Reaching the reception area, Chris and the girls looked around curiously, the scent of fresh pine engulfing the air around them leaving the group with a relaxed sensation. "Ooohhh... It smells even better on the inside." Rose cooed. "It's rather refreshing really. You needn't press your face against anything to enjoy the aroma of nature." Alicia nodded. "It not bad." Serenity nodded, glancing back at the door. "Hey, don't worry." Chris coaxed, putting a hand on her shoulder with a smile. "They were kinda strange, but I promise you're safe. Haven't we proven we can take care of ourselves? That I can take care of you?" he asked, holding her hand causing the Pokemon to flush while blinking at him wide eyed. "I know what that Greevil guy said was kinda eerie, but there's nothing about any of you that worries or scares me. Your good sides, and bad sides, are both a part of who you are, both a part of what makes you unique, and what makes me love you so much! The bad stuff is just a part of the package that makes you, well, you!" Chris assured with a grin. "Besides, your powers have proven they can do good, even the dark ones. Sure it could destroy things, but it can save lives too. The only people I think are worried about it are the ones who don't have the same faith in you that I've got. If your power's on some insane level, I think that just proves how insanely awesome you are for being able to control it! And that makes me all the more proud of you." he praised, the Pokemon flushing all the more and quickly pulling her hand away. "Th-That enough!! Not need to say more!!" she replied in a flustered and embarrassed state. "Okay, okay... Just don't let those strangers get to you. No matter what anyone says, especially strangers, I'll always care about you and look out for you. It's like I said, I love your good side, and your bad side. It's all a part of who you are, a part of who I love, more than anyone or anything in the whole wide world." he nodded, the Pokemon stuttering in response as he gave her a kiss on the cheek, causing her to jolt and freeze up.
"And what about us?" Alicia asked in agitation over Serenity getting all the more attention. "Aw c'mon, you know that went for all of you." he chuckled, reaching up and scratching Alicia under the chin causing her lips to quiver before a smile appeared, her eyes going into a slight daze before he pulled the snake down and gave her a kiss as well before facing Rose, the rabbit jolting and waving her hands nervously. "I-I'm fine!! You don't have to prove anyth...!!" she panicked, only to freeze up the same as Serenity when he kissed her on the forehead, her ears shooting up while he smiled at the three. "I love you girls." he chuckled before facing the reception desk, jolting in surprise as the receptionist smiled, an elderly woman having appeared out of nowhere. "Good heavens, what a fantastic bond you have." she praised. "My my Gerald, what you've said about them was no understatement!" she added, the butler walking up and nodding. "Indeed, they're a unique bunch. I've brought them here to stay the night. They'll be departing for the town beyond the mountains tomorrow to attend the upcoming festival." he replied. "That is, I'm assuming that's still the general plan?" he asked, Chris nodded in response. "Pretty much... You talk about us everywhere, huh?" he asked. "Oh, without pause my boy! Although it's a tad disappointing having the news revealing things about you before I've had the chance to find out on my own and tell others. Spoils the fun a bit." he sighed. "I'm still not too sure how I feel about being stalked by reporters, but at the same time they've come in handy, I'll admi...!!" Chris replied, pausing with a jolt as he thought about what he did on the ship and glancing away with an uncomfortable look.
"Something the matter dear boy?" Gerald asked. "It's uh, it's nothing." Chris smiled nervously, the girls looking at one another. "So, how do we go about making a reservation for the night?" Alicia asked. "Yeah! I wanna see the room we'll stay in!" Rose added. "I ready to sit and relax for while. Feel tired." Serenity nodded, the three standing by his side while brushing away the subject together. Looking at the girls, Gerald raised an eyebrow and scratched his head confused, the receptionist looking at the girls and nodding with a smile. "Call me Isabelle, my husband and I have run this inn for many years. Passed down through the generations actually! Believe it or not, we were booked full by those expected to arrive on the Arceanic during its maiden voyage! We're even related to some that were on board." she point out, Chris going wide eyed before glancing away and rubbing his arm, growing all the more unsettled. "That nice but we kind of not want to talk about for time being. We go through lots. Check in please?" Serenity asked with her hand up. "O-Oh, I'm terribly sorry." Isabelle apologized, Gerald giving the group another curious look. "It's quite alright. Surely you've heard, and I'd assume seen our experiences? There are things some of us are trying to get past at the moment, so we try to avoid certain topics." Alicia explained. "Dear me, you're right. The whole ordeal must've been quite traumatic... Very well then. Please forgive me. Here are the rooms available at the moment, feel free to pick whichever you like most." she apologized while offering the group a book depicting the various styles of rooms within the inn. "You may sit in the lounge area over there while browsing. Please, take your time." she coaxed, Chris apologizing in response while thanking her simultaneously before doing as told.
Sitting together, they started looking through the pictures, Gerald sitting in a chair across from them while continuing to show a curious look. "Pardon me..." he spoke up, Chris looking at the butler and tilting his head. "Please forgive me for pushing the subject, but when you spoke to me earlier, there was nothing but enthusiasm from you regarding the voyage. Why the sudden change?" he asked, Chris looking back down in the book. "I'm just proud of some things, and... Not so proud of other things." he replied. "You missed a portion of what occurred, correct?" Alicia asked. "Well, yes, I did. But there hasn't been anything said negatively about the experiences o the voyage from what part of it I'm aware of." Gerald replied. "Well, you see..." Rose chimed in, looking at Chris nervously before facing the butler. "He...!!" she was about to go on, only to pause when Chris smiled somberly at her and shook his head. "I can tell him." he assured, rubbing the rabbit on the head. "Why don't you girls look through the pictures and choose what room we'll stay in? I'd rather talk to him alone... That okay?" he asked, the girls looking at one another warily before nodding. "If you sure. We try to avoid it." Serenity replied. "I know you did. Thanks for caring." he smiled, the Pokemon nodding back as he handed the book over and stood, Gerald doing the same. "Are you certain you want to discuss the matter? I feel as though I'm pushing something I really shouldn't." the butler said warily. "It's fine. Is the porch okay?" Chris asked, Gerald nodding in response before they went back outside. "I really don't think it's good for him to talk about that stuff right now." Rose muttered nervously. "I not think so either... Not like how he force self to." Serenity added with an agitated look. "Who knows? Perhaps it'll do him some good, maybe numb him up over the matter if he faces it enough. That's how many overcome their trials, fear of the dark for instance." Alicia nodded.
Gathering together, the girls decided to do as told and pick out which style of room they liked best, now and then putting themselves in a borderline position of confrontation over which was best, until finally Chris and Gerald came back inside the inn just as Serenity and Alicia were standing face to face, the sight of the two men causing them to freeze and face away from each other in a split second while Rose let out s sigh of relief. "I'm terribly sorry my boy." Gerald apologized in concern as they walked up to the girls. "It's alright... I'll get over it eventually. It was hard going against the elders teachings like that though. It's really not who I am." Chris replied while wiping an eye, the girls freezing up when they saw his eyes looked red and puffy. "Don't worry, we all know it's not who you are. You did what was right, and it seems everyone agrees. Don't punish yourself for having the strength to do what no one else could. You stood up for those who couldn't, exposed what others failed to see." Gerald coaxed with a hand on Chris's shoulder. "I've said it many a time, and I'll keep saying it. I'm proud of you dear boy. You never cease to impress." the butler smiled, Chris looking up at him for a moment before sniffling and wiping his eyes on his sleeve, showing a smile in return and nodding. "You... Okay?" Serenity asked in concern. "You look rather..." Alicia point out. "Do you need anything?" Rose asked. "I'm okay, no worries." Chris assured with a smile, Gerald nodding next to him. "You ladies have quite a man. It takes one of considerable valor to forsake so much for the greater good of so many." the butler point out. "That why he my Master!" Serenity smirked with her nose up proudly. "It is an admirable trait, albeit a foolhardy one at the same time." Alicia point out with a nod. "It's part of what makes him so sweet." Rose giggled, causing Chris to blush slightly and glance away.
"G-Geez you girls..." he muttered, Gerald unable to resist letting out a laugh. "I've no doubt the lot of you will overcome anything and everything so long as your bonds remain as strong they are now. Together, one doesn't suffer his burdens alone, therefore I'm positive you will see each other through what plagues you now, and will carry one another through whatever trials lie ahead." the butler nodded, Chris and the girls looking at one another before nodding back simultaneously. "Also my boy..." Gerald went on, putting a hand on Chris's shoulder. "Even if what you've done is, perhaps, a tad unsavory, from what you've told me of your plans for the future, you're more than making up for what you've done to those men for the sake of the truth. Don't worry... You'll be fine. There's not a soul anywhere looking down on you for what you've done, asides for one perhaps, but I doubt it's looking down on you in a bad way." he point out with a wink, referring to what Chris had told him about the being that appeared in the sky. "Yeah... I guess so." Chris smiled before facing the girls. "So... Decided on a room?" he asked, causing Serenity and Alicia to jolt before facing each other with slight sweat on their faces. "W-We try to pick, there two we have hard time with." Serenity replied. "I-Indeed, it's a difficult decision as it's two to one no matter which we debate." Alicia nodded, Rose agreeing with both rooms. "So to pick one you need another hand in the ring huh?" Chris asked, sitting next to Rose and taking the book, looking over the two rooms they were struggling over. "They both look nice, but..." he paused, looking at the pictures before pointing out the room with a balcony. "I'd kinda prefer to have one of those to enjoy the outdoors. I'd love to see the sights at night from there." he smiled, Alicia raising her head up with a victorious smirk while Serenity scowled with her arms crossed.
"I like other room... It have more romantic look." she pout, Chris looking over her choice. "I-It's kind of a honeymoon kinda thing." he smiled nervously. "Honey... Who?" Serenity asked, raising her eyebrow. "I-It's another kind of date in a way. Humans go on a honeymoon after they get married. They uh, well... Do... Things and uh..." he began to struggle, blushing with his face down while the girls looked at one another bewildered yet intrigued. "I've heard of it. After binding for life through marriage, apparently humans have this... Honeymoon thing for the sake of mating for the most part afterwards. Although they enjoy various other activities as well, for the most part it's just for the sake of bonding." Alicia point out, Serenity and Rose looking at the snake. "Mating?" Serenity muttered. "Bonding?" Rose added, the two looking at Chris before blushing simultaneously. "M-Mating..." Serenity repeat, showing an odd smile with slight drool on the side of her mouth. "Bonding... Like doing..." Rose muttered, facing down and fidgeting shyly. "Oh do mature would you?" Alicia scowled, facing away yet showing a slight blush of her own. Looking at the group, Gerald chuckled and let out a sigh. "Ahh youth, such innocence." he teased. "N-Not helping." Chris scowled. "Do forgive me." the butler apologized with a wave. "A-Anyways! The room with the balcony. That's it." Chris affirmed, closing the book casing the girls to jolt before taking it to the reception area with a slight scowl on his face. "Geez, anytime that kinda subject pops up..." he muttered. "So, have you decided on a room then?" Isabelle asked with a bow. "Y-Yeah, we'll take one of em' with this design." he point out. "Ah! That would be one of our rooms on the third floor above the front entrance! You'll get a lovely view of Frola Village from there, thanks in part to our inn being atop one of the highest points surrounding it!" she smiled, Chris blinking at her curiously and tilting his head. "Frola... Village?" he asked. Looking at him for a moment, Isabelle gave Chris a confused look.
"Dear me... Do you mean to say you've traveled to this valley without learning the names of its settlements at the very least?" she asked, Chris glancing away nervously. "I uh, know it's called Arcticu Valley." he replied, scratching is cheek while Isabelle sweat slightly. "W-Well, yes. This area in particular is called Frola Village, named after the Pokemon, Froslass, a native Pokemon that is said to have originated from the valley, but that's just a part of their tale passed down among the locales and was never officiated." she explained. "They say one of the residents here lost her way long ago when trying to pass through the mountains into the neighboring village for the sake of meeting her lover when the Aurora Festival drew near. Along the way, there was an accident and she lost her life during one of the worst blizzards to ever spring up in the valley. After that, her soul departed from her body and changed into that of Froslass, determined to remain in this world until seeing her lover once more. Many people are said to have spotted her along their way between villages, and on occasion we hear of people finding themselves lost, and/or in danger, only for a mysterious force to guide them to safety. Many believe it's the woman from the story, tirelessly trying to keep others from her fate while awaiting her lover, unaware of the passage of time with her mortal form lost forever." Isabelle explained, Chris looking at her in surprise while the girls had gathered behind him, listening in unbeknownst to him. "In the past, it's said that any who entered the mountains with ill intentions were frozen before they could commit any heinous acts, disappearing never to be seen again. So while in other territories that Pokemon is known as a threat of sorts, here in Frola she's known as a guardian deity." Isabelle went on.
"That's crazy... I-In a good way! I-I mean not GOOD but... Well..." Chris replied in surprise, stumbling over his words causing Isabelle to giggle. "Don't worry. I know what you mean. It's a sad, yet inspiring story to be sure." she nodded. "You'll notice tributes of her here and there in the village, and there are even gift shops that sell souvenirs due to the popularity of the local legend. It's rather funny in a way. One shop spouts a rumor that if you buy a pair of their key chains and give one to the person you fancy, they'll fall madly in love with you!" she laughed, the girls jolting wide eyed out of intrigue. "It really work?" Serenity suddenly asked, causing Chris to shout and jump in surprise, facing back at the group. "Wh-When did you...?" he asked, Gerald walking up while shaking his head. "Madam please don't fall for such blasphemy. It's merely a marketing ploy to get travelers to spend their hard earned money on objects that are actually as ordinary as any other." he affirmed, the Pokemon showing a slight look of disappointment and nodding, Alicia and Rose doing the same. "I'm afraid I can't deny that. I just thought it was a funny thing to bring up. I'm sorry." Isabelle apologized. "D-Don't worry about it. I still appreciate the story anyways!" Chris assured, the girls nodding in agreement. "Who knows? Maybe you too will meet the deity when you make your way through those very mountains!" Isabelle smiled. "That'd be cool but sad at the same time. Not sure what I'd say to someone with that kinda backstory." Chris replied with a look of thought on his face. "When you meet female Pokemon it never a good thing. I rather we not meet." Serenity point out with a scowl on her face and her arms crossed. "Three company, four crowd." she added.
"Excuse me?" Alicia asked with an agitated look. "That was kind of unnecessary." Rose added. "D-Do you really think of me as a womanizer or something? I'm not that type of guy! I'm just, uh, likeable, I guess." he replied with a nervous smile. "I think that suits you." Alicia scoffed with a smirk. "H-Hey!! Watch it!! I am not!!" he snapped, the snake sticking her tongue out teasingly with a "nyeeeeeh!" in response while Gerald shook his head with a sigh. "Young love indeed." he muttered, Isabelle blinking in surprise while watching the group. "Heavens, you really wouldn't know there was a difference between them if you weren't looking right at them." she muttered. "Indeed madam. I told you so." Gerald chuckled. "Telepathy shared between them... And they're actually lovers too?" she asked. "I admit it sounds blasphemous, in fact before them I thought that very thing. But after caring for them... Somehow that thought just changed along the way. How did he put it again...? Ah yes. Love knows no bounds. The only time love has a restriction on it is when there are restrictions set up by intolerant people." Gerald quoted. "Oh my. That's an interesting line." Isabelle replied. "One that does ring a truth." Gerald smiled. "This is a world where we all need someone. He's found those he needed most, and who are we to condemn him for it?" the butler asked, Isabelle nodding in agreement. Watching as Alicia continued to tease Chris, Gerald finally stepped between the two, coaxing them into settling down as the snake grinned and Chris scowled, this time sticking his tongue out at the snake. "Now who need to mature?" Serenity asked with a raised eyebrow. "Gotta admit, you made yourself look bad there." Rose agreed. "Oh who asked you? Don't ruin my fun." Alicia scowled. "Thank you Serenity." Chris nodded with a smirk. "You act pretty bad too." the Pokemon clarified, causing Chris to slump. "Gee, thanks Serenity..." he muttered, the Pokemon smiling and patting him on the head with a giggle. "I sorry." she apologized.
"Well then, if you'd like I can have my husband show you to your rooms." Isabelle offered. "Ah, uh, I'd appreciate it." Chris nodded. "What do I owe you for the stay though?" he asked. Looking at him for a moment, Isabelle tilt her head in confusion. "You're already covered. Weren't you told?" she asked, causing Gerald to jolt and start sweating nearby, glancing away as Chris blinked at the woman just as confused. "I haven't paid anything though. Wadaya talkin' about? We just got here... And I haven't made any calls or anything..." he replied. "Well, we were expecting your arrival. It was...!!" she began, only to be cut off when Gerald walked up. "So then! You've chosen your room? I'd say we'd best gather what belongings you need for the night! I seem to have clumsily forgotten your things in the barn, plus I've also another gift for you!" he interrupted with a smile, Isabelle blinking at the butler while Chris and the girls did the same. "G-Gift?" Chris asked, the girls looking at one another and shrugging. "I-I guess, but I really gotta..." he added, about to turn to Isabelle only for Gerald to hold his shoulders. "Nonsense dear boy. If the madam says you're covered, why question it? Consider it a stroke of luck, a mysterious blessing!" he laughed with slight sweat on his face while coaxing him along, all too aware of Chris's rejection of such hospitality toward him. "B-But...!!" he panicked, the girls smiling nervously and waving as Isabelle's husband came out from what appeared to be the kitchen, a surprisingly burly looking man for his age with height nearly on par with Alicia, catching the girls off guard as they looked at him wide eyed. "To their rooms?" he asked. "Yes dear, I'd appreciate it." Isabelle replied.
"G-Geez!" Chris muttered while Gerald coaxed him to the back door. "Oh yes, this is my husband, Richard!" Isabelle shout toward Chris, her husband turning and raising his hand in greeting. Gulping, Chris raised his hand and waved back as Gerald coaxed him out the door, leaving the girls with the couple at the reception desk. "B-Big human." Serenity muttered with slight sweat on her face. "Wooooow..." Rose added, looking up awe struck. "It's a... Pleasure..." Alicia nodded, taken back by looking at someone at eye level. "Talking Pokemon..." Richard replied, looking at the three. "Old mans stories are true then." he added. "Oh hush now! You and Gerald are nearly the same age!" Isabelle lectured, her husband glancing down and grunting before glancing away, seemingly showing an embarrassed side. "Not in front of guests." he replied. "My husband might look intimidating, but rest assured he's really like a Pangoro deep down. There's a tender soul under all that bulk." she assured with a giggle, patting her husband on the stomach as he scratched his cheek, facing away with another grunt. "Don't mean no harm." he nodded. "You see there? He really is like one! Favors one a bit too actually, but I think that's part of his charm. He's my great big teddy bear!" she grinned while giving Richard a hug, bringing out just the slightest hint of a blush from the man as he pat Isabelle's back. "Which room they get?" he asked, Isabelle jolting before stepping to his side with an embarrassed laugh. "Do forgive me. That's a routine of mine nowadays. It reassures our guests of their safety while giving me a chance to show a little affection at the same time. Sorry if it was too much." she apologized, the girls smiling nervously and shaking their heads with a collective "N-No problem." response.
Explaining their room, Isabelle gave her husband the key they needed and moved aside as he walked by. "Follow me, it's not far. Some stairs though. That okay?" he asked, the girls looking at one another and nodding warily. Following him through the lobby, he paused just before the stairs, causing the girls to jolt as he looked back at Alicia, glancing over her body before grunting. "Looks like you'd have a hard time. I'll help once." he offered, the snake blinking at him before finding herself easily flopped over his shoulder out of the blue. "G-Good heavens!!" she thought, her eyes widened as Richard made his way up the stairs with her in tow, unable to object due to the shock of the moment, Serenity and Rose sweating nervously while following. Once they reached the third floor, Richard put Alicia down before continuing down the hallway before them, Serenity and Rose looking at the snake as she stood frozen, her only movement coming from her eyes as they blinked before the two gave her a nudge, causing her to jolt in response. "You okay?" Serenity asked. "You look dumbfounded. Not that I blame you." Rose smiled nervously. "Q-Quite alright." Alicia nodded in response. "Going to follow? Sorry if that bothered you." Richard apologized, glancing back at the group causing them to jolt, Alicia quickly shaking her head and waving her tail in response before following. "Like I said, don't mean no harm. Grew up traveling between villages, body just turned out this way over time. It can be a harsh place here, have to look out for Isabelle too." he explained. "Gets hard havin' people scared of you all the time, can't help it though. Long as I've got Isabelle." he added, the girls looking at one another before he suddenly stopped.
"Here's your room. I'll bring you something to eat and drink soon." he point out while unlocking the door. "This is your key, just give it to the guy you came with." he added, turning and holding it out, Serenity taking it with a nod. "Enjoy your stay. Need anything, just call. Phone in there, TV, just here for one night to it should do." he nodded before heading back down the hall, the girls waving before heading inside. "My word, who knew that came in sizes like that?" Alicia asked. "That big surprise." Serenity nodded. "He seems nice though... Just have to get past the initial shock." Rose laughed nervously. "Humans weak to me, but he pick you up easy, walk three floors. It not happen much, but I say I'm impressed." Serenity admit, crossing her arms while looking around. "Still think my room better, but this okay." she added. "It's only for one night." Alicia reminded. "That why I say it okay. It do." Serenity replied while walking up to the couch in the room and flopping down with a sigh. "Say... You still feeling okay?" Rose asked. "Mm? Yeah... Feel fine. Why you ask?" Serenity replied. "You got pretty sick earlier. It was actually kinda worrying. You just started throwing up out of nowhere." Rose reminded. "Oh must you discuss that the moment we settle in?" Alicia asked, shaking her head while slithering atop the bed and coiling up. "Like I say, feel fine. Not know why get sick, but it gone now. Not worry." Serenity assured with a wave. "Okay then... Just making sure." Rose nodded before walking around the room. "I would say she saw her reflection in the window..." Alicia teased. "Not start snake!" Serenity snapped. "Oh lighten up. It's just a joke." Alicia replied with her nose up. "At my expense." Serenity growled. "Oh? Still learning new words?" Alicia grinned teasingly, Serenity twitching an eye in agitation.
Looking at the two, Rose groaned while walking up to the balcony door, pushing the curtains open before looking at the view, the sun now mostly set leaving the village lit up by lamps and windows, giving it a different kind of shimmering look than during the day causing the rabbits eyes to widen with an "ooohhh" expression on her face, her hands and nose against the glass. "Hey, you two should look at this." she spoke up, Serenity and Alicia facing her with raised eyebrows before gathering at the door and looking out together. "Oh my... Despite the atmosphere here I must admit that's lovely." Alicia nodded. "It pretty, I admit too. Look like nice place to walk alone with..." Serenity added, pausing while suddenly showing a smile as thoughts ran through her mind. After a moment, there was suddenly a knock at the door, causing them to jolt before facing back. "Hey! It's us!" Chris called out. "Madam Serenity? Alicia? Madam Rose?" Gerald added. "I'll get it." Rose offered, the two nodding and facing outside while she walked up to the door and opening it. "Hey there! This place is...!!" she smiled, only to pause as her eyes widened when she looked up at Chris. "I-It's... It's uh..." she stuttered. "About time you get here! Wait til' tell you about...!!" Serenity added, walking up with her hand raised only to pause wide eyed herself. "T-Tell you... Human..." she added, cutting herself off while looking him over. "Oh come now, what's the matter with you? Still acting dumbfounded over that huma... Ah... Ahhh..." Alicia chimed in, turning around only to find herself silenced as well, her eyes widened as a slight blush appeared on her face. "O-Oh my..." she muttered while slithering up alongside the others, all three looking Chris over.
"Wh-What's with that reaction? You're makin' me self conscious here." he replied, rubbing his head embarrassed. "What do you think ladies? Looks rather fetching, wouldn't you say?" Gerald grinned while walking in next to Chris, the butler looking him over as well. "Y-You look really... Different." Rose point out with her finger raised slightly. "L-Look lots different." Serenity nodded. "V-Vastly different." Alicia agreed, blushing all the more. "I-it was his idea!! It's a gift so I had to!!" Chris panicked. "Oh come now, they love it! Right ladies?" Gerald asked, all three nodding. "Not know what to think, but like." Serenity replied. "Really fancy... That's different. You've never worn something like that." Rose added. "Th-Thanks?" Chris smiled nervously before looking up at Alicia, the snake jolting and glancing away. "N-No good?" he asked. "I-It's fine!!" she replied, struggling to keep her blush from appearing any worse. "G-Glad you like it too then." he laughed nervously. "This outfit is a gift from all of us really. The master and Madam Angela, and myself of course, had quite a trying experience trying to decide on something suitable for you to wear here in the valley. I think we were spot on with this choice! Took quite a few tries of browsing nearly half the city to find that." Gerald smirked proudly. "You didn't have to go through all that trouble though." Chris smiled with slight sweat on his face. "Nonsense! It was a pleasure for all of us, and it was good for them to get out of that stuffy mansion for a purpose other than business." the butler assured. "They don't get out any?" Chris asked in surprise. "Unfortunately no. They could if they desired, but they can't seem to push themselves enough to do so. I've you to thank for finally giving them reason enough to enjoy life beyond that stifling mansion again!" Gerald chuckled.
"If I may, I do believe a certain someone has a particularly fond opinion of your new outfit." Gerald point out, glancing curiously at Alicia. Raising an eyebrow, Chris looked at the snake as well, causing her to jolt and quickly face away. "S-Stop gawking!!" she snapped, her blush growing brighter despite her efforts to prevent it. Seeing this, Chris tilt his head before smiling with a nod. "That makes me more confident then. I'm glad it suits me." he replied. "I gotta admit, you sure do look good!" Rose grinned. "Mm. Look clean. I mean, always look clean. But this... Uh... You know." Serenity added, scratching her cheek, embarrassed from fumbling over her words. "Stricken with awe, just as I knew they would be!" Gerald laughed before heading into the hall and bringing the belongings Chris picked out from the carriage. Looking himself over, Chris jolt when he felt something in the pocket of his vest, pulling out a pair of glasses causing him to blink curiously. "What're these for? I don't wear em'." he point out. "Not to worry, they're not real. It's more of an accessory for fashion sake. Try them on!" Gerald coaxed. Nodding, he put them on his face before looking around, blinking at the girls as they tilt their heads. "Well?" he asked. "Oh! Here, try this!" Gerald grinned, suddenly handing Chris a nearby book and making him pose for the girls. "I present to you the intellectual Guardian! Bold, brave, and brilliant!" the butler laughed as the girls looked him over. "Look like nerd now." Serenity snickered. "I dunno, kinda gives him a smart look to me." Rose point out. "Didn't I look smart before?" Chris asked with a nervous smile. "Ehhhh..." Serenity teased, motioning her hand in a "kinda" manner causing Chris to scowl.
"I kidding! Look okay." she nodded with a thumbs up. "And what say you Madam Alicia? Do you approve?" he asked, glancing at the snake once more. "I-It's fine. He looks fine." she replied nervously, glancing back as Gerald let out a quiet "hmm" and nodded. "I'd say this look's certainly a fit for Madam Alicia, but methinks the others would approve more if we held back on the glasses..." he point out. "Y-Yeah, kinda not my thing." Chris agreed, removing them and sticking the pair back in his pocket. "That better I think." Serenity nodded. "It's a big change with the clothes alone, the glasses were just a little overkill." Rose agreed. "Well then, it seems the outfit is a complete success! Oh how pleased the master and his wife will be to hear of the reception." Gerald grinned excitedly. "I'll have to give them a call too and offer my thanks. You guys really didn't have to do so much for us." Chris smiled. "Nonsense dear boy. It's as I said, it did them some good doing something for your sake, and it's an honor for me to get to see you again." the butler affirmed.
"Well then... Guess we'll start settling in. What did you girls think of that guy who came out when we were leaving?" he asked, helping Gerald put their things on the bed as Serenity jumped into the topic first and quickly exposed the part about Alicia being carried, the snake jolting and snapping at her for doing so...
Some time ago, a young man named Chris, now 23, discovered he was chosen to carry a curse passed onto him through his bloodline by a Ninetales his grandfather saved long ago, having grabbed its sacred tails to save it from falling to its demise. Burdened with this fate, which the young man now calls a blessing, Chris accepts the life chosen for him and allows the curse to guide him freely in life, destined to forever put others before himself, to forever follow the path the curse guides him along towards those in need most...
Along his journey thus far, Chris has come across a Ralts who was abandoned by her former trainer for being blind, hurled off the edge of a cliff and left to die that has since evolved into a full fledged Gardevoir by his side, swearing her life to the young man with the mysterious and terrifying ability to use the power of a Shadow Pokemon, granting her the title of a mysterious new Shadow Hybrid... Also traveling by his side is a Snivy who has since become a Servine, abandoned by her former trainer for refusing to evolve after a terrifying battle she had with a Serperior that left her mentally scarred, resulting in her former trainer neglecting and starving her in an attempt to persuade her to evolve, until he finally left her to die as well followed by a Buneary who has since evolved into Lopunny, who's former trainer became enraged due to her refusal to battle and tried to kill her off when he discovered she could only evolve via friendship...
Chris has met many people and Pokemon alike along his journey, each left as inspired by his presence as the last... He's nearly sacrificed himself to save Gardevoir and Servine from a deadly attack by a pack of Houndoom, lead by a Mega formed leader by hurling himself off a cliff to catch the two and nearly dying... Resulting in his lengthy stay in a location called Millennium City where he provided a hospital full of children an awe inspiring play room full of wonders any child would adore... Saved thousands of Pokemon eggs from dying out when their colossal incubation system malfunctioned in one of the cities many centers, and it's the location he saved Lopunny when she was a Buneary from being struck by a massive truck after being hurled into the highway by her former trainer... He's met and inspired a kindhearted old butler named Gerald who served the group during their stay in the city, and even came across the mysterious N from the Pokemon series, inspiring even this strange person during his stay in the city resulting in Chris being deemed a man worthy of keeping an eye on...
Most recently, Chris had become a criminal during his efforts to free Lopunny from her former trainer altogether, having forced his way into the city's top prison the man was held within and taking not only the Pokeball belonging to Lopunny, but taking all of his other Pokeballs to free the Pokemon within them as well only to discover the mans father was the Warden of that very prison in the process. Finding himself intrigued by Chris, the Warden gave him a chance to avoid prison time by revealing he was also the city's Gym Leader, striking a deal that if he won he would be pardoned of all crimes and allowed to leave the city.
Before the day of the match arrived, Chris found himself becoming close friends with the city's top scientist, Professor Rose, and together along with her staff they managed to complete Project Celebi, a device that could transplant sight between two people without surgery! The project turned out to be a success after Chris offered the sight in his left eye to give Gardevoir the ability to see the world for the first time via her right!
After this, the time for his showdown with the Warden arrived, and after a lengthy two part battle, Chris turned out the victor with the support of all those attending the event and beyond... To thank them for fighting for his sake, Chris gave Gardevoir, Servine, and Lopunny their own unique names, gaining the titles Serenity, Alicia, and Rose respectively, with Lopunny being named after the professor who had done so much for the group during their stay in the city...
After regaining his freedom, Chris and the girls spent a week at Arthur and Angela's massive manor on the outskirts of the city, followed by a first class cruise aboard the brand new S.S. Guardian, the first pollutant free ship in the world relying solely on solar power reservoirs! With its maiden voyage celebrating the 100th anniversary of the loss of the R.M.S. Arceanic, fate played its hand along their way to Arcticu Valley and led the Guardian to the exact location of the ships wreckage. Attacked by a massive Gyarados swarm, the Guardian was sank to the bottom of the sea, protected by a barrier crafted by Serenity which resulted in the discovery of the remains of the legendary ship.
In turn, many truths came to light in the dark depths, and after garnering the aid of the souls aboard the remains of the vessel, the Guardian managed to return to the surface of the sea once more and the Gyarados were defeated! Criminals were justly punished, a company was repossessed, and Chris was given total ownership of the entirety of the Arceanic wreck site! And now, they've finally arrived at their destination, and many more adventures are about to unfold...
I really really like the shorter chapters be because instead of one chapter a month as was common for the past 4-6 months now we have been treated by 2 chapters in less then 2 weeks~
I really really like the shorter chapters be because instead of one chapter a month as was common fo
Wonderful Read. Their talk about how they will overcome every problem together felt like it will get relevant in the future. Such sentences are often easily said, but here it indeed felt like foreshadowing. And we got some information about Arcticu Valley: Frola Village, and the lore for it. So many new storylines starting in the last few chapters and you have not even scratched the surface the main “event”. Can’t wait to see how all this develops. Also can’t wait to find out why Gerald doesn’t want Chris to know who paid for their stay. But I had to wonder about what Gerald said about Angela and Arthur. They don’t go out of the mansion often? In Chapter 36 it was a bit different. (After Chris and Serenity saved Arthurs life and they meet again outside of the restaurant):
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"I own many places, so therefore we go many places... Always busy." Arthur told him
Well this may be the business stuff Gerald mentioned, but that They don't get out any? and Geralds confirmation seems a bit misleading.
Wonderful Read. Their talk about how they will overcome every problem together felt like it will get
Gerald didn't want Chris to find out because he was the one who paid, but Chris hates when people pay for things for him.
Also the meeting back then was one of the few instances they leave, and it was primarily for business purposes. Many get-togethers like that are to mingle with fellow businessmen and such.
While there are places they go on occasion, it's like Arthur said, it's because he owns the locations. It's a work matter for the most part. As for the sake of pleasure/fun itself, that's not so much something they ever do. Not much of a reason for it. hence him mentioning they're always busy.
Going out for recreation is a rare thing, that's what Gerald was emphasizing really.
Gerald didn't want Chris to find out because he was the one who paid, but Chris hates when people pa
