victory_road | [Video]

[ Something pink was coming Noct and Quay's way. In a swirl of gown Dahlia was tackling into them, hugging them both as close as her short arms could handle. She's just been an outpouring of support and joy and maybe that was a cat scratch on her arm from a little grey Glameow but that one seemed like it really needed the hug. ]

QUAAAY! YOU DID SO GREAT CONGRATULATIONS YOU COMPLETELY AND TOTALLY DESERVED IT AAAAH!

[ Now she was just hugging Quay, bouncing up and down happily. ]

[ Ignis was approaching, being led by Caelum. Not that he needed the Absol at the moment considering... ]

Congratulations, Noct. Both of you did very well.

[Noctis couldn't help but laugh as they were assaulted by Dahlia, petting her head in return before letting her get a hold of Quay who was a blushing mess.]

T-Thank you, Miss Dahlia!

[The prince looked to Ignis, rubbing the back of his head a bit sheepishly.]

Thanks, Iggy. I appreciate it but it was all Quay. Seriously. All I did was get her what she needed.

[ Dahlia would hold Quay up and present her as the ultimate champion but alas, Dahlia wasn't strong enough to get Quay up that high. Instead she just holds the Popplio's flippers so she can look at her better. ]

I've never heard that kind of music before! I want to hear all kinds now. Scuabtuinne won Beauty, did you see?! We could all sing together!

You both worked hard at the roles you were in. You shouldn't diminish the work you put in to support her. I would enjoy cooking a celebratory meal for you now that I have a proper kitchen.

I-it's rock music! If you want I can--I can let you listen to all the stuff Noctis got for me! And yes oh she definitely deserved it she looked so beautiful!

[Quay bubbled and gushed a bit over Scuabtuinne winning, hoping she'd get the chance to congratulate the other in person soon.]

I mean, I won't say no to one of your meals, Specs. But only if you're sure because you don't have to!

[It would be easy enough for Noctis to treat Quay to a meal on the town or something.]

I would love that! I can share some stuff with you too, we can all just get together and.. and what is it called? It's like.. Oh! We can jelly together!

[ No, it wasn't, Dahlia but Caelum wasn't going to correct you either. ]

I am well aware I don't have to. You're perfectly capable of doing so yourself, but it is my treat.

[ Though Ignis felt.. weird for a moment. When had he needed to insist on cooking for Noctis? ]

I've no doubt you're wanting to go and congratulate Ash. I wouldn't want to hold you up further.

Jelly together?

[What did that mean? Quay was just a little confused but hey it sounded fun!]

No, I know I just--you know what? I'd love that. It's been awhile since I've had food that reminds me of home anyway.

[He just needed to make sure this didn't become a constant.]

You aren't holding me up. It's not like Ash doesn't live right next door.

You know, just sing and come up with stuff and make music! We can have all sorts of fun!

Then I shall do my best to make it taste like home. I have managed to make the most of the ingredients here.

[Ignis shakes his head, smiling.]

He may live next door but it doesn't mean you can't congratulate him now.

Oh! Oh yes I would like that a lot!

[Even if she was still shy the idea of having friends to spend time with was exciting! Maybe she could get their help coming up with new songs too!]

I have all the faith in the world in you, Ignis. Especially when it comes to culinary stuff.

[Noct smiled sheepishly at that, glancing down at his feet.]

I..just didn't want to bother him, I guess. We've been spending so much time together I didn't want to intrude as soon as we got home, you know?

"I doubt he would find it a bother. He is fond of you. I believe we had this conversation recently..?"

He smiled, Dahlia giggling and nudging Quay with her elbow. See? Humans were funny.

"You're more than welcome to invite Ash along. I'm happy to treat you both. I have some recipes he sent me that I could cook for him as well."

As much.. as a struggle that might be since they hadn't bren exactly warm and fuzzy.

"Y-Yeah we did and we don't need to have it again!" It's said hurriedly, Noctis clearly not wanting to open that can of worms again it's totally fine he's getting help from someone else as well!

Quay ducks her head to muffle her giggles. Her silly trainer.

Ignis's offer to invite Ash makes the prince pause, almost wanting to accept but...

"It's been awhile since you and I did anything together so maybe it can be just the two of us?" he suggested with a sheepish smile. "Or hey, actually, what about you, me, and Prompto have dinner together! We haven't done that yet!"

If Noct was looking he might see a flicker of relief pass over Ignis's expression. He wasn't prepared to open that can of worms, to use the phrase. He was glad to be supportive of Noct and Ash's friendship but for now he had no need to forge one with Ash himself.

"I would like that very much. It has been much too long and it would relax Prompto's mind regarding your relationship."

He already knew just what to make as well. A comfortably nostalgic meal for each of them.

Pozdravleniya! And I love her taste in music! Well deserved!

Thanks! She's all about rock and roll and who am I to stop her?

[The screen is covered by half of a Primarina's face. Half of a sobbing Primarina's face. Her little girl, so beautiful and perfect on the stage, so brave and amazing! Lenora's so proud of her!

...Sorry for the embarrassing mom, Quay.]

[Oh there's no reason to apologize Quay isn't at all embarrassed!

In fact, Lenora crying is what gets Quay crying finally and she let's out a bubbling little cry as she blows her mom kisses.

Did you see, mom? She did good right???]

[Of course she watched every second of it, and of course she did good! She was the best, the very best, even better than the top act and Eblan and all the others in every single category...!

It's a good thing Cecil is somewhere in the room and in position to grab Eblan, because Lenora just barely avoided getting an Ice Beam to the back of the head. Not that she cares right now.]

[All the praise just makes Quay blush even more and let out some more sob-bubbles, the little Popplio hiccuping slightly as she wipes at her eyes.

There's a rumble from off-screen--Bean the Snorlax--and Quay let's out a yip, motioning to her mother to wait a moment before she disappears for a moment only to return dragging her trophy along.

Mom mom look at how big it is!]

[Such a big trophy! How wonderful! It deserves a special shelf, with one or two spotlights and a daily cleaning to make it look its best! Oh, and space for the ones to follow, of course. Such a talented girl will surely go far in the contest world, winning accolades and ribbons all over the world!

The most Lenora speaks of Quay's future glory, the faster her cries get. At least the tears themselves seem to be slowing down slightly.]

[Quay is about ready to burst from all the praise, hiding behind her trophy a bit with a sheepish look.

Oh mom!

She had every intention of performing again if she got the chance, though! She was going to put together a bigger, better act and maybe it would become her new thing!]

[How wonderful! She'll make sure to see it in person too, then, even if it means she has to drag her trainer along! Not that dragging him should be necessary, since he was smiling and clapping and-

And an Umbreon chooses that moment to shove himself in front of the camera. Stares at Quay thoughtfully for a few instants, nods once, then leaves as quickly as he appeared.

...See, even your dad liked it!]

[Quay puts her flippers over her snout when the Umbreon appears, looking nervous and waiting to see what he has to say--

Oh relief! He approves!

The little Popplio barks happily, eyes all watery again. She has the best parents!]

[Why yes, that was definitely a full set of approving parents! Isn't it great?

Great that he approves or great that he bothered to show up, Lenora doesn't say, but her smile never drops once.

But while Quay may have the best parents, her impressive talent is certainly not inherited from them. It's 100% all hers and the result of her hard work! So proud of her babyyyyyyy...]

[The screen first shows Kazuki, who is smiling, but then angles towards a Brionne with joyful, sparkling pink eyes. It's obvious that it's the Pokemon that really wants to reply here.]

Aww, cutie! You did such a good job! Your costumes matched so well-- you really deserved it!

[Quay let's out an embarrassed squeak, ducking her face into her flippers as a few bubbles escape her.]

T-Thank you! It was a lot of fun but I didn't expect to win! It means a lot!

I would have never thought of using paint! I'm afraid it would melt off in the water! Did you have to get it made special?

Noctis found it for me! They had all different colors and it's all water proof and safe to use!

Oh! Could you get your trainer to tell mine where they're from? I want to paint our faces the next time we perform!

Of course! I could definitely have him do that! Then everyone can use some!

[She beams brightly then turns to bark at Noctis, pushing herself up on her tail some to get his attention and draw him over.]

Everything alright, Quay?

[Likewise, Honky Tonk turns to Kazuki, pushing him back and forth with his fins to get his attention.]

What do you want now, bud? Were you guys talking about something?

[The Brionne makes gestures at his face, as though putting on make-up. Gosh, it's such trouble that humans don't understand Pokemon speak!]

Oh! I think it's the paint! Sorry-- I don't know your name, but Honky Tonk wants to know more about the paint you two used during your performance!

That's alright. I'm Noctis and this is Quay. We actually got the paint in Olivine but you could probably order it through the catalog on your 'gear! It's Pokemon safe and there's some that comes in a water proof option! There aren't as many colors in the water-proof option yet but they had a good variety!

[Quay let out a bark of approval, clapping her fins together excitedly. Everyone needs paint!]

It was pretty inexpensive too and doesn't take a lot to do stuff like we did.

Hi! I'm Kazuki, and this is-- again-- Honky Tonk! We were in the Cute contest together! I'd actually thought about something like that, but I thought it might come out in the water tank we used for Aqua Jet... Good to know there's a waterproof option!

You guys were great, by the way! The costumes and the act were both super cool!

Of course, Ash had been watching the results. He'd had his knuckles literally an inch from the glass of one of Noctis' windows to congratulate him when they'd announced the Beauty winners and...yeah he'd bolted from Noctis' place to go and tell Scuabtuinne she'd been crowned the most beautiful girl in the world and fuss over her.

So forgive him for being a little bit late to get round to knocking that window and calling into the house, carrying Ronan and with several of his Pokemon naturally climbing in to see their friends and to compliment Quay. "Hey! Where's the cutest Pokemon in all the world?" ~~And her cute as fuck Trainer?~~

Quay was, needless to say, overwhelmed by all the compliments she had been getting and had taken to hiding under a blanket to try and compose herself a bit. She had taken Noct's 'gear captive so she could take to her mom for awhile more and then a few other Pokemon that had responded before finally just letting it shut down and peering out from under the blanket to watch the television since Bean had put a movie of some sort on.

Needless to say, she and several other Pokemon lounging about were startled but not displeased when Ash made his grand entrance.

Upstairs in the loft Noctis couldn't help but laugh as he heard the other young man, tossing his book aside and coming downstairs with Shepard the Lycanroc loping along behind him.

"She happens to be lounging on the couch!" Noctis mused as Quay let out a sheepish cry, poking her head up over the back of the couch to peer over at Ash--and Ronan! She perked up and waved a flipper, blowing a few bubbles in greeting as Bean let out a rumbling greeting of her own and Shepard snickered. "We aren't the only winners though--congrats to you and Scuabtuinne, too! You guys totally deserved it!" the prince said as he reached the main room, beaming at Ash and going to throw an arm around him. "Seriously I was so glad to hear you guys swept it!"

Ronan blew a bubble back, wiggling about in Ash's arms. He huffed and slipped the Brionne down on the sofa, so he could join his sister and congratulate her. He immediately clapped and blew bubbles as he spoke excitedly. "Well done Quay! I loved your performance so much, and I'm so glad you won!"

Ash grinned and leaned into Noctis as his arm catches him. "It was all Scuabtuinne! That's actually where I was; I had been on my way here to see you both, but I had to go and see her at the beach! When I left the others were praising her." The waves were gonna be rising all day while they splashed about and celebrated her victory out there! "And I told you when we were there, you and Quay did amazing. You totally deserve this, and we need to celebrate somehow!"

Quay blushed and beamed at her brother, scooting over to nuzzle up to him.

"Thank you, Ronan!" she said happily, getting teary eyed again like she had when she'd talked to their mother earlier.

"She definitely deserves all the praise. She was absolutely amazing," Noctis said with a warm smile, looking a bit bashful as Ash turned the compliment on him in return now. "Thanks, Ash. I appreciate it. And yeah definitely! We should do something to celebrate--all of us!" he said, gesturing to all their Pokemon in the room.

"We should totally do something by the beach. That way Scuabtuinne and everyone out there can join in." Ash suggested, slipping an arm around Noctis in turn. He had his arm around his shoulders, why couldn't he return the gesture with an arm casually around his waist? "I know it's a little chilly for something like a beach party and it's hardly like we never go there, but I ain't sure what else we could do so that Quay and Scuabtuinne are most comfortable and everyone can be there, ya know?"

Ronan nuzzled back, smiling and blowing a little bubble to wet her cheeks. "It was amazing! It, actually got me thinking; I don't know what my style of music is yet. How did you learn of what you did on stage?"

"Agreed! We could do a bonfire cookout or something like that! Like you said, it's cold but the fire would take care of that and it's not like we have to go swimming but it would put us near the water at least!" Noctis said excitedly, leaning into Ash a bit unconsciously. What? It felt nice. "We can do hot dogs and s'mores and stuff like that and just have a small party with everyone."

Quay giggled softly at the feel of the bubbles, rubbing at her cheeks with her flippers.

"I..well I just sort of heard the music on the television one day. Shepard was watching something with race cars and they were playing music and it was really catchy! I felt it all over--it made my entire body tingle!" she explained with excitement edging into her tone. "I just knew it was the music for me!"

"Sounds like a plan to me! We just need to grab some food and we can set up some music. Hell, we could use songs like the ones they performed with!" He lowered his voice dramatically. "So we'll have some proper food before the sweet stuff...most stuff can be roasted over a fire though, once it's skewered and held up to the heat. Oh, but I gotta be honest; I've never actually had a hot dog before." Hot dogs weren't really a thing in England; a sausage in a bun was what they had instead.

Etain, Ash's purple butterfly, spread a scattering of scales over Ash and Noctis. Her OTP, being so affectionate together! But when will they finally kiss??

"Oh...do they play a lot of music on the television? I liked what Scuabtuinne did but it wasn't quite it, you know?" Ronan asked. He really did want to find his 'song', what really captured him and what he could use both to perform and to fight. Which is why he was going to Quay; she'd found her identity and absolutely rocked it, so she seemed like the best person to go for advice.

"Whoa, wait, seriously? You've never had a hot dog?" Noctis said in absolute disbelief. "Okay we definitely have to change that! Have you had a burger? Please tell me you've had one. Man, we need to figure out what things we've both never tried then aim to make one another try them all."

A long term goal list while they were both in this world.

The prince looked briefly surprised by the sudden shower of scales, laughing lightly as he brushed some of them out of his hair.

"What was that for, Etain?"

"Sometimes! Or you can hear stuff on the radio! Or find records or cassettes!" Quay said excitedly, clearly ready to help her brother find the music that suited him best.

"Oh yeah I've had a burger! From like, fast food places. I've never had one like, made at home though." He grinned at the idea of trying all the food. "Oh yeah, I'd love that. I mentioned one or two recipes from home to ignis but he didn't seem that keen on some of em. But if I'm making it then it's not like he needs to worry about what's in it or anything." The only worry was if Ash could find some Guinness for the recipe.

"She likes adding confetti. You oughta see Bladerunner some days, he sparkles thanks to her!" Ash ruffled his hair to get the scales out, throwing her a smile with a raised eyebrow. She only answered with a giggle, covering her mouth with her hands.

"Ash has quite a few records! But they're kinda similar music. His music is nice it's just, not my sound, if that makes sense? What Scuabtuinne did was amazing...that's the closest song I've heard that resonated with me." Ronan smiled, encouraged by Quay's enthusiasm.

"Ignis gets a bit stiff about recipes sometimes but that doesn't mean we can't still make stuff!" Noctis said with a grin, already planning what they were going to do. "We definitely have to do this now. No exceptions. When do you want to cook out? I can go into town whenever and get all the food we might need."

The prince just shook his head fondly at the butterfly before ruffling Ash's hair with a grin.

"Sorry you missed some!"

"Oh maybe you need to listen to more stuff like that then!" Quay said excitedly, bouncing a bit and blowing some bubbles. "Maybe that's where your heart song is!"

"Oi!" He shook his head when Noctis mussed with his hair, leaning back. But he was lazily grinning, reaching to return the favour and mess up Noctis' hair in turn. Étain giggled brightly. This is her OTP. And they're messing up each other's hair!!

"When the weather's warmer would be best! It's still chilly at the moment. Back home that was like, end of March? But I mean, we would have the fire and all that."

"Dya have any I could borrow?" Ronan blew a bubble back, a large one full of smaller bubbles. "I'll make sure to listen to the radio every day!"

Noctis can't help but laugh as his hair is tousled, ducking away from Ash with a fond grin on his lips as he runs a hand through his hair to smooth it out.

"I think we'd be alright as long as we got a good fire going and considering we don't really have to worry about that.." he mused, grin widening. Thank whoever was watching over them for Fire Pokemon, right?

"Oh yes! We have lots! You can borrow as many as you like!" Quay said excitedly, giggling at the bubbles her brother was blowing, adding some smaller ones of her own to the mix. "We'll find you music in no time!"

[Pryna runs ahead of her trainer, stopping just short of the Popplio when she realizes that the two of them haven't met yet.

But it's okay, because their trainers are friends so she already likes the Coolest of the bunch!]

Hi! I'm Pryna and my trainer is friends with your trainer and I'm so happy you won! That was so much fun and you were great!

[She's trilling brightly, but not getting too close in case Quay is shy. The Eevee really wants to giver her a congratulatory nuzzle and dance around with her.]

H - hey! Noct, Quay, that was awesome you guys did so great and you definitely earned that win! [Prompto's a little out of breath from chasing Pryna, but she insisted on running at top speed towards Noctis and his champion.

Once he's caught up, Prompto throws his arms around Noct in a tight hug.] Seriously, you two had my vote from the start! And I got some killer pics of the routine!

[Quay gets a bit bashful when suddenly there's an Eevee in front of her but she recognizes Prompto and oh this was the Pokemon he'd performed with!]

Hi Pryna! I'm Quay! [The Popplio waves shyly before ducking her head into her flippers.] Oh thank you! I didn't expect to win! I wish you and Prompto had won--you were both really good!

[Noct can't help but laugh as Prompto gets him in a hug, returning it without any hesitation as he blushes a bit.]

Thanks, Prompto. You guys were great, too! That music was so catchy and you guys looked amazing!

Oh thank you! There were so many good acts in our category though, so it's okay. Plus I had a blast! [Pryna pads closer and gently nuzzles Quays side before trying to goad her into a little celebratory dance.] And you won! Let's celebrate!!

[Prompto holds the hug for a few beats longer than normal, completely unaware of the embrace's time and more focused on how good if felt to hug his best friend again.]

Y-you really think so? I had to have Iggy help a little with my costume, and Lux was the one behind Pryna's get-up. The music may have been too catchy ... I think it's still stuck in my head. [He actually starts humming a bit of it before catching himself and holding his camera out to Noctis.]

Hey, wanna see the shots I got? There are loads of them from all the acts, but I have it set to yours right now.

[The nuzzle is returned, albeit shyly, before Quay dissolves into giggles as Pryna starts to dance.]

It looks like you're already celebrating! I don't really know how to dance out of the water, though.

[It's hard when you have flippers and a tail!]

Dude, it was awesome. I mean it! [Even as they break from the hug Noct keeps an arm around the other's shoulders, leaning against him so he can peer at the camera.] Of course I do! I definitely want to get them printed off so Quay can keep a book of them. I know she'll enjoy that and probably want to show her mom and brother.

You can do it! It's like ... excited hopping. But with a friend![Pryna gently reaches for one of Quay's flippers, intending to place it on her shoulder so they could hop around together.]

I won't let you fall, promise!

[Prompto does his best not to blush when Noct keeps an arm over his shoulders, trying to remind himself that he missed his chance a while ago. He grins when Noct mentions making a little photo book for Quay, his heart totally melting at how sweet his friend is.

Prompto's always been a sucker for animals and Pokemon are no exception, and it makes him stupidly happy that his best friend is just as much of a sap for them.]

Whichever ones you like I'll edit and print out. And if you want, we can find the ones you and Quay like best and make them into little lockets for her mom and brother. This way they'll always have the reminder of their Cool little star from when she totally rocked the house! [He's unconsciously brought his arm down around Noct's waist as he flicks through the camera with one hand, leaning into his friend as much as his friend leans into him.]

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[Action] (pick a place/time after the winner announcements and before or after Iggy's action, lol)

Let's say just after Iggy!

Worm! [Action]

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