#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

[kindler]

[ Such an excitable little fox. Kabu continues to be thoroughly amused at the sight of it yipping at his screen, probably because of the sight of his Arcanine, and expectedly the large fire dog's ears perk up as it hears the strange noise. It leans in, sniffing the screen, very unsure of what its looking at seeing as he's never seen a Fennekin before. He wants to sniff it! Kabu laughs a little more audibly as he pulls back the screen, giving his Arcanine a gentle nudge to give him some space. Both of you settle down, jeeze! ]

They're both eager for introductions, aren't they? We'll have to assign a meeting in person as soon as possible.

[ Please let him meet this little fluffy bundle of joy. It reminds him so much of his Vulpix.

Kabu has a moment of pause, his amusement subsiding as he calms down himself. ]

He is not. That would be Centiskorch. From what I understand of our local professor, known as Professor Magnolia, Centiskorch are native only to our region. They are the evolved form of Sizzlipede, which are also only found in Galar. I raised my Centiskorch from a Sizzlipede I caught in Galar, many years ago, when I first arrived there. He's always been a reminder of the struggle I've endured to set my way as a champion, until I decided to become a gym leader instead.

[sycamour]

[Despite not being all that talented as a battler, Sycamore has clearly ingrained enough manners into his Fennekin that he does (eventually...) sit calmly. He may be furiously fighting the desire to just...leap at the camera, particularly when Arcanine gets close, but fight it he does!

...whinging a bit while he does it, but still. ProfesssssoooooooRRRRR he wants to play with the Arcaniiiiiiine......

Sycamore, on the other hand, leans back into his chair and attempts to look focused yet relaxed; a facade that lasts all of five seconds once Kabu mentions...

...

...to be honest, when Kabu mentions everything in that last paragraph, so-]

Ah, do you mean the Professor Magnolia? I have always, always wanted to meet her! And I must say, your story of your journey with Centiskorch - I've always wanted to meet one of those too! - has touched me deeply. You must have formed such a deep and enduring bond...I love it!

[...you know, perhaps it's time to show a little bit of self-awareness and calm the heck down-]

I'm sorry, my goodness...I hope you do not find me too exhausting! I tend to get like this whenever I'm faced with something new, related to Pokémon, and I can be a bit overwhelming! It's just such a pleasure to talk with you, Kabu!

[kindler]

[ Arcanine meanwhile seems to take the introduction in calmer stride, though it tilts its head this way and that at the curious little sounds the Fennekin makes. Out of all his Pokemon, Arcanine has a tendency to more easily fall into play, still being a bit of a puppy at heart. Kabu can only imagine how much fun the two would have frolicking about. He'll definitely have to arrange a playdate in the near future so they can acquaint themselves properly with the Professor's team. ]

You certainly would have the time to do so. Last I heard, she'd finally decided to retire and had given her coat to her assistant and granddaughter, Sonia. I can only imagine the stories you could all share with each other.

[ Professors are always something else, and as he can tell from Sycamour, he's quite an excitable chatterbox. ]

You have nothing to apologize for, Professor. It's wonderful for me to hear such enthusiasm for Pokemon in this world. It still takes some getting used to, knowing Pokemon are nowhere to be found here in Lunatia when they're such an integral part of our lives, yours and mine.

[sycamour]

Ah, really?! She has retired? I must organise a trip to Galar immediately!

[...

...ah. Alright, allow him to just laugh at himself for a moment; this time, when he leans back in his chair, he'll actually stay there, giving the camera a pleasantly-relaxed look through his fringe.]

Or should I say, I must organise a trip to Galar once I return back to Kalos. Last time I checked, Lunatia doesn't have a train station that links to the Pokémon world.

[would be REAL NICE if it did, though...just a suggestion...]

It's crazy, though, isn't it? Just...not having Pokémon everywhere. If I hadn't met people like you and Colress, I would've thought I had lost my mind. I'm just so used to having them everywhere, even in the heart of cities, you know?

[kindler]

[ Sir, if that sort of transportation existed Kabu would have been long gone by now. He's got a gym to run, he can't be having adventures in some strange city that depends on people hugging and holding hands and being affectionate? ]

I'm afraid that sort of wishing is a bit beyond our means, but maybe one day we'll return to our world. It would be very nice to see Kalos for myself. If you visited Galar, I'm sure you'd have much to enjoy.

It's unfortunate to find ourselves a little lonely here in Lunatia without the abundance of Pokemon, but you have your companions, and thankfully I have my Arcanine with me. It's certainly better than nothing. And you have a friend in me, of course!

[sycamour]

[Well! That makes him grin.]

I certainly do, and that goes both ways! We must stick together, us Pokémon enthusiasts! You'll have to let me know next time you're out and about in Level 2 - I would love to meet you in person!

[And, of course, his Pokémon would love to meet Arcanine...

...but that probably goes without saying.]