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]

[Bulbasaur sniffs it cautiously... But he covers his face again anyway. Sorry, Red.]

I hope so. I wanna be the very best of friends with Bulbasaur! [Emphasis with a hug to its bulb! Which goes about as well as you expect - another cry and all - so Blue backs off again. Oh...] ... I guess it'll take more than that, huh...

[strongsilent]

[That's fine, he gives Bulbasaur a comforting pat as he nods. Purrer sill observe.]

You have to understand Bulbasaur's feelings. Though... I have an idea that might make him feel more comfortable. [Okay, let's let both of them meet Plumer, his sole exception to the collection thing. But she had a purpose at the time.

Hello there, small bulb and child.]

[betabangs]

[Oh wow!! So cute, oh wow!]

She's really, really pretty! [Hi, Plumer! Bulbasaur puts down one of his legs and stares at the Vileplume. Another plant, like him...] It's nice to meet you, um... It's a Vileplume, right? That's what Oddish gets to evolve to.

[strongsilent]

[Plumer will plop right down and pat Bulbasaur's head. Yes, we are both plants. Would you stand up?]

Uh huh. Her name's Plumer. She was the first and only Pokémon I've ever caught, and she's pretty motherly.

[betabangs]

[Yes, he will. Somewhat shakily. So, uh... Hi...]

That's good. You kind of seem like the kind of guy who needs someone to remind him when to eat and sleep. [Well then, more formerly:] I'm Blue, and it's really nice to meet you, Plumer! This is Bulbasaur, and he's a scaredy plant!



[yes yes he is ahahaha...]

[strongsilent]

[... Does he really come off as that kind of guy...? That's troubling. Look at his trouble face.

Plumer bows her petals down in response, then rubs the Bulbasaur's bulb. Aren't you cute! So cute. Why are you so shy, little guy?]

[betabangs]

[Oh, no.] It just means, uh... You're really, really hard working?

[He was just born this way?? Also, uh. This island isn't familiar to him either. He's just as lost as his new trainer is.]

[strongsilent]

[That seems to alleviate it a little. Hard-working isn't really something he'd use to describe himself, thinking of his lackluster performance with the Pokédex.]

I guess I am... Not really, but I can be, I guess. My Pokémon are that way though.

[Oh, us too! It seems pretty nice thought, doesn't it?]

[betabangs]

Every Trainer has something in common with their Pokémon! I'm sure that's your thing, Red!!

[It seems scary...]

[strongsilent]

[Mmmm compliment... He tips his hat kind of over his face and pulls his new Purrloin close, studying it. Yes. That.

It's alright, take your time getting used to it. I can tell by the air that it's had its history, but there's something nice on the winds! (Petpetpet.)]

[betabangs]

[Blue'll study the kitty kitty too. Reaching her hand out like Red did with her Bulbasaur...

Oh-- okay. My trainer seems pretty nice too s-so I guess I'll be okay...]

[strongsilent]

[And Purrer immediately reaches out with a trill to meet her! No sniffing needed, he is assured that the girl is an easy target extremely nice person from how she's been acting.]

Not a lot of Pokémon'll react like Purrer does, but they can usually tell if you're gonna be nice or not... So it's good to be slow. [Mumble kind of. He's still embarrassed.

Yes, she seems very nice! Naive, but nice! You know, it's your duty to protect her as you can. So you have to be brave for her.]

[betabangs]

So no hugging on the first meeting... Okay! [She pets Purrer. Heehee.] Purrer's a cute name, too. Purrererer. Purrururu. Purrer!

[But what if it's too scary to be brave?]

[strongsilent]

Well, it's what he does best right now, so. I thought it might fit him.

[(It feels a little childish now that he's thinking about it actually--)

Then you have to be courageous. Courage comes when you need it, while bravery is something you're born with. As long as you keep her in your thoughts and she grows on you I think'll be fine. Red wasn't very brave either.]

[betabangs]

He'll probably grow up to be the best purrer that ever did purr too then!

[Blue likes it!!

...okay he will try. No promises but he will try to be!]

[strongsilent]

[He's definitely showing signs of it now, anyway. Purr!!!!]

You're, um, welcome to seek us out whenever you want to, Blue. Just so you know. He likes you a lot. And if you have any questions. I guess.

[That's a good boy!! Okay, come on, let's remeet your trainer.]

[betabangs]

Okay! [But... how... Oh! She'll just run around the island shouting his name. That certainly will net her this Red and not any of the other fifteen hundred that might be around. Yep.] You can do it too, except for me! To hang out and stuff!

[Okay... And his trainer is very happy to see him. Very cautiously patting his bulb. Hi, trainer. Hello, Bulbasaur!!!]