001 Video

[redenzione]

[It's been around two weeks and finally Dante's making his first post on the network. He still seems rather tense around the Gear, almost as if he's expecting some demon to pop out of the screen, but two weeks isn't enough to catch up on nearly 900 years of technological advancement.]

Good day. My name is Dante Alighieri and I have been here for twelve days. The last sight I remember before I awoke here was a tall mountain in the distance, it's peak stretching far into the clouds in the sky. I had thought to begin my ascent, to submit myself to further trials and redeem myself of my sins, but before I had yet to take the first step I found myself here instead.

Wherever here may be.

I must ask; is this Johto part of Purgatory? Are these children's battles and pets part of my penance?

Even if you do not have an answer, I would like to hear of your thoughts.

Thank you for your time and God bless.

[The feed then switches off after some minor fumbling. Serious one, isn't he?]

Comments

[islandshore]

Hey, I've got pretty thick skin. Dark or not, I'm sure I could handle it.

As for a place... I'd say over the network, but if you'd rather do it in person, I'm sure we can work something out. Right now, I'm all the way out in Kanto, so it could be a while.

[easy_as_cake]

Thank you. [She looks completely, genuinely pleased that he would think so. She's rather fond of her name, too.]

I'm not from a land, exactly. I was born in space. [But... archaic language... her name not existing in 'his time'... that's probably not going to mean much, is it?]

[necessaryrisks]

[Nine?] I thought there were only seven deadly sins?

[redenzione]

So though our worlds differ, we are still both men lost in time.

Forgive me, but I have not asked for your name, sir.

[redenzione]

Well met, Carter, and I thank you for your advice. How long has it been since you have seen home?

[redenzione]

Seven deadly sins, but nine circles of the Inferno. The first cycle is Limbo, where the unbaptized and virtuous pagans reside, guilty of the sin of not accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour. I suppose it does not fall into any of the seven sins directly, but it is a sin nevertheless in the eyes of God.

The other cycles are Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Anger, Heresy, Violence, Fraud and Treachery, in that order. Compared to the seven cardinal sins, Sloth, Envy and Pride are missing, but perhaps those sins are but merely a precursor to the sins depicted in each cycle. And Wroth can be split into Anger and Violence.

[redenzione]

[Got that right in one.]

...I'm afraid you will have to explain your meaning further. Are you born in a vast land full of space?

[redenzione]

Do not be as confident as I was in matters of light and darkness. I thought I knew what it meant to work as a servant of God, but in fact I was nothing more than a soldier for the Prince of Darkness.

I will await your return. Some stories are best shared in person; these moving tapestries are very convenient, but rather impersonal.

[redenzione]

It is indeed a change, and one I find difficult to adjust to, but I will endeavour to understand this land and its inhabitants better.

Perhaps we should talk again some time, yes. What name may I call you, so that in case we meet next I shall buy you a drink and we shall discuss matters of faith further?

[redenzione]

I wish I could say that I am such a man! But it speaks of how terrible I once was, that for me to claim such a virtue would be nothing short of a lie even as I strive to turn from my previous life and all its unholiness.

So it merely required some discipline, much like a disobedient child! I find these Pokemon rather endearing in that way. Truly am I glad that it has worked out for you and your Feebas.

[necessaryrisks]

[Hmmm...] So you didn't believe in God prior to arriving here? I wouldn't have guessed, given what you just said but...

[Right.] Even so, that's a lot. [Enough to make him uncomfortable thinking what he might have done to have committed all those sins. Was he that dangerous?] That's why you believe that you've been given a chance to repent here.

[lieutenantantichrist]

Sure, I know the ropes by now. If you want the basics bout how to get by, there's worse people to ask.

I've been here since...[his eyes widen with dismay as the numbers add up] ...fucking February. Half a year.

[redenzione]

I had thought I believed in God, but perhaps what I merely believed in was my arrogance and the words of a bishop who sought only his own personal gain. I started putting words into the mouth of God; I justified my actions as the will of God Himself.

Yes. Not many are given such a chance and sometimes I wonder why God saw fit to preserve my soul, as corrupted and sinful it was and still is. But it is His grace and mercy, and I shall not disappoint Him nor my beloved a second time.

[easy_as_cake]

[Oh dear. Right, then... recalculating?]

Well... yes, but no. I wasn't born on a planet, like Earth. Space is... um... well, the night sky. It's full of stars, right? That's space, where all the stars are. I was born up there.

[stressed]

I see.. pardon me, it was out of place for me to speak like that. Regardless, it's a pleasure to meet you Dante-san! I wish you luck in your journey, both spiritually and otherwise. Is there any other questions you have that I can answer for you?

[redenzione]

Do not apologize. Your advice is sound for many, but I have lived a life unlike any other.

I have no further questions, but I thank you for your help. God be with you, Tsubasa.

[redenzione]

That is indeed a long time. How fare you in this land? Is it similar to your own?

[redenzione]

So...you are an angel from Heaven, sent by God to walk the earth and do His will?

[He's trying, really. No one has explained aliens to him yet.]

[lieutenantantichrist]

Buddy, this place isn't like anywhere. Half the animals are on fire, some of them can read your mind, there's no government to speak of, and on top of that the food's weird.

[Blake gets a look of terrible sadness.]

Why would you make shrimp-flavored potato chips, huh? Who would do that?

But you know the weirdest part?

[Blake glances around, then leans in toward the screen.]

It's not so bad once you get used to it.

[easy_as_cake]

[He is trying, very hard, and she's very proud. She even feels a bit bad for making him work so hard at understanding her, so it keeps her giggle to a minimum.]

Not... quite. But close. I've been called that a few times.

[stressed]

I will keep that in mind. If by any chance you need my help, don't hesitate to send me a message.

[ she then forwards him her address, making it a bit easier for him to do so in case he was struggling with foreign technology. ]

You're very welcome, the same for you.

[ after that, the connection ends. ]

[redenzione]

Then...

You are from a different world, someplace yet in the heavens, but situated along the way. A between point, perhaps?

[easy_as_cake]

Yes! That's it exactly! [She claps, completely delighted. That's quite the leap of logic for someone to make if they'd never even heard of other planets before. She finds herself strangely even more proud.]

[redenzione]

I cannot imagine how it is like to live with the stars. I have spent many nights observing them, especially during my journey home.

You must find it strange to walk on earth with us mortals.

[redenzione]

It is a peaceful land. Simple in its pleasures, with kind people and Pokemon to guide those who have been drawn here for reasons so far unknown.

There is little cause for worry and anguish here.

It is a much welcomed change.