eclipse_of_time | Video Post

[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!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Ah, the familiar sounds of a panicking newcomer. Though the panic is rather more intense than usual.]

This land takes us from our homes, makes us all human and expects us to raise its native creature while travelling. But no matter what you've lost upon your arrival, you are in no immediate danger. You are safe.

[He'd not say such bold words in October, but most Septembers have been safe up until now.]

My name is Cecil Harvey, and I've been here for five years. If you've any questions, I'll be happy to answer them.

So I have been told....

Is that our purpose here? To care for these creatures?

Five years...my goodness.... Ah, thank you, Mr. Harvey.

For most of us, yes. You have been designated as either a trainer or a breeder. Trainers help their Pokémon reach their full battle potential, while breeders attempt to obtain particularly strong offspring from their teams. But there's some overlap between the roles, for many.

You are welcome. ...It might sound alarming to hear now, but I assure you that I am an exception, not the norm.

How do I know which I've been designated?

I see. Oh, yes, of course. I'm Ming. Ming Numara.

The information is displayed on your identification card, but you can also simply look inside your bag for a green apron. Only breeders receive those.

It's a pleasure to meet you, Ming. May I ask what Pokémon you received as your starter?

Oh yes, the bag I've found myself with...

[She doesn't even know what's in it. A variety of things, including it turns out, a green apron.]

Well. That answers that, now doesn't it? Oh, I've been told she's a Lapras.

It certainly does. Luckily for you, it means you'll find travelling to be somewhat easier, as long as you get the opportunity to borrow HMs from someone.

[Ah, but he probably shouldn't get started on the details so quickly, should he.]

A Lapras? Excellent. They are powerful and personable companions, not to mention ideal should you ever need to travel on water.

Oh? What are those?

[The prospect of simply striking out on her own is still a frightful one.]

Yes, she does seem dear.

Disks that can give the local birds the ability to transport human passengers, or your Lapras the power to help you cross whirlpools and waterfalls. Trainers have much work to do to use them, but you'd only need the disks and the seas would be yours.

[It's such a shame most of the water routes are weeks away from her, truly.]

As both a Water- and an Ice-type, she'll be able to protect you in many situations. On route 29, you'll merely have to keep an eye out for the plants and the lions.

Oh, I see! That sounds terribly complicated...

...Plants and lions? Are the wild creatures of this world dangerous?

It is indeed. Even after all these years, we can do little more than accept it as one of this world's quirks, without understanding the whys and hows.

I'd not call them dangerous, but they greatly enjoy battling each other and proving themselves worthy of being trained by humans. As it happens, they usually attempt to fulfill that second interest by using the first.

That's a touch frustrating, isn't it?

I see. Well, I suppose we'll see what happens....

It is, yes. However, this world hides so many secrets to uncover and so much beauty to behold that our frustration does not last long. You should try battling a few wild Pokémon on the road, and perhaps catch one or two. You'll find that there is much to learn from them, even if they do not hold all the answers.

Well, I suppose I'll see what I see, as a friend likes to say. It would be nice to see something...new.

If there is one thing this world can offer, it's newness. That, and powerful, loyal companions.

The latter I don't think I've ever lacked! But... if I cannot return to Numara of my own accord, I cannot. Fretful as it is, I suppose it's certainly an adventure!

It's likely to be the safest adventure you'll ever have, yes. I do hope you enjoy them.

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