003 - [Video/ Private;]

[unfulfilledstrex]

[Video]

Oooooooo!!! Goldenrod is so grand, big, and intimidating! I never thought that such a city would differ so much from the previous two cities!

[Someone certainly is excited today.]

Ohhhhh! Is that the radio tower up there, peaking over the horizon, silhouetted by the mountains behind it! What a beautiful sight! I hope they let people who appreciate radio as a pure art form in to explore a bit. If they don't, that's criminal, but such a liberal and free universe surely they won't protest.

[He pauses, turning to the camera to grant his viewers with a smile.] Now to business and some rest at the pokemon center, before the severe training begins at sunset. These pokemon are proving to have great potential!


[PRIVATE Video to Killua]
Killua as promised I have arrived at Goldenrod! I'm certain you are as excited as I am to start this little partnership we have created. I'll be at the pokemon center if you wish to meet up. I would love to see the shop with you in tow.

[PRIVATE to Lauren]
It's nice to see I am still one step ahead of you Lauren. I do hope you are at least close by. I even managed to slow down, train a bit and drag my feet in the dirt to hinder my progress getting to Goldenrod. All was done with you in my thoughts! I can't leave my fellow employee behind, but even I can't work miracles!

Update on your status: Do you have Carlos? Have you accomplished any other...productive advances?

Update on me: I am soon to become a manager at a small sweet shop. Already a step ahead on the Strex determined path. I do hope you are satisfied. I also have located dear Cecil, I feel he is here in Goldenrod, but that's not certain.

[PRIVATE to Cecil]

Ceeeecilll! I've reached the golden city with it's shining red light blinking above the skyline. I do hope I have not missed you and you are still here. I recently got a new pokemon, a Litwick, properly named Cecil! I was hoping to show him to you and snacks! I brought snacks for us to enjoy while we catch up.

[Look at the smile Cecil, how can you be afraid of him. He's so polite!]

My PERFECT Cecil also wishes to meet it's alternative, less constructive, other. This visit will be so fun!! Don't you think?

Comments

[video]

[preybeforemeals]

Good to see you've made it to Goldenrod in one piece, monsieur!

[Not that you wouldn't have anyway; everyone arrives in the cities in one piece. It's just that sometimes they're not in one piece when they're transported here.

But it seems you made it here just fine without dying a lot, so that's certainly something.]

The radio tower is publicly-accessed, to answer your question, though its operations unfortunately are not; the observation deck is lovely, however. Perhaps we can meet there sometime, should you be willing to do so.

[video]

[unfulfilledstrex]

That goes without saying. I would be more then willing to visit a radio tower and meet you face to face within the same passing minute.

[Oh Tsukiyama...friend or foe? He's not sure yet, but whatever you end up being to him. He sure is happy to see you and that is real happiness, none of that fake Strex shit.]

It is always a pleasure to seeing you greeting me as I advance to each city. Where is it that you are, currently?

[video]

[preybeforemeals]

I'm in Goldenrod myself, actually; I'll be travelling eventually - I'm escorting a friend of mine to Ecruteak shortly, actually - but I'm here for the next short while.

[video]

[unfulfilledstrex]

Ooooooo! Are you!? Are you free?

[video]

[preybeforemeals]

For you, amore? I could be.

[video]

[unfulfilledstrex]

[Oh he is just ecstatic. Grinning like a twisted fool.]

I'll be at the Pokemon Center, if you can sacrifice the time to fit be into your schedule. I look forward to meeting you.

[video → action]

[preybeforemeals]

Likewise, believe me - I'll be there, then.

[He'll actually be there in a reasonable amount of time; it's been cold as hell for the last few days, ensuring that Wednesday's snowfall hasn't melted in the least, but at the very least the sun's been out and training doesn't always wait for favorable weather. He is, as usual, dressed like something of an eyesore, but it...could be much, much worse, let's put it that way.

He's got coffee with him from one of the local cafés, clasping it between both hands; something to keep him warm on the way and while he locates his intended company, anyway.]

[action]

[unfulfilledstrex]

[At least Tsukiyama looked nice. Kevin was still in the same suit and lapels he had started in. It had been washed...most likely in a river or some body of water from the look of it. At least he was clean, but his outfit was shot, wrinkled and he really didn't want to bring attention to it. Sure he has a spare change of clothes in that pack, but they were not proper Strex attire.

Beside his appearance, it's a wonder he has been able to keep in such cold, but he managed. He would kill for some coffee as well, but he just recently got a job and it hadn't started paying yet. All the same he was cheerful at the sight of the other. With a casual stride he emerges from the center and comes to greet his companion. Needless to say those eyes, that grin, and he is way more creepy in person.

His shoulders raised and with fingers open he offers a handshake to the other.]

Tsukiyama, how good to finally meet you in person. It is much different then seeing artificial features on a tiny screen.

[preybeforemeals]

[He'd actually be a little alarmed if Kevin were anything but cheerful; it'd seem unsuiting for him to not be, really. But either way, he receives the handshake easily; his grip is light, perhaps a bit too much so to be proper, but he's not being particularly rude about it - just a little unfamiliar with doing that sort of thing himself.]

Ah, the pleasure is mine, monsieur - hopefully you've been well?

[unfulfilledstrex]

I have been. Nothing but good news has come my way.

[To turns to glance out at the city, eyes drifting to the radio tower.]

I have found a place to work, a manager at a new sweet shop that is opening up, so hopefully I can find a stable place to live soon. Instead of rummaging through the forests, bathing in bodies of water like some animal! It's jsut not fitting for someone...so cheerful and full of light. My pokemon training goes well and....

[He pauses.]

I might have located another from my own universe. Someone...I have been itching to see again.

[preybeforemeals]

Ah, tres bien - I'm glad to hear it!

[And from the sound of it, he is; his words are easy but they're energetic, and he really does seem pleased.]

Come with me, perhaps we can get something, the cafés here are wonderful; don't concern yourself with payment, I can handle it. Would you mind?

[unfulfilledstrex]

[What.... How kind of your to offer!]

Wooooowww! Thank you so much! It's so kind of you to do this, once I find a residence I will have to invite you over for some snacks of my own making. Since you sir are very deserving of them.

[preybeforemeals]

[He laughs a little at that, though the sound is gentle.]

What can I say? I like seeing my friends happy.

And since I've always considered food to be integral to my own happiness, I'm not going to turn down an offer like that. Whenever you have your residence, then; I'd love to.

[Come on; there are some decent places down this way, not too far. Shall we?]

[unfulfilledstrex]

Friend?

[Well that settles that. He can't recall having a friend, coworkers yes, but...a companion. It was new to him. Cecil might be a friend. Do you usually terrorizes, choke, enslave, and take over the home of a friend.... No. Probably not.]

It would be a pleasure...friend. Lead the way.

[preybeforemeals]

[The word choice hadn't been something he'd dwelled on for too long, in all honesty. It was something that people found a little overfamiliar sometimes, when he used it; most didn't agree with him. But it was a term that humans tended to understand, and it circumvented the topics that they tended to find awkward - things like "pets" and "territory" simply seemed to mean something different to Tsukiyama than they did to most people.

He does vaguely wonder if Kevin would understand those differences, because Kevin isn't precisely like most people (to put it gently). It's not really something he cares to find out.

The sidewalks are clear, at least, lining the streets of Goldenrod City; it's still cold, but the streets Tsukiyama knows best around here are quiet. Enough people to socialize if one feels like it, not nearly enough to require it if they don't, decent for private conversations.]

I take it you weren't really one for that sort of thing back home...?

[His hands shift a bit against that cup of coffee as he speaks; his words don't seem condemning in any way. Just curious.]

Friends, I mean.

[unfulfilledstrex]

...No. Coworkers yes. I had coworkers and my boss and I talked a lot.

[He stops.]

I hate her. She is...not pleasant and this universe...was enjoyable when she wasn't here.

Other then her I had my town and the people. Strex is a friend, Strex is always there!

[Did that answer your question?]

[preybeforemeals]

[And he just...listens to that, and if he's off-put by any of it, it isn't obvious in his reaction; he's always been very hands-off when it comes to emotional topics, and it seems this isn't going to be much different, really.

But he does take it in, and while he isn't exactly empathetic he doesn't seem annoyed, either.]

I never really got along with people back home, myself. At one point I had a group of people that I would meet with on Sundays; we shared a common interest, but that was about the extent of any fond thoughts I held toward them, and I don't see them anymore. Recently all of my time has been spent around a group of people that tolerate me at best and hate me at worst; they "like" me because I'm useful, and they've made it very clear what will happen to me the second I stop.

So the idea of not having friends, of spending time around those that can't be considered anything of the sort...it's familiar to me.

[He laughs a bit; the sound is a bit odd.]

Don't let me depress you, though - and I believe I've met this woman you've mentioned. Miss Lauren Mallard, isn't it? She's...interesting.

I was sure to tell her that you've told me all about the merits of embracing Strex, and that you've done a good amount to enlighten me about the glory of your Smiling God. Given what you've told me about how much you value productivity, I imagined it would be good for her to hear something like that, so at the very least she couldn't accuse you of not doing your job.

[unfulfilledstrex]

[He listens to his words and finds himself making connections to his own situation. However he does not mention this. People all have different situations and even if they are the most fotunate or unfortunate...he doesn't care. He only wishes to make people happy through Strex.]

Perhaps if you were to find a smiling god, hear Strex's voice as I do then maybe you will no longer need to worry about such hardships. I barely remember my time before Strex, but I know there was a time and I resisted the approach of the blinding light. Eventually I to welcomed Strex and a smile came to my face and my worries were dashed to the shadows.

[He beams.]

I suppose I should thank you for informing Lauren of my actions, but I do not spread the word of Strex for Laurens benefit. It is a desire to bring productive smiles to all faces, because when one is smiling they are happy.

Thank you. It will surely, if anything, shut her up.

[preybeforemeals]

Oh, don't worry - that's exactly why I told her all that.

[She...seemed like the overbearing sort, and one who could certainly benefit from taking a seat. Perhaps several seats. So! No worries.

The café they come to is small and low-lit and perhaps most importantly it's warm; Tsukiyama is going to be getting so much more coffee by the end of this and he knows it, but for the time being he tips his head a bit, indicating a table toward the back corner of the establishment. Let's sit, yes?]

Ah, there's not much by way of actual food, unfortunately, but I'm told the cake here is excellent; I've never really been one for sweet things, personally, but you can get whatever you like. As I've said, I'll cover.

[unfulfilledstrex]

[He looks over at the case of sweets and quickly browses the list of drinks.]

I would love an expresso with a side of creme and a slice of cake....carrot! If that is alright by you.

[preybeforemeals]

I did say "whatever you like"; I think that qualifies.

[So it's just a matter of placing and obtaining the order, then - something that's done easily enough. This place isn't run quite like Anteiku, which is a bit of a shame; it's not quite that shop that Takatsuki Sen favored, either. But it's nice, and Naki has told him that the cake is lovely, and that table at the corner is decent and secluded enough once all that has been taken care of.

He's drinking yuanyang again today; he still isn't sure how he feels about it, but it's one of those things where now that he's started drinking them he's not certain he'll be able to stop with it...]

I'm actually curious about this Smiling God of yours, you know - what exactly it...does, for lack of a better question.

[unfulfilledstrex]

[Kevin can only grin at the question. Never would he pass up a chance to talk about Strex.]

I'm not sure what else I can say about Strex that I hasn't already been said. They grant our needs, established pony petting stations, inspired forced productivity among all out citizens and changed our small defenseless town of Desert Bluffs for the better! I'm not sure how else I can put it....unless you would be willing to join our Smiling God and succumb to all that is and ever will be, Strex.

[preybeforemeals]

[...Hm.]

I'm not promising one way or another, amore, because for the time being it is merely curiosity.

Would you be horribly offended if I chose not to?

[unfulfilledstrex]

[He only smiles, yet it's deeper and much more twisted.]

I would, if it weren't for the fact that you have no choice. Strex has the potential to always be here and soon, at an unattainable speed it will encroach to every corner of this region, and no one will be able to resist.

[video, private]

[stocksavvy]

I couldn't care less about your petty grudge with Cecil Palmer. Leave him be. He has no power here, and thus, is of no concern.

[Lauren does not appreciate that tone you're taking, Kevin.]

We are proceeding along quite nicely, as a matter of fact! Carlos is a wonderful travel companion. Chatty. Tends to wander. But I've got my eye on him!

Do enjoy working in your little... sweet shop. It suits you.

I, for one, plan to investigate this radio tower in Goldenrod post-haste.

[video, private]

[unfulfilledstrex]

[Well he doesn't appreciate you, so I guess we're even.]

I'll continue along with Cecil as I please, Lauren. He is a very good acquaintance of mine after all.

I will join you on that investigation. I myself have already found my way inside of it and...it should be a walk in the park for us.

[video, private]

[stocksavvy]

[Acquaintance? Ick. Quaint, yes, and also rather obnoxious. Kevin's odd obsession with the radio host was going to be a distraction from his productivity. Lauren kept this in mind.] Then I expect you to work twice as hard to make up for it! In fact, I want to see you more productive than ever. Not that I expect that to be a problem for you after all!

[She hopes you choke on it.]

Agreed. I'll be sure to get a hold of you the second I arrive, Kev!

[video, private]

[unfulfilledstrex]

Oh no Lauren! It's never a problem to be productive, I just hope not to cause you any trouble by tripling my productivity or perhaps even quadrupling it!

[So he can perform better then you.]

Please do.

[video, private]

[stocksavvy]

Please, don't be unreasonable. It's all well and good to set high expectations for one's self, Kevin, but be careful about being cocky! You might...disappoint someone.

[Like her. All the time.]

[video, private]

[unfulfilledstrex]

Abandon such a though Lauren! I simply take pride in my work, surely there is nothing wrong with that....

[video, private]

[stocksavvy]

If you recall your corporate handbook, Kevin, section B, article 37, it is explicitly stated that personal pride is NOT a trait of the happy and productive worker! Be proud of your company! Be proud of your service to our Smiling God! But, oh, do not have pride in you.

[unfulfilledstrex]

That was implied Lauren! I could not be prouder of my company, of our smiling god. I have pride in it! Overflowing with productive out of body pride.

[stocksavvy]

Good!

[Lauren grins.]

We don't want anyone getting the WRONG idea of how we here at StrexCorp like to do things, would we?

[unfulfilledstrex]

No, Lauren. What sort of employees would we be if we did anything WRONG.