since there is sadness, we can feel joy

.003 ice cream [Voice | Fourth Wall'd]

2011-11-19T22:25:40Z

[There's a very loud and persistent stream of toges at first, followed by a hushing sound, low and soothing.] I know, sweetheart. We will look for them.

Ah, to anyone else who can hear this-- you're probably wondering what is going on and how you ended up here, and while I might not have all the answers, I can try to help you to the best of my abilities. And my Pokemon, as well!

.018 battles [Video]

2011-10-31T23:38:14Z

[At first, there is a huge, white smiley face pressed up against the camera. Once the view zooms out, you can see a familiar Togekiss doing familiar Togekiss shenanigans: bouncing around and chirping in excitement and generally acting like a big blob of happy. Nothing special about it, right?

Well, look again.

Not too far from the feathery bag of cute, there's another Togekiss, much quieter than its fellow bird buddy, looking like it was roosting. Cynthia's Togekiss is not about to let it happen, though, so he dashes off closer and happily nuzzles his companion, urging the other to approach the camera-- and receiving some flailing about and a determined flap of wings in protest. This one is not going anywhere!

Care to venture a guess as to where that second, very distraught Togekiss came from?]

.017 battles [video | action for anyone in Discedo]

2011-09-21T21:49:45Z

[Even though this is Cynthia's frequency, this time she's not the one broadcasting the feed. She's definitely featured in it, though, along with a pile of disfigured corpses-- not like this is a shocking sight by now. The lack of blood, however, is still as much of an enigma as always.

The first body seems to be what used to be a green-haired teenager (a boy, though you can't really tell from the way his skull has caved in) both arms viciously torn off. Next, a shorter body is carelessly draped half way across the boy's; an elder woman, with her scalp ripped off and both legs smashed so meticulously one can barely tell flesh from bone. Just a little further north, there's the upper half of a red-headed male torso, yellow shirt ripped off to expose a broken ribcage. Waist and legs were not within the camera's range, but they were there.

And then there's the blonde Champion, curled up right in the middle of death, craddling something in her arms. A closer inspection will reveal it as a human head, lavender curls covering most of her fallen Elite Four member's features. Cynthia herself is completely immovable, as though she, too, had died. In a way, she had.]

Gaaaar! [A certain landshark Pokemon comes into view, but instead of her usual ferocious self, Garchomp looks almost pleading. She can't speak in a way humans can understand, but if she could, she would be asking for help right about now.]

.016 battles [video]

2011-09-01T15:03:04Z

[Here is a feathery bag of cute.

Here is a sleeping feathery bag of cute.

Here is a sleeping feathery bag of cute that won't stay that way for long because the communicator has decided to give him a shock. Cue familiar BZZZZZZZT sound.]

TOGE! [And here is a pissed off Togekiss, glaring at the screen. And then proceeding to forcebly tackle the fiendish thing. And again. Then once more. Boy, someone is cranky.]

Togekiss, what-- [Cynthia's voice can be heard in between every forceful thrust, and if you're lucky, the camera might survive long enough for you to spot her.] Easy, now, sweetheart. I know you're upset, but this isn't going to make anything better...

[Another minute of pouncing and tackling later, the feed cuts off.]

.015 battles [Video]

2011-07-31T18:57:02Z

[The feed opens to a view of the odd phone booth-looking objects across the street, sprayed-on smiley faces without a single blotch in spite of the rain. A moment later, it moves around to show Cynthia, with her Lucario right behind her.]

Has anyone figured out what those things are? They've been here for a while now, but I'm pretty sure they weren't when we first arrived-- and I've been checking the University quite often since then. [A pause as her gaze wanders back to the teleporters. Lucario doesn't look too happy; he knows what's coming.] I think I might have to further investigate later...

[Yup, Lucario totally knew it. Time to loudly protest-- to which Cynthia responds with her usual optimistic smile.] Don't worry, sweetie-- I'll be fine! [Nope, no she won't. And he's now sticking a paw outside the window and motioning towards the drizzle.] Oh, that's just a little rain. It won't do any harm!

[You're not a Steel-type so you can't handle it, is what the Pokemon wanted to tell her, but couldn't. Damn that stupid chip blocking his telepathy!]

.014 battles [Voice | Text]

2011-06-25T20:36:20Z

I have been wondering how many people stayed behind in Discedo and how things are going over there. Would it be safe to go back, even if only for a short while? I need to check on the greenhouse and make sure it's relatively safe. Besides, I left most of my research over there...

[A series of loud grumbles can be heard in the background. Her Pokemon are not sure they approve of her priorities, but she can be a very obstinate Champion.]

At any rate, I'm planning to make a quick trip back soon, just for a little bit to take care of my unfinished business there. I can't assure it will be entirely risk-free, but if anyone else wants to come along for whatever reasons, my Pokemon and I will make sure to offer transportation and protection.

Also, it might be a good idea to arrange a meeting once we have more details on the current Discedo situation. That way, the whole Spero group can decide on what to do next together.

[The above is transcribed so to make full use of the auto-translate function, then the feed is off.]

.002 ice cream [Voice | Fourth Wall'd]

2011-06-18T22:56:45Z

[There's loud, incomprehensible chatter at first, though visitors coming from the Pokemon world might recognize the sound of those creatures. Or at least they might be familiar with the voice that follows.]

Easy, everyone! I know that time was just like this, but we're not sure yet-- [Insert more loud protesting here.] --oh, all right. Let's see who we can find!

.013 battles [Video]

2011-05-25T16:10:28Z

[When the feed opens, you can see Cynthia and Garchomp standing side by side, in what appears to be the greenhouse - or what once was the greenhouse, considering there are big blocks of ice everywhere. It only takes one motion of her hand, though, and the Pokemon follows her unspoken command, casting a mild Flamethrower attack over the wannabe glaciers so to thaw out the poor flora.]

Excellent work, Garchomp! [She fondly runs a hand along the Pokemon's snout, greeting her on a job well done.] But this is all very curious, isn't it? I thought winter was far behind us by now-- and even so, there shouldn't be any ice inside the greenhouse... [For a minute, she's almost lost in her musings, but Garchomp cries out to get her attention.] Ah, no, you're right! We have a lot more work to do here!

[It turns out the Pokemon was calling her out on something else, though - in this case, the camera operator. Guess who, Discedo?]

Ah-- Togekiss, sweetie, what are you doing over there?

[What follows next is a string of 'toges' and blurry images and maybe you can spot Lucario and Milotic in the background, but Togekiss is very fast and has scurried off with the communicator between his wings. Don't worry, the feed will time off! Eventually.]

.012 battles [Video]

2011-03-16T23:43:10Z

[The video opens to an image of Cynthia, smiling her usual smile at the camera. There seems to be a little more noise in the background than usual, but we'll leave that aside. For now.]

I have been giving some thought to an idea I had a while ago, and I would be delighted if I could be given some input. See, ever since the arson in the library, we have been left with very little information about Discedo, save for whatever people may have salvaged. In fact, at the time I had a few books with me-- [A short pause as she checks her surroundings, looking for her small stack of books. That's when the camera shifts around to reveal a blue, bipedal jackal-like Pokemon with his face buried in the old tomes.] --ah, as you can see, Lucario is making very good use of them. But that's hardly enough.

[With the camera facing Cynthia again, she goes on.] So, I was thinking that perhaps we could start a new collection of our own, so that whoever may inhabit this place in the future will have somewhere to start! Every little bit is important-- oh! [This is when a sea serpent-like creature pops into view, poking her head to check out the communicator and softly humming in ways that could be translated as "What is this? Are people watching me? Look how pretty I am!"] Sweetheart, I don't think this is the right time for a pageant...

[Another hum later, Milotic wraps her body around her trainer, head on her shoulder.] As I was saying, anything at all would help! Marco is working on a beastiary and I promised mister Gyatso I would include the soup kitchen in this project, but there's so much more to add, from the more mundane things like the restaurant and the school and the greenhouse to the chips and their strange effects on people, that Atropos virus from before and the vaccine-- and that's not even counting what's beyond Discedo, but if the invasion from months ago is anything to go by, we can be sure there's something else out there, somewhere past the river! Has anyone ever gone that far, I wonder? Perhaps it could be a safer place for us to li--

[Garchomp gives a small growl and joins the two, fondly headbutting Cynthia.] ... oops, I seem to have gotten carried away again! At any rate, what does everyone think?

[And right before the feed is turned off, Togekiss pokes his big smiling face in, waving at the camera with a wing. "That's all, folks!"]

.011 battles [video]

2011-02-25T16:23:19Z

[The feed opens to several flashes of blurry images, one after the other, as though someone had grabbed the communicator and started running around with the camera facing forward. Except instead of someone, there's a landshark dragon of death flying across the apartment, device firmly held between her teeth.]

Come on, sweetheart! [With a very loud growl, the camera view abruptly turns over to get a shot of Cynthia, beaming like an overly excited little girl, riding an equally cheerful Togekiss.] It's such a beautiful day outside! Let's go play in the snow! Or build a snowman! Or both!

[Gaaaaaaaar! Garchomp is a dragon; dragons don't like snow, gdit. And so, this Pokemon will be storming the hell out of there, as told by the sequence of blurry images again - and Cynthia's giggles echoing somewhat in the distance.] Don't be like that, Garchomp-- it will be fun, I promise! We can make ice cream later, too!

[Another growl in protest later, the communicator is dropped to the floor and Garchomp sets off ahead. Togekiss follows soon afterward, and the last thing that can be seen is his big round face and even bigger mouth closing in on the camera. Omnomnom.]

.010 battles [video]

2011-02-10T16:39:26Z

[The video opens to reveal one (01) blond Champion perched atop a landshark dragon of death, chin resting on the Pokemon's head. Garchomp doesn't seem to mind it all that much, though.]

I'm not sure I understand what Valentine's Day is about. First I heard you were supposed to give candy to the people you love, then someone else said girls were supposed to give chocolate to their male acquaintances and friends, and then I hear it's about going out on dates. [This is Togekiss' cue to land on top of Cynthia, chirping and nuzzling his trainer.] Which one is true, I wonder?

[Garchomp then growls in protest, prompting her - and Togekiss - to climb down from the other Pokemon.] This would be easier if the library was still around and I could do some research-- and that doesn't apply just for this holiday, either. Think of all the valuable knowledge that was lost...

[Before she realizes, Cynthia is leaning on Garchomp again.] It would be nice if we could gather up and document all kinds of information about Discedo again. It might come in handy for anyone who is brought here in the future... [And then Togekiss joins them again, right on top of Cynthia's head, flapping his wings to get attention.] You're saying I should do it? Well-- that is something to think about!

[Garchomp growls yet again, louder than before, and Togekiss flails about before flying away. With a giggle and a gentle pat on the dragon's head, Cynthia turns off the feed.]

.009 battles [Audio]

2011-01-26T18:31:32Z

[The feed opens to the sound of a somewhat ominous piano piece, unknown to the public at large save for the select people who share the Pokemon League castle's roof with Cynthia back home - or for the few who ever managed to get past the final member Elite Four.

Deft fingers keep on urging keys and strings and bringing music forth for a good while longer, until the final notes are played. That's when a pair of "Gaaaar!" and "Togeto!" join in, prompting a small chuckle from her.]

Ah, you were right, sweethearts-- playing the piano really did help soothe and lift my spirits a little. I do still worry for those who disappeared, though. Have they been found yet, I wonder?

[Garchomp interrupts her train of thought with a growl, as though making a point.] You think we could go look for them, Garchomp? That's an excellent idea! We should start right away!

[This time, it is Togekiss who protests, patting the keyboard with a wing.] Oh, all right, Togekiss. But just one more song and then we're off, okay?

[Until the feed times out, the only thing that can be heard is the sound of the piano.]

.008 battles [Text & Voice]

2010-12-21T17:15:02Z

Scientists,

All I would like for Christmas is that everyone could be sent back to their own homes, though I don't believe you will grant us that. Alternatively, if we have to stay here, then I will ask to have the rest of my Pokemon-- Spiritomb, Roserade, Milotic and Lucario-- with me. We have never been separated for this long, and they need me to take care of them. They, too, would be happy to help rebuild this world, I'm sure.

I would also like a way to check on people back home-- my family and friends at the Pokemon League-- even if only once and for just a minute. I hope they have been doing all right.

Also, Lucario would like some chocolate, and perhaps I could have some ice cream, too?

Ever since these Christmas decorations showed up, I've been hearing all kinds of, uh-- [A pause. She wants to say "complaints", but that would be rude, so.] --tales about mistletoe and people having to kiss. We don't have anything like that back home, so I'm a little curious. Is that a tradition in every world out there? Is there a story behind it? Who was the first person to come up with the idea of having to kiss while under the mistletoe?

Also, Frédérick! Would you perhaps know of one or two Christmas carols that we could play? I really think Discedo would benefit from a bit of music for the holidays!

.007 battles [Video]

2010-12-03T22:10:28Z

[Here's one curious little Pokemon champion, peeking at the camera with interest, her landshark dragon of death standing right beside her. Someone has to make sure this girl won't get into even more trouble, after all.]

I've heard those lizard-like creatures that showed up days ago are called dinosaurs. I don't think there has ever been anything quite like them back in my world, and I tried checking the library here, but I haven't found any books on them, so... I was wondering if anyone would mind telling me a little about them? They seemed like such fascinating animals!

And also... Does anyone know what happened to them? If possible, I would like to take a closer look at those dinosaurs. [An overly zealous Garchomp growls in protest, earning a smile from Cynthia.] Of course you're coming along as well, Garchomp.

[And the feed is cut off.]

.001 ice cream | Fourth Wall'd [Voice]

2010-11-16T13:17:29Z

[There's a loud mix of excited growls and chirps in the background as Garchomp and Togekiss seem to be trying to tell her something.]

You're right, the city does look awfully crowded today. I wonder if their machine is malfunctioning...

[The two Pokemon cry for attention again, earning a chuckle from Cynthia.] Ah, what's that? You think our friends could be here? We should take a look, then-- it wouldn't do to leave them alone in a place like this!

[And the feed is cut.]

.006 battles [Audio]

2010-10-26T19:07:11Z

[Even though the feed starts with a familiar BZZZT, this is not the sound of someone who minds it-- in fact, it is as though Cynthia hasn't even felt it. What is heard next might explain the reason of her distraction: a single scale, played on a piano. It comes off as slightly strange as the instrument is obviously out of tune, though anyone with a good ear for music can realize there is no lack of skill there.]

--ah, it still needs quite some work. [Her whisper is tinted with disappointment, but only for one second.] Would anyone here have any experience with fixing musical instruments, or perhaps some tools I could borrow? I found a piano outside a few days ago and it's in need of some repair. I would be more than happy to repay your services in any way I can, of course.

Also, Chopper... I apologize for the timing, but could I ask a great favor of you?

[And with another sequence of notes, the feed is turned off.]

.005 battles [Audio]

2010-09-15T16:09:46Z

[As soon as the feed starts, there's loud and incomprehensible squabbling in the background, a mix of "toges" and "gars" that a few people might recognize as Cynthia's Pokemon protesting at her having picked up the communicator. Clearly, she should be resting!]

Oh, you two... Don't worry, I won't overexert myself. It's a promise. [Another pair of quiet mumbles later, Garchomp and Togekiss fall silent, though they're still keeping a close eye on her.]

I just wanted to apologize if I made anyone else worried these past few days, and also thank all the people who came to our rescue or tried to help in any way they could. To receive such kindness from friends and strangers alike... I certainly won't forget that. Also, the other two-- Oruha and England, was it?-- I hope you'll both be feeling better soon.

I do have something to ask, though. [A pause, as though hesitant.] The other hostage-- Seifer, I think-- has he been found yet? And... what happened to that man? He seemed very sick and he was only getting worse by the time he left us, but this is as far as I know.

[Garchomp gives a growl in warning; your time is up, missy.] All right, I'll turn it off...

.004 battles [Text -> Audio]

2010-09-06T20:38:34Z

Excuse me, but does anyone know how to get to the library from Latimir? I heard there is one in this place and I've been meaning to check it out and research more about Fortuna. I wonder if it's anything like Canalav--

[This is when something prompts Cynthia to drop the communicator, accidentally switching modes to Audio. However, all that can be heard are muffled protests, and even that eventually tunes into silence. The feed keeps rolling for several minutes until it eventually times out.]

[ooc: Cynthia has been kidnapped and won't be answering to comments. Her pokeballs fell off in the struggle, so pokepeople can start up action threads and release her Pokemon -- I'll tag back from that account. AND ON AN UNRELATED NOTE, I have a CR post over here! Go comment, go!]

.003 battles [Video]

2010-08-30T20:28:22Z

[When the feed starts, you are greeted by a vision of Cynthia and her two Pokemon, each on one side. On the right, Garchomp is curiously peeking at the shiny new communicator and the way her reflection bounces off the screen; on the left, Togekiss has gladly made a chewing toy out of the old device.

Unlike her partners, though, the Champion has a much more serious expression.]

I'm sorry to be bringing this up just when everybody seems so happy that those creatures are gone, but... from what I understand, that kind of thing happens very often around here, doesn't it? There were so many people unprotected and in need of aid, but there was only so much I could do.

[At this point, Garchomp nuzzles her side as to call for attention, to which she responds with a small smile and a petting hand on the Pokemon's head.] I would like to have helped much more, but there's something blocking some of my Pokemon's powers-- Lt. Surge told me it's a computer chip, right? What I would like to know is if there's any way to get them removed? Is it a dangerous procedure? Can it be performed on a Pokemon and other inhuman creatures?

[A pause, and then her smile grows a little sheepish.] I realize this might be an unusual request, but I can't ignore how upsetting this is for my Pokemon. Whatever information you might have, I would be very grateful.

[With a bow of her head in thanks, the feed cuts off.]

.002 battles [Accidental Video]

2010-08-20T20:29:13Z

[When the feed starts, one can have a brief glance of Cynthia's room; it's as clean and tidy as Discedo allows, and there is a pile of books standing on a makeshift desk. Garchomp is also helping the Champion unpack, carrying several Potions and Pokemon supplies from one side of the room to the other.]

There, all finished here! [She claps her hands together, beaming at her Pokemon.] Thank you, Garchomp! I think our hard work has paid off-- it's looking pretty good, isn't it? [Garchomp growls in response, and Cynthia gives it a sheepish chuckle.] I know, I know. It really won't stay like this for long... I'll try to be more organized this time, promise!

[And suddenly! Something prompts the angle to shift completely, taking turns between up and down and then sideways, all in very quick succession; it was as though someone had been shaking the device. Whatever it was, it seems to catch Cynthia's attention as she finally turns to face the camera.] You're cheering for me, aren't you, Togekiss? I'm glad! [Its chirping can be heard before the camera is shaken again, even more forcefully than before.] Oh, what do you have there, sweetie?

[Once the Champion approaches and takes the communicator from the Pokemon's mouth, she spares it a shake of head in light reprimand, as made obvious by her smile. She then finally turns it off, hoping no one saw that - it might give them quite a headache otherwise.]

.001 battle [Video]

2010-08-09T22:41:16Z

[The feed opens with this cutie face staring at the camera for a few seconds, just before it starts frantically pecking at the device and growling as though trying to get someone's attention. A hand then joins the energetic creature, petting the Pokemon's head.]

Thank you, Togekiss. [After reaching for the communicator, Cynthia's face comes into view as she studies the newly found gadget for a bit, eyebrows furrowing in confusion.] "Use this." Hmmm. This looks like an ancient version of a Pokétch, but there are no applications available-- in fact, there doesn't seem to be a single Pokemon or trainer around. Could this be that world again? No, it can't be.... It doesn't look the same as last time.

I wonder if this is Cyrus' doing... That man was intent on succeeding, so perhaps--

[At this point, Togekiss lovingly tackles his trainer's side, chirping a little louder than before and earning a smile from Cynthia.] You're absolutely right, sweetheart. No matter what is going on right now, there's nothing we can't overcome together. Let's see if we can find someone else around here, hmm?

[With a last content "Toge!", the Pokemon takes up the lead and flies ahead, the Sinnoh Champion following closely behind.]