Act 1

[silentscales]

[Snake looks at the device curiously. He still isn’t used to the idea of it, but he’d already learned that it was useful for interacting with people. He had been here long enough to learn a few things already, but this whole world was still new and interesting, and his pokèmon were starting to get more and more curious about other people's pokemon. He was worried how people would react to him still, but with an Ekans draped around his shoulders and a Seviper protectively coiled around him he felt a great deal more confidant.

It still takes him a while to decide what to say, and he listens carefully to each of his pokemon before finally saying something.]

Why do people have pokemon battles? Do other pokemon really like battles? asks Ruskin.

[He might not have said it yet, but the Seviper’s nickname was Ruskin. He wasn’t planning on giving any further explanation about his speaking habits, or who he is either, at least not until he is asked. He was always a little vague with whether he was just translating, or if he was expressing his own thoughts using the names of his friends to hide how shy he was.]

Comments

[Video]

[caster_blaster]

I know my boys seem to enjoy it. Or at least they would, if I actually let 'em fight. I'm pretty lazy about that, though.

[Video]

[silentscales]

Lazy about it? asks Ruskin?

Re: [Video]

[caster_blaster]

I haven't had them in fights at all. We've just been lazin' around, camping in various places and drinking in bars.

[Video]

[silentscales]

[Snake seems to consider a moment, lending an ear to his Ekans.]

Where are you? asks John.

Re: [Video]

[caster_blaster]

...Why? Are you gonna' attack me or something? I'll warn you, I've kicked a lot of asses WITHOUT pokemon, where I'm from.

[video]

[explosivecombat]

[Ah, this one again...well, surely there's no harm done in answering the question, at least.]

From what I understand, most of the Pokémon here do seem to enjoy battling - or at the very least, they're supposed to, given how the world works. But they have personalities, as everyone does; no offense meant to either Ruskin or John, but from what I've seen their personalities are less complex than those of humans...though it's possible that's just due to the language barrier, if we're going to be generous in making those sorts of assumptions.

As for why battles are held, there are several reasons; I think the most obvious is that it's a way to gain power in this world.

Re: [video]

[silentscales]

[His Ekans hisses, and his Seviper cuts the feed, but after a few minutes Snake opens it again.]

... Sorry....

Humans just like to make things more complex then they need to be, says John.

And we are much younger than you too, but if other pokèmon like to battle then I won't feel bad beating them up! says Ruskin.

[explosivecombat]

[...good lord, he may have just fundamentally offended a pair of snakes. What does he do with this knowledge...]

Well, I can't say that I disagree with John in the least; I've known more than my share of people who overcomplicate the simplest of matters, believe me.

Although when it comes to battling - have you not been training at all, or are you referring strictly to battles between trainers?

[silentscales]

We have not yet had time to battle, says Ekans.

[explosivecombat]

Would you like some assistance in that regard, or are you not seeking opponents at this time?

VIDEO

[usedswift]

[Well this is a little odd. As far as she knew, neither of those Pokémon were Psychic types. How does this guy know what 'Ruskin' wants to know? Is he really that good with snakes, or Pokémon in general? For that matter, which one is Ruskin?

Well, nothing for it but to ask!]

Well, you can tell Ruskin that almost all of my team likes training and fighting. That might be because I raised them that way, though... but it makes sense. I mean, what's the best way to prove your own strength without combat?

[Please don't mind the ninja-girl's somewhat-skewed idea of how worth is measured in the world.]

VIDEO

[silentscales]

I'm very interested in getting stronger, [Snake blushes a bit,] so I can protect Snake better, says Ruskin.

VIDEO

[usedswift]

Yeah? [She gives the Pokémon another smile before looking to the guy speaking a little more curiously.]

So what's your name then? I'm Tenten, and... that's Ruskin?

VIDEO

[silentscales]

[His Ekans points to himself, then to the Seviper, then to Snake.] I'm John, this is Ruskin, and this is Snake, says John.

VIDEO

[usedswift]

[Oh, so now the Ekans is talking? This is definitely interesting...]

Nice to meet you all, then! You're pretty good at talking to snakes, then, huh, Snake-san?

[Stating the obvious in the hopes that he'll answer himself instead of the snakes...]

video

[readapts]

Well... I feel worried whenever my pokémon battle, but... I think some of them like it.

[There's a starly perched on his shoulder who ruffles up his feathers as Chihiro glances up to him.] Um, this one...seems to have a lot of fun. [A chirp and another ruffle of feathers, almost proud.]

Another one of mine doesn't seem to enjoy it as much.

video

[silentscales]

We both want to, it looks like fun! says Ruskin.

video

[readapts]

Neither of you have battled before...?

video

[silentscales]

We have, but only once or twice, says Ekans.

video

[readapts]

I see...well, if you do, be careful. It'd be bad to get hurt...

[As much as to the snakes as to, well, Snake himself.] But you'll probably enjoy it, if you think it looks fun.

[video]

[digitalorunknown]

[Ignore the icon; the response from this Gear is manned by a Shelgon that looms over the camera, snorting furiously. It bellows out ("Hell yeah!!"), then turns and galumphes out of view before spinning back and headbutting the Gear into a tree.

He yells more in Pokespeak while it's lying on the ground at a distance, facing the ground. "Who doesn't?!" The voice, already muffled by his thick shell, is even further away but no less vehement.]

[video]

[silentscales]

There are apparently a few. [The Seviper responds, tilting her head a bit. Snake doesn't bother translating since he doesn't understand the conversation anyway. Instead he'll just leave it to Ruskin.

[video]

[digitalorunknown]

[He stomps around the Gear. "Huh? Aw, whatever! Listen, you want to know why we battle, I'll lay it out for ya!" STOMP. Yellow Shelgon eyes glare down into the camera. "I'm gonna grow wings someday! It's because I'm strong! And since I'm strong, I win battles!

Ya get it?!"

[video]

[silentscales]

[John, Snake's Ekans, joins Seviper,]I could swallow you whole!

[video]

[digitalorunknown]

[Shelgon stops short and squints.

Squiiiiints.


Give him a second.



Sounding faintly smug:] Snubbullshit. You don't even know where I am. [He sits back a bit, looking pleased with himself for the genius retort.]