failnought | 001. video

[ When the video flickers on, there's a Piplup face taking up the whole screen. And there's a voice not too far away--the Piplup jumps when it becomes louder. ]

You've got a lot of explaining to do, young man! [ The Piplup moves away from the camera. Standing not too far off is a young woman with pink hair. ] Stealing someone's bag? You should be ashamed of yourself! Now, return it to me and apologize. [ Cue the culprit--a young boy--sheepishly handing over the bag. There's a quiet apology, barely audible. Serah softens, though, just a tiny bit. She slings the bag over her shoulder and sets her hands on her hips. ] I thought your mother would teach you better than that. [ Her voice is still stern, but at least she's not yelling. ] Now, why don't you tell me why you felt the need to steal?

[ And the kid launches into an explanation. Serah kneels down during the whole thing, nodding every so often--she's dealt with naughty children, she's got enough experience with them to know what to do. When he's finished, Serah straightens up. ]

Alright, why don't you run off? I'll be telling your mother about this, okay?

[ The kid runs off. Serah makes a note to visit the kid's mom when she has a chance--while she'd lectured the kid, she should tell his mother. Maybe he'll have learned his lesson then.

It's at that moment that she notices her gear is on, and her eyes widen in surprise. She looks at the Piplup, which... suddenly looks very scared. Instead, she looks downright impressed. ]

Well, look at you! Aren't you a smart boy? I can't believe you figured out how to turn that on! [ Serah sits down, cross-legged, and pulls the Piplup close. At least the penguin doesn't look completely terrified. ] Looks like you've got a lot more tricks than I thought, Snow. [ And because the camera's on, she can't help it. She waves, and it's with a smile that she starts talking. ]

Hi. I was wondering--might anyone have any information about this place? I didn't really get a whole lot of information from "Mom." If anyone can help me, that'd be great. Thanks in advance!

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[Elsa laughs, relieved that she doesn't have to go through that explanation.]

There are many cute creatures, here. [As if on cue, there's a bark off-screen, and the camera shakes a bit as a growlithe worms its way into Elsa's arms, barking once and panting happily] L-Like this one here! [She scratches the pup behind the ears.] Calm down, Fenrir...

Oh! Hey there, little puppy. You're pretty excited, aren't you?

[ It's too cute, oh no. ] His name's Fenrir? That's a good name.

[There isn't much that Elsa really takes pride in, but she does love her little naming theme going on, so she does look a little proud at the compliment.]

Isn't it? [She keeps scritching Fenrir, and the growlithe eventually melts into her arms, tail wagging contentedly.] And he's not the only dog-like pokemon out there. There are several more, and hundreds of other species.

This land... it's quite an experience, with all these creatures running about.

[ Serah can't help but smile a little more; cute things are kind of her weakness. ]

Are there any cat Pokémon?

[Lucky for Serah, Elsa's FINALLY gotten back to training today after Anna pulled her out of her slump, and so her roster has been rotating a bit as she gives each of her pokemon some time to stretch their legs.

She calls out to one named "Hodur", and a male meowstic walks into view of the camera. He doesn't... look at the camera, though. Just sort of stares off to the right of it a bit...]

There's this one, meowstic, who evolved from a pokemon called espurr. There are a few other kinds too, though I don't have any.

[ It's adorable, but that stare is a bit unsettling... Serah clears her throat. ]

Well, I'll just have to keep an eye out! Your Meowstic is so cute. Back home, I took care of a ton of cats. I'd like to do the same here, too.

Well, I don't think there are that many catlike pokemon, but you'll still have your hands full here! Believe me, plenty of others will worm their ways into your heart the moment you see them.

If they're as adorable as Snow is, I don't think they'll have to work too hard.

Some are cute, some are elegant, some are truly awe-inspiring.... and some are odd. But they're all endearing in their own way. I have to say, traveling around this land is quite the experience.

Somehow, I don't find that hard to believe. What's the oddest one you've seen?

[Hmm...]

Well... I saw a large goldfish evolve into a giant sea serpent. That was rather odd.

That does sound odd. They can change that drastically?

That's the most drastic I've seen. Most of the time they just get a bit bigger, and grow some more feathers or fur or fins. They also change colors too, but... from what I've heard, that one's a sort of special case.

That's good to know. Well, I won't be surprised if Snow does get bigger. He's so tiny!

In my experience, more often than not, the little ones DO get much bigger. Who knows, he might be even taller than you by the time he's done growing up!

If he gets as tall as his namesake, I'd be really surprised.

[ Not going to mention the fact that it's, uh, not too difficult to be taller than she is. ]

I see. [Elsa's smile softens a bit.] This person must be very important to you, if you decided to name your starter after them.

[She only named one of her own after a real person, and that person is her mother. She knows how special that sort of thing is.]

He is. My fiancé, Snow.

[ Her own smile falters a little bit; the last time she'd seen Snow, he'd... disappeared, right before her eyes. It passes after a moment, and that smile's back, though it's a little more subdued than before. ]

I think he'd be embarrassed if he knew, though.... naming a cute little penguin after him. He'd want something that can punch stuff.

Or maybe he'd be happy that the person he loved cares enough to think about him, even in a place like this.

[ She lets out a laugh and nods. ]

Yeah, I think he'd be embarrassed only if Lightning teased him about it.

[... Aaaand at that note, any hint of a smile completely disappears from Elsa's face.]

... Lightning?

[Ohhh no please let this be a different Lightning....]

[ Uh oh. That's... definitely not a good sign. ]

Lightning Farron. Pink hair, blue eyes. She's been here for two and a half months, she said.

[ Something happened. Between this conversation and the one she's having with Lightning... ]

Y-Yes. I... I know her.

[Oh god ohhh god this isn't good. This is not good at all.]

... I'm guessing something bad happened between you two.

[ Her voice is gentle--Serah knows pain fairly intimately. ]

You don't have to tell me, if it's too hard. I'm planning on asking her about it when I see her. But whatever happened between you two? I hope it doesn't mean we can't be friends.

[Elsa still looks incredibly tense, but... Serah's words do help her calm just a bit.]

Of... of course not. I don't know if you still wish to be friends, after asking her about it. But if you truly want to...

[video]

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