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

[bladeofnymeia]

[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.

[quirkynote]

Mmnngh.... Words, words, words... It's always so many words with you all...

I don't care for this music...

It's too loud near the end....

[Is she....critiquing his first attempt???]

Start over, try again. I'm not in the mood to decipher all of this.

[firealone]

Those are a lot of very big words.

[And he's still reeling from the concept of talking to a bird who used to be a Twoleg by connecting his mind to a rock... Graypaw had once explained the concept of meeting with their warrior ancestors in their dreams, and maybe this is similar.]

Animals living together instead of with Twolegs... or humans... sounds a lot like home, when you put it like that. Back home, we weren't supposed to talk to cats from other Clans, in case we met them in battle... but I don't think that's a problem here, so hopefully we can all get along.

[moondregs]

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

[truthdecided]

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...

[truthdecided]

[That's... incredibly awkward. Criticism over an experimental post? As if responding to her comments, the calm, jazzy song starts playing at a lower volume.]

These pearls are telepathic. I didn't expect music to carry over, but some songs are relentless in how they embed themselves in your mind.

[truthdecided]

Force of habit. In order to excel, I had to prioritize my grades, among other things.

[Still, the thought of warring cat clans... Perhaps it isn't all that strange. Even humans warred with one another, and wild animals are often territorial.]

At any rate, I can see why these clans would be wary of fraternizing with potential enemies. Thankfully, the guilds all seem to work as part of a greater whole, so I doubt our guild leaders will take issue with sharing resources.

[quirkynote]

Yes, they are telepathic, we were told specifically they were telepathic. I should not be made to suffer for your lack of preparation!!

[Just be a master of psychic communication already, gosh. Like it's hard-]

One normally knocks before stomping around somebody's home. The mind is no different.

[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.]

[colorsflyinghigh]

[Ren can't help but laugh a little at Akechi's slipups.]

Lovely memory, that one. One of my favorites of all time, really. So, I take it you had fun too, back then?

[Before he manages to end the message, however, one more thought manages to slip in for everyone to see- er, hear.]

We never did end up swapping clothes, huh... bet he'd look great in a Shujin uniform. Actually, I'd probably look great in his uniform. I wonder-

[The message cuts out properly there.]

[truthdecided]

These are communication devices intended to reach others who use the devices. And, seeing how we are all new to using them, a lack of initial finesse is to be expected.

[Hrmph. It's not like the criticism bothers him. Much.]

[truthdecided]

Ren!

[Damn it. Now he's imagining them actually swapping clothes... which involves the two of them being rather close, obviously, to ensure that the slight difference in height between them doesn't look out of place, and—

Nope. Nope! Not on a public network.

He does the mental equivalent of clearing his throat.]

Your diversion tactic was surprisingly simple. And I did enjoy the outing, yes.

[quirkynote]

I can assure you that your insufficiency in finesse has been duly noted.

[But he isn't wrong, she SUPPOSES she can let it go if it's the first time anyone is using these things.]

I want to continue this conversation, but I want it to be clear and concise. I have theories about the forms we've taken on, but I'd like more details on why you believe yours to be fitting.

[outbounds]

[ 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.

[truthdecided]

[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.

[truthdecided]

It's not like I'm a psychic!

[Emmet may have mistaken him for one, and yes, he is intelligent, but this is outside his area of expertise!

But fine. Succinct. He should start with something simple.]

At any rate, back in my reality, I had cooperated with a group of Phantom Thieves in a parallel plane of existence built from human cognition. We each chose codenames to better conceal identities in that world, and my codename was "Crow."

[firealone]

Oh.

[What are grades??? Every conversation with a human opens new doors to madness.]

I think you're right. I haven't gotten much of a chance to speak with Ribombee, but I think he would like us working together whenever we can. Not... that I think I can offer much. I guess I can help if other folk want to learn how to hunt, but I'm not as good as the older cats in ThunderClan would be.

[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.

[outbounds]

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.

[quirkynote]

[...a plane built of cognitive what now?? .......is that a fancy way of saying in their imagination? Oh, c-cute, so the kids are playing phantom thieves. What else could that mean, he wouldn't just admit to being a thief so easily, right???]

I see, so for you, it's merely aesthetic...

[offtracks]

I still do not really understand the "pet" practice...a Pokemon is a part of your family, if it lives with you!

[Is that what a pet is? People in his world use that word, but Ingo feels like the intent is different when he uses it - something that one can feel a little more clearly, perhaps, with these pearls. That's a bit unnerving.]

But, yes...Emmet and I have arrived here from entirely different time periods, or so it seems! So he is the one to ask about human-Pokemon relations in the future! Or the modern day, perhaps? I suppose it depends on your perspective.

[truthdecided]

I would argue that both of your perspectives carry their own unique insights. Ultimately, this world already differs from both points in time, anyway.

[Still, hmm... How to convey pets properly.

He shuts his eyes, trying to project an image... First, some nondescript humans walking a dog through a park, followed by a boy with curly black hair offering sushi to a tuxedo cat with blue eyes.

Well, Morgana isn't quite a pet, but still.]

In any case, the relationships between humans and their pets is familial under the best of circumstances. It's quite different from animals used for utility or raised as a food source.

[truthdecided]

Not necessarily. Crows and I have a fair bit in common. They're intelligent, adaptable, and can harbor a grudge for quite some time...

Not to mention, my Metaverse attire shares a similar palette to my current form.

[After a bit of focus, he projects an image of a tall, teenage boy in a dark, imposing outfit. There's a serrated, red saber in his left hand.]

[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]

Still, your skills may prove vital in any expeditions outside this town. Many humans are used to more luxurious lives, without the need to hunt or fend for themselves.

[Yet here they all are, in an unknown world, all on a relatively level playing field. It grants opportunities to those who might otherwise be overshadowed.]