So it was all on him. Great. Vinnie sucked in a breath and, for a moment, closed off his thoughts. He didn't need the nattering chorus of rationalization in his brain right now. If this was one of those pivotal moments of choice, ultimately the decision was his heart's.

Even if it didn't seem like it most times, Venusaurs were creatures of empathy. Their very roles within nature demanded it. He'd made decisions based on his heart before, and even if he regretted them, he knew that if he went through the same scenario again, he'd end up picking the same option every time. For better or worse, that's just who he was. So forget the hesitation.

"It's not about wanting t'do it," he stated finally, in all seriousness. "It's what I need t'do to help people.

"You know I'd still run out there t'fight anyone who needs fighting, even if I didn't enlist. But this way I might actually be able t'do some good instead'a getting fucked up and thrown off buildings and worrying everyone.

"I'm gonna come back a stronger Pokemon for you. I wanna make you proud. That's why..."

Vinnie's voice caught in his throat after that, and he couldn't say anything else.