charles ♫ video ( new bark town )

[papasmellslikethis]

[ Someone looks very amused. ]

It seems I have gotten lost and ended up in someone else's home.

[ Ha ha ha... he's very amused by that whole, strange-woman-calling-herself-my-mother thing... give him a moment to chuckle about it.

Ahem, yes. ]

If anyone could tell me where I am, that would be much appreciated. Or point me in the direction of my wife. She's one hot babe, you wouldn't be able to miss her. [ Insert playful wink here. ]

Ah, yes. There was a child, too. Renton. He's a bit strange. [ Ha ha ha. He's just joking, don't worry Renton, if you're listening to this. But oh wait, he can be serious too. This is is serious face. ] He's a nice kid, though. Probably wouldn't do very well on his own.

[ There's a pause, as he contemplates turning off the 'Gear, but there's something else that's been on his mind. Should he mention it? ...

Yeah, why the heck not.

The camera pans to the ground and focuses on ... a rock? A large rock. That isn't moving currently, but might look like a Geodude it has arms. ]

This... ah... "rock" seems to be following me.

Comments

[seasaltkeys]

You're in Johto. Specifically New Bark Town.

I don't think I've seen who you're looking for. Do you have a picture or something?

[papasmellslikethis]

[ He'll set the 'Gear down for a moment to feel himself up check pockets and whatnot.

After a few minutes of getting to stare at his feet, he picks the 'Gear back up again. ]

No, I'm afraid not.

Lets see... she's about this tall [ gesturing in relation to himself. Not that it helps over the feed... ] and has black hair about... this long.

And she's real pretty.

[seasaltkeys]

I'll keep an eye out for someone like that then.

No guarantees though.

[papasmellslikethis]

Actually, if you can tell me how to get out of here, that'd be very helpful!

[seasaltkeys]

Sorry, but you're actually stuck here. There isn't really a way back yet.

[He's sounds somewhat sincere. It's just hard when you've given that explanation more times than you can count.]

[papasmellslikethis]

[ ... Does not compute... ]

Kid, I'm not sure that's possible.

[seasaltkeys]

This whole world's kind of impossible.

Doesn't change the fact that you're stuck.

[papasmellslikethis]

[ Hmm... maybe this is one of those super pessimistic ways of thinking, or something.

Okay, let us try a different approach, then. ]

Well, d'ya know how I got here?

[seasaltkeys]

[Not so much pessimistic as blunt. He's been here a while and isn't that great when it comes to sympathy.]

Not really. It just sort of happens and I think Team Rocket's behind it, or a Legendary pokemon. They seem to get a kick out of it. Obviously, you're not the only one it's happened to.

[papasmellslikethis]

. . .

[ Team Rocket?

Legendary Poke-what? ]

So... I've somehow magically dropped into some alternate reality. And I can't get back.

[ His tone of voice definitely says he doesn't think any of this is serious. ]

[seasaltkeys]

Yeah, that's pretty much what's happened.

It's not all that bad though. This world's pretty cool.

[papasmellslikethis]

Really? How so?

[ Okay kid, he'll just humor you for now. And figure out a way out himself. ]

[seasaltkeys]

[Roxas kind of lights up at this.]

Well, it's a really big world, so there's lots to see. And you get a pokemon, and you can train them and battle them and collect badges. It's really fun.

[papasmellslikethis]

Pokemon?

[ You seem to use that word a lot. ]

So this is a war state.

[seasaltkeys]

Yeah. They're these weird creatures that live here. They're like animals, but they have special attacks and stuff.

[He holds up his Pikachu.]

This is a pokemon. You should have one to. Everyone stars with one.

But no, there's no war. Battling pokemon's kinda like a sport here.

[papasmellslikethis]

That's one weird lookin' animal you've got there.

[ Er, Pokemon. ... Same difference. ]

... A sport?

[ Serious face. ]

How is it sporty to watch those animals fight each other?

[seasaltkeys]

[Have a "you're kidding" look]

Sparky's on the tame end of the spectrum. There's some real weird looking ones out there.

There's one that's like living ice cream.

[Roxas shrugs]

The battles can get really intense and there's lots of strategy involved since there's different types and things like that. The pokemon seem to like it to.

You don't have to battle them though. There's also breeding pokemon and raising them, like pets.

[papasmellslikethis]

Living ice cream...

[ Laughing. You're not serious... ]

I'd like to meet this living ice cream.

[ Hmm... as for the other part... he's not sure how he feels about that. So just... have a serious look. ]

[seasaltkeys]

It's called Vanillite. I don't have one, but I've seen some people who do. I mean, I like ice cream, a lot, but the thought of it being alive is just too weird.

[He shrugs again. Not everyone likes battling. Fair enough.]

[papasmellslikethis]

I... see...

[ Nodding. Okay. He'll just. Take your word for it. ]

So what, does this thing have a name?

[ Nudging the rock with his foot.

His pet rock... ]

[seasaltkeys]

Yeah. That's a geodude. It's your starting pokemon.

[papasmellslikethis]

A 'geodude'?

[ He has to chuckle at that. ]

I'm starting to see that whoever named these creatures have a strange sense of humor.

[seasaltkeys]

Yeah. They really do.

They're really good partners to.

[papasmellslikethis]

I suppose if there are lots of battles going on, I should... somehow get myself a few more of these 'geodudes', shouldn't I?

[ Or, you know. A gun. ]

[seasaltkeys]

You could, but it helps to have a variety of pokemon.

See, they all have different types, so having a mix means that you're ready for anything.

Geodude's a rock type, so they're strong against electric and flying types, but he'd lose pretty badly against a water type.

There's a book that explains it all. It should be in your bag.

[Achievement unlocked: Roxas lecture mode!]