Was it necessary to go through this? Absolutely not. There was even a native option to skip it. But... all quests gave money (bytes here), and that made them worthwhile. And at the start of any game, money was king. Second only to... character development.

Tiernan exhaled, opening his eyes to look around the tent. Initially, everything was strange- Alex hadn't realized how much of an effect having both eyes truly made on vision until... she didn't have them. Good to know for the future. He took in a breath, tasting the air, so different from home. The dirt floor of the tent shifted under his feet, and Tiernan moved gently as he turned to look at everything. He continued looking as the Professor started speaking.

It was only when she mentioned details that he turned to look at her, moving to sit across from her, offering her a gentle smile.

Let us start the game.

"Ask whatever you need, professor." He said, gesturing likewise for her to begin.

Tiernan paused, giving the questions thought. These were all... very specific. Would they really help with finding a companion?

"My ideal date?" He repeated, musing. "... Sitting in the city, the night casting shadows over everything, light dancing from candles. A nearby lake, black and crystalline, adorned with fallen lily petals. But most important is her, resplendent and joyful as always." He could remember the taste of the food, wine-poached pears, pickled quail eggs, and dark wine on her lips.

And yet, so quickly, the adder returned. "What answer is there?" There were many, Tiernan knewn- Some could try to flee. Some could try to take advantage. A few foolish could try and side with those risen. "I would stay, and fight, and protect the others. Until help came- or we made it ourselves."

This question, alone, he did not have so quick an answer for. Would you want to know? "Would it make a difference?" Tiernan asked in return. "Would it make us any less real? Our thoughts, our feelings, our connections?" He looked down at his hand, as if it would vanish in a moment. "The pain I've felt so far has felt real, the relief and joy felt real. So, too, must those I've endured this for also be real."

Tiernan watched her finish her notes, quiet. What parts of his answers was she most interested in? Which answers mattered? But there was little time to wonder, as she thanked him and tore free the paper with her notes. He merely nodded, watching her file it away neatly. When she glanced at the poster of pokemon, Tiernan did the same. What was in store for him?

Tiernan gave her a nod, reaching out to take the pokeball she offered- "Rowlet," it said. A creature of the woods and wilds, a nocturnal nephew to the lord of dawn. And Decidueye, a forlorn spirit of the trees. A powerful omen, but a mournful one. "Thank you," He said, voice earnest. "I'll take good care of them."