002. [Video / Action for Route 35/Goldenrod City

[conquersworlds]

[VIDEO]

What sort of world is this?!

[...And a "hello" and a "hope everyone's having a good day" to you too, buddy. It seems that Jinnai is taking the opportunity to actually go outside and do something with himself now that it's not hailing or snowing and it's an absolutely beautiful...eighteen fucking degrees outside; unfortunately, the "doing something with himself" bit seems to have hit a snag of some sort today, and he's clearly not going to be content until everyone knows about it.

From the look of it, though, he's on a route...somewhere, and he's turning a Pokéball in the hand that's not holding the device, shifting his fingers a little around the contours of it while he speaks.]

Some of these...Pokémon will do anything in their power to get away from you while you're trying to capture them, and then you throw one of these at them – [and he tips his head in the direction of the ball] – and they'll suddenly obey your every whim. Is it really that easy?

[From the look of it he has no actual idea what to think of that, outside of maybe "that sure is a thing," but! Moving on...]

More importantly, it seems that whoever created these things decided to distribute them to everyone...that was either the most ignorant or the least ambitious move they could have made, I'm not sure which! ...Assuming, that is, that the alliances formed that way are genuine at all!

Do things like that actually last here? If they're forced captures, I'd assume they wouldn't, because everyone knows relationships like that are pointless unless you plan on reinforcing them with something else...or is there something else here that I'm not seeing here?

[...Well...okay then.]



[ACTION]

[That said, if you're willing to be outside on this lovely day in February (okay no it's still eighteen fucking degrees, so you're probably either going stir-crazy or you have a wicked thick coat) you're more than welcome to run into him; he's spending a good amount of time at the entrance to Route 35 today, on the northern side of town, and while he most definitely minds the cold, he seems to be supervising his Skorupi, Wakame, while she shuffles through the tall grass in search of...something. God only knows what they're looking for out here, but between the two of them they are very determinedly looking for something.

And despite the fact that he was on the network questioning the legitimacy of Pokéball-induced friendship earlier, it seems that Jinnai isn't without at least one new capture of his own today – at least, not if the massive damn dragonfly that's currently latched on to the back of his blazer is any indication. Once in a while it flutters a bit and shifts upwards, popping its head up over his shoulder and making noises in his general direction; he doesn't seem to mind it, and rather he just kind of...says something back, though exactly what he's telling it is a bit hard to pick up.

Either way, he's currently insanely underdressed for the weather but he's going to deal with it like he's making it into some sort of stupid endurance test, he's got a school uniform decked out in medals on the left side, and he's apparently trying to get a hang of the training thing or...something.

It's not the best of ways to pass the time, but it's actually preferable to the Rocket training right now, so at least there's that.]

Comments

[Video]

[infinityunlimitedflame]

So we meet again.

[Oh hey it's Gundam's romantic/platonic/who even knows because that matching system probably couldn't prepare for these two/etc. match.]

I have also noticed the phenomena of which you speak.

[Hasn't everyone?]

And to date, the explanation for such a thing eludes even I. But I do suspect there must be some sort of calming ward or spell of obedience ingrained into each Pokeball. However, if such a thing exists, detecting it remains beyond even my capabilities.

[A pause for dramatic effect.]

For now.

[conquersworlds]

It's good to have your opinion on it - though I should have expected as much, from the esteemed leader of the Tanaka Empire!

[...And as much as that might have been sarcasm from some people, he actually is not fucking with you, from the sound of it. Hello, you; A+ match, would break Project L.U.C.Y. with again.]

In the world I was in last, there are items that can ensure absolute obedience to the wielder - but those are unique for understandable reasons. I've never dealt with anything this widespread.

[infinityunlimitedflame]

In the plane I normally exist on, such things are rare and obedience must be instilled with the proper rites. There are few easy paths to such a thing.

[In other words, pets have to be trained. Usually.]

Given the unique composition of this world, it appears that such tools are dispensed in order to provide the uninitiated with a level playing field. Not that it would do them any good against the arcane mastery of I, of Gundam Tanaka!

[...awkward pause.]

Though I am sure the same also applies to one such as yourself.

[conquersworlds]

Ha - spoken as a true ruler would, no less! Whether your methods are arcane or otherwise, Tanaka, I can't say I disagree with your approach!

[Because the thing is you get this, though - the Pokéballs have been giving him a serious case of The Wig since he showed up.]

When it comes to building my own personal unit, I'm not interested in forcing their loyalty to me using ploys like that - it'll only benefit us if the recruitment is voluntary.

[infinityunlimitedflame]

I see. So you have chosen the more difficult path. Though it is also the path most rewarding for those who can face its challenges!

[In other words, it means more to make friends with your Pokemon and form an actual bond with them than to go “Okay, I caught you. We're good now.”]

I look forward to seeing how you progress along it.

action;

[aufsassig]

[Well, if Jinnai's not dressed properly against the cold, that...makes one of them, at least, because when Schuldig comes traipsing out to his favorite hunting grounds (albeit not actually in a tree, this time, or at least not yet), he's got a male Pyroar at his side and keeps cocking his head back like he's checking the sky for something that he hasn't yet seen.

Of course, once he spots the kid on the ground and his...full complement of bugs, things get a lot more interesting, and he raises one arm in a half-wave, half-salute.]

Yo.

[conquersworlds]

[Speaking of a lot more interesting.

Jinnai doesn't return the gesture, though he does turn to acknowledge the greeting and seems more than willing to offer the guy his attention for the time being; he's apparently doing well in this world, as far as the NO BUT YOU GET ME THOUGH lottery tends to go (...usually he's rolling in the negatives with regards to humans, let's put it that way), and he's certainly not going to argue any with that.]

Good to see I'm not the only one out here.

[aufsassig]

Bolstering the troops, are we? There's some pretty interesting shit in the tall grass out here, when it's not half-buried in snow.

[He tosses an absent glance toward the sky again.]

You want to introduce me to the motley crew? If I'm remembering right, I get name, rank, and serial number, if nothing else.

[conquersworlds]

[He'll be following that glance upward, actually, though he's not entirely sure what anyone is looking...for...

Though that question does get his attention again, and he rakes his fingers through the front of his hair before he answers, as though combing it idly back into place.]

They don't even come with that much unless I give it to them - though that's not much different from where I was brought from, so I can't say I'm surprised!

[...in fairness, it's not like the dragonfly seems to have any idea what's going on, so it's not like she's going to be bothered by that.]

The...Skor... [He falters for a second; species names are still a bit lost on him, looks like.] ...That's Wakame, in the grass over there. And this is Karu - she's just joined us today!

There are two others, Umihei and Diva, but Diva also just joined us today and she's annoyed about it, so I've sent her off with Umihei to get acquainted - he's the Heracross I had with me at the start.

[aufsassig]

They didn't go too far, did they?

[He jerks a thumb vaguely toward the expanse of sky, head slightly cocked with a touch of amusement.]

My hellbird's out and about, somewhere. I'd hate to have it find your underlings before we do, if you know what I mean.

[As for the rest of the assembled bugs, though, he just kind of eyes them for a minute in an attempt to gauge their mood. You can learn a lot about a person by the way they treat the things weaker than them, after all — which is why a really crafty person will make sure the things weaker than them know better than to let on that they're apprehensive.]

As for this big lug here, meet Flammenfänger. He's not bad as heaters go, but I wouldn't be surprised if your pals don't like his type.

[ACTION]

[deaftly]

[Ah yes, what a wonderful freezing cold day to be outside. Hopefully you're enjoying your peace and quiet right now Jinnai, because it's about to go full stupid.

There are currently six Inkays floating by. They pause when they notice Jinnai and his Pokémon and they begin chirping excitedly. Do squids chirp? Apparently these do. In Pokéspeak it's the equivalent of "new friends" "hello new friends" "lovely weather we're having isn't it" and other such stupid things. There's no trainer in sight, but two of the squids are carrying a large bag. They're not using their psychic abilities because that would mean that they're smart enough to figure that out.

...I'm so sorry.]

[conquersworlds]

[...Those sure are squids all right. Why on earth are you here, what are you doing and most importantly, what is in the bag -

He kind of looks at them funny for a moment before glancing over to Karu, who is...okay, in all honesty, looking at them funny as well, but that's more due to her not having seen anything of the sort before just now.

That said, though, Karu is not the smartest of giant dragonflies, nor is she particularly sociable, but at least the squids seem functional enough and to be honest Wakame will probably want to throw down with them if she's called over, so. She will just be...kind of...talking to the...squids good lord this is awkward - but yes.

New friends! It is lovely weather but it is cold weather but that does not mean it's any less lovely...?]

[deaftly]

[The squids seem particularly pleased at having someone to talk to and they immediately approach. At least they don't crowd around Jinnai for fear of getting kicked. They've actually found the exact perfect distance to avoid being kicked. Huh. It's almost like they've learned!!

Hello!! The cold is invigorating, isn't it? It's very nice to be out in this weather because it's not hailing today!!

Or at least, that's the general consensus. It's kind of hard to tell with six squids talking at once.

Thankfully poor Jinnai will be spared from dealing with six very happy squids forever, because it sounds like there's someone approaching rapidly.]

YOU FUCKING PIECES OF SHIT!!

[Ah yes, here comes their trainer.]

I told you to get back in ten minutes, where the fuck have you been!? Does this look like home to you, you fucking--!!

[Naki seems to realize that they're not alone finally and draws to a halt. Today's temperature has actually made Naki put a coat on, so he's wearing a long black coat and... the usual white suit underneath. He tried.]

Oh, hey. Were these fuckers bothering you?

[He asks, like he wasn't just screeching like a goddamn banshee.]

[conquersworlds]

[god seriously if anything you're weirding him out more than the squids were just now, what in the world.

Karu kind of...makes sounds at him while he tries to work out what the hell he's just been confronted with; no, the squids were apparently fine, as far as she's concerned.]

Actually, not at all!

[Video]

[lieutenantantichrist]

[A middle-aged man appears on camera. His eyes follow the pokeball on the other side of the screen.]

I figure it dopes them up with a sedative that first time. It would explain a lot.

[There's a squirrel-thing perched on his shoulder. It peers curiously at the new man, and Blake ignores it with the resolution of long practice.]

Don't get too comfortable, though. If you piss them off too much, they'll still bite the shit out of you.

[Video] (my apologies for lateness, it's been something of a bad week rl-wise)

[conquersworlds]

[So apparently Tanaka was right and everyone here just...plays animal tamer, regardless of how they go about doing it - assuming, anyway, that this guy is speaking from experience. Interesting.

I mean it's possible that he's not, but either way somebody got - as it was so neatly put - the shit bitten out of them, so...]

Don't worry, I intend to avoid that outcome at all costs - I've seen enough of species like these to know what they're capable of if trained properly, and I have no interest in underestimating!

[...Jinnai.]

[Video] (No problem! Hope things are getting better for you)

[lieutenantantichrist]

[The guy sounds confident all right. Blake draws his shoulders up. He's supposed to be the expert here.]

What are you, a lion tamer back home?

{they are getting there!)

[conquersworlds]

[And why shouldn't he?]

Not at all - my work was far more glorious than that of a mere performer!

I've been to another world before; not quite like this, but the outcome was similar in that it involved - [people, because they practically goddamn were] - large animals like this.

video

[a_sin_for_him]

It's a strange world.

But Pokemon are much like any other creature that thinks and reacts to stimulus. Be kind to them and they'll stay with you happily, it's not that difficult.

It's part of their nature. This symbiotic sort of relationship between Pokemon and Trainer surely has some roots in biology.

video (my apologies for lateness, it's been something of a bad week rl-wise)

[conquersworlds]

So I've heard! It's more the instant obedience aspect of it that happens on capture that's a concern - it's not something that I find trustworthy in subordinates.

[...Child, what.]

But as you've said, it's a strange world, and I've seen worse. If that's how things go here, then so be it.

video (No worries at all!)

[a_sin_for_him]

Nature does strange things. And I'd advise you not to think of them as subordinates - that symbiotic relationship I mentioned. You get back what you put in, if you catch my implications.

You'll get used to it, we all do.

[conquersworlds]

Your militaries must be unfortunate indeed, if you find symbiosis and a relationship involving a chain of command to be mutually exclusive.

Don't get me wrong, though - I am liking this world. Quite a bit, actually!

[voice]

[unkinder]

[Normally, Nagi usually sticks to text when responding to posts on the Network. It is just easier that way, particularly since there are still a lot of people he really doesn't know at all, nor would he care to know. As of late he's been letting most of the posts just pass without comment unless they are asking a specific question he knows he can answer. Always about Pokemon.

...now this is less of a question and more someone demanding that the logistics of Pokémon be explained to them, and for some bizarre reason that has struck him as particularly amusing. Someone's new, clearly.

So eventually he'll respond, choosing this time to use voice simply because he's not sure if this person would take well to having to answer texts with fingers that are probably close to frozen at this point. Plus, this way he can talk and do something else at the same time, such as tab through different things on his Gear.]

If every Pokemon you have captured has obeyed you without question, then I would consider yourself rather fortunate in that regard. There are some species that are more difficult to handle than others, so you may just be getting lucky.

They say that bonds are formed between the Pokemon and its trainer once they have battled many times. The Pokemon generally seem to enjoy battling quite a bit, so that may have something to do with it.

As for everyone being allowed to catch Pokemon...the people who live here are much more accommodating to strangers than most would be, it would seem. It's expected that people try to train and capture as many Pokemon as they can, take up breeding, or work on obtaining gym badges.

[video] (last week was a mess, my apologies)

[conquersworlds]

It's that last part that isn't making any sense whatsoever - does the entire population just lack ambition, or...?

[...WHO CARES, TBH.]

Either way, I haven't been capturing, per se! That may be why my success rate is high...willing recruitment tends to work better in that way.

[voice forever] (it's alright!)

[unkinder]

[Again, that goes back to trying to explain how Pokemon operates. It's less a lack of ambition and more the fact that the goal is for everyone to be the very best like no one ever was. If anything, there is plenty of ambition, there.

That causes Nagi to pause for a moment, glancing down as his Gear out of the corner of his eye before he responds.]

So all of your Pokemon have been joining your team willingly...that's interesting. That likely won't continue, but as I said it depends on what species of Pokemon you are actually obtaining.