[Video, forward dated to the 13th]

[gobetween]

[The video starts out somewhat shaky, though that might be due to the rumblings that occasionally go through in the background and certainly not at all that despite getting it a couple days ago, the user is still getting used to having the PokeGear. New Bark is visible in the background, but at the moment the subject- a muddy, scruffed-up newly arrived trainer with bright pink hair -seems to be sitting near the mouth of a tunnel on Route 29.]

You know, the little purple guy- [He indicates a Toxel sleeping against his side] -is really cute and all. And I guess being transformed like this is, ehhn, a new experience I wouldn't'a had otherwise, right?

But the tunnels full of giant pink monster things I think is somethin' I coulda done without. [Beat.] O-oh! I mean if this is normal, then it's- it's okay! I think. The actual tunnels are neat at least.

[He has to pause for another rumble through the ground, shaking the leaves on the trees; Toxel hardly stirs at all.]

Does anyone know how to get around the wormy things? They don't really seem like talkin'.

Comments

[video]

[soupguy]

[He knows that voice, and he recognizes that pink hair... Not to mention that weird little goose-like grunt. Still, he can't let himself get too excited, because if he does and this isn't Gobo-- But who else could it be? Despite his best efforts - and despite being in some pain from his Orthworm encounters a few days ago; despite being a wreck with those worms still out there - Boober is more hopeful than anything else as he responds.]

Gobo...? It's me. It's Boober!

[gobetween]

Boober??

[He nearly drops the PokeGear in shock, fumbling it for a moment before being able to yank it back up.]

What in the Merggle moon? How long have you been here??

[Didn't he just see him a couple days ago in Fraggle Rock...?]

[soupguy]

[He can feel his emotions heightening to an overwhelming degree, but it's not like he is going (or wants) to step away to collect himself. He just tries a deep breath.]

I've been here for... Almost a year? Yeah. Wow, that's true...

[The length of time hitting him is really what sets the words tumbling out:] It's hard to explain. This place is weird with time, and it takes people from their homes and we all have to be these... humans. It's been such a long time since I've been me for more than a couple days, it's been- It's been such a long time since I've seen anyone from home, and--

[Another deep breath, this one considerably shakier.]

This is real, right? I don't want to be dreaming.

[gobetween]

[Some of that is flying right over his head. Being- humans? -is obvious. And it wasn't that he didn't believe Boober about the time thing, but it hurt his head to try to figure out how that was true so he just tucked it away for now. What he did see however was the emotion welling up in his friend's throat.]

Yeah, yeah you're not dreaming. I'm really here.

Hey, it'll be okay, alright? [Pause for another rumble.] I don't really know what's going on or how you've been here a year or anything like that, but I'm here for ya, bud. No matter what. You know that.

[soupguy]

Yeah, I do. You always are, but- But you might need my help more right now.

There's a lot I need to tell you about. That lil purple guy, it looks like that your Pokemon. That just means one of the critters that live here, including the pink monsters-- [He sighs, and while it's definitely a tired sigh, some of the usual judgemental edge is gone.] Which of course you tried to talk to... That's not going to work, Gobo, just try to keep clear of them, please! They've been causing a lot trouble around here!

And, as for the rest-- Gosh, I don't know where to start.

Video;

[nightyorb]

[Riz doesn't find out about this post from checking the network --he's more focused on all the worm stuff right now-- but rather from Boober's excited announcement to the apartment that a friend from home has arrived.

Of course, Riz knows who Gobo is. He's listened to Boober's stories! He knows that Gobo is to Boober what the Bad Kids are to him. It makes this meeting important. Normally, Riz doesn't much care for how he comes across on the network --he doesn't try to be a dick or anything, but he also knows that he's never been able to get social stuff right-- but this is one of Boober's friends. It's important in a way other random conversations on the network aren't. If other people think he is weird or annoying that is... par for the course, really. But if Gobo thinks of him that way, would that cause trouble for Boober?

Which means Riz is going to have to turn on the charm. Unfortunately, this is Riz, so what it really just translates to is appearing on the screen in a very carefully straightened suit and tie, slightly stilted words memorised.]

Greetings and salutations. You must be the fraggle Gobo. Boober, who is my friend and also your friend, has told me a lot about you. The name is Riz Gukgak and solving mysteries is my game.

[gobetween]

[It seems natural Boober has made other friends here, which is great! He wasn't expecting to meet one so soon, but that made it even better if you asked Gobo. However-]

Hey Riz! Nice to meetcha. Oh, but you don't need to stand on ceremony, eh? [He laughed a bit.] I'm just a guy, it's not like I'm the Archivist or anything.

So you solve mysteries? Sounds like you and Red might get along, if she were here! [He paused.] Hopefully you're better at it than she is. I mean she definitely tries, but...

[nightyorb]

I'm Elmville's youngest private detective. If you've got a mystery, I can definitely solve it.

[Okay, he's straying dangerously into Fabian levels of ego there, but he just really wants to make a good impression.]

Boober has told me a lot about you.

[gobetween]

[Oh yeah! He'd said that a minute ago too, but Gobo had been too curious about other things to ask after it. Now though, there was a little sheepish laugh and a smile.]

Awwh, well nice to see my reputation precedes me, I suppose. What kinda stuff has he been telling you?

[nightyorb]

That you are brave and adventurous, and sort of like the leader of your little group. You've got an Uncle who travels who you want to be like. Oh, and that you like making music and coming up with songs a lot.

[Well, those might not all have been Boober's exact words, but that is what Riz had understood from them.]

[nastyboy]

Oh - oh dear. I apologize that you have arrived at such a terrible time. But, no, these... worms are rather angry, moreso than anything that would normally reside here.

Ah, but you may want to avoid the tunnels. Since those... seem to be where they travel the most.

[gobetween]

Avoid the tunnels, things aren't usually angry. Got it.

[He pauses a moment.]

What's making the worms so angry anyway?

[nastyboy]

I'm not sure... [And he's actually guessing but shhhh] It may have something to do with being so suddenly deposited in a place not their natural home.

[ . . . ]

Which I suppose may be understandable, depending on how one looks at things.

[gobetween]

[He only has to consider a moment before he nods in complete understanding.]

Sure, I could definitely see how they must feel! I was a little more confused than mad when I showed up here, but I bet others have felt differently, huh?

[nastyboy]

I imagine so, yes. From what I understand, it is also very different from their own homeland.

Ah, but - that is besides the point. Is there anyway I could help you? I know this all must be terribly confusing.

video;

[singlespacedad]

[Riz isn't the only one who heard Boober's excited announcement about someone from home. Boober was being unusually loud about it, which was pretty damn cute and caught Mando's attention. So he's aware that he's talking to another former Fraggle when he answers this call, and that the kid has no idea what's going on, and that he arrived at one of the very rare bad times in Pokemon world.]

[Kid might as well have shown up during Prom.]

Avoid the worms, kid. Boober is coming to get you, and if either one of you run into any trouble on the way back, you call me. You call me immediately and I'll be on my way.

[He'd frankly rather be on his way right now, but Boober wanted to do this on his own, and Mando can respect his growing confidence. Go get that best friend, Boober! Mando will be ready to move furniture around to make room for him when the two of them get back home.]

[... he's just assuming that this new kid won't be any better at moving heavy things than Riz or Boober. Please prove him wrong, new kid. Even tanks get tired sometimes.]

You can call me Mando. Got that? Call Mando if you've got any problems on the road.

[Video]

[gobetween]

Oh, Mando! Boober's told me some about you. You can count on me to avoid those worms and get to Boober and you guys safely.

[He's already well on his way to the ferry, though at this point his Toxel has switched to sleeping on top of his head, which at least leaves his arm free.]

Hey, I do have a quick question though, now that I think of it. Do you know where a guy can get some stuff to make a guitar? I.. lost mine, I guess? When I got put here.

[Video]

[singlespacedad]

[Ah, his reputation precedes him! Mando relaxes a little, knowing Boober is on the case and that the new kid is listening to what everyone is telling him.]

A guitar is a musical instrument, right?

[He's not entirely sure which instrument it is, but he's pretty sure it's a musical thing.]

I'm sure you can find one somewhere around here.

[In fact, Mando might just go out and find one on his own, to have it waiting in the apartment for the kid. And then promptly deny he had anything to do with its appearance.]

[gobetween]

It sure is! Lots of Fraggles play instruments, and I think I learned the guitar before I could crawl. I made mine back home, but if there's a way to just get one here, then that's even better. I'll have to keep my eyes out, eh?

[Not that he has any concept of purchasing things. But getting a guitar (or well, receiving one) is definitely a top priority for him.]

[singlespacedad]

[Oh no, he's got a Fraggle can-do attitude. That must just be a part of their culture, and Mando can't help but appreciate it. He's still going to go out and try to find a guitar to stash in the apartment, but he also won't be hurt if Gobo decides to make his own and use that.]

You can look for supplies, but keep to the roads and away from the worms. There'll be plenty of time to make one once you're somewhere safe.

[video]

[woofdad]

[Oh, no, this poor guy. Of all the times to show up here...]

Yeah, the Orthworms are... not really normal. You might have to battle them - or get someone with a stronger team to help, if you just got here. Is there anyone else there with you?

[Video]

[gobetween]

I don't think fighting them is an option right now. My partner seems more sleepy than battle-y. And I don't have anyone with me right now, either...

[He brightens up a bit after a moment.]

Oh! But I got someone on the way? And a couple tips on staying safe until we can meet up. So I think I'll be alright!

[Hopefully.]

[woofdad]

Ah, jeez... yeah, some Pokemon aren't as, uh... proactive as others.

That's good, though - that you've got someone coming to help out! Who is it? There's a lot of people here who are pretty quick to help where they can.

[One of the best things about being here, in Grant's opinion.]

[gobetween]

It's a friend of mine, actually! Someone I knew before I wound up here. A... whole year after he did, even though I just saw him earlier today too, still kinda figurin' that one out.

[Not that it wasn't explained, it just flew so high over his head it might've been a plane.]

His name's Boober. Maybe you know him?

[woofdad]

Oh, good! Always nice to already know someone here. And the, uh... yeah, the time thing can be. Kind of rough. It sort of flows differently here than other places, if that makes sense?

I haven't spoken to him much, but I think I've seen him around, yeah!