01. video

[firealone]

[This is a bit of a struggle, but Firepaw is doing his best. A very under-sized Litten is trying to put himself in frame, but he's a little awkwardly close.]

Um... hello. Can everyone hear me? My name is Firepaw, I'm- I was an apprentice of ThunderClan. Oh- and I used to be a cat, before I came here. A lot of you know me already, but... yes.

[Just going by his voice, it's pretty clear he's a kitten. Public speaking feels incredibly bad, even without a visible crowd.]

A few of you Twolegs - humans - have four legs now, and I wanted to offer help with getting used to that. I can teach you how to hunt and fight, or at least step lightly. I don't know much about our new powers, but we might be able to practice those together too. I can also help with learning different scents, since I think humans can't smell as well as cats, or... Pokemon. That might make gathering herbs and berries easier, too.

[One more thing which... feels like blasphemy for a cat, but he needs to do it.]

And... if anyone knows how to swim, I think I'd like to learn. If another storm comes with new folk, I want to be able to help them get to shore.

Comments

VIDEO

[seacub]

I don't know if I can be a lot of help swimming...the doctor said that gentle contact, like a small rain shower, is okay, but apparently 'ground types' don't do well with water for the most part. ...I actually got a rash from the ocean...

[aaaaaahhhh] But...

....I did read about how jaguars and tigers swim at least. So...I could maybe pass that on? You look more like a tabby cat, from what I can feel from the pearl, but it shouldn't be that different I think. I mean...tigers and jaguars are just really big cats in the end.

[firealone]

You got a rash from it? [Very concerning.] I guess not every Pokemon can groom themselves... but you should probably stay away from it, yeah.

[The talk of tigers makes his ears perk up.]

I don't know what a jaguar is, but I've heard of tigers. My Clan's elders told me that we cats are descended from lions and tigers - I think you're right, learning more about them might be helpful.

CW: Jaguar hunting practice, also sCREAMS DW ATE MY TAG NOOOO

[seacub]

From the salt water anyway. I'll be fine with small amounts of fresh water at least...actually, I kind of still need that, at least to drink..!!

But the sea is another story. ...to be fair I don't think anything that doesn't live in there can handle that much salt though.

[Ahem. Back on track now- apologies Firepaw, for the MASSIVE PHYLOGENIC TREE ATTACKING YOUR SKULL] Oh- a Jaguar is another 'big cat', like the lion and tiger! It's not as big as those two, but it's really muscular, enough that it normally bites through skulls to get its prey!

...Though...I don't know if 'descended' is quite right...you're more like cousins? Cats and 'Big Cats' come from the same common ancestor. So, you descended from something like a tiger...but where the big cats grew in places where it made more sense to be, well, 'big', it worked out better for cats like your clan's to be...well, small.

At least if what you think of as cats and tigers are the same as what I think of, I'm assuming 'two-legs' means 'human' here...

[There's a brief spin-out of thoughts. Humans? Other bipeds???

BEHOLD A MAN.]

Uh.

[Cough.] L-Let me get back on track...

The point is, even if you're 'cousins', it won't mean you can't swim. I mean...there are plenty of domestic and wild cats that swim too; there's a reason cats are still known for enjoying fish! It's probably going to be a matter of getting used to just being wet, really.

video;

[quirkynote]

[Oh...this might be...exactly what she needs, actually. Ever since becoming a quadruped, A.B.A's fighting prowess has been laughable at best. Mightyena was able to beat her with ease when they sparred, and even that other kitten had her running with her tail between her legs.

It's embarrassing. She used to be deadly! She used to be strong!]

Teach me to fight!!

[Her request is intense, almost like there's a flame bursting alongside her thoughts.]

Teach me, and in return, I will teach you how to swim.

[firealone]

[He jumps back, and the little patch of hackles on his back raises in shock. A moment later, he sits back down and grooms his back to try to cover it up.]

I- yeah! Yeah, I can teach you. Just... be careful, you look a lot bigger than me.

[quirkynote]

I am a lot bigger than you.

[Despite how obvious that is, she really feels like she needs to emphasize that.]

But I've already been bested by others of your exact shape and size... I'm in desperate need, you'll find I have no skill when it comes to fighting on four legs.

[offtracks]

Oh, dear...it is always a good idea to learn to swim, but you may not wish to spend too much time in the water! You are a fire-type! Better adapted to it than many, I imagine, but it is still not the healthiest pastime. I am one myself, and I found myself feeling out-of-sorts after being in the ocean for longer than I would have predicted.

[firealone]

Fire- oh, right.

[Types are something Firepaw is still wrapping his head around, but water beating fire makes plenty of sense. After some thought, he puffs up his fur proudly.]

To be honest, I did feel sick after getting out of the storm, but I thought it was just from licking all the salt out of my fur. Still, I wouldn't feel right if more Pokemon got lost out there and I wasn't able to help.

[offtracks]

I suppose I would do the same.

[So he won't argue the point anymore. It'd be a little hypocritical, safety checks or no.]

In any case - I'm afraid I would not be that helpful in learning to swim right now. I am still getting used to this new body! I would appreciate any tips, in fact!

[Video]

[bladeofnymeia]

[Oh wow how do you do that it's like, it's like something the Allagans would make possible. Or the Alexandrians. But it's through the Grumpearls? Incredible.

A small, but still bigger than a Litten, blue rabbity rodent...creature...peers way too close back at Firepaw.]

I would very much like to learn how to walk better on four legs. And if you find someone who is willing to teach swimming with four legs, do let us know. I...ought to learn that, too.

[No Kojin Blessing = she can drown again, and she'd rather not.]

[firealone]

I've gotten a few offers, and I'll let you know if it goes well. I never tried to swim before I ended up in the ocean, so I don't know how well I can handle it.

[Some Pokemon look like animals he can recognize, and some of them are completely alien to him. She looks a little like a rabbit, but much tougher, and definitely not food.]

But yes, I can help you with walking. Let's see... [He has to really think now about how he walks.] ...you want to move each paw individually, and make sure you have firm footing before the next paw lifts. Right forepaw, left leg, then left forepaw and right leg. If you step forward with just your toes and then press your center paw down last, it'll be much quieter.

[He walks in a short circle to demonstrate, although a lot of the quietness is purely thanks to Littens having the same soft paw pads as a cat.]

[bladeofnymeia]

[She watches intently, nodding at his instruction. It...seems simple enough? But perhaps that's because he's a natural, so this isn't a big jump for him, if he was once truly a cat. Not that she has any reason to doubt him.]

Gently with the toes, then the center for quiet...right leg with left front paw, and left leg with right front paw...mm...

[Not quite ready to start doing it herself...]

I did know how to swim previously. Usually you do not go for a swim in stormy waters for fun...but the main thing to remember is that we can float, and our heads should be above water. I would say to try floating on your back, but I have no clue how that works as a...as a four-legs? There's another word for it, I can't recall the word.

[VIDEO]

[not_damned_yet]

[Gee, someone's used to video calls, huh. His setup looks about as professional as it can get in this sort of situation.]

-h you. Hello again, Firepaw. Unfortunately, you know as well as I how much help I'll be with swimming.

I'll take you up on your other offer, though. I definitely need to figure out how to crawl around.

[There's a small thread of confusion about scent being as important as Firepaw is making it out to be, but it's soon overtaken by the general acceptance of 'well, whatever helps'.]

And I've been reading up on pokemon, anyway. I should be able to point out what we're theoretically capable of doing. Since you're offering, we can try and put that theory into practice.

[firealone]

Reading is... that's the symbols on things that mean words, right? [That's his best explanation - he did gain the ability to read since getting here, but he's still not used to it.] Um... yes, that would be great. I know I can breathe fire now, but that's about all I know.

[He lets out a little puff of flame, which he's slowly getting used to being able to do.]

Why don't you meet me at the beach? I can coach you on walking better, and if you feel up to it we can test some of our new 'moves'.

[not_damned_yet]

I can do that.

[The beach is kind of big, though-]

...I'll meet you back where we first met. Well. Not the middle of the ocean. Up near the bushes.

[He'll keep the connection open for long enough to get Firepaw's confirmation, but once he does he's going to cut the feed.]

video

[telewarped]

Loud and clear, hotshot.

[It's Shoka, disguise and all fully in frame, almost like she's had practice.]

Would teach you how to swim if I could... but I could probably use lessons myself, to be honest. Only knew how to do it as a Twoleg, and now that I'm more of a Nolegs, well...

Wouldn't mind some fighting practice, though. Or seeing how you'd teach scenting to somebody with no nose.

[firealone]

Maybe we can find someone to teach you, too. I'm sure someone else is... similar to you. And we can definitely spar! It'll be nice to practice with someone my size.

[His whiskers twitch with amusement.]

I'm not sure how I'd teach that either - can you smell anything?

[telewarped]

You're on! Just don't expect me to go easy on you.

And yep, I can definitely smell. Found that out the hard way. [Remembering the run-in she'd had with a certain black-and-white Pokémon, she gives a little shiver of disgust.] Just between you and me, I think I'm even starting to figure out what the 'mons I know smell like, too, so... Either I've gotten an upgrade or I'm just hanging out with an especially rank crew. Beyond weird for me, but that's sort of how it is for you all the time, right?

Video

[moondregs]

[ Junpei considers his plush paws. ]

I don’t know how useful of a fighter I’d be. I don’t even have claws.

[firealone]

You don't have claws?

[Even dogs have claws. Why would a large animal not have claws? The mind balks at such a concept.]

Do you have teeth? Maybe you need to focus on biting. Or... the big ferret that used to live around Pokemon, he might know what powers you can use instead.

[moondregs]

I do have teeth ... but I'm so small now ... do you really think that will be enough?

Video (CAT TIME CAT TIME CAT TIME HELL YEAH)

[colorsflyinghigh]

[When Ren picks up on Firepaw's video, he's quick to switch his focus. It takes a little doing, but then, an image of a slightly larger green cat than Firepaw appears. He grins, ears flicking.]

Heya- I'm Amamiya Ren. Nice to meet you, Firepaw.

[His voice is deep and rich- you'd definitely think he's older than he is.]

Since you're offering, I could definitely use some tips on how to move like- and as a cat. I was pretty good at sneaking and acrobatics as a human... but this new body plan is a little awkward. Recognizing scents also sounds like a good skill to have. That, and you wouldn't happen to know a way to stop eating dirt whenever I pick something up from the ground, would you?

[He wrinkles his nose a little. This has clearly been bothering him.]

As for swimming, I used to be able to swim quite well, before. I haven't quite figured it out yet in this form, but maybe we can practice together. Sound like a deal?

CAT TIME!!

[firealone]

[Cat!! This must be Ren! Firepaw's ears perk up immediately, and his tail starts flicking in a happy little question mark shape.]

Of course! I've been doing my best to show others how to walk like a cat, but I don't think everyone's bodies work quite the same way... but you should be able to pick it up quickly. And if I figure out how to swim, we can definitely practice together!

[It's like being a mentor! Except he's pretty sure Ren is older than him - at least, Firepaw's voice sure sounds like a preteen.]

I think you just have to be careful when you pick food up off the ground, but dirt is just part of the experience if you eat somewhere dusty. Actually.. one of the only things I really missed about my Twolegs' den was eating off a plate. They have them here, but it's hard to carry them and then go back for the food.

[outbounds]

I am Emmet. I am curious how you'd teach identifying things by scent. Because it is true humans do not have much of a talent for it.

As far as the leg thing goes. I can walk on two legs and I can walk on four legs. This body can do both, but... Switching between the two well is where I run into trouble with it. I am not so sure you can help with that, considering. But. It would be useful to learn how to step lightly.

[ maybe it's just how hisuian zoroark are, but he kind of feels like he's lumbering around half the time, especially when on two legs... there has to be a better way of doing this. ]

[firealone]

Honestly, when I first started living in the forest I had trouble telling scents apart too. There were all sorts of new smells that I'd never encountered before, so my mentors had to teach me what they all were.

[Mentors plural, because of Circumstances™.]

So... I guess where I would start is picking out how different species of Pokemon smell. Once I figure it out myself, I might be able to teach the scents of individual Pokemon, too. Sort of like... every cat smells like a cat, and that's the main smell, but my smell is a little different from my friends' smells, and the more we know each other the easier it is to pick up their scent.

[Emmet's second request gives him pause, though.]

I can help you step lighter when you're four-footed at least. A lot of it comes down to speed - even cats aren't quiet when they run. [Although that's relative, since his hearing is also very sensitive.] You want to step with your toes first, then relax your palm-pad onto the ground so it cushions the sound of your step. And... be careful for twigs and leaves, obviously.