Everything went black, and Tarou was unnerved by the silence. Bria had been talking- harder to hear, but still tangible- but once he said he was ready to start, everything faded away. Every sight, every sound. It was unnerving, and years ago, it would have sent him into a spiral. Instead, Tarou just closed his eyes and focused on his breathing. No matter what happened, he was still at home, and he was safe.

And then there was the sound of rain. It wasn't a drizzle, but something fierce, slamming near-constant against taut fabric. There was a flash, nearly as bright as daylight even though his eyes were closed, and on top of it was the roar, thick and grandiose, shaking into his chest as the thunder roiled and rolled. Slowly, Verai opened his eyes, adjusting a moment before looking around. And it was... surreal. He knew he had to be at home, still, but... It was like he was transported here, far from home, far from Bria and Bumble, to this far-off place he didn't even know the name of.

"Perfect timing," The voice was bright, drawing Verai's gaze over to the woman sitting at a desk, inside the dim tent they were both in. Something flickered in his field of view, bright letters just to the side of her. Professor Ash. "I just received your details. Verai, was it? I gather you're here to apply for your Starter Pokemon."

"Am I?" Verai asked in return, looking a bit around the tent. It looked real, and it sounded real, and it even felt real, the air cool from the storm outside. There was a large paper tacked up against one of the walls, creatures drawn on it in a mix of pencil and watercolor. They were all sorts of colors, but mainly reds and blues and greens, with big eyes. Were those... what she'd been talking about?

"Before I assign you a partner, I need to confirm a few details of your personality," She gestured across from herself, towards a folding chair, and Verai carefully moved to it and sat. It complained a bit, when he did so, concerning in its normalcy. "Pokemon are complex creatures. It's essential to match them with their trainers correctly. If you don't mind, I'd just like to ask you a few questions."

What was he even supposed to say to that? That he didn't know what a pokemon was? Bria would fuss at him if he did that, or- god forbid- he pull the headset off to ask her. "Uh, sure. Go ahead."

"Don't think of it like 'an interview.' Think of it like... a game."

Haha.

"Excellent. Let's begin." It felt all so formal. Was it this official when it was kids playing these games? That didn't feel right to him, but what did he know. Maybe kids liked sitting in classrooms nowadays.

"Would you label yourself an introvert or an extrovert?" Verai thought, a moment, before speaking. "An extrovert, but I don't like talking to people." Which, hopefully she'd understand via him not speaking much to her. People thought too highly of their own opinions, most of the time- good or bad. He had to learn quickly on to ignore what everyone expected of him, with very few exceptions. Like Bria.

"How would you react to being locked in a pitch-black room?" That wasn't so easy a question. Verai just sat, looking at his hands. "You do what they expect," He started. "For a few minutes, until your eyes adjust enough. Feel for drafts to find air, and if there's a way out, you take it. If not, you prepare for when they come back." It was easy enough to say- He'd taught this to Bria, and it was advice he'd give anyone- but he shouldn't have to. It wasn't things he should have to be telling anyone.

"How easily do you give in under pressure?" Another easy one, at least. He looked this Professor Ash dead in the eyes. "I don't."

The look is- all to familiar. Verai holds her gaze in turn. It is a calculating judgement, as if this Professor is trying to understand him, understand the ways he had been broken and subsequently remade. She looked away, and the moment faded. "Thank you, Verai. That's all the data I need for now."

"Mhm." He simply waits, watching her put things away, and pull something out. It's- not what he expected. It's a round ball, fist sized, metallic but in bright colors. Red and glossy white. There's tape on it, too, saying LITTEN. Was that their name? A baby kitten named Litten. He could understand that.

"Based on your personality profile, I've determined this will be the ideal starter Pokemon for you." Verai looked up at her again, and nodded. "I'll keep them safe." Verai paused, thinking, and added- "Thank you."