united_one | 001 ∫ [Video/Action]

Current Mood: restless
Current Location: Nuvema Town

Entry tags:

001 ∫ [Video/Action]

[N wasn't entirely sure what to expect of Nuvema. It was a town he'd never visited himself... though perhaps he flew over it during his attempted escape from Unova, unbeknownst of its presence. But while he knew little of it himself, there was much that he could attach to it. It was the hometown of those trainers... the ones that were simultaneously his enemies and the objects of much fascination, the ones that first convinced him of the kindness of trainers he had thought untrue.

And the one that had torn away his false crown, cut through his convictions, defeated him... and set him free.

As N sets foot in the town, one question fills his mind amongst the flood of memories: How did such a hero live? What conditions created that person? The aura he can read from Nuvema is one of peace, acceptance, and encouragement. There are no luxurious trappings as he had experienced... He supposes he should have expected that at least. It made sense. Of course the true hero would have humble beginnings.

His eyes wander, over lawns, over neutral faces of bystanders (a flicker of panic here; he almost assumes someone-- a vigilante-- will recognize him and lash out in revenge, but no one does, and he dares to relax), over houses. He wonders which house belonged to that trainer, but he can't be sure. Their parents, their living conditions, what are they like? Surely, much different than his own... Are their parents at home, anxiously waiting the child's return? Or maybe they're not anxious at all, assured by their pride in the hero. A part of him desperately wants to find the hero's house for some unfathomable reason.

But that's not his place. He has no place here at all, really. He shouldn't get involved any further. He'll only make things worse. A false hero, he brings ruin. He should have learned that already. Even Reshiram-- the Pokemon that chose him as a hero, bonded with him-- has left him... He should just run away and find his purpose elsewhere-- Why couldn't they just let him disappear in peace? He swallows thickly, suddenly overcome with a powerful emotion he can't quite place. Envy? Regret? Loneliness? Anger? Maybe all the above. Zorua gives a little concerned whine from her perch on his shoulder, nuzzling his cheek.

"You okay, N?"]

... Yes. ["You sure? 'Cause you don't really look okay, y'know."] ... Of course. I'm-- [A small, choked laugh.] --being foolish... Don't worry yourself with me, friend. [Zorua's ears pin back and she looks at him sternly. He smiles weakly.] What?

[The fox Pokemon gives a little snort and slinks from his right shoulder to his left. Pokemon are empathic; she can sense the conflict in him, and he knows it. "Fine," she says, sounding mildly irritated with his stubborn facade. "Wallow in... whatever you're wallowing in. But remember we've got a company to keep an eye on, got it?"

He nods. Dragonite... and the others. Yes, it's his job to keep an eye out for them and educate them in the ways of this world. And what a handful to take care of... Where is that hero when N needs them again...? No. No, he shouldn't rely on them. He nods again, and Zorua's voice softens.

"I dunno what you're thinkin' about, N, but y'know, if you wanna talk about it... I said I was your partner for a reason!"]

I do not want to talk about it... There are more important things than dwelling on the past. I must concern myself with the present.

["N..."]

Thank you, Zorua. That will be... quite enough. [With a huff, Zorua moves to his other shoulder and, as if out of spite, shrouds herself in an illusion, taking on the form of a Shinx-- Nepeta's Shinx. She turns away, and N looks at her apologetically before turning to the device on his arm.]

[N starts the video with a stern gaze into the screen, expression steeled-- all business. The facade comes naturally after years of practice. A Shinx slinks back and forth on his shoulders as he clears his throat and begins to speak. His words are clear and certain, but startlingly fast. He doesn't seem to notice it; apparently, he talks at this quick pace all the time.]

I suppose you all have Xtransceivers, correct? So that means the majority of you will be able to hear me. I advise that you listen, and listen well.

My name is N, and I am a... resident of this region. Unova was once my home, and most of you are only visitors here. I am only aware of a small fraction of the unimaginable worlds you hail from, but you are here now, and you must be aware of how best to treat it and your new companions.

It seems that most of you have left the Entralink, correct? So you are either here, in Nuvema Town, or in Nimbasa City. Either way, be wary of wild Pokemon. They tend to hide in the tall grass, and can be territorial and aggressive. Many are liable to attack you. You must be prepared to face them, and protect yourself and your own Pokemon from them. I'm sure you will learn this quickly enough.

Time is an ever-present force, and it would be wise to also prepare for weather changes, seasonal courses... [Speaking of which, he doesn't look fazed by the winter cold at all, even if his clothes look pretty thin...] Stock up on supplies when you can. I believe Pokemarts will be very helpful to you on your journeys.

Most important-- above all else-- treat your Pokemon with kindness and respect. If you dare to hurt or mistreat them in any way... you shall not be forgiven. Those of you that I have met seem trustworthy enough to do that, but I cannot speak for the rest of you. I can hear their voices, you see-- understand their speech. However, even if you cannot... I'm sure there is a way you can get a gist of their needs, even without understanding every word they say.

[Abruptly, his expression softens. He looks almost forlorn.] If any of you have inquiries, do not hesitate to contact me. No question is too trivial. I am aware that this change in scenery is... startling to most of you, but do not fear. Tread with courage and compassion in your heart, and you will find this world has... many things to offer you, even if your time here is temporary. [He manages a smile.]

... The best of luck to you on whatever goals you choose to aim for. [He pauses for a moment.]

And Dragonite, if you can hear this too... You said you wanted me to teach you what I know... So, perhaps you'd like to come along with me? If you wish to do so, I will be waiting in Nuvema for you. Feel free to take your time, however. I am... not in any rush.

[With that, he cuts the feed.]

((OoC: N dons his exposition cap! THIS IS HOW HE SAYS HELLO, APPARENTLY. This can count as both a character and world intro, I guess. Ask any questions that have your character confused, or just say hi, what have you. Feel free to either respond to N's video or catch him meandering about Nuvema, internally angsting.

Also sorry 'bout dat TL;DR I tend to do that with inner monologue whoops slkdfjkljsd feel free to skip it.))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Dragonite had finally figured out how to use the device which she carried on her wrist. Well, the smallest bit, anyhow - she'd figured out how to get out of that strange island. And she'd figured out how to listen to other... voices and movement, though it still freaked her out. Everything was freaking her out right now, however - yes, still.

But as she listened to... wait, he had a nickname? Of N? Well, okay, as she listened to N (seriously, who'd give nicknames of a single letter? That's stupid! ~~Meanwhile, Raz is sobbing at how mean Dragonite is about R and his excellent nicknames for Pokemon.~~), she nodded to herself - before standing on the teleporter pad, and appearing in Nuvema.

Nuvema was the name of the town... and as soon as Dragonite appeared, seeing the people... she didn't go to find N. She let out a terrified roar, and tried to flee, tried to hide from them.

Which, you know, confused the NPCs. But, but whatever. Swablu let out a chirp, before flying off to try and find N.]

[Zorua notices the Swablu's approach first, and gives a little yip to get N's attention. N looks up, dragged out of his inner musings, and instantly recognizes the Swablu as Dragonite's.]
Ah... [N smiles and strides toward the bird Pokemon, holding out an arm for her to perch on.] Hello again, friend.

[He pauses, his smile fading.] Where has your trainer gone? [... Oh dear. What if she was frightened, overwhelmed by Nuvema? He probably shouldn't have left the Entralink without her, after all. But he didn't want to damage her pride or anything of the sort...] Can you lead me to her?

Trainer Dragonite is hiding! Let's go!
[Swablu chirped, before starting to fly in circles a little - not perching. Now was not the time for rest - it was time to bring one trainer to another. Swablu then darted off, towards Dragonite.

Dragonite herself had retreated to hiding behind one of the houses in the small town, growling around the corner, trying to scare anybody who approached her. Swablu, well... he looked behind him, flying in another small circle, hoping that N had kept up.]

Hiding? [Now he's definitely worried. He does indeed keep up with Swablu's pace, though he has to jog a bit.

He slows once he hears Dragonite's growls. He's a bit amazed that she's still able to sound fierce and animalistic, even in a human form. He approaches slowly, but keeps a bit of a distance as he calls out to her.]
Dragonite...? Friend, are you alright?

[Dragonite turns in the direction of the call for her - that N guy, of course. She then stopped growling as loud - though she was still defensive. She's... gonna be like this for a while, N. Takes a lot to get her to trust and all. However, she does look straight at him.]
...There's a lot of people here. T-that's all.
[She's great at hiding that fear in her voice.]

[That's fine with him. She almost reminds him of the Pokemon he grew up with-- defensive and terrified of humans. He gives her a reassuring smile.]
There are indeed... But it will be alright. No one's going to hurt you, or do anything of the sort. I promise.

[He steps a little closer and offers out a hand to her.] Perhaps you'd like to leave this town and set out for the routes instead? The crowds can... take some getting used to.

...Routes? Are those... free of all these Humans? [Dragonite asked, questioningly, as she let her Swablu land on her like a hat. (She isn't happy about it. But. Whatever.) She also looks at the hand, questioningly. Why was he offering out a hand? What was she meant to do?]

Probably not entirely, but there should definitely be fewer... The routes are mainly home to Pokemon.

[After a moment, he slowly drops his hand back to his side. That's... not a gesture often used by Pokemon, is it? He needs to remember these things. Or maybe he should teach Dragonite a few human gestures? ... No. He'd make a terrible teacher for that.

He takes a little step back, and nods his head vaguely in the direction of Route 1's entrance.] Would you like to get going? I can help guide you, if you'd allow me. [Zorua gives an affirming yip and takes on Swablu's appearance, shedding the Shinx guise. She mimics Dragonite's Swablu and climbs onto N's head. He just gives a slight laugh in response.]

...Mm. Yeah. [Dragonite scoffed, trying to keep up her tough appearence. She was a powerful creature, after all. Stronger then this human. If she had her real body.

Anyhow, she looked to the entrance herself, tilting her head slightly.] So this... Route. What sort of Pokemon are native to it?

[He follows her gaze.]
Route 1... I believe it is home to mostly Normal-type Pokemon. Patrat, Lillipup... And Audinos can be found everywhere if you take the time to look.

[But he falls silent, suddenly looking grave. What if... the Pokemon changed too? He was brought a rare Zorua-- a pup-- out of nowhere with no sign of family nearby, and many others seemed to have invasive Pokemon as their "partners". What if the routes' Pokemon have changed too? He masks the worry with a smile when he turns back to Dragonite.] Have you heard of those Pokemon? Ah... Is your world separated into regions, like ours is?

I'm not sure if we've got regions. I never flew far from the lake. [Spoilers: no.] But we don't have any of those creatures around my home.

Mm, that would be understandable, even in this universe... I have never seen a Dragonite myself-- I suppose this would be my first time meeting one... The Dratini family is native to regions we call Kanto and Johto. This is Unova, where that species is exceedingly rare...

[He falls silent for a moment, gathering his thoughts.] Is there much danger in your world, Dragonite? [She seemed to consider everything a threat. He's gotten curious.]

Kanto... Johto... other regions... this is odd. [To say the least - Dragonite is quite curious about it, however. But at his question, she gave a slight growl.] Nothing is safe.

[So her world was not divided into regions. It's not surprising-- the region names were human creations, after all... In a world without humans, he supposes they go by something else, or perhaps nothing at all.

He chooses to focus on the other topic, though. He turns to her, expression concerned. He would have thought a world untouched by humans would be more peaceful for Pokemon...] Can you tell me about it?

[If anybody is paying close attention to the background as N talks, they might notice a less than thrilled Paprika, her arms tucked inside her shirt for warmth as she shuffles along, Old Man trailing disinterestedly behind her. Whatever she was expecting in Pokemon-land, August being freezing cold was not it. Listen closely, and you might catch her grumbling some very choice words that one would not repeat in polite company.]

[Way to videobomb the exposition tape Paprika geez. Once N finishes talking, he drops his arm back to his side again, breathing a discontented sigh. He turns, expecting to take another look over Nuvema, but instead his eyes fall upon Paprika and her Numel. Zorua, still in the guise of a Shinx, yips excitedly in greeting.

N looks a bit affronted by Paprika's course language, but he approaches anyway.] Hello again, Paprika. [He offers an almost apologetic smile.] Cold?

[She's a whiz at photobombing, actually. A sort of nod and a shaky grin are the best she's managing in this weather.]

C-Cold as balls, man. Isn't it supposed to be August? Like, y'know, hot and stuff?

No... I believe it's natural for the weather to be like this at this time of year. And it was just as cold-- if not colder-- when I departed not too long ago. Or... should I say attempted to depart. [He looks a little intrigued, though.] So do seasons pass differently where you are from? Interesting...

[He takes notice of her shivering with apparent concern, and frowns in thought. He glances down at Old Man.] Well... Your Numel is a Fire type, you know. I could try asking him if he'd provide some warmth for you. [Zorua climbs atop his head and changes her shape again, this time taking on the image of a Swablu. She puffs out her illusory feathers demonstratively.] ... It seems Zorua would volunteer as well. [Why are his Pokemon so much more social than he is.]

Yeah, August is supposed to be summer, man!

[She raises a quizzical brow at Old Man, who is currently occupied with sniffing N's shoe.]

Y-You sure he's big enough?

Hm... I see. [And that is duly noted. Knowledge is power!

He turns his attention to Old Man, offering him that smile he automatically seems to get when around Pokemon.] Sure. He may be small, but there is quite a bit of fire power in him, I'm certain. If anything, can't you imagine that one of his fire moves could create something akin to a campfire? [Any fire Pokemon could act as a walking heater if needed. Their help was sometimes nearly vital to N's travels during the winter. Carefully, he kneels and places his hand on Old Man's head.] Numel... If it's not too much trouble, could you please offer your trainer some of your heat? It's rather cold for us, you understand. [If he's remembering his studies correctly (which he's sure he is), Numel were volcanic Pokemon, with magma stored inside their bodies. A fascinating and very useful fact.]

[Admittedly, Paprika is half-expecting to get squirted in the face by lava or something, but the effect is more like a portable heater. She crouches down and lays her cheek on Old Man's hump in what is supposed to be a respectful way, promise.]

So should we just, like, make a campfire out in the middle of town? D'they let you do that?

[And that seems to be fine with N! He just grins and gives the Numel an affectionate pat.] Thank you, friend.

[He pauses and glances around.] Well... I do not see why they wouldn't let us. They seem rather... neutral about the sudden influx of outsiders-- I doubt that one more oddity would offend them. [His eyes linger on one of the nearby houses. A flicker of movement behind a window makes him flinch slightly.] Do that if you wish, Paprika, but I do not intend to stay here much longer... [Swablu!Zorua gives a little whine.] By the way, if you wish to obtain more suitable attire, I would suggest you make your way for the next town. It is likely you can find stores there.

[Good space heater, best Numel.]

That where you're headed? 'Cause some new clothing is sounding reeeally good right now.

[He pauses, looking thoughtful and still oddly restless-- nervous, even.]
... Yes. I suppose I am, actually.

[He stands and glances off beyond Nuvema's exit.] To reach Accumula Town, you need only pass through Route 1 there, if I remember correctly... [He trails off and begins to look Paprika over uncertainly. He could offer to help lead her to Accumula, if she wanted, but... Would that be weird? Dangerous? He opens his mouth to speak, but promptly closes it again, furrowing his brow.]

[Reluctantly, she stands back up, though she doesn't tuck her hands back into her shirt this time, at least. Putting a hand over her eyes to shade them, she squints off at the town's exit.]

Sooner the better, right?

... I suppose so. [Apparently taking that as a hint to get going, he begins to walk forward. But he stops abruptly, looking sidelong at Paprika.]

Ah. If we are leaving at the same time, it would... only be logical to travel together, hm? At least until you reach Accumula. [Oh dear, what is he saying? A part of him really fears getting involved with people, and vice versa. But it would be sensible, for both sides.] Would you be opposed to such a thing? [And then he considers Dragonite. How would she react to traveling with not one, but two humans? Assuming she wanted to travel with him at all...]

[She really doesn't need to think much before agreeing--it'd be pretty nifty to have a guy who's all important and stuff showing her around, as far as she's concerned.]

Nah! S'cool with me, since I dunno jack about this place and I'd probably get lost anyways.

[He smiles.]
Alright then. [A traveling companion! A human traveling companion! So many surprises these days.] I'll do my best to guide you.

[But he stops yet again.]
Though... there is another companion I am also planning on assisting... You do not mind that, do you? [He frowns uncertainly.] She is... in a bit of a predicament, you see, and is even more unaccustomed to human interaction than I am... [He supposes that might be a deal-breaker, having to travel with two socially inept weirdoes.]

[She shoots a big grin back and trots to catch up, Old Man plodding along behind her.]

S'cool with me, bro. We could do, like, normal-people lessons and stuff.

[Wait, that came out wrong.]

Not that you're weird or anything! You're a pretty cool guy.

[He doesn't seem too perturbed by the phrasing, and actually seems intrigued by the offer. He's well aware he's not normal by most human standards, after all... Lessons could be helpful!]
Alright! That sounds interesting. [He smiles brightly.]

You think I'm... cool? [He tilts his head slightly, looking curious and a bit apprehensive.] You don't think I'm a freak?

Yeah, you got like, the green hair and all going on--

[With some sort of waving gesture around the back of her head that's supposed to represent his ponytail.]

--and you know all this stuff, y'know, and you're pretty chill for a smart guy.

[The 'freak' bit catches her off guard for a second, and she shoots him a quizzical, more earnest look.]

You look pretty normal to me. Well, I've never met anyone with legit green hair, but you know.

My... hair? [He reaches a hand up and brushes his fingers through the wild mess that is his hair. He looks back at her and grins.] Of all the things, that is what you choose to point out? [Apparently, he finds this very amusing. What do you mean green hair isn't normal.

He chuckles.] ... Thank you. [So he's not a douche and not a freak either! This is good progress.] I'm glad you think so.

[A moment of silence, and he comes up with another question. Perhaps he'll keep this going until Dragonite chooses to appear.] Is green hair not the norm where you're from?

Huh-uh. There was this one chick I knew in middle school who dyed her hair purple, but no green.

[She shrugs.]

I mean, unless you have, like, horns or something under that hat, you look pretty normal to me.

Interesting... [He places a finger to his chin in thought.] I have never attempted to dye my hair...

[After a moment, he decides to take his cap off. There are no horns, but there is a rather ridiculous-looking cowlick that sticks up like an antenna atop his head.] No horns! Though I did actually meet a girl with horns in the Entralink... That's the first time I've seen anything like that.

D'you mean the alien chick? Uh, whatserface, Nepetron? I saw her, too! After that, guess I wouldn't be too surprised to see more little grey aliens or whatever, since she said there's more of 'em.

Ah, yes... She called her species... "trolls". [He grins. Apparently, he'd be perfectly fine with more aliens around! Disregarding the whole... outsiders disrupting the natural balance thing...] I'd like to meet more of them! They seem to be fascinating creatures.

I'm cool with meeting them as long as their definition of "meeting" isn't always tackling me like a Little League football player... Or is that for baseball?

[Sports, she is the winner at them.]

I don't... know. [Oh, he is also a winner at sports.] Football, I think?

[A pause.] Ah, did she pounce on you too? She got me twice! [He doesn't seem too perturbed by that fact, though.]

Eh, whichever.

Yeah! I mean, she couldn't be bigger than a little kid, but ouch.

[She rubs her side to emphasize her point, though it's long since stopped hurting.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

001 ∫ [Video/Action]

I AM A PROSE MASTER. also i must always mock raz. that is my true duty.

NO I THINK THAT TITLE BELONGS TO ME SOB. /and yes, yes it is

WE. WE CAN SHARE IT. /and forget all this mod duty, it's more fun to mock :p

PROSE MASTER. GOTTA WRITE 'EM ALL. /and i approve of this ohoho

TOTES /oh man i am still considering bringing raz into this game aaaaaa

oh gosh you should do it and then N can make awkward comments on the way he names his Pokemon omg

it may be a slightly au one, though......... idk, still considering it. :p also get on aim now :|

That'd work! DO WHAT YOU THINK IS BEST. /AND AHAHAH NEVER

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

AAAAH THIS IS NOT LATE SSSHH

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]