capitald | [video/action, backdated to last night] Chapter 1;

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[video/action, backdated to last night] Chapter 1;

Action for Rocket HQ;

[Having taken the time to assess the situation, Ringabel's come to several conclusions. One, this is not Luxendarc. In fact, judging by some of the conversations he's had, he's in an entirely different world, as are others in his position. By now, he's combed through the Rocket manual. Evidently, he's been drafted into some sort of criminal organization and will be expected to wear that ghastly uniform and conduct theft or risk being reported to the authorities.

It's not what he anticipated. The other newcomers seem to have arrived elsewhere, left to their own devices. What's more, they have but one of these... Pokémon, which he can only assume stands for "pocket monsters."

Before leaving his room, he spends a few more moments skimming the manual, glancing at the network, and jotting down a brief note in his journal. He's spent enough time in this room, and there are still countless unanswered questions weighing on his mind.

So, upon changing into his uniform, Ringabel departs, trailed by a Vulpix and prodded by a Pawniard. A creature resembling a dark knight, of all things.

With his journal in hand, he wanders the halls, jotting down a map as he rounds the corners. His eyes occasionally drift from the page toward any other Rockets within the vicinity.]

If they intend to train me, then they should have at least provided directions...

Action for Goldenrod, leading to Video;

[Some time after acquainting himself with the Rocket base, Ringabel decided to slip back into his more comfortable attire and sneak out for a bit of exploring. Unfortunately, the hustle and bustle of the city's a bit overwhelming at first, with its towering buildings composed of metal and glass, its busy streets, and constantly moving crowds. The lights remind him of Florem, but on a much grander scale. There's so much to see, from the Radio Tower behind him to the various shops and restaurants he passes as he works his way toward the outskirts. The rain leaves a bit to be desired, especially without a jacket or at least an umbrella.

So, what to do? Before he goes about making any sort of recording, he wedges his way through the crowd, looking for anyone who might extend a helping hand, however briefly.]

Ah, excuse me! Could I have a moment of your time?

[Whether or not he receives assistance, he'll later wind up purchasing an umbrella and spending a few moments restyling his hair. After that, he makes his way down to the route south of the city. Once there, he turns on the PokéGear. Despite the weather, he greets the camera with a smile.]

Good evening! My name is Ringabel, and it seems I'll be joining you all on this Pokémon journey.

[He pauses.]

I've done a bit of reading, so I already know the gist of the situation. However, I do have a few questions.

[Reaching into his pocket, he digs out a black journal marked with the letter D and flips to an image of three young warriors. Pretend the surrounding images aren't there.]

First, I'm looking for a few friends of mine. Their names are Edea, Tiz, and Agnès, and if you hear anyone grumbling "mrgrgr" or shouting "unacceptable," then chances are, they're nearby.

[There's also a chance that they haven't arrived in this world, which is... worrying and leads him to his next question.]

Second, what becomes of our worlds in our absence? And is there any significance behind the Pokémon we've received?

[He could leave it at that, but in true Ringabel fashion there's one more question on his mind.]

Last but certainly not least, what can you tell me about the women of this world?

[With that, the feed clicks off, though those in the area may spot him hovering around the route a bit longer before he slips into the Pokémon Center.]

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[ Ringabel gets a reply not too long after he posts it. Naminé looks a bit sheepish--she can only really help with a couple of his questions. ]

I haven't seen anyone like that... I'm sorry.

I've heard that our worlds sort of... stop in time. I'm not quite sure what the significance is, though... as for your last question, everyone seems to be very kind and welcoming.

[Hm, what's this? He asked about the women, and who should show up, but another young lady? And a timid one, by the looks of it.

Well, perhaps he can ease her nerves a bit. He'll start by cracking a warm smile and shaking his head.]

Not to worry, miss! Perhaps you've simply never crossed paths before, or perhaps they're still aboard Grandship. Either way, I suspect I'll have much to tell them upon my return.

[Though, hearing that time's frozen silences him for a moment. It's not entirely unprecedented; the Time Mage asterisk does allow for temporal manipulation, after all, albeit on a much smaller scale.]

By the way, have you been here long?

[One man said he'd arrived two years ago, yet others seem to have just arrived. So how often do newcomers appear? He'll have to keep note of this for future reference...]

Grandship... your home?

[ Alright, so the smile makes her relax a little, and Naminé returns it. Though, it's much smaller and subtler than his, it's still a smile. He seems the friendly type, at least. Kind of like... well, everyone else here. ]

No... I've been here only a few weeks. New people arrive a couple of times a month, Korra said. [ So maybe there are plenty of newcomers, too. It's still all really strange, but Naminé figures she'll eventually get used to it. ]

It's an airship and a city all in one, though its population has waned as of late.

[So really, it leans a bit more on the side of a giant, aerial fortress.

In any case, it seems this young lady's still rather new herself. Briefly, Ringabel pauses, taking mental note of the name "Korra."]

Is this Korra a friend of yours?

[The name sounds vaguely feminine, but one can never be too sure.]

It's waned? Have people just... moved away? [ Or something more serious? Naminé hopes not, though maybe others would say it was silly; she doesn't even know those people, after all. ]

I'm not sure I would say that... We've talked only once. But she was very kind to me. [ If Naminé were to be honest with herself, she'd say that she wants Korra to be her friend. She just seems so earnest and nice it's not hard to want Korra as a friend. ]

That's precisely what happened. The ship had started to sink, so the residents evacuated to other realms. Fortunately, the proprietress stayed behind, and she's since decided to join us on the rest of our journey.

[Her persistence was admirable, and frankly, he's grateful for her hospitality, and especially her cooking. He'd be hard pressed to find a better chef across all of Luxendarc.]

An acquaintance, then, though it's entirely possible that she already feels a sort of kinship toward you. If you've any doubts, you could always ask.

[Some people wear their hearts on their sleeves, after all.]

Losing your home like that... it must be terrible. [ "Home" is something Naminé isn't very familiar with. It seems like a far-off dream, something she does want more than she'll ever let on.

But if you don't truly exist, or have a right to exist, is there really ever a place you can call home? ]

I'm... not sure how I would ask.

[ And suddenly, as if remembering something exceedingly important: ] Ah-- I'm Naminé.

Actually, they seemed relieved to leave it behind. Bit of a shame, really; you'd think the Proprietress' cooking would be enough incentive to bring them back.

[But then again, traveling would be more complicated with such a large population, and the council might not have approved. So, ultimately, he's not complaining.]

Anyway, I recommend being sincere. Not too forceful, but try to show a little confidence! I'm sure she won't mind. I certainly don't.

[Thus far, she's been pleasant to talk to, and her last minute introduction earns a warm chuckle.]

They... wanted to leave their home? [ In her experience, home has been something to which people want to return desperately. To want to leave your home willingly... Why? ]

Confidence... I'm not sure... [ She shakes her head and takes a deep breath. Sincerity she can do--that's not hard. Being confident, though... ] I suppose I could try.

Apparently they'd had enough of it, especially the rocking. Couple that with an utterly lazy council and, well, I suspect they were already at their wit's end.

[He shrugs. In the end, it was their decision to make, and no amount of speculation will change their ultimate decision.]

Not the confident sort, then?

[Her hesitation makes that somewhat clear, which is a darn shame.]

Mm... it's still sad, though... [ She's wondering if any of them felt any sort of regret or sadness about it. ]

No, not really... I'm sorry.

[ She's trying, honestly. ]

[He's sure there's a reason for it, but it's still saddening, and he'll do everything in his power to fix this. Surely there's a way to lift her spirits.]

You needn't apologize, Naminé, but thus far, you've been nothing but pleasant.

[A little encouragement goes a long way.]

[ There's an unmistakable flush on her cheeks now, and she--a habit--looks down slightly. But maybe there's a tiny, tiny smile there, too. ]

I... I'm glad you think so. Thank you.

You're quite welcome.

[Ah, and what a lovely little blush. Perhaps he should offer further encouragement.]

Has anyone told you that you have a lovely smile?

[ Oh dear. Now the blush is a little deeper, and she holds Mini a little tighter--not tight enough to hurt, of course--as she tries to find a reply. ]

N-no, I... can't say anyone has. [ What are compliments?? How do you take them?? ]

Really? But I see it clear as day! Your smile, snowy complexion, and golden locks compliment each other perfectly!

[Surely there's someone else who's recognized her beauty, and if not, well, the boys in this world may need to get their eyes checked.]

[ Uh oh. He seems upset. Naminé frowns a bit, more than just slightly. And maybe she's still blushing, too. ]

I-is it... really such a big deal?

It's surprising! You'd think that the boys would be lining up to spend time with you. Has no one ever asked you on a date?

[If not, hmm... Well, something to contemplate for the future. She's a bit young for him, but surely she has friends closer to her age.]

A date? No, I... can't say anyone has...

[ Actually, she's very sure no one ever has. Why would they? It's not like she saw many people in the castle, and she really hasn't been here long... ]

Hmm. Well, never lose hope! I'm sure there's someone out there just waiting to sweep you off your feet.

[It's said with another smile, genuine if a bit amused.]

I'm... not so sure about that.

[ She says it with a bit of a sad smile. She'd had a hero, once, but it had been a lie. ]

[He sees that smile, and for a moment, a frown creeps across his lips.]

But what makes you say that?

[Surely there's a reason for it.]

[ There's a bit of discomfort in the way she hesitates and shifts slightly. ]

Well... because it's just true.

[ It's hard to think otherwise when that's nearly all you've heard your entire existence. ]

How can you be sure? This is a brand new world! Perhaps it'll surprise you.

[It's certainly better to hope than to give up. That she's so resigned is downright heartbreaking. What could have happened to make her this way?]

[ His optimism... it reminds her of Sora's. ]

I... I can try to hope. [ She still sounds unsure. It seems impossible, almost, that it would surprise her. ]

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