endsuffering | [AUDIOVISUAL] ☆ 2

[The video opens to Madoka sitting on a bed in a Pokémon center, an Espurr and her Purrloin in her lap, a Pidgey resting on her shoulder, and a Hoppip sitting on her head. She seems to be doing well, though there's a sad note in her smile if one were to look hard enough.]

It's been a long while since I said anything, myself, on here, and I have a lot of good news!

[She tries to gesture around without disturbing any of her napping Pokemon.]

We made it to a place called Violet City a few weeks ago! I've been staying in the Pokemon Center, in return for helping out here part-time... I'm not the best, but I think Nurse Joy and the Chanseys really appreciate the help, anyway.

[She gingerly picks up her (obviously very young) Espurr, showing her sleepy self to the camera. ...mrr?]

When we got to Cherrygrove, I checked my PC- Greed-san's egg was there, and safe, like he said it would be in the PC! Amy hatched about a week ago, and she's been a big help at helping us find things around here... She's also very cute, hehe.

[Amy is tucked gently back into her lap, curled up against Purrloin's belly, who starts grooming the top of her head as a token of affection.]

I also have caught new Pokemon! Sandy, [She gestures to the Pidgey on her shoulder,] was the first Pokemon I ever caught, and ever battled against. She's really tough- between Sandy and Purrloin, we made it through the Routes here fairly easily.

And I caught Hoppip just a day or so before we arrived here. It's getting into fall now, and the monks in Sprout Tower are really grateful for Sandy and Hoppip's moves that kick up wind- they move the leaves around a lot more easily than their brooms...

How is everyone? I know it's a little late, but I've put this off too long anyway...

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[Light is, for one, relived to see the younger girl on the screen. With so many people leaving, she's not quite sure how to take more loss. She knows how to cover it well.]

Greed is good about that. I got my Ponyta and Tyrunt from him. Have you been keeping inside with this weather?

[Awwww, Light cares about Madoka. Pink-haired girls gotta stick together.

Madoka gives her a fond smile, reply hushed so as not to wake her Pokemon anymore.]

Yes, the rain's made everyone stay in but I don't mind too much. This isn't my room, but with everyone beside me, the thunder and lightning aren't bad at all.

How have you been, ...? [Oh no! Madoka blushes and looks away from the camera, the slightest bit ashamed.] ...I'm sorry, I don't remember your name...

Lightning.

[It's okay. Stress can do that to someone. Thankfully Light is not afraid of the element she chose to take the name from.]

Ah, there's someone I'd like you to meet.

[She pans her camera, and there is a golden pillow bird sitting beside her.]

This is Lorelei. She's my Altaria.

That's a pretty, and, kind of unusual name! But that's okay. It suits you, I think. [Smile smile. That reminds her somewhat of Homura, but less... scary. And cold. Actually, Lightning is much warmer than Homura was in general... She really feels like a friend, even though they don't know each other as well as friends do.

Madoka's face lights up when she sees the golden Altaribird, and she puts her Pokedex up to the screen in an effort to see what sort of Pokemon Altaria is.]

Altaria, the Humming Pokemon. Altaria dances and wheels through the sky among billowing, cotton-like clouds. By singing melodies in its crystal-clear voice, this Pokemon makes its listeners experience dreamy wonderment.

[...But the 'dex entry's color is blue. Maybe it's a fluke?]

Ah... Sorry, I've just never seen one- an Altaria before! Hello, Lorelei. [Tiny wave.]

Lorelei is the name of a Siren in Germanic legends, it seems. Sirens have beautiful vioces, which lead men to their deaths. This Lorelei isn't like that.

[Said Altaria sings softly to Madoka. Light pets her before turning her attention back to Madoka.] She's a shiny Altaria. It's why she's gold, not blue. I got her from a breeder, and when she hatched, I was quite as confused as you are.

[Lorelei sings, and Madoka closes her eyes to listen intently. Her mama would sing her to sleep when she was younger, but that doesn't compare well to a Pokemon's singing, does it? And of course, any music that isn't the BGM is a welcome relief to Madoka's ears, so she's only mildly disappointed when the fluffy dragonbird stops her melody.]

A shiny? What does that mean?

Most Pokémon are normal colored. Then there's ones, like Lorelei, that are born different. Each Pokémon has a shiny equivalent. They're the same as the others in terms of strength and moves.

[Lorelei chirps in agreement. She doesn't think she's anymore special than the others.]

...Why are they different? Are they all golden?

[But Lorelei, you're super pretty, and would be even if you weren't shiny. Don't undersell yourselfffff.]

How do you tell if they're shiny if you've never seen them before? Other than... the Pokedex, I guess, ah... oops. [Didn't think too hard about that one, did you, Madoka?]

No one really knows. And no, not all are golden. My friend Molly has a Furret, and it's a rather bright pink instead of brown.

[She nods.] That should tell you. If you see a Pokémon, and it looks like a strange color, check your Dex.

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