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

[offtracks]

[Mmmm...Ingo blinks rapidly and shakes his head. That's an unnerving feeling.]

Well, perhaps it is not so different. Although...

[Ugh, the food source thing? Ingo will eat Pokemon meat, yes, but he hunts. He doesn't raise a Pokemon as his own and then turn on it. And if he didn't raise it as his own, but just as something to eat later on...that seems even worse.]

In any case, I would not say we have any inherent authority over Pokemon. The ones I train simply trust my judgement and expertise in such matters!

[truthdecided]

That's a far nobler way to approach it. Your world certainly sounds more commendable, in that respect.

[Then again, Akechi is hardly the best judge of humanity's strong points. Bitterness gnaws at his very core.]

It's difficult to imagine such an idealistic world, but I suppose even this town has a warmer, more accepting atmosphere on the whole.

[offtracks]

Is it...?

[Is the world all that idealistic?]

That is how the future sounds to me, but even in Hisui, I'm sure something like this would have happened. I was not left out in the cold, after all.

[truthdecided]

That's quite fortunate.

[Enviable, even... Not that he plans to outright say that.]

In my experience, many people favor their own self-interest, and those who fall outside what's socially acceptable often get left in the dust.

[offtracks]

Hm...yes, well, there are certainly downsides to falling outside of the socially acceptable.

[He's done a lot of that! Still...]

But that is quite different from turning a person out into the wilds. Or a group of people, who clearly cannot survive ourselves. No matter what our skills, the strange bodies make everything much more difficult.

[truthdecided]

I'm surprised Mightyena-san took in so many of us. We're all ill experienced in the customs of this world, let alone our new forms.

[But she seemed so sincere when she approached him. So kind in a way that seemed to lack ulterior motives or malice.

It cut beneath the layers of spiked armor surrounding his heart.]

Still, it seems that the vast majority of us were welcomed into the Oran Berries.

[And if she were truly so sinister, why would she take her chances on creatures that are just barely beginning to gain a grasp on their new forms?]

[offtracks]

Is that so? Well, she seems like a very kind Pokemon! I hope to be able to do good work with the guild, for however long we are here!

[Which is really the question, isn't it]

[truthdecided]

At the very least, I recognize quite a few familiar faces here. Then again, I doubt I encountered everyone among us.

[There are some people he hasn't encountered since his guild invitation... It's odd. Concerning, even, but he's trying not to dwell on it.

The prospect of work is a more promising topic, anyway.]

Either way, I look forward to learning the ins and outs of guild activity.

[A sense of direction will do wonders.]

[offtracks]

Me, too. I would be glad for more regular tasks! I've tried my best to keep busy, but since the cleanup is mostly over, there are fewer odd jobs around.

[Or at least, Ingo isn't looking in the right places.]

[truthdecided]

Not to mention, we can only get away with handouts for so long. Businesses do require currency to stay afloat.

[It's simply how it works in most organized societies. Money, trade... Some form of exchange.]

[offtracks]

My Clan still operates primarily via trade and bartering...but, yes, you're certainly correct.

[The point is that one has to work! You need goods or services to barter with, after all!]

[truthdecided]

It wouldn't surprise me at all if trade and bartering were a facet of this society. The technology level here seems closer to the pre-industrial era, where trading thrived.

[But it's really just a guess. With only a few weeks here, he has a limited amount of information to draw from.]

[offtracks]

Hmmmm...yes, I suppose.

[Pre-industrial era???]

Provided we can all perform some sort of useful task, I am sure we will be alright. And anyone who does not know how to do that can learn!

[truthdecided]

I have certain skills that may come in handy. After all, the locals seemed to struggle in rooting out the culprit behind the pranked accessories.

[As pleased as he is by this fact, though...]

Though I can't take all the credit, admittedly. Others, such as Doc-san and Shoka-san joined in the investigation.

[offtracks]

Ah, you are a detective!

[how on earth does he know what a detective is, don't question him or he'll get confused about it]

[truthdecided]

In a manner of speaking.

[The truth of the matter is more... complicated, but there's little reason to bring it up here.]

And judging by how much the locals struggled to pursue the truth, this town would likely benefit from my skills.

[offtracks]

Well! That is quite handy, then!

[How neat!]

I am not terribly worried about myself. I am sure the things I learned in Hisui will come in handy anywhere. And if they are not, then at least I know I can learn!

[truthdecided]

I believe that you and Emmet-san will be of great help to others like us, at any rate. After all, you have a built-in understanding of Pokémon, their typings, and their moves.

[Actually, would that not also be useful among the locals? He hums in contemplation. It's a different dynamic, but that familiarity places fewer burdens on the locals to teach them.]

[offtracks]

Hm, yes. I should go and meet him - it will be better for us to coordinate our efforts!

[OH BOY WOULDN'T IT]

[truthdecided]

Does it help, knowing there's another of similar circumstances?

[They seem to be in a unique situation, in that respect. Not unlike Akechi and Ren.]

[offtracks]

Yes, I think it will be nice to have someone who is familiar with home! To an extent, at least...that is not someone from my home. But I have always enjoyed speaking with travelers and learning about their homelands, too!

[truthdecided]

I admit, there are benefits to having an ally from familiar circumstances. Ren needs a rival to keep him on his toes, and who am I to deny him that opportunity?

[It's not like he's fond of him or anything. Shh.]

Perhaps you and Emmet-san can offer stability in your own way.

[offtracks]

Ah, a rival! You are lucky to have a proper one of those about! I admit, I spent several years rather adrift, until a trainer able to give me a real challenge arrived in Hisui!

[Ingo enjoys working hard and improving, but if you're in a league beyond everyone around you, it all starts to feel rather fruitless. It's like training against only Magikarp forever; what's the point?]

I would like to do that!

[truthdecided]

In all fairness, I only gained a rival within the last year. Before then, I only had my own stubborn resolve driving me forward.

[To say nothing of his idiotic revenge plan, but the less said about that, the better.]

There is something to be said about a challenge. They're an excellent source of motivation.

[offtracks]

Very true! It has even helped me recover one or two vague memories!

[He really has been much happier since he finally got to have exciting battles!]