Delcatty starts leading us downstairs, but even from all the way up here I can see the festivities are in full swing. The sun is setting, but the various fairy lights and lanterns bathe the Center in a warm, welcoming glow. Music dances its way up from the lobby, growing in strength as we descend, punctuated by the chattering of excited pokemon. The main stage has been beautifully decorated, heavily adorned with ribbons and flowers of all colors. Various stalls, each more ornate than the last, have been set up—some of them I recognize from Bedrock Town. A table has been loaded with all kinds of fruits and sweets, most of which I don't recognize, but all looking excellent.

We finally reach the ground and take it all in—it's even more dazzling up close. "Wow, this looks amazing! You guys organized this all in a week?" Seviper asks, eyes shining. "Sure did! Cradily is a whiz when it comes to party planning! She and her committee are incredible!" Delcatty says proudly. Seeing everything up close, Elliot is squirming in Dragalge's fins, eager to dive right in. "Hnnng…lemme go! I wanna go DOWN!" He complains.

"Ah, we have a special place for you!" Delcatty says, brushing her tail against his nose while he giggles. "We have Blissey set up with a 'care area' for the little ones in the Explorer's Lounge, keeps them out of mischief," she winks at us. It's a top tier idea—I can't imagine trying to keep him out of trouble all night, especially when it's this crowded and hectic. Look away for one second and we might never find them again.

Dragalge and I bring him over to the Lounge, where it looks like Blissey has quite the setup. It looks like she's somehow transferred the entire contents of the Daycare down here. I wonder if Hoopa had a role in that? The moment Elliot sees his little buddies, he's squealing with delight. He leaps out of Dragalge's fins and bounds into the care area, giving everyone a huge hug in turn.

"Welcome back! We've missed Elliot!" Blissey says cheerfully, "we have a whole evening full of fun planned for them." "It looks quite wonderful!" Dragalge smiles. I regard the Explorer's Lounge—even it's been done up to match the festive spirit of the occasion. I recognize many of the children from the Daycare, plus a few more. In fact, Elliot's talking to one I don't recognize right now—a kirlia.

Oh no…it couldn't be that kirlia, could it? I don't know how, but somehow I know instinctively it is. Fantastic. I watch them warily, dying to pull him away before there's another…altercation. But, ultimately it looks like there's no need. Elliot says something, Kirlia nods sagely, and then they hug. It's actually really sweet seeing the children can at least make up and move on.

The adults could learn a thing or two.

"Aww, aren't they just darling?" Dragalge says, snapping me out of my thoughts. I nod, "they are adorable…but I have a feeling that kirlia might be the one that he attacked." Dragalge looks at me confused, then their eyes go wide as the penny drops. "Oh, Gwen! If his parents are here…perhaps we should warn Serperior," I nod again. I don't know that they'd do anything per se, but they might not be best pleased about seeing him out and about…even if they did accept the hush money.

We return to the lobby, and see them all ambling around amidst the crowds. Noivern is investigating the buffet, Seviper and Rotom go from stall to stall, and Delcatty, Stephanie, and Serperior have been cornered by Lurantis and Tinkaton. I smile as we approach—even Tinkaton's hammer is ornamental—it's etched with gold and wrapped in an elegant bow, although it still looks like it could deal a devastating blow. Lurantis is very animatedly telling them something—as we approach I hear snippets about one of Delcatty's more impressive exploits—something about defeating a powerful dungeon boss while carrying Cradily on her back. Delcatty is looking bashful, blushing slightly.

"Ah, Gwen! Dragalge! Good to see you!" Lurantis says, coming in for a hug, "isn't it amazing! All this history regarding the Exploration Center recently coming to light! Who would have thought the powerful Hoopa was behind so many of our successes! And that Aegislash! Why, if I ever could get my feelers on him I'd—" "easy there," Tinkaton says, patting her shoulder. "Ahem, yes, excuse me." Lurantis says, clearing her throat. "Despite that, it warms my heart that it can all be sorted out now."

I nod along absentmindedly, wanting to politely extract ourselves so I can warn Serperior to be on the lookout for a certain couple. I realize a second letter that I may have already missed my chance, because Lurantis suddenly calls out into the crowd, "oh my, Sir Gallade? Madame Gardevoir? Welcome, welcome!" She says, gesturing them over. Delcatty's eyes bulge out of her head while Serperior's face goes so red he hardly looks like a grass type.

I watch the lovely couple approach, who, to their credit, appear nonplussed. "Former Master Lurantis! Master Delcatty! A pleasure!" Gallade says grandly, taking Lurantis' feeler and kissing it gentlemanly. Gardevoir curtesies elegantly. I steal a glance at Serperior, who appears to be trying—and failing—to back away without being noticed. Failing because the next thing Gallade says is, "and who are your companions? I'm Sir Gallade, and this is my lovely wife, Madame Gardevoir," he says, looking at Dragalge and I, and finally Serperior squarely in the eye. Somehow he goes an even deeper shade of red—very calm and casual.

"Ah, these are some of my dear friends, Gwen, Dragalge, and Serperior—they're visiting from a very, very long way away," she adds quickly. Gardevoir has backed away slightly, while Gallade smiles knowingly, "indeed. And how is your dear son? Attacking any more children lately?" He leers at Serperior. "Well, you see, uh—" "he's my son, actually," I interrupt, "I am terribly sorry about that…incident…we're still learning how to use our words when we're upset." Gallade regards me quizzically. "Interesting. Well, we've not forgotten what your son and…that," he says gesturing to Serperior, who appears to be trying very hard not to say something he'll regret, "did. But we do appreciate the Center's…support," he winks at Delcatty. Ugh, what a slimy creature…I'm almost tempted to direct Serperior and Dragalge to attack him just to wipe the smug grin off his face. "Right, well then, I think you and your lovely wife should enjoy some of the festivities," Delcatty stiffly dismisses them.

"Indeed. Have a good evening," Gallade says as they take their leave.

"Heavens, whatever was all that about?" Lurantis says, raising an eyebrow and looking between us. "Oh, I'll fill you in later, it's not important now, anyway," Delcatty says, waving a paw. As they start chatting about something else, I return my attention to Serperior, who's slowly returning to his regular color.

"You ok? We saw Kirlia in the Explorer's Lounge—he and Elliot seem to have made up," I say in response to his panicked expression. "Ugh, it's just so embarrassing. I didn't want to attack her—obviously—but…well…" he trails off, seemingly at a loss for words. "I'm sure being here with Elliot was…challenging, especially not knowing if we were here or not. What's important was you tried your best," I say, trying to lift his spirits. "…thanks," he replies, looking at the ground.

"Now then, what's important from now on is to try not to unleash a move so readily," Dragalge suggests, taking on q condescendingly authoritative tone, "we must learn how to 'use our words when we're upset,'" they continue, suppressing a smirk while mimicking my crummy speech from earlier. "Didn't you attack Gwen and Delcatty when they first found you?" Serperior says, making a face, "correction, I tried to make them go away. Then I attacked. Sorry about that, by the way." They say, turning to me. "Pfft, no worries, I probably would've done the same thing…" I say, trailing off. A moment later Delcatty comes bounding over.

"Whew, sorry about that! They're a thorn in my side, but they do sponsor a lot of our expeditions, so had to invite them, ya know?" She says, looking at us apologetically. "A warning would've been nice," Serperior replies flatly. "Just keep your moves to yourself and everything will be fine," she winks at him as his cheeks start going pink again.

"Well, on a more serious note, we're about to start the official ceremony to welcome Hoopa to the Center and into the team! C'mon!" Delcatty beams, beckoning us to the stage. We rush over, and I see Stephanie and the others together in the crowd. Delcatty steps onto the stage while we settle in amongst the masses.

"Ahem," Delcatty starts, making silence fall across the crowd. The background lights are dimmed, while a spotlight illuminates the stage where she stands, Cradily and Ampharos flanking her on either side. "Welcome explorers! Thank you so much for joining our festivities this evening, is everyone having a good time?" She starts. A couple of cheers from the crowd before she resumes, "as you all know, we are here today to officially welcome Hoopa into the Exploration Center—and into my very own team, Team Starburst." "Woo, way to go Hoopa!" Someone cries while the crowd laughs. "Indeed, this is a momentous occasion. But before I officially welcome Hoopa, I'd quite like the rest of Team Starburst to take the stage to make the welcome truly official," she says, smiling into the crowd.

"Huh?" "Other members?" "Who…?" I hear a few murmurs as my heart swells. She couldn't really mean…

"Gwen, Stephanie, would all of you be so kind as to come up here, please?" She smiles. So…after all this time…she really did consider us…a team. I feel my eyes water as I register Stephanie gently forcing me along. We and all our pokemon step onto the stage, into the bright spotlight. I stand beside her, looking at the faces of the Center below, this time not as a stranger, but an actual, real member.

"Some of you will remember this zorua, Gwen, and Seviper from when they first arrived. Gwen was—and always has been—a member of Team Starburst. The very first member, in fact!" She says, grinning at me. "So I would like to welcome her back to the team, and extend the invitation to the rest of her family," a few claps and cheers from the crowd. I'm feeling a little embarrassed, being put in the spotlight like this, but I can't stop the stupid grin from spreading across my face. This whole gesture…I'm truly touched.

Cradily and Ampharos approach us, Ampharos holding an ornate box. He opens it, revealing several official Exploration Center badges. He and Cradily stop in front of each of us in turn, presenting our badges as we graciously accept. Once they're finished, they return to Delcatty's other side.

"Well then, why not give them a round of applause!" Delcatty beams again as the crowd obliges. "Now then, without further ado, I'd like to welcome the star of the show, Hoopa!"

A hoop appears in the center of the stage, from which Hoopa pops out, grinning. In one swift motion, they swipe the hoop, toss is in the air, then make it disappear. They're definitely reveling in the theatrics of the occasion. Although, after so many years of lurking in the shadows, I guess they deserve to milk it for all it's worth.

"Wow!" "Amazing!" "Can we go back to the buffet soon?" I stifle a laugh—at least most of the crowd sounds impressed.

Delcatty approaches them, presenting a team badge. "Hoopa, your efforts in creating and maintaining the Exploration Center have gone unrecognized for far too long. It is with great pride that I wish to officially welcome you to the Exploration Center, and as the newest member of Team Starburst." She hands them the badge, which they carefully take in both hands, awestruck. "Congratulations!" She beams as the crowd applauds. "And that concludes our ceremony, please, enjoy the rest of the celebration!" Delcatty says, addressing everyone.

With that, the crowd starts dispersing, returning to the various goodies the party has to offer. We go over to Delcatty and Hoopa, "congratulations again Hoopa!" I start, "is it everything you dreamed of?" Delcatty nudges them. They're still looking at the badge, eyes glistening—I guess after waiting so long, finally getting what they're after must be quite overwhelming. Speaking of which…

"Are we…really explorers? Truly?" Seviper asks Delcatty cautiously. I must say, I had assumed by this point I was more of an…honorary member, at best. "Of course! Gwen and Noivern have always been members! And it only feels right to officially extend the gesture to all of you!" "Are you…sure you don't mind? We don't have much experience…as explorers," Dragalge says, looking between Delcatty, Cradily, and Ampharos. "Sure as sure can be! I saw how you guys battled on Permafrost Mountain! You'll be naturals." Delcatty grins.

Well, they might be—I remember my own less than impressive move pool and battling abilities. But, if she's really willing to have me…maybe I could go on a mission or two.

"Thank you so much! Wow! What an honor! To explore the world! I've barely been able to explore the neighborhood since we got back!" Rotom says, flying around Delcatty's head. "Yeah…sorry about that, it has been a little busy," I say, feeling embarrassed. "Don't let her shame you. Bedsides, she was too busy playing with her new Pokédex to go outside, even if the world was ending," Serperior says, smirking. "Hey! Mind your own business, huh?" Rotom says, getting in his face then sticking her tongue out while he pushes her away with a vine, laughing.

"Delcatty…thank you," I say, tears filling my eyes, "after all this time…I never thought we'd really get to be explorers together." My voice falters. Delcatty pulls me into a hug, "I know we may not always have the time…but I'm sure we can figure something out…even just being in a team together can be enough," she says. "Are you kidding? I want to do some exploring!" Stephanie says, fired up.

I smile. The idea of actually being able to get out there is truly exciting, and I'm glad Stephanie and the others seem as interested as I am. I'm not sure how much time Steph and and I will have, realistically, but even a small mission every now and then would be incredible.

The celebration continues late into the night. Hoopa's having the time of their life, floating all over the place, showing off their portals, everything. We join in on the festivities, dancing, trying delicious foods, and celebrating our own impromptu initiation (or re-initiation, in Noivern and I's case) into the team.

Eventually, some of the partygoers start excusing themselves to bed. I wonder what time it is? I must say, I'm feeling wiped. A huge yawn escapes me, catching Stephanie's attention, "feeling sleepy? Lightweight, I can keep going all night!" She says, as her own yawn fights it's way past her words. I laugh and give her a peck on the cheek, "what do you think, should we call it a night? Collect everyone and head back?"

She agrees, and we spend the next several minutes rounding everyone up. Once we've regrouped, I find Delcatty. "Thank you so much for everything, it's been amazing!" I smile, "if it's alright, we're going to get Elliot and head back." "That's probably for the best. Don't look now, but you're team is looking…well bad," she snorts. I turn back to look, and sure enough, they're all leaning against each other, probably a moment away from passing out. Partied too hard I guess. "I said don't look!" Delcatty grins, "but seriously, you guys head back, rest up, we'll be planning some assignments soon. You're all gonna need your strength!" She winks.

I pull her in to a hug, "I can't wait," I smile. "You all have a good night, I'll let Hoopa know you're almost ready." She says, releasing me a moment later. We part ways and go collect Elliot. All the little kids have fallen asleep—it's a precious sight, seeing them all cuddling together on a large, plush mat. It seems Elliot and Kirlia have hit it off particularly well; they're sleeping side by side, and when I gently nudge Elliot awake, Kirlia gets up too. They share a slightly tearful farewell as Elliot asks if Kirlia can come over for a playdate some time. I hit him with the "maybe," but when I pass Elliot over to Dragalge to hold, Serperior whispers in my ear, "for Arceus' sake no."

Back in reception the party's really winding down—only a few pokemon remain ambling around now, a few cleaning up and shutting down their stalls. Hoopa is by the stage, arms crossed. "About time! Delcatty told me you'd be right back!" They say, grinning despite their frustrated words. "Sorry for the delay, we're ready," I step forward. "Alrighty, ready or not, here you go!" They say, opening a portal.

One moment we're in the Center, and the next we're home.