21. It only happens once a year. [Video/Action for Goldenrod]

[isthedeadcat]

[The transmission opens to show Lion, sitting in the outskirts of Goldenrod. In the background we can see a Dragonite (wearing a red ribbon), a Salamence, a Milotic and an Altaria playing around (in varying degrees of "playing nice"), a Lucario is sitting to Lion's right, and a not-suspicious-at-all book on the left.

If the book moves, well that's totally normal. It's just a book. Yep.]

Today it marks two years since I arrived here.

If I look back, I don't think I could've imagined spending this long here, and even less all the things that I've seen and done, or the people I have met.

[There is a thoughtful pause, before Lion smiles once more.]

To celebrate, I have a small question for everyone. It's an easy one, I'm sure almost everyone must have an answer.

What makes you feel happy?

Small things or larger ones, it doesn't matter... Let's talk about the things we enjoy or love.

Comments

[video] Annnd now severe delays for a four hour car trip.

[itsjustdust]

Exactly! I mean, I was thrilled about -how- I figured I got here, but uh, everyone I've run into, except Rin, he's my travel buddy, have been all kinds of 'oh kami what?' and well, that kinda sucks, because I thought I was awesome.

[video] Haha, delay here too xD

[isthedeadcat]

Can I ask what you thought?

[video] I litterally just got here hahahaha

[itsjustdust]

Yeah sure, just, you know, not trying to depress you! The last thing I remember before coming here is dying. But, you know, Hero's death, saved my teammates, and I just -know- I'm gonna be on the memorial stone, yeah?

[video] Best ever xD

[isthedeadcat]

I see...

[There is a pause, in which Lion seems a bit thoughtful.]

I can understand why people would be sad... The idea of dying is always a little frightening.

But I can also understand why you wouldn't regret it. After all you did something truly important, isn't that right?

[video] All the excellence!

[itsjustdust]

[He seems rather relieved that the response isn't immediate depression like he got a couple times.]

Yes! That! I mean, I even heard that the teammate I saved, the action that took me out I mean? He'd lost an eye the day before so I gave him mine, when I was dying, and he went and started acting like me, which is good, because he was miserable -all the time- before. And, well, that makes it worth it yeah?

[video] Mwahahaha xD

[isthedeadcat]

Yes, I'd say it makes it worth it... It is a little sad, but on the brighter side, you are here now.

Maybe you were brought here as a bit of a reward for your deeds.

[video] Victory!

[itsjustdust]

YES! That's exactly how I was looking at it! You know, second round afterlife type thingy where I get a second go at being completely kick ass.

[video]

[isthedeadcat]

[And here Lion can't help a small laugh.]

Then you must make the most of your time here.

[video]

[itsjustdust]

I am! I even got to meet my baby cousin's baby brother who wasn't even born yet when I died. He's a broody punk but hey, this means I get to fix it!

[video]

[isthedeadcat]

Oh...

Since arriving I've met a few family members I hadn't gotten to meet before as well.

It's really strange, but at the same time it's a wonderful thing, don't you think so?

[video]

[itsjustdust]

It is! My little cousin was the only family member I ever figured I'd miss if I moved away so... it works out!

[video]

[isthedeadcat]

That's a good thing.

May I ask your name...?

[video]

[itsjustdust]

Eh? Oh! Sorry about that. I'm Obito, Uchiha Obito, pleased to meet you. You?

[video]

[isthedeadcat]

Ushiromiya Lion. I'm pleased to meet you as well.

[Lion is by now pretty used to using the western order in names, so being able to use a japanese style is really nostalgic.]

I take it you arrived recently?

[video]

[itsjustdust]

I did, not even a couple weeks ago, but people have been super nice since I got here. It's really weird, but in that awesome way you know?

[video]

[isthedeadcat]

I remember everyone was very kind to me when I arrived as well.

Even when my world was in peace, it was surprising for me too, as people aren't usually so ready to give out information or lend a hand.

[video]

[itsjustdust]

Yeah exactly! I mean I picked up Rin pretty much immediately and he's been totally awesome about everything ever. To say nothing about the practical mountain of info that came with him.

[video]

[isthedeadcat]

It's always good to find a companion early in the road.

It helps to get used to the things happening around, and how this world works.

[video]

[itsjustdust]

And he's been here before! But uh, not doing the breeder thing like this time so we're still working on that bit.

[video]

[isthedeadcat]

It's a bit of a different outlook from the one for trainers, yes.

[video]

[itsjustdust]

I've heard that before actually. What -is- the big difference anyway? I'd ask Rin but he'd information dump me so hard I'd forget my question.

[video]

[isthedeadcat]

Well, the difference isn't that big a while after leaving the first town.

The idea is that breeders are supposed to raise pokémon as their goal, while trainers are supposed to raise them in order to take on the gyms.

Still, breeders can take on the gym challenge and trainers can be just fine without taking it, so it's mostly about your personal choice.

[video]

[itsjustdust]

[There was a beat of pause.]

So the only difference really is what it says on your badge and some unknown side benefits?

[video]

[isthedeadcat]

Pretty much.

Unless one wants to make a big deal out of it, then it is pretty different. It's up to you.

[video] Sorry my other Uchiha jumped in o.o

[itsjustdust]

All making a bit deal of it does is muck up the details. [He made a face.]

Very good to know! Sooo Lion-san. What area of this map thing are you in anyway? It's got all sorts of places.