video;

[shiro2hero]

-- okay. We're ready. Step back.

[That's Shiro's voice, from a black screen. A purplish-black screen. Which abruptly turns to a real video recording as Haunter the Gengar hops backward. Back to a pile of Pokemon -- namely, all of Shiro's main roster. Plus Luna the Meowth. And a new Aron, perched up on Kuro's big Aggron head.]

[Shiro himself is in the middle of this group, all of them settled on the sand in front of the Sevii Island house like it's a football team photo. He's wearing a plastic hard-hat, of all things. Like the kind little kids wear in costumes.]

[He's also beaming.]

So... we're a few days early. More than a few. But I couldn't hold it in anymore. None of us could. One way or another, the secret was going to come out.

Here it is.

In a few days, I'll have been here two years. There's... been a lot of things to get used to. A lot of hurdles and setbacks, but -- we're still here. And I'm pretty sure this place behind us has a lot to do with that.

That's why... you're looking at a guy who just bought a house.

[And that's when the Pokemon, on what looks like Haunter's signal, gesture to the house behind them. Even Shiro busts out a little ta-daaaa motion.]

Got it all worked out. No matter what happens, no matter who comes or goes, as long as someone lives in this house, they won't have to worry about a place to stay. And, no matter how many familiar faces show up, we can always add more space. Without worrying about if we have room for someone important to us.

[There's a pause, as the new Aron -- it's Hunk's KJ -- to roll into his new trainer's lap. And roll over for some chin scratches.]

It's meant a lot to me. It's done a lot for me. This house, and everyone in it.

And now, this place will be here, for anyone and everyone, in this weird team of ours. Consider it a thank you.

For all of you -- who know who you are.

Comments

[shiro2hero]

I know. And I'm not telling you.

[He's absolutely going to grin about it though.]

[pidge_out]

[Well then, enjoy the look of mild frustration on Pidge's face.]

Okay, then where'd you get the money to afford the house?

[shiro2hero]

Two years of living here, Pidge.

Most of it was camping.

[pidge_out]

You're enjoying being unhelpful way too much right now.

[shiro2hero]

That was the truth.

I just saved up. Gym battles pay well, too. Besides... the landlady gave me a deal.

[pidge_out]

Yeah, but it wasn't a helpful truth.

What kind of deal? What'd you do?

[shiro2hero]

I just talked to her about it. She said she was giving us a deal for being "the best tenants".

[pidge_out]

Really?

[She sounds as confused and shocked as she looks. Forgive Pidge for being naturally skeptical of people.]

Who are we being compared to?

[shiro2hero]

[He just shrugs.]

I have no idea. She never said. But hey, I'm not going to complain.

[pidge_out]

[Landlady sounds suspicious, but okay.]

All right. Just let me know how much I owe you.

[shiro2hero]

Pidge, you don't owe me anything.

None of you do.

[DID NO ONE LISTEN TO HIS SPEECH.]

[pidge_out]

[Nope.]

Shiro, I want to help. It still feels like I just got here and you're pretty literally keeping me alive.

[shiro2hero]

[Why not it was a short one!!]

Look, the entire point of this was so you guys could do whatever you wanted here.

And not deal with money.

[pidge_out]

[Eh.]

Money is a normal thing that people generally deal with on a day to day basis. I don't mind helping out.

[shiro2hero]

Then help out by picking up your share of the groceries when we need them.

[pidge_out]

[Pidge squints into the camera a little. That is... not an equal trade...]

...There's really no winning with you on this, is there.

[shiro2hero]

How is that not winning?

[pidge_out]

Picking out groceries doesn't mean I'm helping to pay for them.

[shiro2hero]

I thought that was implied?

[pidge_out]

[SQUINT. SQUINT.

And then she leans back, arms folded over her chest.]

If you mean that the rest of us are actually in charge of getting groceries and you have no monetary contribution to it, then yes it was. Is that what you mean?

[shiro2hero]

[Pidge don't Pidge at him right now he's just trying to make up for losing their favorite Leg here.]

I meant everyone's in charge of their own food. Unless you and someone else are splitting bagels or ... something.

[pidge_out]

[She'll Pidge till the cows come home, Shiro. Don't take her Thing away.]

... Matt and I can probably cover food for you. I'll just have to talk to him about it first.

[shiro2hero]

[Okay, well... this is where things get rocky. They probably need to talk to her about this. Or at least tell her. But ... He'd kind of figured her brother would be the one to do it.]

Keith handed me a giant jar of money before I did this. I'm set for food money.

[HAH. So there.]

[pidge_out]

[That is still a pretty suspicious answer, Shiro. How very convenient that "Keith" gave him a "giant jar of money."]

...Did he really? If I ask Keith about that, he'll tell me he gave you food money?

[shiro2hero]

He'll tell you he gave me money, yes.

[... rent money.]