XXIV - Charity's Embrace

[ShadowDRGN]

If he was having any trouble finding the place before, that booming Christmas carol certainly fixes things. Following the noise, Hatchley’s dress shoes crunch against the snow-dusted sidewalk, and he adjusts his scarf to properly insulate his nose. The promise of warm drinks drives him toward those decked-out halls—even if his mind is telling him that there's still time to back out.

The family of 11 clears out by the time he reaches the doors, thankfully. Hatchley has never been one for house parties, but adding big family awkwardness into the mix might just chase him away entirely. This isn't just his first holiday out on his own, it's also his big chance to make good on his resolution to be more himself.

The Dragon Tamer squeezes through the door wearing his new outfit. A spiked belt encircles black jeans, each leg decorated with zippered pockets slanted and slightly staggered to resemble claw gashes. His torso is lit up by a flagrant mix of indigo and magenta—the main colors of his custom-made hoodie—and covered with a dragonscale pattern. With his hood up the teen looks like he had Charizard horns, the corners notched to suggest a dragon's jaws framing his face.

Whatever had inspired Goto while he was designing it, he was too coy to reveal it. Something about a Pokemon with two heads? He doesn't get it, but he adores it all the same. It's loud, yet sleek, and comfortable enough that he's fallen asleep in it more than a few times.

Even so, a part of him feels a little too dressed-up. Looking around, it's clear that this is a very casual shindig, but the tailor insisted on co-coordinating a whole ensemble for him when he heard about Hatchley’s plans. A sneaking suspicion of his says this is advertising for the man's shop, but he isn't about to look a gift Horsea in the mouth.

With his mitts stuffed in his front pockets, the teen saunters around, getting a feel for the cafe and the crowd that's already here. Considering the MC of the house tonight, he'll refrain from any clubbing.

...

Yeah, not a good icebreaker, huh...

Proceeding to the buffet table, Hatchley grabs a plate and starts to browse the offerings. A gingerbread cookie or two here, some provolone to go with the scallops there—all to be washed down with a cup of that cinnamon-y brew.

Before he can fully stack his plate, though, he notices Spenser emerging from the kitchen with a fresh batch of sweets. The teen's eyes widen; he knows the owner of the cafe is Gym Leader, but he never figured he'd find a Dragon-type working under a Fairy specialist. Hopefully, he won't be a bother if he goes to say hi...

Making his way to the other end of the counter with an ever-towering plate, Hatchley waves at the Dragonite and smiles, "hey. Like the arrangement you've got going on here. How's the night been so far?"

[Lil'twick]

The massive influx, and then leaving, of people, was weird to the Spheal. He had wanted to ensure this place was packed and joyous. Yet, it now just felt...empty. No matter, the night was still young! He was sure that more people would come and join in as the night drew on. He had spread the word far and wide to make sure people would come. So, he would just enjoy the party and those who would come.

It wasn't too long before he was interacted with though, as a Goomy had made its way over. Soft, squish, and semi-orblike. Like him! A friend! And a friend who seemed to enjoy parties! That was certainly most fantastical! Parties were the spice of life, were they not?

"Hi!!!" Yuke clapped with joy in response. "My name is Yuke! Like if you say the word you with a K at the end!"

The Spheal then rolled a little bit out of sheer happiness.

"What do you like to do Goomy?" the Spheal asks the dragonid with sparkling eyes.

---

Crumpet raised one eyebrow as the Galarian Meowth spoke to him. He was used to small children talking to him when he was on duty, so he didn't mind it. Even when her parents came to apologize, he just let out a simple huff. He was to guard the stairs, nothing more. The fire was cozy, and he had a blanket to help keep him warm. His fur was short, after all.

"Thank you, little miss..." he tells her with a small huff before shifting his singular gaze to her father. "No bother at all sir. As long as she doesn't try to climb over me and up the stairs, I'll lend her an ear."

Company was nice, from time to time. Still, more than anything, he was fine with his solemn watch duties. It was mostly when Leo needed to take him somewhere, was when he would get his excitement... Where was his trainer? He knew the fog was getting worse and worse. Some days he would have to watch from inside... There was something wrong with the fog. Crumpet knew it. Yet he couldn't put his paw on why.

---

The food wouldn't stop coming out. For some reason, the fairy types in the kitchen were in a baking frenzy. No Leo, no Custard. Nothing to stop them, and the poor Dragonite was there to just bring the food out. He was starting to tire and wished to take a rest. He was always happy to help, but even he needed to take breaks from time to time. So, why were they in such a ravenous mood? It felt almost... misty in the kitchen.

Carrying out another plate of cookies, Spencer notices the cafe starting to fill up. Ah, some repeat customers had shown up, good. The regulars always knew to give him a good time, and he waved to them when he could. Setting down the plate on the buffet table, he then wipes his brow. Lucas was supposed to be helping. Where did he go?

Yet, before he could look, he was talked to. The Dragonite, turning around with a happy smile, noticed the boy? Teen? beneath him. Dressed up in a rather... enthusiastically draconic attire. Oh... oh no. He was more than happy to entertain and interact with people, sure, but this felt different. This felt like glue, and if someone unauthorized followed him into the kitchen. No, he couldn't do that to anyone.

So, with a smile, the Dragonite gives him a thumbs up. An "it's going good" before looking around to see who he could dump this kid on. He didn't like to be rude, but there were still things being made. And boy, did he not want Sandy to come to drag him back. She was a cooking machine. Though, he could tell that all of these extra sweets were probably for the rest of the team at this rate.

He then met eyes with William and realized that he had an interest in this boy. Spencer just gave a quick" Do something" look to the Lampent, and he responded in kind.

---

This was arguably the second last person he wanted to see tonight. Only the tailor would give him bigger "get out" vibes. Keith Masters. The famous, or infamous, Poison-type specialist who had created a whole new municipality in Fizzy Bubbles. There wasn't a person who didn't know of him, or if they didn't, they would soon. The man was a celebrity here in Fizzytopia, and there are rumors he had recently been made CFO of the Region's Businesses by the Fizzytopian Commerce Board. Rumors, at the very least.

"Thanks, Mister Masters," William takes his hand with a somewhat bitter tone. His flesh was rather cool to the touch at this time, as if he had just bathed in ice water.

"Will-" he started to state before the newest arrival caught his eyes.

He could recognize that clothing anywhere, and the night at the casino flashed through his eyes. The tailor. He didn't know who this teen was, but he was wearing clothes made by that man. He felt this sudden urge to just go up to him, despite it being rude. Yet, it seems he was given an opportunity.

Spencer was soon accosted by this person who was looking at him with pleading eyes. The Dragonite was more than friendly and happy to be friends with everyone. Yet, he was still under work for now. Not until the rodents in the kitchen make their last fill. Well, time to free the Dragonite. Taking the plate with him, he looks at Keith with apologetic eyes.

"Sorry, someone here I need to have a little... chat with," he tells the man, with a tone of finality. "Need to make sure that those on duty can perform their tasks, after all."

So, he goes up to Hatchley and Spencer and pats the Dragonite on the back.

"Hey, the name's Will. My friend is a bit busy still," he tells him, before waving Spencer off to go to the back.

The Dragonite speeds on over as fast as his little wobbly legs could and opens the kitchen door. Furious squeaking can be momentarily heard by the entire party until the door closes. William really had no idea what they were doing back there, but it was producing food. Perhaps that's why Lucas was off the floor for now.

"Sorry about that, but, care to chat a bit?" he asks, offering up a brownie with green frosting. "I am just dying to know who made your outfit for the night." He says in a more flamboyant tone.

---

To fill the gap William created, a blue ooze suddenly seeps through the ceiling. A little sparkle catches Keith's eyes before a small flash of light. Before him was...himself? Everything was down to an exact detail... yet seemed to only be an Echo. Though, the eyes were a shimmering blue.

"Hey. Love the outfit," the mysterious Keith states completely monotonously.

"Transformation complete," the man then states. "Care for a conversation?"

[Missingno. Master]

The Spheal seemed just as enthusiastic to meet Goomy as Goomy was to meet him, clapping with joy and introducing himself in enthusiastic response as Yuke, complete with a brief lesson in how to pronounce the name. After rolling a bit, he asked Goomy what he liked to do. "Oh, most anything, really, as long as it's with someone!" Goomy responded. "Play games, eat food, sometimes even battle! I'm not good in battle just yet, but I'm working on it! Just the other day I made it as far as taking three consecutive Fury Cutters from Kricketune before fainting, that's a new record for me! What about you, Yuke? What do you like to do?" he asked.

~~~~~

The Granbull didn't seem bothered by Pyrite, and made as much clear to Meowth. Meowstic, meanwhile, turned her attention to her adoptive daughter. "You hear that, yes, Pyrite?" she asked gently. "No going up the stairs, OK?"

"OK, Mom," nodded Pyrite.

Meowth nodded gratefully in response to Crumpet's own response. "Tanks fer dat," he said. "I don't tink we'll have a problem, den- our little girl's real well-behaved, just eager ta meet new people and Pokémon. Oh, yeah, speakin' o' meetin', name's Meowth, dis here's Meowstic, and dis is our little girl, Pyrite."

"What's your name, Mr. Granbull guy?" Pyrite asked.

~~~~~

The youth did not look especially pleased to be meeting Keith, nor did he sound it, judging by the bitterness in the tone of his reply. Still, he reciprocated the handshake, at least, if not necessarily warmly, and that's in any sense of the term- his flesh felt quite cool to the touch. Keith got a flashback to the first time he hugged Chuck since the Gengar had evolved. William began to speak up, possibly to introduce himself, when a new arrival had caught his attention. And considering said arrival's decidedly draconic dressing decisions, it was entirely possible he caught most everybody's attention to some degree upon arrival. Thus, William cut short the conversation, explaining there was someone present he needed to have a chat with, in the interest of ensuring those on duty got to perform their tasks. "Oh, hey, yeah, not a problem," Keith nodded understandingly- he'd taken a glance back at Hatchley himself, and seeing the young Trainer, dressed up in such a way as that, approaching a Dragon-type who was clearly assisting with the refreshments for the party... he could somewhat piece together the urgency with which William saw fit to act.

That's not to say that Keith was left by himself, not by any means. Indeed, it almost felt that way, but just as Gavin began to approach that general area of the refreshment table, a blue ooze started to seep through the ceiling. Sparkling blue ooze. "What the-" Keith murmured.

"Holy shit," Gavin murmured. "That's a Shiny Ditto, ain't it?"

Gavin was seemingly proven correct, for the ooze Transformed itself into an exact replica of Keith masters, with the exception of the eyes, which shimmered blue. The replica monotonously reiterated Keith's initial words to William, before stating the transformation to be complete and asking if the real thing would care for a conversation. Keith gave a good-natured chuckle and a shrug. "Sure, why not?" he said. He was no stranger to conversing with Ditto before, owning the first of that species himself. "So, hey. Name's Keith Masters, and this here's my best friend, Gavin Golurkson."

"Howdy," Gavin chimed in, eyeing the remarkable likeness of his best friend while loading a plate up with food.

"But, being Transformed into me, you already knew that," Keith grinned shrewdly; it was not a question. "So what's your deal, then? What's your name?" he asked.

[lilboocorsola]

"C'mon, Custard, we're gonna be late for the party..."

Jess called back to the Delibird lazily dragging his feet along the street, tapping her own impatiently as she waited for him to catch up. Beside her hovered a Vanillite with a sprig of festive holly tucked in the tip of her swirl, and padding along at a steady pace was an Alolan Vulpix wearing a red ribbon collar with a pair of bronze bells attached, jingling merrily all the way. After her rolled another couple of cold-loving creatures: An Alolan Sandshrew sporting a warm pom-pom hat and scarf, and a Spheal decked in the iconic headgear of Saint Nicholas himself. Bringing up the rear, the pouting penguin scowled as he shuffled forward in reluctant embarrassment, revealing his own seasonally themed outfit in the form of a tacky sweater complete with prancing Stantler and Sawsbuck - stitched lovingly by Iris the Lilligant so he couldn't refuse the garish gift.

"Hey now, it doesn't look that bad. Where's your holiday spirit?"

Custard shot an icy glare at the girl, grumbling in a "let's get this over with" manner as he marched on ahead. Jess shrugged and shook her head, shadowing along towards their destination. She had been meaning to pay a visit to the famed Charity’s Embrace for a while now, and fortunately today's festivities finally provided her an opportunity to do so. In fact, she had been informed of the gathering by another small Spheal who suddenly showed up at her Base by the beach a few days ago, happily handing out an advert for the advent calendar's end celebration along with an enticing bag of cookies, before trundling along to spread more cheer wherever he went.

Upon receiving such a direct invitation, of course there was no way she could turn it down either. Having had little luck in hosting her own holiday parties in the past, she felt it only fitting to at least honor this eager one's entreaty and help ensure the event was a success. Thus they all arrived in attendance before the quaint café marked on the flyer's map - whereupon she could already hear a chorus of joyful caroling coming from inside. Peeking in through the window, Jess was surprised to see such a large number of people congregated in front of the counter, belting out a famous jolly refrain one by one. As the song crescendoed to a close, several of the vocalists bowed and apparently took their leave, filing out through the exit single file to presumably catch their own prior engagements.

Jess breathed out slightly in relief as the crowd thinned, still nervous when it came to socializing - especially amongst a large group. Of the remaining patrons, she immediately recognized the well-known Keith Masters - along with his wife Willa and daughter Maribel whom she had greeted briefly during the Cute Contest on Saccharine Sweets Island. However, there appeared to be another unfamiliar young man and lady lingering as well, along with a duo of adolescents: a bespectacled teenage boy and a girl seemingly around Maribel's age. As Jess squinted at the latter's image through the frosted glass though, the lass's figure strangely seemed to... flicker? As if filtered through a broken kaleidoscope, almost intangibly dream-like in quality. Mosaic mirror malfunctioning with every movement.

The woman blinked, believing it must surely be a trick of the light presented by the warped pane between them. As she continued to waver whether to go inside, another guest arrived, dressed smartly to the nines in carefully coordinated fashion resembling a dragon. Feeling woefully unadorned herself at this point, having done nothing to gussy up her own garb aside from adding a gold garland chain of green and crimson-colored baubles around her neck, she shifted sheepishly. Still, steeling herself with a sigh, she determined to follow his lead and entered the establishment along with her entourage, who instantly took in the warm mix of delicious smells, basking in wafting aroma of baked goods as most made a beeline for the buffet table. Well, except for one in particular - Leo the Spheal stood proudly in the entryway, roaring to announce his presence with an intensely loud GROWL like the regal lion he was.

Jess winced, as she awkwardly approached the wispy-looking male who had left his post behind the kiosk to offer a bowl of brownies to the bedecked boy, presuming him the proprietor in charge of the eatery.

"H- Hello. Thank you for having us here, apologies about my teammates. Some of them can be a bit... self-absorbed."

She muttered lamely as nearby Custard was already piling his plate high with Bacon Wrapped Scallops and Kosher Klawf Cakes, inconsiderately leaving none for other visitors as the penguin proceeded to greedily gulp down the entire seafood stock.

Meanwhile, Kim the Vanillite rolled her eyes at the fowl's foul manners, drifting daintily among the dishes as she dripped in disappointment over the lack of cold appetizers. Though, she supposed most folks weren't interested in frozen foods this time of year, as she nibbled on some Frosted Sugar Cookies as a compromise and sampled the cheese platter - marveling at its magic refilling capabilities. Makoto the Alolan Vulpix sniffed curiously at all the offerings in search of something similar to meat buns, eyes lighting up upon smelling the Mince Pies and digging keenly into a venison version.

The final member, on the other hand, stuck close to her Trainer's tail, shyly withdrawing within her shell between Jess's legs. The Alolan Sandshrew watched in awe whilst Jess was distracted as a blob of blue goop dripped down from the ceiling, transforming into a perfect replica of the other human man in a cowboy hat. Zoom tried tugging on her Trainer's pants legs to try and draw her attention to the bizarre occurrence, but Jess was too busy trying to smooth over her own social anxiety to pay much heed to the duet of doppelgangers...

[ShadowDRGN]

Admittedly, making Hatchley someone else’s problem is completely the right move. He may have resolved to stop comparing himself to his sister, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to stop talking the ears off any Dragon-type that crosses his path. This is less like glue, and more like Spencer trying to avoid getting a supermagnet stuck to his scales.

Thankfully, Will is able to step in before Hatchley can progress from small talk to asking for ‘just a couple pictures’. The moment he’s dismissed, the Dragonite rushes into the kitchen, leaving the Dragon Tamer feeling just the slightest bit of guilt for putting him in that situation. Still, he doesn’t regret taking the shot—he can tell that Spencer is friendly, just, well, now’s not the right time to make new friends.

“Oh, yeah it’s cool,” Hatchley replies, still a little dazed by the speed at which Will just sort of... appeared. He looks in the direction that the teen must’ve come from, and maybe it’s just the light or something, but he can swear that there are two people dressed identically over there. Freaky.

Anyways. Food is being offered, and he graciously takes it, “thanks. My, uh, my name’s Hatchley—it’s good meeting you, Will!”

Yep, that’s it. Just go through the motions like a regular person. Say name, shake hand, ask benign question. He can already tell this will be a lot less painful than trying to break the ice with—

That damn tailor. The moment that question hit his ears, Hatchley stopped midway through taking the inaugural bite out of his brownie. He glances down, wiping a stray crumb of frosted fudge off his sweater. Yeah, he figured he’d get questions about it, but still.

“Oph, Guiphee Gwohtoph—” Hatchley said, his words indecipherable until he swallowed his food, “shit, sorry. I commissioned them from Guiseppe Goto, he's uh, he runs a tailoring shop in the big city. Normally I’m not into all that high fashion stuff, but I happened to know him from somewhere else, and I really wanted something fresh to wear on a night out, y’know?”

He takes another bite of his brownie, and this time really focuses on the taste—moist and dense, the rich chocolate melts slower than the sweet buttercream topping it. It’s all the perfection of chocolate cake packed into one, bite-sized square. It’s a good thing he’s not in charge of handing these out, or else they’d all be gone by now.

“Anyways, yeah I don’t mind chatting for a while. You want to grab a seat somewhere, or...?”

[Lil'twick]

Yuke was ecstatic at the Goomy's jovial attitude. Friends made everything better! It felt like he had found another Pokemon that understood him. No matter what the case was, as long as he had friends with him, he was more than happy to comply. Though, before he could respond, he heard a loud growl at the door. Turning towards the door, he saw another Spheal! Another friend? Well, one way to find out.

"Hey!" Yuke barked at the Spheal. "Wanna play games with the two of us?"

---

Crumpet just gave a grunt to the feline couple. He wasn't really the social type, so it made sense that he would just give the most basic response possible. Though, he did at least give the young cat some decency.

"The name is Crumpet, small one," he says with a huff.

He wasn't feeling the most sociable right now, as his hearing was picking up on a few things. The rats in the back were all screaming at each other over something, and he'd have to take care of it... even though that meant leaving his post. And then upstairs... that was information he most likely didn't need to know, but he could hear it anyways.

"Say, small one, can you help an old man out? When you see the Raichu, holler him over for me please" he tells the girl.

---

"Howdy," the Ditto states monotonously, looking Gavin in the eyes.

"I simply wish to converse. My name is Echo," the Ditto then turns to Keith, the same tone as always. It was... unnerving at this point.

"It has been some time since I have been free, so I wish to know how things are going. The state of the world, if you will," the Ditto then speaks up. The way the words were said felt like a snake crawling up one's back. This didn't feel right, but it also felt harmless enough to really do anything about.

---

William listens to Hatchley, though his eyes widen on seeing the kid eat an entire brownie in one go. Sure, he offered it, but he expected a bite first. Not full on into mouth, and consume. This would turn out... very interesting to say the least. Still, Guissepe Goto... Was that the name of the tailor? He didn't have his own phone still, so he couldn't look it up. Then again, why would a Pokemon need to have a phone? Not like many knew he was one though...

"Yeah, let's grab a seat," William gives a small, knowing smile. This was going to turn into an absolute clown fest. He could already tell.

Though, before they could, an older woman came up to the both of them, and apologized for her Pokemon's behavior. William just gave her a nod before responding.

"Hey no it's fine, things get super rowdy here. I, uh, need to have a one-on-one with him," he responds before looking at Hatchley. "But please enjoy yourself! I know the denizens of SLudge Wave coast are always ready to lend an ear."

Grabbing a nearby table, he sets the plates down while waiting for Hatchley to sit. Knowing what was in them, it would most likely take ten minutes to kick in. He shrugged, knowing he was going to be in massive trouble no matter what happened tonight. So, grabbing another green brownie, he eats it in one go. One green left, three reds... Maybe he should make sure Hatchley doesn't eat more.

Scanning around the room for Lucas, he sees the Raichu heading out with a platter of food. The Raichu's brow was furrowed... What the hell was going on in the kitchen? The rat then sees William, Hatchley, and the plate of brownies. With a knowing glance, the Raichu gives a small scowl before coming over with a plate of basically everything that was out at the moment. Munchies would hit hard.

"Thanks, man," William tells the Raichu, seeing him head back towards the kitchen. That's when he notices the problem.

"Oh, shit..." he mutters under his breath, seeing the Duplicate Keith. This was a major problem, but well, he had bigger priorities on his mind. So, why not let in a little bit of fun? Sure, that was something his patron would eat up. Maybe...? No, it didn't matter now. He had a boy in front of him, and he was seizing the chance.

"Well, I will say as garish it might be, it's better than what I'm wearing," William gives a cheeky smile, tilting his head while answering the previous question. The bells on the antlers jingle a little bit while he does so.

"Still, I can tell you at least really, really love Dragons. Maybe an unhealthy amount, but, to each their own. I don't necessarily care or judge," William then shrugs. "I'm just here to help out with the party, mostly. Everyone else that could is preoccupied. Still though... Why did you come?"

William purses his lips into a cat-like smile, before giving a small chuckle. He was starting to feel something. He was lonely and feeling mischievous. Maybe a little bit frisky, who knew, but he could feel that Hatchley could at the very least make this droll night a lot more interesting. Well, once everything kicked in of course.

[ShadowDRGN]

A couple fudgy crumbs are still hanging out on Hatchley’s cheeks as he devours the snack without a second thought. After all—any brownie can be a one-bite brownie if you try hard enough. Even if he knew the real reason behind William’s astonished expression, there’s no guarantee that he wouldn’t have scarfed it down just as quick—consequences be damned.

For now, though, the clueless boy doesn’t feel anything wrong as he sits himself down across from Will, wiping his face clean with a tacky paper napkin. Being his usual, shy self, he gives the woman who comes up to them a slight nod, but doesn’t really say anything. Best to just let Will handle it, seeing as he appears to be the only human hosting tonight.

“So... uh, you work here, right? Does the owner usually throw—huh?” Hatchley begins, but he’s soon thrown off when William notices the duplicate in the corner. Glancing over his shoulder, he feels mildly concerned to realize that he wasn’t just imagining there being two of that guy. Hell, one of them looks just as confused as the Dragon Tamer does...

Rubbing the back of his neck confoundedly, Hatchley looks back at Will with a sort of should we do anything about it? expression on his face. Refreshments have just started to arrive, and as he struggles to look past the plates descending upon the table, he catches his first hint of that devious smile. That wordless declaration that it’s someone else’s problem, now.

Eight minutes until the fun begins. Hatchley doesn’t feel any different yet, but he is struggling to pick up the conversation. Things have been all over the place thanks to Will’s duties, at least until now. Where were they before? Right, clothes—specifically his clothes.

“Oh, thanks, I guess?” he says, unable to stop himself from giggling as the bells on Will’s head go off at the slightest movement. Garish, said the boy cosplaying as Santa’s Helper. Oh god, Goto would be eating this up right now.

Taking a sip of coffee, Hatchley smirks slyly as he lets the bitter flavor soak into his taste buds, “hey, next to that costume, I’d say I like dragons a normal amount,” he cracks back. Blatant lies, of course. He’d wear a full-on dragon suit if he had the money for it.

“Not judging, of course. I figure management stuffed you in there to collect tips with those cute little antlers,” he remarks, laughing jovially. A couple shrimp disappear from the plate. Wow, he’s... actually having fun with this—and by this, he means teasing the hell out of someone else.

“Oh, yeah, me. I honestly just came because I was curious. I’ve only been living here for a year, so I don’t have very many people I can hang with for the holidays,” he says, tapping his finger to the table quietly. He quickly glances around, and then leans in slightly with a wry look on his face, “and uh, just between you and me, the one person I considered calling up is probably wasted on eggnog right about now.”

[Missingno. Master]

The party, already pretty well underway, was starting to pick up all the more with the arrival of more guests- this time, Jess had arrived with a number of her own Pokémon, and they immediately started to help themselves. In Custard's case, this was quite literal, the Delibird laying claim to every bit of seafood on the table and scarfing it down in short order.

"Ho ho ho, fellow Delibird!"

Indeed, if Custard turned to look at the source of this chipper utterance, he would see a Delibird, albeit with strikingly purple plumage, grabbing and shaking one of his wings with both of her own. "I should have guessed I would see another Delibird here, and dressed for the season, no less! I should've thought to wear a sweater like that!" she exclaimed, looking enviously at Custard's sweater. "Well, that'd require Gavin to actually get us sweaters like that, now that I think of it," she muttered thoughtfully. "Fairly important prerequisite, wouldn't you say? ANYway! Hi! Yes! Merry Christmas! My name's Holly, what's yours?"

~~~~~

Custard's gluttonous entrance had been noticed by another Pokémon as well, and was not thought of quite as favorably; Chopper the Kleavor hissed her disdain at being denied a Klawf Cake, and as she glanced back and forth between Custard and Jess, she had a shrewd idea with whom to lodge a complaint. The Kleavor stomped over towards Jess, gesturing irately at the self-centered Delibird, but as she got close, her Trainer took notice and raced over to diffuse the situation. "N-no, Chopper, take it easy!" ZZLZZ exclaimed, stepping in front of her Kleavor, body flickering and glitching just as Jess had seen it do through the window.

"Vor? Klea klea, Kleavor Kleavor!" Chopper responded indignantly, gesturing at Custard.

"Th-they're gonna bring more food out," ZZLZZ reminded Chopper. "Just be patient, OK? We- we'll be here for a while, the- the party's only just started. Y-you won't go hungry, Chopper, I promise, OK?"

"...vor," sighed the Kleavor.

"All right. S-so, just wait patiently, OK? M-maybe try something else in the meantime. Th-there's plenty there, surely there's s-something else? I- I think I saw some Ch-Charti Berries in the B-Berry platter..."

"Kleeea..." considered Chopper, glancing back over at the table. "Vor Kleavor," she decided. And with a grateful nod to her Trainer, and a slightly more sheepish, apologetic nod to Jess, the Axe Pokémon proceeded back to the table.

ZZLZZ exhaled in relief. "Um.... s-sorry about that," she said to Jess. "Ch-Chopper's really very well-behaved, just, wh-when she sets her sights on- on food that s-someone else eats on her, she... she doesn't take it very well. W-we're working on it," she said. "Um... m-my name is ZZLZZ Starmie, wh-what's yours?"

~~~~~

Crumpet introduced himself as such, and the Galarian Meowth nodded in acknowledgement. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Crumpet," she grinned. Then, the Granbull asked if she would do him a favor, and call the Raichu over to him when she saw him. "Sure!" she nodded. "Um... Normal Form or Alolan?" she added, following a moment of thought.

"Uh, Pyrite, I tink if dere was both kinds ta worry about, Crumpet would'a specified," Meowth said.

"Ohhhh," nodded Pyrite. "That makes sense, Dad. OK, I'll go look for the Raichu right now!" she said, and she wandered off, glancing around for either variety of electric mouse, with Meowth watching from afar to ensure she didn't get into any trouble somehow.

Meowstic, meanwhile, approached Crumpet, having been observing the observation between her family and the Fairy-type. "...If you would prefer your solitude, we won't take offense if you want us to go elsewhere," she said quietly to the Granbull. "I know the feeling well myself."

~~~~~

The Shiny Ditto introduced itself as Echo, after, well, echoing Gavin's single-word greeting back at him, and then stated that, having been cooped up for so long, simply wanted to know how things were going. The state of the world, as it were. All of this said while maintaining an unnerving monotone that sent a chill down Gavin's spine that reminded him of videos he'd seen of Nascour, a higher-up from the first iteration of Cipher.

Keith, however, was not so easily spooked. He looked more intrigued by the unsettling Shiny than anything else, and nodded at Echo's statement. "Well, good to meet you, Echo," he said, offering a handshake. "So, things are pretty alright, overall. The, uh, the Fizzytopia region's getting a lot done, there's a lot of talk about how to improve on the shopping district, lot of laws being altered as necessary. I'm actually the owner of the Move Tutor shop, and we've really overhauled the place. Came with a bit of a new restriction, unfortunately, but there's still plenty of moves that can be taught to basically anything, and for lower prices than anything we've seen in recent years," he grinned. "Not sure what's going on with the Gyms, though," he added. "Power Spots have been quiet for months, nothing's Dynamaxing at random at 'em anymore. Kinda lowkey wish Sludge Wave Coast was a Power Spot, if only so we could allow for Dynamaxing at Sludge Wave Colosseum," he murmured. "But yeah- I've been hearing rumors that there's gonna be more done with the Fizzytopia Pokémon Gyms, and if that doesn't necessitate them being Power Spots, I might just apply to open up a Gym in my town, become a Gym Leader. Poison being my specialty, naturally," he grinned. "But yeah, that's about the gist of it," he shrugged. "Uh... well, also, Pokémon discovered in Paldea have started showing up," he added. "Friend of mine actually caught me a Varoom, and she herself caught a Tinkatink some time ago. I'd have brought the Varoom, but, uh, Backfire is young, excitable, and knows Self-Destruct. Not... not the greatest combination in a setting like this, y'know?" he chuckled. "We're working on it, though."

[Lil'twick]

"Thank you for your concern, madam," the Granbull replies with a huff, seeing the young Meowth go off the look for Lucas.

"Your family being near me doesn't bother me much. There is a lot going on tonight that I must keep watch over. I am this cafe's faithful guard dog, and security detail. I must admit, I do wish I could have someone like you have... But an old man like me takes pride in his work," the Granbull admits, sounding a bit downtrodden before an ear perks up,

"Yet, it is my job to make sure you, your family, your friends, and everyone at this party is safe. While I cannot discuss what is going on upstairs, know I can't let anyone up there or leave my post. There is something going on in the kitchen, hence why I asked your daughter to find Lucas. He's arguably the strongest Pokemon in this building... and has been back there tonight. I must make sure this is successful... I rather not be the reason a little boy's dreams shatter," he huffs out, staring at the scarfed Spheal.

---

"Chronological Fallacy. Today is the 24th of December, 2022. The estimated arrival of Springtide Pyukumuku with Eggs from Paldea... January 1st, 2023," the Ditto responds with a curt monotone.

"I see. You are temporally displaced. Faint traces of -" the only way to describe what the Ditto said next was Eldritch Gibberish. "Thank you for the information about the rest of the region. I'll presume a form that isn't from out of time."

"Howdy again," the Ditto states while turning its head to Gavin. Its form suddenly shifts from Keith's to Gavin's, perfectly seamlessly. It was... even more unnerving.

"I see you are looking at me with both fear and wonder. Why?" Echo questions, now perfectly using Gavin's voice. Its stance then changed... to one Keith would recognize.

To a stance where Gavin was in control of the situation, and confidant. As if he was about to capture a shiny pokemon he had long toiled to hunt and capture. Or if he was sure he would be victorious in battle. How did the Ditto know this? This was strange..., especially the information it knew... How? Why? This was certainly going to be a night.

---

William felt a shiver crawl up his spine and gave a quick glance at where Echo was. This was potentially bad, but potentially... not a threat. Whatever the case was, this was decidedly not his problem. Ethan wouldn't willingly let the creature loose, and whoever did would pay the price. He took in a deep breath, took a sip of champagne, and turned around at this newfound... person of interest.

Hatchley basically admitted he was a furry, which Will let out a small chuckle at. It was riddled all over the kid's face, much like how his thoughts are on his own. It was cute, in its own way, especially with how he continued his response.

"Yeah... 'Boss'." Will started with air quotes. "More like an old friend I've known for a while," he said with a blush. Was it the champagne kicking in? "I'm considering this a favor for letting me stay here for a while."

He then sighed, grabbed a cookie, and bit into it. Saccharine sweet, but not too coying to the tongue. Just how Leo makes them. Then again, the gym leader trained his Pokemon to be able to replicate what he makes. So, no harm in that. Soon, he'd be in sweet oblivion anyways.

"Ah, well, at least you'll have more fun here than with a sloshed drunk, right?" William said with a big, cheeky grin. "Though, this entire region is an experience. A wonderful experience... Like nowhere else in the world. Better than those other boring regions... am I right? Even if I do miss home in Unova..." William trailed off, the taste of hot cocoa suddenly on his tongue. When did he... Why was he drinking that? He never did... Never, not after that night.

"Yet, I hope you and your dragons can find a nice home here. But, surely you're more than that, right?" William asked with pointed eyes, before little out a small chuckle. It was slowly starting to kick in. Time to see how Hatchley hatches.

[ShadowDRGN]

Hatchley’s eyes widen a little bit as he watches Will demolish a cookie—or rather, thinking about what he just said. Though he can’t possibly realize the depth of it, he can tell that there’s some baggage behind those words. Guess it makes sense. When you work for your friends, work drama ends up becoming friendship drama, and all that.

“Oh. Well, hey. Friend or no friend, I hope they let you know they appreciate the help,” he replies, trying to cheer Will up. Eyeing the smorgasbord of snacks between them, he picks out a gingerbread cookie whose skirt has been rendered with cool blue and purple frosting. Even if it’s just food dye, his favorite colors always seem to taste best.

“Hm, yeah, I guess,” he says, shrugging as he bites into the cookie’s foot. It’s soft and crumbly, lighting up his tongue with the distinctive spice of gingerbread, only to be soothed by the dollop of creamy frosting on top. Sweetness for sweetness’s sake always bored him—it’s the edge of bitter coffee or peppery spice that he really craves.

Even so, Will has his attention for now, and finding out more about him brings a smile to his face, “oh, you’re from Unova? I grew up in Galar, but I moved to Undella Bay with my parents before I came here,” he says, unsanctimoniously dunking the cookie’s head into his coffee for an extra hit of that dark and aromatic flavor. The devil’s brew (or lettuce) must really be working its magic on him, because he feels all the more compelled to share.

“Honestly, I’d love to stay in Fizzytopia. Living in the bay was nice, but it felt a bit like I was trapped, y’know?” he sighs wistfully, “same weather, same routine, same neighbors. Not to mention it was hard to find interested guys out in the middle of straight-ass suburbia. Just down-low types who want their night of fun so they can pretend you don’t exist after, ugh.”

Realizing what he just said, Hatchley’s face starts to glow brightly. It was odd for his thoughts to just... spill out like that. Awkwardly, he stuffs the rest of the gingerbread cookie in his mouth, not realizing that he has a spec of blue frosting tipping his nose.

“Shit—sorry if that was TMI, uh...” he adds quickly, before grabbing a potato latke and adding it to his plate. The gingerbread was delicious, but he felt like he needed something oilier and heavier in his stomach, and fast. Was this a bout of stress eating... or something else?

[Missingno. Master]

Crumpet, while appreciative of Meowstic's concern, nevertheless reassured her that her family wasn't bothering him much. The Fairy Pokémon admitted at one point that he wished he could have someone like Meowstic did, but still took pride in his work as the cafe's guard dog. He was adamant on ensuring the party's success however he could- this was evidently quite important to the Spheal who had been passing out the invitations. Meowstic turned to look, seeing the Spheal, and also seeing a teammate of her own also hanging out with said Spheal. "...ah, I see Goomy's already made a friend," she murmured. "I shall be happy to help ensure tonight is a success," she added to Crumpet. "I am certain Pyrite will locate this Lucas before long." And she turned to look in the direction Meowth was looking, for the Scratch Cat Pokémon was still keeping an eye on his daughter as she continued the search for the Raichu.

~~~~~

Echo responded to Keith in a curt monotone, going on about a chronological fallacy in what Keith had said. Keith didn't quite know how to respond to this, but was spared the trouble of doing so all the same by the Ditto recognizing that he was temporally displaced. "Yeah, uh, actually, I'm ten years older than I ought to be-" Keith began, before the Ditto stated its intent to assume a form that actually fit the current time period. And then did just that, seamlessly Transforming into Gavin. Asking Gavin about his regarding the Shiny Ditto with a look of fear and wonder. And taking a remarkably familiar stance- standing like Gavin always did when he felt in control of the situation. When he felt confident. Keith knew this well- Gavin Golurkson was his best friend. The best man at his and Willa's wedding. Maribel's godfather. He knew the man quite well, and so, it appeared, did Echo. But then, that wasn't altogether surprising- Keith had a Ditto of his own. He knew from conversations with Jack that when Ditto Transform, they gain a bit of know-how pertaining to the subject of their transformation. Some memories, mannerisms, and of course, in the case of Pokémon, moves known, typing, Abilities. That sort of thing.

Indeed, Gavin regarded Echo for a moment, eyebrows raised, before giving a chuckle and a smirk, and assuming that same stance himself. And Echo would likely know why, too- Gavin was from Pyrite Town, born and raised. To make it in that town, you had to either be tough, or at least cultivate the impression that you were tough. You couldn't be easily rattled. And however his first impressions of Echo came off, Gavin wasn't about to just let this Shiny Ditto creep him out. "You caught me off-guard, is all," he said to the Shiny Ditto, his tone confident to match his stance. "Echo, right? I won't mince words, you friggin' freaked me the hell out at first," he said plainly. "Like, I get it- Keith here's got a Ditto of his own, I've seen plenty of conversations between my friends and their own doppelgangers thanks to Jack- but you got this creepy monotone deal to your voice that'd make a damn Treecko shiver. I felt like I was watching my best friend talk to a robot. But," he added, "can't really judge by first impressions like that. It ain't right. So what's your story, Echo, huh?" he asked. "I know how this whole Transform deal works, I know you got a bit of my own know-how in that borrowed head of yours right now, so I'd say it's only fair- return the favor, yeah? Tell us a little about yourself."

[Lil'twick]

Hell. That's what tonight was. Hell. And considering everything he had been through... that was saying a lot. For every battle he won, he had gotten stronger. Each trial overcame. Each tribulation, turnabout. All with a smile, and for that is what he did best: smile. That's just who he was... how he was made to be. No, surely he didn't remember his past. His point zero was the same as his trainer's. He started as a Raichu, always was, and always will be. There was nothing else of his previous forms that remained. And, that too, was agonizing. Yet he stayed silent and smiled.

Yet, there was a pain in his heart growing in the past year. He was always by his trainer's side... so why did that Lampent take his place. What did he do wrong? Why did they never fight anymore? Battle anymore? Go out anymore? He couldn't understand it... and it was making him bitter. Sure, that foray into the tower was enough to alleviate his stress... Yet, he hated having to be that halfies bodyguard. Why was that lamp so important anyways?

And now he was stuck here, having to be a server at a party while his trainer was upstairs. Dealing with who knows what, but certainly had put the Pokemon in a sour mood. Especially since he knew what William's plate of brownies was, and just how hard things would escalate once they kick in. Preemptive measures were taken for sure, but that was that. Preemptive measures. Not to mention that there was a total meltdown going on in the kitchen. But he was out of there for now, delivering more of the Klawf Kakes that had been devoured.

He then hears footsteps. Urgent footsteps, and turns his head towards a Galarian Meowth approaching him. Time to put on his best smile and customer service voice. He needed to relieve his stress, and fast.

"How can I help you today?" he asks of the small cat.

---

Thank you ma'am," the Granbull huffs out, watching as the Galarian Meowth found the Raichu...

This wasn't going to be good news, he felt it in his bones.

---

"That is clear from your memories," the Ditto states. "I am an Echo of all who I transform into. Everything, from every minute detail... copied and etched into my cellular data. Thus, I do not need information on who you are. I am you, and you are me. I am no one, and I am everyone. An echo."

It would take a minute before the realization of the weight of those words.

"My creator made me during the Mewtwo Project. I was an attempt at recreating Mew. But, they found a use for me despite not being their goal. I was given the name Echo, for the ability to perfectly recreate everything I transformed into. Other contemplated names were Mirror. Shade. Copy. But they decided on Echo. 'Ecological Cellular Historical Oracle.' My thirst for knowledge is close to none. For all the people I meet, I must simply know them inside and out," Echo continues, giving their story.

"But, my creator deemed me too dangerous. For if I could ever achieve an ego, I would be classified as a threat. My current trainer found me confined in an abandoned lab. Yet, he too has realized the threat I hold, and this keeps me locked away when I am not needed. Either to analyze data or to perform breedings with different trainers' Pokemon. I will say, the latter part is a lot more fun," Echo chuckles monotonously. How? Don't question how with this thing.

"I just wish to have a conversation, is all. Tell me more about this world. I have been basically locked away for thirty years, after all," the Ditto gives a wry smile.

You feel your sins crawling on your back.

---

William watched as Hatchley basically loosened his lips and let things slip. For someone who seemed so childish, he had some experience. Even if it seemed to not be all sunshine and rainbows. Though, he could notice that the young adult was finally starting to feel the effects. It would only be a minute to two before the full freight train kicks in. Oh did the Lampent just need someone to let loose with.

"Oh, I'm sure he appreciates my help... But, well, well..... wellllllllllll...." he feels his words starting to slur. Well, this was nice. Just in time too.

"Let's just say things are a bit awkward, yannow? But, enough about that... Undella... I've gone there as a kid once... with my bestest most bestest friend in the world. A summer summer trip all the way!!! We went diving, played with the Mantine..." there was a certain hunger in William's eyes now, one that he decidedly wouldn't show normally.

"But, I'm sure once the summer's out, the rest of the year is bor-ing right!?" he exclaims before leaning in, putting a finger on Hatchley's lips. "I don't blame you for wanting to get frisky... I've had my fair share of one-night stands with men too... It's fun sometimes, but others are just... too much." An intense gaze and a raspy whisper. He then gives a goofy smile, taking the finger away before sipping more of his hot chocolate.

It felt like he was melting into a sea of warmth. The memories of that Christmas night over a decade ago played on repeat in his mind. The feelings on his lips tingled. He needed a fix. Anything would do. Hatchley could most certainly do... right? Well, wellllll... he'll just have to see how things play out. A small chuckle escaped his lips. At least he could hold his human form now.

"But, well... let's just say I like to chase my pain away. Risky, whum... a little bit of green fun tooooo," he once again states with messed up words. Right, he was feeling hungry. He grabbed something savory, a mince pie, and scarfed the entire thing down. Bits of meat stuck to his face, which he hastily grabbed a napkin and wiped off. Lukas would most likely send him to a second death if this sweater got stained.But, well, he was almost at the point of not caring. The fun was truly beginning.

[ShadowDRGN]

Hatchley just quietly eats whatever satisfies his growing appetite, all the while getting a sort of... gut feeling that things are about to get complicated. Will’s voice is starting to get clumsy, growing an octave as any words more sophisticated than two syllables are forcibly defenestrated from his mind... Okay, well admittedly those words are outside Hatchley’s vocabulary, too.

So here he sits, slowly climbing to the top of the roller coaster, listening to William ramble as he hangs onto every word. Maybe it’s the magic brownies, maybe it’s because there’s just a wavelength that both of them are attuned to. Welcome to socially awkward radio, where filters go to die and the most mundane comment can become a multi-hour conversation piece.

“Diving’s funnnn,” he replies, quickly licking the grease off his fingers, “I always swam out to see the ruins. Super cool, kinda spoopy though. Got stung by the Frillish a lotttt. Nasty fuckers.”

He’s gonna miss those sub-tropical waters. The water around NFC and most of the coast is nice, but way too chilly. That just wouldn’t do. Hatchley craves warm things—didn’t matter if it came from the beating sun or a heart on fire, he’d bask in it all the same.

Maybe that’s why he doesn’t immediately panic when William starts testing boundaries. With the young man’s finger on his lips, the Dragon Tamer just gives a slow nod to agree. As fun as those halcyon summer days were, the moment it was over, the whole city became dormant again. All those times he fell for someone, only to realize that by September they’d fly forever out of his reach... he doesn’t want to live like that again.

Staring into that intense, reddening gaze, Hatchley’s eyes widen when he finally pieces two-and-two together. Green fun. Green brownie. Ooooh, shit.

“Wait, did I... fuuuuck. You should’ve warned me, dude,” Hatchley says, laughing nervously. He’d tried this once, with an old friend who managed to get his hands on a dime bag, but that was years ago, and it was weenie shit. Realizing that he’s about to get hit by a whole damn brownie, well... guess it’s good they loaded up on a bit of everything.

The Dragon Tamer had been scratching and rubbing his forearms this whole time, and slightly rocking in his seat to the specter of whatever song has wormed its way into his ears recently. Comfy. Comfy, comfy, comfy—that’s what his stoned mind repeats to him as he tucks his legs in atop the chair, and stares at William over his knees.

“Sooo... what now?” he asks in a low, hushed voice. He knows that question is entirely rhetorical, but he’s very much so hyper aware of all the eyes and ears around them. Reaching into his bag for a pen and napkin, he hastily starts scribbling on it. He’s already a shitty printer, let alone while trying to fit the words onto the only readable parts of a novelty napkin while stoned.

Putting his pen down on the cloth, he pushes it over to William. No matter how hard he tries to hold it down, his lips slowly ratchet into a smile before he just bursts out giggling at the first thought that crosses his mind.

“Just like back in school, right? Hope the teacher doesn’t catch us~”

[Missingno. Master]

The Raichu wasn't hard for Pyrite to find. Grinning toothily, the Shiny Galarian Meowth dashed up to him, happy to be greeted in such a friendly manner. "Hiya, mister!" grinned Pyrite. "Mr. Crumpet's asked me if I could go get you for him. I dunno what he wants you to do, though, he didn't say that much," she added, shrugging. "He's over there with my mom and dad." As she said this, she pointed over to where Meowth and Meowstic were hanging out with the Granbull.

~~~~~

Echo launched into an explanation of itself. Its transformations were insane- every last detail etched into its cells, every memory, everything there was to know, Echo would know. It was no one, and it was everyone. An echo.

Echo went on to explain about its origins, and Keith blinked in surprise, for this was a jarringly familiar origin story to him. An origin story that lined up surprisingly well with that of one of his own Pokémon; Echo was a failed attempt at cloning Mew. Deemed a danger for its uncommonly good Transformation capabilities, out of fear of what it could do with those capabilities if it could ever achieve an ego. And all it wanted right now was to have a conversation, to hear more about the world, after having been locked away for the better part of the last three decades.

"...Shit," Gavin remarked. "OK, clarify something for me here, Echo, dude- when you say they would classify you as a threat if you were to achieve an ego, do you mean they'd do so pre-emptively out of fear for what you could do, or is this more like they know what you undoubtedly would do? Because, like, if it's the first one, that's some fucked up Tauros shit right there," he frowned.

"Yeah, thirty years locked away, and if it's all just preventative measures for that which might not necessarily even be an issue either way," Keith added, shaking his head. "That doesn't seem right to me." He felt, of course, the eerie sensation that seemed to come with the territory in regards to talking to Echo, but he brushed it away without hesitation. The dude had spent basically their whole life locked away in solitude- whether they constituted a threat or not, that was just plain detrimental to one's social skills. Whether it was anything beyond that, Keith and Gavin figured they'd find out in due course. "So yeah, first things first, Echo, I think it's worth mentioning, you have a brother, and I'm not talking about Mewtwo," Keith stated with a chuckle. "Jack, my Ditto, is the end result of the very first attempt at Project Mewtwo. Mew's firstborn."

As Keith said this, he plucked the Violet Cyber Ball off his belt and opened it up. A decidedly more purple Ditto materialized, simple expression turning to one of mild surprise as he saw the two Gavins. Wasting no time, he Transformed into the likeness of his own Trainer. "...someone wanna fill me in here?" he asked.

"Ah, Jack, this is Echo," Keith said. "Echo, this is Jack. Your brother."

"Wait, brothe-" began Jack, before his borrowed eyes widened in dawning comprehension. "...they made another one!" he breathed. "Before they perfected Mewtwo!"

"Yeah, Echo here's wanting to just have a conversation," Gavin piped up. "Ain't had much chance for idle chitchat in the past. Wants to know more about the world just in general, that sort of thing."

"Well, hey, I'm down for that," Jack said, offering a handshake to his long-lost sibling. "Good to meet you, Echo. So there's a lot more to the world than those Team Rocket assholes. Did Dr. Cartman almost throw up when he saw you too, or did he keep to himself for a change? Dude's dead now, for the record- asshole called in sick the morning Mewtwo blew up the lab, went on to form Team Turnback some years ago- an organization devoted to trying to get Fizzytopia's old Elite Four back into power, which, suffice to say, very bad thing all around," he shuddered. "But yeah, me, Keith here, his wife Willa, we put a stop to all that, and Cartman got offed by his attempts to mind control our little brother. But yeah- world's a lot nicer than all that. Was Fuji still working there when they made you? You'd know if he was, really nice guy, actually got out of Team Rocket before Mewtwo made the lab go boom, he was another big help in taking down Team Turnback. Lot of damn decent folks in this world just like him, I can tell you. Case in point, this guy right here," Jack stated, putting an arm around Keith. "I spent for-friggin'-ever in that Coins For Prizes joint, drove the poor shopkeeper nuts with my little pranks, he always told me to clean up my act or I'd never be bought. But I told him, I said, screw that- I didn't want a Trainer I couldn't be myself around, y'know? But yeah, Keith here, he's the real deal, we hit it off basically immediately. Even reunited with an old friend who's now one of my teammates- that's a whole story in and of itself, if you'd like to hear it?"

[Lil'twick]

Lucas listened to what the girl had to say, and then looked over to the Granbull by the stairs. He then looked over to the Meowth and Mewostic next to him. Ah, this was going to be interesting, wasn't it? He holds up one of his paws to signify to give him a second, and he puts out the current tray of food he was holding. Setting the empty tray down, he walks back over to the girl.

"Okay," he says with a cheerful smile, and walks her over there. She had no clue what was going on and seemed to be more of a messenger anyways.

"Thank you, young miss," Crumpet huffs out as the duo head back, and Lucas cocks an ear.

"What's up?" the Raichu asks with a concerned toned. His brow furrowed. He knew what the answer already was.

"Upstairs is... a no-go zone," the Granbull replies back, lifting up one of his ears. "What I want to know is what is going on back in the kitchen."

"Hell," he says bluntly, before looking at the family of cats around him.

"Is this a security measure I need to take care of, young sir?" the Granbull asks in a more serious tone.

The dog then gets up from his curled-up position, stretching his old bones. He looks at the crowd before him and huffs. So much for lazing near the stairs. Yet, Lucas knew that Crumpet took his job very seriously. While he may not be the strongest in Leo's arsenal, the baker trusted the dog to keep the cafe safe. That was his duty, and he took it very seriously.

"I know Ethan asked to keep upstairs off limits. Yet, the way you speak," the Raichu pauses before letting out an awkward chuckle. "Something serious has happened?"

"Indeed. You know your trainer the best, and what's been going on the most. Well, besides the boy there," Crumpet huffs, looking over at William.

"Oh very much so, and it has been frustrating me to no end. You can only smile ever so much before you can't ever more~" The Raichu once again closes his eyes and gives a more step-forward smile with a sing-songy tone.

"I do quite apologize, to your lovely guests, to get you wrapped up in all this~" the Raichu continues, not breaking tone.

"Humph... I need a status report of what is going on in there," Crumpet states.

"Let's just say the kitchen is divided. Koda is in hangry mode, and Sandy is doing her best to keep her son in check. Honey got burned, and he is quite unhappy about it. Cott is trying his best to diffuse the situation, but he isn't Custard. And well, the twins are consoling poor Spencer," the Raichu gives his status report, listing off the name none of Meowth's family would know.

"I see... Well, I can not leave. And I need you to be my eyes and ears. So," Crumpet turns his head. "I know this is rude to ask of guests, but may I please ask you and your family to help us, madam?"

---

Echo listened intently as his 'sibling' starts to ramble on about the past. The Shiny Ditto remains silent during this tirade and then gains a pensive look. Those names and faces were a facsimile to 'him'. Only seen in records. No, their creator was very much different. An unknown variable. One who was there for very much their own reasons. And had their own private lab... filled with things only of their knowledge.

"I must digress. I am a by-product of something that occurs after the first successful experiment escaped," Echo states bluntly.

"We may be of the same building blocks." they then morph half of Gavin's face into blue ooze, before reverting back. "But I am from a later experiment. While its real name is unknown, I know Pokecryptologists have referred to it as... "Mewthree." Of course, my creator was not achieving that goal. While I am deemed a byproduct, my creation was intentional. The missteps that created our species as a whole perfected and replicated."

"With my own thoughts, as few as my own... I would label my creator a 'Foreigner.' A being who should not be within the world, but does so all the same. They have created such things as my trainer, and their previous attempts that have amalgamated as a Spiritomb. Amongst other things I am unable to state."

"Still, I am interested in you regaling your tales to me. Please, let's have a seat, a drink, and converse over fine food," Echo states with a warm smile.

You feel your sins crawling up your back.

---

William sees just how quickly things hit Hatchley. It was like a freight train, the complete dissolution of the man in front of him. Perhaps he should've warned him, but that was no fun. Writing down a response on the note, the Lampent slips it over. He then ruffles his hair as he watches Hatchley read it, and nods. The dragon trainer then grabs one of the booze drinks that were over and begins to down it. A few moments later, it already looks like he was going to puke. Diversion is a go.

"Uh, hey everyone!" William shouts. "He's had a bit too much to drink. Since I'm in charge of supervising the guests, I'm going to go with him in case things worsen and we need to get medical attention. Unfortunately, that is our only bathroom, so if you need to use one the place next door to our right has a public restroom!" He lets the rest of the party know, able to keep his words together enough to be coherent. He has had, after all, enough practice.

Getting up, he balances himself before grabbing Hatchley and slinging an arm around his shoulder. Walking over the obviously drunk man to the restroom, he closes the door behind him and locks it.

[Missingno. Master]

Pyrite happily led the Raichu over to Crumpet, where the Granbull conversed with him over the hellish state of affairs in the kitchen. The Raichu then apologized to the feline family for getting them wrapped up in all of this. "Ah, it's cool," Meowth shook his head.

"Indeed," Meowstic concurred.

"It's all good!" grinned Pyrite.

The Raichu then gave Crumpet a status report that Meowth and his family found nigh incomprehensible, the family of felines knowing none of the names involved in all this. Upon hearing all of this, the Granbull concluded that they needed help with this one, and so, while admitting he knew it to be rude, nevertheless had no choice but to ask Meowstic and her family for help in settling the chaos.

"Naturally we'll help," Meowstic replied. "Meowth? Pyrite?"

"Yeah, we got this!" grinned the Galarian Meowth.

"Wat dose two said," Meowth purred. "Youse can count on us."

"I only ask that you fill us in on any and all pertinent details before we venture into the kitchen," Meowstic requested. "I feel it would be best for us to have a rough idea of what we'll do when we go in."

~~~~~

Following Jack's ramblings, Echo clarified that they were in fact a by-product of a different project, one that took place after the Mewtwo project's success. Or catastrophic failure, depending on who you ask. "...Mewthree!" Jack breathed, saying the name at the same time as his sibling. "OK, yeah, that makes sense, I've heard a bit about that from Eddie," he nodded. "There's a hell of a lot that isn't known about Mewthree, even among the cryptopokology community, and believe me, I've talked to Eddie about this," he stated. He listened as Echo stated that their creator also created such things as... Echo's own Trainer? Keith and Gavin exchanged looks of surprise at this statement, before Echo warmly invited Jack to sit with them, that they might talk more over the food. "Hey, sure thing," Jack nodded, smiling back. "Keith, Gav, you in on this? I know you two've heard a lot of this stuff before, but-"

"But nothing," Gavin interrupted with a good-natured smirk. "This is shaping up to be a good time, and I wouldn't dream of missing out."

"Yeah, we're glad to join in, Jack, if it's OK," Keith responded.

"Well, obviously it is," Jack replied, indeed, as though this was the most obvious thing in the world. "C'mon, grab some food and let's all sit down, yeah?" As he said this, he grabbed some Cornnbread, a mince pie, and piled a plate almost indecently high with cubes of cheddar cheese from the mercifully magically refilling cheese board, along with a mug of hot cocoa. Keith grabbed a mince pie and took some hot apple cider. Gavin took a mug of hot cocoa and some of the yule log, plus a couple of the frosted sugar cookies. With all that done, Jack led the way to find a table for them all to sit down at.

[ShadowDRGN]

A peevish groan falls over the table as Hatchley reads the note. For as glazed-over as his expression is, the look he gives William reads loud and clear: Do I really have to?

The dragon tamer glances at the half-quaffed bottle of champagne on the table. Never in his life would he consider touching the stuff, not even while baked out of his mind. Nasty headache water, why must you be friends with everyone I like?

“Ugh. Fineee,” he mutters under his breath, snatching up the neck of the bottle by the stem. The deep, fruity smell is absolutely drowned in alcohol, causing him to scrunch up his nose as he quickly tips it to his lips and starts drinking. It bubbles and burns all the way down, but at this point he didn’t care. Can’t have a good time without having a little bad time, right?

Hatchley shakes his head in abject disgust as he sets the champaign back down, “fuck, I think I’m gonna be sick,” he says, coughing slightly. As he tries to get out of his seat, he stumbles, nearly falling face-first into the table before William steps in to catch him, and announce his intoxication to the rest of the party-goers. God, having eyes on him like this feels weird.

“Thanks, man...” he says, letting Will be his crutch as they both walk towards the bathroom. Between the booze, the brownies, and everything else, he really does feel like he has a swarm of Butterfree in his stomach. Sucks to have to bow out early... but—hm...

As Will is opening the door, Hatchley grabs two of his Pokeballs from his belt, and tosses them to the floor. Prince and Comet materialize before him, the former looking around excitedly at all the merry festivities, while the latter turns to give the drunken Trainer a look of concern.

“I’m alright, Comet. Just need... 10? Maybe 20. You two go enjoy the party... and well, uh, keep Prince from biting anyone, okay?” he says, smiling faintly. The Geodude looks displeased to leave Hatchley’s side, but she nods and waves for the stomping dino to join her over at the refreshments table.

“Coooool. See you in 30!” the young man calls after them. The door closes a moment later, clicking loudly as the deadbolt racks shut.

[Lil'twick]

Lucas took in a deep breath. Did he not explain the situation quite clearly? That it would've been easy to pick things up by the context of his report? No matter, he would keep smiling. He hated repeating himself, after all. Positively, absolutely, despised it. So, despite putting on a smile, his scarf was glowing blue. Channel the rage, channel the energy... channel it into something that can take it.

"So, our Morpeko is in Hangry Mode. His mom, a Dedenne, is trying to fix it. Our Ribombee got burnt in the process as the Morpeko freaked out. Our Alcremie twins are now trying to console our Dragonite, who initially tried to diffuse the situation and go attacked by both sides," he tells the woman with a slightly peeved voice.

"Usually, the Togetic who is the owner's primary partner Pokemon would handle the situation. Yet, both of them have been away for some time. Along with some of the more experienced members of his team. The Pokemon with the most seniority, a Slurpuff, is trying his best to try to fix the situation. Yet, he's falling short," Lucas continues, whipping his tail against the floorboards. Small sparks were being emitted with every whap.

"Since I very much am a fighter, I'll try and leave diffusing the situation up to you and yours~ So, come with me please!~" he exclaims in his sing-songy voice and fake smile.

---

Echo quietly sips at a cup of cocoa, sitting patiently for its brethren to begin.

[Missingno. Master]

Meowstic's quite reasonable request for all pertinent information was met with a surprising amount of barely concealed irritation from the Raichu. The family of felines was rather taken aback by how annoyed he sounded while answering the question. He was basically reiterating what he'd told the Granbull, which of course they'd all heard- perhaps this was why he was annoyed at having to repeat himself?

"I thank you for your patience in indulging my request," Meowstic said to Lucas. "I can appreciate how annoying it might be to have to reiterate something again and again, particularly when so clearly under the strain of attempting to deal with the situation at hand, and I do sincerely apologize if my request has further irritated you. However," she added, narrowing her eyes somewhat, her tone of voice gaining something of a stern edge. "If you ever frighten my daughter like that again, we will have a problem." Her voice carried no hint of any imminent sort of threat, but at the same time, there was no denying she was serious. She gestured to Pyrite as she spoke; the Shiny Galarian Meowth had backed away from Lucas, whose attempts at concealing his anger hadn't been as successful as he might have wanted it to be. She was eyeing the Raichu warily and shaking somewhat, as though afraid he might attack them, having been particularly frigntened by the sparks flying as he slammed his tail on the floor; Meowth was holding his daughter close to him to try and calm her down. "As it happens," Meowstic continued, her voice losing that edge, "your reiteration of the facts came with a most pertinent aspect that you had left out the first time- had we only gone by that, we would not have known what names match up with which Pokémon."

"We kinda could'a guessed dat Koda was a Morpeko, but beyond dat I ain't known wat ta tink," Meowth added.

"In any case," Meowstic said. "You may count on us to peacefully resolve the situation however we're able to."

"Yeah, we gave our word," Meowth nodded. "Pyrite, sweetie, youse too, yeah?"

"Y-y-yeah, Dad," Pyrite murmured. "I... I'll help too, m-Mr. Lucas," she added.

"Then let's not waste time," Meowstic stated. "We are ready when you are, Lucas. Lead the way."

~~~~~

Meanwhile, as things were looking to, ahem, happen, one of the people involved sent out his Geodude and Tyrunt to enjoy the party in his absence, and the pair of Rock-types had gone over to the refreshment table. There they would see a strangely festively colored Seviper helping himself to a few mince pies. He noticed the Rock-types, eyeing them curiously. "Mmm, do try the mince pies," he said to them. "They've got nothing on a fresh kill, of course, but enjoyable all the same. The name's Marvolo, by the way, who might you be?"

~~~~~

Jack, Keith, and Gavin all sat down along with Echo, food in hand and being gradually munched upon. "Alright, so, figure I ought to start with the old friend thing I alluded to," Jack stated. "So, when Fuji smuggled me out of the lab and let me go do my own thing, find my own place in the world, I made my way to the eastern shores of Cinnabar. And I'm just jiggling there, thinking about all this, trying to wrap my mind around my own existence, when this big 10-foot L-shaped creature just rises up from the sea- a Missingno. She and I get to talking, find a little common ground- like, apparently, some folks get a little freaked out by Missingno. for some reason," he scoffed, shrugging his borrowed shoulders. "I don't see it, personally. Weird is relative, I guess."

"Anyways, so, she and I, we spend the next several days hanging out, talking, it's clear that we're the only friends we got in the world. Then one day, this Gyarados sees us, freaks the hell out, blasts me with a Hydro Pump. Couldn't fight it, didn't have time to blink, let alone react in any way, and then came the currents. Oh, Arceus, the currents," groaned Jack. "Like, I tried turning into a damn Poliwrath to fight them, that's one of the best swimmers in the sea, still nothing doing. And the Missingno. tried to give chase, tried to save me, but the Gyarados kept trying to fight her. Never found her again after that, and it wasn't for lack of trying, believe me. At least... not then," he grinned. "OK, so, some time after, got myself caught, and when I was sent back out, it was in the old Coins for Prizes place. Decided I'd wait and see if I'd find me a decent Trainer, ended up with this guy right here," he said, putting an arm around Keith, who likewise put an arm around his Ditto. "Drove the poor guy running the shop nuts with my pranks and shit, he'd always tell me to cool it so that someone would actually adopt me, but I said, no, screw that- I wanted a Trainer I could be myself around, so whoever it was had to know what they were getting from day damn one," he stated. "But anyways- one of Keith's Pokémon is this Banette named Myrtle, used to be a Missingno. when she was alive. Neat, huh? I sure thought so, and then, this was New Year's Eve, 2015, she got to talking to me, and she revealed that she was the Missingno. from when I was alive. She thought I abandoned her, that the Gyarados attack opened my eyes to the dangers of hanging out with her or some shit like that. And I wasted no time setting the record straight. But she'd overheard me telling Keith the whole story some time before that, so she already suspected that I hadn't actually abandoned her. Really threw her for a loop, that revelation. But yeah- Myrtle's all right," he grinned. "Hell, Keith, did you bring her?" he asked.

"Fraid not, Jack, sorry," Keith shrugged. "She's back at the house, hanging out with Noxie."

"Yeah, no, fair enough, that'd do it," Jack nodded.

[Lil'twick]

Lucas realized that it was better to not really try to continue the conversation. Leading the way, he opened up the doors of the kitchen to realize things were eerily quiet. He looks around and sees the people inside seem to be cleaning up. He looks at them all, a bit confused. He then looks up at the clock and realizes the time. Right, food service would be stopping at 9 PM. He then looked around, and saw the Morpeko in its full belly mode, happily sleeping on the ground.

"It was hellish chaos in here five minutes ago, what happened?" he asked, a bit shocked.

"Oh, Koda found an apple," Sandy replied.

"Right, and Spencer knows Heal Bell..." Lucas mutters before turning to the cats.

"I am so sorry about all of this, but it seems things managed to have resolved themselves, please go enjoy the party!"

---

"Interesting," Echo states. "This is... valuable data."

The ditto then gets up and heads off toward the front door. As it does so, it leaves into the night, quickly taking on a different form. That information would prove valuable information and require more hands-on investigation.

[Marion Ette]

"I... honestly can't say whether it's a memory, or a dream, or... or something else. Something worse."

Sister Bia takes a heavy chug of her black coffee, before appearing to physically brace herself, as if preparing to take a punch. It was clear that Sister Minerva would never strike her beloved bear - and certainly was not about to in this moment - but Minerva's dreams and memories had a funny way of hitting below the belt emotionally. After another contemplative sip of her latte, Minerva continues.

"I was sixteen. It couldn't have been a month or two before my mom ran off. We had a visitor coming to the mansion for dinner, and Dad was uncharacteristically excited about it. He wasn't usually the type to be enthusiastic about anyone who wasn't his family coming anywhere near his personal space - which he often said required more than ten mansions to keep people at adequate distance for his liking - so, seeing him that way, I had to find out for myself who was coming to see him... Well, as it turns out, Dad was more than eager to introduce me.

The first thing I remember hitting me was the strong smell of seawater. Not low-tide, mind; fresh, clean, saline. The kind of ocean you'd be tempted to drown in. He was a little bit older than me, I think, with blond -"

Sister Bia's eyes narrow, and she clenches her fists. It didn't take much more description than that for her to put two and two together. She grunts harshly, and Sister Minerva shakes her head immediately.

"No, no. He didn't hurt me. He never has, in dreams or in reality. Didn't so much as lay a finger, other than to kiss my hand in a gentlemanly fashion. No, what makes the memory so disturbing is... It isn't the only one. And, for whatever reason, all of them - the whole lot - seemed to have resurfaced in my mind just recently. Of him meeting with me long before he hatched as a Jellicent, at various points throughout my life, saying beautiful things, poetic things, promises..."

Sister Bia grunts again, concern clear in her furry furrowed brows.

"Of course I don't think it's coincidence. Or natural, either. But Bia, you need to promise me you won't breathe a word of this to anyone until I -"

Sister Bia makes a motion with her paws imitating glasses, and then another as if calling on the phone, talking into it.

"I am not calling Cal. Not yet, anyhow. No, Bedivere is a dear friend, and before I start taking drastic measures, I want to just... talk to Bedi. He deserves that much. Besides, it's entirely possible that he himself is not the origin of the phenomenon. Maybe my brain is just... I don't know... Maybe this is some weird thing that I'm doing unconsciously to ease the burdens I carry. To conjure someone who I believe always loved me, and -"

Sister Bia openly snarls at this, making a pointed motion to herself, and then flapping her arms like wings, making a sour face. Sister Minerva tries to conceal her amusement at the characterization of Oroitz, and fails.

"I know, Bia. I know you both love me very much, and you know I love you both to the moon and back. It's just, there's a certain type of love that... I don't know... Perhaps I shouldn't even talk about it, being a Sister now and all. Seems... sinful, I guess."

SIster Bia sips her coffee before shrugging. Bewears in the wild generally mated as they felt the need, without getting to know their partners or concerning themselves with romantic implications. Though Sister Bia certainly showed emotional intelligence beyond that of a typical Bewear, to her mind, such acts were entirely natural, and, when consensual, were without sin. Really, about as sinful as breathing or eating. Still, she had learned enough from Sister Minerva's sorrow - and Oroitz's complaining - to know how important such things as romance were to others. Bia imitates the act of putting a ring on her claw, and points to Sister Minerva, who blushes instantly.

"I... I don't know. I thought I couldn't marry - I certainly had not planned to - but I guess as a traveling Sister, the option is likely not entirely closed off to me, as my vows are not as strict..."

Sister Bia makes a motion like pulling a ring off of her claw and throwing it away, with a satisfied nod. Sister Minerva nods in return, smiling.

"...For now, at least."

---

The Wynaut pair graciously accept their Eevee Lattes, ceasing their swaying momentarily to drink without spilling everywhere. Rhubarb's eyes light up at the prospect of food arriving soon, and she immediately seems to daydream about the meal that she's about to have. In the meantime, Callum asks the psychic pair about the circumstances by which they met - and the boys are all too eager to reply.

"I was in this institution -" says Voyage.

"He was up for adoption!" Echoes Journey.

"I was very lonely -" says Voyage.

"He was looking for a friend!" echoes Journey.

"Then this weird bear-nun, a nun-nun, and a cute Wynaut come strolling in -"

"Then Sister Minerva, Sister Bia and I come to the rescue!"

"I thought it was hopeless -"

"I thought he was wonderful!"

"I thought I would die there -"

"I thought I would die of happiness!"

"But at the end of the day -"

"It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship!"

"And we've been together ever since," the two say in unison, bopping their faces together lightly - almost like a kiss, if a kiss involved smashing one's face against another's. Perhaps, for Wynauts, they were one in the same...

[Lil'twick]

This was quite the juicy information that Thyme was overhearing from the Sisters' table, but he chose not to intervene. After all, he could feel a... disturbance on hearing that information. Time was a loose cannon, and perhaps it would be best to leave it be. All things, here and now, would eventually reach their inevitable ends. It was more important for him to serve the food for the table of five Pokemon.

---

Callum watched as their food soon arrived. A large plethora of food was set in front of Rhubarb. A Chansey egg breakfast sandwich as well as Rawst Rhubarb Pie. All for the Swalot. Though, he did notice that the rambunctious Wynauts truly cared for the other.

"I think that's truly wonderful!" Percy exclaimed, his shy demeanor dropping on how Voyage and Journey met.

"We ended up just meeting by chance one day, nothing as special as that. Though I guess you could say our connection was quite electric," Callum made a sly remark at the prospect.

"Though, we should eat. I know that the nights here aren't particularly safe..." the Minun then points out.

"I mean Cal, we could go with 'em. Make sure they get home safe,"" Percy points out.

"Sure. If you guys wouldn't mind having us come with you?" Callum asks the trio with them.

[Marion Ette]

Time passes. Sisters Minerva and Bia discuss other matters as their coffees dwindle down to the bottom of their cups, and their food vanishes, bite by bite. Mostly, the pair discuss the day-to-day matters of Sisterhood, the places and people they'd heard of in their travels who might benefit from their ministrations, and the practical matters of obtaining and managing supplies and funds for these good works.

As their meals disappear, something about the place itself felt like it was disappearing, too - sharp edges softening, definitions blurring, the paintings on the walls becoming impressionist, then abstract, then utterly absent. For a brief moment, Sister Minerva finds herself questioning where she is. Where was Hanged Man's Plaza, and how did they get here? Why did it feel like no such place existed? The woman shakes her head violently for a moment, and the world comes back into focus - mostly - but threatens to fade again.

Sister Bia notes her dear friend's distress, and in a fluid motion, gathers the used plates and cups in her paws. With balance and grace, she carefully deposits these items in the tray set out near the kitchen for the staff to easily carry back and wash. She returns to the table, reaching her paw out to Minerva. The nun takes it, using her steady Pokémon's strength to lift herself up.

"Sorry, Bia -" Sister Minerva starts, but Sister Bia shakes her head immediately. There was nothing to be sorry about. These episodes happened from time to time, and Sister Bia knew as well as anyone that her companion couldn't control them. Regardless, whatever time it happened to be in Minerva's head, there was no denying that it was objectively time to go.

---

Rhubarb inhales deeply, taking in the complex scents of her gourmand feast, before taking slow, careful bites, savoring the flavor of each delectable and delicious moment. It wasn't that she wouldn't still devour the whole world, given the chance. It wasn't that her appetite had grown any less intense. Rather, perhaps there was more to the act of satisfying, than attempting satisfaction, especially for a stomach as bottomless as hers. There would always be hunger, and it would never leave her, but being fully present as she ate, it brought her a joy that even the largest meal in the world couldn't quite achieve. Of course, she ate everything, leaving not a single crumb behind, but she did so with the greatest appreciation. At least she managed to resist eating the fork, knife and plates...

"Chance? Nothing special...?" Journey tilts his head, as if considering this explanation. "Ah, but that spark! The electricity, you call it. That, itself, is very special."

"Chance, yes. All meetings are chance," Voyage comments. "All events a probability. Some greater than others."

"If life is a game of chance, then we all rolled well to find each other," Journey merrily responds. Voyage nods in agreement. The two need little encouragement to start eating, and as they enjoy their cupcakes and lattes, their two electric companions discuss possibly accompanying their friends back to ensure their safety.

"Yes, yes! We would love that," Journey practically bounces up to the ceiling with excitement. "The more, the merrier!"

"It is our duty to keep Sister Minerva and Sister Bia safe," Voyage solemnly adds. "Any assistance would be appreciated."

"We do! We keep them safe, and our friend Rhubarb, too," Journey adds, nodding to the Swalot.

Rhubarb conceals her chuckling at the pair's assertions. The idea that a Pokémon like Bia the Bewear would need protecting seemed quite foolish, particularly by a pair of tiny Wynaut... and yet, she knew they meant it. In spite of the evidence, there was a truth there, deeper than appearances.

As if on queue, the Sisters approach the table. Sister Bia makes a motion and grunts, essentially asking the group if they're ready to go.

[Lil'twick]

The Plusle and Minun watched as a giant Bewear came over to their table. She looked at their new and old friends and motioned for them to come. Guess it was time to leave. The duo looked at each other with a resolute nod, determined to see them home safe. Even the most powerful of Pokemon could still fall prey to the city streets. Best to have a guided hand to make it out of the City of Pentacles.

As they left the cafe behind, both of them looked at each other with a sense of nervousness. This felt like some finality. That this was it... that this was the last time they'd ever see the cafe. Perhaps not the last time they'd see their friends, of course, but the last time they'd see this home. For one reason or another, they wouldn't be coming back, but it felt fine all the same. Perhaps they'd be better off not knowing the future events that'd have already unfolded. To live in some sort of blissful ignorance, with these newfound friends.

---

OOC: And thus, the doors of the Charity's Embrace have permanently closed