January Intro Log

[rekindlemods]

Who: Everyone
Where: The Welcome Center
When: 12th December, early afternoon
Summary: The new arrivals, freshly pulled from their worlds or others, awaken in a strange place...
Warnings: Inbox death may occur. System overload at own risk. NPC responses may be slow.

It's a shuddering breath, a sensation of being pulled to elsewhere and finding oneself pressed against something on the soft and some place cozy. However, before one can fully stir, there is and odd, warm stirring sensation that lifts you up from wherever you've been dropped, when you begin to drift off once more.

'I'm sorry for this... but we need your help.'

Yet the feeling -and the voice - pass quickly, and when you awaken, you begin to realize your surroundings. It's a small room with what some might recognize as something akin to a Far Eastern theme when it comes to decor, from the walls to the sofa (or bed) you find yourself on. Illumination is provided by carefully crafted lamps, and even a red candle flickering on a nearby desk. The doors are made from paper and wood, with a thin frame; through them it's easy to hear other people stirring, talking, or coming to.

You are not alone...

On a small table beside you, there rests a note atop a manilla envelope (that oddly enough is enscribed with your name). Unfolding the note will reveal some answers in the form of a letter addressed to all arrivals.

Inside the manilla envelope , you will find: a ring with a key and apartment number on it, some kind of cash card, a map and informational guide to the city, and a second letter folded neatly on the top.

Odd... Neither were written in your own language, and yet you find it easily understandable. Soon enough, if you don't make an exit on your own, there's a gentle knocking on the door as someone comes from downstairs to usher you along.

"Welcome to Saeng Seong! I know you must be confused or upset as to what's going on, but we promise to explain further once you've had a chance to stretch your legs!"

Whether you go downstairs immediately or linger a little longer, eventually you must come on down to leave the small space, and sooner rather than later would probably be better. You'll find yourself in a well-lit lobby, filled with comfortable-looking couches and chairs. Along one wall are refreshment tables, loaded with all sorts of warm and filling food and drink, including some you probably aren't familiar with. It's just as well they're in good supply, as rain is pouring outside with no sign of relenting. During this time of the year, it's definitely something to leave a chill in the bones. Perhaps picking up a rain coat by the desks on the other side of the room might be a good idea. Who knows? You may just find something suspiciously in your size!

Speaking of those desks, two ladies seem eager to answer any questions you may have, names and positions conveniently written on signs on their desk.

Irene, General Assistance
Andi, Technological Assistance

Outside, and through the heavy rain and translucent glass you can see a banner hanging from the tiled roof of the building across the street. The deep autumnal colors on it match the welcoming (though rather damp) atmosphere as the letters proclaim:

WELCOME TO SAENG SEONG
(ENJOY YOUR STAY!)

Comments

[tadashiishere]

You should see him when he's all armored up, Professor. According to Fred, he looks glorious in red and purple. And even those who aren't quite that effusive generally agree he looks pretty cool.

"'Pokemon' are not in my biological database," Baymax replied. Which would be a 'no'. "What are 'Pokemon'?"

[symbolofstrength]

"They're the wildlife of my world. They're a bit different than animals, they're smarter and have all sorts of powers." Sam's used to explaining this by now, but he still loves talking about them.

"I have one I can show you right now, if you'd like!" The old man pulls a small red-and-white ball out of an inside pocket of his labcoat. Thankfully, he's got a Pokemon smaller than Dragonite that he can do this with.

[tadashiishere]

Baymax makes note of that definition. They sound similar to creatures from some of Fred's comic books. Though with such limited data, he can't really make any conclusions.

"Yes, I would like to see a Pokemon," he replies. A living example for scanning would be very helpful. Baymax turns his attention to the ball the Professor pulls out of his pocket. The way he pulled it out seemed to imply that the Pokemon was inside it. "The Pokemon must be very small if it is able to fit into such a small container without injury."

[symbolofstrength]

"Not quite, Pokemon take on a different form in the Pokeball." Sam expands the Pokeball and gives it a light toss; a little green Pokemon appears in a flash of light at his feet while the ball returns to his hand.

"This is Bulbasaur. It's a Grass-type Pokemon." The Bulbasaur seems shy, as it tries to hide itself behind Sam's legs after looking up at Baymax. If he wants to scan it, he'll find that it's something like a lizard... frog... dinosaur... thing in a symbiotic relationship with the plant growing on its back.

[tadashiishere]

A compact matter-energy conversion device capable of containing a living creature without harm. Seems legit to Baymax. And at any rate, the results are undeniable, as a small creature appears in a flash of light at the professor's feet.

A scan reveals that it's actually two separate organisms existing in a symbiotic relationship. The main organism is reptilian, while the secondary is a plant of some sort. Interesting.

It seems to be a bit shy though. Aww. Baymax bends down, extending a hand, palm up, towards the Pokemon, offering it to sniff. It works with dogs and cats, so maybe it'll work with Pokemon? "Do not be afraid, Bulbasaur," he says gently. "I am Baymax, personal healthcare companion. I will not harm you."

[symbolofstrength]

Bulbasaur curiously sniffs at the offered hand, then quizzically looks up at Baymax again -- and a vine comes out from somewhere under the bulb, shooting upward only to gently poke at Baymax's belly.

Sam chuckles, bending down despite the protests of his back, and grabs Bulbasaur under the belly. He scoops the Pokemon up and stands straight again, supporting Bulbasaur with his arms while it leans against his chest.

"This little one is still young, so it's not used to meeting strangers yet."

[tadashiishere]

Baymax glances down at where he was poked for a moment, but otherwise doesn't react. He seems more interested in the sudden appearance of the vine itself, tilting his head curiously at it and reaching out to touch it with one finger if Bulbasaur will allow it.

Upon being informed of Bulbasaur's youth, Baymax quietly adds that fact to his scan of the creature. Just in case he runs across any older specimens, since it'd be useful for comparison. "Proper socialization is important to the healthy development of any young creature," he says. "Are there any activities that Bulbasaur seems to enjoy? Or ways of expressing affection that he prefers?" Best to teach the little one that meeting new people can be a fun thing.

[symbolofstrength]

The vine just feels like a vine, young but sturdy. Bulbasaur continues to curiously poke at Baymax with the vine.

"I've only had it for a few weeks. Grass types normally like to be out in nature, but that's not possible at this time of year." Sam shifts Bulbasaur in his arms to keep hold of it. "Most Pokemon like to be petted, though! Right, Bulbasaur?" He manages to spare a hand to rub Bulbasaur's head, and Bulbasaur leans into the petting, making happy "Bulba, bulba" sounds.

[tadashiishere]

Baymax nodded, stepping forward slightly. Once the Professor had finished his petting, Baymax reached out and gently began to pet Bulbasaur himself. "You are a good boy," he said, his modulated voice sounding a bit more cheerful. "Do you also like being scratched under the chin?" He knew Mochi did, but cats and Bulbasaurs were not the same thing.

[symbolofstrength]

Bulbasaur butts its head against Baymax's hand, making a few more happy noises. At his question, though, it just cocks its head.

"You might try it," Sam speaks up. "Bulbasaur will let you know if it doesn't like it.

[tadashiishere]

Taking that as permission to do so, Baymax shifts his hand and begins gently scritching Bulbasaur under the chin. "Do you enjoy this sensation, Bulbasaur?", he asks.

[symbolofstrength]

Bulbasaur reacts differently to that -- it leans its head away from the touch, growling softly.

"You don't like that, Bulbasaur?" Sam apologetically smiles at them both, then nods toward the bulb. "Try the bulb, Bulbasaur likes that." It was one of the first spots he tried when he first got it. "Just be gentle, and stay away from the very top and the back." At the top of the bulb is a small opening, and the back is where the vines seem to come out -- so it's understandable that those spots would be sensitive.

[tadashiishere]

Baymax immediately stops the scritching when it becomes clear that Bulbasaur dislikes it. He nods to the professor's suggestion, however and reaches out to gently pet the bulb, taking care to avoid the areas the professor mentioned. The symbiotic plant is connected to Bulbasuar's nervous system, so he knows that Bulbasaur can feel his touch there. He's curious to see whether the Pokemon will find it pleasant or not.

[symbolofstrength]

The bulb's surface is soft and slightly fuzzy, like the new leaves of some trees in the spring. As Bulbasaur grows, it'll get harder and lose the tiny plant-hairs, but for now, it makes some more happy noises, closing its eyes in relaxation.

[tadashiishere]

Baymax can't exactly smile, but he does attempt to angle his 'eyelids' to give that effect anyway, with marginal success as Bulbasaur relaxes under his touch. "I am glad that you are enjoying this, Bulbasaur," Baymax says.

Turning his attention back to the Professor, he asks, "Does this Bulbasaur have a name? It seems rather odd to refer to him by the name of his species. Or is that customary with Pokemon?"

[symbolofstrength]

"Some trainers give their Pokemon nicknames, and some don't. The Pokemon don't seem to mind either way."

He grunts a bit, adjusting Bulbasaur in his arms a bit.

"Do you mind if I put you down, Bulbasaur? You're getting a bit heavy." The question is addressed as much to Baymax as to Bulbasaur -- he doesn't look like he can bend over too well.

[tadashiishere]

Baymax nods at the information. Idly, he wonders what Hiro and the others would think of a Bulbasaur named Bulbasaur.

"I do not mind," Baymax says, glancing down at Bulbasaur to see if he minds. Baymax is actually more flexible than he looks, even if his pudgy balloon belly sometimes gets in the way.