[Very tentatively voice-testing this new muse]

[harmonicmotion]

Thank you for this journal.

I will put it to use in my travels. After all, it's always a good idea to write down all the givens, even if it feels unnecessary; it's very easy to lose sight of one or two while you're performing many different operations.

Comments

[unova_champ]

Hey there, N. How are you?

[harmonicmotion]

... Champion Alder. I'm fine. [Not the sort of question he's used to answering. He pauses.] Thank you. How about you?

I think that I'm steadily approaching the place I want to be. [With setbacks now and then.] Perhaps, the limit does not exist, but I am in constant motion. That's good enough, isn't it?

[staff_of_destruction]

N.

Are you making good use of your time?

[Oh, boy, a Ghetsis! Here's hoping I don't fail too horribly. ^o^;;]

[harmonicmotion]

Ghetsis.

... I think I am. [That doesn't sound too convincing, N.]

Re: You won't fail, dude.

[staff_of_destruction]

Are you still talking to Pokemon?

[I hope I won't! ^^;; ]

[harmonicmotion]

Pokemon have such a beautiful and complex language, so deep and profound, while remaining free of meaningless frills, so, how could I possibly stop?!

[Good job, N. You were doing so well trying to keep calm, now you're excitedly ranting at Ghetsis of all people.]

[meanoldnut]

Are you a traveler, young man?

[harmonicmotion]

Indeed, I am!

Do you work in a laboratory, Mister?

[meanoldnut]

Yes, I do. I'm a researcher who specializes in Pokemon.

[He gives out his hand for a friendly shake] My name's Oak, Professor Oak. And you are?

[harmonicmotion]

That's wonderful. [N, speak up a little. Don't whisper all the time.

N takes the Professor's hand, smiling amiably, even if the empty look in his eyes are a bit unsettling...]

My name is N.

[meanoldnut]

[Oak noticed the young man's eyes, which clearly contradicts his apparent smile... unless that too is empty and void of emotion. No doubt it left the Professor feeling concern for N; he can't help but think that something isn't right.]

Are you alright? [He asked after breaking their handshake. Concerned Professor is concerned]

[harmonicmotion]

... yes. [He looks confused by the question, wondering what sort of mistake he's made. After he fails to come to any conclusion on his own, he asks the other man:] Was it something I said, Professor Oak?

[He smiles again, but sounds slightly nervous.]

[meanoldnut]

No, no... your words didn't bother me. [Perhaps N is unaware that his eyes are telling him a different story.

He decides to let it slide for now, since the boy is getting nervous. Oak figured once they get to know each other a little more, and if he trusts him enough, that N will tell him what might be troubling him]

It's nothing.

[harmonicmotion]

That's a relief. [It does put him at ease, at least enough to stop sounding so nervous.]

Pokemon are very fascinating, aren't they, Professor? What do you like most about studying them? Please tell me! [He's very interested in Oak's profession! Rather like a child, when N's excited, it shows in how quickly he speaks, even if he can't seem to speak much louder than this.]

[meanoldnut]

[Now isn't he an eager one! Most trainers are more interested in battling than information-seeking, so colored Oak surprised to witness N's excitement over his profession]

Mm-hmm. [He nods in agreement, smiling] There are many more secrets out there that are not yet discovered, but each day I find something new about them like their type, moves, or breeding habits to name a few.

What I enjoy studying most is the Pokemon's relationship with their Trainer and the bond that is shared between them. Most seem to forget that their strength doesn't lie on their level or moveset, but what's in each other's heart when working together as a team.

[harmonicmotion]

[When the Professor speaks of the bond between Trainers and Pokemon, N looks absolutely captivated.]

Yes, that's true! That's it, that's exactly it...! Understanding that bond, learning more and more about the way the hearts of humans and Pokemon overlap, is my purpose!

So many Trainers have forgotten this simple truth... but, I was surprised by how many more remember it still.

[He's still going a mile a minute, voice excited and emotional, despite how cold his eyes still seem.]

[meanoldnut]

[Oak wasn't paying much attention to N's eyes as much as he was before their conversation started. He was more pleased of the fact that N shares similar views and made it a mission to be his purpose.]

Yes, and I'm grateful that number had increased considerably in comparison to Trainers who are abusive and power-hungry. [Luckily, those who mainly fall into that category are Team Rocket and the Elite Four. And since the latter is no more and the former are barely regrouping as it is, life is good for the Pokemon]

Now I have a question for you: Why are you making this your purpose?

[harmonicmotion]

[His enthusiasm is tempered by the mention of abusive trainers and when the Professor asks his question, N looks down, suddenly taking an interest in adjusting his hat.]

...

it hurts. It hurts to see Pokemon repaid for their guileless loyalty with cruelty. It hurts so much, I can't bear it. For years, I believed that all Trainers were that cruel at worst, ignorant at best... blind to the suffering they inflicted.

They say battles are for sport, but what sport is there in harming one another? That's the way I saw it, not so long ago... it's a rejected hypothesis now, because the supporting data was insufficient. It was too general. After meeting more Trainers, it failed to pass Goodness of Fit; there were too many variables. Most Trainers love their Pokemon and their Pokemon love them back.

To learn that for myself, to be convinced of that truth, that is why I travel. That is why it is my goal.

[meanoldnut]

[Is that why his eyes are the way they are, because of what he experienced in the past? It's a possibility, though he's glad that N's view on Trainers and Pokemon have changed and for the better. He's still learning, which is why he continues to travel. Hopefully N will find the answer he seeks and believe even more that not all Trainers are bad people.

He placed a hand on N's shoulder and gave him a warm smile. It's his way of showing that he doesn't have to face this alone, that there's at least one person who will support him in any way imaginable. Because N has proven to Oak how much he truly cares about Pokemon. And to him, that's a good thing.]

I have something for you that will help you on your travels.

[With his free hand, he went into his pocket and took out a Pokedex. He hands it over to N; he can take it if he so chooses]

This is a Pokedex, a digital encyclopedia if you will. I don't give this to anyone, but you have proven to me that you are worthy of continuing my legacy. Use it to help others and not solely for battles. I trust you will also use it to collect data for my research.

[... your portrayal of Professor Oak is so incredibly inspiring. ;o;]

[harmonicmotion]

[The action takes N by surprise, not entirely used to displays of affection from humans who were not Anthea or Concordia. Despite his initial discomfort at the unfamiliarity of it, the old man's hand felt strong and reassuring on his shoulder; more fatherly affection in just a moment than he'd experienced in all his years in that room. So, he didn't move away.

And now, a gift?

He wants to protest, to say that it wasn't necessary, but he can't manage to voice the words before the Pokedex was offered to him.]

This is...

[He accepts it, holding it carefully, with all the care of someone who's been bequeathed a most precious and irreplaceable heirloom.] Thank you... very much, Professor Oak. [He will not fall short of this man's expectations.]

Aw shucks, thank you! *blush*

[meanoldnut]

You're welcome, N.

[With his hand no longer on N's shoulder, both currently inside Oak's labcoat pockets, his job is done. He had given the Pokedex to N and, like with the other Pokedex Holders, will have no regrets. If anything, he will prove to be a shining example to young trainers and trainers-to-be on how to treat a Pokemon with the love and respect they deserve.]

[snowpointvictor]

You're N, right? I've heard of you.

[rocket_man]

Team Plasma's king. I suppose you seek to liberate Pokemon from the likes of us?

[guideligns]

[There is a Lampent.

There is a Lampent and it sure is hanging around rather casually, playing nonchalantly with a flickering Will-o-the-Wisp and humming something to itself in Lampentspeak that sounds like 'A traveler, hm? Well, where do you wander, I do wonder.']

[harmonicmotion]

[He turns to it, the words sung registering more quickly than human words in his mind. No need for translation.

Always empty-eyed, but smiling and speaking pleasantly now.]

Anywhere. Everywhere... where humans and Pokemon both dwell.

What brings you here from the world of spirits, friend? Hunger or boredom?