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

[betabangs]

But they all really, really look the same.

[Hmmmmm. Blue tilts her head quietly, cheek pressing into the heel of her hand.]

How're they different?

[savedover]

You and I are both humans. Does that make us the same?

Well, first of all, the one on the far left is female-- the others are male.

[betabangs]

[Oh, she guesses not.]

Then you should pick that one! She's one of a kind!

[savedover]

It's not that simple. [They're all one of a kind; irreplaceable.] ... the others might be stronger.

[betabangs]

[...]

Strength doesn't matter in friendship though.

[savedover]

That's not something I care about.

[betabangs]

But you should want to be friends with your Pokémon! After all, they're always gonna be there for you and they're all gonna be really, really loyal to you!

[savedover]

[Oh, it's another friendship, loyalty, and companionship lecture.

How boring.]

I didn't decide to become a Trainer because I wanted to coddle a bunch of weaklings. [At the top of Sprout Tower, as soon as he finishes defeating the Elder.] I only care about strong Pokémon that can win. I really couldn't care less about weak Pokémon.

[betabangs]

[Well...]

What makes a Pokémon strong or weak?

[savedover]

Whether they win or lose, obviously. If they win, they're strong-- if they lose, they're weak.

[betabangs]

[Being a newbie trainer, this is all very interesting to learn. There were tons of different people who all had their own take on Pokémon...

But it feels wrong to think like that. Bulbasaur's a little scaredy plant, so would he be weak?]

How are you going to be able to tell that if they're still in their Pokéballs though?

[savedover]

You can't. That's what makes it difficult.

[betabangs]

Then let them out! Let's meet them, mister!

[savedover]

Why should I? It's none of your business.