“Oh goodness! B-brother, are you, a-ahaha, a-are you alright?”
“Tch, s’nothing sis, it’s just snow, though okay... alright Li, you got me good there... Don’t think I’m lettin’ ya get off without return fire though.”
“Oooh, got that fighting spirit back huh~? YOU’RE ON LIL BRO!”
~*Meanwhile, in the dining hall...*~
“♪ Hey, today is our holiday-
A great day has come, we’ve waited so long-
Hey, it’s our special holiday-
It’s a day for only you and me-
Let’s throw away our tired hearts-
Here, we just need to have fun~!♪“
Even though they weren’t official performers for the partygoers of the lounge; with Caprice’s energetic voice, Cassie’s magical showmanship and their high spirits and charm, they entertained and provided music for the dining hall. And for the most part, the audience seemed to like it! Or at least not mind!
“Oh wow...” Takeshi, the upbeat chef and friendly face of Altiel’s foodcourt staff, was glancing at the finger foods for quite a while. Despite loading up a plate, he hasn’t even touched them afterwards, and was more fascinated with the presentation.
“Such simplistic appetizers... and yet so cleverly designed...! The brownies in particular...! This gives me an idea...!”
... And then there was one...
The tall Dark Knight seemed to be a touch less enthused than all the others. While Eira admired the work, ears and wings oh so slightly aflutter nearby, Zarathos merely sighed at what he deemed to be millenial cacophony.
“... I suppose the true musical entertainment isn’t until later...” grumbled the taller, darker masked Bisharp, before rising from his seat and leaving the dining hall. Not a fan, to say the least, as he stepped outside to take in the cold, paying no heed to anyone who stared at him.
“Such ruckus. Certainly there are other activities that would at the very least hold my attention for more than a minute...” he grumbled to himself...
(( Alyx, Oriel, Lixue, Caprice, Cassiopeia, Takeshi, Eira and Zarathos have arrived at the @pokechristmasevent!
"WHOO HOO, ALRIGHT! YOU JUST SAW THAT SMACKDOWN, LADIES AND GENTS! THE WINNERS OF THIS MATCH ARE THE ONE AND ONLY KNIGHT-AND-MAGE TWIN TEAM, ALYYYYYX AND ORIEEEEEEEEELLLLLL~!!"
Uproarious cheers and applause echoed powerfully through the stadium upon bearing witness to the siblings' victory. Alyx put on a smirk and waved off the audience while wiping off a few beads of sweat, while Oriel raised a flattered and somewhat sheepish smile as she raised her hand to the crowd in gratitude. Once they had their fill of the spotlight and praise, the two of them made their way out of the ring and towards the exit back into the main lobby ring.
"Whew... great job out there sis, you never let me down," thanked the Gallade as he lightly shoulder-hugged his Gardevoir sister.
"Ah, n-neither do you, brother..." smiled Oriel, pushing a lock of hair out of her face before clearing her throat. "W-well, I suppose we should rendezvous with Lixue and Masou, they'll be expecting us out here soon while the next battle is underway... I'm feeling sort of famished, admittedly..."
"Heh, I know what ya mean, I never saw those Pokemon before. They really kept us on our toes... no pun intended," chuckled Alyx with a roll of his eyes. "C'mon, let's go meet up with them and see if we can get a bite to eat."
Little do they know that they were followed outside upon completing the match, and it wasn't a fan or admirer of any kind... rather, with the heavy scraping clawed footsteps, and the metallic rattling of armor resounding firmly with each step... t'was the Black Knight himself, Zarathos. The Champion called out to the two psychic fighters.
Both esper battlers froze in place before inchingly rotating around until their eyes locked on Zarathos. Instantly, the two of them gasped a bit, before looking at one another nervously.
"... The champ..." muttered Alyx,
"... wishes to converse with us...?" Oriel asked as anxiety ran through her nerves. The fraternal twins both took a deep breath before facing Zarathos, clearing their heads.
"E-er, very well... what is it you wish to talk about, Sir Zarathos...?"
"Formalities are unnecessary," Zarathos stated bluntly before clasping his claws together. "... Your most recent bout was sufficient... however, that is not the matter I wish to bring to light with the two of you."
That alone had Alyx and Oriel quirking their brows. Did they just receive a... roundabout compliment from the champion? He did not seem to be the type to hand them out, at leas tnot to just anyone. Did the two of them really capture this massive black Bisharp's eye that much? Regardless, after eying one another, they turned their attention to Zarathos once more, curious on what he has to say, albeit both still on edge.
"Okay, so... what is it?" asked Alyx in a quietly tense manner in his voice.
While the two of them glanced at one another, Zarathos took this upclose opportunity to examine them. Their features, their colors, noting their names... clues were clicking into one another in his head, but so were doubts. He had to needle out information from them somehow.
He finally started off by asking the following.
"Tell me, knight and mage... who are your parental units?"
Alyx and Oriel just put on conflicted looks before facing each other yet again, eyes squinting from the awkwardness of the topic.
"We uh... don't exactly know, man," admitted the pale Gallade as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"That is true, we don't... all we've gathered as far as our origins go is that we originated from the small continent that was home to Ghalidor and Selucia... but we've only been living across the sea from it with an adoptive family for nearly twenty years before coming here on our own..." Oriel pondered aloud nervously, tapping her chin as she relayed the information.
"Twenty years..." Zarathos echoed aloud as well as mentally. Now things were piecing together for sure, slowly but surely.
<<Twenty years ago... was when word of wind that the Selucian hero's children went missing, allegedly dead, when the war extended to both kingdom territories... Ralts children, that belonged to her...>>
Another visual memory bubbled in Zarathos's mind... a memory of seeing said hero during a visit to Selucia in his earlier mercenary years. She had two children with her, and given what he's standing in front of now... it was truly becoming uncanny.
"Hmph, so you do not know then," he concluded lowly before holding out a hand in a beckoning, bargaining sort of fashion.
And that was when Alyx's mind launched synapses, his mind and memory going crazy. Time stood still after hearing that familiar name... but where did he hear it from?
"... Yemir..."
"Brother...?" Oriel asked, gently nudging Alyx in an attempt to knock him from his sudden stupor. With the white Gallade coming to, his eyes returned to their normal state, stepping forward towards Zarathos.
"... I've heard of her, actually..." he admitted, "... but not on my own. That one giant hungry Gallade, Yemir... she spoke of her, said she worked for her at one point, I think."
"Hrm, so the gigant ghoul has worked under Selucia as well, alongside their hero..." pondered Zarathos as he stroked his chin, not over Yemir's involvement, but from seeing Alyx's reaction. He was the one that beared the closer resemblance to this 'Xandras,' and seeing him look so adamant, that look in his eyes as if wanting to know more, seemed to help seal the deal.
"Yeah, apparently, she even said we shared looks in a way," Alyx continued before looking frustrated. "So yeah, I've heard that name. What're you getting at here? Are you suggesting something?"
Zarathos merely turned over and began to walk away, not even answering Alyx. This caused the albino blade to step forward again, calling out to the ebony edge.
"Hey! I was asking you something! Why aren't you answering me?"
And with those names, and leaving the siblings lingering in silence, Zarathos made his exit via a dark teleport. Needless to say, Alyx and Oriel looked yearning, especially the Gallade.
"Who does he think he is, asking us questions like these and just vanishing off like that," huffed the Gallade while folding his arms, bitterness crossing his pupils. "He's holding out on us or something, I know it..."
"Zarathos chose those questions in particular... and proposed them to us... but why?" Oriel tapped her chin. "He had a fire in his eyes... as if a lust for something greater... almost as if he was reminiscing...”
“Yeah, I know what ya mean...”
“Moreover, he called us... Alyxander and Orelia... I could understand the former, but the latter? I’ve never heard that form of my name... if it is so... Why did he call us that? What is he up to...?"
"I dunno, but... ugh, he's gone for now, so it looks like I can't bug him right now," sighed the white one before addressing his sister.
"Eh, he'll always be around the league, plus he said he'll answer other questions later. Right now, let's both go and get some--"
Aaand that was when Alyx's words were cut short from the sound of a tender yet excited feminine voice called out to them.
"O-oh? Who could that be...?"
"Nnngh, I guess our little interview time's not done yet..."
(( Special flashback guest appearance by Yemir of @gregnas-the-grouch ))
“There’s lotsa ways to kick that fear to the curb, such as the good ol’ ‘Be well prepared’ and ‘Don’t think about what can go wrong and instead focus on doing your best’, yadda yadda and all that junk, but the best advice I can provide?
Practice in front of familiar company, then slowly introduce new faces!”
The Meloetta beams up at the Houndoom with a big smile.
“Like, have him start off by singing in front of family and friends first! Then once he’s comfortable, have them introduce THEIR friends and family, little by little with each new session! Ease him into the idea of singing in front of strangers, y’know? And once he gets REALLY into it? Make the group big and set him up with a li’l gig so it’s mostly new faces, but have a few buddies there for a li’l reassurance! Oooh, and make sure he focuses on havin’ fun! That’s the whole point of a passion right?”
Caprice gives a thumbs up with a playful wink.
“That make sense? Wanna propose that li’l idea to him? I think it’d be the biggest favor you can do for the guy! Have him knock ‘em dead!”
“Nah, nah! I’m just here to kick my feet up, twirl my hair and have a blast! Nothing gets me pumped more than a simple-sweet combo of holidays and parties! ... Well, it’s definitely one good combo to get me nailing the high notes, anyways~!”
The Meloetta giggled, her energy and optimism radiant, echoing the performance she exhibited earlier. Upon being asked about her thoughts on making a career of singing, she turned over and tapped her cheek while smiling up in thought.
“I mean, singing and making other people just as excited as me? That’s hype in my book, literally! Haha!
... Buuuut! I prefer to be in the middle of some good blood-pumpin’ action, or at least talk about it to others whenever I can...!”
Caprice then turns and grins broadly up at the towering [next to her] Sanjit.
“That’s why I’m cool with being the announcer of a league! I get to excite a crowd and highlight the sweetest parts of a fight, and sometimes I’m even allowed to sing! It’s a win-win, man!
... but hey, who knows! If anyone’s ever interested in having me sing as a li’l sidejob, I might consider it! Thanks for the idea!”
The battle was well underway and packed with energy. The white Gallade and the Wirliquen slid and clashed blades with one another in a literal dance of swords, sparks lighting the air as they swapped blows. Alyx was powerful, but Clarette was quick and tricky; and enjoying every second of it.
Meanwhile Oriel went toe-to-toe with Alma. The sad banshee circled Oriel, face elongated and eyes alight in a haunting shadowy visage as they unleashed Ominous Wind on the the psychic fairy. Oriel anticipated this, loading up a Shadow Ball to lob at her ghastly opponent. She could not get out of the way in time of the spectral howling sent her way, but she managed to weather it well, only skidding back.
“Nnh!”
Oriel stood her ground, now realizing she was back-to-back with her brother, as well as how the jester and banshee too stood together. She felt like this was the best opportunity for a team attack, a fusion move.
The siblings called to one another, nodding as Oriel went into position. While Alyx leaned back and loaded his left blade with a Psycho Cut, Oriel supported his arm with psychic as she fused her Moonblast with his esper edged. Within moments, the energy expanded and took on a new form; a massive sword filled with fairy essence. As beautiful as it was, it also looked very deadly.
The sight of such a fused move did not escape the crowd, especially not Zaratho's attention. The Bisharp's eyes dilated, as if something was ignited in his memory. Lifting his head off his hand, he edged closer from his seat to make sure he wasn't just seeing things.
" ... A combination of psychic energy and Moon Blast... the Sylph Sword...? ... not often they go together, especially in that particular shape..."
But there was more. While still holding up Alyx's arm, Oriel reared her arm back, loading up a ghastly fire. However, there was something different about it; it was identifiable as Will'o'Wisp, yet the colors and behavior... it wasn't dark nor corrupt; it was bright and elegantly waving... as if bearing the essence of righteous spirits...
The dark knight pondered... there was no mistaking that type of Will'o'Wisp, or rather, the Will'o'Wight, as it was called back in his homeland. This surely had his attention... the more he saw these two fight together, the combinations and moves they would execute as well as how they appeared, a sense of nostalgia surged through his mind...
Zarathos pondered aloud, not caring whether his neighboring audience members could hear him. He was too entranced by seeing this, remembering these moves in particular.
" ... As a matter of fact..." he mumbled, "... the siblings seem to feel familiar as well..."
In an instant, the Bisharp's mind raised a familiar visage back in his time of war. That one warrior... the true white knight of the past... As the image pieced itself together, the black knight mumbled to himself further, intrigued by this sense of what feels like may be a revelation...
His trip through his mind's memory hall was cut short, as Alyx and Oriel combined their moves together to deal a devastating blow to the opposite team. Sylph Sword and Will'o'Wight, executed together, caused a brilliant display.
It was like a light show, if light shows were also extremely dangerous. The entire stadium was cast a glorious rosy magenta glow, filling everyone with the warmth of the light. Several were impressed from the exhibition, as well as the raw, almost explosive power of the combined moves...
Caprice was entranced, fangirling internally as well as externally from the radiant carnage that just occurred.
"AHHHH, S-SO COOL~!" she squealed.
"And it seems with but a flash of light, we're nearing the end of the fight~" whispered the Gothitelle to her Mismagius companion, quite impressed from the battle thus far.
"I would have to agree, milady... I'm afraid I'll go blind if I keep my lenses on," joked the dressy wizard-looking phantom.
"WHOOHOO, GO BRO AND SIS, YOU CAN DO IT~!!" Whooped Lixue while circling her arms, giggling excitedly for her adopted siblings.
"Ssss... expect nothing less," muttered Masou. "They put on a decent show..."
Even the dark templar himself was on the edge of his seat... his interest locked on the siblings. That absolute POWER... the combination of moves, their teamwork, their... familiar sensations...
"... It could be mere coincidence, yet... it is worth investigating, once the match is over," he muttered quietly to himself. All he had to do was wait for the fight to be over, which may not be longer now...
“You... ll ne...r see... th... n... i... my kingdom...”
Those were the last words that that the Gardevoir ears could make before seeing the figure tower over her, raising their weapon to the heavens before swiping it down, aiming for the poor sylph’s face.
Oriel could only gasp and cringe before the dark world she envisioned was shattered, rising up and letting out a shriek from the sheer shock.
“WHOA!”
Alyx leapt back and raised his shoulders, startled from his sister snapping up away so suddenly. He took a moment to register the situation before seeing Oriel trying to regain her composure as quickly as possible, holding her head. A pounding headache it seems... her face had both fear and heavy concern smeared across her face.
Nervously, Alyx approached Oriel before sitting down next to her, looking at her with a worried glance.
“Oriel...?” the Gallade called warily. “... You... uh, you alright there?”
“N-nngh...” Oriel could only groan, mumbling the following to herself, “... why...? Why did this come back...? I thought Terminus cleared it...”
The white one had no idea what she was talking about, but even in his confusion and lack of context for the situation, he placed a hand on her shoulder to comfort the girl.
“Sis...?”
“I... I-I’m fine...” she sighed exhaustedly, holding her head. “ ... i-it was just a nightmare... that’s all...”
“ ... I’ll be fine, I promise, brother...” Oriel reassured, even as her palm remained on her head.
Alyx could only wince, not convinced in the least. “Well... I was coming to tell you that our match is coming up... I was looking for you, had no idea you came back to our room to nap. Were you really that tired?”
“E-er...” she stuttered, blinking her eyes before sighing defeatedly. “... Yes...”
“Mmh,” the Gallade quirked his brows, still holding onto her. “... you have to plan your naps better. Now c’mon, our match is coming up, we got a doubles today. You knew we did.”
“R-right...” the Gardevoir sighed, before rising up with her brother. “Let us proceed, shall we?”
“Yeah, for sure.”
As the siblings went down the halls, a blaring announcement was made in the intercom:
“ATTENTION, ALYX AND ORIEL! YOUR MATCH BEGINS IN THREE MINUTES! PLEASE MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE FIGHTING RING IMMEDIATELY!”
“O-OH GOODNESS!!” Exclaimed the Gardevoir, before Alyx added in with an alarming reaction of his own.
“AW CRAP, WE GOTTA HUSTLE! C’MON!”
Needless to say the two of them bolted down the hall. Thankfully their sprinting could shave them some seconds, perhaps just enough to make it on time. On their way towards the entrance, they saw their manager Rhoslyn, and even SHE seemed to be stressed out over how close they were cutting it.
“THERE YOU TWO ARE!!” she yelled before scramblingly waving her claws towards the hall that leads to the arena.
“FASTER! THE NEW ANNOUNCER GIRL’S BEEN WAITING FOR YOU TWO ESPECIALLY!”
Thankfully they had half a minute before they had to step out into the steps of the ring, the collective sighs of the audience filling the air. Once the brother and sister had their fill of air from running so quickly, they pulled themselves together and stepped up to the ring, just in time to be announced.
The crowd was lively and there were lights everywhere. Everything was set for the upcoming battle, and as Rhoslyn mentioned, there was certainly a new face in the middle of it. Probably recently hired.
The audience roared with the Meloetta’s energy, which filled the mythical Psychic Pokemon with equal amounts of enthusiasm. She spun the mic around in her fingers cheerfully before clarifying who she was.
“SUH-WEET! THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKIN’ ABOUT, AW YEAH~! Alright everyone, the name’s Caprice, and here is match you’ve been waiting for tonight! Let’s greet the challengers huh~?”
Caprice swung her attention over to one side where the siblings stepped out onto the ring.
“ALYX! ORIEL! ALYX! ORIEL! ALYX, ORIEL!” Cheers filled the air for those two after the Meloetta introduced them. The girl beamed at the sight of them, so excited to announce for the siblings. She seems to be a fan of them herself. Soon she brought the crowd’s attention to the other side.
“Huh...” Alyx commented, stroking his chin at the opponents. “Wenshreek? Wirliquen?”
“I’ve never heard of such Pokemon... they must be new...” Oriel added on.
“Heh... all the more reason to get pumped. C’mon sis, let’s show ‘em what we’re made of.” Alyx flashed a grin at his sister.
“... Gladly,” affirmed Oriel before synchronizing her rhythm with her brother, her eyes alighting with determination.
Meanwhile, in the crowd, there were some Pokemon that seemed particularly eager for them as well, some magician-looking Pokemon...
And further in the back, there was the Black Knight himself, looking bored yet anticipating. It was rare or him to actually come to the audience seats... hearing how renowned these two were finally tugged at his curiosity.
He needed to see their prowess for himself, to gauge its worth. THEIR worth.
“M’KAY, ARE WE READY?!” Caprice pumped up the crowd once more. After reeceiving an uproarious “YES,” she threw down and yelled,
