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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I suppose it's worth mentioning you shouldn't eat any berries. Or climb down any ledges.

They don't work the other way.

You mean you can't climb up them?

[ what. ]

No. They don't work the up way.

I take it that's just something no one's figured out, like the music.

[Lust nods]

It's those manner of things that make up the madness. Another example... excuse me a moment while I fetch Sticky.

[Lust leaves the frame for a moment, and the wide face of a very large Spheal wearing makeup takes her place.]

Stick--

[ WELL THAT'S. Wow. Serah's a little taken aback, but it's a good thing she's got a sense of humor. ]

Well, look at you, Sticky! You definitely work that makeup. Your trainer has a good eye for it.

[Lust chuckles in the background.]

That's Guttle! He lives on attention as much as treats, he'll take any chance he gets to make faces at the camera. Don't mind him.

[The Spheal is true to his trainer's word. Until he's rolled out of the way and Lust adjusts the gear to show a floating puff of cotton candy with eyes.]

That is Sticky. Named so because he is, he's composed of candy floss. Organic candy floss.

Ah, Guttle. Sorry about that. It's nice to meet you nonetheless, Guttle.

[ AN ACTUAL COTTON CANDY MONSTER. AMAZING. Serah knows a few kids who'd go wild for something like that. ]

I never would have guessed there'd be actual moving cotton candy, but I'm sure that's not the strangest thing here, right?

He doesn't care what you call him, as long as you're paying attention to him.

And no, Sticky's simply the strangest thing I had on hand. Most Pokemon defy the common laws of biology.

This world revolves around them entirely.

Well, with that face, I'm sure he gets plenty of attention.

So they can be pretty much anything? Even, say... a trash bag?

You have no idea. He's my starter - the Pokemon that was with me when I woke up in this world.

Mmhmm. I know there's one that simply a pile of trash.

I'm glad we have something to keep us company from the start. It would be a lot more difficult if we didn't.

[ Her eyebrows raise in surprise. ] I was just making a crazy guess. But like you said, a world of madness.

I've found you only remain lonely in this world if you choose it.

Utter madness.

I don't think I'll have to worry about being alone. My sister is here.

I'm Serah. How long have you been here, by the way? If you don't mind my asking.

That happens often. My brother was here before me.

I'm Lust. In three days it will be one year.

I'm glad it did for me. I think I'd be way more uncomfortable here if she wasn't.

It's nice to meet you, Lust. Happy early anniversary. That's quite a while to be here!

We're the lucky ones.

Thank you. I suppose it is, but I intend to remain here. With luck, it's only a drop in the ocean.

I have to agree with you there.

You're welcome. I do as well, though... since you've been here so long, how do you think time flows back at our homes? [ She does have things to do, and while she likes it here and she can see Lightning again, it's been weighing heavily on her mind. ]

I have no idea. Time doesn't seem to matter, I don't think about it. Or the place I came from.

Point taken. I guess... worrying about it won't do much.

[ She's totally going to worry about it. ]

It will only give you a headache. Time beyond this place moves backwards and sideways and means nothing. My brother had been here three years before I arrived, but I'd just left him weeks ago.

I'll keep that in mind. I've dealt with different timelines before, so it's nothing I haven't heard of.

Anyway-- are there any places you recommend checking out? I've heard good things about Celadon and Goldenrod, but I'd like to know most of my other options.

I live in Goldenrod, so of course I'd recommend it. The circus here is something to see - though again, I'm biased, I'm a circus performer.

I enjoyed Olivine when I visited, aside from the parts I spent in the ocean.

A circus? That sounds like fun. I'll have to convince Lightning to go with me and see. Do you have a list of show dates?

Olivine--it's a beach city, then?

On the weekends. If you happen to be in the city this month, it's the show's anniversary. It's going to be quite the event.

It's on the beach, yes.

Video

failnought - 2015-05-07 01:00 (UTC) - Expand