✩ FIRST DISCOVERY | VIDEO | BACKDATED TO 2/9

[adai]

[The video feed opens on a boy sitting on a bench. It looks like the sun is setting already, so either someone got a late start today or this boy only just learned how to use the 'Gear. The boy isn't really all that remarkable, outside of a very serious expression. The background appears to be New Bark Town, so get ready for some of those New Trainer Questions.]

Hello. I was told I should talk to this device to get some answers about this place.

[He rests his hands on his knees and leans forward, still staring the device down.]

Why are there houses on the surface?

[...Well apparently we're just going to get straight to the point today.]

It should be dangerous for anyone to live up here.

[He's silent for a long time, still staring at the device like it's going to magically give him some answers. A beep comes from the 'Gear which seems to startle him a little.]

I also want to know about the creature that came out of this. [Rossiu holds up a Pokéball.] It was pink and blue and immediately went into this strange device. It won't come out.

[That doesn't seem to bother him all that much, actually. His very serious expression hasn't shifted at all. After another few seconds of silence, Rossiu glances upward at the snow still falling.]

Finally, what is this? I've never seen anything like this before. It's much colder than it is back home.

[At least he's dressed a bit better for the snow than most of his friends...]

Thank you for your time. I would appreciate any information you can offer.

[He figures that if the rest of Team Gurren are here they'll get in contact with him. With that, Rossiu gets up from the bench and leaves and the 'Gear turns off.]

Comments

[adai]

I see. I've never seen snow or these creatures.

[Rossiu's expression is still just as stoic as it was in the video, though at least he sounds interested. There isn't much of a shift in his expression when he switches topics, though he sounds more serious.]

Living on the surface is almost impossible for humans back home. Beastmen kill any humans they see during the day, so almost everyone lives underground. I never imagined there could be a place like this, where everyone is free to build upward.

[armoredsoul]

I hadn't seen Pokemon before, either, so you're not alone there. The one you have is meant to be your companion here.

[His eyebrows shoot up at that description, but he's not disbelieving at all.]

Oh, wow! Yeah, humans aren't persecuted here at all, the only thing you'll have to worry about is a wild Pokemon encounter when you're traveling on the routes between cities.

[adai]

That's all? These Pokémon... will they attack humans on sight? I'm supposed to use the one I received to protect myself, correct?

[armoredsoul]

Not all of them. They're like any wild animal, and if they're startled they'll lash out. There are some species that are more aggressive, of course, but it's not like you'll be running from them the whole time.

[adai]

That's very interesting. I'll be sure to be careful around them. Ah, if I can ask... what sorts of animals are these Pokémon? Mine doesn't appear to be an animal at all.

[armoredsoul]

I've been trying to figure that out since I got here, and the only answer I have is 'weird'. I know that Porygon are actually artificial in origin; they were originally programs, which is why they can get into electronics the way they do. Others are similar enough to normal animals other than the powers, but some of them...there's living bags of garbage and others that are literally made of sugar. The biology of these things just doesn't make any real sense.

[adai]

Living bags of garbage? Made of sugar...?

[What is wrong with this world.]

That's... very strange. It's going to take some getting used to.

[armoredsoul]

[SO MANY THINGS.]

Yeah, it does. If it helps, things that are that weird are in the minority, at least?

[adai]

Ah, that's good, I suppose. Thank you for the warning.

[armoredsoul]

No problem! I'm glad to be able to help.

Oh shoot, I didn't introduce myself. My name's Alphonse.

[adai]

I'm Rossiu. It's very nice to meet you.

[He's not smiling, exactly, but he does sound happy.]

[armoredsoul]

[That's okay! Al can smile enough for them both.]

It's nice to meet you, too! Do you have much experience camping? The weather's been pretty nasty recently, and it doesn't look like it's gonna let up anytime soon.

[adai]

I don't have much experience with it, no. When I joined the others on the surface, we had shelter that Gurren dragged around. We didn't have to sleep outside or anything. I'm not too worried about that, but I am a bit concerned by the cold. I'm not sure how to handle that. It was never this cold back home.

[armoredsoul]

Yeah, staying warm is a big issue. And I don't think there's a Pokemon Center you can stay at in New Bark...

[Hrm.]

There's the ferry you can take over to the neighboring region, and that'll keep you out of the cold for a while, but it costs most of the money you're given to start with. I have a few Pokemon that can fly, though, so if you want I can head out there and take you to one of the towns in the area.

[adai]

I don't know much about money. We didn't have any sort of currency in Adai. I've been learning about it, but it's still kind of confusing. I'd really hate to inconvenience you though.

[armoredsoul]

I wouldn't mind at all! I'm fine putting up with a few hours of flying if it means you won't be out in the cold.

You should have about 3000 Pokedollars with you, they look like--hold on-- [Al sets down the 'Gear to rummage in his pocket before pulling out a P100 note and picking it up again.] This is a 100 note, and the ride costs 2000 if I'm remembering right.

[adai]

That seems like a lot of money.

[Hmmm....]

I'd rather keep my money for an emergency. I've also never seen the sea or been on a boat before, so I'm a little wary about doing that.

[Rossiu ducks his head and he actually looks a bit embarrassed.]

I... would really appreciate what help you can offer. I'm sorry for being a burden.

[armoredsoul]

Don't worry about it. Gimme a few hours and I'll be out there to pick you up, okay?

[Alphonse is already up and gathering a few things he needs--an extra jacket, gloves...should he grab a few snack bars to take with him?]

[adai]

[Oh goodness, this is really, really nice of you!]

Is there anything I should do? Ah, how should I repay you for this? Would you like me to pay you?

[armoredsoul]

Just stay nearby the Lab so I know where to find you. Ask someone around and they should be able to point you towards it. And don't worry about paying me back, think of it as a favor between friends!

[He says to the kid he barely knows from Adam. Sigh...such is the shonen protag way.]

Okay, I think I have everything--I'll see you soon!

[adai]

Ah... Thank you so much, Alphonse!

[He looks genuinely happy, which is saying something considering how little his expression changes. He'll be sure to thank him repeatdly once he shows up!

...And he knows a lot about shonen protags...]

[armoredsoul]

[Considering he comes from Shonen Tropes: The Anime...]

No problem!

[It does take several hours for Al to fly his way out to Rossiu, so it's unfortunately full dark by the time he come winging in on the back of his Pidgeot. Al grins and unstraps himself before hopping off her back.] Hey, sorry to keep you waiting! Are you cold? I brought an extra jacket if you need it.

[adai]

[Rossiu is perfectly fine waiting, he's lucky enough to have someone coming out to get him as it is, so he won't complain! He is pretty cold since he's used to living in an apocalyptic wasteland a desert-like area. He's been entertaining himself by figuring out what the 'Gear can do, and thankfully, he's been allowed in the lab to keep him from freezing.

He's outside when Al arrives and he smiles when Al approaches. Rossiu's expression still doesn't read "pure joy" but at least it's a change from the serious face.]

Hello! I'm a little cold, yes-- ah, you're very prepared!

[armoredsoul]

[Al laughs and pulls off his backpack to fish out the puffy parka, gloves, and hat he'd stuffed in there.]

I try to be! Here, put these on; it'll be just as cold up in the air if not moreso.

[It's hard for Al to judge the difference right now since his face is half-numb from the wind.]

Since it's so late I'll just take you over to Cherrygrove for now, otherwise we might be falling asleep in the saddle. In the morning you can decide if you want to come with me out to Goldenrod.

[adai]

Thank you so much!

[Oh wow, this is super puffy! Rossiu stares at it for a moment, then looks down at the capelet thing he's wearing. He's... not going to be able to wear both, is he...? Eventually he settles for taking off the cape-thing and pulling on the parka. It's much warmer and Rossiu zips it up as high as it'll go before putting on the gloves and hat. He doesn't care what he looks like, he's warm.]

Goldenrod? Is that another town?