Video;

[comparative_insanity]

[Fai is looking unusually somber, and even in monochrome, it's easy to tell that he's a lot paler than usual. On his shoulder stands Babycakes, now evolved into a Floette, like an equally serious guard of honor with her flower like a rifle against her shoulder.]

[The young man says nothing at first, just holds up a rather skillfull sketch of a poké ball. Those with a bit of knowledge in history should probably recognise at least the general shape and design of it.]

Nevermind that they put those machines there to force Tyrantrum to evolve without their consent, but... they use these. Team Evolution, I mean. They keep pokémon imprisoned in these things, just like in the old days.

[He draws a deep, shaky breath.]

Despite how abhorrent this practice is - and believe me, I understand if you're angry - we should remember that they are from a different place with different laws. Wild accusations and demands aren't going to do us any good, is it? It's better if we try to reason with them, try to make them see why such treatment is wrong.

After all, the people in the old days were not all evil. If they were, why would the Savior have thought us worth sacrificing herself over? They were just ignorant.

But I thought you should be... warned.

Comments

[comparative_insanity]

I don't think they do. The woman I talked to seemed genuinely shocked and concerned when I told her that they're forbidden here. I really don't think they're evil as much as just ignorant.

[tinytactician]

[Armin frowns darkly -- apparently for all his sweetness and earnestness, he's not the most forgiving of people.]

I...that makes sense. I guess. But we should still be very careful. I don't trust them.

[comparative_insanity]

Oh, neither do I. Nothing i just said excuses them, or makes the fact that they keep pokémon as slaves any less horrible. [Fai can an extremely unforgiving nature at times - bordering on downright vengeful - and is therefore very careful not to let his feelings run away with him.]

But if we go at them with force immediately, we lose all opporntunities of changing their minds instead. We'll have no choice but to do it the hard way.

[tinytactician]

[Armin huffs out a sigh, his baby Espurr slowly poking her tiny head into frame. Hello, Fai.]

Is it even possible to change their minds?

[comparative_insanity]

I believe it might be. Maybe not all of them, unfortunately, and maybe it will take time. I- I really don't like the thought of their pokémon having to stay as they are, but...

[He smiles weakly at the Espurr, trying to keep his voice from growing too sharp or unpleasant for her sake.]

If we use force, it is almost certain that we will come to blows. What position do you think that will put the pokémon that are with them in?

[tinytactician]

[Come here tiny baby Espurr, stop blocking the screen. Armin attempts a smile too, which is just about as convincing as Fai's.]

I guess you're right. Not to mention that...I don't think Union could withstand a war.