video

[manabiki]

[ The video cuts in with Shinobu standing a small distance away, wearing... khakis? And a blue polo? both of which clash terribly with her white, turquoise, and pink haori and the butterfly pin holding her hair back. She also looks like she barely cares about how awful all these clothing go together. ]

[ Instead, Shinobu reaches down to a fat, tiny cherubi that is nearly wrapped around her calf. Hoisting up the creature like a baby, Shinobu begins: ] This sweet little girl ran up to me during my travels! Many birds seemed to have been chasing her, likely for this tiny bud right here. [ Shinobu wipes away nectar that had drooled from the mouth of the smaller head, gentle as could be. ]

Are these creatures known to seek human aid in times of distress? Very little is said about this phenomenon!

Comments

[video]

[funsnofun]

[As Boober starts his response, he's already digging around in his bag.]

Actually, something similar happened to me not long ago. Although the Pokemon in question didn't exactly seek out my help... Ah, here.

[He pulls out a Pokeball and releases a Carbink from within. The Pokemon twirls around first to look at their trainer, then when Boober nods to the screen, spins back to look that way with a happy expression.]

This is Cristallino, a Carbink. There's this kind of Pokemon called Sableye that tries to eat these lil fellas, and when I saw that happening I- Well, my team helped Cristallino, and they've been with me since.

In fact, I've only fought with one Pokemon to catch it. I don't really like battling, but sometimes the Pokemon are just looking for that, and most of my team does seem to like the exercise. [Boober shrugs as he pats Cristallino between the ears.] But most of my Pokemon have befriended ones I already had while I had them out to play. And, um, from there they just come with me.

Re: [video]

[manabiki]

That's wonderful! [ Shinobu seems ecstatic at this information, that not all pokemon want to fight, that so many can choose to follow their human companions. Shinobu also dislikes fighting. She's fought enough, already.]

I've just arrived, so I've only met a few of these little creatures. They have such unique personalities!

[funsnofun]

Welcome, then, I guess. I mean-- It's a strange place to be, and sometimes things are dangerous. But the Pokemon being around, they help with that, and not just by fighting. They're good companions, too.

Video

[brokencode]

[That is the cutest and most gentlest thing Angel is ever seen. It takes a lot to keep her cooing off screen, though she's still wearing a rather warm expression when her video feed clicks on.]

It could be that it needed help, yes. [She's heard of as much, though never experienced it herself.] It is also possible that she simply took a liking to you. Creatures like these are rather... sensitive. They pick up very easily on those who might share a similar soul or demeanor.

Either way, she must have known that you were a safe person to turn to.

[manabiki]

[ Shinobu smiles, tips her head to the side. Safe person, similar soul... if only. ] That is very kind. I'm sure she would see many people here and run to them as well!

[brokencode]

[When you come from a place where the bad guys show their weird, warped, entrail eating colors right away, it's a little difficult not to take people at face value.]

Maybe so. But only because there are many good people here. Some... less than good, but they are in the minority.

[manabiki]

[ Shinobu seems concerned, but the serenity on her face doesn't fade, and her smile is moonbright. ] Don't worry, I can protect you if you need! I might not look it, but I'm a very talented swordswoman and pharmacist! I'm very awesome like that.

[brokencode]

Oh, I -- [Yes, Angel's mind flips toward Jack briefly, but she shoves the thought away just as quickly as it comes.]

I do not need anything like that! I do not suspect anyone would!

[manabiki]

Really? [ Shinobu frowns, bouncing the little cherubi like a baby as she thinks. Not needing violence... Shinobu doubts that. Violence can be seen in every creature alive. Even the creatures here, as cute as they might be, fight. ] A shame. I'm really very good.

[brokencode]

I do not mean to cast doubt upon that!

[Panic panic panic.]

I... am simply not fond of violence. It is rather common where I am from, and I much prefer the way of resolving things here.

Video

[desertpowered]

I think so. In any case, it looks like she chose you. Bird Pokémon like to eat her species. She was smart to go to you for help.

[Paul scribbles something in his notebook - he is supposed to be taking notes on Pokémon behavior during his journey, and he doesn't shirk.]

Are you going to name her? She clearly wants to stay as a member of your team.

[manabiki]

I think so as well! [ Shinobu smiles brightly at the cherubi in her arms, head tipped to the side. It doesn't escape her notice that Paul makes notes, but she doesn't say anything. ] Sakura-chan, it is. Hopefully the others won't bully her too much.

[desertpowered]

Sakura. Does that name mean something in the world you came from? [Paul sets his notebook aside, to be polite and because research can wait.] I’ve never trained a Grass-type, but that’s an interesting one. You seem a little concerned - is your team often hard on new members?

[manabiki]

Cherry blossom. It's a very sweet name for a sweet girl. [ There's a naming convention, one that Shinobu thinks her elder sister would have liked. ]

[ At the concern Paul shows about the team, Shinobu waves her hand quickly, dismissing the notion. ] Ume can be a little enthusiastic for her size, especially towards the smaller creatures. Given how sensitive this little one is, I might have to keep them separated for a while!

[desertpowered]

Well, that Pokémon species does look like a flower when it evolves, as I understand. A well-chosen name in multiple respects.

[Paul seems to be relieved that it isn't anything serious. He has to be mindful with his own team, given how small Joltik is.] Sometimes the larger Pokémon mean well, but they don't know their own strength. So it's probably for the best to introduce them properly, with space and time. What kind is Ume, if I may ask?

[manabiki]

My sisters love flowers. [ Shinobu keeps her face soft, her voice calm, but talking about her sisters always hurts. She's just become adept at hiding it. ]

Ah! My apologies. Let me fetch her. [ Shinobu leaves the camera for a moment, calling out for her scyther. It takes only a couple of seconds for her to return and with Ume beside her, the scyther nosing at the cherubi in Shinobu's arms. ] Say hello, Ume-chan!

[desertpowered]

[Paul nods - his guess is that she named her Pokémon in honor of those sisters. However, he doesn't comment. It isn't his business.]

A Scyther? [As someone who's dipped into Bug-type training, Paul recognizes the species immediately. There's definitely a size difference between the two.] They're impressive creatures. I'm someting of a Bug trainer myself, you know.

[manabiki]

Are you? [ Shinobu brightens up, her smile wide and looking genuinely pleased with this information. Bugs, insects-- they're her favourite. She adapted Flower Breathing specifically into Insect, just for herself, and is the only swordswomen to ever wield a blade the way she does. To say she has a soft spot is putting it lightly. ] That's amazing!

[desertpowered]

Mm. My starter was a Trapinch - not a true Bug-type, but its evolutions look a lot like giant dragonflies. And then there's Joltik. Electric-Bug. Speedy, good at using webs to slow its opponents down. Together with Flygon's sandstorms and Dragalge's poison once they all evolve that could make a potent combination.