Intro Post

[snakewithacape]

Edge of Turnbloom City

[A Seviper wearing a number of things hovers at the edge of Turnbloom City. It has a red and orange cape on, is wearing a carry bag, and an amulet is tied around its neck. The Seviper makes no attempt to enter the city, opting only to stare into it, shifting its focus from one thing to another.

And then it catches sight of you approaching, tensing up a little. Unfortunately, if a human happens to approach him, he'll start backing away.]

Shrouded Woods, closed to Non-Humans

[The Seviper doesn't stay there forever. He eventually retreats into the neighboring forest, opting to try and hide from human civilization. Whatever you're doing in the forest, A Seviper enters your view. He quickly notices you, too, and courteously bows down to you, speaking in the language only Pokemon can understand, as all Pokemon can.]

I greet you. It sure is a beautiful day, is it not?

Comments

at the edge of Turnbloom!!

[goingallout]

[At first, he's both excited and curious when he spots the poison-type Pokemon in his path.]

Woah, what's a Seviper doing out here?

[But then he takes notice that the Pokemon is staring very intently at him. Which, as far as Ash is concerned... isn't good. The last thing he wants is to further agitate it, and maybe get the brunt of Seviper's poisonous tail, so he gestures the Seviper to calm down as he stops in his tracks.]

Hey, easy there big fella! I'm not here to hurt you.

[His Pikachu also stares back at the Seviper, acting cautious.]

[snakewithacape]

[The Seviper briefly glances to the Pikachu, a familiar form to this snake, just as cautious. However, more disconcertingly, this Pikachu has a human leading it. Briefly flickering his eyes between the two, he notices the human stop in its tracks. That's... good. However, there's little doubt in this Seviper's mind that this human wishes to capture it via Pokeball.

And he's had too many close encounters with humans before for his liking, even if it was only a couple. When the Seviper speaks, it's highly unlikely the human will understand him.]

May I ask you to have your trainer not to attempt to capture me? I would much rather avoid it.

[goingallout]

[A weird request, but Pikachu seems to get where Seviper's coming from.]

If you're not intending to attack, then you don't have to worry about that.

[Ash meanwhile glances at his Pikachu, wondering what his buddy and the Seviper are talking about. But he hopes that Pikachu is trying to mediate between them. For now, he's just going to figure this out in his own way.]

Look, don't be scared. I'm not gonna do anything to you!

[He reaches his hand out and smiles gently.]

Trust me, Ash means it.

[snakewithacape]

[The Seviper continues to gaze with suspicion and caution as an internal debate happens. He doesn't want to get caught. In fact, this is the furthest thing he wants. One moment he was in Hoenn, the next... here. Is... is this somehow Palkia's fault...? Maybe not, but a Mew DID tell him Palkia was intent on wiping Ilaan before... Anyways, the snake kind of wants to know how he got here and even where here is. And this Pikachu is near a human. IS a human's, Kebi assumes. And right near civilization. HUMAN civilization.

...But... on the other hand... The Pokemon Explorer group he was with... he did have a Huge Thing™ about his paranoia. The Seviper still has to try and force himself not to be. And even though he doesn't understand the words of a human, he still gathers they intent of them.

...Okay. He can do this.]

...I... I'm a wild Pokemon, and I go by the name of- [Not Namaak.] -Kebi. May I ask where I am?

[goingallout]

[Pikachu looks at Kebi for a moment, then to Ash's confused look, then back to Kebi. And he lets out a sigh.]

I don't think he could understand you.

...Sorry, I don't know what you're saying.

[Ash rubs the back of his head. But then his eyes lit up as an idea struck Ash and starts rummaging his backpack. Meanwhile, Pikachu uses this opportunity to introduce themselves.]

I'm Pikachu! And this is my partner, Ash. The humans here call this place "Ultern" and as far as I understand, it's very far away from home.

[It doesn't take long until Ash takes out a couple of Sitrus Berries from his bag. He then offers one to his Pikachu, as if to show Kebi his intent, then reaches the other one out to the Seviper.]

Here! You can have this!

[snakewithacape]

[...Okay. Okay. This human... appears to not want to capture him? Or at least be willing to try to lead Kebi into a false sense of security. He tries shoving the paranoid thought away as he slowly, cautiously approaches.

uh. Though. There's one problem. His tail. Uh... Well, if Kebi reaches over slowly, would that show intent not to actually harm? Kebi will keep his tail flat to allow the berry to be placed on it because no hands.]

[goingallout]

[Initially, he thought the tail is pointed at him which startles Ash for a moment. But after seeing that Kebi isn't attacking, he starts wondering why the Seviper did so. That is, until his Pikachu grabs his attention.]

Pikapi! Chu-Pikachu!

[In Pokemon-speak, he's just directing Ash to hand over the berry. Of course, he wouldn't understand it, so Pikachu holds up his half-eaten berry to Ash and then points to Kebi's tail. Not too long after, the gears in his head start running.]

...Oh! [He then turns back to Kebi.] You want me to put the berry on there. Gotcha!

[Soon enough Ash gently places the berry on his bladed tail, and grins.]

There you go!

[snakewithacape]

[...uuuuuuh... hmm. As time goes on longer and longer without the berry being put on the tail and Pikachu and... Ash, was it...? ...trying to communicate, Kebi internally sweatdrops. Because this is very awkward.

But at last, Ash puts the berry on the tail. Good! After all, eating something straight out of someone's hands was rude. And Kebi's not rude. With a nod, Kebi smiles.]

I thank you. If I may... you mentioned this place was Ultern? Does anyone here know why you, Ash, or I were bought here?

[As Pikachu speaks, Kebi will bring the berry to his mouth, expertly keeping it from falling off, and eating it. Not bad!]

[goingallout]

[Seeing that Kebi has accepted his gift, this counts as a win for Ash. And while things seemed to have calmed down, he wasn't sure if it's still safe to approach, so Ash decides to pull out his Rotom Phone look up the Pokemon's entry in the Pokedex app, wanting to figure things out from there.

And while Ash is distracted, Pikachu answers back after nibbling more on his berry.]

I don't know. [He then glances at Ash with... a slightly melancholic look.] Neither does Ash. We both wish we knew... They said we "drifted" here and then give us sad looks despite being so nice.

[As Ash looks up from his phone, he was just in time to see Kebi eating his berry. And immediately he lowers his phone as he watches in fascination.]

Wow! You're good at balancing things!

[snakewithacape]

["Seviper, the Fang Snake Pokémon. Its swordlike tail serves two purposes—it slashes foes and douses them with secreted poison. This Pokémon shares a generations-long blood feud with Zangoose."]

[Kebi's eyes briefly flicker over to the strange red machine Ash is using, taking a quick peek out of the corner of his eye before just sighing.]

...I've already had two strange adventures, why not a third...? I hope at least this one doesn't escalate to saving the world... again.

[goingallout]

Haha, we can only hope! For me, I wouldn't hold my breath on that. Ash here is a magnet for trouble and we end up saving the world way too much.

[And Pikachu swallows the last piece of his berry.]

But on the plus side, as long as I'm with him, we get to have fun adventures together!

[Ash hums as he listens to Seviper's entry.]

Oh cool, then that tail of yours is pretty strong!

[You know what? It's time to throw caution to the wind and start taking a close look at Kebi. So Ash approaches and reaches his hand out to touch his head and stroke it. Hopefully Kebi doesn't mind being petted, does he?]

[snakewithacape]

[Oh, wonderful. It's not that Kebi is cowardly, not at all. After all, he's an explorer, a job he's picked up recently. Going into unexplored areas does constitute running into danger, doesn't it? It's more like he disliked that large quantity of danger, even if he's willing to help stop it.]

I'm sorry to hear that you've gotten caught up in all of that. Fun adventuring is fine, but when the lives of everyone being on the line can be nerve wracking, if I may.

[Kebi goes to finish the last of his berry as well until he's suddenly petted and whyyyyyyy. He flinches away from the petting and gives Ash a look that says 'please don't demean me like that'. Well, he's trying to hide that as giving a look like that to someone would be rude.]

Er, apologies, but may I ask you to tell Ash not to pet me like that...? I'm afraid it makes me uncomfortable..

[goingallout]

[When Kebi puts it that way, it does sound pretty nerve-wracking.]

You do have a point...

[Fortunately Pikachu didn't need to tell Ash, as the moment he sees Kebi flinch in response, it surprises him and immediately pulls his hand back.]

Ah, sorry... I didn't mean to make you feel on edge.

[He frowns. It's a little upsetting to know that the Seviper didn't like to be petted. Maybe it's because he's still a stranger to him? But for know, it looks like that is a no-go.

Pikachu looks at Kebi reassuringly.]

He understands, don't worry! It's just his way of wanting to make friends with Pokemon, you see.

[snakewithacape]

Ah, I see. I do apologize, but I'm afraid I'm not one to enjoy being pet. I prefer being treated as an equal, if I may.

[Kebi glances at Ash, then at the city. Hmm...]

May I ask a favor? Is there some way to act as if Ash has captured me even though I'm not? It would help me explore the city more comfortably.

Shrouded Woods!

[ulternnpc]

[Calyrex was alone however he was finally dressed up as they adorned a seasonal appropriate attire, and a basket full of treats in hand. Calyrex stopped upon hearing Kebi. Turning to the snake Pokemon, Calyrex smiled.]

Why yes it is. It is quite different from the vast snowy fields of the Crown Tundra.

[Slowly, Calyrex reached into the basket to pull out a cookie to hold it right out to Kebi.]

Would you care of a treat?

[snakewithacape]

[Kebi has had encounters with legendaries before. He's met both Mew and Mewtwo, stopped Darkrai from doing something terrible, and has heard of Arceus, Dialga, and Palkia. He's never heard of Calyrex before, and is thus assuming this is just a normal Pokemon, albeit one he's never seen before.

Kebi smiles thankfully, offering his tailblade to have Caylex put the cookie on it.]

I thank you for the offer. I go by the name of Kebi. May I ask what your name is?

[ulternnpc]

[Calyrex placed the cookie onto Kebi's blade. The cookie itself was well made, as it gave a sweet scent of the berries that was baked into it. Hopefully Kebi wasn't opposed to sweet flavors.]

It is nice to be acquainted with you, Kebi.

[Calyrex gave a smile of their own. With a swish of their newly decorated cape, Calyrex spoke.]

I am known as Calyrex. I am quite new to these parts. I assume that you are, as well?

[snakewithacape]

[Kebi briefly flickers his tongue over the cookie. Hmm, it does indeed smell tasty! He takes a bite. It's actually pretty good.]

Indeed, I am. It's a pleasure to meet you, Calyrex. I'm supposed to be in Hoenn, with everyone else in the guild.

[Oh no... Kebi just realized something. He hides his worry with the same curious, yet polite demeanor.]

Er, may I ask if you've seen a Snivy? Or Lopunny? Or Rotom? Or Ampharos? Or Jolteon? Or... ah, apologies, but I'm unsure if any of my teammates have been transported here with me.

[ulternnpc]

The Hoenn region... that is quite the ways away from where I hail.

[But Calyrex have heard of it. It was far sunnier and warmer compared to where Calyrex was used to living in, much like Ultern.]

I do apologize, but I have not seen either of those Pokemon you have mentioned. However, this area is a vast place. Perhaps they are out there somewhere.

[Calyrex offered an encouraging smile to Kebi. Although, there was no way to tell for certain whether Kebi's friends were around or not.]

[goingallout]

Hmm... [Pikachu takes a quick glance at Ash before looking back at Kebi.] You can try following us around! If you stick very close, then the humans wouldn't suspect you're a wild Pokemon!

I'll lead the way! Just stay next to me and Ash will figure out that you just want to tag along.

[He then jumps away from Ash's shoulder and starts looking at his trainer expectantly.]

Oh right! We better get moving and grab some supplies. We'll be going ahead then, Seviper!

[And so both Ash and Pikachu start walking. Pikachu then nods at Kebi, as it's his cue to come along with them.]

[snakewithacape]

[Kebi gives a polite bow to the Pikachu.]

I thank you.

[Kebi slithers close beside Ash, but not too close. He wants to give off the impression that he's a captured Pokemon, not clingy.]

It's... nice to see a human trainer not really jumping at the chance to catch wild Pokemon.

[Kebi knows that while it is possible that Ash is leading him into a false sense of security, it's unlikely. He's trying not to be paranoid, forcing himself to take a risk like this.]

[snakewithacape]

Indeed, it is. I travelled there from Ilaan with my guildmates in order to investigate rumors of some legendary treasure. It... unfortunately, it ended up becoming very chaotic.

We ended up having to stop Darkrai from taking over the real world by sealing off access to the dream world.

Shrouded Woods

[radleyslittleevie]

Oh, it is!

[Evie the Eevee exclaims happily.]

I love it here!

[snakewithacape]

[Kebi offers a friendly smile.]

It's good to hear you're enjoying it here! May I ask where exactly here is? I'm afraid this place is unfamiliar to me...

[radleyslittleevie]

Um ...

[Evie looks around awkwardly, tail swishing.]

I ... think it's called Ultern? It's really pretty! I just wish my partner was here ... but maybe I can find him!