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

» video

[spacebaloney]

IS THAT WHY YOU WOULDN'T TAKE MY RENT MONEY?

[Ah, Lance. Dependable and loud Lance. Never change.]

Video;

[schachmeister]

[Shiro, what-- That's. Wow.

For a few moments, Armin is just staring at the screen stunned. At Shiro's message, at the implications, at how calm and relaxed Shiro looks. Not that he doesn't seem him plenty, but somehow, this video really underlines it.]

Shiro, that-- you should've said something! I could've helped out!

» video

[lordofthefries]

Yay! Congratulations!

[Shiro can probably hear Sasha cheering from inside the house. The child's voice carries like hell.]

You should buy yourself a cake!

[Because isn't cake for all occasions?]

Action on the beach

[tookashirototheknee]

[Not long after the broadcast, Matt walks over, followed by Mimi, Halley, Kerberos, and a pink Cutiefly on his head. He grins and sits down next to Shiro.]

That went well.

[All of the pokemon, except the cutiefly run off to bother Shiro's.]

[whatsacactus]

oh
is that what you did with the money ?

[forsaintcecilia]

Oh! Is this the secret you told me about? Or I mean-- didn't tell me?

[Video]

[maybeitsmabelline]

Congratulations!!!!

[Mabel doesn't have any confetti but she tosses some yarn she'd been working with, giggling happily.]

That's really awesome!!

video;

[notvaljean]

You bought the house?

[Sonofa... Jean really has been out of it these last few weeks. Too much work, not nearly enough interacting with his family friends.]

Do you need me to move my stuff to my train car?

[pidge_out]

Shiro... How much did that cost you??

Video

[haveyouseenalittlegirl]

[Aw, Shiro you look so happy. Harry is happy for you.]

That sounds like a wonderful plan. Congratulations Shiro.

Video

[sleepallthewayhome]

[Newt looks a bit amazed.]

You bought a house?

[Yes she knew you could do that. But still, actually doing it is another thing. Also it would have to be a really big house because she knows you have a lot of friends here.]