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

[capitald]

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.]

Comments

video;

[shatterings]

[ 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.

video;

[capitald]

[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...]

video;

[shatterings]

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. ]

[ACTION - ROCKET]

[diamondo]

Hah! You're new, huh?

[Mondo can't help but overhear Ringabel's remark and he pauses in the hallway to grin. Mondo's wearing the usual long black coat and relaxed outfit instead of the Rocket uniform, but if anyone was actually expecting him to wear that, then they clearly don't know him. His hair's been cut very short, with the top layers bleached and the bottom layers still black. It looks a little awkward since it's only been a short while since his Pokémon sheared off his hair "accidentally".

...Welcome to Johto.]

Well, I guess you must have just gotten here if you're actually wearing the uniform. Most people don't even bother. At least you haven't thrown anyone down a hallway, that seems to be how most new people react.

[ACTION - ROCKET]

[capitald]

[He was going to comment on the uniform, but throwing people down a hallway? Pardon him if he stares for a moment.

And here he thought Edea's temper was fierce.

Ah, well, he'll laugh it off, waving one of his hands.]

Fear not. I'm not the sort to engage in random acts of violence, especially if I'm to make a good impression.

[They do say that first impressions are everything, and such carelessness really isn't in his nature. Best to put his best foot forward if he's to get a grasp on the situation.]

[diamondo]

You're already doing way better than most of the people who show up here.

[Mondo shrugs, but he's still grinning.]

So if you're looking for the training room - which is where they probably want you to report, I think - you'll want to head down that hallway, take a left, and look for the third door. That should get you there without too many issues. But there's no reason to rush, I doubt they'll be ready immediately anyway.

[rocket action]

[evilfrenzy]

[Like a proper Private of Team Rocket, Rideaux is...well, not wearing his uniform at all, whoops. But he is carrying a uniform of some sort...one that's about 1000% pinker than his current maroon attire. Bah, uniforms. While he has to deal with them, he wonders who actually even wears them outside official business aside from...well, people way too into their job.

Which seems to be this new kid over here. What a nerd.

While Rideaux usually prefers not to deal with fresh newbies, instead waiting until they've been active for a few weeks because he really can't be bothered to be an infobank for newcomers, he can't help but take notice of what the young man is saying. After all, his co-worker just got promoted and is now tasked with training new grunts.

...Since the kid hasn't actually met her yet by the sound of things, Rideaux takes this as a perfect opportunity to poke a little fun.]

Off to training, eh? My condolences- the woman running the training program is something of a nightmare.

[Emmy is going to kill him.

Well, she can try~]

[rocket action]

[capitald]

[Ah! Seems he's got company. Well, as soon as Rideaux makes himself known, Ringabel pulls his eyes off his journal and turns to face his fellow Rocket, who... is dressed in a distinctly pinker outfit than he'd anticipated. That makes two who seem to have disregarded the standard uniforms, though he can't really blame them. The design is so bland, lacking any sort of pizzazz.

Though, Rideaux's description of his future instructor earns a small chuckle.]

Surely you jest. I've known many women, and never have I encountered one befitting of such a frightening description.

[Well, perhaps he has once or twice. Konoe Kikyo comes to mind, but if his instructor is to be a lady, then he'll simply have to give her a show of chivalry. Ooh, perhaps he'll even sweep her off her feet...]

[rocket action]

[evilfrenzy]

[He's just carrying the ultra pink uniform, since it's probably best that he isn't seen entering or exiting the base dressed in his Pokemon Center uniform. That and...he'd like to not be caught in it off the job. Just look at all that pink, Ringabel.

Ringabel's chuckle is met with a chuckle from Rideaux as well. Oh dear...]

Oh believe me, this is no joke. She's very strict, and has no qualms with delivering swift kicks and tossing fully grown men across a hallway. You'd best not get on her bad side.

[Depending on the kid's tastes, this may or may not make meeting Emmy even more enticing. If he's enticed, then Rideaux honestly can't blame him.]

[ACTION]

[ajustcaws]

Oh... yeah, it's a little hard to navigate sometimes...

[SHE'S ALWAYS SO SAD TO SEE NEW PEOPLE... she's wearing her armor over her uniform because this is how she do, but only because she thinks she has to...]

You figure your way around eventually, though! And if you need help, I'm here to point you in the right direction!

[SWEET POSE.]

[ACTION]

[capitald]

[Armor? Ooh, then perhaps this young lady's a knight. Well, whatever her title or class, she's certainly got a flair for dramatics! Her little pose earns a warm laugh, coupled with a smile.]

Generally, I'd offer to escort you, but if you're willing, then who am I to complain?

[He'll just have to make up for it later. It's only fair.]

[video]

[paladinlost]

[A familiar situation, a series of familiar questions. Almost.]

To answer your first question, I've not heard of those names before. But if they are present in this world, they'll surely see this message.

[He hopes for the young man's sake that they will, at least. Everyone should have the chance to see at least one familiar face by the end of their first day.]

Our worlds are safe; enough trainers have been returned home and brought back here to prove it. As for our Pokémon... it depends. Many cannot understand why they received a particular starter, but I can tell you that mine was extremely significant.

[Which implies an alarming amount of spying and illicit knowledge, but he's long learned to accept it.]

...Do you ask for a particular reason? It's a somewhat wide topic, considering the local population.

[video]

[capitald]

[Of course. He's beginning to doubt they're present at all, but perhaps they haven't made themselves known. Hope springs eternal and so on.

He nods, jotting down a few notes as Cecil speaks.]

So it isn't a one way trip, or even a two way trip, by the sound of it...

[And this man's Pokémon was significant... Briefly, Ringabel glances off camera. In a way, he suspects one of his two starters bears at least some semblance of significance or was chosen for ironic purposes. It's not something he wants to dwell on at the moment, so he'll focus on the final question.

Now, assuming that last bit was referring to the local women...]

Anyway, I asked because I'd love to know what to expect. I pride myself in being a gentleman, you see, and given that I've been whisked into an entirely new world, I'd hate to make any assumptions.

[The women of this world may be entirely different than the ones he'd encountered across Luxendarc's many lands. Tough to say, when this world seems to place so much value on battling with magical creatures.]

[action]

[fauxtographs]

[Now that a new member had officially been recruited, Emmy had tidied herself up and got ready to make her way to his room. Her promotion to Private netted her a new uniform and a new sense of purpose; training the new arrivals was something she could be enthusiastic about, and she was endlessly grateful that whomever had nominated her had recognized her potential in that area.

It certainly beat stealing Pokemon from young trainers, anyway.

So in her uniform (and looking rather official with her clipboard, in her opinion!), trailed closely by her Stoutland, she hurried over towards the room that had been designated for this 'Ringabel'. With any luck, he'd still be there. As she walks, she passes a member muttering to himself - usually she wouldn't react, but the content of said muttering gets her to pause and whirl around.]

Ah, I don't suppose you're Ringabel, are you?

[It would be rather lucky if it was; it would save her the trip, anyway! Plus, she's never seen this young man around, so by process of deduction....]

[action]

[capitald]

[Ooh, how stylish! The clipboard brings an air of professionalism that his own uniform presently lacks, and her canine companion is considerably larger than his own Pokémon. Could this be the result of evolution?

He'd heard that the woman in charge of training was a nightmare, yet if this is the same lady, then clearly that man was mistaken. And if not, well, every woman deserves respect and adoration.

When she addresses him, Ringabel stops and takes a bow.]

That I am, miss. And to whom do I owe the pleasure?

Video

[bylight]

[Lightning is answering just because at this moment she's got nothing better to do. There is a cat type creature hanging onto her shoulder, watching the screen intently with a slight glare.]

Never seen them. If they were here, they'd show up on the network.

The Pokémon we receive might have something to do with us, or it's the worlds idea of a joke. I started with an electric sheep called a Mareep.

Video

[capitald]

True! Though such advanced technology is rather unheard of on Luxendarc. I imagine it'd take a bit of tinkering in order to figure it out.

[He pauses for a moment, eying the cat and flipping open his Pokédex. So this is called an Espurr. Esp... purr. A pun of ESP and purr, perhaps?

Right, well, the mention of an electric sheep rings familiar. He's already spoken to another with a Mareep starter.]

Do you believe your Mareep has any personal significance to you?

[Symbolic? Ironic? There must be some underlying thread...]

[video]

[soundmind]

...[Is this guy for real over here.]

Slow down there, tiger, the women will still be around after you've settled in.

[What a ludicrously broad question anyway.]

[video]

[capitald]

[Pff. Ah, that look, that response, it's just the sort of reaction he'd expect from Edea, so pardon him if he looks a touch amused.]

Perhaps, but why keep them waiting? Why, mingling with so many charming ladies may help me gain an even greater understanding of this land.

[It'll at least give him some idea of the local culture, if nothing else.]

video;

[diehardreaper]

M'afraid I haven't heard of anyone going by those names.

[ They're a little unusual so it'll be easy to remember. The second bit though warrants a grin. ]

But what I can tell you is that the women here are a the sort you'll have to work for. Worth the effort though.

video;

[capitald]

It's a shame, but I can't say I'm surprised.

[He'll just have to buckle down and press on! Knowing that time remains unmoving in his absence certainly eases some of his distress.]

In any case, I've been told the women are quick to engage in battles. That a mere look in their eyes is a challenge. How do your experiences compare?

[It never hurts to get a broader perspective, and he seems well versed in the matter.]

video

[fortunatetoaster]

Ah, I ain't heard a'anyone like that yet. Sorry. It kinda sucks havin' ta wait til your friends turn up, but they do, usually. So don't worry about it.

I ain't really sure what happens to back home, though. Some people were sayin' everythin' freezes up? So when ya go back, nothin' changes.

I dunno. I'm still kinda new, so I don't really get it.

video

[capitald]

[What an interesting young lady. White hair and striking red eyes... Definitely a distinct one.

He spends a few seconds looking intently at the camera and tapping his chin. Right, he should probably say something. No need to be rude!]

That's what I've heard as well, so for now I suppose we'll have to trust it holds true. Though, if you don't mind me asking, how long ago did you arrive?

[video]

[samsa]

I don't think I've seen anyone around here like that.

A lot of people have answered your other questions already, but I've been told our worlds stay the same while we're gone. It's...like we never left, really. As for the Pokemon...

[Kaneki glances over at the Zangoose curled up on the bed beside him.]

I'm not sure if the one you start with is different in a certain way, or anything...I've wondered if it's just random, or if there's actual reasoning behind what shows up with you, but I don't think anyone knows for sure.

[He lets his gaze move back to the screen where he sort of...squints a little at the last question. For the moment, he just chooses to ignore that part.]

How much reading have you done?

[video]

[capitald]

[Give him a moment while he observes that Zangoose, jotting down a note, or perhaps a sketch. It's so fierce looking! And those claws... Very intimidating.]

I've done enough to gain a rough understanding of the situation. As I understand it, we're to train these Pokémon so that they become stronger, venture forth to collect gym badges, and, with luck, build a powerful team. Different types have different strengths and weaknesses, much like the monsters on Luxendarc, though it's strange that fire resists ice in this world. I'd come to expect the opposite.

[He's still taking notes on the various types. One of the locals stated that the "fairy" type is a fairly recent discovery.]

Still, I've only just scratched the surface. I suspect there's much I've yet to learn.