Welcome!

In just a few moments, I am going to guide you through a portal which leads into a world inhabited only by Pokémon.

But before we leave, I have some questions I would like to ask you. I need to determine what kind of a person you are.

The world of Pokémon is a bit different from the world of humans, you see. A Pokémon's nature is very strong. It can be as passionate as the roiling tides of the ocean, as bright and pure as a tongue of flame, as stubborn and steadfast as stone, or as tender and strong as the ancient forests…

It is what shapes a Pokémon's character. It is what guides and defines them.

Your character makes a big difference in the world of Pokémon, you see. That is why I wish to understand you; I would prefer to give you a form that best suits the true nature of your soul.

So, then, let us begin. Don't think too hard about each question; just trust your instincts. They will know the truth.

First… Are you often disappointed in yourself? Do you often find yourself wishing you were better at the things you do?

Y… yes…

Do you often find yourself wishing you could start everything over again?

Yes, but… I know I can't. My mistakes… are all in the past. So, I try to have hope… I make the best of what I have… What little I have…

When you find that you have failed an important task that you were given, do you get angry? Or cry? Or, do you, perhaps, shrug it off?

I get angry a lot… but… only at myself. I try not to let other people see…

You must value their opinions of you, then. Your reputation must be very important to you.

Yes… I really care about what other people think of me. When they look down on me, it hurts…

I understand. Now, tell me something else: do you ever do favors for people, even when they don't ask for them? Or do you find yourself avoiding work even when they do ask?

I don't like work… Well, I… I don't like it when people tell me to do things, but I do take pride in my own work… the things that I do on my own my own… that is, when I decide to work on my own. But… that doesn't happen very often.

So, you have trouble motivating yourself?

Yes. Yes, I do.

Why?

I know there's so much I can do… but it seems like I'm never in the mood. I'm always passing the time, waiting for the right mood to come… but it never seems to come.

I see. Now, let's talk about someone other than yourself… how do you think other people see you? Do you have any close friends, or just formal acquaintances?

I… I have some friends… but not very many…

And these friends… do you see them as enduring, unconditional companions? Or are they… a little more distant than that?

The few friends I have… they're very close. But I… can't help but think that they're slipping away…

And do you see it as your own fault that they're slipping away?

I don't know. Maybe. Maybe we're just taking our own separate paths through life… I don't know if there's anything I can do to help that.

So, do you believe in fate? Or do you believe you choose your own path in life?

I don't really know. I just live the way I think I should… Whether or not things happen by fate or choice… it doesn't really matter to me.

I'm starting to see what kind of a person you are. Let me ask just a few more questions...

Are you adventurous? Do you enjoy trying new things and venturing out to new places? Or do you prefer to stay in the comfort of your home?

…I like to stay home. I prefer having someone with me when I go out. So, no… I'm not adventurous. I'm withdrawn.

Would you call yourself shy, then?

…Yes.

Do you feel less shy when you are with your friends? Do you find that you can open yourself to some of the people around you?

Yes. I act like a completely different person when I'm with my friends.

I understand.

Now, for the last question. What do you think of the world as a whole? Do you think that other people are good? Do you think the world is good?

I… I think… that the world is good. Or, it could be really good. But there's a lot standing in the way of it.

And do you wish that you could change that?

Yes, every day… but I… I don't think I have the courage… or the skill… to do anything about it. I mean, maybe I can change a little bit of it, if I try…

I just do what I can… with what little I have.

Ah, very good. At last, all the questions have been asked. Now, I must look into your spirit before I make my final judgment. Now, relax, and let me probe your soul…

Let yourself drift away, and trust me…

…

…

It is done. Your spirit… is a shimmering Silver.

Silver?

Yes, and a very special sort of Silver. is a resolute, eternal silver… like the lining of the moon… A silver which does not fade, regardless of what may try to tarnish it.

…

As for you… I have considered all your answers carefully, and I see what kind of a person you are. You are the vulnerable type.

Vulnerable? What do you mean?

You… are troubled my many things. Your own inadequacies haunt you. The vastness and unpredictability of the wide world intimidate you. You are… a coward, but not without purpose. You act cowardly only because you feel you understand your own weaknesses and limitations, and you feel you are simply not good enough.

But, despite this, there is a fire burning within you, something you have always known to be there, but have always been afraid, or perhaps unable, to let it shine.

Your closest friends see this fire within you, and this is why they enjoy your company. Like me, they see that you have the potential to create an extraordinary future for yourself. And I believe you see it, too; this is why you always find yourself enraged at your own shortcomings. Despite it all, your lack of confidence keeps you from seeking out this future for yourself; instead, you harbor a deep hope that someday you will be lucky, that your future will be delivered to you on a silver lining.

But you know that day will never arrive. Instead, perhaps you should begin to consider the possibility that you, yourself, are the silver lining upon which the future will be delivered.

…

As for your friends, you fear it is your own fault they are drifting away, but not because you offend them. It is because you find it difficult to see through the eyes of other people, and so, in your imagination, your friends see you the same way you see yourself, and so you imagine they are growing dissatisfied with you… even when they aren't. The truth is that you need your friends like food and water, for, it is only among them that you turn into the person you wish to be.

You need to let go, take a deep breath, immerse yourself in the world. Jump right in. Yes, it will hurt sometimes, but the hurt means that you are learning and growing. And as you learn, you will find more confidence in yourself and become more comfortable with your new surroundings.

To help motivate yourself, you must start practicing making resolutions… and keeping every single one. Willpower is the cornerstone of confidence. It won't be easy or painless, especially since you are stubborn… but if you'd only make the choice, you may grow from the tiny, vulnerable candle-flame you are now, into a glorious, blazing star which will light the way for the world.

What? I'm… a candle-flame?

Yes… your character… is that of Charmander!

Now, there is one final matter to attend to, before we depart! You may choose the species of the one who is to become your deepest friend.

Choose carefully; this friend will be your dearest and most faithful companion. Nothing, but nothing, will have the strength to tear a rift in your friendship. Your partner is the one who will stay at your side until the very end… even when you would otherwise find yourself abandoned and alone.

Now, choose. Who will be your partner?

…

An interesting choice. So be it, then! It is time for you to enter the world of Pokémon. Now, I must take away your memories of this conversation. You will remember nothing of me, of your previous life, or, indeed, even of yourself… but this is the beginning of your new chance to shine. Be brave! Don't hold back! Show them the fire that burns inside you!

On this day, a fate is born
A star begins to rise
And in the heart, an ember glows;
A fire which never dies.

...

ScytheRider presents...

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Silver Resistance