what do grusha's gym trainers say to challengers about grusha if they beat said trainer(s) to make it to them? what do they say if they defeat the challenger in the process?
[no slope] in this drabble i indicated grusha had six gym trainers at the time of writing. even though kai (@heavenbled) departed since, they're going to be included as a treatᵀᴹ.
in that drabble i also alluded to the personalities (sort of) of their gym trainers, so they'll be labeled by their basic identifiers for this...
as a general reminder of grusha's gym policy: not only do challengers have to participate in the downhill time-trial featured in-game, but they also have to challenge two trainers. it can be any two trainers, and in any order.
trainer #1 -- fairly young(~20), newest; jumps at a chance to help & currently thinks of grusha as "the boss i can't fuck up around" while also very distinctly putting grusha on some type of a pedestal Very Much Apart from them for the same reason (which is why they were so surprised to see grusha after-hours)
upon defeating the challenger: when you're on thin ice, safety is in speed.
upon being defeated: chill out... don't burn yourself down yet. you still have to face grusha.
trainer #2 & #3 -- twins (mid-twenties), been there about 6 months and very much grusha's (sometimes unwanted) dose of frick and frack. they're the ones who always try to lighten the mood, make jokes, but also have undeniable synergy. they are, amazingly, most conscious of grusha's disposition+mood and for that reason try to time and articulate their humor carefully so it can be received well and as-intended by their gym leader. they are challenged together (counting for the two trainers) in a double battle.
upon defeating the challenger (#2): well, your heart was definitely on fire...
upon defeating the challenger (#3): ... but i think your brain was on ice.
upon being defeated (#2): take that strategy to the top...
upon being defeated (#3): ... 'cause you'll need it for our leader.
trainer #4 -- mid-life questioning (mid/late thirties), been there 2 years. although initially applying for the position as an interlude while they figured out what they wanted to do with their life, this trainer has found they enjoy the daily rituals required by keeping the gym up & running and its pokemon cared for. the office-worker life burned them out fairly early on, but they're beginning to find themselves once more. they're typically quieter than others, and exerts responsibility in the form of divvying up the chores for the living area among all current trainers -- arguably a bit more of a soloist among the trainers than a team player, but has no issue working with others. they're also trusted by glalie.
upon defeating the challenger: to appreciate the beauty of a snowflake, it is necessary to stand out in the cold.
upon being defeated: well, look at that... you're a full-fledged snowflake, aren't you?
trainer #5 -- serious & dedicated (mid-twenties), approaching 1 year tenure. so tired of #2 and #3 on principle, but also the one to laugh at the same things they do. she's not afraid of being admonished, so she'll typically speak up and give voice to what many are collectively thinking. she'll also volunteer first for a less-than-glamorous task and (lowkey) talk shit for nobody else stepping up to the plate. she's most interested in research regarding ice-types and the continuous development of facilities appropriate for housing them.
upon defeating the challenger: slow down a little and enjoy the snow; winter forms our character and brings out our best.
upon being defeated: i still have some growing to do...
kai -- the first gym trainer grusha ever hired, having accumulated a 4 year tenure before leaving to continue with their own path in life.
upon defeating the challenger: get better soon, sweetie. you need to learn a thing or two before you come back here.
upon being defeated: don't celebrate yet; in fact, you probably shouldn't celebrate at all. good luck.
