Deuce explained to Lia, Theo, and the other two why he was so determined to become an honor student.
"Back when I was in middle school, I was pretty much the definition of a 'Problem child. I'd skip school for no reason, pick up a lot of fights, cause trouble for my teachers, hang with the bad crowd, bleach my hair; there even been some times I would blaze down neighborhoods with my Magic Wheel and gloat whenever I showed off my magic to the kids who couldn't use it yet. To summarize it all, I was a punk. A total delinquent."
"In other words, you were more annoying before, than you are now?" Grim questioned.
"Grim," Theo glared at him.
"There have been times I've seen you act up. But to be honest, I'm having a hard time picturing you doing all that." Lia said.
"Pikachu," (Tell me about it,) Pikachu agreed.
"That's because I decided to change after I overheard my mom talking to my grandmother over the phone one night. She was trying to hide it, but I could tell, I could tell that she was crying. I heard her crying to my grandmother saying that she thought of herself as a terrible mother and that she never should have tried to raise a child on her own. But that wasn't the case at all! It wasn't her fault; it was never her fault! It was all me, all the stuff I've done was due to my own stupid, selfish choices. That's why on the day the Black Carriage arrived to take me to Night Raven, my mom was so thrilled that I was accepted that I vowed I would never make her cry again. I will become an honor student that she'll be proud of. But, despite all that, I messed up again!" Deuce scolded himself.
"Oh, come on, even honor students have to stand up for themselves to big jerks like that right?" Grim said.
"Huh?"
"If you ask me, I would have pounded those losers to tuna paste!" Grim declared, making gestures of punching someone.
"Pika, Pika, Pikachu!" (Yeah! Those guys were asking for it!) Pikachu agreed also as sparks were flying from his cheeks.
"They're right Deuce, it's okay to get angry and fight fire with fire sometimes. However, you have to make sure that you don't overdo it. We're both lucky that Theo showed up when he did." Lia began to speak up.
Deuce still didn't look convinced. This time, Theo spoke to him. "Deuce, you may have been a problem child in the past, and still tend to let your temper lose. But, knowing now that violence isn't the answer to everything or solve your problems; is a good first step to your goal."
Deuce looked at Theo, taken aback by what he was saying. Theo smiled at him as he placed his hand on Deuce's shoulder. "As you've stated before, this is just the start of a new path you've set for yourself. As long as you feel strongly about it and are really determined, then you'll bounce back on track from the mistakes you've made. So don't sell yourself short and keep it up. And you'll be able to achieve your goal in no time at all."
"Theo,"
"He's right you know." Deuce looked over to Lia, who also was smiling warmly at him. Making him blush just a bit.
"No matter how easy or hard our goals seem, we're all bound to mess up along the way. But if we keep doing our best and keep trying, all those efforts will be worth it in the end." she then walks up to him, "And I don't think your mom was disappointed in you at all."
"What do you mean?" Deuce asked.
"She was just worried for you. Like any other mother, they want their child to have a bright future. It's just sometimes hard for single mothers. They struggle with their goals too. Take my mom for instance, she did her best to provide for me since my dad wasn't around. Believe it or not, I've been into fights, and the other party would look way worse than me." Lia awkwardly admitted that last bit to him.
"You!? Causing trouble yourself?!? Now that I find it really, really hard to believe." Deuce said, shocked at what he just heard.
"If Persian were here, he would tell you otherwise straight out." Lia chuckled. "And believe me, I felt bad too for what my mom had to put up with. But, I knew better right than that I just needed to do better and make things right. As long as I have a conscious and support from the ones I can count on; then I know that everything is going to be fine."
Deuce stares at the two for a few seconds then sniffs with a smirk, "Thanks guys,"
"By the way, can I ask what was with the whole 'my girl, thing? ~" Lia asked, giving Deuce a smirk and mocking brow.
"Gah! I swear Lia I didn't mean anything by that! I was just so ticked off with how rude they were to you, and, and." he stopped when he heard Lia laugh, making him fluster even more.
"It's alright Deuce, I understand what you meant. If anything, I'm sure you'd act the same way if it was your mom." Lia said.
"After all, you said you're the only man in your home, right?" Theo questioned.
"Pika, pi, Pikachu!" (Meaning you got to be the one to protect your loved ones and companions!) Pikachu added.
"Kubfu, Fu!" (There's no shame in defending the honor of others!)
Everyone paused as they looked down and saw a grey and white bear-like (assuming it was a bear to Deuce and Theo) creature, looking at Deuce with determination.
"Who and what the heck are you?" Grim questioned, looking at the creature suspiciously.
"Kubfu!? How in Arceus's name are you here?!" Lia shouted in shock.
"Kubfu??" Deuce, Theo, and Grim questioned.
*Allow me!* Rotom announced, popping out of Lia's bag suddenly.
"You never miss a cue, do you Rotom." Lia sighed at him.
*When it comes to teaching others Pokémon, nope!* Rotom replied gleefully. He then hovered over to Kubfu and began his explanation. * 'Ding!' Kubfu; the Wushu Pokémon, a fighting type. Kubfu trains itself hard to perfect its moves, to be ready for any fights. The moves it masters will determine which form it takes when its time comes to evolve.*
"Fascinating, what are these types that you all keep mentioning?" Theo questions.
"When we say 'types, we mean the special attributes that determine the strengths and weaknesses of the different Pokémon species. They lay the foundation of a complex yet mostly logical system, in other explanations like the 'rock-paper-scissors' phrase or 'balance of powers'. This system applies to every Pokémon and their respective moves. It also tells you their advantages and disadvantages that are based on common sense. For example, Fire-type Pokémon are weak against Water-type Pokémon. And Steel-type is weak against Fire-types. For main attributes, a Pokémon can be one or two 'types. But for weaknesses, they can go up to maybe ten or more depending on the Pokémon. " Lia explained.
"Just how many of these 'types, are there anyway?"
"Pikachu," (At least eighteen) Pikachu answered.
"Eighteen? I thought there'd be more, and a Pokémon's type and weakness varies from them?" Theo asks.
"Yep/Pi," Lia and Pikachu nodded to him.
"And those 'types are?"
"Normal, Fighting, Fire, Water, Grass, Rock, Ground, Steel, Ice, Flying, Poison, Electric, Psychic, Dark, Ghost, Fairy, and last but not least, Dragon. And at the moment, Dragon types are considered the strongest type in the Pokémon species." Lia says.
"I believe it, the dragons here are also considered the strongest when it comes to the creature kingdom," Theo said.
"Anyway, back to the subject before, I know for a fact Kubfu was nowhere near my house when the whole transportation thing happened," Lia stated, getting back to the main situation.
"Didn't you say that the deity from your world assigned you a task that involved the kids? What if there's a chance that they included the Pokémon from your home as well?" Deuce thought.
"Maybe, but there are a lot of Pokémon at my home that still doesn't trust humans after the ordeals they went through." Lia pointed out.
"I take it that includes Kubfu?" Grim guesses.
"Actually, Kubfu is one of the indigenous Pokémon species that live in the region I'm from. They come and go as they please, and like other certain Pokémon species; they chose their trainer. My best assumption is Kubfu came up to Deuce because he was impressed with how he was willing to defend me and the others against those knuckleheads." Lia assumed.
"Pika, pika." (I think so too.) Pikachu agreed.
Lia then handed Deuce an empty Pokéball. "I'm sure you know what to do from here. You've seen Ace do it."
"A-Alright," Deuce walks up to Kubfu and kneels down with him. "I'll try my best to be a good partner for you, that said, will you also help me with my goals?" he asked.
"Fu!" (Absolutely!) Kubfu proclaimed.
Deuce nodded with a smile, then tapped Kubfu on the head with the Pokéball. It immediately opened and captured Kubfu, the minute it made the locking 'ding sound. Deuce started to feel giddy inside.
"Congratulations Deuce, you caught your first Pokémon." Lia smiled.
"Pikachu!" (And a really cool one at that!) Pikachu beamed.
"From its description earlier, I highly doubt anyone would want to mess with you again," Theo smirked.
Deuce smiled at them again. "Again guys, thanks. I'll make sure that Kubfu and I will get along great. And" he goes over to the smashed eggs, "I just hope these chicks can rest in peace." He sympathized with the eggs. Making Lia and Pikachu confused.
"What's he talking about?" Grim asked.
"Let me handle it," Theo walks up to Deuce with a blank expression. "Deuce, I don't know how to break it down to you but, you do realize that chickens don't live in eggs once they're fertilized right? Those eggs weren't so they weren't going to be a chick's, to begin with."
"Huh?!"
Theo then turns to the other three, "Why don't I get you guys a new carton of eggs?"
"That would be great, we'll pay you back when we can," Lia replied.
Theo shook his head. "No need, it's the least I can do after all this. Plus, there's something I need to talk to you about."
"What's that?" Grim asked.
"I'll tell you when we get to the kitchen." Theo winked at them. Then, all of a sudden, Deuce cried out,
"ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?!?!"
________________________________________________________________________________
When the group got back to the kitchen, accompanied by Theo. Ace and Trey didn't hesitate to greet them back. The twins on the other hand were busy cleaning while giggling their heads off.
and for some reason, Ace looked. . . excited?
"You guys are finally back, took you long enough. What gives?" Ace asked, not dropping his smile.
'What'd he do while we were gone?'
"Long story short, we had a bit of a mess coming back. Good thing Theo here helped us out." Grim exclaimed.
Trey turned to his fellow third-year. "What happened?"
"Let's just say some classmen were giving them a hard time, having some of the items they got had to be rebought. But, it wasn't that big of a deal. Honestly, I'm almost surprised how immature some students are becoming these days."
Trey lightly laughed and patted his shoulder. "Oh well, what can we do?"
"Where'd Persian go?" Lia asked, not seeing the 'Classy cat Pokémon anywhere.
"He went back to your dorm to make sure everything is alright and to get dinner for you guys started."
Ace went up to Lia, "Hey Lia, do you by any chance have any more of those unused balls?"
"Why?" From her shoulder, Pikachu noticed something behind Ace's legs. Jumping off to get a closer look, he couldn't believe his eyes.
"Pika!?" (You!?)
"Char!" (Hia!)
Ace awkwardly chuckled as he scratched the back of his head and stepped to the side. "This is why," Looking down, Lia had the same reaction as her partner. Next to Ace and Pikachu was an orange ape-like creature with its backside all a flame.
"Chimchar?!"
"He's not the only one here, look over to the kids." Trey pointed to the counter, over to the right where the kids were at, sure enough, there were two other Pokémon playing with some of the clean dishes with them.
Both looked a little similar to Pikachu, except they were half his size with the base color being cream and their cheeks and parts of their bodies being red and blue. Their tails were different too, the red one's looked like it was a plus sign, while the blue one's were a minus sign.
Lia leaned her head back while dropping her hand over her face. "Of course, Plusle and Minun too. *Sighs* I feel like my stay here at this school will be one heck of a rollercoaster ride."
"When did they show up?" Grim asked.
"About a few minutes after you guys left. The little fire chimp here startled Ace a bit as he was loading the stove with some more firewood." Trey laughed as he explained.
Maddie snickered. "You guys should have seen the look on Ace's face when he jumped."
"I thought it was you or the Pokémon handing me the logs okay!"
Matt smirked while adjusting his glasses, "While we were on opposite sides of the room?"
Ace glared at him, "Watch it, kid."
Trey pointed at Plusle and Minun "And those two over there were messing around with the dirty dishes with the kids after that; pretending to be knights with the pots and ladles,"
"Yeah, those two are kind of known for their playfulness. They're both called the 'Cheering Pokémon. They like to cheer on their partners and trainers. When they're really excited, they'll emit sparks of electricity from their bodies. For as long as I can remember, I've never seen one of them without the other."
"Well, I'm guessing from their names they're both Electric types?" Theo guessed.
Pikachu nodded. "Pika, Pi, Pi." (Yep, just like me, only two this time.)
"And it's pretty obvious that Chimpy here is a Fire-type like Moi here. Only, I'm way better." Grim gloated. Making the said 'Chimp Pokémon glared at him and huff a blaze of fire at his tail. "Youch!" he cried out.
"Chimchar! Chimchar, Chim!" (My name's Chimchar! Not Chimpy you weirdo Meowth!)
"Who are you calling a weirdo!? And I'm not a Meowth! Whatever that is,"
Lia quickly separated the two before things could escalate, "Alright, break it up. This is not the time or place to be fighting. Chimchar, from what I've seen and heard; I take it you want to be with Ace?"
Chimchar nodded happily. "Char!" (Yep!)
"Alright then," Lia pulled out another Pokéball from her bag and handed it to Ace. "You know the drill."
Ace smirked. "Like you need to explain," As he was capturing his now second Pokémon, Lia walked over to the two 'Cheering Pokémon. Making the said to stop what they were doing and looked at her.
"Alright you two, as it seems like you haven't picked out your trainers yet. You're going to have to come back to the Ramshackle dorm with me, Pikachu, and the kids. Everyone else is there too."
The two Pokémon nodded happily to her as they jumped into the twin's arms. "Guess that's settled," Matt smiled.
"Shall we finish up with the tarts then?" Trey asked with a smile, his Alcremie doing the same.
"Heck yeah!/Pikachu!"
After finishing and prepping the bases of the tarts, Trey started to explain how to finish it off with the final touches. "Now then, the last part we need to do is to add the chestnut cream we made, then top it off with the marrons."
"Then later we chow down, right? Now I'm pumped!" Grim exclaims excitedly.
"and I thought munchlaxs were gluttons," Matt whispered to his sister.
"Hey! I heard that! Uh, what's a Munchlax?"
Lia couldn't help but chuckle a bit at their antics, after a few more minutes of icing the tarts, Ace placed the glazed marrons on top of his, making it officially done.
"Alright, now just sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar on top and . . . Finished!"
"Finished!/Pika!"
"fin. . ished. . . " Deuce drawled, the kids went over to him to see what was wrong.
"So, mind telling me what's his deal? Did something happen to you guys while you were getting the stuff?" Ace whispered to Lia.
"Well, I can't exactly say as I'm a bit lost myself,"
"Let's just say, he's dealing with some 'egg trauma. Better to let him work it out himself." Theo explained, hearing their little chat.
"Pika, pika, pi?" (Are you sure that's a good idea?) Pikachu sweat-dropped at the said spade boy.
"For the past sixteen years. . . I believed for sure that," Deuce muttered under his breath.
"Whatever, I'm beat. All this tart-making really takes a toll on you."
Lia shrugged at him. "No one said that baking is easy."
Maddie nodded. "You can say that again,"
"Uh, you only cooked once, sis. And didn't go so well."
"Hey! You have no room to talk as you never cooked in your life!"
"Can we just have our share already?! My tastebuds have been itching for a bite all day!" Grim yelled out.
All of a sudden, Cater shows up, looking as chipper as ever. "Sup everyone! Working hard and baking up a storm here?"
"They've actually just finished, and it all turned out pretty well," Theo said, helping Trey put the dishes away.
"Oooooooo, they look so cute and tasty! Lemme take a quick snap of it for Magicam! Others are gonna love it!" Cater beams, instantly pulling out his phone and taking a quick picture of one of the tarts.
Ace, however, wasn't pleased, "Oh so, Now you decide to show up? Awfully convenient that you come in for the taste-testing,"
"Hey, hey, cut me some slack, I just came to see how hard my little newbs were working," Cater replied, trying his best to not laugh out loud.
Trey decided to jump in to ease the coming tension. Handing a plate to everyone, including the Pokémon. "Well, it's tough to work if you're not used to it. But there's no better cure for ailing fatigue than something sweet from the oven! These slices are for you guys, help yourselves to some freshly made chestnut tarts."
The twins and Pikachu cheered. "YAY!/Pika!"
'Like Leon and Hop whenever I make cinnamon doughnut holes.' Lia happily thought.
"Hey, hey, hey, anyone gonna tell me who these little cutie pies are?" Cater waved, pointing at Maddie and Matt.
"I'm Matt, and this is my sister, Maddie, we're staying with Lia till our cousin is done with her work."
"We're also helpers in the school too!"
Cater couldn't help but think they were the cutest pair he's ever seen. "Oh yeah? Guess I'll be seein you guys around a lot huh?" suddenly, he just realized something, "Hold up, I almost forgot. You mind giving three more slices out Trey?"
"Um, sure,"
"What for, Cater?" Lia asked.
Cater flashed her a wink, "Glad you asked Little Cutie. ~" he then made a whistling noise, "Alright guys, it's all good now!"
To Lia's and everyone else's shock, the 'friends Cater was talking about were two Pokémon, one that was a yellow and orange foxlike creature, and the other had a paintbrush for a tail.
And. . . another Grim?
"Oh great, another hotheaded furball?" Ace groaned.
"Hey! Watch it!"
"Except, this one's ears and eyes are purple. And it doesn't have a magic stone." Deuce pointed out.
When Deuce said that Lia took another look at the 'Grim copy. And sure enough, Deuce was right. The other did in fact have flaming purple ears and eyes. And it didn't have a bow to hold a stone. Using her aura, she looked into the copy's aura. When she was finished, she almost face-slapped herself for not figuring it out sooner.
"That's because it's not another 'Grim, that's a Pokémon taking on a form similar to him."
"Huh!?" The boys and monster jumped.
"Pikachu, pi?" (It's a Ditto, isn't it?)
"Yep," Lia nodded.
As soon as Pikachu said that the other 'Grim suddenly lit up in a ray of colored light and formed into a small purple blob with a tiny face.
"I honestly was expecting more," Ace said. Earning him a whack upside the head courtesy of Pikachu.
"Pika, Pi, Pika." (Don't be rude)
"Yeah! Ditto's are just as cute as the rest of the Pokemon!" Maddie argued, picking up the Ditto and hugging it.
"So, how did you find these guys?" Grim asked Cater.
"Fennekin!" (I'm a girl!)
"You know what I mean!"
"It's an interesting story, I found Arty here after you guys left when helping me with the roses. He was pretty much doing the same thing with the bushes in the far east side of the gardens. Morphy was there too in a similar form, drawing a picture of little Leelee here. ~" Cater gushed at the end as he held Fennekin close to his face and cuddled with her.
"And you named them, wait, don't Pokémon already have names?" Deuce asked.
Lia shook her head and explained. "They're just the names of their species. Trainers have the right to name their Pokémon however they want if they want to. Or they can just go with the Pokémon species name."
"Makes sense, I mean if I were to lose track of Pikachu in a group of his species, I'd have no hope of finding him," Ace said.
"Not necessarily, if a trainer's bond with a Pokémon is strong enough, they can tell the difference between another of its species instantly. Also, if you were to lose my Pikachu in a group, you'd find him with no problem. Because, unlike a normal Pikachu, mine's a Shiny."
Ace looked at her oddly "A shiny? What does that mean?"
"And what do you mean by 'normal Pikachu?" Deuce asked next.
"Rotom,"
*Certainly! With over nine hundred and counting species of Pokémon, there is a handful of other Pokémon in each species. Those Pokémon are called Shiny Pokémon. They defer from others because they have a different color scheme than what their fellow species normally look like.* Rotom then pulls up a picture of what a regular Pikachu looks like.
Cater leaned forward "Huh, so a normal Pikachu is more yellow, while yours is more orange-like yellow,"
"Yep,"
Theo looked even more fascinated "So, they're different just by color. Huh, these creatures are more and more interesting by the minute."
Deuce agreed, "And there's only a hand full of these shiny Pokémon in each species?"
"That's right, in a way, they're considered rare. But not as rare as certain a species."
"And what species is that?" Ace asked.
"That's a story for another time, now let's help ourselves to some tarts before Grim snaps and eats them all himself," Lia states as the said cat monster was pretty much drooling a puddle, making Maddie and Pikachu stare at him blankly.
"think he's related to a munchlax?"
"pika," (looks like it to me)
Trey lightly chuckled. "Right, go right ahead."
"Finally! The delicious smell was getting to me! The glossy chestnut on top, and fluffy cream below, I can't wait for another second longer! Bottoms up!"
The moment everyone took a bite of their slices, their eyes were about to pop right out of their sockets. Grim and the Pokémon however acted like they were in sweet heaven.
"Oh, Dang!" Ace said shocked.
"It's like we bought it out of a fancy bakery!" Deuce implied.
"Now this is what I call a chestnut tart, if Opal were here she'd be going nuts. Pun not completely intended." Lia said.
Theo laughed, "I get it."
"Pikachu~" (So yummy~) The other Pokémon and kids agreed.
Grim kept liking his lips happily, "So rich in flavor, yet not too sweet. . . *munches* It's like the chestnuts are dancing on my tongue!"
Trey laughed with an awkward smile. "I. . . take it that's a good thing?"
Lia giggled. "I'm pretty sure it does, oh, is it alright if I save some to share with the rest of my Pokémon?" \
"Sure, since we made plenty, you can take a few."
"Thanks,"
"Oh yeah, hey Trey, do the 'thing real quick. I'm sure they'll love it!" the group, excluding Theo, looks at Cater confused.
"Hmm? The 'thing? Oh right, that. What's everyone's favorite food to eat?" Trey asked them.
"Huh? Well, for me, it'd probably be hamburgers and cherry pie." Ace answered.
"Canned Tuna is at the top of my list; along with cheese omelets, roast meat, pudding, and . . . muph!?"
"Pika, Pikachu," (That's enough from you,) Pikachu deadpanned as he covered Grim's mouth.
"If I had to pick, maybe. . . . omelet rice," Deuce replied.
"Mines is a nice grilled lamb chop with Diablo sauce." Cater happily said.
The last part made Lia flinch a bit, 'That sounded like it's really spicy. I hope I don't come across that.'
"For me, I would have to say honey-smoked ham with mashed potatoes and steamed buttered vegetables," Theo replied.
"Curry and garlic butter rice!" - Maddie
"Apple curry with butter rice." - Matt
Trey turned to Lia, "And you?"
Lia took a moment to think, in her head, she pictured a scene from when she was little. Back when her mother was still around. They were both in the kitchen, and her mother was stirring a big pot of a steamy chowder-like stew. Her mother would always let her take the first bit to see if it was good. No matter what way her mother did it, it would still be amazing to her.
"Mine's. . . a cheese chowder stew. The way my mom used to make it."
"Alright, you all got it? In that case, 'Doodle Suit!" Trey waved his pen over everyone's tarts. "Now, take another bite of your tarts,"
Everyone did so, and just like their reaction before. They were all bewildered. Well, except for Cater and Theo.
"Whoa! It tastes just like a cherry pie now!"
"Canned Tuna! *munch!* *munch!* Now it's Cheese Omelets!" Grim munched loudly.
"Mmmmm! I can taste the yummy garlic rice!"
"The sweetness of the apple really brings out the curry."
Deuce's eyes sparkled "Omelet rice."
Lia stayed silent, that one bite of tarte tasted just like a steaming spoon full of her mother's stew. She thought she'd never get to taste her mother's cooking again. It was exactly like how she used to make it. Once Lia was old enough to cook on her own, she tried many times to perfect her mother's recipe; but she couldn't find all the right ingredients. Her mother once said she made the recipe when she was in her father's homeland, maybe this time she'll get it right while she was here. However, putting that aside for now, Lia relished the taste a bit longer as she held back her tears.
"just like mom's,"
Although most of the boys and the Pokémon didn't notice, two certain third years did. And they can't help but wonder what happened in Lia's home that made her miss her mother so much. And deep down. . . . they dreaded what the answer was going to be.
Cater smiled at the group, "Pretty neat trick right? That's Trey's Unique magic, I betcha this would work super well with a date!"
"As impressive as it is, I'd rather have the actual thing," Theo admitted.
"Don't be such a 'wet blanket Theo,"
"It's very impressive, so is changing flavors of foods your signature spell Trey?" Deuce asked.
"Not exactly, really, it's 'overwriting certain characteristics of certain things. Meaning I can change tastes, colors, smells anything. Within a certain range of course. However, it only lasts for a little while. But if you think about it, I'm kind of covering up the real thing with something else. In a way like a 'Doodle, hence why I gave it that name."
"If I had magic like that, I could have every meal taste like tuna every day! That's ten times better than that stiff's Riddle's collar magic." Grim thought.
"Grim, that's rude." Lia scolded him.
"Pika, Pi, Pi." (But, he's not completely wrong.) Pikachu uttered, looking away from Lia's light glare.
Trey denied them. "Oh no, that's a whole new other league of magic. My magic doesn't hold a candle to Riddles. Compared to his, mines is just a childish prestidigitation."
"But in a sense, it's like changing 'Water into Whine, right? I mean, say if someone were to launch a cannonball at someone, you change it to something that's not harmful. Your magic can do a lot more good than what you're making it out to be." Lia complimented. Taking Trey by surprise, he didn't think of his magic that way.
He smiled warmly at Lia, "Heh, thanks. And speaking of Riddle, it's currently too late to give him the tart right now. Let's call it a night and do it tomorrow. Better yet, tomorrow's the Unbirthday party; you can probably do it then. Just be sure that you show up on time."
"Sounds like a plan to me."
"Pika," (Yep,)
"Alright! This collar is gonna be history! Look out dorm leader, cause I'm about to wow you with this!" Ace declared confidently, then his attitude did a one-eighty when he turned to Lia with pleading eyes. "So uh, is it cool that I crash at your dorm again Lia? Cause I'm pretty sure that I'm still not allowed back at the dorm."
Cater shook his head at Ace. "Again? Seriously?"
"Come on Ace, don't put Lia on the spot. Especially when she has her Pokémon and the kids to look after." Trey pointed out.
Deuce joined in on the lecture. "He's right. You shouldn't be mooching off of Lia like that Ace. She's got enough on her hands."
"Yeah! If you wanna stay again, you have to pay for the privilege this time. Ten cans of tuna!"
Pikachu glared at the flam-eared monster. "Pikachu Pika?" (Since when did you make the rules?)
"What?! You want me to sleep outside?!" Ace barked back.
"You guys, it's fine. As long as help is done around the dorm, I don't really mind." Lia assured them.
"Yeah, I mean, plus if he does do something stupid, we'll put in in his place," Maddie stated, Matt nodded in agreement.
"Again, you two the devil spawn or something?"
"If it's an extra pair of hands you need, I can do that. For whatever and whenever." Theo offered.
"I can't ask you to do that, Theo. It's really okay."
"Well, actually. You're going to have to get used to me being around. Starting tonight, I'll be joining your dorm for the school year."
"HUUUUUHHHHHH?????!!!!!/PIIIIIKKKKAAAAA????!!!!"
"Finally joining a dorm?" Trey asked.
"Yep, Madame Eva was worried that Lia would get overwhelmed with all the responsibilities she's dealing with. So, as a student who hasn't been sorted into a dorm, she and the staff suggested that I'd join Ramshackle. And with me being her only family member here, it's a bonus. And honestly, I don't think I can last another year dealing with the teacher's morning and evening routines." Theo drawled at the end, looking like he was about to collapse from exhaustion.
Both Trey and Cater sweat dropped at their fellow third year. "We'll take your word for it."
"Is that what you wanted to tell me back then?" Lia asked.
"Yep, I'll even help with taking care of your Pokemon if that's alright with you."
"Not a problem."
Maddie suddenly went up to Theo with an excited smile. "Oh! I've heard of you! Miss Mac says your Li's big cousin. Is that true?"
Theo smiled at her "That's right, you must be one of the kids Lia told me about, Madison, correct? Lia says you're quite the spirited one. I'm Theo."
"It's Maddie, and I like making every moment count."
"By that, do you mean jumping around like a complete loon?" Her bother stared at her blankly.
That made Lia, Pikachu, Grim, and the boys did their best not to laugh out loud. Maddie however glared at her bother.
"Says the one who likes getting I too big sis Li's books."
"At least I ask for permission,"
"Hey! I ask!"
"When?"
"But, just to be on the safe side, Deuce, why don't you go with them as well to keep an eye on Ace? As vice-house warden, I'll allow an overnight pass." Trey suggested, ignoring the twin's little rant.
"Seriously?! Sometimes I think you're spoiling our newbs Trey. Hey, why don't I come over and crash with you guys to? What do ya say Lia ~?" Cater winked.
"Nope, no pass for you." dismissed Trey.
"Pika, Pika." (Not happening.)
Cater sighed. "Party Poopers, awwww, sad trumpet. Womp, womp, woooomp." his Fennekin giggles at him.
"Real sorry to be loading them all on you like that Lia. At least for tonight, I'll be sure to make it up to you at some point."
"It's fine, Trey, really. I'm a lot tougher than I look. Plus, I've babysitted the kids on night's when they acted like they just had a 'sugar rush; Pokémon included. Compared to that, this is nothing."
"Hey! We resent that!/ Pika!"
"You three really want to argue with me on that topic?" Lia gave them a look that made them lower their heads in defeat.
"no/pi,"
Theo laughed. "Seems like I got my work cut out for me."
"I assure you, you'll never be bored."
On the way back to the Ramshackle dorm, Lia went over the rules as Maddie was asking Theo a ton of questions in between and Matt tried to calm her down.
Ace looked back at Deuce, "And you guys say I'm gonna be a handful to Lia?"
Deuce sweat dropped. "You're a different case."
"It's nice to have someone who can help big sis out when we or big brother Leon is not around. "
"Maddie, Lia can take care of herself you know."
"Not when she's as oblivious as a Slowpoke."
"Hey, I resent that."
"Pika pi," (They're not wrong though,)
Lia groaned, thinking one of these days this little girl was going to be the end of her real soon. 'Just how did Sonia deal with this before I came?'
"I see you're handling things well," Persian mocked her as they all entered the foyer. He turned his attention to Theo. "Welcome to Ramshackle, sorry you couldn't be welcomed properly."
"No worries, besides it's no big deal anyway,"
Persian smirked at him, "I get the feeling we're going to get along just fine here," then he turns to Lia. "All this aside, a gentleman stopped by and gave us some mandarins, let's get them in the kitchen before they go bad. And honestly, I'd rather not deal with that mess. Took six baths to get the smell out of my fur the last time we had to clean the pantry in the basement."
After that, Maddie and Matt gave Theo a tour of the dorm. Lia got started to make her yummy citrus treats. Deuce offered to help, but Lia assured him that she had it under control, however, she did offer him to help feed her Pokémon. That, he didn't argue with at all. It gave him a chance to learn more about Pokémon and help him learn some tips for his Kubfu.
Ace helped out too, though he tried to act like he was against it and won't enjoy it. But his flushed face didn't match his words, making Lia giggle at his attempt. "Sometimes, I don't get that kid."
"What do you mean, Persian?"
"I mean, on the one hand, he acts like a total pain in the neck. Whereas on the other, he's sometimes decent."
"He just doesn't show his emotions the way others do. That and he's not so good at reading the moods. My best guess is that he's not used to this kind of socializing yet and that he's probably one only one his age that can do magic in his hometown. It might be why he acts all obnoxious at times. That, and his ego is a bit like Raihan's."
"I can see the similarities, but, I'm still a little miffed that he still hasn't apologized to you upon the first meeting." Persian held up the garbage bag for Lia to put the peels.
"He's probably thinking of a way to do that and figuring out the right time."
"Lia,"
Lia turned around to see Hatteren, Magearna, and Indeedee. Her three best caretaking assistances.
Hatterene is the head assistant, as she use to be Lia's mother Pokémon. And like Persian, she makes Lia's well-being one of her top priorities. Magearna, the artificial Pokémon was made by a friend of her mothers, who live in the Kalos region. After hearing what happened to her mother, the trainer/engineer made Magearna keep Lia company. Indeedee was given to Lia by Nurse Joy back in Galar. Knowing that Lia was going to be an herbalist, she thought the Emotion Pokémon would be a big help to her.
"Yes, Hatterene?" Lia addressed.
"We were wondering if you would like us to get supper ready for you and your guests,"
"Have you three already eaten? You know I don't like you guys working when you haven't had your fill."
Magearna made some 'beep noises and gestures saying that they have and she's been charged and oiled.
Lia sighed, "Alright, did anything happen while I was out?"
Hatterene reported. As she started setting up the stove with Indeedee. "Nothing out of the ordinary. Persian and I ensured that the renovation of the dorm is going nicely. Just need to fix the air-conditioning and the boiler in the basement. Magearna suggested that we should build a greenhouse in the backyard. That way the rest of us Pokémon can have a place to sleep of our own, as I'm aware that you don't necessarily like us in our balls too long."
"A greenhouse does sound good. I'll see what I can do, or at the very least see if it's alright with Headmaster Crowley."
Persian began to speak. "Oh yeah, I forgot to mention this to you Lia,"
"What's up?"
"After the groundskeeper came by to drop off the mandarins. That house warden of Heartslabyul came as well."
"Riddle? Why?"
"Well, at first he asked if you were here. I politely declined and told him you were out. Thankfully he was in a reasonable mood and asked me to leave a message for you."
"Pikachu?" (What's the message?)
"He cordially invited her, and any familiar of her choosing to the Unbirthday tea party tomorrow."
That really took Lia, Pikachu, and Grim, who was happily licking the spoon by surprise. Lia has barely been in Night Raven for at least three days and she's already invited to a big event?
"Any particular reason for this last-minute invite?"
Persian shrugged, "All I got from him is that he believes that you should have been given a proper 'welcome to the school and as an apology for how two of his dorm students brought trouble on you. Also, I think there's a rule at that dorm that states something about respecting women. At least not all the rules sound outlandish."
Lia sweat-dropped, "Okay, I understand the first two, and that's really nice of him. But that last one, he doesn't need to go that far to show me respect. I mean, it's nice to have his respect but I don't need to be pampered like a princess or something like that. Wait a minute, I can't go. If it's like a traditional tea party, then I can't accept the,"
"I told him of your allergy." Persian cut her off.
"Pika, Pika?" (And what did Riddle say?) Pikachu asked, helping Lia place the mandarin slices and mint leaves on the finished tarts.
"He seemed pretty insistent on having Lia over. So, he promised to have a table that serves herbal tea instead."
"Sounds fishy to me," Grim said, leading a hand, er, paw in placing the tarts in some containers.
"Pika?" (How so?)
"With how we've seen that guy act so far, don't you think it's a little weird that he wants to invite Lia at the last minute? I mean he could have done that back in class or in the cafeteria when we were having lunch."
"It probably didn't cross his mind during class, also do you see him interrupting a teacher during a lesson?" Grim made a 'good point expression.
"And let's not forget how ticked off he was after hearing Ace's remark about his rules and attitude." Persian reminded them.
"Pi. Pika, Pika. Pika, Pikachu." (Yeah, he looked like he was going to give him another collar. If that's possible.)
"Well, it'd be rude not to accept the invite if he's going out of his way to make it better for me." Lia thought.
"I thought you'd say that, that's why I gave the young man a few of your mother's prescribed herbal recipes," Hatterene said, setting the table with Indeedee as Magearna was holding two pots of stir-fried rice and dumplings.
"Thank you Hatterene, and thanks for getting dinner started. It looks really good."
"I'll go get the boys," Persian walked off.
"And I'll go get Theo and the kids,"
"No need Lia, we're right here." Said Theo as he and the twins came in.
"So, how was the tour?"
"It was pretty nice, though I think Maddie plans to make the two big rooms on the second floor her playground,"
Pikachu deadpanned. "Pikachu," (Not surprised.)
"Though I was really interested in the tower part of the dorm that's on the third floor. Would it be alright if I make that into my own observation room?" a hopeful gleam sparkled in his eyes.
"As long as I can use it too, I enjoy looking at the stars too just so you know," Lia smiled.
"Deal,"
"Ho man, that looks good!" Ace shouted as he and Deuce walked in with Persian next to them.
"How was feeding time?" Lia asked the two with a small smirk. Pikachu chuckled.
"A bit of a warning that some of them would charge at us would have been nice."
"Pika, Pikachu? ~" (And where's the fun in that?) Pikachu teased.
Ace growled as he sat down. "One of these days, Pipsqueak,"
"No threats at the table,"
Deuce sighed "I'm just grateful that there was already some food ready for your bigger Pokémon. That T-rex one of yours looks like he could eat entire cattle."
"Tyrantrum? Oh, don't worry much about him. Despite his looks and size, he's a really big softy. Since I raised him when he was just an egg, He won't attack or hurt anyone unless he has a good reason to."
Ace mumbled as he ate. "I'm starting to see a whole new meaning to the 'Beast Tamer' title the Head mage gave you,"
Meanwhile, on their way to Heartslabyul; Trey and Cater were chatting among themselves.
"I wonder how disappointed Riddle's gonna be when he hears about Theo?"
"Fennekin," (Hopefully not too disappointed that he'll collar someone.) Cater's Fennekin, LeeLee hoped.
"I'm sure he'll understand," Trey assured.
Arty shivered. "Smeargle." (Hope you're right, he's scary when he does that.)
"Aw man, I forgot to ask Lia about my little buddies. Hey, would it be cool if I can just swing back and,"
Trey stopped his carrot-top friend. "Not a chance, Lia already has enough on her plate."
"Party pooper."
Upon entering their dorm, they heard a commotion on the upper floors. "What's all the noise? Is it coming from the lounge?" Trey wondered. When they entered the said lounge, the two and Pokémon were shocked to see many students with collars on their necks.
"Trey! Cater! You're finally back! We've been looking all over for you!" Cried a student.
"Those collars around your necks, what happened?"
"Dorm leader caught all ten of these guys violating Queen of Heart's law, rule number 256: One mustn't drink lemonade with honey after eight o'clock." the student explained.
Trey was silent. ". . . . . . ."
"So, they broke that law huh?" Cater painfully sighed.
"WE DIDN'T KNOW! NO ONE EVEN TOLD US THERE WAS A RULE FOR THAT!" the others started to let out their frustrations.
"Can't be allowed to drink or eat what we want,"
"Damn it, that dorm leader. There has to be a limit to all this rule crap!"
"I. . . I'm sick of living like this! Bound by rules that we don't understand."
"It's like everything 'we do is a violation of some insane rule! I want to transfer dorms! I... I can't take it." One began to sob.
Trey walked up to them and patted their shoulders, "It'll be alright, we'll talk to the house warden, in the meantime return to your rooms and call it a night."
Cater began to walk out of the room. "Aaaah, Guess I better go and make some tea to ease his mood. Maybe then he'll be reasonable when we talk to him."
"Thanks, Cater, oh be sure you make herbal tea and not black tea. I recall that rule number 156 tells about what kind of tea one should drink at night." Trey told him.
"Roger that,"
As he walked out, two figures hid around the corner of the doorway of the lounge. One looked to be a plant-like creature holding a red flower,
while the other was a large, pink, bipedal rabbit creature.
They both frowned at the sight of the collared students and troubled Trey. Then they looked at each other with a frown before heading to the room where a certain redhead house warden was.
Back in Ramshackle, Lia was washing the dishes, till suddenly she felt that same sensation she felt back in the cafeteria, the same dripping noise as her vision went blurry. She saw the thick and heavy drops of ink fall and splatter again, only this time it was more intense than the last. The feeling of dread and fear welled up again as she heard that voice again,
"Never ignore the sense of something terrible that will transpire."
When Lia regained her composure, she started to worry about tomorrow, "Whatever the task Arceus assigned me better has something to do with these strange ink visions I'm getting. Or I might be losing my mind."