You got the wrong person

"Okay!" Erica marched to the door and unlocked it with a shadow key that dispelled after use as quickly as it was conjured, "The truth is I think that's where I was born. I can't really ask my parents about it."

Their shrine was on the other side of the yard under the weeping willow, though that didn't make them more talkative. The house was well kept though. There was a cozy living room and a small kitchen further down on the right. A staircase just by the door led the way to the upper floor.

"I had to fix it up when it all ended, but I make it not look like much or someone might try to come live here." she explained as she retrieved the house keys she had indeed forgotten inside on her last visit, "The house being next to a spooky forest doesn't stop everyone apparently. I don't have a lot of stuff here. I was very little when they took me away and babies don't own much."

There were however many paintings on the walls. One of them was of a beautiful lady with pointed ears just like Erica.

It moved more quickly going into Erica's house, tail trailing behind it through the door. It once again looked this way and that, trying to take everything in. Oh, that lady on the wall looked like Erica! The couch was appropriately admired as well, Nihil pausing in front of it and just looking at it as if it were a piece of artwork, nodding along to the assessment that it was nice.

She did say one thing that was hard to just glaze over no matter how casually it had been presented.

"Someone took you away?" That statement had been concerningly vague enough that it could've been good or bad. Was she taken away the way it had just been taken away by Erica to come see this place? Or was this more like getting taken by a Window?

"Well, most humanoids get started on the baby together, then it grows inside the mother until it's ready to come out. That's about it. Humans make up a bunch of stories for their kids but it's kinda silly. I think elves like me carry their babies inside their backs later on, but that's the only difference in how they're cared forI can think of."

There was also the minor detail of the father possibly disappearing back into the depths of the forest after the deed was done, but there was already enough to unpack there of her tragic backstory as it stood. Although that was subjective, Erica didn't seem too bothered by the topic as she simply shrugged at the question.

"There was a guy years ago who wasn't too right in the head and wanted to make an army of zombies. He started small by taking only a few people and since he wanted them to be special, he came for me too. He sent one of his zombies after my parents and kidnapped me."

This was going to take a while, so she went to the kitchen to find some snacks and found an unopened bag of chips from her last visit.

"He turned me into a zombie and let me out every once in a while to turn more people. But he's gone now. He's stuck in a place way worse than the Backrooms. I'm still undead, but my friend Willow found a way to give me a heartbeat again. It's nice not to feel cold all the time and I look way better without a bunch of holes in my body."

"You got a card too? That's fancy."

She couldn't say no to that now. Watching this guy at work could have been fun, for the right fee.

"Oh, that wasn't hard. I also get paid to find things and creatures. It usually ends with me negotiating with ghosts around these parts, but I can tell a mage apart in a crowd."

Her marks made her aware of many things. Although they weren't something to be discussed with a stranger. But as it looked like they weren't going to clash for the time being, Rook figured there would be nothing wrong with getting this guy's help. It was always good to have an extra pair of eyes out and she might as well find out whether she was undercharging for her own services.

"Cursed artifacts are fascinating, so you do have my attention." He said sincerely, already mentally making a list of things he might need. "As for my fee... I tell you what: let's knock out all these constants in one go. Do you like coffee? Or tea? Or better yet, do you know a cat cafe? ... if you're not allergic, that is. And how does this city feel about openly talking about magic? I know some places are more skittish than others..."

Still, it was the first time a cat cafe was being requested. "You're catching me unprepared. I don't know if there's a cat cafe in this city. My dog gets sad if I come home smelling like a cat she doesn't know. I have to be careful with that."

It was nothing that couldn't be fixed with a quick search, though. Rook retrieved her phone to do just that.

"Well, there's a certain balance to things here. There are many interesting people like us and some even more interesting than us living among the mundane. Obviously, hiding is still the rule, but some people have an open mind and won't yell at you for asking strange questions."

It was an extremely reductive explanation, but Nonaim was definitely one of the cities most welcoming of the supernatural in general. Rook then showed her phone screen.

"Indeed. Although I'd be happy to be repaid for my time." Willow added, "A box of pastries should be a fair fee."

Such demands were only increasing the respect of her new team member. Hypno was certainly going to remember this practice. Trainers still spent a good time out in the wilderness, supplies were bound to always be limited and they couldn't say no to extras. The way Willow provided for them was commendable.

Spice, on the other hand, was perfectly at ease. The food was amazing and that brought her so much joy she couldn't help kicking her legs a little, a gesture that was more common than one would expect. Omen was doing the same while he got ready to tell Selene about all the amazing food she had to try sometimes.

"Yeah, you got it. The big media don't care about art." Fae agreed somberly, "But it sounds like you got yourselves a new fun project to work on and maybe I'll do just that."

After all, who cared about eating food while it was still warm? Fae gladly joined in, humming and then singing along with the music. She would take some compliments while Rook enjoyed her break from the general attention. The music helped ease her nerves as it slowly started to sink in that she had somehow made new friends in less than a day. Rook quietly finished her meal, then allowed Thea to rest her head on her lap to enjoy some well deserved scratches.

"I think we're only allowed to help with the fun stuff." she told Russell.

Which was convenient because it allowed them to look through Russell's pictures sooner. Erica chuckled at the accidental selfie. Impidimp were so goofy they could be forgiven for their pranks.

Hypno inevitably joined, wondering what the machine Russell carried around really did. Porygon stopped buzzing around Errol to return to Willow, knowing she would gladly explain everything. Needless to say, Hypno was left fascinated.

"Yep! Russell is really good at this." Erica agreed, "And it isn't too bad you got interrupted, uh? I don't think there are many photos of Hypnos doing their thing."

Porygon let out a low whistle, noticing how that was a rather scary image. Hypno frowned a little, but figured it had a point.

It seemed he wasn't going to say exactly where. The implication was most likely enough. Leofric was definitely glad for it in any case.

"That can be arranged," Bill said with a small grin, "If it helps sweeten that deal."

He had a feeling that the pun might be appreciated. The look the Hypno got as she observed her trainer couldn't be missed either. It seemed that she and Willow really were a perfect match.

Leofric couldn't help but smile a little at the way Spice kicked about. As did Russell. That was always so adorable to see. Selene did chuckle quietly as well. It seemed that she knew just how Spice had learned to do that.

"Heh, maybe I could write that. I should note it somewhere before my Slowpoke memory lets me down again," Bill joked, "And it is true. That's probably why I've gravitated towards smaller teams and budgets over the years."

Bill was also very pleased that his small impromptu one man accordion concert seemed to be a hit with his guests. Russell couldn't help but smile sheepishly at Rook's comment then.

"Heh, yeah, I, I guess, I guess so."

While Russell did feel a little bit bad about not helping out, even if he had been told not to worry about it, he somehow thought it better to do as Bill said while he was here.

There were also some great shots of the Hypno wandering through Glimwood, and even eating a couple of berries. Russell really did seem to know how to get a Pokemon's best sides when immortalising their images.

"I suppose something fortunate did come from this, despite what happened," Leofric said, "I am glad it did work out well for everyone in the end though."

The Hypno had found herself a worthy trainer, new friends had been made, and Russell had got himself some memorable pictures. Leofric tilted his head at the comment and then at the Hypno frowning.

"I think that would be a good idea, Erica," Leofric agreed, "We can have a more positive or perhaps casual image to balance out the ones that most might perceive as scary."

After all, knowledge was often the best counter to fear.

"I, I guess that, that is true," Russell said. But he would only do that if the Hypno was on board herself.

"That is very kind of you," Leofric said, "It is not often I am considered photogenic enough for that."

"I, I do take, take pictures of humans with, with their Pokemon too, if, if they ever want that," Russell added.

It was often a good way to get a little extra money on his travels.

"Perhaps I will consider painting one in the future," Leofric said.

The two of them definitely saw eye to eye on things, her manager not as much though he was always entertaining to annoy. Perhaps she would make the offer regardless just to see him turn grey a little more.

"I do hope it will be sweet." Willow replied. She noticed Hypno was staring and gave her a gentle pat on the head.

With everyone being so cute, Garu couldn't stay idle. He first tried sitting on Bill's head again, but eventually settled for standing by and flapping his wings along with the music. The concert was definitely a hit.

"I'm sure you'll ace it." Fae replied with a smile.

"I will be glad to remind you of this as well." Willow chimed in.

"Yes. There's more heart in the smaller things." Erica said. Apples chose to hop in her lap then, seeing as they were appreciating everything small.

Despite good manners dictating otherwise, the ladies were glad to not be dealing with dishes for one evening. Keeping the camp clean was everyone's least favorite part. As everyone settled down, Spice returned to Leofric's side, asking if he had enjoyed his dinner. They could hang out while Erica was busy with Russell.

"Yeah. You'd think Russell was half Meowth with the way he always gets something good out of a situation." Erica said, still looking at the pictures.

"He's certainly persistent." Willow agreed, then looked at Hypno, "Would you say that could be possible?"

She wasn't going to force Hypno to pose for pictures if she didn't want to. Though after some pondering, Hypno looked at Russell, before showing off her friendliest pose; her hands joined to her side and her face tucked away in her neck fluff.

"I believe that could be arranged." Willow confirmed.

"I think it makes sense." Erica said with a shrug, "You have pretty hair and kinda look like that really tall concierge dude in Kalos. It's strange no one has ever asked you to model before."

She felt like at least Bill would have said something but that was none of her business. A quiet look made Fae concede it wasn't hers either.

"Well, I'll have to have a look at your paintings, Leofric. I'm really intrigued!" Fae said, "Although, now that you mentioned it, Russell, I might have some work for you! We're preparing the material for my next show but they can never catch Elizabeth's best side. Do you think you could help with that?"

While it wasn't as sneaky as one of Omen's tricks, that was a devious plan to throw some money at Russell. All that fancy equipment couldn't benefit from falling off trees and who knew what else. Fae wished to help a bit of her own despite having missed the action and without making him feel bad about it.

The call for dessert still got the best of her though. "You bet I'm up for that!"

So were the others. Rook moved to stand up right away. "Can I help with that?"

It had seemed like a better idea to start from the old family cottage outside the village before dropping Nihil in the chaotic streets of the Citadel. Erica hopped on her feet and began pacing around, her footsteps somehow producing no sound at all.

"We're up North here, so we get snow for most of the year. I don't know what here is called now, though. They've been renaming things since the zombie apocalypse ended."

There was a sort of detachment in her tone. Though there was no time to worry about that. They had nature to contemplate.

Nihil folded its hands together as it looked around, in contrast to Erica's pacing only taking a few small steps one way and then another as if it didn't even know where to start.

The term 'zombie apocalypse' was thrown out awfully casually so that was going to be assumed to be a normal thing here.

Erica herself was a point of interest though so when she suggested looking at her house, it zeroed in on that.

"Okay!" Erica marched to the door and unlocked it with a shadow key that dispelled after use as quickly as it was conjured, "The truth is I think that's where I was born. I can't really ask my parents about it."

Their shrine was on the other side of the yard under the weeping willow, though that didn't make them more talkative. The house was well kept though. There was a cozy living room and a small kitchen further down on the right. A staircase just by the door led the way to the upper floor.

"I had to fix it up when it all ended, but I make it not look like much or someone might try to come live here." she explained as she retrieved the house keys she had indeed forgotten inside on her last visit, "The house being next to a spooky forest doesn't stop everyone apparently. I don't have a lot of stuff here. I was very little when they took me away and babies don't own much."

There were however many paintings on the walls. One of them was of a beautiful lady with pointed ears just like Erica.

It would have been nice to discover the game together, if anything. They all needed to unwind and if gaming was what would have kept Rook from overworking her sore leg, then Veronica would have definitely been persuaded to try.

"Yes, I'm aware of that." Willow replied, "Having pondered whether I would enjoy the company of a pet for the longest time, I find Simon's choices most fascinating."

Hermit crabs didn't really stray far from their assigned spaces and didn't have the ability to hide within the walls of the facility. Smokey usually didn't leave Erica's side for long but she didn't really want to rearrange an entire floor just to find a mischievous pet.

"I for one am glad I don't have to share whatever dreadful vision Russell is experiencing. My users are more than enough."

"It's not as awful right now that she finally shut the hell up." Lucien told Willow, "But it's still a sacrifice I'm willing to make if it means not leaving you alone, Russell. You'll get rid of her for good soon enough."

That much was warranted when both the best healers in town were on the case. All was left to do now was to sit and wait to hear what unpleasant concoction they would have to put together to fight Five's toxic cocktail.

"Yes, the evil wizard is teaming up with the tickle monster." Rook joked, "And I'm here because I have to bring my playful companionship to the mix."

Someone still had to be a menace while they licked their wounds. Rook used her own powers to help herself to some cookies. Some sugar would sooth her sore leg.

"So I'm not just seeing things, uh? Something about this whole thing felt off from the start." Rook said between bites, "Five was having a blast fighting Leofric, but this isn't really his way of doing things. We've seen the stuff he can pull, what happened to Russell isn't really professional."

It probably wasn't the best way to put it but this whole encounter had been far from the usual plans Five loved orchestrating. Leaving Ratchet to his demise was really the only familiar element.

"So I guess he really jumped off the building when things got difficult. I hope he landed in a garbage truck."

"So they're divorcing, big deal. It's probably best for everyone in the long run, don't you think?" Fae said, giving a shrug before looking at Travis, "Oh, I hardly did much, you were the star in there. So you deserve some sugar to make up for all that rushing, no disgusting milkshakes, and you'll have to let Tails patch your leg up."

Erica opened her first aid kit to reveal a small jar of the same concoction Veronica was using. "Put some of this on, then I'll wrap it."

She wasn't going to take a no as an answer. Erica's ears twitched when Leofric took his leave, but didn't say much otherwise.

"Ah, the mysterious trickery that lets you abandon a room through walls unfitted for the task. I can't imagine what that would feel like." Veronica mused, before nodding at Russell, "Of course. Try to rest in the meantime and don't hesitate to speak up if you need anything."

She was aware that was a major request when it came to Russell, but Veronica cared very little for Cassandra's opinion, whether it was a hallucination or the real deal. She didn't let go yet before glancing at Lucien. The half fae man understood the request without her needing to utter a single word.

"She's right there." he replied. Veronica clicked her tongue, unleashing her fire breath in the direction he was pointing at.

"Well then, let's have a look at the other lovebird." Veronica moved on to examine Lucien's leg, "Oh, it's just a scratch. You'll ready to fuss over Russell in no time."

Lucien's leg received the same treatment as before, which he returned with a mildly annoyed look.

"I will gladly do so and I won’t take a no from an answer, my love." Lucien said, "You did the same for me and for much longer, it will be no trouble at all."

"Welcome back, Leofric. You came at just the right time, I'm all out of colored bandaids." Veronica greeted him, "I will have a look at your grimoires in just a moment. Would you mind assisting Antonio in the meantime? I have little experience with tails."

She absolutely needed to brush up, though. Veronica got to reading in no time, glad Leofric had already selected the material for her. Five was always such a pain to deal with. Everything had to be so specific.

"I have a feeling this won't be as simple as last time. While we have ways to destroy the toxins, Russell doesn’t heal normally anymore." Veronica said, summoning her own notebook, "Perhaps we should focus on jumpstarting his regeneration and increase the recovery rate as much as possible. Do you have anything we can use on hand?"

"I'm right here, if you need me." Rook said.

Bill had a feeling that a few days of gaming in order to recover from the physical injuries (and to mentally decompress before dealing with Five again) would most likely be in order.

"They're good company," Simon said, "And they good for helping me work out a coding problem when the rubber duck council just isn't enough."

"I will say that's a relief to me as well," Antonio agreed with Willow, "And I can only imagine the kind of sights you have to witness because of them."

He decided not to ask whether Cassandra was better or worse, or just a different kind of bad completely. Cassandra had been unable to help herself from getting another insult in, about how Russell was just a waste of anyone's care. It was always hard to shake that belief even now.

"Y-yeah," Russell finally said when he found his voice, "I, I will be... I'll, I'll be, be okay."

"You can never be okay, being what you are," Cassandra snarled. Despite the hurt in Russell's eyes, he resisted responding.

"Tickle monster, well I suppose I can make that sound badass when I could tickle someone to death if I really wanted to," Bill mused, "And we can definitely do twice as many guest services if there are two of us."

"Don't push it," Antonio said, although his tone was light-hearted. It was most likely better to try and keep the mood gentle, just in case a heavier vibe would make the entire aura worse, "No you weren't seeing things, Rook. I think that was more than likely the case. It wasn't planned, but Five wanted to take advantage of the situation."

"I'm starting to think that by take advantage, let us beat the crap out of Ratchet and then hang him from a building," Bill speculated, "Well, yeah, them being divided could be an advantage I guess."

"Not if they'll be attacking us separately," Leofric said, "While they're a threat as a team and might not be as strong if they choose to work apart, it would also mean watching out for attacks from two angles. Ratchet also has a massive grudge. He won't have learned a lesson from this."

"I thought that might be the case," Travis said, running a hand through his hair, "Oh well, at least it means I get the chance to try and knock more sense into him. Well, I can live with that for a bit, thank you, Erica."

Travis was quick to get the ointment onto the cuts, and then he moved his hands aside and sat still so Erica could indeed get him patched up after.

"I mean as an outsider," Bill clarified.

"I, I can, I can, I can try to," Russell tried to joke, hoping that it at least sounded a little bit funny.

Cassandra let out an alarmed yell when she flames hit her. When they stopped, her skin was left covered in ash, leaving only her eyes exposed.

"You ruined my makeup! How dare you?!" she screamed in rage. It seemed that for a moment, she had forgotten about Russell. Instead, a hand mirror was grabbed from her dress, alongside a wet wipe, and she desperately tried to wipe at the soot covering her face. But that also allowed Russell to pay proper attention to Lucien, and smiled on hearing that kind words.

"I would, I would, I would do, do that all again for, for you too," Russell replied softly.

"I suppose it's useful that I made sure to pack some extra," Leofric said, before looking over at Antonio, "That won't be a problem."

"Just be gentle," Antonio said.

"That's not too deep thankfully," Leofric assured Antonio then, listening to Veronica as he tended to the wound as well, getting it bandaged when it was done, "That was my thought as well. I did mark down some concoctions and spells to possibly do that, but the most potent one there would require fae blood, and that isn't something I actually have on hand."

Leofric then looked up at Fae and Lucien.

Veronica would have appreciated the thought. Ducks were lovely, after all. She would have liked the comparison.

"Ah, of course. You require a specialized audience." Willow nodded, "Yes, I have seen questionable things. It doesn't faze me too much, though."

None of it was this personal. Russell being the one reliving it gave it an unnerving tone that she simply couldn't shake off. Cassandra was an awful person who deserved to be forgotten already. She would ensure the ones responsible for this would pay for bringing this all back.

Erica was ready to do her part and tasked a shadow tentacle of her own to grab a glass of water for Russell. It was always good to stay hydrated. At least she could offer that before he had to deal with whatever Leofric and Veronica were going to put together. Rook was very clear about how bad those potions usually tasted.

"I guess Ratchet is the only one who didn't figure it out." Erica said, getting out a roll of gauze, "Maybe we can use that to our advantage, make them step on each other's feet. It's easier to mess with someone who's already angry. They make more mistakes."

"Or it'll piss them off more. We should probably consider our next move well before we end up having to watch out for traps at every corner." Rook told her. Erica figured that was a fair point and didn't argue.

"I guess we'll have to figure out where the Twins left Ratchet and leave him further away. It looks like he can be just as bad as Five or worse." Once Travis was done, she began wrapping his leg. "You have chonky legs. One of these usually lasts me a couple more wounds."

"Leg day sure pays off with you, bud." Fae said with a grin.

Erica was going to reward those efforts by applying a pin shaped like a cat's head to secure the bandage.

"Are you saying that as an outsider because you can't get in through the wall?"

"Mum, this isn't the time for puns." Rook shook her head, "Can I have some tea?"

Veronica's fiery solution stole a laugh from Lucien. He had needed that. Cassandra's misery would keep him motivated.

"Now I understand what Edgeworth meant with 'You're not a clown. You're the entire circus'." he mused, squeezing Russell's hand, "See? We're stronger than her."

And he was going to do anything to help. Lucien was standing up before Leofric could even address him and Fae.

"Nonsense. Russell would do the same for me if he could, I'm ready to do my part." He held up his arm to further prove his point.

"Fine. What's your blood type?" Veronica asked then.

"What does it matter?

"It matters a lot. So unless you know for certain, we will have to go with Fae." the ghost lady replied, "Your offer is remarkable but time is of the essence. We should pick the safest option."

"It's alright, Lucien. Helping Russell is an honor." Fae said, before smiling, "Besides, it's been a while since the last time I caused a diplomatic accident. Take whatever you need, Leofric."

Lucien seemed to accept the situation despite being once again inadequate to help. He would sort out his own feelings in regards to his half blooded heritage later. He had to be strong for Russell now.

Veronica nodded in approval. "Very well, Leofric. I'd be happy to start with the preparations if you can handle this part."

That was the trouble with clairvoyance, wasn't it? But with a positive attitude, they could sort this out. Rook proceeded to pat at the many pockets on her pants before retrieving a folded piece of paper.

"It's just as good I was already mapping out the shady spots in the city. Someone has been buying up a good number of them, so that should narrow our research."

On rare occasions, Five managed to be useful for something. Rook began unfolding the paper to show off a grainy map of the city covered in notes about abandoned buildings and alleged anomalies haunting others. Nonaim Point wasn't a place where one was ever at risk of getting bored. Rook still looked rather proud of her system, in any case. She had bought colored markers just for that.

"I usually crosscheck for changes in ghost activity in this kind of situation. They tend to gather where interesting stuff is about to go down. But if I had to guess, the old construction site would be our best bet. They say they were building an underground garage before a rogue thunderstorm fried most of the equipment."

She, of course, knew nothing about that one either.

"Old construction site?" He inquires, straightening his posture and jotting that down in his notebook. "Of course..." He tucks his notebook away in his coat along with his pen, pondering for a moment. "I do recall an unfinished structure showing up in one of my visions. You may be onto something." He says before holding out a hand. "May I look at that map again?" He asks.

"With so much going on, I have to stay up to date for my own safety." One wrong turn and she could get ambushed by a gang of hunters, or vampires, or one disappointed dragon if she was late for dinner again.

In any case, the map was just a reminder. Rook was off the moment they had agreed on a destination. It was best to investigate a possible evil lair during the day, before most of the fanatics gathered.

"Well, I'm always open to suggestions. One thing I've learned is that investigations are to be done on foot. My bike got wrecked last time I ventured in this side of the city. I'm not making the same mistake."

She still wasn't done lamenting the loss of her motorcycle. There was however confidence in her steps, as if she owned those streets regardless of the many lurking threats.

The plan to rehabilitate ducks in Nihil's eyes was already ongoing. Still, Erica had to stop to admire the way it was wringing itself out. That must have felt great. Perhaps it was half pool noodle after all.

Her shadow door didn't seem much in comparison when she just had to will one into existence. She shrugged at the question.

"They say it's an advanced trick but it's the first thing I learned. I think I'm slightly above average for now. My teacher is way stronger than me." Erica grabbed Nihil's hand, before stepping in the portal, "Off we go!"

They would be mostly going down for now as the shadows were apparently fitted with slides as well. The trip would be intense but short, taking them through the void and out into a grassy backyard with flowers and trees all around. Erica threw her hands up right as a butterfly attempted to land on her hat.

Maybe that was an attempt at modesty on Erica's part, but Nihil still thought it sounded impressive. How easily she summoned the door was a big part of why it was so impressive. How many people could just do that like it was nothing?

It held Erica's hand tightly as they went in, definitely not wanting to lose her in all this once it felt how intense the transition was. There was just enough time to wonder if maybe they should've assumed a configuration similar to how they'd gone down the other slides, but despite the split second of concern when Erica threw her hands up and they were no longer holding hands, its brain caught up to the fact that they had made it through and were now just standing in a grassy area.

It was quick to glance around in all directions, as if trying to take in the entirety of their environment as quickly as possible.

It had seemed like a better idea to start from the old family cottage outside the village before dropping Nihil in the chaotic streets of the Citadel. Erica hopped on her feet and began pacing around, her footsteps somehow producing no sound at all.

"We're up North here, so we get snow for most of the year. I don't know what here is called now, though. They've been renaming things since the zombie apocalypse ended."

There was a sort of detachment in her tone. Though there was no time to worry about that. They had nature to contemplate.

It was however good to watch their Pokémon work together and look out for each other. Echo gently got Spice's attention, letting her know her food was waiting by Erica. The Pumpkaboo was very thankful for the reminder and left Leofric be for a moment to go feast.

"You can play some more later." Erica told her. Spice purred in return.

"I find this arrangement satisfactory." Willow replied with a nod. She was fine with listening at least. Bill definitely wasn't stingy with information, she could stand to learn something new. For instance, the accordion was quite a choice for an instrument and yet she could tell from his stance that they were in for a nice show.

"You're quite charming yourself." she added quietly.

They had to give merit where it was due. It had been a while since the last time someone has been accepted by their group so quickly. After that last remark though, she would eat quietly as usual.

"Eh. Omen isn't too bad either." Fae joked.

Omen was indeed delighted by Selene's reaction. It was nice to be appreciated for the goofball that he was but he was just as much of a gentlemon. He thanked Selene, before taking the piece of bread from her and graciously eating it. They weren't in the woods, he couldn't be sloppy at this time, even if Erica was going to tease him about it later.

"I feel like something like that should have happened already. It's a good concept." Rook said, "You could make a whole team too."

There were other Pokémon that fit the description. It definitely was something that could be developed into a nice story by someone with the talent to cook up something awesome, as Fae would put it. Rook was fine with her own culinary skills, even though she couldn't quite take all those compliments.

"Thanks. I'm glad this all worked out…the bread is really good too."

She was ever so thankful she didn't blush easily.

"They're the light of my life." Fae replied as Maya received another pat on her little head. "But I'm going to shut up now. It's your time to shine!"

A truly wise decision, as Bill clearly knew his stuff. The ladies ate quietly, content with each other's company as well as the music. Their Pokémon seemed to appreciate it as well. Echo's ribbons waved along to the tune, happy to enjoy the music for what it was without having to perform. It was a wonderful moment that even left Spice completely mesmerized mid bite.

"You're really good at this." Rook said.

That much couldn't be denied. But even at such a wonderful time, Erica couldn't help growing restless and turned to Russell.

Most Pokemon trainers tended to travel after all, and weren't the type to put down roots for too long, or sometimes found themselves out in the wilderness with only nature to rely on.

Leofric did allow himself to smile softly as Spice decided to move away so she could get her food.

"I'll be here," Leofric assured the gourd Pokemon then, "Please enjoy the meal."

Leofric always had to admit that food often tasted better when it had been prepared with love and was savoured in good company.

"And that is good," Leofric agreed with Willow then, "Bill is always happy to hear that, and if you weren't satisfied, he would have tried to make sure you were through any other means possible."

Such as playing a different song. But for now, on knowing that everyone appeared to be happy with their food and sitting positions, especially as each Pokemon helped each other out with gathering or serving. But there was a little mischievous twinkle in his grey gaze at the 'charming' addition.

Selene's smile did warm a bit further at the way Omen seemed to be happy at his portion of food. She would gladly sit and eat with him once everyone was ready. Russell couldn't help but smile at that display as well. Selene and Omen were such great friends.

"We could write if no one else has taken the opportunity," Bill joked, "We have our own new team of superheroes and won't make a film franchise that just ends up going down the drain as they go on."

"Y-yeah, it is good," Russell agreed. It seemed he wasn't going to say much more than that. He had come to learn that Rook needed a break after such praise, as genuine as it was.

"Heh, no need to shut up at all," Bill said, "If you decide you want to hum or sing along, it's not only allowed, but encouraged."

Russell fell into a comfortable silence himself as he listened to music. It was always nice to have good food, and with good friends at that. Bill just kept playing, being guided by the music and his heart. He drifted from song to song in a medley, from the S.S. Anna to the buskers of Lumiose City to the Dance Hall in Ecruteak City.

But it wasn't all that long before Leofric, Russell, and everyone on their respective teams had eaten their fill of food. As Bill had promised, there was plenty left to put in containers for the ladies to heat up and eat while they were out travelling.

"I'm glad you've all enjoyed that," Bill said, smiling, "And I hope the food's been great for you too."

"Of course it has," Leofric replied.

"Y-yeah," Russell agreed, "I, I can help clean, clean up and, and put dishes away if, if you'd like."

"Oh don't you worry yourselves about that. I'll take care of it. You're my guests," Bill said, "And my team are more than happy to lend a hand, or a paw, or telekinesis."

Divine gave a nod and Princess curtsied to show their agreement. Morgawr lifted a flipper and then gave an exaggerated sheepish look, which Bill chuckled at.

Russell had agreed to let Erica see the pictures loaded onto the camera. He had managed to get some good shots of the Hypno as she had wandered through the woods, along with Morelull and some Impidimp lazing around eating berries.

Then there was the one of the Impidimp after they struck. It had most likely taken the selfie by accident, but it was still a rather good photograph, all things considered. There was one of the Hypno standing over a sleeping Russell as well.

"Heh, as, as much as, as I, I hate to say it, that, that one is, is pretty good as, as well," Russell said, on seeing that.

"Indeed. Although I'd be happy to be repaid for my time." Willow added, "A box of pastries should be a fair fee."

Such demands were only increasing the respect of her new team member. Hypno was certainly going to remember this practice. Trainers still spent a good time out in the wilderness, supplies were bound to always be limited and they couldn't say no to extras. The way Willow provided for them was commendable.

Spice, on the other hand, was perfectly at ease. The food was amazing and that brought her so much joy she couldn't help kicking her legs a little, a gesture that was more common than one would expect. Omen was doing the same while he got ready to tell Selene about all the amazing food she had to try sometimes.

"Yeah, you got it. The big media don't care about art." Fae agreed somberly, "But it sounds like you got yourselves a new fun project to work on and maybe I'll do just that."

After all, who cared about eating food while it was still warm? Fae gladly joined in, humming and then singing along with the music. She would take some compliments while Rook enjoyed her break from the general attention. The music helped ease her nerves as it slowly started to sink in that she had somehow made new friends in less than a day. Rook quietly finished her meal, then allowed Thea to rest her head on her lap to enjoy some well deserved scratches.

"I think we're only allowed to help with the fun stuff." she told Russell.

Which was convenient because it allowed them to look through Russell's pictures sooner. Erica chuckled at the accidental selfie. Impidimp were so goofy they could be forgiven for their pranks.

Hypno inevitably joined, wondering what the machine Russell carried around really did. Porygon stopped buzzing around Errol to return to Willow, knowing she would gladly explain everything. Needless to say, Hypno was left fascinated.

"Yep! Russell is really good at this." Erica agreed, "And it isn't too bad you got interrupted, uh? I don't think there are many photos of Hypnos doing their thing."

Porygon let out a low whistle, noticing how that was a rather scary image. Hypno frowned a little, but figured it had a point.