[hoshidenki]

A highly selective and private roleplay blog for Sunnyshore City's gym leader, Volkner, from Pokémon Platinum. This portrayal is mostly game-based, with a few headcanons thrown in, taking place years after the events of Mt. Coronet had occurred.

Finding his way through life events, such as moving on after the passing of a loved one and redeeming himself after hitting the depths of despair.

You can read more on his carrd

Penned by Zeke (formely Abel)

Shinx icons by @nationalicondex

[tsutarjas-blog-blog]

aaaaaaaaa shinx

[hoshidenki]

@psychicbloom a yawn-inducing meal

Vacation time in Unova was almost at an end for Sinnoh's missing gym leader. It was a rare treat to indulge in the "unique" cuisine the region had to offer. From Castelia cones and deep-fried snack cakes to thirty-eight hot dogs, Volkner and Amp began to feel a bit melancholic at the prospect of leaving. But there was one more stop on his list that lifted his spirits; he had reached out to one of his old buddies from the World Tournament days and arranged a "meat-up".

With Marshal's and Volkner's efforts, they managed to place a grill just outside a blonde Elite Four member's room; it offered the best spot for lounging and talking about the good old days over a couple of frosty beers, Sinnoh-imported wagyu, and Unovan-raised tomahawk steaks. Amp, however, had other plans than to listen to two grown men talk about the past. So he scarfed down his plate of sardines and, with a full belly, looked for a nice spot for a cat nap.

Amber hues scouted the area; it was all rocky, not to his liking. But a whiff of something alluring, like candy, grabbed his attention, luring him into the elite's room. The scenery was all sparkly, overwhelming the poor kitten into running, but Amp's adorably soft paws were swept off the ground, taking him up higher in a golden light and placed him down gently.

The anxiety died down in the baby shinx at the sight of something he truly cherished. A bed, and it looked just like the one back home! (not really) With all his strength, Amp waddled right over and clawed his way to the top.

Without hesitation he dashed around the bed, prancing, playing, and tangling up glistening locks of gold hair until he saw a woman fast asleep who looked just like Papa! That must've meant she was Mama! Naturally, he climbed onto the sleeping beauty. Letting out a little "Mew!" to mark his glorious feat. Amp loafed up on top of her neck, his wee little chin resting on her own as he purred, shutting his eyes.

and breathing his adorable sardine breath right in the path of her mouth and nose

[heckyeahsinnoh]

source

[hoshidenki]

Amp

cw: alcohol, depression, death

Lifeless eyes watched the fires burn away the deceased body of Sasha. A constant ringing in his ears muffled out what would have been comforting words from Cynthia and Flint. Volkner's throat ached, his chest tightened, and tears rolled down his face unlike ever before. He wanted to be strong during the process, but he couldn't hold it anymore. Sasha was his first pokemon; he had raised her since she was nothing more than a waddling Shinx in the woods. He broke down like a mess, weeping into Flint's shoulder for the rest of his process.

It was no use; he couldn't save Sasha, and he couldn't save himself. Rather than letting his Pokémon drown with him, he left them with Flint's family. Sunnyshore's gym leader grew numb to everything around him. He was a prisoner in his own mind, blaming himself for things he had no control over. Everything he had built began to fall apart, his gym attendance hit zero, and leaving the house was a rare occasion. Simple tasks like getting out of bed or folding his laundry became a chore to even think about and were often ignored.

The relationship of eight years fell apart, and things were officially ended between Volkner and the person he had worked so hard to impress and win over. The only thing to look forward to was going out to drink the thoughts away and hoping he could dream of the touch of Sasha's warm mane. Dreary days turned into meaningless months, and nearly a year of rotting for the young man.

New Year's had hit Sunnyshore on a bitter night of record-level rain, battering any attempt at fireworks or celebrations. The shining shocking star found himself sipping on a bottle of cheap booze behind an alley, seated down and letting the pounding rain wash over him. Memories of Sasha came pouring in, the smell of her fur, the sound of her cry whenever she was begging for a treat, and... the touch of her little warm nose?.

The touch snapped him out of his daze, looking down beneath his legs he noticed the tiniest shivering shinx he had ever seen, taking shelter under him. The little guy must have been left behind by his family, a runt who was too weak to keep up with his mother and siblings to escape the storm.

Icy hands reach towards the Shinx, only to be hissed at and even clawed… even with its outburst the kitten was scooped up. A look into its fearful little eyes sparked something within Volkner. The despair, the pain, the loneliness- it subsided for moment. A child abandoned on a cold rainy night by its mother… looking into its own eyes he saw that same little boy who grew up in the orphanage wondering why he wasn’t good enough, why he had to be left behind, and why no one ever came to save him.

Speaking softly, he said, "Hang on little guy. I got you.”

Pokemon centers were closed for the holiday, but Volkner knew he still had heating pads, formula that hadn't expired, and blankets to coat the Shinx in. Tossing the bottles away, Sinnoh's strongest gym leader rushed home and spent the night watching over the little runt and nursing him back to health.

Days would pass, and the garbage and bottles cluttering his home vanished, replaced with beds, forts, and toys for the little pokemon to enjoy. Little by little the old Volkner returned, working hard to earn back all he had lost, so he could touch little Amp's life the way Sasha touched his.

Amp, now properly fed and cared for, grew to adopt the traits he had seen in Volkner in those days. Mischievous, playful, strong, but also kind. His hobbies included intense playing, naps, treats, and nuzzling against people so their hair puffs up.

[hoshidenki]

smol.

[luckynatured]

"The beach isn't that different from being in the desert, really. It's bright and sunny, the sand is warm and the weather's amazing!" She would just have to ignore the teeny tiny small detail known as the ocean.

"You can find way more interesting stuff in the beach, though!" That's why Carmen is digging through the sand ever couple hops.

[hoshidenki]

Despite being only a few weeks old, Amp was trained diligently enough to hear Volkner's words of "If there's an ocean, the sand isn't for potty!" echoed through his little head.

If there were no snacks and no potty, that meant it was time for play. And play he did, whether it was digging holes, chasing krabby, or rolling around in toasty sand; the little feline did it all. Someone vibrant hopping around, throwing sand everywhere.

Did she find food?

Eagerly, he watched with his tail wagging until she pulled something out. Meowing in awe, asking "What's that?"

[cheesecake801]

Another WIP I never finished

Too bad I got too lazy to draw Luxray and Joltik, it would've been perfect with them !! Still, I'm happy to spread the Elesa/Volkner friendship propaganda again !

Oh also, this outfit for Volkner was made by @protagpigeon and it lives permanently in my head

[hoshidenki]

Casinos and Rocket

Ever since the passing of his Ace pokemon Volkner has made his way through a number of activities and hobbies trying to find something that makes him feel like the spark in his heart is back. From sky-diving, to scuba trips in the deep blue, mount climbing on the most challenging peaks the world had to offer, yet nothing filled the hole in his chest.

But one day, while bedrotting in his home, he saw an ad for the Veilstone game corner. For the first time in months, something had caught his eye. He jumped from his bed and took off, not even taking the time to change out of his pajamas or do his hair. Behind the gilded doors of the casino, the blond passed by the blackjack tables, the slot machines, and multiple games of roulette until he arrived at the exact spot he needed to be. The fifty-dollar seafood buffet. Only Arceus knew how long it had been since he had eaten something other than protein shakes and instant noodles.

After what could only be described as a gruesome gorging of crab legs and chocolate milk, Volkner was ready to take his leave after paying and leaving a tip, but before he left, they gave him a complimentary ticket for one of the slot machines, hoping to hook him with the offer of something free. He had driven all this way; why not do one and done?

A pull on the lever sent the machine rolling, clack, clack, clack, seven... seven... seven?! Dimmed hues shot up with life. Confetti, festive music, and cheers from the staff all caught the poorly groomed man by surprise like a deerling in headlights. Being dragged from his by the glamorous staff to pose for pictures by an oversized check left him feeling humiliated; he could've sworn he still had bits of butter and crab in the unshaven beard he was sporting at the time.

Everything became a blur after Sinnoh's strongest gym leader saw the number written on his check; he had never even seen a number that high in his life. From that moment, Volkner would always remember two things. The amount of adrenaline that had coursed through his veins from the victory against all odds... and to never let his grooming standards fall that low again.

To his benefit, that hideous beard on his chin and unkept hair helped conceal his identity and victory; to this day, people think some random slob won the jackpot, there was no way it could've been the Shining, shocking star of Sinnoh. Rather than brag or change the way he lived with all that money, Volkner tried to donate a healthy chunk of the winnings to the Hearthone Cathedral but Mother Chiri refused the money once she learned where it had come from.

Shocked by her choice Volkner thought about what he’d do and decided the money would exclusively go towards chasing that high he felt. He is particularly fond of the Royal Rocket casino in GoldenRod city for its luxury and elite status. Every time there's a league meeting in the region, he will always stop by. He frequents the place so much that he's become an honored guest of Team Rocket and its admins due to how much money he blows each visit in hopes of reliving that high.

[talesforged]

It’s such a beautiful day! The sun is shining, the sky a lovely shade of blue, and not a single sign of rain in sight. Gardenia couldn’t wait until class let out to check on the greenhouse and see the progress of the plants housed inside. They’re growing so well under the watchful eye of the Gardening Club. It'll be nice to take some vegetables and fruits home soon.

Gardenia is accompanied by her Budew as she hurries over to the school’s greenhouse. “Come on, Amelia! Let’s check those tomatoes out! I think they’ll be ready for picking now,” she says to the Budew, receiving a joyous cry in agreement, and opens the door. The two begin walking down the rows of beds, checking on the many plants until coming to a sudden halt with a gasp.

Gardenia’s heart sinks upon seeing the gaping hole in the walls further down where the cherry tomatoes should be. “Oh my gosh! What happened?!” she exclaims rushing over. “Oh no, not the tomato— Ahhhhhh!” She couldn’t help it. She let out a scream in surprise seeing the unconscious boy laying there ( her Budew echoing the sentiment ), cherry tomatoes crushed beneath his weight and strew about. Gardenia and her Budew stare wide-eyed and in shock at the scene. How long has he been here for? And how did he even break through the greenhouse walls?? They’re supposed to withstand most things. Oh, that doesn’t matter now! They need to go get the nurse—

Gardenia blinks when he begins to stir. She stares down at him incredulously when his words finally process in her brain. “It’s not the tomatoes I’m worried about! It’s you! Are you alright?! You’re not injured anywhere are you?” she proclaims, coming to kneel down beside him; her hands suspended in the air, unsure of what do with them.

Sure a lot of work went into growing those tomatoes, but they’re unimportant in the grand scheme of things. She can plant more later.

[hoshidenki]

This girl was kind to say the least, most people in the school would have blown a gasket had they seen Volkner cause the destruction of their efforts and projects, but she had her priorities set on his well-being... how strange. With his power nap complete and him free of any tomato-related guilt, he jumped back up onto his feet, patting away any soil caught stuck to his clothes.

"You sure worry a lot, not good for the health, you know?" The blond chuckled and offered a smile to the stranger. Looking down, he could see where she had gotten that from, an adorable little budew being a worrywart. "Hey its alright, little guy." Petting the top of the Pokémon's buds

Volkner had certainly lost the battle for the day, his busted lower lip clearly branding that result, but it wasn't all for naught. Bruised fingers reached into his pocket, revealing a wallet snatched from a fiery-headed jerk during their bout. A cheshire grin formed upon his lips. Not only was it tacky as could be, but there was a handsome amount of cash too. "How about I treat you to some ramen, as a payment for letting me take a nap in your garden? We can pick up some new seeds on the way back, too."

The delinquent stretched and stepped into the Volkner-shaped hole in the wall, ready to take off before something urgent popped into mind. "Oh, right, I'm sure you know me, but the name's Volkner." With a quick introduction out of the way, his hand was extended toward her. "C'mon, it'll be fun. I promise I'm not as mean as some of the weeds you got growin around here."

[heckyeahsinnoh]

source

[popopon789]

[tsutarjas-blog-blog]

[muacrt]

[hoshidenki]

One day you’re watching the pokemon and it’s about Ash Ketchum getting jacked by training a magikarp to jump into space. Or Ash Ketchum becoming British and trying to convert people to the slowbro cult

The next is just like. Here’s all of Volkner’s pain concentrated in one episode.

[hoshidenki]

Villain teams

Volkner isn't really familiar with the other villainous groups of other regions outside of Neo Team Plasma (for past relationship reasons). Ask him about Rocket, Aqua, Magma, Flare, or any of the others, and he'd likely think you're talking about a sports team of some kind. Someone as distant as he focuses more on his own problems than those of the world. It's selfish on his part not to involve himself in being educated on them, but that's just the way he approaches those things

If he meets an admin, leader, or grunt, he's not going to treat them like they're evil incarnate. He knows what it's like to hit rock bottom and what that can drive people towards, but he knows that people can change for the better as well if given the chance. Sunnyshore itself has a decent population of reformed poachers and former grunts from other regions. In the anime, there's this pretty cool scene of how Volkner and Flint's efforts were enough to make a Pokémon poacher change his ways and lead a normal life, and even become one of their closest friends when they grew up.

With that being said, this doesn't mean Volkner gives a free pass for people to do cruel things in his presence. If you're hurting a Pokémon or an innocent civilian, he will intervene and put a stop to things rather swiftly. Sinnoh’s top gym may have his ups and downs when he just doesn't feel like doing anything, but he won't brush aside his morals and let you treat him as a door mat. But he’s also not the type to preach or lecture you about your life decisions as Professor Rowan would.

[hoshidenki]

@talesforged // A budding friendship

It had been a beautiful spring afternoon over at Hearthome High, class had just been dismissed, and the students came rushing out, whether it was to go home, hang out in town, or attend the various clubs and programs offered after classes finished. The campus had fallen silent, or at least it was until two students had a passionate debate... using their fists. Nearly everyone had feared the sight of their school's Surging Spark and Crimson Blaze, a rivalry spanning years, and anyone who got between the two of them was sure to end up with bruises.

Victories and losses would vary back and forth between the two; unfortunately, this time around Volkner had found himself on the defense, and a fiery flurry of fists was unleashed by Flint. It was no use trying to block; there were just too many and too fast. The hair on the blonde's neck stood up as the final blow came, launching him off his feet, crashing through the walls of the school's greenhouse, and onto a bed of cherry tomatoes. A cocky voice called out to Volkner as he lay there in defeat. "Enjoy the dirt nap, piss-head!"

Truth be told, the sound of Flint's smug voice hurt more than the bruises on his body. He'd pay him back tenfold once he found out a way around that stupid combo move of Flint's... but for now, he would recover with a rest move.

What seemed like an hour passed when, all of a sudden, a shriek woke the young man from his nap. Groaning, his eyes cracked open to see a Gardening club member and a Budew staring down at him; he was unsure which had let out such a sound. It was hard to tell if it was the sight of him or the crushed tomatoes that prompted such a response.

"Sorry about your tomatoes. Gimme a sec to get up, I'll help replant them."