first mystic arte

[fonic_sight]

[There's the most subtle sound of Jade clearing his breath before he holds the gear up to eye level, staring quite evenly into it.]

Johto, was it? That's the name of this region, according to the map. I had a few inquiries, if you would be so kind as to humor me with a few answers. Judging by the land and the creatures encountered thus far, I'm fairly certain this is not on a land mass known as 'Auldrant', is it? On the off chance that it is, can anyone direct me towards Malkuth, more notably Grand Chokmah or Keterburg? If not, could anyone, if possible at all, explain how I may have come in contact with a hyperresonance that could have summoned me here?

[But then he pauses. Too many discrepancies concern him into thinking that perhaps the people of this land may not understand what he's speaking of. So he decides to dumb it down a bit and focus on one of the few necessities.]

If all of that strikes you as gibberish, then could anyone please tell me where I may find lodgings for the night?

Comments

[video]

[when_turks_fly]

You are correct. Johto isn't located on Auldrant. It's located in another world entirely from your own, so no one will be able to tell you how you can reach any of the places you asked about. As for how you came to be here, no one's discovered the answer to that question yet. We're all flying blind on that matter.

[ And she pauses, taking a moment to slap the hand of the Cyndaquil hanging off her shoulder. He was reaching to cover one of her eyes and she didn't appreciate that very much. ]

If you're looking for lodgings, you'll find them in Cherrygrove City. It's the next town over and it's a three day journey, if you're traveling steadily. If you've got any other questions, I'd be happy to answer them for you.

[video]

[fonic_sight]

...Another world entirely? [Is that actually possible? But he listens calmly, nodding when appropriate. A strange planet, completely whisked away from home... How bizarre.

But that little interaction with the creature on her shoulder makes him smile, just a tad.]

You've helped me significantly already, I thank you. So, to get to Cherrygrove City, I'm guessing I should take the straight path forward?

[video]

[when_turks_fly]

You're welcome and yes, that's right. If you check your backpack, you'll find a map that may be of some use to you. There's also a map function on the Gear, if you'd prefer to use that.

[video]

[fonic_sight]

And the gears are these devices, correct? How would you manage to see a map on a small screen like that?

[But as he holds it up, he's already shrugging the backpack off one shoulder to dig inside.]

[video]

[when_turks_fly]

That's correct. It's honestly fairly easy once you get the hang of it. You can zoom in and zoom out simply by touching the appropriate selection on the screen. If you pull the 'menu' tab with your finger, it should bring up the Gear's functions, including the map.

[video]

[fonic_sight]

That simple? I'll have to try that. This little contraption's got a lot more to it than at first glance. I'm a little overwhelmed.

[Although as he speaks, he sounds very apathetic. It doesn't match his pleasant expression. But such is the mystery that is Jade's curiosity. And he finally finds a paper map.]

So this city is the here. Leaving me with two possible routes. I'm guessing route 29 is my safest bet.

[video]

[machinamonkey]

Your best bet is to start to Cherrygrove now. There's mining camps that have more stuff than New Bark Town.

[video]

[fonic_sight]

So this city truly is as bare as it looks?

How peculiar... It's not much of a town at all, is it?

[video]

[machinamonkey]

Yep! Cherrygrove's only a few days away, though, so you won't be in the boonies for long.

[A beat]

Well, you'll be in less of the boonies.

[video]

[fonic_sight]

The boonies? What a... unique name for the region.

[video]

[machinamonkey]

It's short for 'boondocks'. Y'know, backwater places with less excitement than a funeral.

[video]

[fonic_sight]

Ah! That's a creative way to label this furnished campsite.

[video] 1/IDK

[ortion]

[Dist is boredly skimming through the network as usual, ignoring most of the idiotic posts in it, when he reaches this post.]

[ortion]

[That know-it-all voice.]

[ortion]

[That horrendous uniform.]

[ortion]

[That smug, stupid face and equally stupid hair.]

Done!

[ortion]

[All of it sends a chill down his spine, and he hates it. The last time he saw Jade, the man said his final farewell and Dist was blasted to bits. Well, so he believes.

And that pang of betrayal hits him again, because it's another reminder that Jade abandoned him and Professor Nebilim.]

... You have a lot of nerve showing your sorry face here, Jade.

[video]

[fonic_sight]

[What an unpleasant surprise! If it isn't his old friend.]

Do I? Well, let me assure you that it was completely unintentional. If I knew you would still be here, I would have picked a different vacation spot.

[video]

[ortion]

Likewise.

[... Okay not really. Dist being Dist, he's secretly thrilled to see Jade here.]

Regardless, it appears that fate refuses to separate us. I'm sure you've realized that we're far from home, yes?

[video]

[fonic_sight]

Of course. The introduction to this place has definitely informed me of that.

Tell me, Dist, did you escape here to evade punishment or were you summoned here as well?

[video]

[ordalias]

--Jade? You're back!

[ Can you hear the surprise and happiness and the fact she almost completely forgot what he just said. Not!Dad's here! ]

[video]

[fonic_sight]

[She sounds far too happy to hear him, and it almost concerns him. But the most he can do is smile politely. This will be awkward.]

Back? I apologize, but I don't recall being here a first time.

[video]

[ordalias]

You don't...? [ Pause. Oh, gosh. ] O-Oh, um... I'm sorry. You don't really... remember.

[ Awkward, indeed. ]

Well, um! You were here before, a few months ago, actually. I'm sorry-- [ Quick, manners! ] My name's Xion.

[video]

[fonic_sight]

A simple mistake. No reason to dwell on it now. [More like a complicated accident, but he doesn't blame her.]

A pleasure, Xion. And you say I've been here before? Would you mind elaborating on that?

[video]

[ordalias]

Uh... This place has a habit of picking people up. Once we're in this world, we can't voluntarily leave unless, well... we're let go all of a sudden. The same thing happened to me before, but I can't remember that time.