A wild HONEDGE appears!

[ofpromisedvictory]

[Action - The Verdant Forest]

[On your way to/from Caldera for the festivities? Wandering out in search of Pokémon? Fleeing from a flock of Spearow? Odds are that you might run into a Honedge wandering the woods. They're not completely uncommon in Union, but finding them in the wild outside of ruins is almost unheard of. Too bad it's not Shiny...]

[It's definitely behaving oddly, though. Rather than going for the immediate attack, as many Wild Pokémon do, it's...lurking. Observing, actually. It's too honorable to lurk. But it seems to be hesitating about approaching for a little bit.]

[At this point, you can choose your path, almost like it's some sort of visual representation of a novel with multiple options given to the reader:]

1

[Approach the Honedge with Pokémon ready to attack, or with a Warp Band as if you're about to try to bond it (she, actually), and she'll unsheathe herself, ready for a fight.]

2

[Start speaking plainly, or wait long enough for the Honedge to get comfortable, and the Honedge Shifts into the form of a young lady in an old-fashioned dress, who immediately bows in greeting.]

Greetings. I ask of you - do you know the way to a place called "Union City"?

Comments

2

[untalented]

[The Honedge, a pokemon he had only read about and studied illustrations of in dusty old encyclopedias, suddenly shifting form was one thing in and of itself. The primly dressed young woman who appeared in the ghostly blade's place was a completely different story.

Waver, who was standing stark still with his eyes wide and his tiny Foongus held firmly in his hands, stared blankly at the woman for a moment before quickly searching the surrounding trees for any sign of anyone else.

Turning up nothing, he uneasily pointed at himself with questions in his eyes.]

Are you....talking to me?

[ofpromisedvictory]

I am.

[She considers for a moment.]

Unless the young one you're holding might know the answer better.

[untalented]

[The little Foongus looked up at him with a curious little chirp; he just went along for the ride, you're the navigator.

At least, his words would have sounded like that to those who understood the Pokemon language. Waver, still unfamiliar with how the Warp Band worked, simply based his next words on his analytic judgement and knowledge of his friend.]

It's to the south if you follow this path, [He said, relaxing his stance and his shoulders just enough so he could calm his breathing.]

Honedges are rare out in the forest, [He continued,] but it doesn't seem like you're a normal Honedge. Is that right?

[ofpromisedvictory]

[She nods.]

That's correct. I recently developed the ability to take on this form. No Pokémon had any real knowledge of what it meant, but rumors indicated the humans of Union City would know.

[untalented]

The humans in Union call people like you 'Shifters' because of your ability to shift between forms. I don't know much about all the different kinds of 'Enlightened' abilities that are common in that city, though; I'm a traveller myself.

[ofpromisedvictory]

Did you also travel there to learn? I'm not too familiar with humans, but if I had to guess, you'd be a scholar.

[Or a small child but given the size and shape of her own human form that would be a bit of Rock Throwing in glass houses.]

[untalented]

[He was still taller than her by a half an inch, so commentary about height would have been moot between them.

Waver paused for a thoughtful moment at her question before answering.]

I'm mostly self-taught, but no one will argue if you want to think of me as one.

[He shrugged. Only within the last month had he felt like anyone was treating him with a shred of respect.]

[ofpromisedvictory]

I see.

[She nods, and offers the hint of a confident smile.]

I'd be grateful for anything you can tell me about human culture. Pokémon are not known for studying others in great detail.

[untalented]

You've probably never had much need to.

[It was an understandable situation, but one that didn't have an easy responce.]

Unfortunately, there's a lot of different cultures that humans can have. I'm still learning about them myself, and it's more information than any one book can just contain.

It might just be easier to learn as you go. Unfortunately.

[ofpromisedvictory]

Learning through action is a fair bit more familiar, at least.

Is every one of your cities a different culture, then?

[untalented]

Something like that. I think. I've only been to three so far...

[Which, three generations ago, would have still been exceptionally more than many would imagine.]

...Do you have a name? Most humans have names that they use in conversations with eachother.

[ofpromisedvictory]

I am aware of that much. I thought the name "Saber" would be appropriate, so you may call me that.

[untalented]

[He nodded respectfully.]

It is appropriate-- and certainly better than 'Miss Honedge.'

But it feels like we' both have a lot of learning to do. How about you ask questions and I see how well I can answer them?

[ofpromisedvictory]

[She smiles, just slightly and ruefully.]

My main problem is not knowing where to start...obviously, the first question is "why did this happen", but I doubt humans have even heard of a Pokémon being able to turn into a human form before.

[untalented]

...Actually, you might be able to find that answer in Union. Strange as it sounds, there are some people who can switch between human and pokemon forms. They're called 'shifters,' I think,

[At least, that's what the books in the library said...]

[ofpromisedvictory]

I suppose it's possible the same principle applies to myself in reverse...

[untalented]

[He nodded.]

That does sound like the most sensible idea so far. I haven't read much of the literature yet...but, there's a lot to read about. It might also take some time to find someone who can help...

[Waver's words trailed as he was hit with another thought.]

You're going to need a place to stay if you find you like this form. And clothes. And food.

[ofpromisedvictory]

I suppose you're right. As a Honedge, I'm not really required to eat much, but shelter and clothing area also important.

[untalented]

And you seem like someone who would like something more dignified to stay than somewhere in the forests or even the Habitat in Union.

[He glanced away, mulling over an idea.]

...My name is Waver Velvet. I do have an option for you that shouldn't give you too many problems.

[ofpromisedvictory]

Waver Velvet. It's a pleasure to meet you.

[Sounds like a perfectly cromulent human name to her.]

I would be more than willing to hear your idea.

[untalented]

Well, you see, I have a little arrangement right now in Union-- it's not going to cost you any money or disturb your privacy at all, I swear.

[He was hesitant to elaborate-- Saber comported herself as an honorable woman, and many would view this arrangement as something less than honorable...]

[ofpromisedvictory]

What sort of arrangement? I take it you mean a place to live?

[She doesn't see a problem with this, per se.]

I wouldn't want to impose, but I truly don't take up much room, either.

[untalented]

--It's not that, [He said quickly, feeling his face flush in embarrassment.]

It's just that....I'm a Magus, from Sanctuary. And I'm currently living in Union.

....it's not exactly honest. If you don't want to have any part of that, it's fine. But you deserve a warning about it first.

[ofpromisedvictory]

Is it considered dishonest for a human from one settlement to live in another?

[That didn't seem likely.]

Or do you mean you somehow stole a place to live?

[untalented]

No! [He frantically shook his head, appalled that 'theft' was even in the picture here.]

I mean-- I'm not exactly telling them the truth. I will find a different place and make it up to them some day, when I have some more funds behind my name, but until then....

[A shrug, as if he didn't know of any more options.]