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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[ Congrats Akechi, you're getting some more faint surprise from the person on the other end via telepathic feedback— before it's replaced by a distinct sense of amusement once the first song starts playing. Well, now that the big brass has been beamed into his head he can at least sort of reroute it a little towards something somewhat less distracting. ]

Been busy, haven't you? That is quite a lot. You were listening!

[ Emmet's telepathic presence on the other end is cheerful in a way that contrasts with the even, clipped nature of his words, but Akechi can probably get the feeling of a sharp sense of observation especially regarding the tail end of his broadcast regardless. ]

No idea! In regards to our forms, that is. Ingo and I discussed his some. Might be something, might just be speculation. Seeing patterns where there aren't. That sort of thing. Hard to say!

As for me. Outside of color, I do not know why I am a Zoroark. Much less this specific variant. There are superstitions about a different breed but they are unkind.

[Well, that's certainly a more bombastic sort of jazz. Not unpleasant, at least. Akechi listens for a moment before shifting his attention to Emmet's words.

That last bit in particular... Hm.]

I take it the suspicions are founded more in fear than anything tangible. Some creatures in my own reality face similar scrutiny, such as black cats in the west.

[He projects an image of a solid black cat with yellow eyes...

For a few seconds, before said cat takes on a different appearance... and then another.

Once the cat appears more like a mascot, he shouts out, "It's almost scary how good I am!"

A wave of irritation ripples through the message.]

...Pardon that impromptu segue. I was just reminded of a certain someone back home.

Edited 2025-02-10 17:04 (UTC)

Not entirely unfounded, actually. Zorua and Zoroark— also black in color— are shapechangers. If a child does not speak. They may not be a child. Might be a Zorua instead. That is how it goes.

[ But that sure is... a cat? Burglar? Getting a little on a nose there, aren't they? ]

You know some very interesting people, it seems like! First this Haru who you say is actually psychic type where you are not, and now this [ hmm, what's the closest of the cat pokemon ] talking not-Purrloin.

Yet there are children who are simply shy, or are nonverbal for any myriad of reasons. Such a sentiment seems harmful to both the Pokémon and children who fall outside of societal norms.

[There's a tinge of bitterness; it's hard not to feel that way, given his own outcast status.]

But yes. The Phantom Thieves are an... interesting bunch. Morgana allegedly is the manifestation of humanity's hopes.

[...]

Don't ask me how that works. I wasn't there for the grand reveal.

You do not need to tell me that.

[ It's a very controlled thought, that one! ]

So this cat is the manifestation of humanity's hopes. Allegedly.

[ There's kind of a faint, hazy image of a Purrloin lingering around the edges of the thought, though its shape wobbles towards the silhouette of something else, with the vague air of a question for a moment before solidifying as Akechi's image of a black cat. ]

Well. Maybe he might be like a Mythical himself, in that case!

We're lucky he isn't here, or I suspect his ego would swell to astronomical proportions.

[He already has a habit of gloating. If he were seen as something near-legendary...

Well, that's neither here nor there, but that strange silhouette...]

What was that, by the way? For a brief moment, it took on a very different shape.

Hmm? [ the mental impression of a surprised blink. ] Oh. Didn't mean for that to come through. I was just reminded of something for a moment...

Hope isn't quite the same thing, but I thought of Victini. [ he elaborates. ] One of Unova's legends— myths, if we're being specific. It brings victory. It's said that those favored by Victini will always win, no matter what.

[Oho, now that's an interesting concept. There's an impression of amusement and familiarity before he speaks. Or, well, thinks in words.]

The concept isn't entirely foreign to me. Many cultures throughout the world have great myths and legends of gods and spirits. The Greek goddess Nike immediately springs to mind, as she represents victory in all forms, be it battle or the arts.

That does sound like Victini, yup. [ interesting! ] I don't suppose there's a matching set for Truth and Ideals? Or maybe the Forces of Nature?

[ since this is all telepathic Akechi can probably 'hear' the capitals intended with the concepts, as well as all the free association tied to each because they were definitely thought as concepts and not just the words. blazing, bright and vast white, banked flames, one-half of the same whole, retribution for the greedy; and storms and generators and deep black, the other half, equal and opposed, a warning for the unjust; then four seasons, four winds, endless bickering for the last. ]

There are gods and goddesses of truth, such as Veritas and Alethia of Roman and Greek origin, though "ideals" tend to be broken down into more specific concepts, more often than not.

[As he describes these goddesses, images of ancient temples, detailed statues, and painted vases flicker through his thoughts.]

Forces of nature might be broken down into specific gods as well, such as Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, or Ra, the Egyptian sun god.

[At the mention of Poseidon, a bearded man with a trident appears, with crashing waves behind him, followed by a man with a bird's head.]

Though gods, goddesses, and the supernatural vary drastically depending on the cultures surrounding them. For instance, one of the most famous mythical creatures in Japan is the kitsune, immortal trickster foxes with the ability to shapeshift, who were said to be messengers of the god Inari.

[ well, that's kind of specific, isn't it?

the response this time is somewhat slower than the previous. halting, a little more carefully measured. there's probably a sense of various pieces of information being sorted and filtered through, parts withheld for now and not immediately being spoken about. ]

As far as I know, Zoroark are not messengers of anything in particular. But. There are legends apparently about the kind I have become. You would have to ask Ingo. He can tell them better than me.

[ pause. ]

Seems like there isn't as close a comparison to Reshiram and Zekrom the way there is one for Victini. Not if the two aren't paired.

Also. Much of your gods and goddesses are very human-shaped? At least, the ones you have shown.

And they're dragons, even...

[Very, very interesting. Not quite your traditional eastern dragons, but more like kaiju. Images flicker through his mind of elegant, serpentine eastern dragons and giant monsters stomping through cities.]

But yes. I believe the human appearances are a projection of how humans often see themselves as above other creatures, if not molded in the image of the divine.

Certain cultures may depict their gods in more animalistic forms, or perhaps their gods can take on the form of both man and beast. With a world so vast, one cannot condense all human myths and religions into one monolith, and cultural values will shape the mythologies just as much as the regions themselves.

[ there is possibly some vague background snickering at the images of giant rampaging kaiju; Akechi might be getting some bounce back of some scenes featuring what probably best rates as a monster in a campy sci-fi b movie series. it's fine, they're (snrk) talking about very important things (no they aren't). ]

The Dragons of Truth and Ideals. Used to be the same until they split apart.

I am Emmet. The things you say make sense even if I think some of it is strange. There are some like that where I am from too. The Forces of Nature have two formes for example. One is closer to looking human and the other is more like— as you say, 'animalistic'.

[Heh. That is a familiar sight. The same sort of camp, over the top theatrics at the heart of tokusatsu...

Though these legendary beings are of greater interest, really.]

I suppose it only makes sense, if they embody nature. Then again, I've wielded a manifestation of a trickster god myself, and his appearance was an odd amalgamation of man and beast.

[And so he focuses, trying to call forth the image of Loki.]

One of your 'Personas'?

[ that is a trippy sight. thought? image. Zebstrika patterning without very obvious outlines to break it up... suppose that makes sense for a trickster? ]

Correct. I had two initially, the other being Robin Hood, an English folk hero known for stealing from the poor and giving to the needy.

[He tries to project Robin Hood's likeness, in all his buff glory.]

Oh. Superhero proportions. Verrrry exaggerated. Just like that, or because it's all mental? You said something about a cognitive world before?

[ is that ... like some funhouse mirror psychic reflection of reality? another dimension? some representation of another person's mind? ]

Personas are a reflection of our souls and our spirits of rebellion. I suppose you could say that Robin Hood and Loki reflected the chaotic, discordant duality inside of me, but when brought together...

[Behold, in all his might, in all his majesty... Hereward. Black and crimson, a darker, wispier cape... Truly, he is an icon.]

So they look like that because of you. I see.

[ a.

Akechi is very lucky Emmet is not familiar with the concept of chuunibyou. thankfully he is too not-American for that. but that's. sort of cute, sorry. Akechi takes himself so seriously most of the time and then you get something like this to sort of inform his actual age. ]

An interesting combination! Also very literal in this case. Sort of like evolution, or can the merge be reversed?

Edited 2025-02-15 03:35 (UTC)

[Hmm... An interesting question, certainly...]

As far as I know, Persona fusions and evolutions are permanent. None of the others had their Personas revert to earlier forms, though Ren seemed capable of summoning Personas he had previously fused or dismissed.

[Just another special privilege of his...]

[ so not terribly unlike Pokémon evolution. still a kind of growth marked in very distinct stages. just, all in people's minds. ]

Ren sounds fun. Like he'd be one of the trainers who'd make it through the entire League challenge.

Or one of the ones who might actually make it to the 49th car.

[A challenge, eh? Well, well...]

I must admit, you've piqued my curiosity. Is this league challenge a sporting event?

Hmmm, kind of. I know Galar runs them that way. Very public, very televised events, theirs. Every region with a League has their own way of doing things.

Hmm... Interesting. And how would your home region compare?

[Admittedly, he can envision the spectacle of magical creatures fighting in a stadium. The mobility, the elemental diversity...

Yes. As a competitive sport, it would carry a certain flair.]

Not too far from the standard model. We just don't strictly schedule and televise the League season the way Galar does. But anyway!

The basics: many major cities in a region will have an official Gym. It is where trainers and Pokémon can go to gain experience and practice battling in a controlled, safe environment as opposed to out in the wild. Gym Leaders are the ones who oversee them. Strong trainers, typically! They specialize and aim for mastery in a specific type and can be challenged by trainers. The challenge will be scaled to the challenger's rough level of skill and experience. Newer trainers will face a more beginner friendly team and veteran ones will likely face the leader at closer to full strength.

If the challenger wins they will get a badge as proof of their victory. The League Challenge is to collect eight badges from official, accredited gyms around a region.

After that they can go to the League and challenge the Elite Four. If they win against all four of them in a row, they can challenge the current acting regional Champion. Winners earn the title of Champion themselves and also get recorded in the Hall of Fame.

Edited 2025-02-16 18:10 (UTC)

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P5 Morgana spoilers, oops xD

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