[Video] Private to N

[naotoshirogane]

[Here, have what appears to be a sharply dressed young man. He looks directly at the camera with an air of detached professionalism.]

Greetings, N. I am detective Naoto Shirogane. An acquaintance has informed me that you may have information regarding the condition of the worlds newcomers to this region have come from. I am here to confirm the validity of this claim.

[Nope, this isn't weird or sudden at all.]

Comments

[the_nth_power]

[When N comes on screen, he regards Naoto with a bit of surprise. He thinks for a moment before answering tentatively.]
I know little about the condition of worlds outside this one. I do know that there is no known way out of this dimension into others... But there is also a theory that time does not pass for you in your home world once you arrive here. [A pause.] Time flows strangely here. I have reason to believe that the theory is true.

[He tilts his head.] Is that what you meant?

[naotoshirogane]

[It isn't the indisputable answer Naoto was hoping for, but it will do. He fishes for more information.]

Yes. What reasons do you have to believe this theory? [It would be a shame if N regards it as true merely from preference, after the positive things Naoto has heard of him.]

[the_nth_power]

A friend of mine-- one from my home world-- arrived here several weeks ago. I have been here for more than five months, but... she acted as if no time had passed at all since she saw me last. She claimed that I had not been gone for long at all. So, if time passes for our home world while we are gone, I suppose it passes much slower than it does here, if at all.

[His gaze wanders elsewhere as he thinks.] There are other signs-- the wild Deerling tell me the seasons shift out of time. [Yeah, the deer told him. How's that for logical reasoning?] I could not perceive it myself, but they are especially sensitive to such things. [His theory to explain that involved the absence of certain legendary Pokemon, but he had no evidence of that.]

[naotoshirogane]

That is indeed helpful. Thank you, N.

[Naoto smiles slightly, seeming satisfied. If this N is telling the truth, and he has no reason to suspect otherwise at the moment, then there is no rush to return to Inaba. Of course, being the workaholic that Naoto is, he'll still work toward getting back as soon as possible, but it is still a load off his shoulders.]

[Wait.] The Deerling spoke to you? [Assuming 'Deerling' is a species of Pokemon, this is highly strange. In Naoto's world, animals cannot speak to humans. Even here, his Ralts seems to only be able to utter its species name.]

[the_nth_power]

[He nods, first in acknowledgement of the thank you, then in answer to the question.]
I grew up with Pokemon. Most people can't hear their voices, but I can.

[A pause.] If you have any more questions, do not be afraid to ask, Naoto.

[naotoshirogane]

[So it is an unusual ability here as well. Naoto takes note of it for possible future use.]

Thank you. [He believes he's covered everything vital at the moment, but there is still more he should learn before furthering the investigation.] Tell me, what do you know of the 'gym leaders' and of battling?

[the_nth_power]

Battling... is an interesting thing. Trainers raise Pokemon through battling-- pitting them against others in competitions of strength. During your time here, it is highly likely that you will come across many trainers that will challenge you to battles. [He sighs lightly.] I used to consider the practice barbaric and cruel... but I have since learned that is not the case. Battling is a way trainers and Pokemon can learn to understand one another. Most Pokemon seem to enjoy it, contrary to what I used to think.

Gyms are places where trainers can go to test their battling skills. If you defeat a gym leader, you obtain a badge. There are eight gyms scattered through Unova. If you win them all, you have a chance at facing the Elite Four, then the Champion.

[naotoshirogane]

[Naoto nods as he listens. Most of this is merely confirming what he has learned before, but there are some bits of new information. He glances at his Ralts, wondering if it might be interested in battles. Naoto does plan to reach the Elite Four, after all, though not for the purpose of battling.]

I see. Where is the nearest gym? [He would have to train beforehand, of course, but he doesn't want to loiter about any longer than he has to.]

[the_nth_power]

The first gym is located in Striaton City, just past Route 2. That is where I currently am, actually. [After some brief fumbling through his pack, he fishes out the Trio Badge he recently obtained and holds it up for Naoto to see.] This is the Trio Badge-- what trainers battle for there.

[He lowers the badge and smiles curiously.] Do you intend to surpass the Champion?

[naotoshirogane]

[Naoto looks at the badge curiously. To think that piece of metal held such power in this world! It's comparable to a small trophy, but more widely recognized.]

I am on Route 2. [He's glad that the gym isn't too far away.]

No - I plan to question them. I have heard that they aren't accepting challengers, at any rate.

[the_nth_power]

Ah, then you are well on your way.

[He smiles briefly, but it's gone by Naoto's next statement.] Is that so? [It's apparently his first time hearing the part about the champion. He supposes it shouldn't be surprising; after all, Alder would still be the champion, wouldn't he...? N looks a bit worried, but decides to push his paradoxical theories aside.] Will you ask him about a way home, then?

[naotoshirogane]

[Naoto nods.]

Several have told me that, increasing the chance of it being true. [He isn't going to guarantee the claim's credibility until he has seen it for himself, though.]

Yes, that is part of the plan. [It doesn't seem like anyone he's spoken to yet knows a way, or, if someone does, they are reluctant to share it for whatever reason.] Even information on the Entralink malfunction would be helpful.