Motostoke Stadium

(All of a sudden, Geddy hears footsteps from below him. Startled, he turns to look down at the pitch— and sees Ian and Evelyn walking onto it.)

Geddy: (happily, turning towards Kim) <Kim! Look!>

(Kim turns— and sees Ian and Evelyn herself. She smirks.)

Kim: "Well. I am in for a show."

Peechee: (excitedly) <HORRORSHOW—! VRED THEM TO THE GROUND, YOU DVA! ^note  two >

Circhester

-Brie beats Apple a Day to the top of the building and leaps from Halcyon, landing inches from them-

Brie: This has gone far eno—

-she flings herself at them, and they rather casually redirect her momentum, flinging her away-

Brie: Wh—

-she lands in a roll and comes to her feet, more startled than hurt-

Apple A Day: Are you alright, ma'am? I prefer not to use force in this sort of situation—

Brie: Maybe you're not Ever.

Apple A Day: ...This maybe should have been brought up earlier, but who exactly is Ever?

Circhester Gym

-Melony sends out a Frosmoth-

Frosmoth: <You'd think I'd be the centerpiece of this little show, right? Being, you know, the most notable regional Ice-type? But noooo, all because I don't have a Gigantimax form—>

PEFE!Every: Uh, yeah, sure. Right...Scorch. Ready?

-she sends out a Simisear, who turns to face PEFE!Every, ignoring Melony and the Frosmoth-

Scorch: (signing) [Big in here, huh?]

PEFE!Every: Fairly. Do you remember the strategy we worked out?

Scorch: [More or less? Leaning more.]

-PEFE!Every gives him a thumbs-up, which he returns before turning back to Melony-

Scorch: <...>

-he folds his hands together as though in prayer-

Melony: I don't think so.

-she recalls Frosmoth-

-Scorch's fur heats up, a faint orange glow pulsing at his hands-

-PEFE!Every smiles faintly-

-as Melony sends out Eiscue-

-PEFE!Every's smile fades-

Melony: You telegraphed your punch.

-Scorch sprints forward-

Eiscue: <o hai>

-and slams his fist headlong into Eiscue's face-

-shattering it, and leaving Eiscue unharmed-

Melony: Hail!

-Eiscue slides back along the field, leaving a trail of frost in her wake-

-snow flows up from the trail, flakes whirling and expanding in the air-

-and Eiscue draws the snow to herself, defensive cube reforming-

Melony: I told you that this isn't going to be like your first few battles. I've had almost as much a chance to study you as you've had to study me, and while I didn't expect exactly this tactic, you've always relied on starting out ahead. All I had to do was lay the right bait, let you assume you had a free turn, and see what happened.

-PEFE!Every scowls-

Melony: Ice is about offense as much as Fire. But offense without thought is a waste of everyone's time.

Spacing Out

-Kai just sorta waves at Alice as she leaves, and their attention is diverted to the cookies.-

Kai: Oh those look good.

-They reach back toward the buffet table to add a few cookies to their plate.-

The Persephone

Once Alice comes to, she'll find herself seeing two silhouetted, backlit figures seem all sparkly.

Priscilla: Alice, Alice?

Jonathan: You alright? Must be the spinning.

Priscilla: Hold on. Jon, could you help me out here. Give her a place to sit.

Jonathan: Will do.

The two of them offer to help her up and sit her somewhere comfortable.

Persephone Station

Alice: ...why yes, Miss Kwan, I'd be quite happy to undergo a private audit... in your office, you say? If you insist...

-She blinks her eyes open, sees the two sparkling figures in front of her, and seems to regain some measure of her senses.-

Alice: ...O-oh, Miss Kwan. My apologies, I... found myself coming over faint all of a sudden. A place to sit would be most appreciated, yes...

-She allows herself to be escorted to a seat without complaint.-

Arthur and Victor walked away from the area, and off further down the ring. Victor was quiet, Arthur stared at him a bit and just pondered, before asking, "Okay why did you talk to them?"

"Hm?"

"Victor, why did you approach Kai like that, you were even lacking that trademark smug vampire grin."

Victor shrugged, "Is it so unusual that I may want to help a new vampire to deal with their state? It'd be more than I ever got when I first awoke as one."

Arthur blinked, did he really just say something about his past?

The Slayer spoke up a bit, "Victor, I... what do you mean?"

Victor looked... uncomfortable, "Rule 1 Arthur. Never ask me about my history... some things are meant to stay buried and I don't want to remember... her..."

Victor looked even more uncomfortable and then said, "Look it's simply put, you have me doing this whole goody two shoes bit, so I figured why not extend a hand to someone who needs it. If they ever want my assistance again they can contact me... it might get Alucard to be less difficult."

Arthur decided to leave it be for now, he saw Silas and Roxy talking with an older man who looked to be in his 80s. This must be grandpa David, well, presents could wait, talking with family was more important.

Feywilds, far past

-To Channah-

It's Kalosian for "the little mouse", since their tooth fairy equivalent is a Dedenne.

Galar Route 8, past

-To Channah-

You look fine.

Galar Route 8: Steamdrift Way, past

-Having changed into winter clothing-

Circhester shouldn't be too far from here, just a short walk across the bridge.

-Some white Darumaka can be seen playing with snowballs-

Persephone Station

Thanks, made them myself.

-Gale pops a pretty genuine smile-

I've gotten good at cooking recently. Well, wow okay I kinda forgot that we're two months off the end of this year... Time's been weird, which is understandable for me.

Macraul Villa, Past

-Gale pokes her head out of the litter and flinches-

Oh boy it's getting a little real out here...

-Though the translation of Quintus' shouting causes her to smile-

Alright I'm gonna get out there and show him what a 'little sorceress' can do.

Personal Space

Kai: Oooh. Yeah, time has been... weird. I've kind of been shut away for a lot of it, haven't really been interacting with people much. But now I'm here!

-They take a bite of a cookie, and their eyes go wide.-

Kai: Holy shit. Holy shit, Gale.

-They swallow it-

Kai: So, uh, observation. When I was basically running on Aura fumes, my senses were like, all kinda dull? Like, dark blurry world, muted sounds, everything smelled and tasted vaguely bland. But now I'm freshly refueled, after like... uhh, longer than I'd like to admit, and. Um. Wow. Like, this whole party is suddenly in sensory overload, but these cookies. These cookies. They're so good.

-They take another bite.-

Persephone Party

Colton, Kamui and Gail F. sat at a table, not even listening to the humiliating stories.

The former two had their head in a hand, looking around.

"This was as productive as I anticipated. Oh don't say that, your invitation only put salt on the wound. What, I don't have a right to an event like this? Not if it makes me feel bad." They inexplicably chorused while looking at each other.

"You're just mad you can't find someone," Ammy spat.

Gail coughed.

"And you're just mad it's been two years and Pent hasn't gone further."

"Wrong. I'm content with where we are. Having a name for myself beyond being another one of your Pokemon after seven years is so satisfying."

"She what."

"Oh, you're dissatisfied being under my care now?"

"Yes. I don't hate you, I just want more."

Gail held out her hands. "Dial it back and think about this."

"No, she's right. There's a character behind those flames. She probably would find more joy having her own place on the Stormchaser with Akatsuki, Lilac and Kokonoe."

"Still gonna need your team until I finish my own."

"Aight."

Motostoke Stadium

"By the way," Hoops says, turning to Kim. "I've been wondering for a while. How come those two are allowed to do gym challenges together? Doesn't that give them an unfair advantage?"

Persephone Station

Thanks, I've been trying to branch out into desserts because the stuff I make for the sponsor is biased towards the savory cause that's where you use a lot of herbs and spice but like...

-Gale just does a vague two-handed expression, cookie held in her mouth before she removes it-

I hope I still can hold onto some of my sponsorships after the Galar League is through, it's not really a matter of money I just... I like being Gale and I love that it involves this passion for cooking and presentation? I guess it's mostly down to me, but I don't want to lose the reason to be me yaknow?

-She tries to break herself out of the funk and get back to happier topics-

They's got elderflower in them. Ended up going to a specialty store in Ballonlea to find the extract and it was pricy but I think it was worth it to get some powerful flavor in there that is a little harder to find with grocery-store cordials.

Arthur stepped over to David, Silas, and Roxy, and asked, "Hey what's going on here?"

"Oh hey Arthur, just catching Grandpa David on what's been going on in my life," Silas responded.

"Ah yes," Arthur commented, "The Black Ops Agent."

David smirked, "I prefer the man who is haunted," he said, before looking over, "Yeah I see you Vladimir you ass! Deprogramming somehow can't get rid of you huh?"

Arthur looked over his shoulder to see who David was talking to, and saw nobody, Silas then explained, "During his service he was captured and held in a gulag, where he was brainwashed twice. He's kind of haunted by the second Brainwashing."

"Apparently it's psychic residue, they can't get rid of it, so I'm stuck with a ghost of sorts," David finished.

Arthur blinked, "When did my family become so weird?"

David shrugged, "I'd say around you."

Arthur sighed, next question then, "So how much of the family knows exactly what I am?"

"Pretty much everyone," Roxy answered, "Apparently nobody was surprised Mr. Legendary Hero."

Arthur grumbled and Silas chuckled a bit, it was... nice, to have this. To have his family here and know about Arthur, made explaining the weirdness of life a bit easier to handle. Roxy however had insisted they kept quiet about her origins, she wanted to be the one to break that when she was ready, Silas respected her wishes and understood completely.

"I have a lot to live up to," Silas admitted, "The Legacy of the Undying Knight."

That gained him some looks from Arthur, "Excuse me?"

"This entire family of ours, has some wild stories in it, I hope to live up to that legacy."

Arthur blinked, "Silas... you don't have to live up to any Legacy... I get how people look at me but you've more than made it."

Silas rubbed the back of his head, "I mean... maybe, but it is kind of hard to see that when you look at the shadow you've cast over our family as the un-"

"Cutting you off there," Arthur interrupted, "I never wanted that title. I never wanted that name, you've read my journal so you should know that I started that entire journey because I just wanted the curse off of me."

Silas frowned, "And then you grew into the role of the legendary hero, slaying countless glitches, their monstrous armies, and the inquisition."

Arthur shook his head, "Doesn't change what caused it. You're worried about living up to a legacy that shouldn't exist, that I never wanted."

David nodded, "He's right, you're your own man, stop worrying about how you look compared to the rest of us. Tell me, how does your darling wife feel about you and the legacy?"

Silas looked to Roxy, who kissed him and said, "I joined you for your adventures because you were interesting, but that's because you were interesting. Not your family history."

Arthur nodded, "Silas, little bit of advice, it's okay to just think about yourself at times. Worry about making your own legend, not one that was thrust upon me. You'll do fine on your own, plus making it to Mars and a wedding inside a rotating habitat is pretty big"

Silas thought about what was said, and sighed, "I'll give it a shot."

Arthur patted him on the back, "Good lad."

David grinned at Arthur, "You and I need to exchange stories."

Silas and Roxy walked off, off to the gift table. Whatever everyone had brought would be interesting to see, the rings from Arthur weren't a gift so much as a commission, and he would craft some fine rings. Silas blinked when he saw the familiar face of Gio standing there, he grinned and waved.

Gio had been invited, hopefully as a way to get some of his money to Asimov to help them out, but Zeke had said nothing.

That didn't matter, all that mattered now was seeing what was to be pulled out.

Motostoke Stadium

Kim: "I don't believe it does. In fact..." (She smiles, knowing Raihan will be coming at the end of it all.) "I'd say it will only prepare them for what's to come. Besides, it's a lot more fun that way."

Motostoke Stadium, Stands

-Daisuke sidesteps past the other people in the row, trying to find his seat, still looking like he was thrown out of a third-story window.-

Daisuke: -to Kim- I'm sorry, ma'am. Is this seat taken?

Motostoke Stadium, Pitch

-As Ian and Evelyn step out onto the pitch, the Motostoke Gym Leader awaits them...-

Kabu: Ah... If it isn't Challenger 556... I had a feeling that you two would brave the coals of my challenge and make it here...

Me: It's so nice to meet you! I'm Ian from Nuvema Town. And this is my buddy, Piku-chan.

Piku-chan: <Hi! Nice to meet you.>

Evelyn: And I'm Evelyn, and this is my friend, Hatty.

-Hatty looks up at Kabu from Evelyn's head.-

Hatty: <A pleasure.>

Kabu: The pleasure's all mine. I'm Kabu. This Gym is my responsibility.

Evelyn: Soshite sore wa ōkina sekinindesu.^* And a great responsibility it is.

Kabu: -chuckles- Yoroshikuonegaishimasu.^* "I'm glad you appreciate it". Can also be used to mean "Thank you".

-Evelyn gasps in surprise. "Kabu... understood me?", she thinks to herself.-

-Kabu laughs again.-

Kabu: What's with the look on your face, Evelyn? Of course I understood what you said. I was invited here from Hoenn, after all.

Evelyn: -laughing, feeling kinda dumb for not knowing that- Haha... That makes a lot of sense.

Kabu: Now... I suppose you're here for a Gym Battle, are you not?

Evelyn and I: We are.

Kabu: Well... I'm more than happy to accept your challenge! But be warned... Normal Gym Challengers have had Giratina's own time trying to defeat me, and most of them would just quit... I want to see how different from the norm you two REALLY are...

Me: Well, Mr. Kabu...

Evelyn and I: We won't disappoint you!

Kabu: Good to hear!!

-Ian, Evelyn and Kabu step out onto the battlefield, and ready their Poké Balls.-

Referee: The Gym Battle between Kabu, The Gym Leader and Challenger 556, Ian and Evelyn, will now begin! The match will be a Double Battle and is decided when all the Pokémon of one side can no longer continue!

-Kabu takes two Poké Balls off his belt and prepares for battle.-

Kabu: Show me your fiery DETERMINATION, challengers!

Me: Oshawittle, I choose you!

Evelyn: Mirai! Up and at 'em!

-Ian throws a Poké Ball into the air, and out comes his Oshawott, Oshawittle. Evelyn does the same and out comes her female Kirlia, Mirai.-

Oshawittle: <En garde!>

Mirai: <Ready when you are, Evelyn!>

Kabu: Now it's MY turn! Ninetales, Arcanine! Showtime!

-Kabu throws the Poké Balls into the air and what come out of them are a Ninetales with silky golden fur and an Arcanine with a fluffy mane and battle-ready smirk on his face. Arcanine glares at his opponents, with Mirai and Oshawittle shuddering slightly... however, Oshawittle stands his ground!-

Referee: And without further ado...

Edited by AnimeboyIanpower on Jan 8th 2021 at 8:39:29 AM

Motostoke Stadium

"So, he has a Ninetails and Arcanine," Hoops mutters. "This could really be a tough battle."

Then they see this new person who has come up and spoken to Kim. "Now who?"

Motostoke Stadium (post-Python)

(Kim looks over at the stadium and grins as the battle begins... and then sees the strange man in front of her. She smiles.)

Kim: "No, sir, the seat is not taken. You are free to sit down."

(She extends her hand.)

Kim: "Kimberly Bond, lingual consultant of Striaton City. These are two of my Pokemon, Geddy and Peechee."

Geddy: <Hello there.>

Peechee: (immediately switching back to his exciteable personality) <Hello~!>

Kim: (then, pointing back towards Hoops) "That's Hoops." (then, to the man) And you are...?"

Motostoke Stadium Stands (Post-Python)

-Daisuke accepts the handshake and sits down next to Kim.-

Daisuke: I'm Daisuke. It's a pleasure to meet you. And pay no mind to the slight disheveled look. I had to jump out a window to get here on time to see the Gym Battle...

Motostoke Stadium

Geddy: <You did what?! Thank god you didn't get hurt...>

Kim: "Pardon me asking, but... why in the world would you jump out of a window to come here?" (then, thinking to herself) Was this perhaps a byproduct of all the craziness at the Slumbering Weald...?

Edited by OPALGARNET16 on Oct 2nd 2020 at 5:35:31 AM

Motostoke Stadium

Hoops looks at Daisuke in confusion. "You jumped out a... why was that necessary? Are you a friend of Ian or Evelyn or something? And was there not a door or something?"

<Seriously, this guy is weird> Kec adds.

Motostoke Stadium Stands

Daisuke: Well...

-Daisuke points down to the witch girl on the pitch.-

Daisuke: Do you see that girl down there?

Motostoke Stadium

"We had noticed her," Hoops says.

Motostoke Stadium Stands

Daisuke: She's my daughter.

Motostoke Stadium

Kim: "Yes, that's Evelyn, obviously. Why?"

(beat, it hits her)

Kim: "Wait a minute... are you...?"

Motostoke Stadium

"Her father?" Hoops says, surprised. Led and Sal say the same thing.

<I mean, the question of why he jumped out a window is still unanswered> Kec points out.