All According to Plan+ Pt 9: Partygoer Droplet

Even as Jamie opened her eyes, the scientist could tell that something up. Perhaps it was the sound of footsteps tapping against the floor. Or maybe the sounds of people coming through from the other side of the door.

“Happy birthday to me…” Jamie told herself as she sat up. Turning on the light, she found herself treated to that of balloons, streamers and even a lovingly-crafted birthday banner. While a part of her wanted to be pissed that her co-workers had snuck in, she couldn’t help but appreciate their commitment.

“Maw?” Mawile greeted and Jamie nodded. Reaching out to her partner, a hug followed. Letting go right after, that got the scientist a second hug. Setting Mawile down on the nightstand right after, a smile formed on Jamie’s face.

“Yep. Today’s my birthday.” Jamie explained, Mawile taking a moment to appreciate the decorations. While there were a couple times that Pokemon Land had birthday parties, those were all focused on people. Perhaps she would get a cupcake at least. That would be nice. “That also makes it your birthday too. How do you feel?”

Mawile jumped up and down. Watching Jamie get up from the bed, she wasted little time in getting changed. For today’s outing, that meant her usual casual outfit. While it worked, perhaps a new outfit was in order at some point. Oh well. Not the end of the world.

With that now out of the way, Jamie scooped her purse up and pulled out her makeup kit. Opening it up, she wasted little time in getting herself ready. This was a big day, after all. Birthdays come once a year after all.

“Ready to go and see whatever our co-workers have in store for us?” Jamie cooed and watched her partner jump off of the nightstand. Rushing over, care is taken to get on her shoulder. Once she had, the pair headed for the door. Heading through, Jamie took the time to lock up. Turning back around, she was faced with her co-workers. Using their party poppers, care was taken to avoid hitting Jamie and Mawile here.

“Happy birthday, dear.” Dorothea cooed and watched Jamie’s face turn red. Looking away, that brought with it the next surprise - Lucia and Hatterene. “And to your beloved as well.”

Lucia looked away, Hatterene trying her hardest to hold in her laughter. Even as Jamie closed the distance and came awfully close to tackling her girlfriend. Thankfully, such an action was avoided.

“Happy birthday, Jamie.” Lucia cooed, only to be treated to a kiss on the cheek. Kissing her back, the couple ignored the onlookers. Even as Mawile attempted to copy her trainer here. Oddly, Hatterene was quite fine with this - choosing to use her hat hand to raise the deceiver pokemon up in such a way that her first kiss would at least be appropriate. “Aww…”

Hatterene shot her partner a look. Leave it to her to possibly ruin the moment. Not that she would reali-

Hatterene didn’t get a chance to finish that thought, Mawile deciding now was the perfect moment to plant a kiss right on her lips. Quite scandalous from the far shorter pokemon, she would just have to plot her kiss back. For another time. Right now, it was time for hugs. And hugs Mawile would get. So what if it had been a couple days? They had both been through quite a bit, all the more reason to celebrate. Though, the bulk of that could be done once they got to the party proper.

“So is Doc picking us up or is it someone else?” Jamie inquired, feeling Mawile get placed back on her shoulder by Hatterene. Taking a seat there, that got Jamie a chuckle from Lucia.

“Articuno herself made the trip over.” Lucia answered as she reached out to Jamie’s hand. Feeling the scientist grab hold, the walk that followed was relatively peaceful. Minus the sound of what could only be assumed to be a slot machine echoing through. Odd. The only people there should be those who were setting up the prize counter. While a front, there still needed to be people running the place and of course, products to be peddled. In this case, pokemon plushies and Technical Machines. The former, being far more popular than the latter.

Passing through the poster entrance and into the Game Corner proper, our trio was faced with the most peculiar sight. Somehow, Articuno had managed to get her talons on a single coin and had managed to turn into far more than a single coin.

"Hi Grandma." Jamie cooed and Articuno looked up from her slot machine. Waving with a wing, the group could make out the massive pile of coins at her feet. "Do you need some help collecting your winnings?"

Articuno nodded. Watching Jamie and Lucia approach, she did her best to tidy the coins into as orderly of a pile as possible. Easier said than done here.

"Anything that you want with your winnings?" Lucia inquired as she scooped up the coins. Articuno looked over to the prize counter. Currently manned by a very confused guy and girl duo, what appeared to be articuno plushies hung from the ceiling. A perfect surprise for Doc. Consider how she never intended to win anything in the first place, this was a win-win situation.

“Articuno.” Articuno announced and pointed with her other wing. Jamie nodded and scooped up the rest of the tokens. Slowly walking over, Lucia and company followed right behind. Setting all the tokens down on the counter, that brought their gazes over to the group.

“If you don’t mind us asking, Jamie, what’s the deal with the Articuno?” the woman announced and Jamie went red. Letting out a sigh, it probably wouldn’t hurt to at least alleviate their worries.

“She’s Doc’s, on loan from Lugia until we can get back his wife.” Jamie explained and was met with glazed over expressions. Expected here. It did sound incredibly insane when said out loud. Which wasn’t even going into IT, stealing this Articuno and then the incident at the picnic. While key details, they could be left out for this particular telling without worry.

“Okay…” the woman announced and watched Articuno point to one of the articuno plushies with her beak. Getting a nod from the man, he carefully pulled one down. Handing it over to Jamie, that brought with it a wing pat from Articuno. Until they got to Pallet Town, it fell to her to hold onto this. A task the scientist was worthy of. At least, she thought she was worthy of it. Whether or not she actually was, remained to be seen.

“Anything else that your grandma wants from our prize corner?” the man inquired and Articuno looked over the selection. Pointing to the plush of Lugia, it’s the woman who pulled it down. “Also, you’re banned from the Game Corner.”

Jamie held in a chuckle, even as Articuno shot her a look. Ignoring it for the moment, she accepted the lugia plushie. Holding it right beside that of the articuno plush, they looked so cute together. Hopefully Doc would like this.

Shoving that thought away, the group exited the Game Corner. But not before  Jamie waved to her co-workers. That was the least she could do here.

Outside, Celadon City was its usual self. Blue skies hung overhead, with the occasional sky to break things up.

“I trust that the Snorlax plush got safely to you?” Jamie inquired and Lucia nodded. Watching Articuno stretch her wings out, that was their cue to return their pokemon. Doing just that, the couple got onto the freeze pokemon’s back.

“Yeah. Damn nearly got escorted by you-know-who part of the way back.” Lucia remarked and Jamie raised an eyebrow. While their relationship with the water-type gym leader was okay… it didn’t change the fact that she was running the risk of getting captured and/or killed. Thankfully, she

Knowing their luck, IT was probably hanging around as well. Likely somewhere near Pallet. Heck, Iron Grace was no doubt tracking their position, waiting for them to slip up for one reason or another.

“It’s hard to say.” Jamie answered as they ascended up into the sky. Watching Pidgey and Spearow fly on by, a smile formed on the scientist’s face. “Though, Snorlax has found himself a good home.”

Lucia held in a chuckle. While her girlfriend was not wrong, that didn’t make it any less funnier. Especially as Articuno made the descent. Pallet Town was now in view, bringing with it the sight of Oak’s Ranch. Even if it was technically now the Ketchum Ranch. That had to be where the party was to happen. Considering almost all of her pokemon were there, it was the perfect spot for such an outing. Though, it was best to check in with their parents before heading that way.

“Good to see Pallet Town is the same as it always has been.” Lucia cooed and Jamie nodded in agreement. Shifting her attention over to Delia’s home, what looked to be construction was beginning behind it. Likely to be some time before it was ready to be habitable.

“Oh. Good for them.” Jamie announced as Articuno landed on the ground. The couple jumped off, taking the time to let out their pokemon once more. “Here we are, Mawile.”

Mawile jumped up and down in place and got a nod from Hatterene. Then it’s back over to Jamie. Currently handing over the plushies to Articuno, a moment is taken to look around for anyone in particular. Finding nothing, her attention shifted back over to her partner. The perfect cue for Mawile to head over and climb up onto her shoulder. Taking a seat there, her and Jamie’s attention shifted to that of the Ketchum household.

“Ready for our birthday?” Lucia cooed and watched Jamie’s face turn red. Lasting only a moment, it’s long enough for her to reach out to her girlfriend’s hand. Grabbing hold, the walk over was relatively short and sweet. Done in silence, neither birthday girl minded. They had just seen each other a couple days ago. If something had come up, they would've met earlier and discussed it.

"There's our birthday girls!" Jasmine announced as Jamie and Lucia reached the front of the Ketchum household. There, Jessie and Jasmine were waiting. Today, the former grunts had chosen to go for short-sleeved tops with pleated skirts. Done up in their respective colors of magenta and lavender, they looked super cute. A fact magnified by Mawile running up and hugging Jessie.

"Hi mom, mother." Jamie cooed and headed over to Jessie. Hugging her mother, she got a hug back. Then it was over to Jasmine. Repeating the process, Mawile headed over. Getting her hug in as well, the deceiver pokemon looked around for anyone else she could hug. Finding no one (yet), Mawile climbed up to Jamie’s shoulder. Sitting down, that got her a wave from Jessie and Jasmine.

"Do you want a hug as well?" Jasmine inquired and Lucia nodded. Walking over, she accepted the affection. Breaking away, it was Jessie's turn to get in a hug.

"How are you two holding up at least?" Jessie inquired and Jamie stared at the ground. Pulling her gaze back up, a sigh escaped her lips.

"Had a nightmare where I was captured and got transformed by whoever was behind Pheromosa." Jamie explained and felt Lucia reach out to her hand. Grabbing hold, a squeeze followed. Feeling quite good, it soothed the feelings bubbling forth. "Not helping matters is the body now being examined. If nothing else, she'll be buried in Pallet Town."

Silence fell over the group.

"Oh yeah. That did happen a couple days ago." Lucia muttered and met her girlfriend’s gaze. Taking a moment to compose her thoughts, one question came to mind. While morbid, it was understandable to wish to know. "Did you ever figure out our opponent’s name?"

Jamie nodded.

"There was a note on the handler. Fucker was supposed to eat the message but didn’t. Listed plain as day - 'Aria'." Jamie explained and squeezed her girlfriend’s hand. Getting a squeeze back, it helped.

“Wait. You found a name?” Sapphire called out as she exited. Walking over to her daughter, she wrapped Lucia up in a hug. Letting go right after, that brought Mawile into the fold. Rushing over, she hugged the scout. In turn, Sapphire hugged her back.

“Yeah. Came on ‘Aether Foundation’ stationary… for some reason.” Jamie continued and was met with raised eyebrows. Was such an organization news to everyone or was there something else going on.

“SO THEY TRIED TO STRIKE YOU DOWN, HAVEN’T THEY?” a voice announced, bringing IT of all entities into the fold once more. Carrying a pair of present boxes stacked on top of each other,  what looked to be almost sun bleached plastic that was IT’s skin on full display here. Where exactly had she gone to cause such a thing to occur to her. Better yet, why exactly was she holding presents? “OH YEAH. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU TWO AS WELL.”

Thrusting the presents out in her target’s direction, they were reluctantly accepted. Even if there was some confusion on why they were getting presents from her of all people in the first place. Jamie and Lucia reluctantly accepted. Setting the gifts off to the side, their focus returned to IT. What exactly was her endgame here?

“If you’re going to try to kill her again, you’re going to have to go through us!” Jessie announced, IT’s gaze snapping to the mother. A chuckle escaped the stylist’s lips, Jasmine glaring her down as well.

“WHAT MAKES YOU THINK I WOULD TRY TO MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE TWICE? THERE IS LITTLE USE IN BEING COLLATERAL FOR SOMEONE WHO CAN BEAT ME WITH EASE.” IT answered and Jamie raised an eyebrow. A part of her just wanted her possible opponent to go off to wherever it was she went when not bothering her. Yet, the information she had was bound to be good.

“This is in regards to Aria, isn’t it?” she inquired and got a shrug from IT. Opening her mouth, a glare from the stylist followed.

“it's all of us. they do not care who they hurt or even how. i’m an awful person but i at least have fucking standards.” IT snarled, her tone softer and somehow more threatening at the same time. Jamie didn’t even think that was possible. “given the choice, they would round us all up and use us for the sake of their experiments. but you know that, don’t you?”

Her words rolled out, Jamie and Lucia looking away.

“I guess? Or is this something that we’re not able to answer because we’re not supposed to know?” Lucia inquired and IT sighed. Why did she get the feeling that she was in for some kind of rant?

“it doesn’t matter whether or not you actually did something to piss them off. aether has a bone to pick with you and that’s final. do i make myself clear?” IT continued and watched the couple nod. Clearly not the reaction she was expecting, that didn’t stop her from stepping back. Just in time for Delia to come out. Holding what appeared to be a baseball bat, she was more than ready to take IT on.

“Are you here to finish the job?” Delia screeched and swung her weapon into IT. Grabbing hold of the weapon, she threw the weapon into the dirt. Somehow, that was enough to shatter the weapon anyway. “Was my husband not good enough?”

IT rolled her eyes.

“i don’t like committing the same acts of patricide either. but you don’t see me bitching about wounds that are for everyone’s sake.” IT countered, silence falling over Pallet Town. the sound of pidgey flying away echoed about, bringing with it their older pidgeotto and pidgeot following right behind.

“That’s all my husband was to you? Collateral? How. fucking. dare. You.” Delia screeched and stepped forward. Only for Jamie to step in front of her. Holding her arms out in such a way to prevent the mother from getting through

“WHY THE FUCK ARE YOU PROTECTING ME? I’M NOT EVEN GOING TO TRANSFORM HER.” IT screeched and Jamie shook her head. While that was part of the reason, it wasn’t the main one. No, it was more to stop Delia from hurting herself here.

“While I don’t get your deal in the slightest, I much rather that we end this conversation on good terms than bad.” Jamie countered and was met with a shrug from IT. Taking this as her cue to leave, she did just that. Turning back to Delia, she met her former mother’s gaze. “What the hell, Delia?!”

Delia rolled her eyes. At this point looking more like a frustrated teenager than someone that brought a child into the world, she reluctantly met the scientist’s gaze.

“Were you not listening to what she said?!” Delia screeched, tears falling down her face. Attempting to push Jamie away, all that accomplished was bringing her closer to Jamie. “This woman is responsible for all the bad things that have happened!”

Lucia rolled her eyes and looked over to Jamie.

“Okay… then explain Jessiebelle then.” Lucia countered and felt her girlfriend reach out to her hand. Squeezing tight, it helped a bit. All that was needed here.

“Uh… who?” Delia answered, the adrenaline dissipating from her body. Bringing with it the realization of what she did, a sigh escaped her lips. “I messed that up, didn’t I?”

Jamie shook her head.

“IT was going to leave, anyhow. You just freaked her out… maybe.” Jamie remarked as Doc decided to make his entrance. Splitting focus between Jamie and Delia here, Articuno took that as her opportunity to hand over the plushies she got him. “Hi Doc.”

Doc waved, accepting the plushies thrusted in front of him. Afterwards, he headed over to Jamie. Giving her a hug, that got him one from Mawile as well. Of course, care was taken to not accidentally crush IT’s present.

“Oh yeah. Articuno got banned from the Game Corner.” Lucia explained, Doc’s attention shifting to his ‘wife’. Holding in a chuckle here, that did get him a look from the freeze pokemon.

“Let me guess, she managed to empty one of the machines?” Doc inquired and Jamie nodded. Afterwards, the scientist raised an eyebrow.

“Wait. how did you know?” Lucia inquired, only to be treated to a chuckle from Doc here. Shooting him a look for good measure, she closed the distance and hugged the former elite.

“Miyamoto managed to get herself banned as well in a similar manner. Though, they also had rare pokemon back then.” Doc explained and got a look from Delia here. Currently scooping up the pieces of the destroyed bat, she set them all down off to the side. Then it’s over to Doc here.

“They got rid of the prize pokemon?” Delia announced and Doc nodded. Ignoring the look his granddaughter and her girlfriend was giving here, he held this chuckle in.

“Yeah. Your front looks a heck of a lot more legitimate when you don’t need to explain where you got a bunch of pokemon from.” Doc muttered as Billie decided now was the perfect time to join everyone. Making a beeline for the birthday girls, hugs followed. Afterwards, it was Mawile’s turn to get some affection.

“Huh. That’s news to me.” Billie joked as she headed over to Delia. Bending down to help her fiancée, what sounded like whispering followed. As for Jamie and Lucia, their attention shifted back to Doc.

“Are we allowed to go inside or do we need to wait?” Jamie inquired and watched Doc step off to the side. Cracking a smile his way, Jamie reached out to the door handle. Pulling it open, the couple headed inside.

Compared to exterior, it was clear that this was where the bulk of work had gone. Two stacks of presents had been set up against the wall - one in purple, the other pink. All the more easier to set the respective box down. Then it’s back to looking at the room.

Streamers had been hung from the ceiling, being met with a happy birthday banner. Done up in bubble letters, cute little mawile stickers had been put on to accentuate the message. Nothing in the way of Hatterene stickers, though. Thankfully, that was made up with the scent of cake wafting in from the kitchen. It reminded Jamie of chocolate, but she couldn’t say for certain here.

“How have you two been holding up?” a voice called out and Meowth walked up. Wobbuffet followed right behind, taking care to give his companion some space.

“Alright.” Jamie answered as Mawile rushed over. Scooping Meowth up, the deceiver pokemon took care to hug him. Meowth accepted the gesture and hugged Mawile back. Letting go a couple seconds later, he watched Mawile head over to Wobbuffet. Getting lifted up here, the patient pokemon took care to not accidentally crush Jamie’s partner. Not that he was capable of such a feat, it still was best to avoid coming close. “How have you two been?”

Wobbuffet set Mawile down. Shooting Meowth a look, the patient pokemon was met with a chuckle here.

“We’re holding up quite well. Especially with all of Billie’s pokemon.” Meowth answered and got a pet from Dragonite as they approached. Shifting their focus over to Jamie, care is taken to hug them. Even as their companions followed right behind. Trying their best to wait their turn, that was easier said than done. Especially as Dragonite moved over to Lucia.

“Dragonite.” Dragonite announced as Haoxrus slowly pulled Jamie in for a hug. Accepting the gesture, Mawile climbed up the axe jaw pokemon’s back. Reaching their shoulder, the hug that followed did get her a look.

“Aw…” Lucia cooed and watched Haxorus come over to her. Getting hugged as well, she took the opportunity to scoop Mawile up. Setting the deceiver pokemon down, she took her hug. Just in time for Goodra to do their rounds as well. Taking care to not drip on the floor and/or the presents, the gesture was the perfect finishing touch here.

“Yeah. It’s been… a learning process.” Meowth answered, waiting a moment for his audience to focus on him. Once they had, a chuckle escaped his lips. “They’re all nice, but I can’t wait for the second house to get built.”

Jamie nodded and shifted her attention over to the stairway. Looking back over to Lucia, she felt the mechanic grab her hand. Heading off, Mawile and Hatterene followed right behind.

“Do you feel any older?” Lucia joked and Jamie’s face went red. Leave it to her girlfriend to ask something like that to her of all people.

“Not really? My boobs are bigger, but I never really celebrated my birthdays. Except for that one time that I can’t remember. Probably had something to do with a legendary pokemon.” Jamie explained and closed her eyes. Trying to recall the memories of that faithful occasion, she found herself coming up with nothing here. This was just like the incident with all those Tauros. Were they connected somehow? Not likely. If anything, they were unrelated and her own mind was trying its hardest to create a connection to feel like it was smarter than it actually was. That was probably it as they reached the stairs landing.

Climbing up, Jamie took the opportunity to stop. Looking over to her partner, that was all she needed to see in order to head over and climb back up onto Jamie’s shoulder. Taking a seat there, it did get her a look from Hatterene. While it likely would’ve been easier to just have the silent pokemon float mawile up to Jamie’s shoulder, this method worked just as well. Especially as Hatterene was still a step away from the top. Closing the distance, that got her a wave from Mawile. By no means the worst thing in the world, there were certainly better gestures. But that all could be looked past here as the group headed down the hall.

“Do you think there will be a different pokemon in there this time?” Lucia joked and Jamie rolled her eyes. It was likely Sceptile. But there was always the chance that it could be someone else here. Maybe someone like Totodile. That would be nice. Maybe one of the many bird pokemon she had. That would be nice.

Coming to a stop in front of the door, Jamie took a moment to calm herself. After what had happened with IT and her mother, it paid to be on her guard. Nonetheless, she carefully opened the door up.

Compared to the last time they had been in Jamie’s old room, everything had been left in place. the only addition being that of the pictures on the wall. One from the graduation from the Junior Grunt program and another from the picnic. Taken right before the disaster, she and Lucia looked so cute in the moment.

“Snor.” a voice announced, bringing the couple’s gazes ahead. Somehow, Snorlax had managed to get into the room. Slumped right against Jamie’s snorlax plush, they looked confused. Then it was right back to contentment as Mawile jumped onto their stomach. Trying her hardest to decide on where was the best place to hug the sleeping pokemon, she eventually decided on the neck. Worked wonderfully… up until Snorlax decided that they needed to roll over.

“Crap.” Jamie muttered and rushed over. Just managing to push Snorlax upright once more, a sigh escaped her lips. Managing to pull Mawile out, her gaze shifted to the picnic pokemon. Even as Snorlax’s attention was elsewhere. “Snorlax, did something happen?”

Snorlax didn’t answer. Of all the times that Meowth was unavailable, this was one of the worst. Oh well. There were always other ways to get to the bottom of this mess.

“Is this Snorlax’s pokeball?” Lucia inquired and held a regular pokeball up. Jamie nodded and Lucia handed it over. Taking the time to return Snorlax, her attention shifted back to the room. Snorlax had very much not gotten here on their own volition. That much was obvious. But who would be dumb enough to try a stunt like this? Or was that the point? Trying to get their attention for one reason or another? That was possible. Nonetheless, she stuffed Snorlax’s pokeball into her purse.

“Hatterene, aromatic mist.” Lucia called out and Hatterene let forth pink fog. Smelling quite sweet, a familiar gardevoir-shaped figure was made noticeable.

“This isn’t what it looks like.” Iron Grace announced as the mist dissipated. Turning off whatever method they were using to cloak themselves, care was given in splitting focus between the couple and their pokemon here.

“Maw?” Mawile announced as she jumped out of Jamie’s arms. Rushing over to their possible opponent, a hug followed. But all that accomplished was the deceiver pokemon being thrown back. Stopping right in front of Jamie, Mawile took a moment to get her bearings.

“Hey!” Jamie shouted and watched Iron Grace roll her lenses. Because of course she did. Attempting to make her escape, all that accomplished was Lucia grabbing hold of her hand.

“You’ve taken something important and I’m here to get it back.” Iron Grace announced and attempted to slap Lucia. All that gesture accomplished was the mechanic grabbing hold and flinging the robotic embrace pokemon onto the bed.

“Well, you’re not having it.” Lucia announced and watched Jamie perk up. Lasting only a moment, it was more than enough to keep the adrenaline going. Especially as Hatterene closed the distance on their opponent.

“Hat hate hatterene!” the silent pokemon announced and got a look from Iron Grace in return. Sitting up, her gaze turned to Lucia. Glaring for just a moment, Lucia rolled her eyes.

“Fine then. Prove to me that you can actually do it.” Iron Grace announced and was met with confused looks from both grunts. They couldn’t have heard that… right? It almost seemed like their strange stalker wanted to join them for one reason or another. That, or they needed to do something to get her on their side. Either way, that was a victory in their book.

“Okay. Works for me.” Lucia answered and looked over to Jamie. Getting a nod in agreement, her attention returned to her possible partner. “By any chance do you have any information on a woman named ‘IT’?”

Silence fell over the room.

“So you’ve met Changer Enigma. I’m surprised she let you live.” Iron Grace announced and Jamie raised an eyebrow up. Changer Enigma? What kind of name was that? Were the people who named stuff for scientists out for lunch that day? Or was there some other reason for such a strange name for a person like IT. The scientist couldn’t say for certain.

“Wait. You have a different name for her?” Jamie blurted out and got a look from Iron Grace. Ignoring the reaction, Jamie pulled the snorlax plush over. Taking a seat on it, Lucia was not that far behind. Which just left Mawile to walk up and get into Jamie’s lap. While still miffed about not getting a hug from Iron Grace, she was willing to look past it right now. Focusing on Iron Grace, that got the deceiver pokemon an annoyed look.

“Yes. That whore has a tendency of causing trouble wherever she goes. While I’m quite powerful, there is little I can do to actually kill her.” Iron Grace continued and watched Jamie bring her eyebrow down. While she didn’t mind the gesture, it had started to get a touch annoying from her point of view.

“We know she can destroy universes and possibly change people’s bodies. Is there anything else we need to watch out for with her?” Lucia inquired and watched Iron Grace’s gaze fall to the floor.

“You cannot kill her. Many have tried, but she shrugs it off.” Iron Grace answered, forcing her gaze back up to meet Jamie and Lucia’s. Frozen expressions on full display, that answer felt like it flew in the face of reason.

“Uh, is this a case of her being unkillable or something else?” Jamie inquired and Iron Grace shrugged. Shooting Jamie a look, the scientist sighed. This was clearly a question better directed at IT. “Okay… so are you’re Nol-”

Iron Grace reached out a pokeball-shaped alarm clock and threw it against the wall.

“I have destroyed him in order to truly break free.” Iron Grace countered as the sound of footsteps approached. Jamie got up from the plush, setting Mawile down on the floor beside her. Heading over, she opened the door to reveal Jasmine.

“Oh my.” Jasmine greeted and shifted her attention over to Iron Grace. Reluctantly, the robotic embrace pokemon focus met hers. “Do I need to prepare another plate?”

Iron Grace shook her head.

“I run off solar power… and the blood of morons.” Iron Grace announced and brought with it raised eyebrows. Whether or not that was intentional, remained to be seen. “So you can skip setting out a plate for me.”

Jasmine nodded and focused on Jamie and Lucia.

“In that case, breakfast is just about ready.” the mother explained and Lucia stood up. Heading over to her girlfriend, Mawile and Hatterene were not that far behind.

“We’ll be down in a moment then.” Jamie explained and Jasmine made her exit. Turning back to Lucia, she reached out to her girlfriend’s hand. Squeezing it tight, that brought with it a look from Iron Grace.

“Just kiss already.” Iron Grace announced and got a look from both parties. Especially as Ferrothorn and Brionne came out. The former did their best to wave, while the latter chose to waddle up and get a better look at them. Reluctantly, Iron Grace accepted the gestures. Even if she did follow it up with a sigh. The perfect cue for Jamie and Lucia to kiss. By no means their best kiss by a Unovan mile, the affection they held for each other made up for that fact. Breaking away right after, the couple’s attention returned to Iron Grace.

“In all seriousness, why go through the trouble of grabbing Snorlax and putting them in my room?” Jamie inquired and got a chuckle from the robotic embrace pokemon. Shooting her a look, that was all it took to make her stop.

“I thought it would be the funniest way to get your attention.” Irong Grace announced as Mawile and company approached their trainers. Reluctantly taking up the rear, she watched Mawile get set up on Jamie’s shoulder. Taking a seat on the scientist’s shoulder, that didn’t stop the deceiver pokemon from trying to wave to her former opponent. Iron Grace didn’t wave back.

Exiting Jamie’s room, the walk back to the stairs was relatively quick. It did bring with it a new problem.

“How exactly are we going to get Ferrothorn down?” Lucia inquired and Jamie sighed. While a part of her had wanted to have all their pokemon out for the sake of celebrating, the fact that Ferrothorn had even made out of the room was a miracle in itself. Perhaps once the couple got downstairs, he could be l-

Jamie didn’t get to ponder that thought any longer, Iron Grace choosing to use her powers for good here. Even if it did take the most destructive form of just having the thorn pod pokemon be floated up into the air and dropped down below. Somehow managing to land in such a way that prevented it from breaking Delia’s floors, that didn’t make it look any more sketchy. Nor did it protect the ceiling of the stairway.

“Uh… maybe give us a heads-up if you plan to do that again?” Lucia suggested as the rest of the group made their way downstairs.Taking care not to accidentally create more holes in the ceiling and/or walls, that was easier said than done here. But the group managed surprisingly well.

“No guarantees.” Iron Grace announced as they reached the bottom of the stairs. Once there, a moment was taken to ensure that Ferrothorn was facing upright. Once he had, Jamie and Lucia shifted their attention over to the dining room. There, a far larger table than normal awaited. Delia and company were seated there, a massive breakfast in front of them. No sign of the cake. Probably for later. Nonetheless, the couple took their seats. As for their pokemon, they chose to stay nearby.

“Thank you, Ms Ketchum.” Lucia announced and got a chuckle from Delia. Raising an eyebrow, the mechanic shifted her attention over to Sapphire.

“It was more of a group effort.” Sapphire explained as she pointed over to Jessie and Jasmine. Waving at the mechanic, Lucia waved back. Even if that did catch her a chuckle from Jamie. Not that Lucia minded in the slightest. Especially as she dug into her breakfast.

While a far cry from the regular breakfast served at the cafeteria, there was a warm, homely feeling to it. The kind only found when surrounded by friends and family. Quite a good feeling after the mess that was the picnic.

“So we’ve finally decided when the wedding is going to be.” Billie announced and Jamie shifted her gaze over to her. While a part of her had just assumed that Billie and Delia had gotten married, she would’ve likely heard about it sooner. Though, there was also the question of when her own parents were going to get married for real. While that kind of subject was not one to come up during their phone calls, something about making it official felt right. But the scientist shoved that thought away.

“The plan is to have it right after my operation. That way, we can do both weddings at the same time.” Jasmine explained and Jamie looked away. Digging into her purse, she pulled a planner out. When exactly had her operation been scheduled? Flipping through the pages, the scientist came upon the answer. Staring for a couple seconds, her attention shifted to her girlfriend.

“Lucia, do you think you could do me a favor?” Jamie inquired and Lucia leaned forward. Pushing her plate aside to prevent getting this top dirty, she met her girlfriend’s gaze. “Do you think that you could look after Mawile and Ferrothorn when I get my SRS surgery?”

Lucia nodded.

“Of course.” Lucia answered and raised a finger to her chin. While she could just check on Mawile’s pokemon, it would also be a good idea to at least be there for her girlfriend when the time comes. Finishing up her breakfast, Lucia caught a glimpse of Iron Grace here. Already beginning the process of moving the presents over. Taking care not to destroy any of them, she set them down in front of the respective grunt. By no means a massive haul, this was more of a case of the thought going into the gift. Even if the ones they were likely to start with were likely IT’s. Which is exactly what they started with. Taking care to pull the paper off, the lid of the present came off easily. Staring down, the pair was met with a glass bottle filled with pink liquid and a note. Scooping the note out, care is taken in bringing it up to their faces.

Uh… I’m not good with gifts. This stuff is from Paldea rather than Celadon. So I hope this helps.

-IT, with help from Iono

Jamie raised an eyebrow.

“It’s a nice gift… I think?” the scientist remarked and set the perfume bottle on the table. Lucia did the same, taking a moment to set the note beside it. Best to keep it on hand on the off chance that things did change. Then it was just a matter of putting the boxes in a spot that they could be cleaned up once this was all over.

Next up was a pair of rather small boxes from Jessie and Jasmine of all people.

“This was kind of a last minute idea, so we hope you don’t mind.” Meowth explained and caught a look from Wobbuffet of all pokemon. Shooting him a look back, it took everything in the couple’s power to not laugh. Forcing their attention over to the boxes, care is given for the opening process. Jamie was the first to get her little box open, carefully reaching down to see what was inside. In this case, a pair of green orb earrings. A proper set like her mother’s, Jamie tried to recall whether or not her earrings were pierced. They weren’t. But that was likely a simple thing to rectify. Looking over to Lucia, the mechanic was holding up a pair of purple teardrop earrings.

“What do you think?” Jessie inquired and brought her camera out. Snapping a picture, she was met with two smiling faces. Holding in a chuckle here, she showed the picture to Jasmine. Getting a smile for that, Jessie brought the camera down and focused on her daughter.

“I like them.” Jamie remarked and kept her new earrings close. Just in time for the next set of gifts to be placed in front of them. Looking to be from Doc, the couple wasted little time in getting the packaging off. Taking the form of a set of lopunny-shaped mechas, both grunts shot Doc a look.

“I know this is an odd gift, but it was the first thing to come to mind.” Doc cooed and got a look from Iron Grace as well. Shifting her attention over to Jamie and Lucia, they looked happy at least. Which was all that mattered when it came to gifts here.

Next up was Sapphire. Placing an envelope right in front of the couple before returning to her seat, a chuckle escaped her lips. Nonetheless, they opened it up. Just with a bit more care than some of the other things they had been given so far. Inside, was a pre-paid ticket to Mistralton City in Unova of all places. Nothing in the way of an expiration date, the only caveat being that they had to go through the Pewter City International Airport. A fair trade-off in everyone’s books.

“While I know you would like to go directly to Galar, that simply isn’t an option.” Sapphire explained as Jamie looked over the ticket. While a part of her had debated just finding someone to take her directly to Galar, this was a good enough solution here. Yet, the scientist couldn’t shake the feeling that there was a catch here. One not intended by Sapphire or anyone here. Trying as Jamie to decipher these feelings and the reason for them, she found herself coming up empty. Oh well. She and Lucia would just cross that bridge when they reached it.

“One last gift.” Delia announced and stood up. Squeezing Billie’s hand one more time for good measure, she walked over Jamie and Lucia. Setting a box down between them, a sigh escaped the former mother’s lips. “Sorry if this feels like a bit of a cop-out, but this one is more for Jamie than Lucia.”

Lucia chuckled.

“I got something earlier that makes up for it.” Lucia answered and looked at Iron Grace. Getting a glare back, the mechanic shifted her attention back over to her girlfriend. Watching Jamie open the present box up, she carefully reached in. Out came a small metal chick - a skarmory. Nowhere close to being big enough to be ridden yet, that would likely rapidly change.

“Maw?” Mawile announced and jumped over to her new sibling. Doing a quick once over, she went in for the hug. By no means the gesture Skarmory was expecting here, they still accepted it. Even if their attempt at a hug left much to be desired.

“Welcome to the team, Skarmory.” Jamie cooed as Jessie snapped another picture. Taking the time to smile, she hoped that it resulted in something nice.

.

Campsite, Viridian Forest

Misty Waterflower knew this wouldn’t go over well. That much was obvious. At the same time, it was now or never. She had framed this as a vacation in the wake of what had happened.

“How are you feeling, Araquanid?” Misty inquired and watched her beloved lean into her body. The massive droplet suit awaited use, but that of course took time to get into. For now, she, their children and their special someone needed to hang low. Perhaps for a couple months. At least until they could make their return. “I’m happy to hear that.”

Heading over to the droplet suit,  Misty took a moment to look around for anyone who might be dumb enough to try and snoop. Finding no one of the sort, she slipped in. Feeling it close around her, relief rushed over the water gym leader’s body. There was no need to worry at this point. While Araquanid were not native here, who would actually go through the trouble of hiking into the deepest part of the forest.

“Ara!” Droplet announced and waited a moment for Araquanid to close the distance. Nuzzling her once, it felt amazing. Hopefully, that feeling would remain for the next couple of months.

.

Meanwhile in another universe…

IT paced back and forth. After *that* moment, she had wanted to get back to Aria-watching. But, the forces-to-be had other ideas.

“So you’re that strange eldritch makeover machine that might need to take an eye on?” a voice called out and IT looked to her left. Standing before her was a woman. Dressed in the same crimson kimono as her predecessor, an air of cockiness hung over every word spoken. Normal for those who Her Radiance chose to be her successors.

“YOU COULD SAY THAT.” IT answered and met the woman’s gaze. Clearly not happy to see her, that could be looked past here. When things were happening on a time scale that was nearly immeasurable, they had more than enough time to get

“Uh… by any chance do you see Her Radiance? I just woke up and have no cl-” the woman countered, only for the small Ho-Oh to land on her. Giving a poke, that was enough to get her in line. At least for the moment.

“BEST OF LUCK WITH YOUR NEW PRIESTESS.” IT muttered and gave a wave. Not even getting a wave back, she just watched as her radiance and their priestess made their exit. Turning back ahead, a lady in blue headed off in the direction of the clothing shop. Watching intently, the stylist allowed herself to relax.