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

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

[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.]

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[There is the distinct sound of an internalized yelp...and the sound of a prat fall, that comes through upon Akechi's message. Yes, you startled someone so badly that their brain had a prat fall, that's weird. But there's also a scattered sense of confusion.]

Shouldn't this hurt? It hurt when...

[A couple of nonsense flashes of memories - a hooded figure standing in a field of stars being the most prominent. But after a pause, as the receiver actually sits and parses the message...oh. No, this is different. It's okay. Of course it's not going to hurt, it's the Grumpearl thing. Right, so, she needs to focus her thoughts, and...]

A-Apologies. You startled me.

[Can she do the music thing too? Maybe if she thinks...ah, that works! That's good.]

I would be happy to work together across guilds. My name is Firoza Istus - you can call me Firoza. I am what they call a "Nidoran" here? Small, blue, big ears, buck teeth...apparently poisonous. [Just get all that out of the way.] And I've been brought into the fold of the Cheri Berries. I can't say I understand why I've taken this form, but I do like the color.

[I mean it could just be that simple, right?]

Though, this "evolution" you mentioned - I'd like to try that. The kind native to this place, not the kind from the theory of whoever Darwin is.

[A pause.]

Please don't feel that you need to explain who Darwin is. I'm not...formally educated. It's like to go over my head. Apologies, again.

My apologies as well. These pearls certainly take some adjusting...

[Still, the memories, however vague, do intrigue. Not so much that he'd pry right now, however. The music is pleasant, though.]

You needn't apologize for your education, or lack thereof. Education often favors those with wealth and status, at least beyond compulsory schooling. Even then, the best schools often still favor those with the privilege to pay or the accolades worthy of scholarships.

[There are some fuzzy flickers of a young boy with soft, brown hair looking through the window of a toy store, a bald man in orange-tinted shades gulping down booze in what looks like a political office, but Akechi tries banishing these images before they dwell too long.]

In any case, I'll have to inquire further about evolution, but evidently, some Pokémon evolve up to two times. These evolutions come with physical changes, as well as possible type changes. The locals may be worth approaching, to see if they have further information...

The concept is similar to something from home, but you actually speak into it. It's not your...thoughts.

[Why is it so hard to find one sound clip. Anyway. Just imagine the weird ringing plays just once.]

I was tutored in the basics at home by my mother, as most people usually are. Schooling beyond that - or even this compulsory schooling - is more common in a place like Old Sharlayan. Or...I think the Empire had that in the capitol...? I should've asked-

[Oh dear. Thoughts as conversation can be kind of rambling, more than Firoza would like. She puts the breaks on that before she goes far off course of the conversation.]

Sorry. Again. [A pause to recenter herself.] If he isn't busy, Doctor Denne would be the first person we should ask. He answered my questions about what I had become very aptly.

It sounds like you're well traveled.

[An empire, even... It almost sounds like the sort of place you'd find in a fantasy novel or a role playing game. "Sharlayan" certainly evokes something foreign to Akechi, yet it would hardly be the first time.]

Dr. Denne was certainly courteous when I first arrived. I suppose his expertise is to be expected, with such a diverse population present.

A touch more than most.

[It's not a boast in the slightest - more an honest statement of fact.]

I'm an adventurer at my core, and I love my home. Faults and all. Finding new things I've never experienced before, big and small, is what I do.

[But yes, the good Doctor.]

The creatures here are lucky to have him - as are we, I suppose.

It must be an exciting life.

[To travel freely, unhindered by the same obligations that kept him trapped in a gilded cage... So many of his 'travels' were purely for the benefit of those who controlled him.

But that goes unsaid, of course. There are more pressing matters at hand.]

Frankly, it's all still surprising that so many different creatures live so harmoniously. The culture seems so... picturesque.

Mayhap the conflicts they face are not between each other, but them as a group and...another group. [The sense of a shrug.] 'Tis merely speculation.

No, that's reasonable. A common enemy can unite many people. Perhaps in this case, it's humans...

[But then, the guilds accepted them despite their origins, so maybe that's not the case. There could be something else...]

[Maybe they're different because they've become Pokemon, so they're judged as safe...?]

I suppose we won't know until the situation arises.

True. We've got to get our bearings and adapt, for the time being. New bodies, new abilities...

[And a new world, though that goes without saying.]

Mm. I think we shall adapt well, keeping communications open this way. Together we can persevere.

[There's a strong sense of certainty to the words - Firoza believes in what she's talking about, 100%.]

You sound incredibly confident. Then again, a traveler like you must have experience adapting to new circumstances.

[There's an air of understanding. He's adapted in his own way, but not in nearly as grand of circumstances.]

[A sheepish smile.]

I have seen and done much, 'tis true. But the greatest accomplishments were only done through cooperation amongst many, time and again. Sometimes to the point of surprise, seeing how far the reach of friendship goes.

You'd likely get along with my rival. He's the walking embodiment of "bonds" and their power.

[There's an odd mix of amusement and envy flowing through these thoughts.]

He's the sort of person who would stubbornly sympathize with someone who deeply wronged him, even when he'd be better off severing that connection.

He might've been just as surprised at sympathizing with someone he disagreed with. I have had that happen myself.

[Let's just absolutely not let the memory of that revelation leak out...just the sense of the memory of absolute exhaustion, mingled with an epiphany.]

...It took a lot to get there. Perhaps more than it aught.

It goes deeper than disagreements, I'm afraid. There was attempted murder involved, albeit under orders. Not that the orders mean anything, when the end result was nearly the same.

[These words carry a feeling of frustration, of regret.

...Don't worry about it. It's nothing.]

Then again, I'm no idealist. I've seen too much evil to even fathom the minds of hopeful dreamers.

Ooh. [A pause.] At least you didn't fight to the death. Abandon weaponry and skills for just punching the stuffing out of one another. That sort of thing.

[Still just holding down that memory in a strangle hold.]

I would not advocate doing that, though. If only because it feels horrid.

[Incredible amounts of sheepish shame just radiating off of her, though.]

[That's an oddly specific respone, which suggests...]

You have personal experience, I take it?

[My. Not that Akechi hasn't had brutal fights with Ren, but at least there were Personas and weapons involved.]

...Aye.

[Just. The brief flash of a memory of punching a man in the jaw and sending him flying and spitting blood while you yourself are teetering on the verge of collapse.]

He made a convincing argument, for once.

Convincing enough to escalate to a brawl.

[Or perhaps the argument ended it.]

Well, I'm certainly in no position to judge.

Mm, aye. And thank you. I was given an incredible talking-to afterwards...not that it wasn't warranted. But it was lecture enough to last a lifetime.

All things considered, a lecture is rather light. Never pleasant, but something you can learn from.

[Lectures would hardly erase the damage done by Akechi. No words could.]

It is very effective when everyone is crying on top of you.

Clearly, they cared. You're very fortunate in that respect.

[No one would cry over Akechi.

Well, perhaps that isn't true.

Ren might. He probably did, even. Not that it matters now.]