lieutenantantichrist | [19] Video/Action for Olivine - "Warm Sun, Cool Ocean Breezes, Getting Ripshit On Ham"

[The camera is pointed at the sky. It's clear for now, though clouds aren't far distant. There's the sound of waves, underlain by clicks and scraping noises very close to the speakers. The screen shifts until it is angled properly to show the one positioning it - a Clauncher. With careful movements of his claws, he makes sure that the Gear is balanced against the rocks behind it. Once he's satisfied, he scuttles backward daintily until he has room to work.

In the background, Blake is visible, wearing swim trunks and reclining on a distant beach chair and soaking in the last of the summer. Now and then an Emolga hops up and drops a Frisbee onto his bare chest, and he tosses it off across the beach again.

The Clauncher has found an expanse of clear sand and a period of time in which he is given no heed, and intends to make the most of both. With a wriggle of his tail to steady himself, he rises up and lifts his claw. A slender stream of water arcs to the ground, forming the shape of graceful cursive letters writ in dampened sand.]

SOS, please hear and heed
I've come from 'neath the sea
Observe misfortune's bitter grasp
See what's befallen me.

I came with brethren plentiful
I know not whence or why
Only that by some mischance
I caught a native's eye.

I am a humble creature; still,
I've pride and dignity
I'll tell you now, I wasn't hatched
For a brute's menagerie.

Won't anyone come lend a hand
Or wing, or pseudopod?
I'll find my way as best I can-
But spirit me from this clod!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ The Noibat chitters excitedly at receiving a response, then, with great solemnity, picks her pen back up. ]

this one is yet young,
hatched but a few days ago;
still, I may assist

you speak of the beings
who catch us in contraptions
for their amusement

they are called "humans";
mine, as peaches in summer,
garbs herself in pink

odd though she may be,
I believe she means no harm --
is yours different?

(as a final note:
what is wrong with mammals' smell?
I think we smell nice)

It is not quite unpleasant, nay
But to my senses new and strange
Not like the salt and kelp and sand
That scent my native range

The human who has captured me
Has shown me no ill will
Though he possesses all the social grace
Of an unenlightened krill.

to the sea creature
not familiar with scents else
mammals may be strange

[ The Noibat nods, satisfied with this explanation. ]

my apologies:
to put up with your human
seems a dreary fate

mine lacks grace as well,
but makes up for it with charm;
yours may lack that too

though we try to guide,
our advice will be dismissed -
the task is thankless

what of your fellows?
other Pokémon of his:
do they share your thoughts?

[ She puts down her pen and makes to turn off the Gear - then jolts back, grabs the pen again and scribbles a postscript. ]

ah! I've been so rude!
my name is Murasaki;
may I know yours too?

Charm is not his strength, I fear
And I suspect I'll go unheeded
But where there is great foolishness
That is where wisdom's needed.

My name involves bubbles and clacks
Those who can say it here aren't many
For noises made with mammal tongue
Keith Hernandez is good as any

you may play the guide,
he the boor who guidance needs --
thus, you coexist

worry not, good sir!
if you keep up your efforts
he'll surely improve!

one day he will say:
"what would I do without you,
my crustacean friend?"

it is then you'll know
you've helped cause a change in him:
one for the better!

and I understand;
best regards, Hernandez-san
well met and hello

[ She bows to the camera. ]

A daunting task, to say the least
But hardly to be declined
Who could ask a nobler task
Than to open up a mind?

My thanks for your encouragement
I'm well set to the task
If you ever wish for future aid
You need only call and ask.

[19] Video/Action for Olivine - "Warm Sun, Cool Ocean Breezes, Getting Ripshit On Ham"

[video]

[video]

[video]

[video]

[video]

[video]