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[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

[lieutenantantichrist]

[He's inspired some religious feeling, all right, because Blake just muttered] Oh lord.

[sarcastically] What are you, a ghost?

If you did something bad that electrocuting mice will help with, knock yourself out.

[redenzione]

...I suppose since I am flesh once again, that I am again a man.

[Speak olde English Blake, he doesn't get a single word you just said.]

The words used in this land are very new to me, I'm afraid I do not understand.

[lieutenantantichrist]

Oh, so you were a ghost. [Sure you were.]

Nobody does to start with.

[He looks into the guy's quizzical expression and realizes he's going to have to take this slow. It's been long enough that it's hard to remember not being used to this bullshit.]

Okay, start at the beginning. You should have some kind of animal, and a bag some crazy lady gave you.

[redenzione]

The poor woman thought I was her son. I tried to explain myself but it was a futile endeavour.

[lieutenantantichrist]

See, there's your proof. There's no crazy ladies trying to hand you lunch in any afterlife I've heard of.

She thinks the same thing about everybody. There's no social services to call on her, and she looks happy enough about it. The food she gave you doesn't have any cyanide or anything in it, so it's safe, but you're gonna want to get some more before you hit the road. It's three days to the nearest excuse for anywhere.

[Blake's an old hand at this by now.]

[redenzione]

...I suppose that is all there is left for me, to take to the road once again.

[He...doesn't exactly like Blake's tone; it seems to be almost mocking. But the man is giving him advice, so Dante keeps his voice perfectly cordial.]

Thank you sir. I will be sure to gather supplies before I begin my journey.

[lieutenantantichrist]

Yeah, the road trip is about your only option, unless you want to stick around with those idiots.

[Blake's not taking the guy quite seriously, but he hasn't decided to go poking at him yet. Seems like he's a few cards short of a full deck, but around here, who isn't?]

[And calling Blake sir always helps.]

Pick up some more of those red and white baseball-looking things, too. Toss them at some wildlife after yours beats the crap out of it, and then they're yours too. Don't ask me how it works.

Where're you from, anyway?

[redenzione]

I do not fancy any battles of any kind; I will be satisfied with what I have.

I come from England. And you?

[lieutenantantichrist]

Then you're gonna run into trouble, buddy. Magic dogfights hold up the economy around here.

[Blake nods sagely, now understanding.] That explains it.

Me, I'm from Philadelphia.

[redenzione]

I have been in the service of the local shopkeeper; it is a simple task but it pays enough for a roof above my head and meals for myself and my Pokemon. I shall not want anymore.

That is a name not known to me, but such is the nature of this place which draws all from different lands and times.

[lieutenantantichrist]

You're a cashier, huh. If you get tired of it and want to hit the road, you're gonna need that animal to fight to cover your ass. Otherwise there'll be pigeons pecking your kneecaps off.

[The way the guy talks baffles Blake. He's not even being an asshole now, it's a real question:] So are you from a hundred years ago or just British?

[redenzione]

A hundred years times nine. It is the year of our Lord, 1191. The Third Crusade nears its end but King Richard has yet to recapture the Holy Land.

[lieutenantantichrist]

[Congratulations, you made Blake say something religious. He rests his forehead on his hand,]

Oh lord.

Just what we needed, one of those Renaissance Fair loonies. So that's why you're calling yourself after that Inferno book guy.

[redenzione]

[Technically the Renaissance hasn't even happened in Dante's time just yet. But thankfully someone else has mentioned something about him and a book, so this conversation doesn't have to get anymore awkward than it currently is.]

If you speak of a Dante Alighieri who wrote of a journey through the Inferno, then I am afraid you are looking at the wrong man. But some have explained to me this idea of alternate worlds, each with their own version of Dante Alighieri. Perhaps I am one of the more divergent ones for I am no scribe; I am a soldier.

[lieutenantantichrist]

You don't look much like an egghead.

[He fits more into the Gym Rat heading of Blake's personal taxonomy. Or soldier, that's possible too.]

Different guy, same name. Got it.

I'm Carter Blake. Police.

[redenzione]

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

[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]

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

[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.

[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.

[lieutenantantichrist]

[This guy's placid acceptance is starting to get on Blake's nerves. You're supposed to panic when you get here, just a little, not take it all in stride.]

Anguish, maybe not. There's plenty to worry about, though. Like those "reasons unknown." There's gotta be something behind it. Everybody has an angle, especially the ones who go out of their way to look nice.

Sure it is, Dante...

[Blake winces at saying that out loud.]

You know what? I'm gonna call you Dan.

[redenzione]

[Blake, he's been through the Inferno. NOTHING FREAKS YOU OUT anymore after you've fought Cleopetra in Level 2 of Hell, trust me.]

Perhaps. But until the day comes, I shall reserve my judgement. It is true that this may all be a trap, but I do not wish to cast suspicion when there is no evidence to suggest as much.

[...what?]

...Why 'Dan', if I may ask?

[lieutenantantichrist]

[Hey, if you fought the devil and you're not saying it's him, that puts you a step ahead in Blake's eyes.]

[You don't jump to immediate conclusions and assume everybody's out to get you? Weird.] Remind me to sell you some swampland in Florida.

Dan's close, isn't it? Or, I don't know, Don?

[redenzione]

...why not my name? It is not difficult to remember.

[lieutenantantichrist]

It just doesn't sound right in this day and age. I can't say it out loud without wanting to steal my own lunch money.