[Wait, that was a little too loud there, Larry. Panicking for a second, he looks around frantically, then sighs when the coast is clear. Still, his paranoia remains.]

Oh god, what if they see me...?!

[Ever since Phoenix won his Zephyr Badge, Larry trained overtime so he could get his as soon as possible because he was supposed to win before Nick, damnit!. Earlier this afternoon, he finally got his chance to face Falkner.]

Guys.

GUYS GUESS WHAT?

[Well this sounds familiar. And considering how excited he sounds...it could only be good.

Larry grins, holding out his shiny new Zephyr Badge.]



I won my first badge! You hear that Nick? We're tied now...!

[His Pokémon surround the screen and let out a cry of accomplishment.]

I didn't even think I'd be able to pull it off on my first try, and it wasn't looking too good...but Poliwag evolved and saved the day!

[Poliwag, now Poliwhirl, cross his arms and nods, looking rather proud of himself.]

Whirl.

... Not that Wobbuffet and Drifblim didn't kick ass either! Even though Falkner had the advantage at first, he didn't stand a chance! ... H-Heheh.

So uh... I guess that's it for Violet then, huh? Man, it's gonna be weird leaving this place behind.

( Aaand a message directed at Nia )

[The feed starts up to the view of the festival in Violet City going on in full swing. Tons of people line up along the rows of stands, and trainers are having battles off to the side. Eventually the screen is covered by a big blue blob shouting, "Wobba! Waaaaaaaahbbuffet!"

Seconds later, the owner of the PokéGear finally turns the screen toward himself. Why, it's Larry! And he's got a stupid grin on his face, with a little bit of ketchup on his cheek. He's been trying to enjoy the festival as much as possible, but it's obvious that something's still eating at him. Yes, not even Larry is free from the travel party drama going on right now. It was bad enough with Phoenix disappearing with Dahlia on the loose, but now the one girl that he still had some feelings for had showed up as well, and she came from before she met him. Not that it could ever work out, since he knows...

Well, it's complicated.]

Hahah, cut it out, Wobbuffet! Here, you can have the rest of my hot dog. I know you just can't resist its deliciousness.

[Larry's voice is a little hard to hear from the hustle and bustle of the festival right next to him, but at least you can make out what he's saying.]

Hey guys! Havin' fun at the the festival? It's been awesome so far! They have the best food ever here! Man, I'm totally regretting not setting up some kind of booth. I coulda done portraits for everyone. And let me tell you, there are some smokin' hot ladies here that I'd love to draw.

Anyone wanna hang out later? Festivals are way better when you're with friends! Just drop a line if you're up for some fun, Larry Butz style.

( text to Barney )

( text to Phoenix )

[After checking in with Nick, who was finally getting some sleep, a well-rested and rejuvenated Larry (along with his Pokémon) is exiting the Violet Pokémon Center, stretching in every way possible. When was the last time he slept for like three days straight?

Thinking of something, he whips out his PokéGear.]

Hey! Who wants to have a battle? Can't let myself get rusty at this if I wanna beat that Falkner guy!

[Larry, it's only been three days. But hey, at least he'll get to know some more people?]

For people in Violet City, anyway. And don't worry, this isn't on a first come, first serve basis. Larry's got plenty of time to battle with all you guys. Just don't cry when you get whomped.