01: Testing, 1, 2, 3...

[truthdecided]

[Upon receiving his Grumpearl, Akechi seizes the opportunity to test it. It seems pertinent to get a grasp on the communications technology, even if it's nowhere near as direct as a cell phone.

So, if he thinks, will that be enough? Akechi hums, then tries broadcasting his thoughts.]

Greetings. This is Akechi. I suspect a great many of you encountered me here and there. I'm the... "Rookidee" who was investigating the strange side effects of the various clothing articles and accessories.

[As he tries to figure out what to say, a song starts to play in his head.

Shit. Wait. Is that also being broadcast? Shit. Okay. Time to reedirect his thoughts to more sophisticated music.

Erm. Anyway.]

Please disregard that interruption. As I was saying, I've a vested interest in investigating our present set of circumstances. Recently, Mightyena-san approached me with an offer to join the Oran Berries, so that is where I'll be residing for the near future.

However, regardless of guild allegiances, I believe we could all benefit from using this network to share findings. To start us off, here is what I have learned after speaking to two individuals more familiar with the nature of Pokémon:

First, it would seem there are worlds where humans hold more authority over Pokémon, though their relationship seems more mutually beneficial on slightly more equal footing than humans and pets (Emmet-san and Ingo-san, feel free to correct me if necessary).

Moreover, there are a vast array of different types, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, and certain "moves" that might seem unassuming, such as a wag of the tail or a snarl can and do affect our combat capabilities.

Thirdly, many species of Pokémon undergo a metamorphosis called evolution, not to be confused with Darwin's theory of evolution. Those of us who took on smaller and feebler forms may be able to reach even greater heights...

But in a broader sense, it seems there is some power at play that translates our speech regardless of our native tongue. I also heard of "legendary" and "mythical" Pokémon, though whether or not they have anything to do with our arrival here remains to be seen.

I suppose the next question is what exactly determined our present forms. I can see some reason behind my avian appearance, and Ren is fairly cat-like in his own right, but I obviously can't speak for everyone else.

[As he mentions Ren, there's a flicker of an image of a Sprigatito and then a very embarrassing memory he did not intend to broadcast. The jazzy music also gets a little louder before he decides to end the message.]

Comments

[moondregs]

I started as one thing then became another. Neither really make sense … and both were pink. I don’t even like pink.

[truthdecided]

Was there any correlation between the two forms besides the color?

[This is... odd. He'll set aside the color preferences for now. The shift in body is a more perplexing matter.]

[moondregs]

Not really. At first I looked like a cow, and now I look like a … red panda I guess. If those terms mean anything to you. Not animals I had any kind of special association with.

I’m still kind of sore from it.

[truthdecided]

That's a significant change.

[It's not often that Akechi's composure breaks so easily, but there's an air of utter disbelief to his thoughts.]

I suppose there could always be some symbolism based on the animals more than their coloration.

[That, or it's a cruel, cosmic prank... He'd hardly put it past a "higher power."]

[moondregs]

Something more likely to be taken seriously would be nice.

[truthdecided]

I'm the size of a volleyball.

[An image of a volleyball briefly flickers, before it turns into a Rookidee and—

Nope! Ending that train of thought right there.]

Suffice it to say, I understand all too well.

[moondregs]

I’m not that much bigger. And look like a stuffed animal. Even other Pokemon around here start talking to me in a baby voice and it’s humiliating.

[truthdecided]

It's so irritating. Our small stature doesn't make us vulnerable children. I'm eighteen, nearly nineteen years old. That's just a small step away from adulthood.

[And now... Now he looks like a plush toy. A mascot creature.]

[moondregs]

Yeah, I’m seventeen. The coddling is unnecessary. But all I can do for now is show them I’m capable. Mostly by gathering until I get more used to this body.

[ Having your mouth be your main way to transport things is taking some getting used to, though, and his isn’t very big. ]

[truthdecided]

It's all we can do. That being said, evolution may treat you favorably.

[It's hard to say, of course. Right now, he only has word of mouth to go off of.]

Allegedly, my final form will be quite imposing. Perhaps the same will hold true for you.

[moondregs]

I’d like to not go through another form change anytime soon. I’ll work with what I have for now.

I’m Junpei, by the way. Since you gave your name.

[truthdecided]

Fair enough, Junpei-kun. Adjusting to one drastic anatomical change is already cumbersome.

[An ordinary person would probably already be deeply shaken by such a drastic change, and yet...]

I suppose for me, it's a matter of personal pride.

[He wants to excel. He wants to thrive. Plus, he knows Ren won't hold back.]

[moondregs]

Even though you just came here? And don’t know if tomorrow you’ll just be somewhere else again?

[truthdecided]

It's been long enough that I see no reason not to prepare for a longer stay. Clearly, returning home won't be so simple, and I'd rather pursue any battle advantages that I can, since I'm lacking my typical skill set.

[As he mentions that, an imposing archer flickers through his thoughts, along with a feeling of yearning.]