By sheer luck, Rook managed to hit something. He paused, pickaxe embedded in solid rock, before carefully extracting it and brushing away the rubble. Much of it was only ash, and he was fortunate this character model came with gloves, though he still found himself yearning for proper equipment.

“Helios, it appears I’ve struck gold,” Rook chuckled, resting the handle of his pickaxe against his leg and brushing the chunk of stone he’d unearthed until the jagged pattern at its center revealed itself.

“I do appreciate the detail.” It was in-tact and almost perfectly round, more a prop for a show than an actual fossil, but there was an interesting shape embedded into it. “A… fish, perhaps? Fossilized Drake, it says, so maybe there is a fish-like dragon in this game. Would you like to take a look?”

If Helios were to agree, he’d lend it, and if he didn’t, Rook would simply pocket it. “This is actually quite fun,” he hummed, resuming his digging, unaware that his beloved Rowlet had gone from the furred collar around his neck—now having burrowed fully under the jacket, perched on his back under the cover in his attempt to drown out the noise. It made Rook look hunchbacked.

[Fossil]PV6AGA151d15

TIBBLES || 400/500

The conversation came to an abrupt halt as a newcomer stepped into view.

“Navarre!” Mom gasped, holding a roll of gauze to her chest. “Goodness, when did you get here? And what a state you’re in!” She returned the gauze to the first aid kit on the table, Rook having been treated to the best of her ability, and fussed over her other son, plucking a leaf from his head. “Did you get lost? I knew I should have given you a map. Can’t have another incident…”

There was the click of the first aid kid shutting. Rook politely waited, observing the newcomer with open curiosity. His leg was crossed over the other, both feet covered in layers of bandages. “He looks quite fine to me. Perhaps a tad stiff?” Creases under his eyes as he smiled. “A night’s rest would do him well.”

Mom frowned. “Do you need another day before you journey? You can always delay, dear, there’s no harm.” She clapped her hands together, eyes bright. “I’ll get you a hot towel and some fresh clothes! I do have some new shoes for both of you.” Not even giving anyone a moment to interject, she began moving to the hallway, only to pause. “Ah, but lunch!”

“We’ll get it started for you.” Rook stood, testing his feet, which no longer stung. “Your herbal remedy worked wonders. I can barely feel a thing.”

“Of course it would. I became a master herbalist after what happened to your father, after all. Can’t have another incident!” She waggled her finger at him, before disappearing out the door. “Pie recipe’s on the counter! I’ll be back in a jiffy!”

Rook wore an exhausted smile, turning his head to Navarre. “She says my father was poisoned to death testing out invigorating tonics.” He seemed caught between suppressing laughter and grimacing. “Whatever fate befell yours, I hope it was more dignified.”

He turned, beckoning Navarre over to the kitchen. “Let’s get cooking. Better that we know what’s going in our food here, anyways.”

He looked amused seeing the doctor’s reception of his ‘calculations’. Based on the glimpse he got of the scribble-laden sheet, there was the slightest chance he’d be seeing a catmobile full of Charmeleon one of these days. He looked forward to it.

Bunya reappeared, tossing over a ball he was surprised to catch. The motor controls of his avatar were quicker than those in real life—perhaps because it wasn’t much affected by fatigue and ailments. And healed over fractures.

The name Rowlet was unfamiliar, but he smiled at Bunya and her big cat eyes nonetheless. “Thank you. I don’t have any tuna on me right now, but I’ll be sure to bring some the next time I visit.” Was there a tuna equivalent for Pokémon? Magikarp was—well, a carp, but surely after nine generations, there would be at least one tuna.

The Rowlet that popped out of the ball landed now sat perched on a pile of books. It had a round little body and a big green bow made of leaves. “How cute,” Rook said.

<Mind yourself, that is not how you greet an equal,> huffed the owl.

“Ah.” It became quickly apparent what he was dealing with. “Salutations, then. I was curious to see how my partner would react to endearment, I hadn’t expected such a refined individual. You have been trained?” He offered his arm.

<I am learned.> The owl snapped, but not wanting to reinforce what were clearly unchecked biases, held back on actually pecking, and instead climbed up the man’s arm with his beak held high.

Rook smiled as he watched the little critter waddle its way to his shoulder. “I see. Then a scholar such as yourself deserves a worthy nickname.” He remembered always naming his Pokémon as a child. He rubbed his chin in thought. “Something prestigious. Perhaps from a famous figure of the past. Aloysius, Euclid, Tiberius…”

The Rowlet was puffing up even bigger with every lathered praise. <Exactly. Name me after the greats! None of your human names can encompass the magnitude of my potential, but perhaps Tiberius—>

“Tibbles it is.”

<What.>

Rook turned to Bunya. “He’s perfect. I’d love to—” <How DARE you! After gracing you with my presence—> “—have him with me—” <You insult me with your disgusting, childish little names—> “—on my journey. And I promise to take—” <Tibbles! Articuno above! Tibbles! You filthy animal—> “—very good care of him.”

He had a hand raised in front of his face to keep Tibbles from plucking out his eyeballs, smiling serenely as he waited for Bunya to show him out while his partner continued squawking directly in his ear.

When it was high time to venture out into the world, the first thing he had done was figure out the UI for messaging. Of course he would let his niece know his whereabouts. This was not meant to be a birthday surprise, and if it was, it would be horrendously belated.

Dear Domino,

Hello little robin, I am just letting you know that I have joined the game. A short cat woman gave me an adorable owlet in a bow tie and called me interesting names—it was very enlightening. Unfortunately, I have chemical burns under my feet from her laboratory, so I will take care of the little shoes quest before meeting you. You did a wonderful job with Rook.

Love,
Uncle Rook

With a little message sent! Rook turned his attention to the task at hand. A benefit to these virtual simulations is the ability to commit deeds you would otherwise never be caught committing in real life—such as visiting his mother.

The woman who greeted him at the door beamed with pure delight. “Rook, honey! Welcome back!”

And he pulled his mouth into a seamless closed smile. “It’s good to see you.”

“Oh, did you have a nice time at the lab? And what about your brother? Where is he?” She asked, looking past his shoulder, and it reminded him that this task had specified a minimum of two participants. A small hint on who he’s expecting.

“I do believe he is on his way. Do you mind if I wait inside?” He looked down. “I may also be in need of medical assistance.”

“Oh, my!”

She invited him in, and he entered gratefully, shutting the door behind him. He took a seat by the table, letting the woman fuss over him.

The man who appeared took his time. He flexed his fingers, glanced around his feet, where his bare feet threatened to crush the inexplicably bubbling beakers perched on mountains of books. His reflection greeted him from the surface of what looked to be the outer casing of a deep fryer repurposed into a fax machine.

His brows rose, and it was mirrored in kind.

Dr. Bunya’s voice called his attention, and the man’s eyes brightened. “You are a doctor?” Chuckling, he maneuvered through the rubble, having to catch falling books and beakers as he went. He was clearly unaccustomed to having this build, but strangely careful with it—trying in vain to avoid staining its carefully designed lapels.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Dr. Bunya. I don’t know what a ‘nyewb’ is, but I am here for my first Pokémon.” For however much the doctor resembled a stray, the man didn’t appear perturbed. If anything, he seemed inclined to procure treats. His avatar’s pockets were, unfortunately, quite empty for the moment.

He took a seat on—he’s not quite certain. His office typically had seating in front of his desk in a nice symmetrical fashion, but here, he couldn’t tell what was a table, a chair, or a platform for spontaneously ejecting knickknacks. Sitting down was a fun little gamble.

“I’m happy to answer any questions from an expert in a monocle.” He gestured with a hand. “Fire away, doctor.”