Persephone Station, Wedding Hall

-As Silas and Roxy kiss, Alice applauds quietly and politely, still smiling.-

Alice: ...Congratulations, you two.

Lissa: Yeah, yeah, it's all very wholesome and pure and we're all very moved by seeing true love made manifest before us. Now can someone please point me to the bar? I am parched over he-

-She is cut off by a sharp elbow to the ribs.-

Edited by Herbert40k on Sep 30th 2020 at 10:42:02 AM

Trans rights are human rights. JK Rowling preaches hate. If you sit at a table with five bigots and say nothing, there are now six bigots.

Motostoke Stadium

(Kim blanches suddenly, realizing that Hoops didn't know she was there.)

Kim: "Oh. My sincerest apologies, Hoops; I did not mean to scare you. I'm waiting for Ian and- you don't know who Rever and Hikari are, are you?"

Hi, I’m oghond, and I’m a Rushaholic. Sorry if I annoy you unintentionally. 😅

The gathering moved back into the auditorium hall, which was now filled with tables, and a second stage set up, to which there was a rather smug looking Lucario in a tux standing at.

It took Silas a moment, "Oh no..."

He wouldn't be able to enjoy all these fine foods and fondues as easily, especially with the smug grin of Hacks getting bigger. Roxy was laughing, "Glad my suffering brings you amusement," Silas told her.

Roxy just gave a cheeky grin and kissed him, "Oh don't worry too much. He's essentially your brother, he'd know all your embarrassing stories. He has to tell them."

"I didn't agree to this tradition," Silas protested.

"I know, I did however," Roxy agreed.

Silas wanted to be upset, but even what little energy he had left for dealing with people and emotions told him it'd be better saved for elsewhere. He sighed and just took her hand, and just walked off to interact with his family for a little bit.

~So everyone, you all know Silas and I are essentially siblings, this one time when he was 12-~ Hacks started.

---

Arthur leaned against a wall and smirked, "Good for him."

Victor drifted over, "I did well, ordained a wedding and got to dress up a bit."

Arthur shot Victor a look, "I suppose you did alright. So, how's actually interacting with people working out?"

"Don't start with this," Victor responded.

The two sighed and Victor pulled out a cigar case and offered it to Arthur, who pointed to a no smoking sign. Victor grunted and put it away, "Immortality is no fun without a little bit of self destruction."

Arthur shrugged, he couldn't exactly agree with that, all his acts of self destruction just haunted him when he woke up.

"So... where's the excitement?" Victor asked, earning him a look from Arthur, "I heard that at the last wedding he was at, they were met with a legendary, as well as some old enemies. Add in the fact that the universe has a sense of humor and there are J-Teamers and aurabolts here, weirdness factors should be at an all time high."

As if on cue a portal opened up, a individual in futuristic armor stepped through holding a pokeball and a laser pistol, ready to cause- something was wrong... the Invader looked up and saw a towering giant, a drumbeat rumbling through the halls, the eyes of the giant almost seemed to glow as the beat seemed to grow louder. The Giant could tear this intruder and whatever he brought apart as if it was cheap tissue paper, the beat became louder and almost seemed to scream at him, daring him to try. The Invader let out a croaked squeak and quietly backed himself into the portal.

Victor gave Arthur a little golf clap, "Ah, I see."

"If there's to be any excitement, it'll be on their terms... and they're both kinda devious so who knows?" Arthur said.

Edited by EchoingSilence on Sep 30th 2020 at 9:08:58 AM

Motostoke Stadium

Hoops relaxes. "Oh, yeah, sorry, I was off in my own world. But yeah, I don't know who those are. Sorry."

<I noticed you> Kec says.

Edited by theoncominghoop on Sep 30th 2020 at 3:48:31 PM

Motostoke Stadium, Lobby

-Daisuke rushes through the doors like a madman, startling anyone who may be in the area.-

Daisuke: -exhaustedly- Phew... Looks like I made it in time...

-Daisuke walks up to the Gym Attendant to ask about the Gym Challenge participants.-

Gym Attendant: Good afternoo-

-The Gym Attendant then notices how exhausted the person they're talking to is.-

Gym Attendant: GOOD HEAVENS! What happened to you? You look like you got thrown out of a third story window!

Daisuke: -exhaustedly- Well, I wouldn't say "third story", but yeah... I kinda was...

Gym Attendant: Well... In that case, welcome to Motostoke Stadium. If you're planning on taking on the Gym Challenge, I'm very sorry, sir. We already have a few Challengers taking it on at the moment.

Daisuke: While it is true I am here for the Gym Challenge, it is not my own. I already did my Gym Challenge long ago... I'm here to see Challenger 556.

Gym Attendant: Funny story, actually... I was about to say that Challenger 556 was who was taking the Gym Challenge on at the moment. I shall lead you to the stands when the Gym Battle is about to begin.

-Daisuke bows to the Gym Attendant.-

Daisuke: Domo arigato.^*  Thank you very much.

Motostoke Stadium, Gym Challenge Puzzle Room

Team 556 Point Count: 9
-Evelyn notices a faint rustling in the tall grass.-

Evelyn: Huh?

-From out of the tall grass jumps a Fennekin, a foxlike Pokémon not usually found in Galar.-

Evelyn: Aww, it's so cute!

Me: Who's that Pokémon?

-Ian and Evelyn check their Pokédexes.-

Ian and Evelyn's Pokédexes: Fennekin, the Fox Pokémon. A Fire type. One of the three starters of the Kalos Region, As it walks, it munches on a twig in place of a snack. It intimidates opponents by puffing hot air out of its ears.

Edited by AnimeboyIanpower on Sep 30th 2020 at 12:49:27 PM

♪Show me the wisdom of the world... Tell me the secrets of the heart... and the sweet~ mysteries~ of love~...

Motostoke Stadium

Hoops frowns. "A Fennekin? I've never heard of one being in this gym challenge before. Or even being in Galar at all. That's crazy."

<It's so pretty> Led observes. <I hope one of them catches it. I heard their control of their fire attacks is beautiful.>

Persephone Station

-And like that, Kai has mysteriously drifted to a quiet corner as the party continues to the reception.-

Persphone Wedding

Des was listening intently to what embarrassing story Hacks was going to spill about Silas.

"Finally, let's have a peak behind that stoic expression."

He went to grab drinks for himself and his date.

Lumiose Outskirts, Near-Dilapidated House

Des and Lita walked through the kitchen and in through a side doorway to enter the atrium. Built off the side of the house, the atrium was hexagonal and featured windows on all sides showing off the flowery garden growing outside. Sitting at a little porch table and drinking tea was a woman and her Noctowl. She was probably in her forties, closing in on her fifties (although that was no insult to her looks, she clearly took care of herself). Her hair was dark grey and flowed down her back passed her hips, with a white skunk stripe running down the middle. She was wearing a baggy red sleeveless turtleneck and yoga pants and had a pair of thin rimmed glasses balanced on the end of her nose. She set her cup down and smiled at the pair coming in. Des almost took a step back at what was the woman's most striking feature; the sclera of her eyes was pale yellow and her irises were a dark red. He opened his mouth to ask her if she was well but he was cut off by the stranger.

???: "Unsettling, I know. But don't worry, I'm quite healthy, especially for one as old as I."

Her voice was silky and her intonation was measured. She sounded like someone who knew how to acquire illicit substances. Lita slowly moved towards the table and took a seat, never taking her eyes off the woman. Des remained where he was standing.

Lita: "And how old is that?"

???: "My my who raised you? You know it's rude to ask a lady her age."

Lita: "He did."

Lita pointed an accusing finger at Des. Des nearly faltered.

Des: "Lita!"

The lady struggled to stifle a chuckle.

???: "Right, the daughter. I am Evaline, this is Tik Tok, my familiar. I hang out with your mother."

Evaline was now looking at Des. Tik Tok tilted his head, then his head slowly twisted around 360 while still facing forward. It didn't look physically possible but the Noctowl didn't no worse for wear.

Tik Tok: <Hellooooo.>

Des just blinked.

Evaline: "She's in the greenhouse."

Des: "...Thank you."

Des made his way out the backdoor and through the garden. Lita remained sitting, staring at Evaline.

Lita: "...So, when you say 'hangout'..."

Evaline: "...-smirk-"

GIVE ME YOUR FACE

Feywilds, far past

-To Channah-

If it's the tooth fairy in that house, it's probably a Dedenne. La Petite Souris and all that.

-Starts walking towards the house-

Galar Route 8, past

-Starting to shiver slightly-

We're starting to approach the Steamdrift Way, we may want to change to warmer clothing.

Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.

Persephone Station

-Alice notices Kai slinking off into the corner, and seems to be about to follow after them, until she hears Hacks start speaking and grins.-

Alice: Oh, this should be fun. The best man is chosen for a reason, after all.

Lissa: Hell yeah. Lemme grab a drink so I can enjoy this properly.

-She darts off in the direction of the bar.-

Trans rights are human rights. JK Rowling preaches hate. If you sit at a table with five bigots and say nothing, there are now six bigots.

Hacks started to regale to everyone of how Silas when he was 12 set fire to the shed in the backyard, why? He had taken the microwave to take it apart and figure out how it worked, the result was a pretty big inferno that had to get the fire department called.

Silas had buried his face in his hands at that. Roxy was just smiling at this, and then Hacks moved onto the next fire... caused at age 15 at his High School's Science fair. Long story short, while you can build a laser array, don't.

---

A presence drifted over near Kai, "Lonely over here?" the voice came.

It was Victor, he smirked a bit; "Hungry as well I bet, hold on," he said, digging into his coat. He pulled out a glass capsule, inside was a blue substance that glowed.

Persephone Station

-Kai is, of course, waiting for either Alice, or for Gale to return. Either one would be a welcome sight.-

-Unfortunately for them, that's not who they got. Their face falls as they realize Victor is approaching, and their attempt to keep a pleasant demeanor is strained as they notice his familiar vampiric qualities.-

Kai: Oh, ah, I'm sorry, I prefer not to accept drinks from strangers. Or older men. Especially older men who are strangers. And especially not drinks from a vial?

Victor quirked a brow in confusion and then shrugged, popping open the vial and downing the aura inside, "If you insist."

He wiped his mouth of some of the residue and considered what to say, a quick look from Arthur told him to continue to behave. He sighed and turned to Kai, "I had presumed given your auric signature... ah perhaps I was wrong."

He extended a hand, "Sir Victor Samuel Helstrand, and you?"

Persephone Station

-Kai keeps their eyes on the bottled Aura as Victor downs it.-

Kai: Nono, you definitely guessed right, but you really, really need to work on the red flags you're flying.

-They sigh, and accept the handshake.-

Kai: Kai Amarin. I assume based on the 'sir', you've gotta be at least a couple centuries?

Victor shook it and then took out another vial, "I am told that quite frequently by him."

"AND I'M ALWAYS RIGHT YOU ASSBARREL OF A COUNT!" came Arthur's voice from across the area.

"As for age... lessee I'm about 645 chronologically by now. Physically still 42. Knighted by the Nobility of Kalos," Victor explained.

He looked over Kai's gaunt features, "Are you alright? Getting enough to eat?"

Persephone Station

Kai: I'm physically 22, but chronologically? The ripe old age of... 23. I'm new here. But seriously, I'm fine.

-There's a slightly uncharacteristic edge to that particular enunciation of 'fine', not that Victor would know their typical attitude.-

Victor didn't know Kai's usual attitude but he did spot them eyeing the bottled aura. He shook it a bit, "Alright if you're okay I guess you don't need this."

He then stuffed the vial back into his coat, "And a new walker of the night, we don't have a welcoming committee but the slab of meat and I are working on a club for people like us if you're looking for community."

Persephone Station

-Kai's eyes contine to follow the vials, but once they're out of sight, they blink and redirect their attention.-

Kai: ...I'll consider it. But honestly, I'd like to avoid other vampire circles as much as I can, there's one I'd really like to never see again after pissing him off and killing his... 'partner'. There's cruder words I'd use if this wasn't a wedding reception.

Edited by BittersweetNSour on Oct 1st 2020 at 4:40:19 AM

"Honestly understandable, even if Arthur there isn't a vampire... just back from the dead... again..." Victor responded, sounding deeply annoyed at that last part. Atthur could be seen smugly grinning.

And then Kai mentioned a partner vampire, he racked his brain as he considered who, "Tell me said partner... would that one happen to be slimy, debased, like a walking pile of grease and uncomfort with a name that starts with the letter L?" He asked.

Victor sighed, "If it is who I think it is, trust me the only way he'd enter this little club was as evidence that he was finally dead for good."

Persephone Station

-Kai's already pallid face looks even more sick just from the reminder-

Kai: Ugh. Yeah. That's the one. At least it's just him now, and not the other you-know-who.

Victor looked to Kai and handed Kai a vial of aura, "You look like you need this."

He sighed, "With you on that honestly, Arthur and I have agreed that if we ever see him again we're probably killing him on sight."

He shook his head, "Let's leave that thought behind. What's your plan for the aesthetic choice?"

Arthur actually stepped over, looking very confused, Victor grinned.

"You think looks like this come naturally? It's all a deliberate choice on our part. Part of the way we stay sane."

Persephone Station

Des returned to the table with a light beer and Kaiiseii's preferred drink, just in time to hear the embarrassing stories.

"Oh wow that is embarrassing. I'm glad I turned down the best man offer."

Lumiose, Near-Dilapidated House, Greenhouse

Des carefully navigated the overgrown backyard, following the stone path that could barely be seen underneath the thick grass, intruding bushes and hanging tree bows. He opened the greenhouse door and was hit with the one-two punch of a strong floral cocktail of odour and a heavy humidity that hung in the air. He saw his mother, in dirty overalls, humming to herself at the back of the greenhouse as she was preening the leaves off a Gloom.

Danielle: "Hello Desmond."

That made Des stop short.

Danielle: "Don't act surprised, a mother always knows."

Des: "Don't give me that crap."

Danielle sighed and gave the Gloom a pat on the head as she ushered it off, the Gloom waddling away happily now that its leaves no longer got in its eyes.

Danielle: "Look, I know you're hurt. It hurt for me too."

Des moved towards her, trying to not let his rising anger become apparent in his body language. Still he strained to control his voice level.

Des: "Why? Why did you just give me away to some weirdos? Why didn't you come and look for me?"

Danielle: "Desmond...I wouldn't have been able to give you the life you deserved."

Des: "Oh yeah and look where I am now. I'm alone in a crowd. I have to manage universal, or in some cases multiversal threats on a yearly basis. I'm almost always broke and have to take up mercenary work to make ends meet. I feel like I have no friends despite the supposed support system around me. I think I suffer from PTSD. I've been developing a substance problem. I have taken up the incredibly hazardous hobby of 'advanced chemistry at home' just to keep pace with my work colleagues so I get a feeling of being useful to them despite almost all of them outshining me in every single way. I see everyone else around me change and become better people and I'm still the dope going around dressed like a cowboy because I feel stuck as a person. I'm envious of everyone. I-"

Danielle: "SHUT UP! SHUT UP RIGHT NOW!"

Danielle stared daggers back at Des, a scowl on her face.

Danielle: "I allow you to walk into my house without invite and this is how you treat me?"

Des stared back, eyes red as he fought back the tears.

Des: "...I-I just..."

Danielle: "I told you to shut up. Take a sit."

Des looked around for a chair but couldn't find one.

Danielle: "On the ground, dumbass. You'll earn your chair privileges when you start treating me better. I know you're upset and hurt, but I've been patient these last two years. I've been waiting for you to swing by, always making a place for you at the dinner table. However, I will not stand here and take this kind of abuse from you. Especially when I've been wondering where the hell you've been these last 20+ years. Now take a seat!"

Des quickly sat down on the floor, cross-legged. Although his mother was firm throughout that particular tongue-lashing he could hear her voice pitch up just a bit towards the end. She was holding back tears of her own but she was maintaining composure.

There was a light rapping on the side of the greenhouse that drew Danielle's attention.

Danielle: "...Excuse me, I have to let the Cutiefly in."

She moved over to the side and opened up a small window. A massive swarm of Cutiefly entered the greenhouse to pollinate the flowers. Danielle crossed back over and sat opposite her son, also cross-legged.

Danielle: "So I was young, and made a stupid mistake."

Des just rolled his eyes at this old cliche.

Danielle: "Hey, HEY! Listen to what I have to say. You were never a mistake. Unplanned, yes, but never unwanted. This mistake I made when I was much younger, before you even came into the picture."

Des leaned in to listen closely.

GIVE ME YOUR FACE

Persephone Station

-Kai frowns, and smacks Victor's hand away.-

Kai: Seriously, stop, I don't need that. I'm getting by just fine.

-They sigh, withdrawing their own hand.-

Kai: ...I'm sorry. I need to go eat some normal, non-vampire-related food. I'm still human, after all. It was a pleasure meeting you.

-They scan the area for someone a bit more familiar to associate with.-

Feywilds, past

Channah: La what? Ah whatever. My parents never went in for that stuff when I was a kid, anyway. -follows-

Galar Route 8, past

Channah: -gets out her blursed pink jacket and drapes it over her shoulders- Ugh. I should've bought a better one in the last town.

Circhester, today

Kamon: -in front of a group of adolescent kids and their teacher in a mostly-empty restaurant, gesturing and pacing- ...That's what I mean by acting as reacting. Mega important. Any other questions?

Child: Did you really get drunk with Colin Firth and pass out in a swimming pool?

Kamon: -winces through his smile- Yes. Any other school-friendly questions!

There is no disdain in nature, there is no humiliation.

Persephone Station

-Whilst Lissa is already midway through her third drink (beer in a champagne flute, for some ungodly reason), Alice listens politely to Hacks's anecdotes for a while, before also drifting off in search of familiar company. Thankfully, she soon finds herself in Kai's vicinity.-

Alice: Ah, so you are here. I was beginning to wonder if you were merely an enchanting spectre flickering in the corner of my vision. Is something the matter? You seem... agitated.

Trans rights are human rights. JK Rowling preaches hate. If you sit at a table with five bigots and say nothing, there are now six bigots.