paladinlost | 24th moon [video]

[The room is dark, as befitting the middle of the night. The soft sounds of sleeping Pokémon can be heard, undisturbed. A shadow that appears to be an Eevee can be seen sleeping on a pillow at the head of the bed. Cecil is in the middle of it, sitting up, his skin so pale it almost glows. The sheets around him are rumpled, twisted by an uneasy sleep. He looks tired, but does not sleep.]

I dreamed. I dreamed of them. I miss them all, I think. Even those who are waiting for me. Even those who came here but left. Even those we've forgotten. I hope they do not think badly of us because of it. I'll try to remember their names, next time.

[He sounds lost, somehow. Perhaps lost within a dream. Perhaps lost within a memory. But he soon shakes his head.]

So many opportunities, yet I've never asked. About any of it, Conflict and home both. Well, he never volunteered the information either. All that talk of foolishness and crystals and plans, but he never bothered...

[He interrupts himself.]

I apologize. I appear to be overly sentimental tonight. The exact date matters little in the end. I should simply choose one and be done with it, after all these years.

[He reaches out and closes the Pokégear.

Not that he'll sleep for the rest of the night.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

That's an excellent goal. All of the cities have their charms, and dozens of Pokémon species live along the roads and within the caves. If you decide to see it all, you'll have things to do for months, or even years.

I feel like I could do it for the rest of my life... I was blessed with this freedom, I should not waste it.

Do you not wish to return home to share these experiences with your loved ones, someday?

There is only one person I would tell what I live in here... and that person is the one who let me out of my cage. I will never go back, I promised that to myself.

A cage...? I see, this world would be kinder than yours, then. I hope that person will join you here, so you can share those memories together.

I'd... I'd like that. So I better find a pokémon who can help with sending wishes, because I'd also like to send her a letter of my own.

...Perhaps a Psychic-type would work. They have strong mind powers, and I've heard some of them can even read human thoughts.

Really? Then that's exactly what I'll look for!

There are a few species living near Goldenroad. That could be a good start.

[~~...and so, Cecil ended up helping Beatrice and not the other way around.~~ Takes out her map and starts looking...]

Goldenrod... Goldenrod... ah, here! I'll just put a little mark in here, so I won't forget!

[~~She brought out the smiling icons. That's help enough.~~]

An excellent idea. Do remember to buy supplies before you go. There is a cave and a forest on the way, with many wild Pokémon.

I will, I will! I won't have much trouble since my travelling companion is very knowledgeable and---

[Pause. Wide eyes.]

Forest...? Wait! Are there any wolves in there??

Wolves? I've not seen any. There are mostly Bug- and Grass-types. Thus, you might want to bring a Fire-type.

[BREATHES EASILY AGAIN.]

That's good to hear... Wolves could kill you in an instant! And if they're many, I don't think a couple of biscuits would be enough to distract them...

Darjeeling is uhm... [Checks her notes?] Fire and Dark type. Will he do good in the forest?

All the local animals are Pokémon. Even if there were wolves, you could easily catch one and ask it to protect you.

He'll do perfectly. He'll be able to protect you from everything there.

I feel a lot better knowing that. Thank you, Cecil! I'll make sure to check every detail before we travel to Goldenrod.

I can only hope you feel a lot better too.

Thank you very much. I hope your travels will be peaceful. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

I won't! Try to sleep now, I'm sure you're tired. Good night, Cecil!

I will, thank you.

[Except it won't last.]

Good night, Beatrice.