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

( video )

[stressed]

Hello sir! Welcome to the wonderful world of Pokemon.

[ yeah.. she started it out like that. ]

Johto is not a part of purgatory as far as I'm aware! Though you have been sent here with an unknown purpose, I'm sure that you received a starter Pokemon and a goal? I'm assuming Pokemon Trainer by the sound of it. Please try not to worry, and I assure you this world is very friendly. The worst you might encounter is a grumpy Pokemon.

[ with that she releases a faint laugh and continues.. ]

I haven't been here for very long either, can I assume that you came from a world very different from this one?

<audio>

[firstnothing]

Where you are is a matter of personal perspective. Some believe this place to be a slice of heaven, I'm sure there are others who feel it to be their own personal hell. For many, it is a second chance, one they may ... or may not, deserve. A higher power than mere men saw fit to bring you here, I would not waste the chance if I were you.

But be advised. The 'pets' you speak of are as intelligent as a man. They will understand you, though you may not understand them any better than the barking of a dog. You have been granted a companion, yes? Learn to rely on it, for weapons of other sorts are forbidden.

[video]

[no_ufo_ending]

I don't think so...I mean, zubats are pretty awful and it kind of feels like a punishment to deal with them...but no.

[video]

[enjoymyatelier]

[...the most dubious of squints]

Dante Alighieri? Well, I suppose some version of existence where the Divine Comedy was actual fact isn't terribly unlikely...

[...even if he doesn't look much like a poet to Kayneth's eyes.]

In any case, you've taken a detour into a completely different universe, I'm afraid. This place is no purgatory, though it may feel like one at times.

[video]

[lieutenantantichrist]

[Great, a religious nut. Blake has some experience with those, but none of it's good.]

Sorry to burst your bubble, buddy, but you're not dead. Whatever your sins are, the magic starfish don't give a damn.

[redenzione]

Before my current state I served under the banner of King Richard the Lionheart of England. I have fought many battles for the Holy Land, yet I was more damned than any of those that I slew. Such were the weight of my sins.

I find this land filled with surprises. There is much that I thought of as sorcery, but kinder souls than I have explained my errors to me. But I must dedicate my time to observing the ways of Johto, if I am to resume my travels yet again.

[redenzione]

...so perhaps it is yet another step in this new path that I walk on. I do not know why I was brought here, but God works in His ways. There must be a reason that has not been revealed to me.

I no longer seek battles; I seek peace and redemption. Though I am in agreement that these Pokemon are far more intelligent than a common steed. I have not spoken to them of my past life yet I feel that they know of the burden I carry. It is due to their help and the patience and kindness of the locals of New Bark Town, that I am slowly able to understand Johto.

[redenzione]

Correct me if I am wrong but is a Zubat...another of these Pokemon creatures?

[redenzione]

If you know of my story, sir, then you must know that it is no laughing matter.

So Our Father has created yet another earth for Man to walk on.

...I may not be in Purgatory, but I shall continue to seek my redemption here, for through the road of absolution lies the gates above, and a reunion with my beloved.

[firstnothing]

Perhaps then you are here to recover from your ordeals. This land is by and large a peaceful one, the troubles and risks not terrible to the wary and the experienced. I am told it is easy to find great comfort in the companionship of one's pokemon as well. For a battered soul, perhaps few better places to be in this lifetime.

[redenzione]

I am not dead, but neither am I alive.

[The most helpful of helpful corrections, ever.]

But four others have explained this land of Johto to me and though it is not Purgatory, I see no reason why I cannot continue to seek penitence for my sins.

[no_ufo_ending]

That's right. They live in every cave.

[redenzione]

It is not comfort that I am in need of, but it is welcomed all the same.

[Battered soul is right. Out of Earth, into Hell and on his way to Purgatory, he's seen and caused quite a lot of suffering of his own.]

I shall treasure my time here then. Thank you for your time, sir. God be with you.

[redenzione]

It would seem that instead of animals, birds and insects, God gave this earth Pokemon. And they are very clever beasts, far sharper than the average steed or hound.

[firstnothing]

May you find what you seek. Safe travels, stranger.

[no_ufo_ending]

Tell me about it. My friend's pokemon can even use the gear like we do. He's pretty horrible. Take my advice and don't ever get a Gengar.

[redenzione]

Before we part, might I have a name that I may call you should we happen to cross paths again?

[redenzione]

I shall remember your words.

[Though...he doesn't know how a Gengar looks like.]

Then if this is not Purgatory...then I do not know where I am. But it matters little; alive or dead or in-between, I will continue to serve penance for all the wrong that I have done wherever I may be.

Thank you sir for your time.

[firstnothing]

Xemnas. Forgive my terrible manners for not giving it earlier.

[no_ufo_ending]

Well it's...

_{[DON'T TELL HIM IT'S A VIDEO GAME, HENRY.]}

It's another world. We're all from different worlds--well, everybody you'll see talking on this thing anyway. Sometimes people from the same world will show up, but it's only happened to a few people I know...

[redenzione]

Well met Xemnas, and may God watch over you and your travels.

[redenzione]

...I am afraid I still do not understand. But, if there is a chance that God will send my Beatrice to guide me in this land then, then I...no. Her soul has been saved, and I shall not want her to leave her place in Heaven.

I will pray that this journey I take will be one without her. But I know in my heart that she is with me all the same.

[no_ufo_ending]

_{[Henry wonders if this guy thinks he's dead...or if he's ACTUALLY dead. Heather has some dead friends. It's...kinda weird.]}


I don't...really get it either. It's weird. But I guess it could be worse...

_{[He's sorry that this Beatrice isn't with him, but where she is probably doesn't have Zubats or Gengar or other annoying things.]}

Maybe you won't have to stay here too long.

[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.

[stressed]

[ the more she listened the more she was thinking he sounded like a character out of the divine comedy.. the name itself was uncanny. but that wasn't possible, was it? then again, she's met people like jack frost. this world is a very strange place indeed! ]

Oh my! That sounds like such a long time ago. Regardless of what happened to you before arriving here, it seems as though what you have been repenting for has been lifted off of your shoulders. From what I have gathered so far, everyone is pulled from different places and worlds and brought here. The meaning behind it is still unclear to me, but no one I have met appears uncomfortable.

[ tapping her chin with her index finger she thinks for a moment before putting on a smile. ]

The best advice I can give you is to relax and enjoy the ride! I'm certain your Pokemon companions want nothing but your best interest and will stay by you through thick and thin. If you ever feel the heavy burden on your shoulders once again, you should talk to them. They will give you the listening ear and patience that you need.