joy on helixmas morn (even for domeists)

[domeinion]

[1) Alice's Lab]

[In the days leading up to Helixmas, or Christmas, or "whatever you want it to be" as Dr. Unoya put it last year, Alice can be most often found in her lab in the Shrouded Woods. She's currently cleared off one of the bulletin boards and is mulling over what's best described as a conspiracy wall, with yarn connecting photos of the different Legendaries that popped up over the past year, news articles about the Malamar incident at the last Harvesting Bonds Festival, copied texts about the festival in general, and any reports of evil-team activity she can possibly find. You may come in to her pacing back and forth, focused on the board, until Hyperbug buzzes and Alice turns around.]

Oh! Sorry, you gave me a start! Did you need something?

[2) Turnbloom Market]

[But, well, it is multiple gift-giving holidays, and even if Alice doesn't celebrate any of them, it's always good to appreciate your friends. To that end, she's made the trek to the biggest centre on the island a few days before to do some more last-minute shopping. She looks over a hand-knitted Wiki plush and hums.]

I know all the textbooks didn't go over well last year, but what does everybody want?

[3) anywhere]

[Alice has the determination of a scientist and three team members who know Fly, so she'll head out to find you and deliver your gift herself! Don't be surprised if she shows up wherever you happen to be. Don't worry, it isn't programming textbooks this year. Probably.]

Comments

[domeinion]

Oh, hi, X! I'm trying to finish my shopping. I never celebrated Helixmas back home, but a lot of people here celebrate things like it, so I thought it'd be nice to participate.

[closedbond]

Oh!

[It takes him a second but he recalled talking about the holidays with Alice. He'll nod along.]

It slipped my mind...how's the shopping going? Did you find anything?

[domeinion]

A few things! It's taking a little more effort than I anticipated, though. Last year, I got a lot of my friends what I liked, but I don't think a lot of them were too happy with the science textbooks.

[closedbond]

Ah...

[There's a smile and a chuckle in reaponse from X. He could only imagine their faces from the presents.]

It is hard trying to shop for someone else. ....I wouldn't mind getting a textbook. You never know when that information will come to use.

[domeinion]

You mean it? What kinds of things are you interested in? Pokémon biology is my usual field of study, but I would say I know a lot about the PC by now.

[closedbond]

[There's a nod from X.]

Getting to know more about Pokemon biology sounds like a good idea. While the Pokedex is useful, it doesn't give you all the details.

[domeinion]

That's true enough! Especially since every Pokédex is different, and different Pokémon even of the same species tend to differ. I've always loved studying them. I guess it was inevitable for someone like me, though. How did you get into it?

[closedbond]

For me...it helped deepen my understanding of the Pokemon around me, just not my partner. It became useful for us to learn about other Pokemon so we can figure out battle strategies together. It was nice seeing our plans go the way we wanted them to, too.

[domeinion]

[Alice nods along, smiling as he explains.]

You're right, actually. I'm surprised more trainers don't go in depth learning about that sort of thing. Especially if they're trying to go pro.

[closedbond]

It can be hard for some, but what's important is...our bonds isn't it? With our Pokemon.

[He'll smile at that thought.]

But having the knowledge to help doesn't hurt either.

[domeinion]

Of course not! The more you learn, the more it helps you. I might be a little biased, though!