#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

[sycamour]

[Alright, plan Do Not Burn Down The Café is in action! Grabbing a serviette from a nearby table, Sycamore places it close to Fennekin's mouth.]

Just like you know how, okay?

[Apparently he very much does know how; scrunching up his nose for a moment (in an adorable manner, of course), Fennekin then spits a tiny flame onto the serviette, causing to catch alight near the top. The flame is small and easily controlled - Sycamore leaves it burning for a moment before blowing it out.]

Ah, there we are!

[herbmixing]

Wow! It really can!

[ It's not a giant gout of flame, thank goodness. Just enough to prove it. She's as fascinated with this little fox as she is enamoured. ]

It doesn't seem biologically possible...not naturally, anyway. Can all these animals do that sort of thing?

[sycamour]

They can! Or, well, I should say, they can in their own way! I could have used Froakie here, for example, to extinguish that little flame - he can produce water the same way Fennekin can produce fire!

[Both Fennekin and Froakie seem rather pleased, while Chespin is...rapidly beginning to pout...]

Ah, and of course, I cannot forget Chespin! She can produce vines that she uses to defend herself! They're all talented little things, no?

[herbmixing]

Huh...the water makes sense, there's probably just some sort of mucus sac that stores it. And the fire - a protective coating on the throat? Some sort of gaseous breath? Chespin makes sense, that's just a kind of hybrid--

[ She's quietly talking to herself. She's seen giant zombie plants and frogs and mounds of leeches, but still they just kind of Don't Make Sense. ]

Ah, sorry! [ She jolts out of her thoughts and gives an apologetic smile. ] They sure are. You've really got a lot of them too!

[sycamour]

[Funnily enough, Sycamore had been listening intently as Rebecca was talking, a grin on his face as he rests his chin against his free hand.]

No no, please! Continue! I was enjoying your theories! I love to see an analytical mind in action. Tell me more about this 'hybrid' hypothesis?

[herbmixing]

I was just thinking out loud. Sorry about that.

[ But hey, if he says so... ]

There isn't a lot of concrete proof yet where I'm from, but I have come across something you might call a sentient plant. A virus mutated it into a form where it had some kind of awareness, enough to sense and attack people at a much more intricate level than any Venus flytrap. Chespin obviously isn't that.

[ At least, not without a big old dose of the T-Virus. ]

She's obviously an animal, but one that's also part-plant, if I'm right? It's not unheard of for a plant and animal to coexist in the same form, but that's a more parasitic situation...like those mushrooms that take over dead ants. Nothing like prehensile vine limbs. It's really interesting to see.

[ She gives him a little embarrassed smile, as if to say 'sorry for that infodump'. ]

I guess that's a long way of saying we don't have anything like this where I'm from. Not outside of legend and rumour.

[sycamour]

[It's clear that Sycamore finds Rebecca's postulating interesting, in a way that is more than just polite; how fascinating! What she's describing certainly doesn't fit Chespin, no, but there are plenty of other Pokémon would who fit the description of a plant with awareness...and the ability to attack those who would seek to hurt them.]

It sounds like you have certainly had some adventures, Rebecca! You're correct in that what you're saying doesn't really suit Chespin, but it's very interesting regardless. We have many, many species of Pokémon, back in Kalos, and I can think of a few that you could be describing.

[Namely, Carnivine...if only he had a photo...or even better, a Pokédex...]

I do like how you said that Chespin is a combination of an 'animal' and a plant...I would have never thought of her that way, mainly because of my own biases, but it does make sense! Isn't it curious, how one's world and experiences can shape how you see things?

You seem to have experienced quite a bit, however, for one so young! If it isn't impolite of me to say; I swear, it is a compliment!

[herbmixing]

Just a couple...but they were pretty big adventures.

[ It was traumatic. ]

I've learned by now that I shouldn't assume anything about how things work in all these other worlds, even basic biology. What's normal for me might be completely the opposite for others.

[ She smiles her appreciation, brushing back her hair. ]

Thanks. You're obviously a good professor too, if you can bridge the gap with your explanations this easily.

[sycamour]

[Oho, a compliment! How sweet; that makes him grin.]

Now now, no need to say things like that. I have simply had a great deal of practice! I must admit, however, it's certainly a new experience, explaining the entire concept of Pokémon! Most of my students tend to come to me with at least a decent foundation of knowledge. But! What kind of scientist would I be if I ran from an intellectual challenge, hm?

[Leaning back in his chair, Sycamore similarly brushes back his hair - in a seemingly futile manner, if the way it just. falls back into place has anything to do with it-]

You certainly have a good head on your shoulders, by the way. It is so very important that we keep an open mind in general, let alone when arriving in a brand new world! You should be quite proud of that. Especially to have come to such a conclusion, at such a young age! I know fully grown adults who can't quite grasp these concepts.

[Not that they're particularly complicated, but still. It is amazing, how close-minded some people can be.]

Tell me ma chère, have you been here long?

[herbmixing]

[ Oh no. He's hot and complimenting her and speaking French. What's a girl to do?! ]

Um...just a couple of months. [ Stop blushing! ] Long enough to know you shouldn't take anything for granted. I mean, even the foundations of biology seem to be different in our worlds, and that's kind of...the basis of everything, right?

[sycamour]

[The Kalosian charm tends to be super effective, it's true! But any embarrassment will be politely ignored (amusing as it is).]

That is a good lesson to learn, yes! Taking nothing for granted, and keeping an open mind...I don't know if there's much more we can all do to cope with this change. But it's all about your mindset. If you see this as an opportunity for an adventure, how can you go wrong? I'm certainly having fun!

[There's coffee and cafes, what more could he need??]

Although I'm yet to experience a moon cycle, however, so perhaps I'm speaking too soon!

[herbmixing]

Yeah, I can tell.

[ This dude is all smiles and good hair and cute animals. What a mood. Her face only creases with concern hearing him talk about the moons. ]

It's...a really difficult time, to be honest with you. The moons. From what I've gathered, it varies each time and there's no real commonalities. [ Speaking of: ] Do you know which moon you're under, Professor? Any guesses?

[sycamour]

Hm! A fantastic question.

[He'll pause for a moment, drumming his fingers against the table.]

If I go off my personality, I honestly think I'm going to be an Iris. But who knows! I know I am not a Sanguis, at least; I think I would have felt the effects by now.

[Small mercies. Sanguis sounds awful!]

What is yours, Rebecca? I do hope it doesn't cause you too much grief.

[herbmixing]

It's Iris. I figured along the same lines, and when that moon came into the sky...I was sure.

[ She shrugs a little. ]

It's a problem, but nothing I can't handle. I got a lot of good advice when I asked around.