001//video;

[thetombkeeper]

[The video feed starts and focuses on a young, thin, tanned skinned teenager with a Yamask laying over his shoulder. One might use the stereotypical term "exotic" to describe him. He softly clears his throat before speaking.]

Ah, hello. My name is-

[The boy pauses, obviously mulling something over in his mind.

I don't need to hide who I am here. Even if there is someone I might know, they all know who I am now so...]

-Marik. I just arrived the other day and I'm currently traveling along Route 29.

[He looks around at the area off screen.]

I've never seen so much green before! The grass is so soft and the way the wind blows through the trees... It's all so wonderful.

[I never thought I'd get to experience any of this.. Domino City had pockets of greenery here and there but still place is so different.]

I'm afraid I'm still not 100% certain on how things work here but I've got the jidst of it. The music is going to take some getting used to, that's for sure. Is there some speaker system it's coming from...?

[Another pause as he debates whether or not to ask the question that pops into his head.]

Hn... Is there another way to catch pokemon? Other than fighting and weakening them, I mean. It seems... kind of cruel to beat the poor thing up and then stuff it into a pokeball. I'm honestly just used to handling cards, not live animals.

[He mutters to himself]

It's still strange to think that these are real creatures and not just holograms...

Comments

[ironchef]

Maybe. I never considered my life all that bad, even if we found a lotta trouble along the way. I figure if it picked me, then it's because I could do something to make someone else's life better. If I can do that, then whatever time I spend here will be worth it.

[Even if he ends up forgetting about it.]

[thetombkeeper]

That's a noble goal. I certainly respect that.

I hope... I'm capable of helping people someday. I've done a lot of the opposite in my life thus far. Maybe that will help repay some of my sins, even just a little.

[ironchef]

That's a pretty noble goal, too. If you need a friend to help you out, I'll do what I can. [He already considers Marik friend material.] I'm not that well established, but I have friends who can give great advice.

[thetombkeeper]

[That throws him a bit. He's still not quite used to random acts of kindness outside of his siblings.]

... Only if it's not a burden for you. I wouldn't want to impose.

[ironchef]

Hey! It's not at all. People letting me help is a privilege! In no way are people that need help burdens.

[That had been the best part of being a Paladin. Otherwise he would have gotten tired of the fighting real quick.]

[thetombkeeper]

[Fighting to help people is definitely good motivation. Marik may slowly learn about that while he's here.]

Well, I... I appreciate it then. Thank you, Hunk. Let me know if there's anything I can do in return.