001 - [Video | un: Uravity]

[floatsaway]

[It has been...a long few days for Ochako Uraraka. A long, long few days. After arriving in Newbark Town, like everyone else, she was given little to no information about, well...anything, and left to her devices. Like. Everyone else. Honestly, you'd think that there'd be an actual system put in place for all these newcomers or something. Like a Welcome Center, with information and helpful things to know. Hell, and some spare clothes...one single pair of pants and a t-shirt, alongside her pajamas, are not going to last a grueling journey like this, seriously. Thank goodness Ochako is as frugal as frugal comes. She can most certainly make her money last, and knows all the tricks to ration her food and take care of her belongings.

One of the few perks of being dirt poor.

The first day or two was spent mostly just acclimating to the new normal. Getting to know her Pokemon - a cute and very pink Cleffa, which Ochako finally decided on a name for...Parfait. It was cute and sweet, just like her little, meeping partner. Next in line was, uh...actually training up the little thing. It was weird thinking that this tiny, pudgy, pink cream puff could fight, but...then again, a lot of people underestimated her, and Ochako had one hell of a punch, and her high kick was, by Gunhead's standards, top shelf. So, after a few fumbled first battles (Ochako learned quickly that birds are jerks in this world), she eventually got the hang of it, hanging around the outskirts of Cherrygrove (in the early part of route 29 and 30 respectively), battling Pokemon and looking to expand her growing team.

And boy did she find one hell of a Pokemon to add. The video feed comes one with Ochako looking quite disheveled, her hair standing up in a few spots and a spattering of...some sort of food item on her cheek.]

Mmh... H-Hello, everyone, um. M-My name is Uraraka. U-Uraraka Ochako... [She tries to smooth her hair down, but to no avail.] I-I'm new here and. Ehh...

I-Is it normal for Poke...Pokey...Poker--...for your critters to refuse to eat? D-Do they have preferences? Because, um... [Ochako switches her Gear's camera to show off a very petulant looking Espurr, sitting on its butt on a stone with arms crossed, a little bowl in front of it floating around and smacking on the side of the rock every few seconds.] Th-This one won't accept anything I've given her. She's like a picky child...

[Ochako heaves a big, heavy sigh, shoulders drooping.] I don't want to waste all my food, but I don't want her to not eat, either!! Mmmaahh...Eclair-chaaan...please eat something. Maybe some water? At least a drink?

Comments

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[necrodentia]

[ Oh! It's the girl Rainer met back in New Bark Town! The poor thing looks pretty worse for wear... ]

Have you tried cat food? [ Wait... ] Is that offensive? I just mean-- it looks kind of like a little fluffy cat.

[floatsaway]

[It certainly is!! Ochako recognizes Rainer as well, given the tiny blink and look of recognition on her face for that brief moment before she answers, looking away as she scratches at her cheek with a nervous look.]

Well...I don't exactly have cat food! I thought about that, but...um. I-I don't really have much food period, actually. Other than what was packed with me when I left town. [Just some rations, which aren't really 'animal friendly' or so Ochako thought.] I bought some little packages of meat in the next town over, but...she doesn't want any of it.

[Eclair wrinkles her nose, making a face at the camera before baring those tiny, sharp teeth. The bowl clangs ever louder against the rock.]

[necrodentia]

Hmm... [ This sure is a predicament. Rainer was lucky to have a group of well-established friends and friends-of-friends who let her travel with them and helped her pay for things. She's definitely realized not everyone who comes here is so fortunate. ]

If I was still over in that neck of the woods, I would offer to lend you some gold, but... [ But one, that's not even the currency they use here, and two, she's halfway across the region by now. ]

What about an actual eclair? Maybe she's got a sweet tooth!

[floatsaway]

[Ochako technically does have this, too - all the boys from home that are here are a bit more experienced than herself, and further in their travels - but she didn't want to be a burden to them. If this type of world is going to be her 'new normal' she wants to experience it herself! The good, the bad, and the ugly. It's the only way Ochako will really learn, though of course she does have the foresight to ask for help, too, like right now.]

G-Gold?! [Wait, what. People just fucking...carry gold around in this place/! Is that a thing?! Just wait until Ochako hears about Nuggets. She shakes her head quickly, clearing her throat. Just gonna...move along.] Ah...weh...um. W-Well, don't those have sweet cream and chocolate on them? I mean...I know most animals can't eat chocolate, and dairy is actually bad for most animals to eat, too. Cow's milk, I mean...it's not great to give most animals that.

[She's no cat or animal expert, those are Aizawa and Kouda respectively, but Ochako knows enough from the cat cafes she sometimes goes to with her friends. You're not supposed to feed the cats any of the cafe treats, even if they beg.]

But I could try a few sugarcubes... Those are pretty cheap, and I can use them for tea myself, since sugar keeps forever unless it gets wet.

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[nastyboy]

[Oh - Dimitri opens up this video with his backdrop some sort of cave, and an Emboar peering over one shoulder and a Rattata perched on the other.]

Oh... Oh I believe we may possibly be able to help? Although I make no guarantees.

[Excuse him as he clears his throat...]

Excuse me, Eclair?

[floatsaway]

[Oh, whoa, those are both two new Pokemon Ochako hasn't seen yet - especially the former. What even is it? And--...actually, how many of these animals are in this world, really? I-I mean, if they replace regular animals like she knows back home, there are probably hundreds, but...jeez. Still, that pig ol' piggy is super cool looking.]

O-Oh, um!! Sure, if you think you can! Thank you, sir, just...give me a minute--

[She just needs to adjust the PokeGear's camera a little, scooting closer to the scowling Espurr as it uses its psychic powers to clang the bowl angrily against the rock, pausing only to glower down at the image and the voice coming from the small device, lifting its nose up. At least she's listening.]

[nastyboy]

[Having a Pokemon willing to listen is the first step, as far as Dimitri is concerned. He gives a polite nod to Eclair.]

Hello, Eclair. My name is Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd, and this is Dean and Gremlin.

[His Emboar gives a small wave first, and that leaves Gremlin the Rattata to chitter an eager greeting out himself.]

It seems that you don't like the food that you have in front of you. Would it be all right if you tilted the bowl just a bit, so that I can see what's inside?

video;

[songstressedout]

[ Oh my goodness... ]

Aww...! She's adorable...!

[ Oops, she let that be the first thing she said when she saw the picky pouty baby... but this might actually be a serious problem, so she clears her throat. ]

S-Sorry, uh...

[ Crap, actually... she wasn't sure. She was just as new to this as Ochako was, but she was fortunate enough to not have to deal with this. All of her Pokemon seemed to eat what was given to them, after all. Well, she had one idea, maybe... ]

Have you tried like... putting something else on it...?

[floatsaway]

Ehehe, she is really cute, isn't she? I just sort of wish she wasn't such a troublemaker...

[Or so damn picky. Ochako is starting to think this angy baby is going to be one of those spoiled fancy cats that only eats slivers of raw seafood, judging by how Eclair definitely seemed to perk up at the mentions of fish whenever Ochako stole a glance her way. She really...can't afford that stuff, though...and hopes to satiate her with some berries that people have been mentioning.]

I'm not exactly sure what. I don't really know what these things can and can't eat, and I don't want to make her sick, you know? Plus, I...don't really have much to begin with. Even if she's a bit of a brat, I still want to make sure she stays healthy. It's my responsibility to look after her.

[Ochako waggles her fingers toward the huffy Espurr, who makes a whiny "nyaaa" noise but doesn't lash out, scooting closer a bit because it does want some attention. Truly a tsun catte.]

I...wonder if they sell katsuobushi here. [Dried Bonito flakes.] Those are pretty cheap, and it'd give a well enough fishy taste if I put it over some canned stuff.

[songstressedout]

[ Oh, Yuzu’s heart melts at everything the tsun-catte does, but at the same time she understands Ochako’s dilemma... at least somewhat. ]

I guess... other solutions could be maybe wet food? If that exists... or maybe a specific flavor of pokefood? Though I’m not sure how much that costs...

[ Berries were of course another option, since while Yuzu’s been warned RATHER THOROUGHLY away from eating any herself, her Pokémon seem to usually enjoy them without much fail. ]

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[hatedthemost]

Oh, hey, I'm new too. I got a different one, though...?

[Arthur squints into the screen. He'd sort of just assumed everybody got rodents. Maybe that was dumb.]

Isn't that just kinda something cats do? Can you get tuna here?

[floatsaway]

Mm, I think there's actually a lot of different kinds you can find!! When I first showed up, I-I actually...um. G-Got attacked by a pair of birds.

[Ochako rubs the back of her neck, looking sheeping and laughing nervously. Honestly, fuck birds in this world - nearly all of the ones she fought were jerks. There were maybe only a few types that didn't immediately swoop at her or try to attack and peck at her and her Cleffa when they were taking a break from Training.

A-Anyway!]

I tried!! I couldn't find much at the next town over. Th-There's so many brands and types of food that I don't recognize! I-I was thinking of getting this can that had this weird, red snapper looking thing on it? They said it was some sort of carp, but...I-I wasn't sure if she could eat that. A-And raw fish is really expensive...

[Eclair hisses, having tuned in when Ochako locked eyes with it, the banging and yowling starting to get louder and louder now that it's gotten the attention of its Trainer anew.]

[hatedthemost]

Yikes.

[That's a lot! But, wait, he heard something about some kind of cat Pokemon earlier...]

It's not a...a Meowth, is it? I heard those like, make infinite money or something.

[text]

[neverfinishanyth]

What sorts of foods have you tried giving your friend? Perhaps we might be able to find something even a picky eater might like.

[floatsaway]

Well, I tried a few pieces of sausage first. Then some slices of...I think it was ham? Then some bits of apple, thinking she didn't like meat, but nothing worked.
I don't really have much in the ways of food PERIOD, since I just arrived here recently...and I don't really know what these things can really eat. My other one will isn't as picky, though she definitely seems to like things that are hot most of all.

[Which is surprising. Ochako could have sworn a pokemon as cute and pink and puffy as her Cleffa would prefer sweets, but it actually like spicy things.]

Someone else suggested fish, but...I-I don't have much money, either. Fish is expensive, a-and I don't know what's in the canned stuff. There was one with a red snapper looking fish?? But it said carp?
Can kitties eat carp? I wish sensei was here...

[CONSULT THE CAT EXPERT.]

[neverfinishanyth]

I think cats can, generally, eat whatever they wish to. I've had some luck getting my pokemon to eat berries, but I do not know if this will help with your cat in particular.

[Video]

[mightdoriya]

[Izuku had run into Ochako when she'd first arrived. She'd definitely seemed frazzled then, and he hadn't really wanted to just leave her like that...but he'd been traveling with Katsuki and Kirishima, and with Katsuki in such a fragile state and already struggling to reclaim any sense of normalcy, he knew that staying on standby would be for the best right now. However, he does recognize that route Ochako is on, even if she's not able to show a lot of it on camera. He spent a LOT of time trying (and failing) to catch anything on that route until they hit Ilex.

He turns on his feed, Mighty draped over one of his shoulders as he usually is, his bushy tail starting to wag once he notices Ochako.]

Uraraka-san...if you want, I can come by and see if there's anything I can do to help? It shouldn't take me too long to warp back for a while...and I might have something in my bag that they'd like.

[floatsaway]

[In all honesty, Ochako preferred this - being on her own. It's nice to have Izuku and the other boys around, of course, but she doesn't need nor want to be coddled. If Ochako is supposed to explore this new world, and truly experience it, then she wants to do so on her own two feet!! It'd make her feel like a burden if she allowed the boys to simply drag her around after them...and she doesn't want to seem like baggage to her best friends. No, she has to endure this world's trial and tribulations herself. Besides, there's been plenty of help thus far from others, too! Ochako's a smart and resourceful girl, she'll be fine.]

Ah, Deku-kun!! [She beams for the first time since uploading her plight, and Eclair blinks, narrowing her eyes and leaning forward curiously. Whomst has taken her Trainer's attention away from her?] Eh...I-I don't want to burden you with having to go our of your way, I'm sure I'll be able to find something myself. Plus, a lot of people suggested I--oh!!

[Foregoing its bowl, Eclair uses its psychic powers to nab Ochako's PokeGear right out of her hand and pull it towards herself, holding it upside down in her stumpy little arms and peering down at the image with a glower and a loud yowl.]

No, no, Eclair-chan, give that back, come on--DON'T RUN!! [Enjoy that godawful jerking motion of the camera, Deku. Hopefully it doesn't make you sick.]

[mightdoriya]

Oh no, it's not really that big of a deal! We've been in the same town for a few days until we decide where to go next, so it'd be nice to-

[Izuku starts to explain, but before he can finish his sentence- or really before Ochako even finished hers, the Gear is suddenly being pulled right out of Ochako's hand by the psychic type herself. Izuku's never seen an Espurr before now, much less one this angry. He leans back at the way the little thing yowls directly in his face, as if threatening him despite looking....so cute, oh no...

Also, oh god. The camera, oof.]

U-uwah-! Wait a minute-!

[He scrambles to try to figure out a way to help, but what can he honestly do on the other side of the screen? Poor Ochako may just have to deal with this one on her own...]

Please give that back, Eclair-!

[fortuna_tenax]

If regular food isn't cutting it, you might need to try some berries- they can be found in the wilds, growing near the paths you normally walk on. They come in specific flavor types, which can also help determine what she likes. ... Just, don't try to eat them yourself, they aren't people friendly at all.

[floatsaway]

Mm, you're not the first person to tell me about those berries... Is there a certain kind that these animals like? Is it specific for them?

[She knows creatures back home in her world like various fruits and vegetables, and Ochako really did attempt to feed her Espurr an apple, but it simply was not up to snuff for the little kitten's regal palette.]

But...can they also eat thing people can eat? I was thinking maybe some milk, but I know dairy's actually not good for cat's back home...

[fortuna_tenax]

They'll generally be about the size of a baseball, bright and colorful... hold on.

( and then uraraka will get a ping for a pm with an image of various poke-favored berries attached. )

These are all different types, and it seems pokemon of certain natures prefer different flavors? Like particularly jolly pokemon like sweet berries.

They can, yeah! ... But, uh, I try not to give the canine ones chocolate anyways. It just feels wrong.

action

[talkyourwayout]

[Louie's been hanging around in the same area, and happens to pass by Ochako as she's trying to feed her Espurr. He watches the duo for a moment before approaching them. He's not exactly a charitable kid, but - "evil triplet" designation aside - he's also not a bad kid. And how hard can it be to talk a Pokemon into eating something?]

Hey, uh... Do you want some help?

[floatsaway]

[Startled just slightly, Ochako jumps, and tries to smooth out her hair and clean herself up as best she can. It's...not much, but at least she doesn't look like a total barbarian. Eclair the Espurr stares, unblinkingly, at Louie and makes a low noise in her throat, like a tiny rumble.]

Y-Yes...I mean, um. Maybe? I-I can't get this little one here to eat what I give her, and she's...w-well. Eheh...starting to put up quite a fuss. [Eclair huffs, crossing her arms, puffing up her fur to look larger than she is.] I'm new here, so I really don't know what it is these animals even really like to eat...

My other one isn't quite so picky.

[talkyourwayout]

[Louie hesitates a moment. Eclair is kind of freaking him out here, to be honest. But he made the offer, might as well stick to it. He supposes.]

I think they like berries, and some people seem to make special food for them. If you have anything like that, I can try feeding her?