ratherbelocky | .007 Δ [Audio]

You know, I never thought I'd be that guy, but I guess I'm that guy.

[He is the Jewish guy. It's him.]

Back home, the past week or so would've been a holiday for some people. I'm not gonna get into the whole story--well, unless you want me to and you've got some time--but the short of it's that it's a celebration of freedom, and of the end of generations of oppression, death, and slavery.

[That is, hag pesach sameach, Route. Happy Passover.]

Now, there are a lot of traditions that go along with the holiday, most of 'em about food, but the important one's the retelling of that story. Figured I'd open it up to everyone, though, especially now that the big sit-down dinner parts of the celebration are over.

What I mean is, you guys got any stories you want to share about...deliverance, I guess? Of getting free from something that was bringing you down, or worse. I know turning up here in Johto's been a huge breath of fresh air for me, personally, and I want to know about you all, too.

[Later, another text comes from that 'Nathaniel' character.]

Hey, all. After a few weeks of testing out how it works, I'm happy to say EXCH△NGE is completely up and open to anyone who needs to talk.

EXCH△NGE is an anonymous, text-based peer-to-peer support network created as a space for those seeking help, but who are unwilling to reveal their identities, to have safe, understanding conversations from likewise anonymous volunteers. The idea is to provide a listening ear and coping tips from other transplants to Kanto and Johto who may have gone through similar experiences, come from similar worlds, or share other common ground, so that no one feels that they have to deal with their burdens alone.

For more information, you can read the introduction here. If you'd like to volunteer or you want to be paired with one of our volunteers, please contact me here.

Have a good one, guys. Nathaniel out.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Real pleasant change from living in a war zone, yeah.

Are you new here? Don't think I've had the pleasure. You can call me York.

I can't call where I was before arriving here a warzone, exactly, but it's as close as I've ever seen. It's much more mellow, though.

I came here not that long ago. I'm Aqua. It's wonderful to meet you, York.

You settling in okay? I know all the cute woodland animals and child-safe adventuring can be hard to get used to, after a rough time elsewhere.

It's been somewhat difficult, as I'm sure you know, but I've managed to fare well enough.

What's the weirdest thing been for you? Mine's the lack of vehicles on the roads. How does this society even function without regular land transportation?

The background music--and being unable to climb those ledges. The lack of vehicles doesn't bother me too much, since I'm used to traveling through worlds on foot.

Oh, man. I've been here so long I actually forgot about the music, can you believe that? Holy smokes. Maybe I oughta get on the road again sooner rather than later, shake things up.

I hadn't thought it possible to actually get used to it. I wonder if we'd realize something was very wrong if the music just suddenly stopped.

Where have you settled down, if you don't mind my asking?

Goldenrod City. I seem to be a little older than the bulk of the population, and there are a lot of opportunities here to put down roots if you're somewhat past your preteen adventuring years.

There are a lot of kids here, I've noticed.

[ aqua you're still kind of a kid too, technically ]

I sometimes worry about them, but luckily, their Pokemon seem to be excellent companions.

I do what I can to help out, but an old soldier doesn't always make the best guiding adult figure. Still, most of them find support in each other, and I think that's the best thing they can do for themselves.

A soldier! I never would have guessed. If you're willing to listen to so many people's stories, though, I think you're doing just fine as a guiding figure.

It really is amazing just how many friendships seem to have taken form in this world. I suppose being mysteriously spirited away to a strange new place and cute Pokemon help people bond.

That, and sometimes people get a chance to make things right with each other when they couldn't back home. Lots of folks find the coming and going here cruel in that way, but I think it's kinder than it isn't.

[ ... yeah, that hits home hard. ]

I understand what you mean. Is it common to find people here that come from your own world?

Common enough, I think. I was lucky enough to show up within a day or two of a couple others from my squad, even, and then a few others trickled in more recently.

[He doesn't ask. He's curious, but he's got better people sense than to pry.]

It sounds like you've gotten very lucky here.

I really have.

Should I be wishing you the same? Luck, that is.

That's very thoughtful of you to offer. I'd appreciate it.

Good luck, then, Aqua. I hope you get to have every chance I've had, and then some.

Thank you, York. And take care of yourself until we speak next.

.007 Δ [Audio]

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text; private. | i laughed hideously at that gag tag, bless you

text; private. | HAHA good I'm glad

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