paladinlost | 100th moon [video]

[The video starts with stones. Stones upon stones, stones that form floors and low walls until they give way to the sky. Someway, somehow, the Pokégear has found its way to the top of a tower.

The image turns east, towards taller walls and taller towers, before dipping to show a dark grey yard. A castle, it seems. One so solid it could withstand any army, with strong oak doors to match. As the video keeps moving more walls and outdoor passageways come into view, decorated with lit torches and banners of red and gold. It pauses for a few moments at the castle gate, left open to show the surrounding waterways and a few brave and curious locals who do not quite dare to enter.

Finally, the video moves towards the central courtyard, where dozens of Pokémon can be seen milling about curiously. Their looks of wonder as they explore are too far to be seen but still undeniably present, just like the smile of their trainer behind the camera.

What words could Cecil possibly use, to convey all the feelings that this slight slice of home awakens within himself?]

My Greninja has decided to play hide and seek in the castle. Help.

[...Baron's greatest public speaker, ladies and gentlemen.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

The funny thing is that he'd probably try that...

[He can easily picture Peter stuffing himself under the bed, pretty much in plain sight but violently hoping that he manages to go by undetected.]

Forget entertaining, then; the image is adorable.

[Or at least as adorable as a giant bug can be.]

Do his teammates play along with his hiding games?

Some of them do. I have a lot of others who don't really like to play around like that, too much. But I do have some younger Pokemon now who really seem to enjoy it.

Do they use their smaller size to their advantage during those games, or are they members of those unlucky species who are large from the moment they hatch?

They're a Trapinch and a Deerling, actually, so hiding isn't much of a problem for them. Peter, my Yanma, is actually the only one that's large enough to have trouble.

In other words, he's the oldest sibling playing with a handicap against the little ones, if not necessarily willingly.

Pretty much, yeah. I don't think he minds it much, though. They all seem to enjoy playing together, so that's what matters.

That it is. Wouldn't it be nice if every member of every team could get along so well?

It would. The rest of my team more than makes up for how well they get along, but...well, it's better than nothing, I guess.

Indeed. A team made up of nothing but screaming arguments and pranks in the middle of the night would quickly drive anyone mad.

I'm guessing you have a few of those, too?

My first two Pokémon have had a strong rivalry for nearly five years. It set the tone for quite a few relationships down the road.

[Gracious.]

Wow...five years? That's, ah...dedication.

They've improved over the years. To some degree, if you squint.