...but is propelled forward by Starshine's inquisitive meeping.

"-ladies and gentlemen, I would like to talk to you about Pokémon liberation."

The speaker is tall, and looks... strange. His hair is a pale seafoam green, with styled horns; over his left eye is a red lens; he's wearing a golden robe with purple eye patterns and shining stones woven into it. His voice is loud and well projected, if somewhat shrill.

"I'm sure most of you believe that we humans and Pokémon are partners that have come to live together because we want and need each other. However... is that really the truth? Have you ever considered that perhaps we humans only assume that this is the truth? Pokémon are subject to the selfish commands of Trainers. They get pushed around when they are our partners. Can anyone say with confidence that there is no truth in what I'm saying?"

A murmur from the crowd. Most of them do seem to feel confidently thtat there's no truth to what he's saying.

"Now, ladies and gentlemen, Pokémon are different from humans. They are living beings that contain unknown potential. They are living beings from whom we humans have much to learn. Tell me, what is our responsibility toward these wonderful beings called Pokémon?"

Someone in the crowd (possibly a plant) says "Liberation?"

"That's right! We must liberate the Pokémon! Then, and only then, will humans and Pokémon truly be equals. Everyone, I end my words here today by imploring you to consider the relationship between people and Pokémon... and the correct way to proceed. We sincerely appreciate your attention."

He vanishes with a pop.

...Chantal is fairly sure she has managed not to oppress Starshine so far what with, as far as she can recall, never actually giving it any commands. She supposes she can't speak for anyone else, though.

Anyway. Perhaps she will... wander around town a bit? See the sights? Pat her tiny shoulder friend?

(Happy meep!)

A boy a little older than her speaks up as she turns to leave. "Your Pokémon - just now, she was saying - hmm. Can that be right?"

He speaks quickly, slurring his words almost too much to be understood, like he isn't used to talking for others to hear.

"Um? Sorry, what?"

"She said you were wonderful. But I wonder... does she really know you, yet? Will she still think so when she does?"

He says it all with a smile, like he's talking about the weather.

thbbbt

So now Chantal has two problems: one, this guy is being really weird and concerning, and two, Starshine just blew him a tiny raspberry and she is experiencing conflicting urges to admonish it for being rude and adore it for being impossibly cute.

He giggles lightly. "But I know humans, little light. We can't always be sweet."

He looks up at Chantal, and his eyes are piercing. "And I wish to see how sweet you are when something is not going according to plan."

From his belt he retrieves a Pokéball, from which emerges a Togepi. "I am N, the king of Plasma," he says grandly. "And I shall battle you."

"I don't... want to?" she tries.

Suspicious meeping.

N's Togepi chirrups at Starshine inquisitively. N himself laughs. "Do you intend to keep your Pokémon on your shoulder forever, never letting her feel the thrill of battle?"

"No!" she says, flustered. "I just don't know how to battle because I've never done it before! And anyway what matters is what she wants!"

...oops, she gendered the Pokemon. That wasn't supposed to happen.

Never mind, moving right along.

She turns her head slightly to address Starshine. "Do you want to fight the weird boy and his Togepi?"

Further suspicious meeping. (Also, reassuring face-pats.)

He faces Starshine. "It's not a trick, little light. I just want to see how you battle."

Meep meep MEEP meep meep.

He frowns, for the first time so far. "I apologize. It may have come off the wrong way... I am used to talking to Pokémon, not humans; this language has too many ways to lie. I meant only to say that I wanted to surprise her with a battle."

Starshine pats Chantal's face again and meeps at length.

He nods and turns to Chantal. "I apologize for freaking you out," he says formally. "It was unbecoming of a king. I must learn more of etiquette. And I will not judge you for your inexperience in battle."

"...thank you," she says, as graciously as she can manage. Did Starshine just stick up for her? Either that or this guy is just crazy, but... but... but she thinks perhaps she has a friend. Oh no, she is cared for, what does she do.

...honestly the thing she most wants to do is ask him how he can talk to Pokemon like that but she has no idea how to even begin to formulate the question.

Starshine meeps acknowledgment and hops down from Chantal's shoulder.

The Togepi opens by waving its stubby little arms and summoning a gust of pink, floral-scented air, which wafts into Starshine with not inconsiderable force. 

Ow!!

Oh yeah well what if Starshine LIGHTS YOU ON FIRE, what THEN.