01 - video

[livlaughlove]

[The network gets a video displaying something that is likely familiar to every single viewer: a dreaded Ledge. Altogether, it looks unintimidating, a lovely short grass path just a few feet above another like it, likely on one of the earlier, calmer routes. The only thing out of place, really, is a man scratching his chin, staring at the shelf of rock like it’s some nigh impossible math problem.

The thing is, he’s huge. Taller than the ledge, even. He can literally peer over the top of it.

First, he lifts the Pokemon at his side, a particularly lethargic Teddiursa, and carefully places it atop the ridge. It promptly tumbles over the side and starts to slide back down, although its trainer catches it before it can sustain any injuries. This repeats once or twice, to the human’s mounting chagrin.

Now, he sets the bear cub on his shoulder and makes as if he’s going to climb the microscopic cliff as Teddiursa settles comfortably in his poncho. And once again, in spite of the high likelihood of him being able to uproot a tree with his bare hands judging by his muscle mass, he can’t keep a grip, and slips down the rocks. His brows furrow deeply as he motions with a hand to the top of the ledge, then to his own head, like one would compare heights.

His shoulders slump as he finally makes his way to the Gear, patting whatever Pokemon has been kind enough to record for him before picking it up and giving the camera an exasperated look.]

So... what's goin’ on with that?

Comments

[singlespacedad]

Are you from a desert world?

[Mando can relate. Fucking sand, man...]

[livlaughlove]

Sure am. That obvious? Or that more relatable than it oughtta be?

[singlespacedad]

Both.

[Desert bro high-five!]

There are hotter places in this world, if that's what you prefer. I don't know about any deserts, though.

There probably are.

[livlaughlove]

I dunno. It never bothered me too much, but I do kinda like it around here. Never seen anythin' besides the desert. Reckon I'd be impressed with just about anythin'.

What's yer favorite place around here?

[singlespacedad]

If you've never seen an ocean, the Sevii Islands are nice. And the cities have a lot to do, but they're also very safe.

[livlaughlove]

I'll keep 'em in mind! Thanks fer the recommendation, friend.

Huh. Come t'think of it, don't think I've ever stopped just t'sightsee in a city, either. Guess I gotta lotta options, at least!

[singlespacedad]

My pleasure.

You do. You can also catch Pokemon while you're traveling between cities. Just walking is a good way to see the different kinds and decide which ones you want on your team.

[livlaughlove]

Yeah? Really, I'm not sure how mucha that I'll be doin'... feels a bit mean to nab the poor critters outta their homes, don't it? The only little fella I've picked up... well, it's more like she picked me up than anythin'.

[singlespacedad]

I thought that too, but a lot of them want to be caught. They like being around humans, and want to be a companion.

[Not all, but a lot!]

If you don't want to catch wild ones, you can get eggs from a breeder. Then you'll know your Pokemon from the day they hatch.

[livlaughlove]

Huh... Guess I'll try t'keep an open mind, at least.

A breeder? Shoot, that's what my ID says. I raised some birds back in the day, but... who decides that stuff?

[singlespacedad]

Whoever brings us here. Everyone is assigned either breeder or trainer when they arrive.

[Mando shrugs.]

If you'd rather be a trainer, you can change to that. It's not set in stone.

[livlaughlove]

Who's keepin track? Somebody come after ya if ya don't get up to what the manuals tell ya? [Listen, this place is weird as fuck, with obviously weird as fuck rules. He just wants to be prepared.]

Either way, still don't think I want my job title t'imply I gotta pit these critters against each other, so I think I'll stick with this.

[singlespacedad]

[Mando chuckles and shakes his head.]

No, no one cares if you decide to change. You can join a society as a breeder and get perks for breeding, though.

[livlaughlove]

What kinda perks? [He catches himself right after asking, and chuckles awkwardly as his face tinges the slightest bit.]

Ah -- sorry, I'm usin' you as the manual now. Probably get a ton of questions from folks already.

[singlespacedad]

It's fine. I did the same thing when I first arrived.

I don't know much about breeding, but I can point you in the right direction. If you look in your communicator, there's a whole section about the breeding association. I think the perks are mostly money, but I could be wrong.

[livlaughlove]

Huh -- this thing's awful handy, idnit? [He hadn't even thought of that. Oops.]

Well... I appreciate yer advice, even so! Don't suppose there's anythin' I could do as thanks?

[singlespacedad]

No thanks required. Just helping out someone new.

[A pause as a thought occurs to him.]

Once you get started breeding, save a good egg for me?

[livlaughlove]

Not sure yet what constitutes "good," but sure thing. Any Types yer fond of in particular?

[singlespacedad]

I'll leave the details up to you. Whatever you come up with, I'll take one.