Video Post - 01

[eclipse_of_time]

[If nothing else, this sort of broadcasting and storage and communication device isn't entirely unfamiliar to Ming. But everything else certainly is. First and foremost her own body. Where's the pulsing thrum of her magical energy? Even the mark on her chest is dull and decorative. It's a frightening thing to see. She can feel the passage of time, something only once felt briefly. And terrifyingly. The seconds are moving by her, taking her with them.]

[She realizes she can't feel any any magical energy. Not in the atmosphere, not in the earth, not in the large creature that follows her. It's an unfamiliar beast, but one that looks as though it would be right at home on the paradisaical beaches of her island kingdom.]

[If this is a kidnapping, it's a frightfully strange one. She's nowhere near Numara. This place isn't familiar at all! But she's not restrained. Quite the opposite. She's made it to a bench in the little village she awoke in, and then that overwhelming feeling that threatens to steal her consciousness slips upon her and she sits, shaking and confused, to fiddle with the portable teleson.]

What...what is this place?

[There's a high note of fear and confusion in Ming's lightly accented voice.]

Something's wrong...something's terribly wrong...what's been done to me?

What's going to happen to me?

[Without her magical energy, what is she? Her magic is her soul, her consciousness, her very being! She's never felt so tied to this human shaped shell in all of her existence. She's certain she can feel the decay and dying of mortal cells. Is this mortal death?]

Please...if someone can help me...

[It doesn't occur to her to explain further - there's not a single sentient thing in her world that doesn't know her face and who she is. What she is.]

[Surely someone can aide her!]

Comments

[eclipse_of_time]

That's an experience I'm familiar with, I left my homeworld long ago to inhabit another. My physical state was altered, as what I was before couldn't exist in that world. And so it's happened again.

Oh, but I don't like this. I feel so oddly empty! But heavy...my body feels like a prison, something constricting me...

[envy_the_sinners]

[ Scar has to resist the urge to blink very. Slowly. At least he's familiar with these kinds of dramatics. ]

You will adjust to it in time. There are many others here who would be sympathetic to your situation.

[eclipse_of_time]

Well, that's certainly heartening to hear. Oh, not that others are in such a predicament, but it's reassuring to know my body isn't in the process of dying around me!

[She lets out a small, nervous laugh. She'd been very sure there, for a moment, that was precisely what was happening to her.]

Goodness, I'm sorry, I'm certain you have better things to do than play docent to me, but could I ask you a few more questions? I'm...not used to being out on my own, or in a strange place...

[envy_the_sinners]

[ No, Ming, you are definitely not... dying. Scar manages to keep the confusion in his expression to a minimum. ]

I do not mind. I'm not busy.

[ And this is a plight he's used to dealing with... almost daily, at this point. ]

[eclipse_of_time]

Thank you ever so much.

What is this place, why were we brought to it? And this creature...you said it's here to help me?

[envy_the_sinners]

There is no name beyond "the world of Pokémon." We do not know why we have been brought here, only that it has been happening for at least five years.

The creature with you is a Pokémon. This world revolves around them heavily. They are more intelligent than animals, and most cohabitate well with people. Everyone starts with one, but you can gather more, if you wish.

[ Scar taps the ground next to him to call over his Skitty as another example. ]

[eclipse_of_time]

Is it some natural phenomenon?

[That sort of thing can happen, she's relatively certain. Within her understanding of how the links between different worlds work.]

A Pokemon? What is their purpose?

[envy_the_sinners]

We have no idea. People have tried to figure it out, but there does not seem to be a perfect answer. I did encounter a Pokémon of immense power that seemed like it could have been the source, but I have no way of truly knowing.

Pokémon exist like any animal or person does, but their biology is extremely different. They have powers that can only be described as magical, and their intelligence is nearly human level. This society is largely built around them, and they are a large part of work and entertainment.

[eclipse_of_time]

I...see. Well, the universe is full of mysteries...

What sort of society is it? Who's in charge? Perhaps I could speak with them....

[envy_the_sinners]

[ A skeptical expression finally leaks through on Scar's face. ]

We do not have that kind of authority, and the details as to who is in charge are vague. I would be more likely to assume it is a Pokémon than a human, though.

[eclipse_of_time]

But...surely whoever rules this land can respect and acknowledge the authority of other countries? I don't mean to boast, but I would approach as a fellow leader of a civilized country.

[envy_the_sinners]

[ ... ]

Even if they were interested in speaking with you, they would have no reason to believe you.

[ That seems... kind of obvious, to Scar. ]

I have never even heard of an authority figure other than the police.

[eclipse_of_time]

But I have proof.

[That is likely not valid here at all, but that doesn't occur to Ming yet.]

How can any kingdom exist without some sort of governing authority? Someone has to make laws and legislature and maintain the public works...

[envy_the_sinners]

How could you possibly prove it?

This is not a kingdom. We are part of a large area with regular access to only two regions. The utopian appearance confused me, as well, but this is how it has been for years.

[eclipse_of_time]

Well I have my crest...

Oh, I'm no stranger to utopia, but even paradise needs someone to ensure it stays paradise.

[envy_the_sinners]

[ It takes a great deal of effort for Scar to not stare at Ming like she's completely crazy. This seems like common sense... ]

A crest will mean nothing to a person who cannot recognize it.

[eclipse_of_time]

Oh...yes...I...I suppose you're right...

[envy_the_sinners]

[ Does this woman think about anything at all? ]

You will need to look after yourself. Whatever authority you had, it does not matter.

[eclipse_of_time]

No, I suppose it doesn't.

[What an odd thought!]

Goodness. Well. This will certainly be a learning experience, now won't it?

[envy_the_sinners]

The supplies given to you should last you to the next town, if you are conservative. There should be others who have just arrived, as well. If you are truly stuck, you could ask for help.