Post by Cristy on Jan 11, 2010 5:20:38 GMT -5
-------------
Zero----------
{There’s been some talk.[/size]
The Distortion World is a little-known about place, all the recent findings and research papers on it coming from one man – Professor Newton Graceland. He’s a magnificent scientist, to be sure, and has spent years within the alternate dimension studying its physics and the master of the world, Giratina. The Professor makes few trips between the worlds, as it’s not exactly the easiest thing to do, but he does have to come back now and then for provisions and to report to the science labs he works for. The Professor, while a good man who is very enthusiastic about his work, is just that; he’s much too /nice,/ much too good for the kind of work you need him for.
The last report to the laboratory spoke of the termination of the last project, a special scanning machine that would allow free access between the two worlds. Graceland reported that it was halted because the scanning of Giratina would not only be incredibly painful to the beast, but would also end up killing it. After determining the scanner to be a failure, he erased all the files pertaining to the project, restarting from scratch.
While the laboratory accepted this and moved on, you haven’t. Well, more like the company you work for, but this is the time for neither specifics nor details. It’s all very hush-hush right now, and you can’t afford to put a toe out of line with the bosses you work under. But there were some rumors circulating that the professor’s assistant, Zero, was less than happy about all of this mess. In fact, he seemed to be harboring a sort of grudge for the loss of all that data. While the professor was keeping him on the project as someone whose knowledge is invaluable to the mission at hand, Zero himself seems more and more likely to be leaving any day now, very upset and chock-full of information your bosses would love to obtain…
Hence why you’re here now, searching the grounds of the laboratory for the elusive assistant. He’s very hard to find, you note, searching up and down the plain hallways, the only sound the heels of your shoes clacking in the silence. Despite how much your overseers want this information Zero has, they want to be sure he’s a good candidate for hire first; there were even more rumors that he was becoming almost /unstable/ after his tiff with the Professor, and they don’t need any nutcases working on such a volatile subject. They would need someone obedient and pliable to their whims, and while you strongly believe that if they’re looking for obedience then the hot-tempered Zero is a step in the wrong direction, you’re merely the pawn here.
…A pawn who is getting very frustrated looking for some science nerd who is doing a very good job at eluding you. Grumbling in irritation, you spin about to head back the way you came – maybe Zero wasn’t even here, you don’t know – and lo and behold, the young man is staring at you coldly from an open doorway into a lab you could have sworn was deserted, his golden eyes absolutely piercing and the frown on his face doing nothing to alleviate the situation.}
What do you think you’re doing, meandering about like you own the place when you’re wearing a low clearance tag? Are you a little lost, or just snooping? [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{His tone is so biting it nearly makes you flinch, your hand briefly touching the bright blue pass clipped to your lab coat. It is perfectly legit, considering you stole it from the front desk, but you feel as if his gaze is reading your every secret. Indeed, his eyes are only getting narrower at your silence, frown growing more pronounced.}[/size]
Are you /deaf?/ Or maybe you’re just nosy, prying into this lab’s secrets. I should report you- [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{He pauses, frown and harsh gaze lessening slightly.}[/size]
…But why should I do that; not like this place has ever done me any favors, especially not with… Nevermind. Look, I don’t care who the hell you are or even why you’re here, but stop stomping up and down this hallway like a pissed off Bastiodon; it’s getting on my nerves.[/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{And then he’s retreating back into the lab, a swish of the uniform white overcoat and a flip of his long, flipped-out hair. He’s definitely not friendly, that’s for sure. You call out after him, which causes him to look over his shoulder at you, this time with furrowed brows and an almost predatory expression in place that is enough to make you move back as he snarls, shoulders tensed.}[/size]
Are you really THAT eager to get me to call security? Honestly, it’s like you’re begging for a fight![/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{Actually, it’s more like he’s spoiling for it and you’re just a bystander who is simply there and therefore a good punching bag for his anger, but whatever.}[/size]
Just leave me alone, if you don’t have any business with me; and I assume you wouldn’t, or else you probably would have gotten around to it at this point.[/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{He’s already on the move again, flicking on the fluorescent lights in the room and fixing his coat, rearranging glass beakers on the table with unnecessary force. You have no clue what he’s here for, but you figure that if it involves a lab it mustn’t be a very safe procedure to do while in an upset state of mind – why, you’d be doing him a favor by distracting him with your work. Which is what you do, quietly asking about why his little expedition with Graceland failed so badly, and flippantly remarking that it would only be /too nice/ if someone showed up who would let Zero’s inner scientist work free of any of the bothersome constraints this laboratory forced on him…[/size]
That seems to have garnered the young man’s attention, now regarding you with a sort of cool interest, the anger subsiding.}
…What would you know about any of it? Actually no, I’m pretty sure you know quite a bit, and that’s why you’re here, isn’t it? To get me to drop this… ridiculous running around with Newton and come work for /you,/ am I correct?[/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{He rummages with the tubes and beakers again before moving them aside with an irate swipe of his hand. The glass rolls across the white plastic countertop, tinkling but not breaking as he turns back to you.}[/size]
Fine. Let’s hear your proposition – I’ve grown tired of this place. If you can get me any closer to my goal, then I will consider lending you what I know about the Distortion World and Giratina… But I doubt it.[/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{The frown is back in full force, one eye obscured by the swooping bangs on the right side of his face. The other is working quite well, beaming its mixture of displeasure and vague interest at you while you explain that you need to undergo a sort of interview process before your overseers will hire him. While he seems to grow more irritated at being asked questions, he doesn’t mention it, and you begin to work in the numbers: millions of dollars to start with to build whatever contraption Newton Graceland vetoed, and that was just the beginning. As you go over all the lovely things Zero will get to do should he be hired, his angry face becomes more and more pleasant, finally a small smirk in place.}[/size]
Well, I must say that you’ve piqued my interest somewhat – I don’t mind answering a few harmless questions in this case. [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{He turns away briefly, looking in the open, hollow space beneath the counter before stepping forward and dragging two spindly-legged stools from beneath, their seats made of the same material as the counters, the laboratory logo stamped in the center. Pushing one in your direction, he sits in the other, parallel to the countertop, leaning to that side so that he might place his elbow on the counter, the heel of his hand resting on his jaw to prop up his head while he continues to leer, no doubt believing that he has this little interview in the bag.}[/size]
Ask away – I don’t have all day, you know. [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
******************************************************
Given Name:
Zero Nakamura. ….Yes, my parents named me Zero. It’s an…. Uncommon name, but I don’t see you offering up yours.[/font][/color][/size]
{He watches as you write that down, smirk fading slightly as he observes. You carefully avoiding rising to the bait and saying your own; you could always say a fake name if you are so concerned, but Zero would most likely suspect anything you willingly present about yourself as a lie anyway, so why bother?}[/size]
Also Known As: [/size][/color]
I’m not an author or some undercover agent. Why would I have a pseudonym? [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{He sounds a bit exasperated, leaving you to jump in to say that the question refers to any nicknames given by friends. This gets a slight sneer, a look of obvious distaste passing over his features as he sits up a bit, his foot bumping against the metal of the stool and clanging quietly in the silence.}[/size]
I have no time for such trivial relationships – if I’m not working I’d rather be by myself, and any ‘friends’ would only get in my way. …Perhaps even betray me, or worse. [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{He tacks the last part on quietly, looking down and away with a frown, thinking of something. Graceland – they were friends of a sort not so long ago. Perhaps the professor was his only companion – he’d no doubt still be smarting from the man’s actions, then, having been close to him. No wonder Zero seems upset. You lightly tap your pen against your clipboard as you watch him, his hands clenching visibly for a brief second before he snaps out of his reverie and his eyes dart back to you, a guarded look, as if you were reading this thoughts. Not that it was very difficult to do – he’s much more expressive than he realizes.}[/size]
If you have to have something to put down, then just write my name again. It’s all I’ve ever been referred to. [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{He is becoming snappish again, fidgeting slightly and not focusing as intently as before. Then you begin to squirm as you look at the next question on your list – if the last inquiry upset him, then this one might cause a tiny meltdown.}[/size]
Gender:[/size][/color]
{He gives you a look that is so muddled with emotion, it’s a bit hard to sort through at a glance, and looking at him directly may have some sort of disastrous consequences - hence why you are very focused on your clipboard, just barely able to see him by looking upwards without moving your whole head. Everything is quiet, much too quiet; the calm before the storm. And it’s making you nervous, muscles tensing in wait to see if the man will suddenly attack, you, verbally or otherwise.[/size]
But nothing seems to be happening, and you finally dare to face him fully, and meet gold eyes boring into your own with a cold fury so tangible it’s suddenly as if glaring daggers is literal. He’s unmoving, which means no physical assault, so you brace yourself for the flurry of words you can feel coming as he unhinges his jaw.}
I had no idea they were sending people as brazen as you to do the dirty work these days. Are you really that idiotic, to not be able to discern gender? I shouldn’t be so stunned, but really, I am having a hard time understanding why anyone would hire a lackey as incompetent as you.[/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{His voice is surprisingly even and dangerously calm, although his eyes seem to continue promising death with every movement. You have a brief daydream that you’re being stared down by a hungry Houndoom, one that wouldn’t think twice about tearing you to shreds as you wait for it to make its move, when Zero’s voice comes floating back into your ear as softly as a lead weight; he’s not in the least concerned about your flights of fancy, even if they aren’t particularly good ones.}[/size]
And then you decide to fantasize right in the middle of me talking! Great! I have half a mind to leave right now, and not before making your life very uncomfortable! …No. No, I’m forgetting the big picture here. I’ll no doubt be jobless soon enough, so I might as well suck it up and deal with you for now…[/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{Then it’s back to the quiet glaring, and you easily say that you’re thankful for it this once, scribbling “male” in the space provided and even underlining it just for good measure. Tiny meltdown, achieved. The next question seems simple enough, thank Arceus; just a small explanation that shouldn’t cause any more problems.}[/size]
Profession:[/size][/color]
Hmph… Will you eventually ask me something that you don’t already know the answer to?[/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{He shifts in his seat, slumping a bit now that the worst of his anger has subsided, leaving nothing but silent, seething resentment in plain sight. You say nothing further, holding your position and looking down at the paper in your possession, resisting the urge to tap the clipboard with the end of the pen. Finally, he seems to come around, huffing like a put-out child but answering nonetheless.}[/size]
As you very well /aware,/ I’m a scientist. In particular, I work – well, /worked,/ with Professor Newton Graceland, studying the Reverse World and Giratina. It’s a very interesting place – it has a symbiotic connection with this world, and seems to keep it in balance. Everything is mirrored and gravity is strange, stronger in some places and weaker in others. It seems that any destruction of the Reverse World has a direct affect on this world, and vice versa: for example, if you destroy a building in the Reverse World, it causes an explosion in the place it is mirroring in our world. And to keep balance, abnormal occurrences in our own world form poisonous clouds on the other side, although I am not sure yet why those are created in an effort to stabilize the problems-[/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{He has very quickly devolved into ranting, no longer on the same subject as what you asked, instead speaking aloud his theories as to the odd balance between dimensions, and Giratina’s role in it. So far gone in his own little world, you clear your throat to catch his attention just as the scientist starts delving into a whole new set of issues entirely, sharp eyes turning to you with some visible annoyance from being interrupted. Saying that he has more than answered the question, you finish scribbling down a few meager sentences from his novel of a speech, Zero grumbling to himself, looking around the room while waiting for you to finish.}[/size][/blockquote]
Age:[/color][/size][/b]
{Finally, it seems, a question he is fairly neutral about, answering with a curt, but at least not agitated, tone.}[/size][/blockquote]
I’m nineteen. A young adult, capable of making my own decisions without the need to hold on to my mother’s apron strings. I am often looked down on for being so young, although my intelligence far surpasses many of the older professors in this and other institutions.[/font][/color][/size]
{He certainly seems smug, a self-assured smirk forming as he sits up straighter in his seat.}[/size]
Just one more reason to want to leave this place; there’s no challenge, no real purpose in my flitting between worlds anymore. Not for these people. I hope this environment that you are promising is better suited to me.[/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{Despite seeming more light hearted with this inquiry answered, his expression remains somewhat blank, even tired, after the fury he showed not too long ago. Perhaps he’s just deep in thought, you consider, watching the way his eyes are fixed solidly on a point behind your left shoulder.}[/size][/blockquote]
Physical Description:[/color][/size]
{This appears to be something that needs to be filled out by the examiner, seeing as how a typical participant wouldn’t be entirely truthful about their appearance. Now seems to be the perfect time to fill it out, as the young man is transfixed and lost in his own thoughts, not eagerly awaiting the next question.[/size][/blockquote]
He does look like someone who would be a scientist: thin and not overly muscular, intelligent eyes and pale skin. His hair is something of an anomaly, especially around here, the silver strands spiking in layers outward from his head and falling to his shoulders. You ponder over it a moment, thinking that such a style can’t be natural, even though the scientist doesn’t look the type to spend an hour getting ready every morning. Or maybe he is. He does look somewhat feminine.
Your gaze drifts downwards, noting that the man looks oddly tidy, although it’s somewhat to be expected of people used to working in a sterile environment. Definitely more accustomed to the fluorescent lighting of the laboratory than the sunlight, you think, noting how thin and immaculate his hands look – nobody who frequents the outdoors ever looks so spotless. The young man also doesn’t appear to be dressed for frolicking outside, either, wearing tennis shoes, plain jeans and a blue turtleneck sweater beneath his lab coat, even though the weather is hardly cold. But the lab itself is chilly, meaning he must be accustomed to dressing in such a manner to keep warm in the cool hallways.
At the very least, he doesn’t seem to apply to the unhealthily thin stereotype of some scientists and shut ins, appearing to be of an average weight for his height, although it’s hard to tell with that thick sweater on. It seems probable that he feeds himself but, unlike most young bachelors, doesn’t subsist on only fast and junk food. However, the scientist was just returning from a stint with Professor Graceland, studying the Reverse World; all the exercise in combination with pre-packed nutritious meals could be what is making him appear in such a way, although he would seem the type to be conscious of his body image enough to take care of himself regardless.}
Emotional Disposition: [/color][/size]
{Another section better left to the examiner rather than the examinee. Sighing inwardly, you thank Arceus you are a fast writer, having jotted down the previous section and thus begun this one before Zero realizes what you have done. You suppose for most participants this wouldn’t be a problem to ask, but with as odd an individual as this young man, it would be better off to try your hand at analyzing him yourself.[/size][/blockquote]
The first thing that comes to mind is his swift temper – without even knowing who you were, he had no problem telling you your place, spouting threats and snarling like a rabid Mightyena. With that plus his previous bragging comments, he no doubt has little respect for authority, only those who he deems worthy of his respect likely to receive it. If he has even a scrap of it for you, it doesn’t show, except in perhaps that he hasn’t torn you to shreds yet.
In addition to his wrath comes the mood swings – his reminds you of a see saw, constantly changing and in motion, pendulous as his emotions go from one extreme to the next; one minute he’s watching you with a playful sneer, sizing you up, and the next moment glaring daggers and spitting fire before the cycle returns to neutral. You have to believe this is a recent development, as no one without an incomparable intellect could have gotten far in this career path with such an attitude. And with the scientist undergoing a bit of turbulence in his life, such a change is understandable, though definitely far from excusable. You are still highly of the opinion that he is too easily swayed by his emotions, feelings clouding his judgment and preventing him from performing his best.
But with the extremes, there is also the downtime, like right now. He was probably a fantastic student before, incredibly attentive to the Professor and with an insatiable hunger to learn everything he could from his surroundings. And as with his scientist nature, he’s meticulous, always watching and mentally cataloging details, even minute ones. Stacks of neatly organized papers and journals, handwritten and excruciatingly detailed, are probably no stranger to him, and you can envision him writing more than his fair share of lengthy essays and theories on the Reverse World, reading heavy volumes about physics in his spare time. While it seems bizarre to think that he would ever be completely friendly or amiable to anyone or anything, you do recall a few select moments on some short video clips you were given; shots of him smiling and laughing at something Graceland said, and even one or two of him training his Magnezone during their down time, the metallic Pokémon and it’s trainer closer than one might believe, looking at the man now.
Your frantic scribbling is cut short when you feel the sharp press of eyes on you, and glance up to see Zero has finally exited his trance, and is watching you write with an unveiled curiosity. Any impression of impatience at this whole ordeal seems to be have smoothed over, leaving him calm and blank.}
What are you writing? You haven’t been asking any questions. [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{He speaks up, brows creasing ever so slightly, although by the tone of his voice, it’s more out of interest than anything. You assure him that it’s nothing, just a few things that you had to fill out, before asking him if he is ready to continue. He nods, shifting once more on the plastic chair in an effort to get comfortable as you ask the next question aloud.}[/size][/blockquote]
Preferences:[/color][/size]
{No immediate response is given, instead a quiet hum issuing forth as Zero considers the matter, giving it due deliberation before he opens his mouth to speak.}[/size][/blockquote]
[/font][/color][/size]
-Infi
She’s an AI I’ve designed myself, although admittedly she’s seen little use other than cataloguing information. But she’s quite an accomplishment; not to mention she makes my life so much easier, dealing with all the necessary filing and computer work.
-Reading
I prefer mystery novels and science fiction books. Romance is incredibly boring.
-Respect
What can I say, it’s nice when people give you your proper dues.
- Dungeons and Dragonites
W-what? Don’t look at me like that – it’s an engaging game! Some of the other lab techs would play and I was invited, so of course I went. Lately I’ve been much too busy to join them in their weekly sessions, but I would go if I could.
-Giratina
A magnificent creature, to be sure – the ruler of the Reverse World. I could go on about it all day, but I shall leave it at that.
Dislikes: [/color][/size]
[/size]
-Excessive Cursing
It shows a lack of intelligence, for one, and is just unnecessary. When was the last time you heard someone with a scrap of brainpower and dignity utter a long string of expletives and manage to still sound astute while doing it?
-Sappy Romance
It’s stupid, is what it is. Real life doesn’t work that way. Besides, it’s disgusting, watching couples hang over one another, fawning. If you must, do it out of my sight.
-Pokémon Contests
Seems sort of pointless and superficial, if you ask me.
-Fast Food
Greasy and unhealthy, with the added issue of being nauseating most of the time. I might crack and have something from a fast food place every now and then, but only when I have limited options.
-Reality TV
…I actually don’t have the luxury of watching a lot of television, being away from home often. But I’ve caught some glimpses of the garbage they’re trying to pass off as entertainment nowadays, and it kills me a little inside to think that these are people who act like this /all the time./ Honestly…
Phobias:[/size]
{A lengthy pause after the previous surge of information, and Zero says nothing now, watching you carefully. Most people are cautious of revealing their fears, after all, and you can imagine that with him, this is going to be like pulling teeth, if you can get him to speak at all.}[/size]
…I suppose this is a somewhat necessary question, although you can understand if I am hesitant to answer.[/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{A sigh, fidgeting in his seat once again as he looks at you dead on, that same sinking feeling as before curling in the pit of your stomach, as if he is a predator sizing up his prey, although his expression is still rather disinterested.}[/size]
I am sorry to disappoint you, but I do not actually have any fears I can think to share. People are only afraid of things they don’t understand, and there are few things that fall into that category for me.[/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{He pauses, apparently giving the situation a bit more thought.}[/size]
Although… I wouldn’t say I’m /frightened,/ but I would be upset if Infi went rogue. It’s an unfortunate consequence most AI undergo, especially ‘smart’ AI. As they ‘learn’ more and file it away without losing any information, they eventually outgrow their containers, and begin overwriting their software with whatever they continue to learn. Once this happens, they begin acting up, glitching, erasing files and acting erratically… It’s typically easy to tell when an AI is beginning to fail in such a manner, although once it occurs it’s hard to undo the damage and recover whatever is left. It would be unfortunate if I was unable to salvage Infi from an untimely ‘death.’ …Not because of any emotional attachments, but rather because I would lose all the data she has stored to her malfunctioning.[/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{He stops there, observing as you write a shorthand version of his description, simply listing ‘hardware failure’ in order to keep your already tired hands from cramping any farther. He taps his fingers on the countertop, arching a brow questioningly, prepared to move on.}[/size]
Hobbies:[/color][/size]
I don’t really have the time for pointless activities that don’t pertain to work. Reading, maybe, as I mentioned earlier, I might partake in when I have a few minutes to myself. I also created Infi in my spare time – so computer programming. Board games too, although I don’t play them so much anymore, with nobody else to participate.[/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{He seizes one shoulder in a pitifully weak version of a shrug, brushing his lengthy bangs from his face.}[/size]
When I’m not doing something for the lab, I’m usually at home, training my Magnezone and Magnemite or sleeping. My Pokémon seem to enjoy getting the exercise now and then, although overall they’re very laid back and don’t seem to do much of anything on their own volition… And I wouldn’t necessarily call sleeping a hobby – I just like to keep myself busy, and with nothing entertaining to keep my attention, I rest. That isn’t unusual. [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{He sighs, and you can tell he’s refraining from rolling his eyes at what he deems to be a pointless question. It’s no wonder he doesn’t seem to have any friends, being practically married to his job. …Well, that, and he doesn’t exactly have what one would call an affable persona. You jot down the thankfully short answer and move on, knowing the worst of the lengthy writing has yet to come.}[/size][/blockquote]
Why:[/color][/size]
{He stares in slight bafflement as you explain that you meant why, exactly, he does what he does. The man doesn’t respond right away, instead continuing his somewhat disconcerting watch. Finally, he starts grumbling, dragging one hand roughly through his hair in a semblance of frustration as he rearranges himself once more.}[/size][/blockquote]
I do it because I /like/ to, obviously. It’s a good job, and interesting – why wouldn’t I? I work for the lab because without it, I would lack the resources to do anything on my own. Besides, it’s a waste of time and an education if I sat at home and did /nothing./ I thought it would be obvious by now that I don’t like to do anything that is pointless – much like these questions of yours.[/font][/color][/size]
{He pauses to take a breath, crossing his arms and leaning back a bit.}[/size]
I suppose a few things I like are, overall, meaningless in the big scheme of things: reading books for leisure, programming an AI to do jobs I am capable of performing myself, and training Pokémon when I have no real interest in being a full-time trainer or even battle often… But they are time wasters, efficient when there is nothing else for me to do around here. …Lately, I see myself doing them more and more.[/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{He seems to be finished now, waiting and staring pointedly as you prepare your writing hand for what is usually the longest answer given by every subject interviewed. Besides the writing and talking, you’re sure there’s about to be an emotional rollercoaster coming from this man, unable to keep his strong feelings under wraps for long. Taking a deep, calming breath, you speak it aloud and place your pen on a new, blank sheet of paper, waiting for the storm.}[/size][/blockquote]
History:[/color][/size]
{The scientist grits his teeth, looking beyond you for a moment as if to regain his bearing, or maybe think of where to begin. With a dejected sigh, he focuses on you once more, gold eyes clear and calm as he recounts his past.}[/size][/blockquote]
I’ve lived an average life; there’s nothing much to tell. Grew up in Celestic Town – small settlement, right at the base of Mount Coronet; the kind of place where everybody knows everybody, and it’s annoying. Both of my parents worked as archeologists and scientists for the Celestic Town Historical Research Center, which was actually a good career choice in a place that is so full of artifacts you can’t even walk around town without tripping over a slab older than time itself.[/font][/color][/size]
After I was born, my mom stayed home to take care of me until I was old enough to go to daycare, at which point she started back again. I didn’t exactly crave attention, so it wasn’t like their busy schedules bothered me much.
{He huffs, brows creasing as he thinks back, and you question the validity of that statement.}[/size]
I never was very social, and Celestic is a town more for old folks than kids. There was one other family with children close to my age – funnily enough, one of them even went on to become the Champion of Sinnoh. I didn’t know them very well though; other than seeing them from afar in town or at school, I didn’t bother trying to get familiar with them. Although my parents insisted I tried to be nice, I never did speak with them, except maybe once or twice.
Like most children, I was fascinated with Pokémon, and entertained the thought of becoming a Pokémon trainer. I wasn’t very good with them, though; while I found a few wild Pokémon roaming around on the outskirts of town, none would ever approach me, and I never did find one that actually seemed to /like/ me. It was disheartening, and it certainly wasn’t helping my socializing problems.
Perhaps in an effort to rekindle my passion for the creatures, my parents brought home a Magnemite from one of their out of town ventures. A machine-esque Pokémon, it was very relaxed and didn’t seem to think much of me, good or otherwise, and spent most of its time just floating around. I wouldn’t want to say it was dumb, but it didn’t do much unless we were training, and even then it wasn’t the sharpest knife in the drawer. I still cared for it though, and we trained on Coronet, Magnemite eventually evolving into Magneton, and finally Magnezone. It remains a faithful companion of mine, although it remains as lazy as ever.[/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{Another pause, although now he has a ghost of a grin, so small you might have missed it if you weren’t looking. He appears almost content for the first time since you began talking to him.}[/size]
I wouldn’t go so far as to say I was a model child, but I did my best to keep from being underfoot: I performed chores when I was asked, kept my room clean, and did my homework. I was very diligent with my schoolwork, and enjoyed learning enough that I was even elevated a few grades. I had no friends in my true level to miss, and had no problem excelling with the new material. Although my classmates tended to pick on me because of my age and size, many more were angered due to my intelligence putting their grades on a curve – the students who formerly got A’s received C’s instead. I took summer courses in high school so that I wouldn’t have to deal with them, and I graduated by the time I was fourteen. My parents were proud, to be sure, although I was indifferent – I did it because I wanted to do it, and to get away from the small town and make something of myself.
Despite my age, I was able to get into an online university and take classes. I mostly stuck to physics as the course of my choice, and did well enough. I did basic work and studies for a long time until I came across papers about the Reverse World. I suppose living in Celestic influenced me some, making me more interested in legends and myths, and I was drawn into the mystery of a dimension opposite our own. After that, I specialized my lessons so that soon enough, I would possibly be able to get a job dealing with that plane of existence.
I hardly slept a wink and was completely devoted to my studies, more enthusiastic about it than anything else. I finished and got my degree when I was barely eighteen, and immediately began looking for a job. With my credentials, I managed to find this place and was hired right away, and began my apprenticeship with Newton.
[/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{You can see him growing a bit agitated now, a slight tightening around his narrowing eyes and a set jaw.}[/size]
Things were great for awhile – I moved here and settled in, made acquaintances and finally had my dream of seeing the Reverse World with my own eyes realized. Newton was my friend as much as he was my elder, and we got along great. [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{His fists clench in anger, nearly snarling as he recounts events which, by your knowledge, are still recent, the pain fresh and visible in his face and gestures.}[/size]
I was finally /happy,/ I was finally CONTENT with my life! There was nothing more I could ask for! But- [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{He stops abruptly, closing his eyes and withholding some outburst, breathing deep before refocusing his gaze on you, intense with a forced calm as he begins again.}[/size]
Coming back and forth between dimensions is a pain – we can really only do it by piggybacking on Giratina’s portals, leaving when it leaves and returning whenever it happens to leave a portal open. Newton and I began creating a machine; one that would allow us, by capturing and scanning Giratina, to be able to copy its ability to open portals between dimensions. It was brilliant, a real marvel of engineering! We spent countless hours, days, /weeks/ in the Reverse World, studying and devising how to build such a mechanism. But once the blueprints were complete, Newton… he… He…![/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{The calm persona is gone completely, Zero standing from his seat so that the metallic legs scrap backwards against the linoleum with an audible screech, wobbling before toppling completely. The scientist is enraged just thinking about the event, head bowed and turned away so that you can no longer see his face for his hair, half hunched over the countertop with his hands clenched on the plastic, both smacking against it once before remaining still, the young man undoubtedly resisting the urge to batter it further. The sudden move actually makes you jump, clasping the clipboard in front of you as if it is suitable protection, your pen falling into your lap, which you hastily recover as he continues with furious fervor.}[/size]
He fucking ERASED it all! Everything, all that work, for nothing! And why? [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{He scoffs, a mock bark of laughter, and it sounds like he’s choking back tears as he looks at you again, teeth clenched.}[/size]
Because the scan would hurt Giratina! Hurt it, like that even matters! He said there was a chance that the machine could, maybe, MAYBE, even kill it, or injure it beyond repair. What a waste – science is all about experimenting, and Newton isn’t even willing to try! Giratina is strong, it could survive the process, Newton just doesn’t understand! I tried to talk him out of it, but of course he wouldn’t listen… Now I’m right back where I started, and it feels like all this time has just been lost! Ugh, goddammit…[/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{He stops to catch his breath, turning his back to you as he regains his composure somewhat. But when he turns back he still looks shaky, rough around the edges, a moment’s breath from collapsing into either rage or tears.}[/size]
And this is where you come in, isn’t it? Wanting to take me away from here, find me someplace worth it. Well, I’ve learned enough from my time here. Maybe it wasn’t a total loss – now I know better than to trust someone else with such vital plans as these. Except for those who, perhaps, would pay to get their hands on it. [/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
{The buildup of emotion is spent, and now he’s observing you with unrefined scrutiny, cheeks slightly flushed from his outburst. When you say nothing, his face twists into a pained sneer and he turns away again, one hand adjusting the collar of his lab coat.}[/size]
Anyways, are we about finished here? I have other things that need to get done today.[/blockquote][/font][/color][/size]
Miscellaneous: [/size][/font]
{At this, he merely scoffs, glancing back at you for only a moment before replying that you already know plenty, and there’s nothing left to be said. With that complete, you thank him for his time, the man not paying any attention as you leave him to his thoughts, scribbling a few final notes before leaving the lab and closing the door behind you. He looks as stoic as ever, brows furrowed and jaw locked as he returns to his own inner world once more. At least this experience is finally over, and you can get back to, you know, not dealing with lunatics.[/size][/blockquote]
Thank Arceus.}
Proxy: [/color][/size]
{Oh yeah, you should probably turn this badge back in before whoever it belongs to reports it as missing. You flip it over in curiosity to see a photo of a dark-haired girl making a face at the camera, dressed in a scarf and private-eye like coat. The name printed on the back says her name is Cristy, and the badge is oddly decorated with a few Pokémon doodles done in sharpie. Fun.}[/size][/blockquote]
[/left]
-------------
FIN----------
[/size][/right]
