ITT: We are all Pokémon Trainers

Houskay

-Dune catches the Ground Gem as Desiree is clonked in the head by the magnet. She quickly recovers, though.-

Dune: Oh, thanks.

-Dune then opens up Herbert's gift.-

Dune: Oh, now this is nice.

Deziree: *GASP* Holocasters! Oh man that's awesome!

Dune: A bit bulkier than my Pokénav, but at least it has better reception.

edited 25th Dec '13 9:12:31 AM by 0blivionmobile

Challenger's Cave

-Jacob's gift to Herbert is blipped here by some miracle of convenience, and lands next to Des' present, ready for unwrapping at some point in the near future.-

Gateon Port

-Alice is still hanging around in Orre, having no place better to go, and is currently watching Arsenic and Cyanide spar with each other. Belladonna and Delphinium are simply watching the proceedings.-

Cyanide: <Do we have to practice battling today? It's Christmas! We should be lazing about and eating stuff rather than exercising.>

Arsenic: <Orders are orders, Cyanide!>

Alice: The fact that today is a regional holiday means little to me. Even though our business here is concluded all of the purified Shadow Pokemon have been successfully returned to their owners, I have no reason to leave Orre and no intention to attend any sort of festivities. As such, our remaining time here is best spent training before we make an attempt to track down Titan and his associates.

Delphinium: :(

Belladonna: ~Again, would it kill you to take a break every once in a while? Nobody's going to judge you for it on today of all days, after all.~

Alice: I neither want nor need a "break", Bella. I am perfectly-

-She is interrupted by a scarred Alakazam blipping into existence next to her.-

Maul: ~Tough. Someone else has different plans.~

-Before Alice has time to object or make a surprised exclamation, Maul blips her and her team away...-

Virbank City

-...and causes them to reappear here, where a familiar raven-haired boy with a Scizor by his side greets them with a small smile.-

Belladonna: ~Oh! Erm... hello there, Bishop. Good to see you again.~

Bishop: <Same to you.>

Herbert: Hey, Alice. Sorry about Maul, but... well, since we haven't seen each other for a while, I figured that we ought to spend Christmas together.

Alice: ...I see. The offer is certainly appreciated, but I had no particular plans for today, and would rather keep things that way.

-Herbert sighs, then glances around at the assorted mons.-

Herbert: Guys, could I ask you to leave us alone for a few minutes?

Bishop: <If you wish.>

-Bishop heads off, accompanied by Maul and Alice's team. Once they are gone, Herbert turns back to Alice.-

Herbert: Look... I know these last few months have been difficult, but is it too much to ask to spend one day together? You're my oldest friend, and yet we haven't talked to each other in ages.

Alice: That might have something to do with the fact that there is nothing I wish to discuss.

Herbert: ...Alice, I know that being all aloof and uptight is kind of your thing, but seriously, are you okay? You've been really cagey ever since we finished dealing with Cipher.

-Alice subconsciously raises her hand to her still-bandaged shoulder.-

Alice: I am perfectly fine, Lucius. I have simply seen no point in seeking out human company, considering how my last attempt to bond with a member with a member of your group ended.

Herbert: Wait... did something happen between you and Lanie?

-Alice gives a small nod.-

Herbert: ...I'll understand if you don't want to talk about it, but... just remember, I'm always here if you ever need somebody to listen.

-There is a long pause before Alice responds, never once allowing her tone or expression to change.-

Alice: ...Suffice it to say that she elected to place her trust in Cipher rather than those that I thought she considered to be friends.

Herbert: ...Oh.

-He falls silent for several moments, unsure of what to say, before putting his arm around Alice.-

Herbert: Listen... I know how it feels to be betrayed by someone you considered to be a friend. It hurts. You just want to curl up into a ball and try to block out the entire world in case it tries to hurt you like that again. But... eventually, you have to move on. To learn how to trust people again. I'm not saying that you have to forgive, and it's impossible to forget, but what's the point of going through life alone?

-Alice is silent for a long moment, still looking away, before eventually turning back to Herbert.-

Alice: ...I'm not alone, though. I have you.

Herbert: Still, it wouldn't hurt to go out and talk to other people. Trust me, you have no idea how much it helps.

Alice: I... I'll consider it, then.

-Herbert gives a small smile.-

Herbert: Good. Glad to hear it.

-He turns his gaze over to the waterfront, letting go of Alice as he does.-

Herbert: ...You know, Sakura mentioned that it's possible to do the gym challenge as a duo. Would you be up for trying something like that?

Alice: I work best on my own.

Herbert: So you keep saying. But we made a pretty good team during the four years that we travelled together for.

Alice: It wasn't quite four years in total. There were times when we parted company. Not to mention that neither of us were challenging gyms at the time. And prepositions are not to end sentences with.

Herbert: Hmph. Technicalities.

-There is a long moment of silence before Alice speaks up again.-

Alice: Out of curiosity, is there any reason you brought me to Virbank in particular?

Herbert: Erm... not really. I just happened to be in Unova to check on my team, and thought I might as well come back to the place where I first met the rest of the team. Y'know, for the memories.

Alice: Ah, I see. I assume that you have seen to the delivery of presents already?

Herbert: Yup. Had Samus drop them all off earlier today - well, except for one, of course.

-He reaches into his bag and pulls out a medium-sized box covered in Roserade-themed wrapping paper, which he hands to Alice. She gives a small smile.-

Alice: Thank you, Lucius. Here's yours.

-She hands him and almost identically-sized box, this one covered in Scizor-themed wrapping paper.-

Herbert: Thanks, Alice.

-The two tear open their presents... only to find that they have both received an identical version of their current outfits.-

Alice: ...

Herbert: ...

Alice: ...Seriously?

Herbert: Well, I know it's kind of lame, but I didn't know what else to get you and I figured that your old clothes were getting a little small and musty... and by the looks of things, you had the same idea.

Alice: Yes, but I was not expecting you to do the same thing.

Herbert: I guess great minds think alike, then.

-He gives a small smile.-

Herbert: Besides, it doesn't really matter. Your company over the last twelve years has more of a gift than any Christmas present.

Alice: ...You do know how incredibly cheesy that sounded, correct?

Herbert: I only realised that after I said it. But anyway, merry Christmas, Alice.

Alice: Merry Christmas to you too, Lucius.

-Herbert smiles again, then scratches the back of his neck.-

Herbert: So, um... wanna head back to Challenger's Cave with me? Me and some of my mons are putting together a Christmas dinner, and I could use the company.

Alice: ...I suppose. I will admit that it does sound rather more pleasant than simply spending Christmas Day training my team.

Herbert: Alright! Let's get going, then. Maul?

-Maul sticks his head over Herbert's shoulder.-

Maul: ~Where to?~

Herbert: Take us back to Challenger's Cave, please.

-Maul nods, then blips Herbert, Alice, and their respective teams away.-

Somewhere in Kalos

-Twas the night of Christmas, and all through Neo-Galactic HQ, not a creature was stirring, not even a Mew. Most of the Grunts have gone home for the holidays, and Io - or Aelia, if you'd rather call her that - has locked herself in her office, mumbling something about a "pest". Titan, meanwhile, is sitting at his desk, his office devoid of any sort of Christmas decoration. He is busy filing through paperwork as per usual, though his mind appears to be elsewhere.-

Titan: To think that this is how I have chosen to spend my Christmas. Instead of fulfilling my responsibilties as a father and being with Lucius and Crewe, I have elected to remain alone here, surrounded by men such as Avadonia...

-He sighs, then takes one last look at the picture on his desk before picking it up and lying it face-down.-

Titan: Yet I cannot afford to allow myself to yearn for what might have been. I abandoned any hope for a normal life when I first committed to this path. It will all be worth it, in the end... there will be no need for such sacrifices in the perfect new world that I will create...

-Elsewhere in the facility, Titan's team has been to roam free for once. Epsilon in particular is sitting in a corner, looking rather thoughtful, when an Infernape suddenly drops down in front of her.-

Omega: <Come on, why are you looking so glum? It's Christmas, so cheer up a bit.>

Epsilon: <Oh hey, Meg... I know what day it is, but I don't really feel like celebrating whilst I'm stuck here...>

Omega: <The rest of the team are enjoying themselves, though. Well, as much as they're capable of having fun, anyway. Actually, you never did meet your replacement, did you?>

Epsilon: <My replacement...?>

Omega: <The Metagross Titan brought in to act as a sixth team member after you were snagged for a bit. I think you'd like her. In fact, I'll just go and get her now.>

-She disappears down a random corridor, and reappears dragging Iota along with her - quite an impressive feat, considering that Iota weighs ten times as much as she does.-

Iota: <Hai!> :3

Epsilon: <Um... hey?>

Omega: <Iota, meet Epsilon. Epsilon, meet Iota. I'll leave the two of you be for the time being.>

-She lopes off again, leaving Epsilon and Iota alone with each other.-

Iota: <...You don't look happy. Why aren't you happy, big stompy rock thing?>

Epsilon: <I... well, I'm not sure I should really be telling you...>

Iota: <Don't worry, you can tell me anything! Because even though I've just met you we're still teammates, and no matter what teammates stick together!> :3

Epsilon: <...You don't seem as crazy as the others. Well, you do, but it's more of a kooky crazy than a psycho crazy. I suppose I can tell you, then...>

-She sighs.-

Epsilon: <...I didn't want to come back here. I hate just being another dumb brute for Lawrence to use like a tool. He never used to be like this... I keep hoping that he'll change, but nothing seems to work...>

Iota: <Aww... I don't really know what you're talking about, but being here isn't that bad! Mister Titan seems nice enough. Plus I'm sure that if you wait for long enough whatever you want to happen will happen eventually!> :3

-Epsilon blinks at Iota.-

Epsilon: <That's... not especially reassuring... but thanks anyway. It's nice to have someone like you on the team instead of mons like Sidious...>

Iota: <Nice to meet you as well! I think I'm going to walk away now but we'll probably see each other again soon since we're on the same team and all. So unless you get abducted by aliens or something we should be fine. Merry Christmas!>

-She starts to tromp off.-

Epsilon: <...Merry Christmas, Iota.>

-Epsilon sighs to herself, then curls up in the corner again.-

Ecruteak, streets

-Brie is wandering around, confused and trying to find other people-

-it's at this point that she notices Herbert's gift and opens it-

Brie: ....Gah! That jerk! I swear, when I find him again, I'm going to—

-tries a piece of cheese- ...Oh. Wow. This is actually really good. I should probably get him something...

-Brie fishes through her bag for a moment, before coming up with a tube of sunscreen-

...Hm.

-and sends it back with Samus, or something. Magic Christmas powers and all-

The Wolf Den

-Ever receives the raincoat-

...Huh. This is really nice, actually.

-and attaches a Scyther action figure to be returned. Again, Magic Christmas powers-

Houskay

-Eskay dons the grey fedora, tilts his head at the green shard, and sprays a tiny bit of Jacob's spray as a test.-

Eskay: Ooh, this does work. Hopefully I won't have to use it too often.

-He takes a look at the Holo Caster-

Eskay: Huh. Cool.

-He smiles at the Noctowl/Gothorita carving-

-Psyche's gift is, in fact, clothes. It's a plain black gothic lolita style dress.-

-Elsewhere, Vierr receives Herbert's gift.-

Vierr: ...Ha, ha. Very funny.

-Diane comes in with another one-

Diane: Ooh, nice stick. Here, I've got something else for you.

-She tosses the package gently at Vierr. Vierr opens it to find... what looks like a lightsaber hilt.-

Diane: Instead of a beam blade, it works with Aura and Obscura!

Vierr: -blink- ...Really?

Diane: Well, try it!

-He does so, to find that it's surprisingly easier than trying to use his halfblade.-

Vierr: ...Wow. Cool. So now I'm not only a terrible wizard, but a terrible Jedi as well.

Diane: Bah, the Sith are cooler. Merry Christmas~

-She absconds-

-Emma runs over to Deziree-

Emma: Oh Arceus, I'msosorry!

Wario: <...Uh-oh.>

edited 25th Dec '13 9:15:43 AM by ForMagic

Houskay

Jacob: -Smiles- "I'm glad you like it. I thought everyone was going to get you techy stuff, so I thought I'd give you something simple."

-Smiles at Eskay too- "Hey maybe I'm not too bad at this whole Christmas thing."

Houskay

-Crow receives his gift from Samus-

Crow: "Ooh, tell him thanks."

"And that we can take care of evolving Rhyrhy when he's next available."

"Oh, and give him this."

-Crow gives Samus a box containing a Scizor plushie for her to give back to Herbert-

-to Hikari- "Oh, huh, okay. Thanks."

PEFE HQ

-As Maggie is currently here, it is quite likely Samus won't reach her unless she stops being here-

edited 25th Dec '13 9:41:59 AM by crowlover

Houskay

"Sometimes simple is the best." said Hikari, still playing with the snow globe.

Ecruteak

Sakura and Grant were staying outside, the former in winter clothing because of the snow and leaning against the latter, who was still sleeping. Then Samus arrived

"Oh, tell him thanks for me, please." she said as she started to open the gift and picks the Soothe Bell and giggles "How cute. Now who should I give this to...?"

Ecruteak Pokémon Center

Duke was in the lobby when Samus appeared with Herbert's gift

"Right, tell him thanks for me and also that I'm sorry for not getting anything for him." he said.

He then opens the present and upon seeing what it was, he sighs, but then smiles and chuckles a bit as he takes the first of the comics and sits on a sofa to start reading.

edited 25th Dec '13 9:27:54 AM by FullMoon

Psyche stares at the clothes. ~I'm terrified if I put it on, it'll turn pink.~

Houskay

Eskay: ...Well, it hasn't turned pink just from being in your possession, so there's hope. I'll... just give you a spare pair of socks or something to test if you're still being Mew'd.

-Spectrum finds Skye-

Spectrum: <Hi, Skye. I've got something for you.>

Skye: Oh?

-She gives Skye a small box... which contains a Rainbow Wing.-

Skye: ...I... buh... wha...

Spectrum: <Ho-oh gave me two of them, one of them to give to you.>

FLASHBACK!

Ho-oh: <I meant to give her one the last time we met, but she was gone before I remembered to.> >_>

Back to the present! (Teehee)

Skye: ...I... um...

-After a few seconds of dumbfounded staring, Skye pulls Spectrum into a hug-

Skye: ...Thank you... so much...

Spectrum: -squeaks from the hug- <You're welcome. Merry Christmas, Skye.>

edited 25th Dec '13 9:34:23 AM by Eskay64

Houskay

-Deziree rubs the side of her head.-

Deziree: No, no, its alright! Trust me, stuff like that happens a lot.

Houskay

Martin walks in. "Heeeey, everyone!"

Psyche sighs and goes off to change. After a moment, she comes back out... Not pink. ~So far, so good~~ :3

Houskay

Jacob: "Now let me think... Umbra, Ammy, Arika, Tagg, DS, Zeal, Sakura, and Lyuri. Okay so not many gifts left to deliver. And then... well I don't know what I'm doing."

Ecruteak

Sylva: <WHY IS THERE WHITE EVERYWHERE?! I don't understaaaaaa-aaaaaa-aaaaand!>

Houskay

Eskay: Phew, it's good.

-He hugs Psyche-

The Wolf Den

-Stella is awakened by the sound of a small crack-

Stella: <Hm?>

-Stella turns her head toward her egg, which cracks again-

Stella: -perks ears up- <Oh!>

-another crack appears, and a baby Eevee pokes its head out-

Baby_Eevee♂_(lv1): -mews-

Stella: -nuzzles the Eevee- <Hello, dear child.>

-Felis, who is sitting in a corner licking his wounds, looks up-

Felis: <Oh, what. This runt shares a birthday with me?>

Ecruteak

Seth hears Sylva yelling and goes to her

"<Sylva? What's wrong?>"

The Wolf Den

-Ever is looking for people to give presents to-

Meanwhile

Mix: <Ooh! Baby adaptable fox! :3>

Ecruteak

-Crow is wandering around looking for people to give presents as well-

-He is not currently in the Wolf Den, though he very well could end up there-

Ecruteak

Sylva: <I don't know what this cold white stuff is and ohai dad!>

<Also mom told me about how you two met and why didn't you tell me you were a knight?>

Ecruteak

"<It's snow and uh?>" said Seth.

The Wolf Den

Forte: Eeeee!

-the newborn Eevee is picked up by Forte-

Baby_Eevee♂_(lv1): <Eep!>

Stella: <Be careful!>

Forte: Oh my gosh you're so cute and fluffy and adorable and snuggly and cuddly... -pets-

Baby_Eevee♂_(lv1): -purrs-

Felis: <Really?>

-in another part of the house, Fortis is trying to shake Mezzo awake-

Fortis: Wake up, sleepyhead! It's Christmas! I wanna open presents!

Ecruteak

Sylva: -Retells the story Regina told her yesterday to Seth-

Psyche huggles Eskay tightly. ~You get me~ I love you so much~~ :3

The Wolf Den

(Having heard from a little bird that there was another Christmas party going on, Alex appears here.)