4th Cast Off [Video]

[seasalthands]

Greetings... [The camera is fixed on Kira, showing him from about the waist up. It's a completely still shot and there aren't any Pokeémon fluttering or hogging the camera this time.] So. I have these two eggs that I'd like to hand off to a trainer. [He holds up the rather large eggs. All white with blue spots.]

But first... I kind of have to tell a quick story.

When I arrived here I was pulled away from an important mission at home. But it seems like I was given an important one upon arrival. The Pokémon I was given is a Lapras. All its entries are about how it's been hunted to the brink of extinction. Here listen to this one specifically: "People have driven Lapras almost to the point of extinction. In the evenings, this Pokémon is said to sing plaintively as it seeks what few others of its kind still remain." That's messed up... and really sad.

Despite the rareness of this species, I had one. I also had a book about breeding and all that. If that's not a sign of what you've been sent here to do then I don't know what is. So these past six months I've been working on breeding Lapras. And I was even more determined when that machine that just summons random pokémon, Lapras included, for you to ride on came on the market. No secret, I hate that thing. But that's not an issue for here and now but...

Look, long story short, I managed to get two eggs. According to my calculations they are both Lapras eggs there is a fifty fifty chance with the gender. I did breed Lapras with a Politoed so there may be some unique moves happening here. And I really want, more than anything, these eggs go to a good home. Like, this is my whole purpose for being here so I have to make sure that these things are taken care of. I'm not naive by any means that I'll save the species but it's a start.

So, I assume all of that got sent here are decent people with good intentions for these guys right? So, I guess I'll do whoever asks for one first kind of thing. First come first serve. And I mean, if you really want one and can't get on this time, I intend to breed more. Just let me know you're interested and when more come about, I'll pass it on to you when it, you know, appears.

Protect these creatures of the sea and help reverse the damage that people have done to them. And not just Lapras, but all these guys. I'm sure this is not the only species that's suffering from near extinction.

And then... On a less, well no, this is still kind of serious. I've been trying to get hold of a kid named Josuke but I'm not getting through to his a pokégear. If anyone has seen him tell him his new nephew is looking for him and he's being a shit uncle.

Thanks. And if you have any questions let me hear them.

Comments

Video

[dreamsofahero]

They're supposed to be quite intelligent and gentle as well, aren't they?

*he's read a thing or two about them, yes*

It's a pity that they would have been mistreated seemingly because of their unassuming natures, really.

video

[seasalthands]

That's right. Mine's really smart and has been sweet since the day we met...

It goes without saying that those that are too kind and trusting get hurt the most. And that goes for all things... People and creatures. I'm not sure what else I can do but this. I just know I want to help.

Re: video

[dreamsofahero]

People have an unfortunate tendency to target those that they see as "weak" or otherwise easy prey.

At least they're likely highly valued by many trainers, I suppose.

[Video]

[callbacks]

[Oh. Okay. That's the saddest shit.]

I'll take one. Goldenrod's situated pretty close to the water, so. [Bby's quality of life should be generally all right.]

How's their singing, though. Like, whale song. What am I in for, here.

[Video]

[seasalthands]

Sure thing. And thanks, I really appreciate people taking in these big water dinos.

Yeah. Whale song is a good comparison. But it makes an actual song. Whales sort of have a couple of elongated cries that sound really beautiful and we call it a song. This is that same kind of guttural tone but with a functional and continuous melody. It's quite pleasant. I haven't heard any heart wrenching sad songs, probably cause I keep her happy and she's not suffering from any kind of loneliness. So you're not going to be bogged down with depressing melodies. Lots of upbeat stuff, usually when she's swimming. Well, always when she's swimming.

[Video]

[callbacks]

Whoa. Holy marine biology dissertation, Batman. But that's pretty cool, I can work with that. You tried sampling any of it, by any chance?

[journalname]

[...hm. Asgore listens to the story thoughtfully before replying.]

You know, I was not certain being a breeder was a good thing for Pokémon when I was brought here. But I believe what you are doing is valuable work. Thank you, for showing me another side to it.

Do you suppose one might get along with my Ditto? I know that is a common breeding method, but I should hate to assume.

[seasalthands]

Yo. Not a problem. Understandably there is some question on if you should be breeding these animals and there's always the issue of forcing creatures to breed. And you really shouldn't just be smashing these guys together for the hell of it.

And I'm not about to tell anyone how to do their job but there is a chance to save some of these species that are nearly gone from human cruelty and carelessness. And, the way I see it, if I was pulled from my world and important mission for this then this is what I'm going to do. And I'm going to do it well.

If you're breeding responsibility, for the good of a species, I think that's okay. Don't be breeding more Rattata into this world sorta thing.

I think that'd be fine. I never considered a Ditto taking the form of Lapras to bring them some happiness. I don't have a Ditto of my own so I haven't had a chance to test the methods and see how convincing the transformation is. Like, would it fool something as intelligent as a Lapras? It's worth a try, for sure.

[journalname]

I do not see any point in convincing them to have children, only to sell the children once they are born. But if the Pokemon wish to help their species recover, that is very much their right.

Do you think we ought to introduce them? Jam is very friendly, and they do enjoy transforming into Water-type Pokemon. They came to live with us after befriending my Gyarados.

[rambling_runner]

[ For the first time, Ash looks...kind of serious. Kira's story of a singing Pokemon, seeking others of it's own kind...and it was a Pokemon of the sea. For the first time he actually thinks of home. ]

Shit...that kinda reminds me of someone. Look, I'm pretty new to this 'trainer' stuff but I swear if you did give me one, I'd take the best care of it. Make sure it gets everything it needs or even wants. Promise.

And I'll keep an eye out for Josuke, if you keep an eye out for a guy named Oisin. He isn't here but just, if he turns up and you come across him, tell him his kid is around.

[seasalthands]

Thanks dude. As of right now I think the two are spoken for, but I do intend to breed more. So I can send the next egg your way. I'll take down your information so I can contact you when I have some more. Should be in another month or so... Not too long.

And thanks. Oisin, is it? No problem. I'll write that down too...

[rambling_runner]

Sure. My name's Ash Fox. I'm at...Violet City right now? Training up for the gym and all that.

Oh, it's spelled O-I-S-I-N, if you're writing it down. [ He knows he said 'Osh-een' but it's an Irish name so it has an Irish spelling. He remembers how annoyed his Dad got at people pronouncing it wrong after seeing it written down. ]

Video

[thenightsky]

[Well. That answers that particular question.]

So people really do hunt Pokemon here, too? That's really, really messed up..

[Especially since they also used them for lots of other things as well. How was that even right?]

Video

[seasalthands]

This place is extraordinary in a lot of ways. I'd argue it's miles better than the place I came from. But it's not without its problems.

Probably because humans live here. That's the common factor in all the similiar tragedies. What really gets me is that all the Pokémon here demonstrate incredible amounts of intelligence. Hunting them, in my opinion, is incredibly horrid.

Video

[thenightsky]

It's definitely got a lot of perks to it but hearing something like that makes me--

[Reel in the temper, Noctis.]

Yeah, they're all really smart. That's half the reason why my friend and I hate putting them in their Pokeballs. The idea that someone would hunt them is messed up. How could you do that to something that is so trusting and willing to help us?

[video]

[defyingfrigidity]

It's very heartwarming to hear that you're so dedicated to finding good homes for those eggs.

[It's a little hard to not get emotional, in Elsa's opinion, watching this video. It's no surprise, that some people become quite attached to the Pokemon here, but maybe it's because she has a Lapras of her own that this really hits home.]

I have a Lapras of my own. It's... horrifying to imagine people hurting such gentle creatures. To kill them... [She shakes her head. God, she does NOT wanna think about that.] You'd have to be heartless to do such a thing.

[video]

[seasalthands]

Considering how intelligent these creatures are... yeah, it's really messed up.

All you can do is attempt to patch up some of the damage that's been done. Help things thrive and grow. And even if Lapras can't live in the wild anymore I'll be happy to know they're in the hands of really caring trainers.

[And judging by that raw emotion in Elsa's voice, she's one of those trainers.]

How long have you had your Lapras? And did you catch it in the wild? That'd be incredibly rare and amazing.

[video]

[defyingfrigidity]

Oh no, I didn't catch her! Knowing the story of Lapras, I would never have the heart to steal one out of the wild.

[The camera shakes a little as Elsa gets up; she'd been at a cafe not far from the shore to the west of Cherrygrove, so she can let Freya out for a bit if he wants to see...]

She was a gift as an egg. When I first arrived here two years ago, my sister gave an egg to me before it even hatched, and... well. I've kept her with me ever since.

[video]

[paladinlost]

Breeding more Lapras is a wonderful idea. A whole pod visited Johto years ago, yet they've been so rare since then... Such wonderful creatures should be plentiful, and loved by all who train them.

[The love seems commonplace these days, thankfully.]

Where was your uncle when you last spoke with him? If he's in central Kanto, I might be able to find him.

[video]

[seasalthands]

[Okay. It's weird to have other people call Josuke his uncle. He's got like a decade on the kid but that's, for all intents and purposes, what they appear to be.]

This is going to sound bad, but I never found out. We said we'd meet up at some point but there's been nothing but radio silence on his end. And now none of my messages are going through. Just getting an error... I wanted to give him one of the Lapras eggs. But...

[He's sort of already knows that maybe Josuke ended up going home, back to Morioh. And while it shouldn't cause a twisting sort of aching feeling in his guts it really does. People just keep on vanishing without warning and it really sucks.

Kira clears his throat though, suppressing all that emotional garbage.] A swarm of Lapras sounds insanely cool. Maybe with enough work something like that won't be so rare anymore...

[video]

[paladinlost]

Your attempts to call him lead to errors?

[Cecil's smile drops in an instant, replaced by a frown.]

...You'll truly have to find another trainer for that egg, then. He's been sent home, without a doubt.

[He sighs.]

Well, there's always a chance he'll return. And if he does, perhaps you'll be able to surprise him with a higher Lapras population and another egg.

video;

[pipers_son]

Have ya thought about chargin' for the eggs? Not just ta make a quick profit, of course, but ya could use the money for yer Pokemon.

I mean, ha, heck- there's plenty of places around here ya could buy. Maybe even make a sorta.... Ah, I've forgotten the word, but a safe place by the water where they could relax and not have ta worry about folks.

video;

[seasalthands]

I bred some bird Pokémon and sold the eggs. But the Lapras eggs are special and I wanted to give them a chance to be raised and taken care of. If I sell the eggs they might end up in really bad hands. Then what I'm trying to do here is pointless.

[Video]

[foolishwren]

... Huh... my brother has one of those...

I... didn't know they were so rare.

_{[That's really sad, actually. She's always been fond of little Flotsam, and had never put much thought into the fact that she hadn't seen very many others of her kind.]}

[Video]

[seasalthands]

According to the Pokédex they are. Seems like a decent handful of trainers have one though. So that's good news. It seems their numbers in the wild are insanely dimmal.