video/action | new bark town

[shotlocking]

[ Hello, Johto, you've received another new face! ... Er, one that looks pretty bewildered and more concerned than anything. She's not even aware that the Azurill she'd received is filming her, but Aqua does what Aqua does best: She gets information. Aqua makes her way around the town, doing her best to gather information. All the while, the Azurill is filming her... though, honestly, the camera's a little shaky. Um. More than "a little" shaky, because she's holding the camera with her feet.

... That sure is a thing that's happening. But she's trying, and that's what matters.

Several minutes pass before Aqua realizes her Azurill is filming her. ]

Oh! [ She kneels down next to the little one, smiling fondly (somehow, she notes to herself, because she's still getting used to the whole "not being trapped in the realm of darkness" thing). It's hard not to be in good spirits with such a cute critter, after all. ]

Can everyone see this? I've never encountered a device like this, but it doesn't seem too difficult to work.

Hello. My name is Aqua, and I've just arrived. [ ... ] I don't suppose I could easily find some sort of food for my friend, here. She does seem very hungry.

[ And sure enough, yup, that's the sound of the Azurill's tummy growling. At least she looks embarrassed about it. ]

Comments

[seasaltkey]

I don't mind. It's my job, right?

[shotlocking]

You just haven't had the time to update it?

[ Wow. It really is thorough. ]

You'd think we would. Isn't there someone to file a complaint with?

[shotlocking]

Well. If anyone can make a friend out of most people, I'm sure it's you.

[shotlocking]

It's a recipe for an almost-disaster, then.

[shotlocking]

That would make sense--you are a breeder.

[shotlocking]

Well, I'm sure she'll try. She seems the determined type.

I'll keep that in mind, though.

[shotlocking]

[ She's not judging her at all. Some people are just... not the nurturing type?

But at least she's not outright neglecting them. That's a good sign. ]

You don't have to be. I think you're doing just fine, so long as you treat it well enough.

[shotlocking]

--Teleportation! I hadn't even considered that.

[ ... hm. Is it because settling down... means committing to staying in this place for an extended period of time? ]

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you uneasy, Ashley. I hope you at least don't plan on camping outside the whole time you're here.

[shotlocking]

I've noticed. It's a wonderfully warm welcome--thank you for contributing to that.

It's wonderful to meet you, Rakka.

[shotlocking]

[ SHE'LL PROBABLY LEARN VERY QUICKLY.... ]

We do seem to have been given the chance and resources to be comfortable, here. Our Pokemon seem to be a part of that.

[shotlocking]

No, no, it's alright. It just sounded a bit strange. But they do seem to have this all very... rehearsed.

[ ... Weird. ]

A sweets shop! Well, I'd be very happy to take you up on that offer--with proper compensation, that is.

[shotlocking]

I'll keep an eye out for it. A seaside town sounds wonderful when it's warmer out.

I imagine I have a way to go before I reach it, though?

[styxiedust]

Nonsense, this is a "help out a new person" package! That trail mix and lunch box Mom gave you peters out very quickly, so there's nothing wrong with getting something extra!

[How does she actually run her shop successfully when she's constantly doing charity like this, no one knows.]

[heartdive]

You think so, huh?

[bylight]

It was worse in August.

[seasaltkey]

Yep. It pays a lot, but I still like working at the Pokémon Center sometimes.

[hashtagafreakingghost]

[Oh no, Ash, you were seeming like an actual normal adjusted person and everything for a little there, don't backslide...!]

No, no, it's okay! You didn't do anything like that and, I'm not camping all the time, only when I need to. I just- work, get money for hotels. Stay there until it's time to leave.

[ladywithnovoice]

Unfortunately. New Bark is pretty far from most of the major towns and cities in Johto.

It's easier if you have a Pokemon that you can ride, but not everyone is that lucky.

[paladinlost]

That determination will be useful for much more than language lessons, I've no doubt. Those who journey in this world, both human and Pokémon, have much to strive for.

[shotlocking]

I imagine riding this little Azurill would be unpleasant in several different ways--mostly for her.

I'm certain I'll fare well enough.

[shotlocking]

Such as the gym challenges, correct?

[charcoalfeather]

Oh! You too!

[paladinlost]

Correct. As they offer both prestige and resources, and also facilitate travel, they are an excellent goal for anyone who is interested in battling or exploring, though they are not quite so necessary for breeders.

[ladywithnovoice]

There are Pokemon breeders around who often sell the eggs of their Pokemon. Maybe you can keep an eye out for them?

[shotlocking]

I certainly will. Do you have any recommendations?