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

[stormkingofshepherds]

Oh, definitely a coincidence. He was the one in charge of creating new variant Pokemon species, that were more adapted to the changed world. I actually assumed that was the case for some of your Pokemon when I first saw them.

[Nathaniel listens carefully to the explanation.] Balance...that always seems to be the case with Legendary duos, doesn't it? Although...what about Aerodactyl? Does it have a corresponding fossil god?

[domeinion]

That would explain a lot. Unfortunately, you can blame us on the Randomizer, and blame that on... my own problems. Someone who was more dangerous than the gods whose power he messed with.

[DJ rumbles, and Alice sighs with a nod. When Nathaniel asks about Aerodactyl, she looks up.]

Yes, Amber of balance was originally the centre, a long time ago. Though it has its own opposite number in Drive. OLDEN doesn't have an opposite number, but that's because it only ascended a few years ago -- well, a few years from my perspective, being out of time does scramble things -- after the Voices found what was wrong and the hosts who found it were able to fix everything.

[stormkingofshepherds]

[He nods at her explanation.] Your world sounds like it's been through a lot too. Even if it's of a different nature than what happened in mine.

[domeinion]

You've got that right. Over and over again.

[Hyperbug buzzes gently and tilts his head in sympathy at Nathaniel.]

I try not to bring it up too often just because it confuses and upsets people, but the key word is "try." I don't succeed, as things go.

[stormkingofshepherds]

[He nods.] If you'd want to talk about it in more detail...I wouldn't mind listening. [It's really not more upsetting than his own backstory, after all.]

[domeinion]

Really? I'd be glad to answer any of your questions. I have to admit it's difficult to find a starting point that won't get people even more confused, from experience.

[An ordinary-looking Dolliv pokes out from around a bookshelf and shuffles over to sit with the group, and Alice pets her.]