01--VIDEO

[shatterings]

[ There's a curious someone fiddling around with her PokéGear. She's a little surprised she managed to click it on, since she's never actually dealt with much technology. ]

Ah... um, hello. [ Her surprise is replaced by a reserved sort of smile. It's pretty brittle--she's not supposed to be here. So why is she, then? Carefully, she tucks a bit of hair behind her ear. A nervous habit, but it's not one she actually notices. ] I'm a little... confused. I'm not sure what's going on, and-- [ Wait. Is that... music in the background? It's faint, and she hadn't really noticed it until she was lost in thought. ] I think I might be hearing things, but... is there music playing somewhere?

[ She lets out a little sigh and gives the Minccino beside her a pat on the head. ] I think I just need a little bit of help, or... an explanation.

Comments

[shatterings]

It is a bit... overwhelming.

[ Actually, a lot overwhelming. She takes a breath before nodding. ]

... I'm Naminé.

[walkersystem]

That's really pretty.

_{[She's a little surprised actually, that's a name she's never heard before.]}

My name's Molly. I can try to help you, if you want.

[shatterings]

I-- [ what are compliments how do what why

There's a pretty noticeable pause as she tries to compose herself. And offering her help, too? This is turning into a day of new experiences with every turn. ] ... Thank you. I... I would appreciate that, Molly.

[dressofheaven]

[And that makes Ilya go straight to serious business.]

That's very nice and all, but hope isn't enough. If you want to do this right, Namine, you have to put in a lot of effort, and spend a lot of time. If you think you aren't doing it right, you have to think hard about how you can do better. You have to be the best you can be, so your Pokemon can be the best they can be. Understand?

[shatterings]

Ah...

Yes, of course. I haven't known her very long, but... something like this... There's a lot of trust involved. [ Naminé holds her Minccino close. ] ... I can't let them down.

[dressofheaven]

Good. As long as you realize that.

[And she softens pretty quickly.]

Don't worry though. There will be plenty of people willing to help you do this right, including myself.

[shatterings]

[ It's strange, being offered help by someone she just started talking to. It's not a bad kind of strange, just... she's not used to it. Naminé gives a little nod. ]

... Thank you, Ilya. I think I'll need it.

[dressofheaven]

Indeed you will, but there's no shame in that. Trying to do everything yourself is just asking for failure.

Speaking of which, I really should get you Riku's guide.

[shatterings]

[ She knows about doing stuff alone, honestly. It's something she's going to try to work on, but... it doesn't seem to likely. To her, anyway. ]

If it's not too much trouble... Thank you.

[dressofheaven]

You're welcome. One moment.

[And after a bit of searching on Ilya's end, a link to this pops up.]

There! That should help a great deal.

[shatterings]

Ah... that does help.

[ People here come from different times. Just because one of your friends is here doesn't mean they're on the same page as you. That sticks out to her--and explains why this Riku has been here for a pretty long time. ]

... The background music really is permanent, then?

[dressofheaven]

I'm afraid so.

[And the face she makes leaves absolutely no question about how she feels about it.]

You can drown it out with other music, but you can't ever make it go away.

[shatterings]

[ It definitely doesn't seem well-received. Naminé at least can ignore it from the most part, if she doesn't think about it. She doesn't look too thrilled, though. ]

... Does it... at least change?

[stitchedupbodyguard]

[...At the sound of a familiar voice, Veronica turned her gaze towards the pokegear, suspecting Xion's face on it.

Startlingly, she was proven wrong.]

Y-yeah, like everyone else said. The music will never stop. But, you can learn to drown it out.

[Those first few nights are rough though.]

Uhh, hello there. You must be new.

[shatterings]

I'm not sure how, but... I'll try.

[ Naminé nods, holding her Minccino in her arms. She's a comfort, almost like a security blanket. ]

Yes... I'm Naminé.

[dressofheaven]

It does, actually. Each path and each town and city has its own music. Some people actually move based on which one they like best.

[Of course, she doesn't really see what's so great about Goldenrod's music, but she's one of the ones who's just kind of sick of that city in general.]

[shatterings]

... Has anyone... figured out why?

[stitchedupbodyguard]

[Veronica noted the Minccino. Namine already seemed like the sort of person that would need a pokemon like that. Thankfully, she wasn't in the same boat as Veronica had been.]

Veronica... [Her introductions have improved, at least.] It's, uh, nice to meet you!

Do you... have any questions?

[dressofheaven]

No. The best I can guess is that's the equivalent of birdsong, but with wild Pokemon making the noises.

[islandshore]

[Having received Ilya's text, Riku is quick to respond. It's been ages since he saw Naminé, so it takes a few moments for him to formulate a respond. His brow's furrowed, and he's tapping his chin, searching for the right words, when--

BLAH!

A 5'3'' mass of purple gas leaps in front of the screen. Haunters are big, and this one's particularly loud... and tugging on his face, by the looks of it.]

Ugh, Phantom. Not now!

[Groaning, Riku steps out of the way of his wily ghost and shakes his head.]

Sorry about that. I doubt you needed that kind of a wake up call...

Video

[the_pilgrim]

I'm not the only one hearing it?

Uh! I mean, you just woke up here too, then?

[walkersystem]

It's okay. I know it's really weird here.

_{[She looks around the screen for a moment, frowning slightly.]}

Did you find your pokémon yet? It's like an animal, except it has powers. It'll help you, too.

[shatterings]

I suppose that does make sense... They must get bored, maybe.

[goestoextremes]

[Awwwwww, she's cute.]

Hey, it's okay. We've all been new here [...at least once...] and know how confusing it can be at first.

I can also try to answer any questions that you have.

[dressofheaven]

That could be it. Or it could be some sort of way they talk to each other. Pokemon all seem to understand each other, but they can't talk to us except for a few exceptions.