#mnstcrbnll

They're trembling on their feet, eyes staring down at their custom made sandals. The hooded cape they're wearing is heavy on their back and shoulders, but it's needed for just a little bit longer. The host reads the news as they wait out of view with the camera crew. They can't help but notice stares from the others in the studio. Their get-up was out of the ordinary for sure... Still, they're incredibly pleased with the outfit Sirio made especially for them. It fit them. It boosted their confidence. It was light, and airy, and all sensory issues were taken care of, like tags and the like. But most importantly... it made him feel like he could take on the world.

Hala had arranged for them to be on the news. The prime time spot, even. Tons of people would be watching... Is this the right choice? They wave the thought away. Too late to back out, and... it was time to do something for himself for once. The time for them to enter the spotlight approaches steadily. A trembling hand slips into their pocket, pulling up their phone. They scan over the last reassuring messages from Hala, Maleah and Sirio. They're rooting for them. They hadn't told anyone else. It was bound to be a big surprise. Maybe it was better that way. His stomach is doing flips just thinking about what everyone was going to say once this was over. Would it be positive? Negative? He hoped the first, and feared the latter. It's time. The spotlights are even brighter than expected when the host calls them forward from behind the scenes. Things feel like they're going in slow motion as he steps into the studio, positioning himself smack dab in the middle of the assigned area. The host does her spiel, introducing him ('but he doesn't need much introducing, right everyone?'). Hau does his best to ignore the anxiety overloading his brain. Yeah. Of course they knew him. But if they didn't, then they might after this... A deep breath, studio quiet as can be. "Thank you all for having me. I'll keep it brief." Undoing a button, they take off the hooded cape combo. Gasps fill the studio as he reveals his functioning wings. Camerapeople exchange looks with the host, which in turn tries her best to stay calm. "I'm truly sorry for keeping this from you all for so long..."

Hau pauses between sentences, both for the message to land properly and to think of his next words carefully.

"But I am sharing my secret with you all today, live on TV. I was bestowed a gift by the Tapu. It gave me powers, and these wings. I request you don't go looking for this gift yourself, and to respect the boundaries of our guardian deities." There's muttering around him everywhere, along with surprised and confused faces. Part of him wants to prove it right here and then, but he doesn't owe anyone an in depth explanation.

Hau bows politely, forcing a smile onto their face. "Please respect the privacy of me and my loved ones, too. I'll do my best to help out Alola where I can... But please keep in mind I will also be living my life for me. Thank you."

there's NO WAY that's him. THE sirio galassia himself, in the flesh. is he here to be a guest commentator on a future match? no way, right? he would have posted about it on social media ... or was this a surprise a some sort for dedicated fans all over the globe!? noelle slaps her cheeks to snap herself out of the spiral, just long enough to see if she can muster the courage to do the unthinkable: ask for a photo.

shaky hands hold her rotom phone pretty tight, as if it might fly out of her grasp and take her one shot with it. she clears her throat to draw his attention, hoping she isn't interrupting anything, hoping she's not annoying him.

what were the odds? along the shadowy bellchime trail, the world's unluckiest team tarnish grunt makes a routine jump on someone, only to catch clair's critical eye as she returns from her monthly tower pilgrimage.

for the blessed user of dragon pokemon, justice is often dispensed in a flash. bluntly. she sweeps over, catching the tarnished in a headlock and wrenching them off the victim, who tries to scurry away. however--to clair's surprise--the poke-holster on the victim's outfit betrays their rocket affiliations. what the hell were they doing here...? a heeled boot pins the rocket to the earth before they can crawl off, the tarnished still scrabbling uselessly at clair's forearm.

when tetsuka appears from the shadows--dear gods--clair feels her heart skip a beat on instinct. she's massive, steelix flexing on a rocky bicep, her voice a commanding rumble. and still, clair--despite her growing confusion--doesn't back down, never has. she shoves the tarnished grunt away but keeps her boot on the fallen rocket's back. the tamer gets right up in the giant woman's face, blue eyes narrowed to suspicious slits, pale features drawn tight. unafraid and demanding answers.

Another pink, glittery letter arrived! Round 2 is about to start!!

“Greetings, Stardust! I hope you’re ready, because this round will be as tense as ever! Be careful and sharp!

This is your secret for this round:

“ Probably not interesting at all but I can’t think of anything off the top of my head. The name people call me by is actually my surname. My real name is-“ 🚛 💨 HOOOOOONK 💨 “- but it’d probably disappoint people after keeping it for so long, so I let ‘em keep guessing for the mystery 🤷‍♂️.”

Good luck!