Welcome/Welcome back, you crazy diamonds!

[spiritcrystal]

[An island! This is most certainly not where everyone was just a few moments ago. ...Alright, maybe some of you were on an island. Don't get cheeky.

At everyone's feet is a small note. It gives no description of their location or explanation, of course; it only says one simple thing.

Please choose one.

The note comes along with three Pokéballs with different "starter" Pokémon in them- the three Pokémon can be anything, from a Froakie, Charmander, and Treecko to a Rattata, Patrat, and Bidoof if you're particularly unlucky- and everything in between. If it's not a legendary Pokémon, it's fair game.

Of course, you can only pick one! Trying to go for a second will leave you thinking that you better not get too greedy. If you're one of those types that wouldn't care either way, the other two Pokéballs will simply disappear.

Now go forth, and into a world of Pokémon!]

Comments

[goldenlyre]

[So... A Magikarp, a Milotic, and a Seadra. Lyra doesn't even hesitate--

And picks the Magikarp!

Ooooh, what a darling you're going to be! The other two balls disappear, but she hardly notices as she peers into the ball at the jolly-looking fish.]

I guess I'll call him-- Oh, no, her Fishy. It's nice to meet you, Fishy! I promise I won't eat you! Oh, you've gotta meet Sprouty too I guess, but let's do that later when we're near some water!

[But why would you ever pick a Magikarp over those powerful Pokémon!! What a dumb girl. Her Meganium peers at the ball too, clearly confused at her choice, and sighs.]

[spiritcrystal]

[What the...

...What kind of crazy girl picks a Magikarp over a Seadra and a... Whatever that thing was?]

You picked a Magikarp?

[betabangs]

[Her own... Pokémon?

Blue studies the three Pokéballs. There's a female Nidoran, a Bulbasaur, and an Ekans. She's seen them before (she thinks she has? it feels like a far-off memory) and they're all so cute... And they all really, really need a great trainer...


She huffs. This is!! So hard!!]

How am I supposed to choose...!

[Looks like this little ten year old needs a little counseling.]

[strongsilent]

[It's okay, that is what eleven year olds are for. He hesitates, looking back at the balls rolling after him, and speaks up slightly.]

Bulbasaur is really dependable, even in a pinch. Sturdy too. Nidoran turns into something just as good in the long run and can learn a variety of attacks. Ekans is very quick and can hit hard, but it's usually... [He trails off, then clears throat.] But it's usually a Pokémon people use for status stuff. Like poisoning.

[Yes, there's nothing wrong with helping others.]

[spiritcrystal]

[Oh boy, a Pokémon! She can pick a new partner! She-



...What the heck are these? How is she supposed to pick when she can't even tell what they are? Alright Pokédex, help her... out...

ERROR

Great.] Now what, Quilava?

[strongsilent]

[Those are some odd looking Pokémon for sure. Red tilts his head at them, then at the Quilava at her side.

...

That's a funny looking Pokémon, too. Wow.]

You can tell a little bit about them by looking at them. [Sorry he's kind of quiet. Friendly, but quiet!] The first has leaves, so it's a Grass-type, the second... Might be part Poison- or Flying-type? Like Zubat. And the last one reminds me of a Raichu.

[So Electric. But that's just his opinion. And stuff. Educated guess based on looks. And experience. Yeah.]

[tidaldrum]

[In stark contrast to all of the above?

Ethan is walking away from these Pokéballs. He has his Feraligatr - who's thumping right after him, tail swinging from side to side nonchalantly - he really doesn't need anyone else. Ferafera was strong (he was strong) so to pick up another Pokémon...

Not really in his plans. He'd been forced to take a Charmander from Professor Oak, and that strange stone guy gave him a Treecko. He could handle having those two in addition to his Feraligatr, but absolutely no more --

Except, well.

The Pokéballs? Kind of going after him. They're rolling right along, because as it turns out...

The three Pokémon really, really want to get chosen by him.

So, yes. There's one jerktag being chased by three little Pokéballs. Make what you will of that.]

[bellfire_bird]

[what the fuck]

-Uh. Hey! Hey, wait, I think your, um...!

[...your, um...]

...I don't think they're supposed to do that!

1/2 please comment to 2

[reflecttype]

[ > porygon

And the other two choices are-

> porygon

...Maybe you should-

> porygon

Alrighty then.]

2/2

[reflecttype]

[NOW GO FOoh wait this sure is not coumarine city uh]

...Oh...oh my.

[Let's call out Kecleon so he can fuss and worry and let it all out instead of sitting in his Pokeball fretting all day. Shh, yes, we're fine, honey. C'mon, let's figure out what's going on.]

[psywaves]

[....what a bizarre compulsion.

Mewtwo has no explanation for why he's crouching down, blinking at a trio of Pokeballs, then reaching out to tentatively pick one up, nor for why he only chose to grab one. He does have an explanation for why he takes it with him, though - there's no trainer in sight, which means this Pokemon is likely abandoned.

He presses the button, and takes a cautious step back when he sees what emerges. After a moment, though, it's clear that the strange Pokemon has no ill will. In fact...

...Mewtwo leaves the Pokeball where he found it. He doesn't object to his new tagalong, but he doesn't pay it any attention as it floats along behind him. There's a trail he needs to find again before it goes cold.

[goldenlyre]

[That's cute.

...

Yeah, that's cute! A cool-looking feline and their ghostly companion. Floating sword? So cool. Lyra will so follow them to see where they're going, because it seems like they're on a mission, even thought Sprouty her Meganium is Not Liking This At All.

(She is not very good at sneaking.)]

[forgive my utter lack of icons]

[mewtwo_y]

[yes, that is a Mewtwo. And yes, it is analyzing these Pokeballs with some amount of trepidation.

She frowns, and lifts a ball with her telekineses]

... As if I would want to control one of my own kind.

[she places the ball on the ground, and begins floating away... only for it to spontaneously open up and reveal itself to be a Riolu. Its eyes light up and it runs towards her excitedly

Mewtwo quickly registers its presence, and turns to the small Pokemon]

... Um. I'm sorry, there's a mistake. I didn't choose you. Please, run and be free, my friend.

[the Riolu only smiles brightly, and runs up to hug Mewtwo's leg. Her eyes widen and she frowns... not sure of what to do about this]

[psywaves]

[MEWTWO RADAR WEEP WOOP WEEP WOOP

The tag-along ghost sword has found its purpose in life - surveillance drone for a psycat. Mewtwo's not sure what exactly it is that he's sensing, but it's got his fur on end, and he can't shake the feeling that it might be able to sense him back. So, he accepts Honedge's offer to go and scope out the area, perching himself high in a tree while the sword floats off to find any odd presences.

And odd presences it does find, approaching slowly and watching between the trees. What is this scene it's seeing with its watchful eye?

It's not as good at concealing itself as it thinks it is..]

[mirormoves]

Ooh baby baby~!

[Miror B. is absolutely delighted to see the three Pokeballs at his feet. Three whole new critters, ready to be the foundation of a new Miror B.! The greedy grin on his face stretches so wide. He scoffs at the note, tossing it aside.]

Just one? Yeah right, suckers - I jive to a different tune!

[He leans over with a series of dramatic dance movements to pick his first Pokeball.

Of course it's the one which has a Ludicolo.]

Welcome to the team, darling! [He says with a shake of the hips, which the Ludicolo eagerly mimics.] Let's make some beautiful music together. Fuhohohoh! Now what else do we have here...?

[But, poof! The other pokeballs are gone already. He gives an annoyed scowl.]

Oh no, no, no! My groove, it's been killed! [He says with some wobbling motion before pressing a hand to his chest and allowing himself to collapse over backwards in defeat. The Ludicolo is quick to follow, with a perfect imitation.

Later on, he'll be moonwalking all over the beach - trying to find some sorry saps to hoodwink to make up for missing out on extra pokemon.]

[betabangs]

[Ten year old, dead ahead! She's sitting in front of her Bulbasaur with a small frown... mostly because her Bulbasaur is currently burying itself in the sand in an effort to hide. Why are you so shy!]

I'm not gonna hurt you! [She wouldn't hurt a fly!] Let's be friends, Bulbasaur, come on!

[mystriwyrm]

[Ting Ting Ting Ting-

That's the sound of a baby antimatter ghost poking pokeballs with its tendrils.

These three, to be exact:

(()) (()) (())]

We would like to free you! We don't not remember how to though... we are trying! If only we could find Trainer, she could help!

[That weird triplicated voice you just heard? This little creature. He may be a legendary, but his only mastered extrodinary power is speech. Not pokeballs. Come help?]

[ribbonlove]

It is the button, that opens these devices.
[Did you ask for help? You get Penny, looking so smiley. What sort of Pokemon are you? She's not seen you before, anywhere on her quest.]

[reversemoon]

[Hey, what's the big idea?

...Is what he might have said if he wasn't busy being completly captivated.

Fossil Pokémon. Rare ones. He's only heard of them in passing from his dad and in books, but here they are, right in front of him...!



But which does he choose? Just look at them! Dad would be so proud of him if he brought one of these home or even just learned about it!]

[lovestalked]

[You better choose quick because this douche rival is definitely eying those three mons. If he had glasses he'd be adjusting them, but nah. He's got 20/20 vision he don't need no stinkin' glasses.]

Hmm, fascinating! I've never seen these types before. They're not registering on the Pokédex either....

Sorry for lack of icons!

[onemoreyear]

[Well, have a girl who looks a lot like Serena - except for those Bunnelby ears, sticking out of her hat. She's already picked up one of the balls - and is grinning at her Torchic. Pressing the button, out comes...



A Furfrou, who lets out a sniff before turning away.]
Hey, wait a second... this doesn't feel like Kalos. Th'air feels... different.
[So she stands, looking concerned, as her Torchic and Furfrou stay near her - the Torchic climbing into her arms, and the Furfrou lets out a huff, before laying down.]

[withtherisingsun]

...Different?

[Dawn walks up from a little ways away, smiling--she certainly hopes she doesn't scare her.]

Isn't all air the same, though? How can it be different?

[triplefinish]

[uh...]



[...He's pretty sure that these are not his fellow Smash fighters crammed into pokeballs, but he can't help but stare at these pokeballs anyway. He has a special strategy for the three Pokemon he already has, so what would be the point of taking any of these guys? What would he even call their final move, "Quadruple Finish"? That doesn't seem to have as nice of a ring to it...]

[goldenlyre]

[You've got a girl stage-whispering to you while her Meganium is trying to pull her away with his vines. Don't bother people, Lyra, why are you always into people's business--!]

The middle! Choose the middle! I bet it's really good!

[Well, she hopes so anyway. She can't really get a good look with the situation like it is.]

[smilesandsteel]

[He has no idea what is happening, but that is okay, because there are a lot of people around and they seem to be (mostly) having fun.

It doesn't take him any time at all to pick one ball (maybe he chose at random). Hello, little pink Frillish.]

I am Emmet. I like Pokemon. I am sure we will be verrry good friends!

[ribbonlove]

[You like Pokemon, huh?

Don't mind this Sylveon sitting by you, a Dedenne on her head.]
Sire? Do you know of what species you have adopted?

[ . . . yes she just talked english.]

[slyoldfox]

[Why would a Pokémon be offered another Pokémon? Or, well, maybe this old fox doesn't count, since she's a ghost. Not even ghost type, just straight up ghost...

And, well...

]

That is a difficult choice.

[mystriwyrm]

[Ghost partyyyy]

Did you find friends without trainers too?

[Can he help free them? Hi friends. Poke poke??]

[forprofit]

[The whole thing is an odd circumstance, sure, but it's nice that he's at least offered a Pokemon to take with him. Or three, if he snatches the other two quickly enough. No point in letting the others go to waste, after all. He can sell them for quick cash for a train ticket out of here and then-

Oh, the other pokeballs disappeared. Someone's evil-proofed the system. That's fine, he can easily find money through other means, thanks to his new...Purrloin? Maybe he should have grabbed the Umbreon first...]

[extricated]

Purrloin is quite an elegant Pokémon, don't you think?

[ O...kay then, where did this guy come from? Why did he just start randomly talking without ever being prompted to? Why is he talking so fast? ]

It's quite capable as well, despite its stature.

[snakelady]

[Well this is odd. One minute she was at the Battle Pike preparing to face a trainer (finally) and the next she was here...wherever here was. Not that she was worried. Seviper was with her as always, and the rest of her team was here as well. No, what she was worried about was deciding to pick just one.

( )

It didn't help that she'd never actually seen any of these Pokémon before.]

......

[Urk...this might take a while. At least her Seviper is patient...]

[toxicwarning]

[A kid carrying a cousin of that gooey 'mon on the right pauses to stare admiringly at her snake. That's a really cool Seviper...!

...oh, is that lady having trouble picking one? He hesitates, before speaking up.]

...The one with the green cheeks is actually a dragon type. I think.

[Does that help at all??]

[pyroobsessed]

[Don't mind the girl in the muffin hat over here--she's already looked down at the balls and picked one randomly. To her surprise (and utter dissappointment), what popped out was a Remoraid. to say the least, she wasn't too pleased.

...Until the little fishy decided to show it's stuff by using Flamethrower in the air. Don't. Mind the slightly startled reaction coming from over there--]

Mother of Ho-Oh--!! How in the heck did ya do that?!

[The Remoraid does the full body equivalent of a shrug. He don't know, man, he's just going with it. See, he'll even do it again! ...And again. And...well, for as long as he has PP for it, do enjoy the flames up in the air there, and a fire loving Lyra trying not to squeal in delight.]

[bsodrival]

What's that about?!

[Barry is equally startled, as he almost drops his newly acquired Doduo.]

That's so cool! Make it do it again!

[tm46]

[You know, suddenly finding yourself in some place you weren't previously is never a good sign. The Team Magma Grunt looks around warily for a moment before finally noticing the Pokéballs. Well. There's really only one option here, isn't there?

He reaches for the middle one and presses the button, grinning delightedly as a small red bird pops out.]

Ah, how cute!

[He crouches down to examine the bird closely, smiling slightly. He doesn't seem like a very threatening villainous team member.]

I don't think I've seen any of your kind before. What are you?

[As if in answer, the bird chirps its name. Landry taps a finger to his chin in thought.]

Maybe I should name you Fletch? That seems kind of cliche. Hmm...

[Someone might want to keep him from naming the poor thing "Fletchy".]

[reflecttype]

[what is this

a chance to be helpful??!

(wow what are you wearing but more importantly)]

That's a Pokemon from the Kalos region, called Fletchling. Even though it's common, it's really a very interesting species.

[Can you guess why? Go on, guess.]

[drittegewurz]

[A Growlithe, a Herdier, and a Fu what the heck is that.
This is not a situation Cress really wanted to be in a second time. No thank you, Island, he already has three extremely excitable Lillipups on leashes, he doesn't need ANOTHER puppydog right now!

...or so he thought, as he was making a valiant effort to calm his companions down, so he didn't pay attention as two of the balls vanished of their own accord. But then the remaining Furfrou decides to make itself useful by taking one of those leads in its mouth for him.]

"..."

"..."

"...thank you?"

[gruntinglurve]

HOLD IT!

[Bob will dramatically point.]

You release that poor Pokémon now! Plaaaasmaaaaa!

[customizations]

Excuse me--pardon me--coooooming through, sorry!

[Serena may be zipping past you or coming your way--which ever it is, she's practically spewing those lines left and right to any unfortunate passersby. Roller skates are amazing for that. Look, she really is sorry, but--]

Yanma, stop going through everyone--you're being completely unfair!

[...Yes, she is quite literally racing against her newest team mate. Or rather, playing a form of racing tag. It's totally the mature thing to do, what are you talking about?

...Feel free to stop her, it could get rather ugly.]

[goldenlyre]

[-- Whoa!! One, totally cute girl, and two, totally radical moves!!]

Wow! You're gonna have to get faster than that, Miss, Yanma's known for its speed all across Johto!

[Nope, just cheering her on. Her Meganium is kind of concerned though]

[givespoisonoak]

[A Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle of all things, really? Green doesn't really need any more Pokemon, but maybe he'll take one and just pass it on to his grandfather later. Or, if any young and impressionable Trainers want to try battling him, he might be up for a quick fight. He's got lots of time, after all.]

Hey, you.

[highestlevel]

[Young and impressionable? Check your eyes, Green--

No, most likely Red caught Green first.]

Hey.

[Quit bugging people - also he's got a very pink Pokémon that resembles Eevee standing next to him.]

[championleaves]

[ Blue is walking around, holding a sleeping Spritzee in her arms and a Jigglypuff treading next to her.

She is really doing nothing in particular, just taking a stroll in this new place she doesn't even know she went to. ...Except the sweet sweet scent of Spritzee is now spread around the area... It's unfortunately very strong. Think of your grandma's perfume times ten. And Blue doesn't seem to be planning to stop spreading it.

She doesn't even look bothered by the smell. In fact, she looks as if she is having lots of fun.. ]

[reachforfreedom]

[Another Blue appears! Except this Blue is a dude, and highly resembles a certain rival if he were a few years older.]

Leaf!

[He'll automatically welcome her with such unbridled joy.]

[droppedballs]

[ As a juggler by trade, Irwin doesn't see the Pokeballs as some metaphor of "a new beginning" on the island, or anything like that. He just wants to juggle with them. Nothing less, and nothing more. A bit simpleminded, yes, but fitting for him.

...of course, he can't say he expected the Pokemon inside to pretty much force its way out as soon as he picked up the ball to test its weight in his hands. Definitely not, judging from his undignified squawk. He doesn't even notice the other two balls have disappeared -- he's a little too preoccupied with the suddenly very friendly young Natu that's already found a comfortable place in his hair. ] --Ah? [ His attempts to crane his head back to take a peek at the tiny bird only make him look ridiculous as Natu purposefully (and carefully) shifts away.

...it's not too late to turn away if you don't want to make eye contact with him... ]

[firstgirlwins]

[Oh, hey, she kind of recognizes you!!

She was just passing by but... well, she had to stop and watch for a little while. This girl with a Larvesta on her shoulder is just going to giggle at the sight of the juggler and the Natu.]

[healpulse]

[ Flabébé, Swirlix and Klefki.

what

she recognized none of these pokémon. should she just choose one randomly? they all look so cute how can she just pick one!? but then what would happen to the others?? is she even allowed to have a pokémon???

Don't mind this odd pink-haired girl looking like she's making the most important decision on the planet. ]

[reflecttype]

It's not an easy choice, is it?

[says the woman who made hers in 0.2 seconds STILL THOUGH.]

[ribbonlove]

[Penelope - or Penny, if you're like the censors - had already made her choice. She stands tall, a young Dedenne on her back.]
If this is what I must do...
[What Penny thinks she's doing, however, is finding the trainer of this Pokemon. Those Pokeballs were left out, after all! And she'd not take the role of mother well.

So! There is a Sylveon in front of you, or perhaps to your side, trying to tug on you with her ribbons.]

[betabangs]

[Ribbons...

Blue crouches down to get on Penny's level - even if, really, the Sylveon's only about a foot smaller than she is! - and sets her hands on her knees, looking very thoughtful.]

What's up, Pinky? [...Sorry. She's got no idea what you are, and you're all cute and pink...]