This creature... maybe a human, maybe a fellow
majuu, has been talking for a moment, requesting some minutes of my time as he asks questions of this and that. I have lended him an ear but I won't, right now, interrupt my lapping water for him.
Like many others, he wants to know about me. Except this one seems more prepared. Probably works as a "journalist", those humans bringing questions and taking away answers, not unlike the Hoothoot carrying the news across the meadows and forests.
"
So, then, wow would you introduce yourself to a stranger?" comes the first question.
I raise my head slightly to meet this person's eyes, thinking for a moment. Surely, there are some who know not of my name and my achievements, who have not seen my paw imprinted on the volcanoes to the north nor heard the mandate of the guardian forces as they send me out to glorious tasks. I laugh a bit at this interviewer, mindful to keep a casual attitude.
Very well then, to them I would introduce myself as per the ancient custom. Suddenly jumping out from a thicket to pace around mockingly as they send out a trained Pokémon to fight me. Some have tried. But I then would Roar to them, that I am Eltenios, the one who will endure, who will not tire out, and that they better stand down on the ancient ritual of Battle, for I mean no harm but my Masters might, would their edicts and tasks be interrupted by a human.
Even if I can safely run from threat, but hey, having friends (or bosses) in high places helps.
After that, this creature asks, "
Where do you live?"
I sit on my hindlegs, taking a look around. The place where I "live"... lies beyond sight. When you go through the mountains and the valleys and the rivers you will eventually reach my place, it is in a small windward cave on a mountain, from where I can see the lands to the south where the guardian forces live. Many Rock-types live in that mountain but for the most part they do not disturb me, even though I live alone; nah, we mostly trade berries and items every once in a while when I come back from a run with something interesting to them.
"
What's your family like?"
Uh...
I have to look away from this creature. After all these years, it still takes me a moment to recover my composure when I think back of the times when I was young and unevolved.
I did mention, creature, that I live alone. My parents and siblings were Growlithe and Arcanine like any other, living freely in the wild, looking for food and interesting stuff to do on the outskirts of the human settlements.
Haven't seen them in a long time though. Maybe they're old, maybe they're...
Nah, they should be okay. Maybe one of these days. I am a very busy 'mon, yes, a very busy one I assure you little interviewer as I continue to drink some water.
"
What do you want to do with your life?" he asks then. "
How does what you're doing now relate to that?"
What I want to do, it's a desire that has never changed. I feel it in my fur as the world outside tugs at it, (*stands up and circles around for a moment, showing off his flank*) and I feel it in my muscles as they tense to the touch of the ground. I was born to run wild, to go anywhere I want, to explore and enjoy this really long and wide land.
I had it when I was young, the family would sprint together going from place to place.
Then I was beckoned by an emperor, to be put to work for the guardian forces. I... tried to refuse, but there's no refusing such call. I went through great pain, thinking I'd lose my world.
That somehow did not happen. Maybe they understood what I was, what I still am, for when they send me to do tasks for them it's always to be done running. Be swift when going here or there, to grab this or deliver that.
So I guess I've done well. I can keep running, maybe now safer than before.
"
What's your most unusual trait?"
I have to raise an eyebrow at this interviewer.
Are you trying to call me "weird", foreign one?
I don't think I have anything that really distinguishes me from others of my kin. I mean my fur is a bit unkempt yet I am so charming, I have lots of stamina I can even light up the night, I am allowed to go to some places that other majuu or humans don't. I have a satchel, something that wild majuu don't, because - see, I have a
job! And not
as a mischievous pirate / raider or something, even though it sounds alluring; noooo,
this one's legit and proper I swear. (*raises a paw*) I mean I work for
the guardian forces ya know!
But no, nothing unusual, nothing special. Yeah, that which you just saw was a smirk. Between us, being me has its perks, and its disadvantages as well, but I'm here for the perks.
"
What's a sure way to make you angry?"
(*leans closer to the interviewer*)
Huh. These creatures come up with strange questions. Am not sure if this one is trying to be friendly or... maybe it's just hesitant to speak what it truly wants.
But yeah, like anyone else I can get angry. There are some things I don't like. Things in my live that have gone wrong. People who say I am a failure for I no longer belong to a pack, they deserve a fiery bite. Then some people call me fat - but I'm not fat! This is all
muscle, baby, and a fair amount of fur, and I have the literal track record to prove it. Or what, do you want to race against me?
"
What's your biggest accomplishment?"
Ahaaaa! Would I know I got you all scaredy. My apologies then, I really,
really mean no harm. (*trots back to the edge of the spring*)
Thinking back to the time I have spent, there was that one night. (*Looks to the sky wistfully*)
...
...
(*looks back at the interviewer*)
...What? No, not a lady, that's a more mundane thing, a story for another time. What I speaking of, creature, was superlative. That night when we truly surpassed the world, a good friend and I. It started as a fun game to end the day but as the shortest night came upon us [thread=419186]we decided to race the Sun to the other end of the country[/thread]. And guess what? We won of course. (*puffs chest*) I mean, really, who do you
think you're speaking to?
The one who won't tire out, that's who.
"
What decision do you most regret?"
...Regret? (*shakes head*) I have had my share of failures but... regret is maybe a different beast. Things you have to do to live in the wild, things that working under a higher order allows you to grow out of. I must have stolen food from more than one trainer or traveller, never wondering if maybe they needed that food. Back then, I came first.
And yet, then one time when it was about me, when it was my body and my mind of a Growlithe in the line, I tried to say no. I... didn't put much force into it. I wish I could have been more sure about myself. Maybe have tried to reach a deal. I like where I am now, but sometimes, I think of the cost.
"
What do you think is the most important thing for other people to understand about you?"
I guess I want people to understand I am what I am. As an Arcanine, one with the fire and one with the wind. I go where I please and do what I must. I don't like it when people try to chase after me, to battle me, to constrain me. The guardian forces understand, but humans most of the time do not, nor do the Pokémon choosing to live the live of the wild.
But most importantly, when I have to go somewhere, when I have to run, I *don't* mean anyone harm. It's just what I do. And maybe it is for your own good, as it is the guardian forces who will it.
"
If you could change just one thing about yourself, what would it be?"
Maybe...
I didn't really get to enjoy being a Growlithe, it was mostly about survival back then. Maybe... if I could have had some more time...
...Maybe I could have had more friends.
...Maybe I could have learned to be more forward about things.
...But it's enough talk about me.
Let's talk about you, or rather about that other creature that is being interviewed. Ya know the one. 'Hysan' are you calling it? I am wondering, as I read about that time in the orphanage, what did it feel like, having no thoughts, kinda-sorta being no one? Have you ever experienced anything close to being dead? I just can't fathom the idea of being nothing, in body or mind.