united_one | [video]

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[The Xtransceiver screen flickers to life, revealing a very confused-looking Thomas. He is wearing his fancy Victorian coat over a modern outfit and a baseball cap whose brim he fiddles with self-conciously. He still isn't used to the hat and is worried he looks ridiculous, which he does, kind of. When the screen turns on he blinks and brings his hand down.]

Oh, hello. I've turned it on. At least I think? Hmm...

[He taps his finger on the screen, causing the audio to thump loudly. The camera shifts as Thomas's arm gets pulled downward by a Teddiursa, its two arms hooked around Thomas's elbow. Its face comes on screen and it grins mischievously. Thomas shakes his arm and dislodges the cub.] Stop that, Dodger! [The camera rights itself, focusing back on Thomas's face. Blue skies and a tree are in the background, and not much else. Thomas squints at the screen.]

Oh, I do hope I've done this correctly. I think I'm talking to the people who were at the Entralink? Anyway. Hello. Miss McBride and I have been travelling together since we left the Entralink and are now on our way to... what was it? Um. Accumula Town. We are on Route 1 now, although hopefully not for much longer, ha ha. Perhaps some of you will be in Accumula Town, also? Mr. Engarde, Sir Meta Knight, Mr. Emmet, Mr. N? And anyone I did not meet, of course.

[He pauses, looking away from the screen thoughtfully.]

I am just making assumptions, now, but I think it may be important for us to keep in touch with one another. We don't come from this world, after all, and that makes us the same. [A weak laugh. He is remembering the odd appearances of some of the people he saw in the Entralink.] Well, we are the same in one aspect, anyway. We do not belong here. At least, I do not think so. Do you? [A persistent noise comes from off-screen. Ursa, ursa! Thomas looks towards it.] What is it? I fed you already...

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(OoC: I AM STILL HERE I PROMISE. Internship has kept me relatively busy... Anyway, hope I'm doing this right...)

[Sir Meta Knight appears on the Xtransceiver screen, expression unreadable as always. He has his cape wrapped around him and appears not to be bothered by the cold--either because the cape's thick enough to keep him warm, or because he simply doesn't care about the temperature.]

Hello, Sir Thomas... I believe I am using the device correctly? Hm.

[The screen moves about as he adjusts the camera, showing that he appears to be in Nuvema and also showing that his Pawniard is standing faithfully by his side. Eventually it focuses back on Meta Knight, who nods.]

Yes. It is good to hear from you again. I am still in Nuvema town, trying to learn more about this world. [And getting the hang of walking with legs.] Pawn Knight and I will soon be moving out to the next town.

[Pawn!]

...Very soon. Pawn Knight is eager to move on. [Pause.] Yes, I believe we should keep in contact... Perhaps then if one of us finds a way for us to return, he can report to the others.

...Have you found anything of note, Sir Thomas?

[Thomas laughs sharply when Meta Knight appears on the screen, then covers his mouth apologetically. It is just so absurd, seeing the little moving image on the screen! He had gotten used to seeing his own "reflection" on it, but seeing someone else is different.]

Sorry about that, Sir Meta Knight. [He smiles good-naturedly.] We were in Nuvema Town, nice little place. Good coffee. Had to sleep in that... laboratory, though. [He gestures towards his baseball cap.] Bought some new clothes.

[He tilts his arm, still marvelling at the fact that he's communicating with someone through the Xtransceiver. The video settles after a moment.] That is a capital idea, Sir -- I do hope if someone finds out anything like that they'll share it with the rest of us. Unfortunately I haven't discovered much, myself. Well, I learned that they are not joking when they say there are Pokemon in the tall grass. Got attacked by a purple rat, of all things. Dodger fought him off. [He laughs.] And you? Are you adjusting well?

((OoC: Hope it's all right for me to have him mention this...))

[Some amusement barely creeps into his voice when Thomas mentions his new clothes.] ...I can see that.

I am adjusting... relatively well. Although it appears that the people here are not accustomed to seeing people carrying swords. [Especially not scary swords of death like Galaxia.

The mention of a purple rat does not surprise him. There are brightly colored animals in his world too, so it's not too startling. Not that he's the type to startle easily.] And, yes, I heard about having to use Pokemon to defend yourself... It apparently helps strengthen them as well.

...Speaking of, while staying here I heard talk of some sort of Pokemon League challenge. Have you heard anything of this?

[He nods sagely at the mention of swords. Sandra had made it clear to him that people didn't appreciate carrying a weapon around here. Thomas still has his revolver in his pocket. They are traveling on a country road, after all -- there could be brigands, highwaymen!]

Yes! Stengthen them! I think that's the point. Do you know, I think they expect us to have these animals -- Pokemon, I mean -- have them fight like gladiators? It's the only reasonable conclusion I can find. Dodger certainly took well to fighting, anyway.

[He tilts his head a bit at the mention of the Pokemon League challenge.] No, I haven't. But they may have mentioned it last night. I'm sorry to say I was, um... rather distracted... [He had spent the whole time fuming both about the prospect of camping out in the country and having to sleep on a couch in the lab and didn't really listen to anything Professor Juniper or anyone else had said. She was some kind of lady scientist anyway, it hardly made any sense.] What is the Pokemon League? [His eyes brighten.] Was I right? They use these Pokemon for some kind of sport?

[His eyes narrow slightly.] I am not so sure "gladiators" is the proper term, but yes, they do seem accustomed to fighting. [He briefly glances down at Pawn Knight.

He nods when Thomas mentions being distracted. Not a difficult thing to do when in a new area like this.] Understandable. But yes, they are used for... a sport of some sort. There appears to be some sort of challenge in which the Pokemon fight experienced Pokemon in... gyms, I believe. I have not heard all the details yet, but it sounds interesting. It might be a good way to strengthen them, at the very least.

[Thomas smiles triumphantly. He knew it! It doesn't make sense for there to be such a culture surrounding these Pokemon if it wasn't some kind of commercial institution.] Gyms? Gymnasiums? [He grins at that.] How very Greek.

I wonder if there's any sort of incentive for participating? [His mind is running a million miles a minute now. The fact that there might be money or fame to be gained is ridiculously exciting to Thomas.]

[Sir Meta Knight nods.] Yes, something like that. [Though he's not sure what Thomas means by the "Greek" part... but he's not one that enjoys looking ignorant, so he doesn't question that.]

I would imagine there is some sort of incentive. I will need to look into this a little more to be certain. But whatever the case, I do plan on participating in the challenge.

[An excited Pawn, pawn! can be heard offscreen. It appears Pawn Knight approves of this decision.]

I'm going to try to find out a bit more about this before leaving. I'll be sure to let you know what else I find.

Splendid, splendid. I would appreciate that very much, Sir Meta Knight.

[He looks offscreen at Dodger, who is wandering around near his feet. Was the cub really a good fighter? He remembers what Pawn Knight looked like, with little knives for hands, and how large Matt Engarde's Doduo had been. He pauses, somewhat discouraged about Dodger's chances. His gaze returns to the screen after a moment.]

I hope we can meet again in person soon, Sir. Talking through this thing is a bit awkward.

Indeed. Perhaps I will see you once I start traveling, and I can tell you if I have learned anything else then.

[A very impatient Pawn! is heard off-screen.

Meta Knight lowers his voice a little.] I will have to teach Pawn Knight to be more patient... But I hope to see you soon, Sir Thomas.

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thomas-sinclair.livejournal.com - 2011-08-16 16:35 (UTC) - Expand

[Have a Dragonite-human. Who's terrible at video - so it's quite a bit later that she turns it on, and is staring into it, quite dangerously.]
Yeah. I don't want to be here. It's not right.

[Thomas looks surprised to see the wild-looking woman appear on his screen. He doesn't remember seeing her at the Entralink. But then, there were a lot of people there, and this one shares his sentiments. He nods decisively.]

Oh, I quite agree, miss. I don't believe we've met? I am Thomas Sinclair.

'm Dragonite. [Matter-of-factly.] I guess I should say it's nice to meet you. [She guesses. That's what humans say, isn't it. These Human creatures.]

[Dragon Night? That is an odd name. Thomas nods courteously, tipping his baseball cap.] A pleasure, Miss Night. [He peers closely at the image on the screen.] I am so glad to meet another person who shares my view. Do you know why you might have been brought here? [Thomas figures he should start investigating that. His theory is that everyone who was brought to this world is cursed, like he is, and if he can prove that common link perhaps there may be some logic behind the situation.]

[A reason... Dragonite had thought of as many as she could, but none of them made logical sense. Especially to her. But, instead of a nod, she gave a harsh shake of her head.] Probably related to time.

[Thomas blinks. Clearly he wasn't expecting that.] Time? I'm afraid I don't follow. [A moment, as he tries to rationalize the answer. He has already discovered that he and Sandra were from very different years. Was that what Dragonite meant? Thomas feels somewhat worried about that, it had been the most shocking discovery thus far.] Do you mean... because we are from different times, different years? What year is it, where you are from?

Year...? I'm unsure. [Because her planet had no years anymore... but she let out a grunt, anyhow. ~~kururu why do you only play weirdoes~~] But haven't you noticed? Lots of people seem from different times. And it was working wrong in my world - why not here?

[He frowns. He had been ignoring the issue of the different time periods because it was upsetting to think that he wasn't in the correct year. This discussion is making him consider it again, and he coughs uncomfortably.] I have noticed that, yes.

[He looks down, thinking. Oh well, why not just ask? He knows it is an incredibly touchy subject, curses. Having a curse implies all sorts of improprietous dealings. Thomas has been dodging the issue of his own curse all his life, but talking over the video screen seems so impersonal that he decides it might be all right to ask.] I'm sorry, this may be rude, and please decline to answer either way if you'd like, but -- Do you... are you cursed, by any chance?

[It takes a moment for N to appear on the screen, and when he does, he's looking a bit raggedy, his hair tangled and his face adorned with smudges of dirt. But he looks cheerful too, and smiles brightly at the screen. Some excitable barking can be heard in the background.]
Hello, Mister Sinclair. [A pause, as he considers Thomas' words... as well as the images in the screen. He's loving the hat, by the way. Baseball caps are all the rage. He chuckles a little as he surveys Dodger.] Your Teddiursa seems to have quite a bit of energy. [So much for "low maintenance".] I could ask him what he wants, if you'd like?

... As for your thoughts on the recent events... That is a bit of a dilemma, isn't it? [He sighs.] Not only have you and the others arrived here, but the routes... The routes are full of invasive species not of this region. It is... worrying. [Where is the Hero of Unova when you need them?] I fear the natural balance has been disrupted.

Oh, hello, Mr. N! [Thomas laughs weakly at N's suggestion to talk to Dodger.] Oh, I don't think it would affect much. He is probably just annoyed that I am ignoring him. [He gives a little glare off-screen and the Teddiursa falls quiet.]

At any rate, I'm glad you agree with me. I know that you are from this world, or... some version of this world... I wouldn't know, of course, if the species are not native. [He shrugs and gives a small smile.] There are rats everywhere in my world, although not purple ones. [He is distracted by something off-screen. The camera shakes.] Oh, what? Fine, here, look; it's the fellow who could talk to you, Mr. N. Remember?

[Thomas kneels down and the camera changes to show Dodger's face very close to the screen. He grins toothily. Hi! Thomas is talking to you and you are not here. He seems to find this amusing. Thomas's voice comes from off-screen.] I don't know what he is saying. [The Teddiursa pokes at the screen. Your face is smaller than it used to be. Very observant.]

[N listens carefully, looking a bit taken aback for a moment. "Some version"... The idea of separate dimensions was easy enough for him to grasp, but he had assumed this Unova was the one he knew, only altered slightly... Maybe it really was an entirely different dimension itself, just reminiscent of his own. The thought had escaped him... Maybe that was why no one seemed to recognize him? It's an idea he'll have to dwell on later; he pushes it out of his mind for the time being.] Ah. You mean the Rattata? [Rattata, "rats". Oh. Curious.] It's fascinating, really. You are not the first to tell me about worlds with creatures similar to Pokemon, but lacking in actual Pokemon...

[He trails off there, turning his attention instead to Dodger. He laughs lightly as he addresses the Pokemon.] Mm. That does appear to be so, doesn't it? [Dodger doesn't seem alarmed by it, though, so he'll just let him believe he's smaller. It shouldn't be necessary to explain the technology.] Now, my friend... Is there anything wrong? How are you faring?

[The Teddiursa tilts his head, grinning broadly. The fact that he's talking to a tiny version of a person is endlessly amusing to him. Does it hurt to be smaller? Maybe you got squished. He scratches at his ear, listening to N's question. There is nothing wrong! We are walking on the road. There are Pokemon but I beat them! It wasn't hard. And I found ten rocks, but only three were any good. Oh, what is "kill"?

Thomas pulls away his arm so he can look at the screen.] Is he really talking? All I hear is a bunch of nonsense.

[He chuckles.] No, it doesn't hurt. Do not worry about it. [And he falls silent as he listens to the rest, his expression gradually taking on concern. What is this about rocks? And... killing?

He addresses Thomas:] Yes, he is talking. Just... in a voice most humans cannot hear.

[He turns back to Dodger, giving him a warm smile.] You must be very strong. But be careful not to overdo it, understand? I do hope Mister Sinclair has been treating you well. [Which brings him to... that. He looks disturbed as he struggles to explain.] ... "Kill"... means you... hurt someone or something so badly that... it can't live anymore. It disappears from this world. [He knits his brow.] Why? Who was speaking of killing? [His narrowed eyes dart over to Thomas, instantly suspicious.]

[Thomas looks from Dodger to the screen, trying to figure out what the conversation is about by only hearing half of it. Dodger nods cheerfully. Mister Sinclair? Hehe. Yes, he gave me this shiny. He lifts his chin to show off the pocket watch that Thomas has fashioned into a collar of sorts.

Dodger falls silent at N's explanation of killing. He considers the implications. Kill is not the same as normal fight? The lady said to not do it. He half turns and gestures at Thomas, who is looking concerned over the direction the conversation is taking. Thomas said killing, when I fought the Rattata.

Thomas leaned forward.] Is he talking about that? I told him, I... [He pauses, noting N's suspicious glare.] Well, that rat -- Rat... tata? It attacked and, well... [He frowns, feeling defensive. This seems like an odd thing to have to explain himself about. It was a wild animal, after all. He could have just shot it.] I told Dodger to kill it. Before it hurt anyone, you know.

[He looks horrified.] You... told him to kill? [Apparently, this is something no one should do. Now, N looks vengeful.] Of course it attacked you! You invaded its territory! It does not deserve to be murdered for protecting its home-- its family!

[He stops short. Thomas is from a different world than his own; things work differently. While he thinks that shouldn't be any excuse for violence, he heaves a sigh, trying to calm himself. A touchy subject, this one.] Pokemon are... not meant to kill. They can and will fight-- as is their nature-- but they should not kill each other. Especially those with trainers, who have no need to kill as a food source. And battling... I have learned that battling is more than simple fighting.

[He addresses Dodger:] What the lady said was correct. You should not kill. [And still, Thomas doesn't seem like a bad person. N addresses him carefully:] I do not know how things work in your world, but here... we do not kill for sport, understand? Pokemon are not weapons, they are friends-- intelligent creatures with thoughts and emotions... To destroy the life of even one... The thought breaks my heart. [And he's seen plenty dead before him.]

[Thomas's eyes narrow as N begins his tirade. He doesn't appreciate being scolded, and instead of feeling sorry he feels increasingly defensive. When N stops to calm himself, Thomas frowns. He listens carefully to what N says, but can't help finding it a bit ridiculous. He is not accustomed to anyone caring about animals in this manner.

He inhales deeply and looks off to the side when N finishes, annoyed with being reprimanded and feeling vaguely guilty.] Fine. This world is... [He shakes his head helplessly, angrily sighing.] It doesn't make any sense! The animals in my world, they... well they're proper animals. [He puts a hand to his forehead for a moment. He isn't sure exactly what is bothering him so much about what N said, which frustrates him even more.

He suddenly remembers his own childhood, when he spoke with a fairy disguised as a songbird. That hadn't been an animal, even he had known that, and he had been 5. It looked like an animal, but there was intelligence there that could simply be felt. He realizes that this is the way Pokemon are. His eyes flick towards Dodger, who is watching him curiously.] No, I understand. I won't kill any. [A small vindictive voice in the back of his mind adds: I won't kill any Pokemon unless I would kill a human in the same situation. He doesn't say this out loud. N doesn't seem to be the type to appreciate it.]

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