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

[truthdecided]

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.

[outbounds]

[ 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'.

[truthdecided]

[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.]

[outbounds]

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? ]

[truthdecided]

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.]

[outbounds]

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? ]

[truthdecided]

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.]

[outbounds]

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?

[truthdecided]

[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...]

[outbounds]

[ 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.

[truthdecided]

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

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

[outbounds]

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.

[truthdecided]

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.]

[outbounds]

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.

[truthdecided]

[Hmm... There's a lot to unpack here, so give him a moment.

The structure seems deliberately planned out to facilitate a sense of progression for trainers. Badges to show progress, with one final challenge at the very end...]

From the way you describe it, it almost seems... educational, for lack of a better word. If each gym represents a specific type, then when combined, they offer aspiring challengers opportunities to master the ins and outs of every type.

[outbounds]

Many people go on a Pokémon journey at some point. Leave home, maybe with a friend or two, their starter. It is something like a coming of age thing for many. Not everyone finishes the entire challenge. Most people don't. Not necessarily the point. They get one, two, three, prove that they can. Decide that travel, or being a trainer isn't for them. Go home with better understanding of their partner and Pokemon in general.

But you are correct. The Gyms and the League challenge, in a way, are to test and encourage people to grow.

Now. The actual, high-level competitive battling circuits— [ and like, through the telepathy Akechi will probably get a strong undercurrent of the fun ones, ] those, you will find elsewhere!

[truthdecided]

So the ones who see it through are the exception... I can see why. Travel must take a toll, not only financially, but on the mind and body as well.

[Yet there's something so appealing about it in concept. Seeing new sights, proving oneself... Opportunities to learn, to thrive.

True freedom.]

Well, now you've piqued my curiosity. How do these more competitive circuits compare?

[outbounds]

You do not necessarily have the opportunity for too many battles with others while on the road. There is an understanding, yes. I mentioned the custom the first time we met. But that is dependent on actually meeting someone of like mind while traveling. And some places are verrrry remote.

[ population densities sure are a thing. there's also usually a lot of wilderness in most regions to cover, whether you stay on the major routes or not... ]

... plus, you cannot be sure whether someone will actually be a fun challenge or if they will not be able to give you a serious battle.

So! There are official establishments that people can go to. Places they go if they want to test their skills, if they want a challenge. Places they go if they want to face others who want the same. Battle facilities for the best of the best! The Battle Towers, Maison, Frontiers and such of various regions. Our Subway. Even Alola has their Battle Tree these days!

[ most of the images that flash by as he mentions them are sterile, flat, like they're pictures printed on pamphlets, scenes seen through tvs and computer screens.

it's when he mentions the Subway that sense memory makes its way in; the familiar feeling of a floor in motion, faintly swaying, the quietly rhythmic background noise of the wheels along the tracks, the thrill of facing down a pair of familiar, eagerly anticipated challengers, high voltage, high impact moves flying from all corners of their battlefield...

(the faded but deeply etched recollection of a presence to your left, who you trust will cover you and you them, hastily glossed over and not dwelt on for this conversation.) ]

Many of them restrict participation and entry to those who have already completed their League Challenge. Makes sense but our Subway does not. We have our lines split between the normal and the super ones. Anyone who wishes to enter Gear Station and follows the rules of the subway may ride. Anyone who wants to try it out, or to challenge themselves to see how far down the tracks they can go— is welcome. If you arrive at success on the normal lines. Then you can go on to the Super lines.

[truthdecided]

[It takes a moment for Akechi to reply as he listens to the explanation and takes in the fantastical imagery that comes with it. Such diverse venues, each larger than life. Even the flatter ones capture the imagination.

It's a far cry from the city he's most accustomed to, but perhaps not too outlandish compared to the Metaverse.]

That's a wise approach. It lacks the elitism of the other venues, giving interested parties a taste of what's to come as they hone their skills.

[It's more pragmatic, even if the gyms and the league presumably fill a similar purpose for the other venues.]

[outbounds]

Unova is full of all sorts of people. People who come from all sorts of different tracks live and coexist here as one.

[ in general terms, anyway. it is, as some might say, a bit of a melting pot. ]

So we try to accommodate as many as we can. Much of Unova is busy, always busy. Some might say it never sleeps. The businessmen and office workers of Castelia might not have the chance to go on an entire journey anymore. The musical stars and celebrities and star athletes of Nimbasa— well, that speaks for itself!

We even get children and students challenging the lines sometimes. With sufficient parental permission anyway. Some of them do quite well for themselves.

[ @ pokemon, please explain the preschooler NPCs on the battle subway otherwise, ]

[truthdecided]

And how well do the children typically fare?

[Is that normal? There's a hint of confusion in his thoughts. Then again, the customs may normalize such things. What does he know?]

[outbounds]

They don't get terribly far, usually. 7 streak, maybe 14 if they are lucky. But they learn a lot and hopefully have fun with it so that is what matters.

There are a few who manage to earn entry to the Super lines. But they also usually keep a low streak there. As for how, as I think you might be wondering: some share or borrow Pokemon from family.

[ but if i chattered about all the ... interesting personalities found in the unique Battle Subway NPCs this tag would get way too long. ]

[truthdecided]

That would make sense. Though, simply having a powerful partner doesn't automatically make one skilled at battle. Perhaps some of those children are simply ahead of the curve.

[If so, that's certainly commendable. He'd like to think he was sharp for his age, after all, but he had to be.]

[outbounds]

It does not, you are correct! And just because the Pokemon may agree to listen to them because they are family. Does not necessarily mean that the bonds and trust they have built with their actual partners is there. In battle, when the outcome might come down to a single split second decision, that can be tested.

[ there's certainly a pattern as to what Emmet will and won't talk about at length, huh. ]

They might disagree on appropriate courses of action. Perhaps they do not have faith that the commands given are sound. They may hesitate at a key moment. Things can quickly derail from there.

But yes. Some of them do take to it more naturally than others!

[truthdecided]

[Hmm... With the way Emmet is talking, a few questions spring to mind.]

Are you speaking from personal experience?

[Granted, it all makes sense. That element of trust is undoubtedly crucial. Communication may also be more difficult with small children...]

That is to say, have you ever had to use another's Pokémon in battle?

[Obviously, he must have experienced it as an observer, but that's different.]