#001 | VIDEO (UN; PROFESSEUR)

[sycamour]

[It's been a few days since Sycamore arrived in Lunatia, and he feels he's managed to learn the ropes well enough; there's been one thing that has stood out to him more than anything else, however. It's likely not what he should be focusing on, but...well, he's always believed in following one's intuition whenever it strikes.

When his image pops up, it's framed quite nicely, as if this isn't the first time he's spoken to others through a video network. He's seated himself in a quiet corner of Cafe Azure, leaning back in the chair and smiling softly into the camera.]

Salut! I do hope I'm doing this right.

[One moment! A waiter has appeared off-screen bearing a beverage, and the professor chats with them for a moment before he returns his attention to the feed.]

It's come to my attention that most people in this city have no idea what Pokémon are! Such an odd experience, but not an unwelcome one! I see this as an opportunity to educate those who are interested!

[Reaching underneath the table for a moment, he soon emerges with what looks like a small orange fox. Said fox is obviously very pleased with being on-camera, if the little pose it makes has anything to do with it. Sycamore, meanwhile, takes a quick sip of coffee after Fennekin has settled himself on the table, looking momentarily pensive.]

Ah, where to begin with such a topic...I am used to beginner trainers, yes, but not those who have no experience with Pokémon whatsoever! I have been mulling this over for a few days now-

[-while spending ample time in whatever café is nearby, because that helps the academic process-]

-and have decided that perhaps it would be easier if I gave anyone who was interested the chance to contact me personally!

[Smiling again, Sycamore pauses for a moment, as if finished...before slapping the table and surging forward towards the camera, scaring the life out of poor Fennekin-]

I cannot believe this! I have forgotten to introduce myself, amidst all this Pokémon-related excitement! I am Professor Sycamore, a researcher from the Kalos region! It would truly be my pleasure to share my knowledge with any of you who are interested in learning more about these wonderful creatures we call Pokémon! Let me give you an introduction-

[...or not, because as soon as Sycamore is ready to launch into his monologue, two more Pokemon pop up into the video...before the latter one accidentally bumps the camera and switches it off.

...

enchanté...]

Comments

[firstdayblues]

[Yeah, that's exactly what he didn't want to hear.]

And sold to the highest bidder, no doubt.

Just once, can we do this the easy way were you give up before putting all these people at risk?

[sycamour]

[That comment will actually make Sycamore fall silent for a moment, blinking in confusion at the camera...

...before he laughs, waving his hands in a very apologetic manner.]

No no no, it's not like that! I am so sorry, I probably should explain! They are not for sale! They are my companions. You could call them pets, if you like!

Regardless, no one is in danger with them around!

[firstdayblues]

I'll be happy if that's true, but I've seen enough Bio-Organic Weapons get out of hand to just blindly trust that you'll be responsible with them.

Even if they are pretty damn cute.

I think I need to ask for the long version of whatever explanation you were planning to give.

[sycamour]

[Bio-Organic Weapons? That sounds mildly terrifying. Hopefully they don't come in Ultimate versions...

Nevertheless, Sycamore doesn't seem bothered by the request; if anything, he's excited.]

Of course! Perhaps it would be easier if you asked me questions centred around your concerns, to start? I would be happy to allay them.

[firstdayblues]

Where I come from, it seems like there's no limit to crooked researchers just itching to use whatever tools they've got to weaponize monsters, and just as many interested parties happy enough to steal the research of honest scientists to do the same. You said yourself that these guys are used on the battlefield.

Maybe things are different in your world, but I'd like to know what it is that you're researching. What are these creatures, exactly?

[sycamour]

[Ah....]

We may be thinking of different things, in terms of the 'battlefield'...I am referring more to a sport, than an actual battle! Forgive me, I should have made that clear.

As for my research, I focus on evolution and change! My little friends here have the ability to transform - or evolve, as we call it - into bigger and stronger forms, with the right training! That is part of what I study.

[firstdayblues]

I don't know if I can condone using animals for sport, but I guess that's better than the alternative.

I hate to say it, but that still sounds a little too similar to some of the things I've had to fight over the years.

Doesn't sound like you've got any bad intentions, so just be careful. I'd hate to see somebody try to use your little pets for their own means.

[sycamour]

[Hmm. You know what, that's actually quite a fair point.]

I appreciate that, mon ami. I do not intend to let them out of my sight, I assure you! But if it's any consolation, these three are relatively harmless.

[...well. To a degree, anyway.]

But I will be careful. It sounds like this city has enough troubles without adding Pokémon thieves to the mix!