Ping!
Marshal turned at the sound of the finished popcorn in the microwave. It didn't seem to break Caitlin's focus in arranging her Kalos-based macarons, but he still made sure to move carefully around her. Quickly, he moved the popcorn to the counter, opened it, and poured it into its designated bowl, heading over to the island to put it in its proper place once he threw the bag away.
His eyes suddenly became fixated on Iris, who was slowly pouring Pokémon Crackers into a bowl, obviously looking for something.
"Ah-ha!" Iris took a Salamence out, putting it to the side.
"Already claiming some crackers?" Marshal asked, ready to do the same.
She gave him a pointed look, "It's a Salamence! You know, pseudo-legendaries are hard to find in these crackers. Though, they're not as hard to find as legendaries. I'm still looking for Zekrom…"
"You'll find Zekrom someday. In the meantime," Marshal cleared his throat to holler, "Have we thought of a seating arrangement?"
Shauntal looked back from dining table, "I know you, me, and Caitlin will be sitting in the same places. Alder will probably sit where he used to sit. That leaves Grimsley and Iris without a seat."
"I'll sit on the floor!" Iris piped.
"Are you sure?" Grimsley asked from the dining table, "It's not an issue for me to sit on the floor or get a chair from the study."
Iris gave him the biggest grin she could muster, "I'm sure! Besides, I like the floor. It gives me space to move."
Grimsley chuckled, "As you wish, Iris."
As soon as Caitlin was finished, the five moved their perspective food/drinks to the coffee table. Marshal, Caitlin, and Shauntal took their respective seats subsequently, followed by Iris. Grimsley turned on the television to some new reality show, raising the volume in the process. As soon as he sat down next to Caitlin, the doorbell rang.
Before Grimsley could comment about timing, Iris bolted to the door, haphazardly opening it.
"Alder!" Iris crushed him into a hug.
"Still full of energy, aren't we?"
The others laughed at scene, heading over to the doorway to greet him, Marshal stealing a Pokémon Cracker along the way.
Grimsley and Alder shook hands before patting each other's backs, "You look good, Alder."
He laughed, "Thank you. I have Siebold's cooking to thank for that."
"Siebold?" Marshal asked as he, too, crushed Alder (or tried to).
"He was adamant about what and where I ate while I was at Kalos. If I remember correctly, he said when I first arrived, 'As an Elite Four member and friend, please tell me you don't eat those croissants.'"
Caitlin raised an eyebrow as she hugged Alder, "I hope you didn't tell him about our eating habits. That would be a nightmare for all of us to endure."
"Don't worry, I didn't," he went over to hug Shauntal, "Are the eating habits still the same?"
"Almost," Shauntal started, "On the days we must be here, we have to limit our junk food intake. Drayden's orders. Unfortunately, we can't be getting Iris into 'bad habits'."
They laughed, finding their way to the living room with greetings out of the way. Once settled, Iris and Marshal started putting together plates of snacks and drinks for everyone. Shauntal started small talk, informing Alder of what has happened as of late in the region. As for herself, she recently came out with another novel. Caitlin was doing better with her psychic powers and emotions, now able to control them to another higher degree. Iris was still loving dragons and doing her Champion duties.
On the most absurd, but more 'serious note', Marshal and Grimsley were in the middle of an on-going bet on who could scare Professor Juniper on camera first. It was of utmost importance and source of half-assed 'tension'.
A sudden, boisterous tune blasted from the television, shifting their focus in an instant. It was the ever-so-popular celebrity news show.
Myra: You know what time it is! It's time for The PokéRundown! Your source for all your celebrity trainer news! I'm your hostess, Myra!
Philip: And I'm your host, Philip! On this episode, we are covering (dramatic drumroll) the CRISIS IN KALOS!
"Kalos?" Caitlin tilted her head.
Grimsley scoffed, "It's just the celebrity news be -,"
Myra: To get to the bottom of the crisis, we got into the secret lives of the Kalos League – specifically, their Elite Four and Champion!
Philip: Let's start with the one and only, Diantha!
A cheesy but clean transition played out before them. Some were already more invested than others, especially Marshal and Iris, trying to figure out what was so new with Diantha, apart from the obvious. Suddenly, a new picture of Diantha popped up on the screen, next to the host and hostess.
"I haven't seen that picture of her," Shauntal leaned closer, "How does she always look so exquisite in every picture?"
"I once heard that it is impossible to take a bad picture of her," Caitlin added.
Philip: As we all know, our fellow Kalos Champion Diantha is in a new movie! I know what you're thinking, 'yeah, yeah, that's not new, she's an actress, duh', BUT there is something different about this role than the ones she usually does.
Myra: According to the latest statement from the company, Diantha will be playing Cheree Deaton, the female lead in The Mist of the Beginning! Cheree is a totally bad-ass woman, living a double life. But what's the double life?
Philip: Hold on tight guys, cause this is going to be a shocker. Cheree is a secret agent AND mom. That's right. A mom.
Myra: Hold up, I know what you guys are thinking. 'Yeah, she's playing a secret-agent and mom. What's so cool about that?' Let me tell you. For starters, Diantha is neither a mom-to-be or mom. She doesn't even have a boyfriend as far as we know!
Philip: So how did we get to the bottom of this? We interviewed her, of course!
The interview could hardly be considered as one. It consisted of a bunch of paparazzi hiding in the bushes or in plain sight, ambushing Diantha as soon as they got the chance. Just watching it made Grimsley and Marshal cringe, Shauntal and Caitlin weirdly uncomfortable, and Iris and Alder blank faced. However, Diantha didn't seem phased at the slightest. At a moment's notice, she was smiling, answering every question, no matter how strange, with grace.
"How does she stay so calm?" Marshal asked, "I would've accidentally punched one of them!"
"I wouldn't put it past you," Grimsley added.
Somehow the paparazzi-induced interview ended in peace, triggering a transition back to the hosts in the present time.
Philip: It looks like Diantha isn't pregnant after all!
Myra: You never know Philip. She could've lied to us! The world will know for sure in nine months!
They cringed simultaneously, leaning against their seats in hopes it would swallow them.
Philip: Moving on, we have some news about Wikstrom that may be difficult for our viewers to see. If you have young kids, make sure to cover their eyes!
Myra: We'll be right back after this commercial break!
Alas, the commercial break went by without much incidence. It mostly consisted of Grimsley placing a bet against Caitlin over the news of Wikstrom was about. The bet was set at one macaron (Caitlin wasn't going to try her luck against him). Caitlin guessed that the news was over him accidentally not holding a door open for a lady. Grimsley guessed that it was him not wearing his armor.
Flashy music and transitions played out, signaling the moment of truth.
Philip: Welcome back to The PokéRundown! I'm Philip and, boy, do we have the tea on Wikstrom today! Tell us what's up, Myra.
Myra: Alrighty! Get your eyes and ears ready! We just caught Wikstrom…okay, give me a moment. This is hard to take in, you know. We caught Wikstrom wearing normal clothes.
Immediately, Caitlin used her psychic powers to shove a macaron to Grimsley's face, "I should know better than to bet against you."
Grimsley chuckled, "I should have known that you would shove a macaron to my face."
The two looked back at the screen with the others, noting the suit Wikstrom was dressed in with the hosts.
Philip: Now look at that! If you don't know who's design that is, where have you been?
Myra: The absolutely gorgeous, classic three-piece suit is straight from Valerie's latest fall collection! It's complete with subtle charcoal pinstripes and a silver three stair styled handkerchief. Oh, and the fit? Impeccable!
"You know, he doesn't look bad in a suit. Different, yes, but not bad," Shauntal commented.
"If you walk around Kalos," Alder started, "You'll notice he has different armor sets. No one takes a second glance. When we met up, he wondered how I distinguished him so quickly."
Caitlin tilted her head, "What did he expect? The reflection of the armor to blend him into the crowd?"
Alder sighed, "I have no idea…I didn't know whether he was being serious or messing with me either."
A hum of agreement and silence followed as they continued to watch the show.
Philip: It took us a hot minute to recognize him! Any ideas on what happened to his armor?
Myra: Not much, but Twitter is filled with theories! Did his armor get a scratch? If so, is it at a repair shop? Is he switching up styles? Instead of medieval renaissance, maybe modern-day knight? What if…he's selling it? Do Elite Four members not get paid enough? How can that be possible?
Iris turned to face Marshal, "Hey Marshal."
"Yes?"
"If he's selling the armor, I'm gonna buy it."
"And?"
"Can you pleeeease wear it? It's not going to fit me."
Everyone busted out in laughter, an image of Marshal in Wikstrom's armor engrained in their minds. Marshal started mimicking knight poses while Alder was giving tips on how to be more 'Wikstrom'. Iris soon joined in on the fun, claiming herself to be 'knight pose queen' in the end of it. In their fun, they missed the interview with Wikstrom, attention only shifted back to the screen when the transition sequence played.
Philip: Moving on to the next member, we have Siebold! Honestly, this one is terrifying. I would've never guessed this in a million years that I'd see this. We caught Siebold eating fast food!
Myra: What? Siebold? The world-famous chef? How can this be!?
Philip: I don't know, Myra, but do you know what I'm thinking?
Myra: Spill.
Philip: What if…okay this sounds crazy, but what if, Kalos has a…FOOD SHORTAGE?
The six groaned in sync, Caitlin finally deciding to rest her head on Shauntal's lap (and give Grimsley a small kick for winning that bet earlier, just to be petty). A montage of outdated news and select movie clips played out as Myra gave a whole 'explanation' of how this could mean the end of Kalos's great food as the world knew it.
Another paparazzi-induced interview would have gone as planned, but when did it ever? In short, it was chaos. As soon as Philip gave his 'go' signal, he ran across the street as a car was coming. Luckily, the car slammed on the breaks in time, sparing Philip's life (maybe not for the better). The enraged driver rolled down the window, cursing them out, but Philip and his crew didn't pay him any mind. They simply moved on, screaming Siebold's name, who was already turned around in horror of what just unfolded before him.
Apparently, he was already late to a League meeting, only heading over to the local fast food chain to grab enough food to sustain him through the meeting. Philip unexpectedly became kind, ending the interview right then and there, dramatically telling his paparazzi to 'shoo'.
Fortunately, a commercial break followed the interview, giving them time to breathe and wonder what just happened.
Marshal grabbed another handful of popcorn to put in his bowl, "Does anyone know how he's still alive?"
"Nope," Shauntal stretched, careful not to wake Caitlin.
The others nodded and hummed in agreement. A few minutes later, Iris nearly jumped as she found something in the Pokémon Crackers.
"Look!" Iris dashed to Alder, "You have to eat it! It's an Escavalier!"
Alder laughed, popping the cracker version of Escavalier in his mouth as commercial break ended.
Philip: Welcome back to The PokéRundown! We are on our last stretch of the show, only two Elite Four members left!
Myra: That's right, just Malva and Drasna. Let's start over with Malva, who may be having a social media crisis!
Philip: Malva just came back from a well-deserved vacation over at Sinnoh, which is cool and all, but just in case you missed it, we have the tea on what she did! How so? She posted on the wrong Facebook page!
Myra: Instead of posting her vacation pics over at her personal page, she posted it on her business page! Don't worry if you missed out though, here are some of the pics we could get before she posted them down six hours later!
Philip: Rumor has it that she only realized this because she got too many likes too fast!
Myra: But you know what we say about rumors. Time to get to the bottom of this!
To everyone's relief, Malva's interview was not a complete ambush or near disaster. It started with Myra ordering the crew around with a multitude of sharp whispers in the studio. Then, they headed downstairs in the most ridiculous, crouched position, Myra acknowledging their HR department as they crossed paths. Once out, the crew walked out the door, just to 'secretly' head next door and sit in the lobby.
It didn't take long for Myra to spot Malva, who was coming out of the elevator, focused on her phone. Instead of running and screaming as she usually did, she called out Malva's name in a polite holler. The holler alone earned some sympathetic looks from other workers in the building. Obviously, it wasn't Malva's first time with them, as she told them to keep it short since she was on lunch break.
"Finally," Marshal sighed, "Someone feels for them."
"I'm glad she told them to keep it short," Grimsley said, "I was getting annoyed at their interview tactics."
Caitlin yawned, "Do you think they're nicer to her because she knows their spoiled tea?"
"Spoiled tea?" Iris tilted her head.
"She means gossip they don't want people to know," Shauntal clarified.
Spoiled tea was what Malva delivered in the interview, nonchalantly reminding Myra of her own social media mishaps before heading off to lunch. Still, Myra considered the interview a complete success as she headed back to the studio.
Philip: Now, for the finale! Listen closely viewers, this is scary stuff. If you're an Elite Four member or Champion…
Myra: We're honored! But seriously, this is your guys worst. Nightmare. Ever.
Caitlin immediately sat up, leaning forward with everyone else, fists lightly clenched.
"What was my worst nightmare, when I was Champion?" Alder whispered to himself.
Philip: To get you the authentic news, we will just show you what happened to Drasna, right when we were there.
Flashback transition music played out in time with the flashy sequences. Myra and Philip, for some reason, were right outside the castle of Kalos's Pokémon League, running towards one side of the field.
Myra: Guys, guys. We just got news that Elite Four Drasna is stuck at her post!
Philip: Apparently, she noticed her transporter turned off, meaning she has no way to get out as of now.
Myra: So far, we know that she called Wikstrom, who was battling a trainer, mid-battle to tell the trainer if they won, to not go to her post. Then, she called some technician guy who just walked inside. I'm so scared, I don't know if she's going to be okay!
Philip: It's okay, Myra. We must have faith in the technicians to do their job. Hopefully, the trainer isn't stalled at Drasna's post for long if he wins against Wikstrom.
A few moments later, a young trainer, around sixteen, walked out of the castle, noticing the news crew nearby. As always, Myra and Philip noticed the poor trainer.
Myra: Excuse me young trainer!
Philip: May we have a moment with you? We are Myra and Philip with The PokéRundown an –
Wikstrom: (suddenly stands in front of the trainer) Myra! Philip! As pure as your intentions are, please do not bother this young man! Verily, he just had an honorable battle against me moments ago and lost due to a pause during battle that was out of our control. Do not fret, you will see him in due time, but as of now, we will both head to the Pokémon Center to heal.
The hosts left the confused trainer and Wikstrom alone after that, scramming every which direction, spewing out their thoughts without a filter.
"Do you think the trainer will be okay?" Iris asked
Grimsley sighed, "I hope so. He should be. Even if left to chance, Wikstrom is beside him. He'll make sure the trainer is safe."
Suddenly, the camera man caught the hosts attention (and theirs) by pointing at Siebold, who went out. Exactly like last time, Philip screamed 'Elite Four Siebold' multiple times as he ran towards him, Myra following suit.
Myra: Elite Four Siebold! May we have a moment with you? It's about Elite Four Drasna!
Philip: We've heard she's stuck in her post!
Siebold: Drasna? I don't recall hearing about her being stuck in her post. I would have gotten a message by now.
Myra: You have to go check! For us! The PokéRundown! This. Is. Horrible! What if she…dies!
Siebold: I am sure Drasna will be out before we know it. Now, I must hurry back to our break house to start dinner.
Philip: Uh…sir. Who starts making dinner at 3 in the afternoon?
Siebold: Chefs who forgot to plan what to make their friends. I'll have you know casseroles take some time to prepare from scratch.
Somehow Siebold escaped the screaming, earning a sigh of relief from everyone. Grimsley started fidgeting with a coin while Marshal grabbed the rest of the popcorn to stress eat. Iris was fidgeting with her fingers as Caitlin was doing the same with her hair.
"I'm confused," Shauntal started, "Is this over Drasna, or the trainer?"
Alder kept staring at the screaming hosts, "I think…it's over Drasna…"
Eventually, Diantha came out, obviously wondering what all the commotion was. She spotted one of the cameras, smiling as she looked into the lens. As she walked over, Myra and Philip started screaming her name, meeting her in the middle of the field.
Myra: Champion Diantha! We recently got first-hand news that Drasna is stuck in her post! It seems like Siebold didn't know about this!
Diantha: She sent us a message a moment ago about the ordeal. Don't worry, she said she got out and is well.
Philip: (collapsed on his knees) Thank Arceus! (goes back to face the camera) Camera Crew! Viewers! We just got confirmation by the Grand Duchess herself that her fellow Duchess is no longer stuck at her post!
Myra: Do you know how this could've possibly happened!?
Diantha: I'm afraid not.
The hosts kept bombarding theoretical commentary and apocaplyptic questions at Diantha until Drasna and Malva walked out the castle.
It was at that moment; all hell broke loose.
Diantha got shoved to the side by Myra, nearly trampled by the camera crew, as they ran and screamed towards Drasna. Panic seemed to rise in Drasna, rendering her helpless, until she suddenly fainted into Malva's arms.
Malva: What the –
Philip: She fainted! Quick! Myra! Do your thing!
Malva: Stay away from her, you runt!
Myra: I was only going to sing her a lullaby! She needs all the comfort she can get!
Philip: Breaking news viewers! Drasna has fainted, and we –
Malva: For the love of…this is not the time for news, Philip.
Myra: The people must know!
Malva: She fainted because you big, bad, makeshift, paparazzi crew just had to stampede your way here!
Philip: We are respected journalists!
Malva: Fantastic! Just great! Here's a headline. Two entertainment journalists use the power of scare tactics to interview Elite Four Drasna! Go f –
Wikstrom: Verily my eyes do not see…Drasna! What happened?
Myra: She fainted! How will she wake up without my lullaby!
Wikstrom: Worry not, I am sure she will awaken. Let's –
Philip: Crew! Get to Drasna! Quick!
Malva: Son of a bitch! Don't touch her!
Wikstrom: Get away at this instant!
Myra: We must! We must! Pleas –
Diantha: EVERYONE! BE! QUIET!
Not many people have heard Diantha scream (outside of movies), but if Shauntal were asked to describe it, she would simply say the following three words: cold, brutal, fervent.
Based on their positions, not even the Elite Four seemed to have heard her scream or with that expression. She was cloaked with tears, shaking with an overflow of emotion. Wikstrom stood in his place, face blank in shock. Malva was still holding Drasna in her arms, albeit closer to her chest, eyes glassy, staring right at Diantha. As for Philip and Myra, they were frozen in place, quivering.
Diantha: Forgive me for the sudden outburst. Wikstrom, take Drasna back to the break house. Malva, go along with them and call Siebold. Tell him to make some hot chocolate for Drasna. I will handle the media from here.
Wikstrom handed Diantha a handkerchief before carrying Drasna. Upon letting go, Malva stood up and started dialing Siebold's number. Once they headed out, Diantha turned her attention to the hosts.
Diantha: Are you two all right?
Philip: Ummm…turn of events surprised us.
Myra: Yes. That's all. Any…comments?
Diantha: Yes. First, I'd like to apologize for my behavior and lack of control of this situation. I was overwhelmed by seeing my friend suddenly faint. That, combined with the chaos, made me emotional and yell. Still, it is no excuse. I know you two just wanted to help, but I should have stepped in earlier to inform you that this situation would be handled by Malva.
Within the next several minutes, the hosts calmed down, talking to Diantha until they felt terrible enough to tell the crew to go 'shoo'.
The transition sequence played, signaling the end of the show. Myra and Philip did a quick recap, said their goodbyes, and told the viewers to check in two days for another new episode of The PokéRundown.
After a moment, Alder spoke, "That certainly was…a nightmare."
Silence followed as they processed what they did with the last thirty minutes of their lives.
"So do you guys want to watch that new movie Brycen is in?" Iris finally asked.
"Of course!" Marshal jumped out of his seat, "Let me get some more popcorn here. I kind of ate all of it."
"Brycen is playing the lead! He supposedly had to fine tune his martial arts, which is hard to imagine. I heard it had loads of drama too!" Shauntal exclaimed, sitting up.
Caitlin shook her hair into place, "Brycen fine-tuning his martial arts skills? Marshal! You may have a competitor in the works!"
"I would still place my money on Marshal," Grimsley added as he put the movie in, "Go help yourself to more food Alder. There's plenty."
Regardless of their excitement for the movie, it didn't negate the last thirty minutes of their get-together. Those were thirty minutes. Thirty minutes gone – wasted. Perhaps it wasn't wasted, depending on who was asked. In the end, it didn't matter. Those moments, whether it was a silly adventure out, listening to a ridiculous story, or even getting caught up in celebrity news, still happened.
Those small moments created small memories. Sure, they weren't grand, or even remotely important in the span of their lives, but alas, it was cherished. After all, it was always the little things that made their friendship what it was.
A/N: Hi there! It's me Lizzy, and before I go on, I'd like to say thanks! Thanks for clicking on this story and making it to the end. You can follow, favorite, comment/critique, and/or send good vibes (maybe bad vibes, I don't judge) if you'd like. Anything and everything is appreciated.
Even though I had this story in mind the longest, it was the most difficult to write. I found the inspiration for writing Diantha, Wikstrom, and Siebold quickly. As soon as I got to Malva and Drasna, I hit a writer's block. Yes, I had my ideas written down, just no words to put it in. Two weeks later, I finally found the words to write about Malva and Drasna (along with the crew's reactions).
That said, I am satisfied with how everything turned out. Now, I should go thank my not-so-lovely Pokémon fangirling sister, Tanya. Thanks for editing all of this and listening to my Pokémon shenanigans. It's not like you're complaining; I have listened to you talk about Pokémon for hours. I would also like to thank all the random name/movie/whatever generator I used. I'm too lazy to think of names of non-important characters.
Now, for the real question. How much of that last fiasco was real and how much of it was acting?