victory_road | [ video ]

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[ When the feed clicks on, a young man appears on the screen, one who looks to be in around his early 20’s. He’s got light brown skin, curly black hair, and strangely, eyes that seem to be red in colour. Notably, he’s absolutely covered in tattoos - one of which can be seen snaking up his neck and onto his face. The design of the peacock feathers stand out boldly against his skin, and even his coat is ostentatiously showy. This is... one very colourful individual.

On his face is a confident, relaxed smile, which doesn’t at all betray the fact that this is the first time in his life he’s ever made a video and he has no idea what he’s doing. ]

Hi! Wow, this is… weird. The whole video thing. Anyway- I’ve got a few questions about this Trainer business, if you don’t mind.

[ That in itself gives away the fact that he’s not from around here. He’d considered lying about it, but to be honest, he has a few questions that he wants answered, and that takes priority this time around. ]

Firstly, the traveling. [ Molly’s not new to traveling on the road – in fact, it’s the way he prefers to live. But what he’s not used to is being alone while he does it. ] Is this whole adventuring business usually a solo gig, or are there groups that travel together? I’m just curious.

[ Hopefully he’s not letting on just how much he hates being alone. It’s only been a day, and he already misses the company of the Mighty Nein; of the Carnival. Being left alone with only his thoughts to keep him company is... not a state of mind he particularly enjoys being in. Even if it turns out that trainers don’t tend to form groups, though – videos like these are a good way to reach out and make friends. Right? ]

Secondly, the Pokemon. Just how fragile are they? I’ve heard they’re pretty powerful, but this guy here- [ and he gestures to a violet, cheerful Oricorio just off to the corner of the screen- ] is pretty small. And I know that small things can pack a punch, don't get me wrong, but... I don't need to be worried about this one dying, do I?

[ He wants to know before he starts getting attached.

Then, a thoughtful expression appears on his face for a moment... before Molly smiles again. ]

Actually, you know what? Just tell me everything I need to know. The more exciting the better!

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[The woman on the screen is waving, and there's a bunch of Pokemon around her. At least one is a large pink... bear.]

Hi! Yeah, it takes some getting used to, doesn't it? Anyway, I'm Scorpia; it's great to meet you!

[She pauses to think, still smiling.] Mm, I haven't gotten to travel too much myself, because I landed a nice job right away, but yeah, I think a lot of people do travel in groups. My friend Catra was with a whole bunch of other friends for a while.

[And then most of them went home, so her expression stutters, she looks away. And a breath later the smile is back and beaming. But the subject is being changed.]

And Pokemon aren't fragile at all! Most of them are really strong in one way or another! When I wrestle with people, I can usually win, but my Bewears can beat me most of the time! And then even the tiny Pokemon have really cool magic. Little Buttercup here kicked butt at the Fighting guy's gym a week ago, even though she's hurt extra by fire!

[Scorpia is really, really buff, herself, but the pink bear she shows off when she's talking about Bewears does seem really strong looking. On the other hand, the tiny flying bug Pokemon doesn't look strong at all. She looks like she'd be blown away by a strong breeze.]

[ ...As soon as Scorpia appears on the screen, for some reason, Molly's reminded of Yasha. It's not that they're similar in personality, it's just... well, physically, they're not entirely dissimilar.

It hurts, to be honest. Gods, he misses Yasha. Will he really never see her again? ...He doesn't want that. They didn't have nearly enough time...

It's nice to know that at least someone else was traveling with a group - though Scorpia's brief change of expression doesn't escape Molly's notice. And he's had a few people tell him now that Pokemon are, quite frankly, the opposite of fragile, which is more of a relief than he imagined he'd be.

As if it could read Molly's mind, just as he's thinking that, Oricorio chirps. ]

That little creature kicking ass? Now that's something I'd like to see. Sounds like there's quite a story behind that one. Oh, and the name's Molly - it's my pleasure.

Well, Buttercup is a fairy type! That's one of the things that fighting Pokemon have a weakness to. Kind of like how water and dirt will put out a fire fast, but fire will burn up plants and melt ice! Except more magical! Also Buttercup has this really awesome move called Pollen Puff! When she gathers pollen from flowers, she shapes it into little balls! And she can eat them to heal herself, or give them to her teammates for healing orrrr make them explode! It's great!

[Scorpia is grinning and the little bee Pokemon twirls in the air and demonstrates with a puff of something yellow. Which Scorpia eats.]

Tastes good too! Oh! That's another thing. Some Pokemon can do healing with milk too, like Miltanks and Skiddos! Their milk is really tasty too. If you have one you'll never go hungry. You can ride on Skiddos too, once they grow up into Gogoats!

[She shifts her gear to show off a large goat Pokemon with a leafy back.]

[ That's a lot to take in. It's interesting, though, and Molly likes interesting. ]

Wow, you are quite something, aren't you? [ His words are directed at the Pokemon on the screen, and he gives it a little wave. Then, he turns back to Scorpia. ]

I'm surprised they even want to hang around with us. It seems like there's a lot they can do - but how smart are they? Do they even have a choice?

[ He asks it in a casual way and with a smile on his face, but it is something he's a bit concerned about. You can "catch" these Pokemon, after all. And to be honest, while it's cute, it's also a little unnerving that his Oricorio has been so attached to Molly, ever since he first arrived. ]

[The Ribombee twirls and sparkles happily. Compliments are appreciated. Scorpia just huffs in pleased disagreement.]

Oh no, I swear at least half of mine are smarter than I am! Which isn't that big a hurdle but anyway... I think it might be that everybody wants friends, and we're a way to make friends that they wouldn't make otherwise!

Like, um, in their natural home, Bewears need tons of space in order to have enough food and good dens and things, and if too many others move in, they have to fight over it instead of making friends. But me and my friends, even the psychic and fairy types, can all live together happily without worrying about that! So with my job, I make money that I can use to get us all the food we need, and I can travel so we've got plenty of space whenever we need it, and I'm allowed into inns which are nice and warm!

[ If his red eyes throw people off, then they need to get ready for her with her pink cat eyes and eerily pale skin. How tired she clearly is doesn't help any! What an unsettling bunch! ]

If your pokémon lose a battle, they'll simply pass out- given that I've been told we can't die, I imagine that also extends to them as well, but it's still hard to experience though...

As for traveling, I'm pretty sure it's a personal preference? So if the idea of traveling with others- or alone- isn't for you, you can probably just... stumble upon a companion? That's kinda what happened to me, actually?

[ Sometimes a feral wolf boy just picks up a goth cat girl in the woods, and they stick together. And sometimes a kid and their dad will pick up like 5 high fantasy knights. It depends, and it's just magical like that. ]

What else... oh, um, each pokémon has one or two types- or elemental affinities, I guess- and those types include strengths and weaknesses against other types. Like fire types are logically weak to water but strong against grass. [ She pauses to pick up a tiny kitten with a gold medal on its head. The kitten mews, waving at the camera. ] These guys can make money. ... She's still a baby so she hasn't learned how yet. Real handy for the funds? Apparently the economy just doesn't care.

Oh! Also. All of these guys? Even the cat? They hatch. ... From eggs, I mean. all of them. It's so weird.

We can't die? Now that's interesting.

[ Molly leans back as he speaks. The fact that they apparently can't die is news to him... It's a little hard to believe, to be honest. Certainly not anything he wants to test out in a hurry. This girl could be lying to him... though for what purpose, he's not sure.

Still, if it is true - then... for one thing, that's incredible. All his life, Molly's lived knowing that death was going to catch up to him one day. And now he's found himself in a world where that might not even be a problem?

He really hopes that it's true.

He's also relieved to know that it's not completely out of the ordinary for people to group up together on their journey. Finding people to travel with - good people, people he can trust - that's probably next on his list of priorities. ]

And boy, that is weird. It seems like there's a lot I've still got to learn about these guys...

Apparently. Another off-worlder told me, and... I don't think she had reason to lie? Not to mention it'd be a pretty stupid thing to lie about. Still, I think most people would prefer to avoid the risk regardless...

[ She may be a bit of an adrenaline junkie but even she's not gonna push it. Especially because even if something can't kill, it sure can hurt still and that probably can't go away so easily. (Logically, it definitely can't, given that she's got a bit of a cold right now.) ]

They're... certainly something. I've had four eggs hatch on me, each completely different, and it's still jarring. But I like having them around. And it's fun, learning about them. Seeing what they can do.

[ So she's only heard it second hand. Yeah, Molly's not gonna go testing that out anytime soon. ]

Fun is good! I like fun. I've got one, myself, and he's a cheerful little guy.

[ With that, he reaches off-screen for a moment before picking up his Oricorio and showing him off. ]

How many do you have? I've gotta say, I'm mighty curious.

Oh! I have a bird like that too- Viola!

[ Jinx calls off screen for a second, but it's not without reason. A few moments later a black and red oricorio flutters down beside her with a coo, before noticing the other oricorio on the gear. She chirps politely, but is also happy to show off her unique coloration with flourish. ]

Let's see... I have seventeen total, though I hear we can have up to in the one-hundreds. Which makes the whole "you can only travel with six" thing stupid hard to decide on. ... Oh, by the way, when you're on the road you can only take six pokémon with you. It's easier to have them all around when you're in a town.

I have a few grass types and... way more birds than I expected? But they're all pretty great. And they'll change as you raise them too. Like, uh- a sudden permanent transformation, I mean. It's mostly based on how strong they grow, but some require certain items for it as well? The transformation comes with enhanced strength and speed so it's worth looking into! I don't think Viola and your bird can do this but most of the ones you can catch in the wild will be able to for sure though.

Interesting! They really are intriguing creatures, aren't they? There's hundreds of them?

[ Molly turns to his Oricorio, and looks at him thoughtfully. Oricorio stares back, seeming content. There's a lot of information for him to take in. He thinks he remembers hearing about Pokemon types, but the change of form is new. And if it's sudden... he wonders what it looks like? ]

The more I think I know about them, the more I find out there is to learn.

Hundreds.

[ At least he seems to be taking this all in stride? Heck, it even looks like he's having fun, letting a random teenage girl infodump on him. (oh god is she an npc.) ]

On the bright side, there's lots of information on your gear- if you can't look something up online, the network's flooded with people ready to answer questions.

Asking for information from an entire public network of strangers is kind of a crapshoot, that seems pretty vital.

[Hi Molly, here's a significantly less colorful individual, a young man who looks to be somewhere in his mid-teens.]

[ Well. It's a fair response, Molly supposes. ]

Why do you say that? I don't see the problem.

Some people are assholes. You sure you can tell the good advice from the bad?

I'm sure I'll figure it out. Besides, sometimes a little bad advice can be fun, right?

Not usually for the one getting it? Personally I can usually get into trouble just fine without help.

Suit yourself. [ He shrugs. ] I appreciate the thought, though, friend!

You do you, chum.

[You look like you can probably take care of yourself, at least. Also he doesn't know you from Adam.]

[...]

So, given the asking questions thing- you wake up with some creepy woman calling herself your mom?

That's one way to put it.

[ Molly doesn't seem put-off in the least. ]

She seemed like a lovely woman to me, though. Did she explain things to you, too?

[Shit, she's actually intrigued about what other kinds of tattoos there might be going on there and if it's just creative art or if there's meaning behind them. Either way, she's got things she needs to answer and she's just sort of setting the camera up to get a nice view of her perched on the bed in a sweatshirt and shorts while a houndoom is curled against her side snoozing.]

First off: cool fucking ink.

As for the travelling thing, some go it alone and others decide to form groups. Seems to be more of a if you know 'em sorta thing or if you're goin' the same way. I know that I was travellin' by myself for a while when I first got here, then with someone from my world, then with my fiance. Don't do much travelin' anymore, though.

[She pauses for a brief moment and just clicks her tongue as a disgustingly brightly colored sylveon hops up to her other side and nuzzles into her arm, welp.]

Despite how these creatures look, they can take one hell of a beating and keep going. 'Sides, they just pass out if they go too far and for some reason the other creatures stop fighting at that point. Also anyone that dies here just kinda... pops back up in a Pokemon Center, death ain't permanent in any shape or form. Shit's weird as fuck.

Thank you! I must say, I'm rather fond of it.

[ Molly's clearly very pleased by her comment. He turns his head to the side a little and displays his neck, so that the tattoo of the peacock can be seen clearer, before turning back to the camera.

As for the traveling... he's curious. ]

Really? What made you decide to stop?

[ Maybe she and her fiance decided to settle down? That is a thing that people tend to do. Molly's been living on the road all his life, but it isn't the lifestyle for everyone. ]

And you know, you're the second person to mention the fact that we can't die. Not that I'm planning to test that in a hurry!

[Damn, that is cool. She doesn't have much in the ways of tattoos, but she does appreciate good art when she sees it.]

Oh. Uhhh. Mostly there's this whole gym challenge thing you can do here, going through sixteen different towns and cities to beat the gym leaders' pokemon with your own, then you get a badge to show you did it along with money and some other stuff. Once you got all of those you can go after the Elite Four which are supposedly the best trainers in the region along with the champion. You get more money and called a champion and shit like that if you do.

Mostly we did all that and decided to settle down for a bit since there ain't much more reason to travel for now. 'Sides, I don't do well with this cold and I sure as shit don't want to be out in the snow again. [She's quiet for a brief moment, mm.]

'Sides, I... went through a lot of shit back home in a whirlwind frenzy so it's nice to have some peace and quiet for a bit. Though I know I'll get stir crazy again eventually, bound to.

[A small shrug, but sure can't hide that grin and kindly ignore the loud dog yawn from the houndoom barely off-screen.]

Most ain't keen on it! But you never know what might happen out there, I haven't gone around and done anything to get my ass killed and not interested in doing so. Death sucks dicks.

That's fair. If traveling isn't the way of life for you, it's not the way of life for you.

[ Molly's curious about what Pokemon she has, but he'll leave it for now. ]

Gym leaders, huh? I think I remember hearing something about that. It sounds like a decent way to spend my time, I'll give you that. ...But what about entertainment in this world? Is there anything that'll really wow me?

[That sounds a lot like Molly, syntax and meandering accent and infuriating confidence, like everything skids off him without any impact. The tattoos, what she can see of them, are right, and the incredibly garish clothing.

It's the humanity that throws her. That, and the fact that she saw him die.

That's the kind of thing that lingers.]

What. The. Fuck.

[Beauregard being Beauregard, shock and confusion manifest as something a lot more akin to suspicion and hostility.

She is, of course, perfectly recognizable, outwardly unaltered by her transition between Exandria and this bizarre candy-colored world. Human is human is human.

There are differences between the Beau who's squinting suspiciously at the screen and the Beau he'd remember, though. Her hair is longer, enough so that it's evident even tied back, and she's acquired some new scars. She wears the vestments of her order openly now, and they're slicker than her previous gear. In short, time has passed for her, and a not-inconsiderable amount of it.]

[ Oh. That's... ]

Well, look who it is. Here I was hoping I'd finally escaped you.

[ He doesn't mean it, though. It's obvious from his tone of voice that he's just teasing her. Molly never expected that he'd grow fond of Beau of all people, but... stranger things have happened, he supposes. She's still an asshole, though.

...Wait. ]

Beau, you... [ He suddenly inspects her, eyes narrowing as he takes in all the details about her that've changed. She's clearly older than she used to be - but when could that have happened? He saw her only a couple of days ago. And at that time, she... was in serious trouble. ]

You didn't... did you survive? The Iron Shepherds?

Yeah, I...

[She pauses, exhales slowly.

This isn't a conversation she ever expected to have. In the event that they got Molly back, she'd always assumed someone else would fill him in.

Doesn't help that the details aren't something she really wants to air to a silent audience of strangers.]

I survived. And we got them back. Yasha...there's been a fucking lot, but Yasha's ok.

[ To be honest, Molly is so caught up in the moment that he's completely forgotten that Beau isn't the only one listening.

He sighs. It's rare for him to show his feelings so openly, but the relief he feels is obvious on his face. ]

Thank goodness for that. It must be quite a shock for you to see me like this, I imagine?

...How long has it been?

[Ah, death. Angel's favorite thing to talk about on the network. At least it's good news that she has to give!]

Well, you will be pleased to note that Death is but a loose concept here. Very loose, in fact. Harm is incredibly hard to come by here, including that which you might expect from fire breathing, vine throwing monsters. [When she shrugs at the screen, it's a little bit tight.] Occasionally, accidents happen but... Those that do suffer any sort of incident will simply wake up in one of the many hospitals that dot this world. You might be a little banged up but... You'll be breathing.

[She pauses for a moment. It's the sort of thing that's nigh unfathomable, even for a woman who comes from a land of "respawn" stations. Even back home, there were some things you just didn't come back from.]

Fortunately, or perhaps even unfortunately, that unfamiliarity with death also extends to many of the people that come here. Though it's highly unlikely, you should know that there is always the chance you may come across a face you thought was lost.

[ That's... well, it doesn't sound unbelievable at all, actually. After all, in his case, Molly's the one who's come back from the dead. ]

Well, here's hoping I don't run into a couple of old foes out for blood. [ And there's plenty of faces that could've come to mind when he said that, but... for some reason, Kylre is the one that comes to mind. Huh. Maybe he still feels a bit of old guilt over killing his old coworker. It had to be done, but it certainly wasn't a... pleasant experience...

Anyway. ]

That ever happen to you? Ran into someone you used to know?

[Angel scratches at the back of her neck. She looks uncomfortable, albeit briefly. Her gaze flicks away for just a moment, before she looks back at the man and shrugs.]

In a way, yes.

[The difficulty being, of course, that she was the dead one. And the person who all but dug her grave was the one she ran into. This, of course, isn't something she would burden a stranger with. Especially a new arrival.]

Like I said though, it is very rare that something like that happens.

I can imagine!

[ He's curious about what happened to her, but gets the impression that it's not really something she wants to talk about. ]

I appreciate the help. Gotta say, it's weird being in a place without death...

You... Can say that again. Where I am from, you couldn't so much as throw a rock without finding a dead body. Or... a pile of them.

[There truly was nothing like Pandora and its bloodthirsty locals.]

I didn't know what to do with myself at first. I half-expected to be woken in the dead of night by a masked man screaming ancient poetry on all available network channels.

[It's probably fairly clear that Cassandra is not of human origin, given the pointed ears and silvery eyes.]

Nothing stays dead here except for the food. And maybe some of the Ghost pokemon.

But if pokemon get hurt, they can be taken to the Pokemon Centers in most of the towns and get healed up. With humans, it's more variable, but I think very badly wounded humans just end up waking up in the PokeCenters too. Pokemon are hardy, though, even the more delicate-looking ones.

Edited 2021-02-12 02:54 (UTC)

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