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Chapter 144 - Welcome To The Yule House!

The following day, Chris and the girls found themselves in a position that exceeded their responses to their first times together, with the girls too embarrassed to look at one another let alone face Chris directly, not that his position was any better as each attempt to hold a conversation with them repeatedly came to an abrupt end when their faces flushed. Doing his best to carry on the morning in a normal manner, he found himself tending to the laundry he'd abandoned the night before, with a load left in the washer and carrying the scent of mildew forcing him to put it through another cycle. In the process, the group decided to eat the pizza they'd abandoned as well, microwaving it as leftovers after considering what Chris had gone through the night before to get it. Still having to help Alicia eat her pieces, he had to keep his eyes averted as she took bites, the snake nervously doing so each time and quickly facing away once she took each bit of food in her mouth. Eventually however, the group was able to grow at ease again, at least enough to look at one another without having to immediately face away. Once the laundry was finally finished, Chris piled it up like a small mountain on the table in the center of the group, their clothes and the countless blankets they'd used in the carriage mixed before them. Sitting in one of the recliners, he nodded with an "alright" and took some of his clothes out of the pile, beginning to fold them while the girls dug for their own belongings and folded while Alicia tossed her scarf around her neck. Looking at them, Chris took a breath and tugged at his collar before finally letting out a "s-so..." in a nervous and stuttered manner. Jolting, the girls looked at him only to quickly blush and continue folding things, still having difficulty facing him leaving Chris in an awkward situation.

Being the one responsible for how loose they'd become the night before, and guilty of falling into his own wild state in turn, none of them were sure how to go about discussing what had occurred, let alone how to face one another properly without recollecting the things they'd done together. Facing the pile of laundry, Chris dug for more of his clothes and resumed folding himself, showing slight sweat on his face as he tried to think of what to say. Working together, Serenity and Rose started folding some of the blankets, holding the sheets up between themselves while doing so until Serenity accidentally stumbled backwards, landing on Chris's lap and abruptly freezing, her eyes shooting open and her face turning a brightly flushed color as he looked down at her. Stuttering, she quickly shot up and inched away, taking the sheet she'd dropped and working with Rose to fold it properly. Finally however, Chris managed to work up enough courage to speak, tugging his collar again before calling their attention. Pausing once more, the girls quietly and shyly looked at him, causing Chris to gulp and avert his gaze. "L-Listen girls... I-I'm uh, sorry about, you know..." he apologized. "I was so ready to do what we did last night I didn't pay enough attention when I was reading the label on that stuff. I took another look after we got up and it actually isn't meant for Pokemon after all." he point out. "Guess it was just another moment I kinda forgot just how different we are. You girls are so human to me I didn't bother pay enough attention, and with Ninetales in me I guess it turns out I shouldn't have touched the stuff myself. So uh... If you're mad or anything, or if, you know... I got too rough..." he paused, scratching his cheek nervously and looking away with a "sorry" and "my bad" statement.

Looking at one another, the girls had blushes of their own showing, uncertain of how to word their responses as they returned their attention to him. "W-Well..." Alicia spoke up first, the others looking at her as she glanced away. "We DID offer to do that in the first place... That lotion merely aided with our inhibitions. P-Perhaps it did make us a tad TOO eager, but... At the very least, what matters is we offered in the first place." she point out. "I-I guess that's true." Rose nodded, looking at Chris before facing down and fidgeting. "I... Kinda liked what it did to you, anyway. You were really different, I mean, kinda." she added. "B-But in a GOOD way!" she affirmed nervously. "I admit, not like having to do what we do with snake and stuff. I like best when we do that stuff alone." Serenity affirmed. "But... Doing what we do one time, it not so bad... Stuff you use make us act weird, but at end of it we all have good time... So it okay, I guess?" she added, the group looking at one another before blushing and quickly facing away from themselves. "I-I agree. As a ONE time moment, it was... Alright." Alicia nodded. "B-But ONLY once! That's it!" she reminded, causing Chris to smile nervously. "C-Can I say something about that?" he asked with his hand raised, the girls looking at him. "Something wrong?" Rose asked. "A-About us doing it together..." he continued, causing Alicia to scowl. "Are you asking for more?" she replied. "N-No! I just wanted to say, uh... Th-That is..." he paused, glancing away with slight sweat on his face before letting out a nervous laugh. "I-I don't think I could handle more of that." he point out, causing the girls to blink at him with a collective "eh?" of both confusion and curiosity.

"I-I mean, doing it with you girls alone is okay, but together... Is it alright to say I don't think I could take it that often?" he laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his head as they blinked at him once more. "You... Actually don't WANT to do that?" Rose asked. "W-Well, it's not too bad, but you girls are kinda hard to satisfy all at once, it takes a toll." Chris explained, rubbing his back. "I'm not sure why exactly, but something about the way you said that sounds a tad insulting..." Alicia replied. "I-I'm not trying to insult you!" he panicked. "It's just, uh... I guess better for my health if we stick to one at a time?" he smiled, still showing sweat as he tip-toed along a thin line. "I guess not complain about that, like better alone so it a good thing if you want it that way too." Serenity nodded. "I suppose..." Alicia agreed. "I dunno, I think either way isn't so bad." Rose point out, the group looking at her causing the rabbit to jolt and laugh nervously herself, inching back slightly with an "ignore me" remark. "I expected you to push for more of what we did, if I may be honest." Alicia replied, looking back at Chris with a raised eyebrow. "Nah, there's some things a guy knows not to be greedy about. Last night was way more than I ever expected from you girls. I'm not gonna let a treat like that spoil me. And like I said, it's probably better for me physically not to chase after that kind of thing too much. Besides, it's like you girls already point out, doing stuff together really isn't your thing either. I'm not gonna complain about keeping it one-on-one when it's better for us all around." Chris nodded. "I won't forget last night for a good LONG while anyway. Making you girls do that kind of thing again would turn a treat into a task for you. Don't worry." he assured, waving his hand.

Looking at him together, the girls smiled and nodded back. "Well, there is SOME shred of a gentleman in you after all." Alicia teased. "H-Hey, I'm ALWAYS a gentleman!" he affirmed. "Ehh..." Serenity replied, motioning "kinda" with her hand. "How come you only work together when it's against me?" Chris grumbled, causing the girls to laugh. "You know we love you." Rose giggled, the others smirking as he sighed with a "yeah" in response. "So uh, we're good then? I mean, everything's fine?" he asked. "We good." Serenity nodded with a thumbs up. "No problems here!" Rose smiled with her hand raised. "I suppose all's well. We did nothing we didn't expect to do. Perhaps we were a little more free in our behavior than anticipated, but in the end it was rather satisfy..." Alicia added, pausing out of embarrassment as her response made the group turn their attention toward her, causing her face to redden while quickly facing away. "...Felt pretty good huh?" Chris grinned. "B-Be silent!" the snake snapped as he looked at the others, causing Rose to avert her gaze and fidget while Serenity crossed her arms in silence, her face as red as the rest. "Well, at least I did a good job in the end." he laughed with a thumbs up, the girls shyly nodding in response. After their talk, the group continued working down the leftover pizza and laundry until both were complete, leaving them satisfied as Chris tossed the empty pizza boxes away. "So what plan for today?" Serenity asked, looking back as he walked past the couch behind the girls. "Well, first we've got to head over to the Mayor's place, meet with her about the press, then after that I'm thinking about getting us a tree to put in here." he point out. "It's like a Christmas festival after all, gotta go all out!" he grinned before looking around.

Watching him for a moment, Rose looked at the things they'd folded and pulled out his coat, holding it up as it unfurled. "Looking for this?" she asked. "Ah! Yeah, thanks." he nodded, taking it and donning it once more. "I put the medal..." he muttered, looking around with a second "ah" and heading toward the mantle of the fireplace, taking it and clipping it back to his coat before wiping it with the side of his sleeve. "Certainly are proud, aren't you?" Alicia asked. "Of course! This stuff is important to me. Might not seem like much to others, but to me it's real special." he affirmed, looking over his coat and the medal. "Same as how you girls feel about your necklaces and badges." he point out before muttering "glad there's no blood..." as he finished checking his coat, the girls looking down at their badges and smiling. "Plus, if last night taught me anything, this baby is multi-purpose!" he laughed. "I'll say this, what you did was rather clever, blinding your enemy in such a fashion." Alicia nodded. "Admitting I'm smart?" Chris grinned slyly. "I said clever, I wouldn't go that far." Alicia teased again, causing him to scowl. "Bah, anyway..." he waved, the snake assuring him she was "just kidding" as he walked along. "So you're gonna put a tree in here?" Rose asked. "Yep, just like they do in those shows on TV, you girls have noticed the ones in shops and stuff around here too, right?" he asked. "I never really understood the appeal myself. Taking an object of nature and dragging it into your abode to sully it up." Alicia point out. "Naturally we use plant life to craft our homes in the wild, but it always came across as odd to me the way you humans make it a point to separate yourselves from nature only to drag it right back into your homes..." she added.

"I guess it can be kind of confusing for a Pokemon to think about..." Chris agreed. "We do tear down a lot of it so we can build things in its place. I guess in the end no matter how far we go, humans just can't let go of their roots, so we make traditions and celebrate stuff that involves nature to remind us it's still important in our lives." he nodded before pausing and thinking for a moment. "Well, plus we love to decorate stuff... Maybe that's all there is to it." he laughed. "I think you girls will understand once you experience it for yourself, you'll see." Chris affirmed. Looking around, he found his staff leaning against the wall next to the door and took it in hand, looking it over before proudly holding it by his side, pausing when he looked at the Pokeball and scratching his cheek with a nervous "ngh" sound. "What wrong?" Serenity asked as they approached. "Eh, just wondering what Gramps would think of me being in fights like last night... If he saw that it probably would've been enough to give him a heart attack." Chris point out. "Well, it certainly gave us a freight... This one passed out watching on TV..." Alicia replied, looking at Rose as she glanced away embarrassed. "W-Well from the way we saw it we thought you'd been, you know!" the rabbit reminded, making a thrusting motion with her hand. "I'll admit, it was a close call... Though that guy did still nick me pretty good." Chris nodded, shifting his coat and lifting his shirt to show his now scarred side. "Ah, that reminds me... Thanks for the heal." he added, smiling at Serenity causing the Pokemon to jolt and blush. "I-It not problem..." she replied, poking her fingers while looking away while thinking about the way he'd been in bed after she'd helped him. "It worth doing." she added, causing him to blink at her before looking away with a blush of his own.

"You two really rocked the bed after she healed you." Rose giggled teasingly. "O-Oy, hey..." Chris muttered. "After the way he was suffocating you in that pillow I'm surprised he had the energy left to do it... You're quite the screamer." Alicia added, referring to what he'd done to the rabbit. "H-Hey!! Cut it out!!" Chris snapped, finding himself flushed from embarrassment while Rose faced down and fidget from her own shyness. "I-I wasn't THAT loud..." she muttered. "And what about snake? You act high and mighty, be all proud. Soon as he on top of you, it make you turn crazy worse than us!" Serenity point out, causing Alicia to flush herself. "...Even crazier if SHE'S on top..." Chris added, falling into the discussion as he referred to the snake biting on his neck. "E-Excuse me?!" Alicia snapped, seemingly glowing. "W-Well you were!" he affirmed. "I was like a piece of meat or something." he went on, rubbing his neck. "I-I couldn't help it!!" the snake argued. "At least I wasn't as bad as this one! She had her face shoved in places like a starving beast!" she reminded, looking at Rose causing the rabbit to let out an embarrassed "hey!!" and a "you did it too!" remark in response. "Well, whole thing your idea in first place." Serenity suddenly point out with her arms crossed, reminding Rose she coaxed them into it as the rabbit paused and faced her. Looking at the girls, Chris backed out from the circle and raised his hand. "...I'm sorry but, why are we having such a casual argument over what we did in bed?" he asked, causing the girls to pause and blink before collectively blushing and turning away from one another. "I guess there's something to be said for being comfortable enough with one another to talk like this though." he added with a nervous laugh.

"I-It Rose who start it." Serenity point out. "Well it was Alicia who continued it!" Rose reminded. "I-I was only pointing out...!!" the snake snapped, only to pause as they looked at one another and turned away once more, a blush remaining on their faces. Looking at the group, Chris returned his attention to the Pokeball on his staff and smirked, giving it a rub and letting out a sigh causing the girls to turn their attention toward him. "What we did last night aside, as far as the fight goes... I know Gramps didn't want me getting tangled up in things like that, but I bet he would've been glad to know I'd have girls like you to help me out and come home to anyways." he point out. "He's the one who always told me when the going's tough, always remember we weren't brought into this world to take away someone else's right to be in it." he added. "We weren't given life to take it away from others... No matter what, you should always try to find a solution that doesn't involve putting an end to another." he affirmed. "Sometimes the choice of the pacifist isn't necessarily the wisest. N-No offense to your Grandfather, mind you." Alicia cautioned. "Well, it's a way of life that's done us good so far. We've taken care of lots of things and people head on without the worst having to happen, right?" Chris reminded. "I like the way that sounds actually." Rose smiled. "...I think it dangerous." Serenity replied, crossing her arms with a slight look of agitation, causing him to turn to the Pokemon as she looked away before sighing and waving her hand. "It way you do things though. I not complain more." she assured. Continuing to look at her for a moment, his gaze made the Pokemon ask "what?" in response, only for her eyes to widen when he gave her a smile.

"You know, that speech I gave you when you showed up last night at the restaurant, I meant every word." he affirmed, the reminder making Serenity jolt and glance away, rubbing her arm. "And just like how I meant it, I know what you said was what you meant to... You hate the way I am when it comes to handling others." Chris nodded, the Pokemon staying silent and looking down. Watching the two, Rose and Alicia remained just as silent as they looked at one another warily before he reached out and put his hand on Serenity's head, making the Pokemon jolt once more. "That's okay." he assured. "I don't expect you girls to love everything about me. I can only ask that you accept me and support me, the way I do the same for you." he added, pulling his hand away as Serenity raised her head. "Despite what we said to each other, I really am glad you showed up anyways. I was mad the same as you in the moment, but deep down it did make me feel good knowing you were there like that." he smiled again, causing her to fidget slightly. "Although, when you think about it... If I did things any differently, I don't think we'd be together today." Chris began to explain. "What mean by that?" Serenity asked. "It's said that your kind doesn't show up around humans much. You only tend to hang around folks that are more upbeat. In general, they say your species avoids hostile people, it's kind of like a preference you have deep down you pass on through your kind." he detailed. "When we first met, and this whole time we've been together... I think that's one thing that kept you feeling so close to me. Even if you hate me being the way I am, deep down I think it's really a key thing that helped us bond the way we have!" Chris smirked.

"You knew from the very start I wasn't the type to kill. You knew I was a... Well..." he laughed nervously while pointing out he was immature and a bit corny. "I'm not the violent or mopey type really... I like having a good time in life and stuff. If I was any other type of person, I don't think you would've started trusting me as fast as you did when we first met. You could feel what kind of person I was, you were able to see, deep down, I was the type who would never put an end to someone else, right? Maybe you've grown to hate that about me, but... I'm still glad it's a part of me that made you want to stick around anyways." Chris grinned while adding "Even if it does frustrate you now!" as Serenity smiled as well. "I guess that true in a way." she agreed. "I not feel so strong about it most of time, but when human like that attack you with weapon, that when I just..." she added, letting out a grunt as she smacked her fist into the palm of her hand. "That human lucky I not there sooner... Taking life not your thing, but far as I go..." she affirmed, reminding she wasn't above doing it herself. Looking at the Pokemon, Chris sighed and put his hand on her shoulder. "I know... I know. In a way, I can appreciate you wanting to go that far to protect me. But at the same time, a life is a life. Just like Gramps said." he affirmed, Serenity looking at him before sighing herself with a nod. "I don't ask much of you girls, but please promise you'll never kill, alright? That's the only thing I want." Chris asked, the Pokemon looking at him before averting her gaze, leaving him without a response causing him to show a concerned look before smiling again. "We'll work on it." he coaxed, placing his hand on her head a second time before suddenly ruffling her hair in a rough manner, pushing her head down while doing so making Serenity scream and flail her hands at him before jumping back.

"YOU KNOW I HATE THAT!!!" she shout, covering her head as Chris laughed, Alicia and Rose smirking as he apologized and held out his hand. "...We're good though, right?" he asked, Serenity looking at his hand before glancing away and scowling with a "we good" remark, grumbling as she spoke and trying to fix her hair before reaching out and taking his hand. Catching the Pokemon off guard, Chris suddenly pulled her under his arm and caught her in his hold, making Serenity struggle and shout in agitation before surprising her with a kiss on the cheek, causing her to pause wide eyed as he exclaimed "gotcha!" and released her. "You really are a child." Alicia sighed. "That's why you girls love me." Chris grinned before his face suddenly twisted and he let out a shout, his arm having been punched by Serenity before she turned away with her arms crossed and grumbled. "Yeesh..." Chris muttered, rubbing where she'd hit him. "You know, after what we already did it's a little late for hand shaking. I think you're doing stuff out of order." Rose point out. Looking at the rabbit, Chris rubbed his head with a nervous laugh, responding with an "I guess your right" response, Serenity glancing back at him as he returned his focus to her. "Think you're ready to head out then?" he asked, the Pokemon turning with a nod. "At least if we with you it make other humans know not to get close, and if run into problem like last night again then we be there to take care of it too. You not get hurt again." she affirmed. "Well, just remember, I do like being independent too. I should've proven I'm capable last night." Chris reminded. "Perhaps you ARE capable, nonetheless its still in our bests interests as a whole to stay together." Alicia chimed in. "I-I don't like fighting, but... I'd rather be there to help you anyway if that kind of thing happens... I'll stand up for you too." Rose assured, poking her fingers with a small smile.

Looking at the girls, Chris sighed and shook his head before chuckling at their behavior. "You girls are a trip." he replied. "I think I'll be fine for a while anyways. Last night was just a fluke I think... Today we can just go out and put what happened at the back of our minds." he assured. Following their conversation, however random and all over the place it was, the girls finished getting ready while Chris went to the garage and readied Rapidash and the carriage, finding the stallion having eaten himself into a slightly nauseous state overnight. Looking at the bag that contained the carrots, Chris found every vegetable had been devoured, with only crumbs remaining as he looked the Pokemon over. "Geez... I know you were supposed to help yourself but I didn't think you'd finish all that in one night." he point out, the stallion letting out a grunt before hicking and letting out a groan. "We'll uh, work it off." Chris assured, patting the horses stomach causing it to rumble before Rapidash let out a belch, Chris's eyes widening in surprise and laughing. "Lesson learned! Never let those eyes of yours be bigger than your stomach. You could've balanced yourself." he lectured, the horse rolling his eyes in response before letting out another groan. "I'll see about getting something to help your stomach along the way." Chris assured before noticing the girls approaching, Serenity having donned her white coat while Alicia worked on hiding her temperature collar with her scarf. Offering to lend a hand, the snake thanked him as she lowered her head, allowing Chris to work the scarf around her neck properly while noticing Rose wearing her dress as well. "What made you decide to get all fancied up?" he asked.

"Well, we're going to see that Mayor human, right? It's kinda important so we thought we'd look a little fancier." the rabbit explained. "I not really care, but it help you look good, right?" Serenity added. "Well... I guess." Chris nodded. "Though being honest, I don't think it matters too much how we look. I appreciate it though!" he smiled. "You really have no class, do you?" Alicia sighed, causing him to let out an "eh?" while looking at the snake. "You're meeting a representative of your kind, correct? It goes without saying you should make an effort to present yourself at your best." she affirmed. "I-I guess, I never really thought about it much. It's like going to visit any other person to me." Chris shrugged. "You'd never survive as one of my kind..." Alicia point out. "Those who fail to show the proper recognition and respect for those within the hierarchy wind up cast aside." she added. "Eh... It's just how I am. I don't care about what class or position someone has." Chris reminded. "How well I know." Alicia nodded, her tone making Chris raise an eyebrow. "Never mind." she waved with her tail before making her way into the carriage. "Call me a rebel I guess." he smirked while closing the door behind her and climbing into the front seat before helping the others up. "Gotta say though, you girls do make those clothes look good." he praised, Serenity and Rose smiling and nodding. "Y-You made sure the door was shut and locked, right?" he asked. "Do that on way out, no worry." Serenity assured. "Huh, alright then... Go you!" Chris grinned, Serenity holding her head up proudly. "I reminded her to do it..." Alicia suddenly point out from behind. "You be quiet." Serenity grumbled as slight sweat showed on Chris's face. "Well, point is the place is locked up." he nodded.

Giving his order for Rapidash to pull them along, the stallion let out a yawn before he began his trot toward the exit of the resort, letting out another belch along the way that made the girls let out a collected groan of disgust. "He uh, ate a little too much last night." Chris laughed nervously. "Besides, we've heard YOU belch like that before!" he reminded, referring to when he walked in on Serenity letting one rip causing the Pokemon to flush with an embarrassed "HEY!!" from the reminder. "That was a rather impressive one." Alicia nodded. "N-Not talk about it!" Serenity snapped. "It was even louder sitting next to her." Rose giggled, causing Serenity to groan with her face lowered. "We're just picking." Chris assured, nudging the Pokemon as she pout. "If it'd make you feel better, I bet I could let one loose!" he added before acting like he was about to do the same, the girls letting out a collective "no!!" while Serenity and Rose pushed him, the two letting out an "ew!" as he laughed, assuring them he was only kidding. Making their way along, once they were out of the gates and heading down the streets the group looked around at all the shops and buildings, the sights seeming drastically different in the daylight with all the buildings under the clear view of the sun. "Rather exquisite place, isn't it?" Alicia asked. "It's a lot fancier than that other city, but in a different sorta way. It's not really bigger but..." Rose point out. "It's the style. Millennium was all futuristic and modern. This city is styled in what they call a Victorian Era, it's a way of saying a place is old fashioned, kinda historic like." Chris explained. "Places like this city are used in all sorts of entertainment humans make. Places like this inspires movies, books, TV shows... You name it, Victorian places like this helped inspire a lot of it." he smirked. "Over time, humans kinda forgot how to build places like this. We lost that sense of patience needed for all these details. That's why we do our best to protect and preserve these kind of locations." he affirmed. "I guess knowing that means I have SOME class after all, eh?" he grinned, looking back at Alicia through the window as she teasingly scoffed in response.

Continuing through the city, Chris took out his Pokedex and started using his GPS for directions along their way, stopping by a Pokemon pharmacy in the process and giving Rapidash some liquid medicine that made the stallions face twist in response to the taste, getting a laugh out of Chris and the girls when the horse shuddered and shook his head from the after taste. "Lesson learned!" Chris chuckled, the horse giving him an agitated look before shuddering a second time. "Don't worry, that's all you gotta take. You might be a little groggy later but by the time it kicks in and you're dozing off we'll be with the Mayor, you can have all the rest you need then." Chris assured, patting Rapidash on the side before returning to his place between the girls and continuing along. Eventually, the group finally found themselves exiting from the street they'd followed into a colossal plaza, the location greatly spanning the area before them and filled with people setting up booths and stalls for the oncoming festivities. As traffic circled the border of the plaza, safely and conveniently redirected, the group followed along while looking at the hustle and bustle within the center of the area. "My word, would you look at that..." Alicia suddenly point out, the group looking back at her before taking notice of the towering structure before them. Letting out a whistle, Chris made a "We definitely couldn't build that today..." comment before noticing a marker on his Pokedex. Giving it a tap, the device suddenly popped up a hologram of the building, announcing it as "Yule Temple" before going into detail about the location. "Built in 1847, this temple has become a must-see tourist location in recent years, particularly during festivals and, most popular of all, Christmas!" the Pokedex exclaimed.

"One could see why, it's magnificent." Alicia nodded. "This temple is the main attraction of Temple Square, a location placed right in the heart of Yulema City, an integral location where many events kick off, in particular the Aurora Festival which spans the entirety of Yulema City once fully underway." the Pokedex went on, showing a hologram of the plaza itself during different celebrations. "So this is where it all begins... Gotta remember that." Chris point out, the girls nodding as the hologram flashed away. "The city seems like it's more ready than the plaza is." he added, noting all the decorations they'd seen the night before. "Maybe it's because all the people here had to travel like we did? Humans like to go all sorts of places to set up stuff, right?" Rose asked. "I guess that's true. I wouldn't be surprised if we see things from all over the world once it's all ready." Chris smirked. "All over world?" Serenity chimed in curiously. "Sure, there's no telling what we'll see." he grinned as the girls looked at the center of the plaza. "I'd fancy a look..." Alicia muttered. "No worries, we'll be here." Chris assured with a thumbs up. "I know you love shopping, right?" he asked, causing the girls to jolt and face away embarrassed making him chuckle as he pulled up more details. "It looks like things start in the plaza tonight actually... Once we finish with the Mayor and get ourselves a tree we can come back later." he nodded. "That explains why they all look so rushed." Rose replied, the group watching everyone busily going about their way as various trucks entered the center of the square with the guide of patrols to unload their cargo. "Alright... Looks like the Mayor's place is just past the temple. We'll take that exit over there and it should be a straight shot!" Chris smirked.

Guiding Rapidash along, the stallion veered off in the direction he instructed, taking the group away from the hustle and bustle of the plaza and back onto the smaller streets, taking them through one of the residential areas as they continued taking in the design of all the structures. Eventually, the buildings began to part until they arrived at another exit, this one leading them into a second plaza of sorts, albeit much smaller. On the right side, the group found themselves trailing along a tall black fence, where just beyond stood their destination, a massive white building completely separated from the city structures with guards seen patrolling all over the property. "That's the place..." Chris muttered as the girls took in the sight. "I not like way those humans look..." Serenity replied, noting how they all donned black suits and communicators. "They're the security, I'd wager. They have to look official." Chris affirmed. "That's a big place... Does that Mayor human live in there?" Rose asked. "I think so. When somebody is at the top of the government they usually get to live in special places so they're protected." Chris explained. "I can see why. It goes back to the topic of hierarchy. The higher you are, the more vigilant you must be. Anyone could threaten your position at any moment." Alicia nodded. "I-I don't think being in her position is THAT dangerous per-se..." Chris laughed nervously, the snake giving a "You'd be surprised..." response. "It takes a certain... Gusto, if you will, to place yourself on high. Be it Pokemon or Human, there are struggles no matter what or who you are to reach the top. Once you're there, each day is a test, one of both courage and determination. One needs a great deal of perseverance to maintain authority and order." Alicia explained.

"I'm uh, I'm happy with where I'm at." Chris sweat slightly. "Handling you girls is enough for me." he added with a smirk, only to rethink his words as he felt the group giving him a collective stare that made him shrink between them as Rapidash trot along. Activating his Pokedex again, Chris held it out toward the structure, causing it to beep and flash as it brought up a new round of information. "Yulema City's capital building, the Yule House" it exclaimed. "Currently home to Yulema City's 45th mayor, Holy Tides, the first female to win the role since the founding of the city in 1709" it went on. "The Yule House was later constructed between 1792 and 1800, and has served as the home of every mayor of Yulema City throughout their terms ever since" it continued. "Throughout the years, various additions have been made, including an east and west wing as well. For visitors, locations not to be missed include the Founders Fountain, built in 1954 in commemoration of those who endured the harsh seas and chilling climate to found and develop Arcticu Valley, as well as in honor of those who lost their lives trying to reach the Valley in search of a better life following various disasters over the years, the most famous being the disappearance of the R.M.S. Arceanic during its maiden voyage from Millennium City to the Valley in 1912." the device revealed, causing a somber look on the groups face. "Another must-visit location is the Oval Office, where the Mayors often spend most of their time performing key tasks during their terms." it finished as the group approached the entrance gate, where guards stood keeping watch and raised a wary eyebrow toward them. With Chris raising his hand to wave, the guards started speaking into communicators attached to their ears, making him sweat slightly before Rose tugged at his sleeve.

"What about that building there?" the rabbit point out, the group looking at another massive structure on the opposite side of the plaza. "Lets check it out." Chris smirked, taking his Pokedex back out and holding it toward the building. Doing the same as before as it scanned the location, it suddenly exclaimed "Capital Court" while bringing up a hologram of the structure. "Originally completed in 1800, it has seen various remodels and expansions throughout the years, with the most commonly known additions being the dome atop the center of the structure along with the statue placed at its peak." it began before showing a hologram of the statue, revealing it to be a woman with an arm outstretched and a sword in the other pointing skyward. "Titled the Motherlands Call, the statue was completed in 1959 and was made in honor of those arriving through the mountainous border of the Valley which separates Yulema City from Frola Village, with the intent of beckoning people along their way with a welcoming hand outstretched and a sword raised high, devoted to their protection, the idea being that travelers earned both after their arduous journey to reach the city." the device went on. "Positioned in a way so that it also reaches out to the Yule House opposite of the Capital Court, the statue also serves to remind both, those who govern, and the Mayor directly to do all they can to reach out to the people who need them most with a soft hand, while always wielding honor and justice like they would a blade, firmly and with a righteous intent to defend all that the citizens they serve hold near and dear." it affirmed as the hologram flashed away, the group looking up at the statue stop the building with a collective and drawn out "oohh..." of awe.

However, their moment of appreciation ended when one of the guards suddenly called out with a stern "You there!" as the man walked up. Jolting, Chris nearly dropped his Pokedex, fumbling with it and managing a lucky catch before letting out a sigh of relief and facing the guard, the girls warily looking as well. "Y-Yes sir?" Chris smiled nervously. "You're Nakazaki, right? Judging by your Pokemon and carriage." the guard asked as the others surrounded and started examining it. "Y-Yes, that's me. We're here to see the Mayor, she invited us." Chris point out. "That right, so humans back off." Serenity warned with a scowl, her arms crossed making him sweat slightly as the guard looked at her before circling the carriage the same as the others, several crouching to inspect the underside. "Anything in this compartment?" a female guard asked, tapping the locked door. "N-No ma'am. We emptied it out once we got to our cabin." Chris assured. "Key please." the same guard from before asked, with Chris handing it over allowing them to get inside to inspect. "They make ya feel kinda nervous." Rose laughed with slight sweat of her own showing before the group heard Alicia shout "Excuse me?!!" from within, adding a "Very rude!!" comment as the guards looked inside the carriage itself from the opened door before taking hold of the sides and climbing up to inspect the top. "Thorough, huh...?" Chris muttered as they climbed down and returned to inspecting the sides and bottom a second time. Taking out various types of detectors, the guards started waving them about around the carriage, the devices letting off various noises until they were finished and gathered near the gate, murmuring to one another while Serenity and Alicia showed the same annoyed expressions, Chris and Rose maintaining their nervous stances while Rapidash let out a yawn before them, the medicine finally beginning to take affect on the stallion.

"Alright, line up and we'll clear you for entry." one of the guards instructed, walking back up to the group as the rest followed. "L-Line up?" Chris asked, blinking at them as they waited. "They telling us what to do?" Serenity sneered. "Guess we gotta, it IS their capital after all..." Chris nodded before standing and making his way down with his staff in hand. Turning back, he offered the girls a hand getting down, with Rose giving him a nervous "thanks" as she stepped next to him while Serenity remained in her seat with her arms crossed, looking at his hand before hovering her gaze along the guards causing them to warily murmur toward one another. "Come on Serenity." Chris quietly muttered through his teeth, reaching out further making the Pokemon sigh and take his hand. Once she was by his side as well, he opened the door and let Alicia slither out, the snake raising her head high and looking down at the guards in the same manner Serenity had, putting them all the more in a wary mood making her smirk. "At least they know who to watch out for. Those who are above others always make lesser people feel unnerved." she point out. "Hey hey, just because we're someplace important it doesn't mean you gotta act all snooty toward folks." Chris lectured, causing Alicia to scowl as they stood in a line. Surrounding them with their detectors, the guards checked the group, making Chris relinquish his staff and coat briefly before returning them after inspection. Standing at his sides, two guards pat him down making Serenity tense up, about to speak up before a guard waved a detector in front of her face. Jolting in surprise, the Pokemon quickly took hold of it and sneered, telling the guard "Back off!" in agitation.

"D-Do you think we could wrap it up? We're safe, honest!" Chris assured, the guards finally backing away with a nod. "We'll need you to leave the carriage by the gate. We'll have staff watch it while you visit." a female guard instructed. "Gotta walk huh?" Chris asked. "That's how it is. You've been approved, are you ready?" she replied, the group looking at one another before nodding. "Guess so... We didn't really bring anything we gotta take with us... Our friend here ate a bit too much last night and got a little sick. I gave him some medicine so he'll probably doze off in a few. Shouldn't be much trouble to look out for." he point out before watching the guards return to the gate, with several entering a small building next to it. After a moment, security within the grounds showed up on the other side of the gate, waiting as it finally began sliding open before them. "You know... I'm surprised those news people and all aren't here." Chris point out. "Mm... Now that you mention it, they were rather quick to swarm us the other night." Alicia nodded. "They probably learn lesson." Serenity smirked, thinking back on how she'd stood up to defend him when the Mayor showed up at the resort. "R-Right..." Chris sweat slightly. "We prohibit such gatherings near the premises of the Yule House, only authorized members of the public and press are allowed to group together around the borders while under supervision of staff. We insist traffic move along under normal circumstances otherwise and we investigate any suspicious going-on's whenever spotted." a guard point out as she instructed the group to proceed through the gate. Looking at all the guards and that staff waiting for them ahead, the group nodded at one another while Serenity firmly took Chris's arm in hers defensively as they proceeded and began following the staff, Rose keeping hold of the side of his coat along the way.

Optional Track To LWR - Listen While Reading - Yule House Spectacle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JE1QnZMi0jo Right Click On Video - Select Loop

Making their way along the grounds, the first thing the group came across was the Founders Fountain mentioned in the Pokedex, the site sprawling out in front of the Yule House and featuring a group of men in uniform standing atop the mountains bordering the valley. In their grasp, the men held tightly to a flag post as they set it into the rocky surface, with a banner featuring Articuno rising from behind a mountain, the scene encircled by stars as the insignia of the valley. Around the monument itself was a massive pond of sorts, with water seen trickling down the rocky surface the statues stood on. "That's neat..." Chris point out as they walked around the water. "The fountain is heated slightly to avoid freezing." a male staff member explained as they proceeded. Suddenly however, the group was surprised when Pokemon began leaping from the pond onto the monument in the center, causing them to pause as various Staryu skipped about. "We've always allowed the Mayor currently in service to fill the pond with various species of their choosing." a female staff member point out as a duo of Seel's climbed out onto the monument as well and looked at the group, the two suddenly raising and clapping their flippers while calling out. Looking down, Rose tugged at Chris's coat and point out a Pokemon crawling out at their feet, asking "What's that?" in a slightly disgusted tone. Looking down, they tilt their heads as they looked at the creature, covered in a black body with pink spines sticking out. "A-Ah! Stay back from that...!!" a male guard tried to warn as Chris crouched down, blinking at the Pokemon as it blinked back with its beady eyes. "Why? It's just a tiny thing." he replied, about to reach out only to suddenly find his face punched by a white glob it spit out in the shape of a fist, causing Chris to fall backwards with a shout as he clutched his face.

Panicking, the girls gathered around him while Serenity scowled and kicked the Pokemon back into the water with a grunt, the staff sweating slightly. "Th-Those are called Pyukumuku... The Mayor had them shipped in from Alola when she took office. We tried to convince her not to but..." another female staff member explained. "Those things have caused us plenty of trouble since we put them in there. Easy to step on one..." a male staff member sighed. Raising back up with the help of the girls, Chris hissed with a reddened area around his nose and scowled at the pond before they went along their way, following the staff toward the house. "You be okay?" Serenity asked. "I must say, it's nice not being the victim myself this time." Alicia point out, referring to her experience back at Arthur and Angela's mansion. "You just got squirt on!! I got friggin' PUNCHED!!" Chris snapped, the snake sweating slightly with a nervous laugh. "We think the Mayor has a prankster side..." another of the female staff guiding them along replied. "NOT my kind of prank." Chris scowled. "Exactly..." a male staff member agreed. "We'll take you in through the main entrance, that will put us within the diplomatic reception room. From there we'll take you through the building and into the west wing. You'll find the Mayor waiting for you in the Oval Office." the same staff member added. "Given you enjoy Pokemon, you can see the Rose Garden when we go through the West Wing, there are many types there as well." he went on. "Do they punch too?" Chris grumbled. Finally reaching the building, the staff lead the group through the doors protected by other members of the guard, leading them into the reception area where the walls around them featured spanning fields of green and waterfalls with crowds of people gathered. Beneath their feet, the same insignia of Articuno could be seen in the carpet as the group took in the artistry, briefly distracted by the room as the staff waited.

Calling out, the group jolt as the staff motioned for them to follow. Doing as told, they were taken to the Central Hall, lined with red carpet and various potted plants and paintings. Making their way right, they walked past several rooms including the kitchen where food could be smelled, the scent wafting through the hall making the girls stomachs rumble. "We just ate not too long ago." Chris smiled nervously as they collectively blushed and scowled, ignoring the scents as they progressed. Heading into the Palm Room, it was a much smaller location filled with more plants and outdoor furniture, with Alicia letting out a "quaint" remark as the staff opened another set of doors. "The garden is just out here. We'll follow the colonnade and reach the Oval Office from there." one of the female staff instructed. Following as told, the group found themselves traveling back outside along a stretch of corridor lined with white pillars, with the Rose Garden sprawling out just beyond them. Pausing as the group took notice of the area, they found countless species of Pokemon filling the area, with a group of Sunkern hopping along behind a Sunflora as it strolled along the grass, Cherubi and Cherrim seen hanging from trees and hiding in branches, along with Burmy and Wormadam casually swinging on branches of their own. Looking ahead, a Dartrix could be seen walking toward them along the colonnade, it's posture proud and proper as it strolled as though it owned the location. Pausing in front of the group, it looked up before offering a courteous bow. "Well now..." Alicia smirked, nodding at the Pokemon while the rest did the same before watching it continue along, making its way around them before heading into the garden. "That's one of the Mayor's personal Pokemon, it's been devoted to the care of the garden and its Pokemon since she took office." one of the male staff point out.

Watching the Dartrix, it greeted a group of Budew and Petilil that raced out of nearby bushes to welcome it, the Pokemon smiling and patting them on the head before strolling through the garden with the small Pokemon following behind. "All of the plants here are durable enough to maintain their greenery even in the climate of the valley, allowing it to appear springlike throughout the year despite the frigid temperatures that are the norm for this area. The Pokemon that reside here handle a majority of its upkeep on their own." the same staff member added. As they resumed their own trek through the colonnade, the group spotted several Roselia along with a Leavanny and a Lilligant as well, all enjoying their lives in the garden peacefully as they approached another set of doors. Being led back inside, the group found themselves in the west wing, guided to a corridor room and told to wait as several staff in the group entered the room ahead of them. "This place... Neat." Serenity nodded. "It's big. Kinda makes you feel tiny." Rose laughed nervously. "You're tiny under normal circumstances." Alicia teased with a grin, causing the rabbit to scowl with a "hey..." from the remark. "Alright, come on. Weren't you the ones just making a fuss a while ago about being professional or whatever?" Chris lectured. Looking around, eventually the staff that had entered the room before them returned, murmuring among the others that had stayed to watch over Chris and the girls before approaching them. "The Mayor is currently on the phone, however she has approved your entry so long as you are quiet until she finishes." one of the female staff affirmed. Nodding in agreement, they returned to the door and opened it, allowing them to enter the heart of the Mayor's abode, the Oval Office itself.

Optional Track To LWR - Listen While Reading - Walls of Greatness https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3Phe7RzUcs Loop Unnecessary Unless Desired

Entering the room, the group paused once within as they looked around at the highly decorated location. Beneath them was a deep blue carpet, featuring the same insignia of Articuno in the center that was seen on the memorial and the entrance of the building, surrounded by the same circle of stars while before them Holy sat on the phone, giving the group a smile and a wave as she sat behind her desk with agents at her sides. Behind her was another flag featuring the same design as the floor as well as a section of tall windows lining the wall, curtains of gold shining where they hung. Looking up, the group found paintings lining the walls of the entire room, 45 in number showing all the Mayors that had come before. With a plaque under each, names included Gregory Willingston, the first Mayor of the valley, along with Adreon Linquin, Theonardo Rooseval, James Kernneldy, all the way up to the man who came just before Holy, a man by the name of Barnack Odamas, who appeared as the sole black man presented in the office. Following him was Holly herself, likewise the only woman in the circle surrounding them. As they took in all the art and details of the room, the staff shut the doors behind them while the agents next to Holly kept an eye on them. Walking up to the curtains near Holly, Rose felt them with a "smooth..." comment, showing a smile before noticing the agents looking down at her, causing the rabbit to sweat with a nervous laugh before backing away. Noticing a pair of couches in the middle of the room, Serenity walked over and plopped down on one, stretching before setting her feet on the table between the furniture. Seeing this, the agents twitched an eyebrow, their eyes hidden by their shades making Chris quickly coax the Pokemon into sitting properly.

Eventually, the Mayor finally finished with her phone call and hung up with a sigh, reaching into a drawer and taking out a bottle and a tiny shot glass before popping the cork from the bottle, one of the agents catching it with a slight fumble as she poured herself a serving. "M-Ma'am..." the other agent muttered with slight sweat on his face. "Oh relax, it's light stuff! Besides, it's a tiny amount." Holly scowled before tipping her head back and taking the shot before wiping her mouth with a satisfied "pwuah!" and blushing with a "that's the stuff" comment, taking the cork back from the agent and working it into the bottle. "Good to see you again!" she smiled at the group while putting her alcohol back in the drawer. "Sorry about that. Now and then I have a sip to perk up a bit. You need it after calls that drag on especially." she point out as she stood from behind her desk and approached. "Sorry about how stiff things are around here. I know they can be kind of harsh but that's just how it is. Were you able to enjoy the sights along the way?" Holly asked, offering Chris and the girls a handshake. "Humans here get on nerves." Serenity scowled. "All the more reason for a shot now and then." Holly laughed before adding a "Try living with them" remark that made the agents at her desk jolt and sulk in a subtle manner. Looking at Chris, she noticed the reddened mark on his face and chuckled. "I see you stopped by the pond." she added. "Yeah... You've got some taste in Pokemon." he replied. "A girl has to have SOME fun in a place like this. Keeps it a little more lighthearted when you get to see the staff and guards fumble about." Holly explained, the agents at her desk looking at one another and shaking their heads with a sigh, victims of the Pyukumuku themselves at some point.

"Anyway... We need to get you set up so you can meet the press properly, right?" she asked while leaning against one of the couches. "Better to round them up all at once and get it over with in one big event than have them hound you endlessly." she nodded. "Where should we meet them though? That's the question." Chris replied. "I've been thinking it over. We actually have our own press room here in the West Wing you could probably use. You went passed it on your way here actually." Holly smiled, detailing how it lies within the building along the colonnade. "We don't have anything coming up that calls for it, so the room's pretty much free for the time being. It wouldn't be much of a sacrifice to let you borrow it." she offered. "Would uh, that be a problem with the other folks here though? Like you said, they're pretty strict and all." Chris reminded. "A little paperwork here and there, a call or two, and you should be set." Holly assured. "I'll handle the nitty gritty of it all so you just have to wait for contact and show up. If there's anyone in particular you want to attend, just let us know. Otherwise, once we announce the specifics the media should start filing to attend on their own." she added. "Really there's not much to do on your part... Think of it as my way of paying you back for saving the people on that ship! The least I could do is get the media off your back so you can spend your time here enjoying yourselves peacefully... What do you think?" she asked. "I guess that's fine by me. I don't have anyone in particular to invite. Most of the people I know are too old to come this far, especially to a place that's kinda cold like it is here... Everyone else I know has too much to do so it'd be more of a chore to come here than anything." Chris replied.

"I suppose that saves on the paperwork then." Holly nodded. "Now, let me think..." she muttered, rubbing her chin with her eyes closed as the group looked around the room once more. "I'd like to get things out of the way for you guys, plus it's still a bit of a limited window kind of thing for using the press room. Even if things are clear for now, that can change at any moment..." she point out, pausing as she thought over the situation once more. "How do you feel about two days from now?" Holly asked, the group looking at her in surprise. "You think all those people would be ready that quick?" he asked. "It's the media. If they have to they could be here before I walked across this room if need be." Holly affirmed with a wave of her hand. "I won't argue there." Chris replied, thinking about how they'd been everywhere he was since his time in Millennium. "What do you girls think? That okay with you?" he asked. "I've no complaints. Do what you will." Alicia nodded. "That what you want, do it." Serenity shrugged. "I don't mind either." Rose shook her head. "I guess it sounds like a plan then." Chris smiled, getting a nod from Holly as she returned to her desk. "I'll get the details taken care of and get back with you once we have an exact time set up. Same as we'll do for the press." she replied while sitting back down. "Though with that out of the way, there's something else I'm obligated to discuss with you..." Holly point out, her tone turning somewhat serious making the group look at one another as she pressed a button on her desk, ordering "bring it in" through a small mic sticking up from the side of it. "What now?" Chris asked, blinking in a slightly confused manner before they heard the door open and staff rolled in a TV on a cart.

Setting it up next to her desk, the staff gave Holly a remote before they bowed and left, closing the door behind them. "I'm sure you'd rather put it at the back of your minds, but I'm afraid I have to give you a reminder on something." she affirmed. Turning the TV on, it depicted a still-frame of the pizzeria Chris had been at the night before from outside its window, showing him holding his coat over the man who tried to kidnap Anya. "As you know, our legal system has gone through great lengths to keep your name cleared. Our own court across the plaza you should've seen on your way here played a major part in overturning your most recent convictions since it's our citizens in particular you've aided." she revealed. "However, you really are on a thin line... And while I'm grateful all the more that you saved another of our citizens on our very streets, your actions are also seen as violent at the same time." she affirmed. "Mr. Nakazaki, you have... Powers... Very impressive ones at that. The government views you as both, a benefit and detriment to places you go. On one hand, you've proven you're willing to use your powers for the well being of those around you. Yet just as often you've proven a certain... Lacking... In controlling them." Holly reminded, pulling up a still-frame of him back when he blew up the truck while saving Rose and dangling her previous owner in the air before showing stills of him invading the prison before showing stills of him nearly burning the Gyarados leader to death. "Again, your intentions were pure but your actions bring with them concerns..." she affirmed. "We want to welcome you as I've said. We want you to enjoy all our festival has to offer. At the same time... Just... Be very careful." she warned. "Normally you seem like an excellent fellow, but it's easy to see when you use those abilities of yours, there's a bit of a dark side within you... I don't want you releasing that side in my city, understand?" she instructed.

Nodding, Chris gave an apology for getting involved in a fight the night before, with Holly raising her hand and shaking her head. "Again, for what you did to save that child, I'm grateful. As is the rest of our government in the city." she assured. "You're not the only one with a dangerous side to you, however." Holly went on, looking at Serenity before bringing up stills of her back as a Kirlia at the jail Chris had been falsely imprisoned within, followed by her battle shortly after evolving with the Houndoom, then more stills of her with the Warden, all revealing her berserk side. "That one there, Serenity..." Holly point out, looking at the Pokemon. "Your species is renowned for their desire to protect their trainer. That I can appreciate and understand. However, your method in doing so is very extreme." she reminded. "It's very, VERY well known among us that you have a dangerous hatred toward humans, and being honest, I really shouldn't allow you anywhere near this city." Holly affirmed, causing Serenity to raise an eyebrow. "However, your actions aboard the Guardian granted you some leeway... But know the line you tread is even thinner than Mr. Nakazaki's, so I ask that you, too, mind yourself while you're here." Holly insisted, the Pokemon glancing away silently. "You've already stretched that line as close to the snapping point as you can thanks to your actions the other night as well..." Holly point out, showing stills caught of her with the police at the pizzeria. "We're being very lenient with you two, much more than I can recall ever being with others who tread similar lines, especially when it comes to you Serenity..." she affirmed. "All that we ask, all that I ask, is that you both simply behave in this city. Don't you agree that it's a simple request?" she asked, looking at the two.

Giving a nod in response, Chris gave her a "yeah" of agreement while Serenity faced away, giving a shrug as her response. "I'm afraid I need more than that... Can we count on your cooperation?" Holly repeat, Chris giving Serenity a nudge making the Pokemon sigh before glancing at the Mayor with an "okay" as her response. "It really is hard for you, isn't it?" Holly asked with a nervous laugh. "I've read all the reports and I've seen whats happened to all of you since your travels pretty much began. The writing and footage tell quite a story... Playing a part in your pardons, of course I had to. So, please understand that I do realize what you've endured. I know of the ways our government has failed you just as much as I know of the things you've done. Your attitude towards humans... I suppose it's not completely uncalled for. I can't say you've no right to think and feel as you do. I don't ask that you change that. I only ask that you... I suppose in your case, endure is the best way to put it, while you're among the people in this city." Holly explained. "So, again, please present yourselves as best you can toward everyone here and have fun, alright?" she asked, the group nodding collectively. "Alright then... Well, at least that covered what the big tops wanted me to discuss." Holly sighed, calling staff back in to take the TV away. "I don't really like having to play the middle-woman, but for the sake of keeping appearances and saving face I had to bring that up. Sorry if it was too much nagging." she waved with a nervous smile. "N-No worries. Being honest I'd like to avoid all that stuff while I'm here too. Last night was just a fluke, I-I think." Chris assured, scratching his cheek. "I can't really tell sometimes between what's meant to happen and what's just coincidence when I go places." he sighed.

"You know, I noticed the way you restrained yourself in that fight the other night as well." Holly smirked, sitting back with her arms crossed. "You never used that power of yours against that kidnapper. I spotted it flaring up but you shook it off, right?" she point out. "A-Ah, yeah..." Chris nodded. "You don't really need to tell me about restraining myself. I already know what I can do can get to my head sometimes, so I fought without using it." added. "Well, that and because I know folks are watching us. I already know about the whole thin line thing. Nobody wants to avoid breaking it as much as me. I've got the girls to think about." he laughed with slight sweat on his face. "Well, you just keep minding yourselves and our city will be your Cloyster." Holly smiled, the pun making Chris's eyes widen before pointing at her with a grin on his face while looking at the girls, letting out an "ah! ah!" and a "hear that?!" remark, the three of them groaning and shaking their heads. "D-Did I say something wrong?" Holly asked. "This one has a weakness for jokes and tacky puns..." Alicia scowled, causing Holly to tilt her head before thinking back on what she said and showing a smirk. "I get it." she nodded

Following this, Holly and the group continued having discussions for some time, including details about their travels the Mayor wanted to delve into as well as revolving things about the city and the festival the group wanted to know in turn, all the while her agents keeping a watchful eye on them all...