Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd, local cryptid (
nastyboy) wrote in
victory_road2021-12-31 05:20 pm
011 - video
[Will Dimitri ever start off a video with it in a steady position? No. Never. Enjoy that close up of his hand before he pulls it away from where he's presumably placed his Pokegear on a decently high and flat surface. It must be somewhere in the living room of his home, considering the camera focuses immediately on a large television screen on the wall opposite from it.]
[And what's playing on that screen, while a small little Rattata wearing some sort of VR helmet stands in front of it? Don't worry about it. Yes, Gremlin is playing Just Dance. Ease up.]
[As Dimitri pulls away, it's clear to see Dean the Emboar sitting just barely in from as well, giving polite claps of his hooves as Gremlin pulls off different dance moves in time with the video. There's also a Fletchinder on the Emboar's shoulder, bouncing up and down in time with the beat with a single leg decorated in pretty golden ribbon. He only has the one leg.]
[Try not to get lost staring at that too much, because Dimitri is pulling back into frame with a smile on his face.]
Good tidings, everyone. I hope that you enjoyed the Christmas holiday that recently passed, whether you are used to such things, or have experienced it for the first time.
There has been... a great deal of change for me, personally. Only a year ago, and I felt very differently. Things have been for the better, I suppose.
In my own homeland, the end of the year would actually not happen for another couple of months. We waited for the winter to end, before considering things to begin anew. I have had to adjust to it all myself, but it has not been too unpleasant.
I suppose it helps that winter festivities are very much the same, no matter where one hails.
[In the background, one can just barely see the head of a Midday Lycanroc come into the frame as she violently shakes the plush and Christmas-themed Crabominable she has in her mouth. It ends up going flying, almost into the little Rattata still dancing along to the video game... Only for some sort of psychic energy to envelop it and redirect the toy elsewhere - offscreen - so that the Lycanroc goes chasing after it and out of sight.]
[Dimitri remains oblivious to such things and just keeps talking.]
For example, at the end of winter in Faerghus, we have a holiday dedicated to one of the holy saints. It is encouraged to check up on one's neighbors in town, to make sure that all has gone well throughout the long winter, and to pool together resources for a communal feast.
That particular saint was known to be somewhat reserved, but someone who always used his hands to do good... So checking on those you have not seen in likely many weeks, even months, is thought do be in line with what he represents.
What sort of holidays do you know of in your own homelands? Or what form does Christmas take there? Ah-
[Sorry, he's being interrupted by squeaking, as the Rattata behind him has finished his song, and is bouncing up and down. Dimitri turns away to go crouch down besides him, holding out his large palms so those little rat hands can smack into them excitedly.]
Alternatively, you can tell me of what gifts you received over the holiday. I cannot speak for anyone else, but I received something... quite sentimental to me. [Armor he might even wear, instead of the black and battered one he tends to wear lately.] Gremlin here also received a rather fantastic gift. Something called.... VR?
[Dimitri clearly has no idea what he's talking about. It's fine.]
It is a dancing game, and he has been having a lot of fun... Ah, what a good score, Gremlin! [And then, a quieter aside to Dean the Emboar.] Is that a good score?
[While Dean is nodding reassuringly - it's a decent score, just a couple of missed spots or things the VR set might not have recognized - another shape walks almost dead silently into frame. It's an Alolan Marowak, and she lightly taps Gremlin's shoulder without making a single sound. He manages to pop the VR helmet off, blinking at her, before offering the helmet to her with a happy squeak. Yes, he is good boy, he shares his games!]
[The Alolan Marowak takes the helmet, turns her back to the Pokegear to show off those bone-like markings along her spine, and hunches over with her head bowed to start doing.... something. Martlet the Fletchinder tucks his face underneath one wing, while Dean looks up towards the ceiling. Gremlin covers his face with both of his large ears, and Dimitri averts his eyes.]
[This only changes when the Alolan Marowak straightens up, and, it's hard to tell, but is that... some metal peering out from underneath her skull helmet? Did she put the VR helmet under the bone one?]
[Don't you worry about it.]
[On the screen, one of the little dance avatars glitches out for a moment, changing from a stylized Rattata alongside some humans, into a Marowak. And then... She chooses a song.]
[And is kind of bizarrely good at it, movements perfectly timed and popped off without a single thing one wrong.]
[Gremlin clutches his face with his little rat hands, jaw dropped. Dimitri watches for a moment with the detached view of someone who still doesn't really Get video games, before turning back to the camera with a smile.]
The game has been very popular.
[And what's playing on that screen, while a small little Rattata wearing some sort of VR helmet stands in front of it? Don't worry about it. Yes, Gremlin is playing Just Dance. Ease up.]
[As Dimitri pulls away, it's clear to see Dean the Emboar sitting just barely in from as well, giving polite claps of his hooves as Gremlin pulls off different dance moves in time with the video. There's also a Fletchinder on the Emboar's shoulder, bouncing up and down in time with the beat with a single leg decorated in pretty golden ribbon. He only has the one leg.]
[Try not to get lost staring at that too much, because Dimitri is pulling back into frame with a smile on his face.]
Good tidings, everyone. I hope that you enjoyed the Christmas holiday that recently passed, whether you are used to such things, or have experienced it for the first time.
There has been... a great deal of change for me, personally. Only a year ago, and I felt very differently. Things have been for the better, I suppose.
In my own homeland, the end of the year would actually not happen for another couple of months. We waited for the winter to end, before considering things to begin anew. I have had to adjust to it all myself, but it has not been too unpleasant.
I suppose it helps that winter festivities are very much the same, no matter where one hails.
[In the background, one can just barely see the head of a Midday Lycanroc come into the frame as she violently shakes the plush and Christmas-themed Crabominable she has in her mouth. It ends up going flying, almost into the little Rattata still dancing along to the video game... Only for some sort of psychic energy to envelop it and redirect the toy elsewhere - offscreen - so that the Lycanroc goes chasing after it and out of sight.]
[Dimitri remains oblivious to such things and just keeps talking.]
For example, at the end of winter in Faerghus, we have a holiday dedicated to one of the holy saints. It is encouraged to check up on one's neighbors in town, to make sure that all has gone well throughout the long winter, and to pool together resources for a communal feast.
That particular saint was known to be somewhat reserved, but someone who always used his hands to do good... So checking on those you have not seen in likely many weeks, even months, is thought do be in line with what he represents.
What sort of holidays do you know of in your own homelands? Or what form does Christmas take there? Ah-
[Sorry, he's being interrupted by squeaking, as the Rattata behind him has finished his song, and is bouncing up and down. Dimitri turns away to go crouch down besides him, holding out his large palms so those little rat hands can smack into them excitedly.]
Alternatively, you can tell me of what gifts you received over the holiday. I cannot speak for anyone else, but I received something... quite sentimental to me. [Armor he might even wear, instead of the black and battered one he tends to wear lately.] Gremlin here also received a rather fantastic gift. Something called.... VR?
[Dimitri clearly has no idea what he's talking about. It's fine.]
It is a dancing game, and he has been having a lot of fun... Ah, what a good score, Gremlin! [And then, a quieter aside to Dean the Emboar.] Is that a good score?
[While Dean is nodding reassuringly - it's a decent score, just a couple of missed spots or things the VR set might not have recognized - another shape walks almost dead silently into frame. It's an Alolan Marowak, and she lightly taps Gremlin's shoulder without making a single sound. He manages to pop the VR helmet off, blinking at her, before offering the helmet to her with a happy squeak. Yes, he is good boy, he shares his games!]
[The Alolan Marowak takes the helmet, turns her back to the Pokegear to show off those bone-like markings along her spine, and hunches over with her head bowed to start doing.... something. Martlet the Fletchinder tucks his face underneath one wing, while Dean looks up towards the ceiling. Gremlin covers his face with both of his large ears, and Dimitri averts his eyes.]
[This only changes when the Alolan Marowak straightens up, and, it's hard to tell, but is that... some metal peering out from underneath her skull helmet? Did she put the VR helmet under the bone one?]
[Don't you worry about it.]
[On the screen, one of the little dance avatars glitches out for a moment, changing from a stylized Rattata alongside some humans, into a Marowak. And then... She chooses a song.]
[And is kind of bizarrely good at it, movements perfectly timed and popped off without a single thing one wrong.]
[Gremlin clutches his face with his little rat hands, jaw dropped. Dimitri watches for a moment with the detached view of someone who still doesn't really Get video games, before turning back to the camera with a smile.]
The game has been very popular.

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[Kazuki waves at Gremlin, although maybe with that helmet, he can't see him.]
The New Year used to happen on the lunar calendar in Japan too, so it would've been in February or March, but now we do it on the western calendar like the rest of the world. It's probably the most important holiday back home. Everyone goes home to their families, businesses shut down, you go to the local temple... Oh, and all the food too!
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Perhaps we are lucky, to still feel that way.
[Something, something... Youth is good? Although Dimitri would like to grow old, honestly.]
I see... This sounds familiar. I believe we spoke of the lunar calendar before, but not the traditions. That sounds similar to things back home as well... At least in Faerghus, it was expected that priests and nuns would take part in such a holiday, both as a part of their duties to the community, and in respect to the Saints that many holidays were dedicated to.
And, of course, the food is a given. I suppose it is only natural to involve such things during big events, when one is human.
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I guess... it still felt faster than it did when I was in elementary school, at least!
What were the traditions? Oh, and what kind of food did you eat?
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For traditions, do you mean for the particular holiday at the end of winter, or in general? And I suppose the same could be said for food, although I only know extremes... The answer may not be particularly satisfying.
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[Video]
Oh that looks like great fun... are you going to play, Dimitri?
Speaking of winter holidays, I wanted to thank you again for the lovely gifts. I will be putting those fishing rods to good use. Perhaps we should prepare a feast for everyone as well?
Hm. I suppose I could just come ask you but...
These things are so fascinating and useful. Still, I think I do prefer your personal company to a screen.
[Video]
[At least he manages to school his expression enough to just be embarrassed about being called out on playing a game - at least in front of the professor.]
Oh, no, I could not. The device that is required to play it is far too small for me, as it is intended for smaller creatures. I imagine there is likely one meant for humans, but that is not a gift that was given this year.
[And Dimitri isn't really one to ask for such a thing.]
The only creatures which seem to come towards the fishing rods, as far as I can tell, tend to be the creatures native to this world, and they are not meant for eating. [
Fish are friends, not food.] Still, I thought you might enjoy that hobby still...If you would like to come and join us here in the den, Professor, you would be more than welcome.
[Video] --> [Action]
[ He gives a tiny chuff that could be translated as a laugh. ]
I was given an egg, actually. I'm not sure what will come out of it but I'm quite excited to see. [ Ahh right, no eating Pokemon. ] All the better really, though I do miss the taste of fresh fish... I'm so very fond of the Pokemon friends I have made. The chance to fish up more is a thrilling concept.
Ah... if you don't mind.
[ A few moments later he emerges with three in tow, Breakfast nestled in one arm, and the Shinx he had collected with Dimitri, finally a Null that follows down as well. He sets the Shinx down who scampers towards the entertaining screen, bonking into a chair, then the couch, then Dean, and finally takes a seat with the others. ]
Quite the little party here.
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[ She's teasing, mostly, even if she does think the game looks like fun. ]
Back in Nua, our big winter holiday is called Candlenights. It seems to be largely in line with Christmas traditions, in terms of giving gifts and decorating foliage. Only we decorate a bush, not a tree. And our gifts are given out by Terry, the Gift Delivery Dragon.
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[Small holdable Pokemon only.]
Candlenights... The name alone sounds rather reassuring, in some way. Nothing rant, but comforting. I suppose the same could be same for Terry.
Although it is amusing in some way... In Fodlan, dragons are seen as divine children of the Goddess. But while it is a fine name, "Terry" is not what one would think of when considering a divine entity, is it?
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[ She forgets that those classes aren't universal. ]
Oh, no. The only divine being involved in Candlenights isn't Terry, it's the Star King.
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with bonus text
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Video
After a moment or two of this there's a voice from the background, sounding a little exasperated but mostly resigned: "... You touched it, didn't you?"
The Helioptile blinks and pulls back a bit to get a better look at the 'gear itself and, yep, that sure is the indicator that this thing is recording, isn't it? There's a guilty chirp, followed by the viewing suddenly shifting as the 'gear's owner picks it up again, eventually coming to rest at an awkward angle showing (most of) the face of a somewhat gruff-looking man with an eyepatch.
"Sorry about that. Seems he got a little too excited."
Video
It would be nice if he could find another friend for Gremlin... Cinnamon, the Spearow, helps with chess and some things, but beaks just aren't particularly good for video games in most cases.
Dimitri lets Gremlin wiggle out of his arms when he hears a human voice speak from the Gear, and he patiently waits until there's a face to match it before he gives a polite nod. "Please, think nothing of it. He seems to be around the right size to engage in such a game himself, so it is little wonder he gained an interest. My name is Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd. It is nice to meet you."
Re: Video
He might not be one for much socializing, but a little basic politeness never hurts. Meanwhile, the Helioptile has apparently scrambled up his trainer's arm and found a perch on his shoulder, to judge by the lizardy face suddenly reappearing on the screen pressed up near Geddoe's head. Geddoe seems to take no notice whatsoever.
"What was all that, anyway?"
He has no clue, all this fancy technology stuff is new to him. As may be obvious by his awkward handling of the pokégear...
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video
[A beat. A small smile appeared on his face.]
Your guys look like they're having a blast. You ever played with them before? VR is insane, I've tried it once. It's wild.
video
[Dimitri is arguably also traveling, but he also has two houses that he's living in, and so, you know. It's fine.]
While I have tried the occasional video game at Gremlin's insistence, I am afraid VR is rather... unknown to me. Claude got the helmet specifically for him, or other small Paliens, and so it is not something I could wear.
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And please, your gifts are awesome. I know you thought of me well when you sent them.
[He made a smile, but was quick to move along]
That had to have cost him a pretty penny. VR sets are pretty expensive. But I know Gremlin knows his way around games so it's gonna get all of the money's worth. I can tell already.
There's arcades that kinda do it around here? Not as nice as that set but it's fun for the moment.
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[Not to mention the other incredible things about this - they make VR helmets for Pokémon? Were those even a thing for people back home?? - but, you know, one thing at a time.]
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[Alolan Marowak, man]
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video;
[Sorry, Dimitri, you had very important things to say. But Shiro's immediately distracted here. Your pokemon steal the show.]
video;
I will be sure to relay the compliment. [You know, when Gremlin and Hafren are done deciding who gets the next round of dancing.] I am honestly glad he has something active to play, now. Ever since he reached level 100, I was worried about his exercise.
[Even if Gremlin gets everywhere, and is still somehow one of his primary battlers... Listen.]
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[He's grinning, though. Broadly. It really was good to see the little guy going to town on the game.]
Did he pick it up on his own?
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text
The culture from home isn't any different. I got so many cute things, your gift included! Thank you so much! I hope you don't mind if I send you more baked goods as an extra thanks.
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I will be glad if my gift proves useful to you in the future. You do not have to go out of your way to bake things for me if it is any trouble, but I will not refuse anything either. I am sure many of the people living with me would be glad to sample your efforts as well.
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[ this is super late, but dimitri will find that said extra gift is a portrait of him and his rat team as . . . the rat king. ]
I’m using your warmer as we speak, the book every morning, and my Marill knows Ice Beam now! I’m going to save Thunder Wave for my next team— Thank you!
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