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    "You two ready for some rapid gift giving?" Poppins asked looking around and surveying the Café. He was the most familiar with the Pokémon they were giving to, so he had put himself in charge with searching out the teams that were receiving gifts.

    "Is that one of the Buizels you mentioned in that group of Merchants over there?" Maurice asked, pointing to a table. Poppins didn't recognize anyone at first before he caught sight of a Buizel with a blue bandana sitting a bit to the side talking with a furry Glaceon whose back was to them.

    "That's Frozen," the Prinplup replied moving forward, the Buizel looked up and the Glaceon turned around revealing a set of scars over her right eye. "Hey, Frozen, it's me Poppins from the fire squad during that sickness. You remember Nella, right? And this is Maurice he's another Merchant who's helping us. Anyways, here you go. Nella and I wanted to thank you for the help putting out the fire and taking her back to the Medical Tent." The Penguin Pokémon then handed over a box.

     "Thanks a lot you two, and I'm really sorry abou-" Nella started to apologize to the Buizel before Poppins shoved a wing over her snout. Frozen unwrapped the box and lifted the lid to reveal and assortment of berries. "We weren't really sure what you were interested in," Nella added as she moved around her teammate's wing.

    "Thanks, Frost and I will enjoy these," Frozen said.

   "You're welcome," replied the two Rescuers as they waved good-bye and began looking around.

    "Quit apologizing, Nella. We're getting a new start in Tao by doing this. Besides, you did what you did in self-defense," the Prinplup whispered to her, making sure that Maurice and any other near by Pokémon couldn't hear.

   "Okay," Nella replied, dropping the subject.

    The trio wandered around the Café for a while, passing by Vertigo who pointed them towards A-Squad when they asked about other teams. Mar was leaning back and talking with a Riolu with a lot of pink accessories while the Servine next to him was offering cupcakes to an Eevee.

   "Mar! My partner Nella and I got you this, as a thank you for saving her a month ago," Poppins forced out in one breathe, handing another package off to the Buizel. Mar slid his goggles back onto his forehead and opened the box, revealing another assortment of berries, while the Riolu and Servine looked over his shoulder in interest.

   "Thank you very much for the help," Nella added, biting back another apology.

   "No problem, and thanks you guys," Mar replied as he opened the box of berries and candy and handed some out to his friends.

    "You're welcome," Nella replied as they left.

    Next, Poppins recognized King's Pride by Sirene's distinct white tail. The Eevee and her teammate were sitting with a group of Pokémon they were obviously close friends based on the loud laughter coming from the table. The table itself was littered with boxes from what looked like a gift exchange among the friends. It looks like we're not the only ones who ignored their no gift policy, Poppins thought as he moved to the team and placed a brightly wrapped box next to them.

    "Even though you don't want it, this is our way of saying thanks for the help at Snowy Village," Poppins announced.

    "You know just as well as we do that it was a group effort. You and Sirene worked together to get the Triangle," said Lear as he and Sirene unwrapped the box. Inside was a deck of cards, a pair of medals, and a game of Sorry. The latter made Poppins shift a glance at Nella who grinned as if to say I bought that before you said no apologies.

    "Thank you," Sirene beamed.

    "You're welcome. Besides, if you hadn't gotten the Triangle in the first place, who knows where I'd be," Nella replied.

    "But that's what Rescuers do, save others," the Eevee replied brightly trying to cheer the other girl up.

    "I shouldn't have needed rescuing in the first place."

    "We all make mistakes," Lear added. "And thanks again."

    "You're welcome," Team Jet chorused.

    "Do you want to stay and hang out with us?" Sirene asked.

    "After we deliver these last gifts," Poppins replied, gesturing to the boxes he and Maurice were carrying.

    "Okay, see you later."

    The three Pokémon walked past the stage and stopped briefly to watch the show that the Merchants had organized, then quickly left when they saw PK dancing.

    "I haven't seen you two in a while," called a Pikachu with a blue bandana and a notched tail sitting next to a Totodile in a matching bandana. "Where have you been, and who's your friend?"

    "We stayed in Snowy Village a little longer than the others because I was injured during the mission," replied Nella looking sheepish. "Anyways, we got you this as a thank you for Toto helping out the last time I got injured. I need to work on not getting injured when I leave Tao."

    "That wasn't necessary," Toto replied.

    "That's what people keep saying. How about this is a gift for having a really awesome Hydro Pump?" Poppins replied forcing a box into the Totodile's lap. The Totodile opened it to reveal a collection of candy as well as hot chocolate mix and some mugs.

    "Thanks you guys, but next time don't give us stuff."

    "Next time we work together our team won't need rescuing," Poppins boasted, which prompted Nella to shove him. "And you're welcome."

     "I hope you're feel better soon, Nella," Sya added beaming.

     "Thanks, I hope so too," the Houndour replied.

    "No problem. Feel free to stop by sometime later."

    "Alright, see you!" Poppins called as they left again, although just as the other Rescuers were out of listening range, Maurice motioned for them to stop.

    "That's them," the Merchant said pointing to a table and handing a package to Poppins. The two Rescuers followed where he was pointing to see a group of Rogues. Among them was a beautiful white Ninetales with a long purple cloak dangling gracefully from her shoulders and an energetic Poochyena with a mess of shiny golden fur. "It seems Mr. Renegade is getting much better."

    "You know, it's kind of awkward apologizing for your team," Poppins pointed out.

    "Could you please do this for me?"

    "Of course," Nella replied taking the gift from Poppins and marching up to Renegade.

   "Renegade, right?" the Houndour asked as she gave the Poochyena a box. "I'm a friend of Team Luxury, they want you to have this."

    "How'd they manage that?" the Ninetales remarked as her partner tore into the box's wrapping.

    "By Coco not talking to us after she delivered medicine to me and Maurice spending the past few days helping my partner and I get a series of 'thanks for keeping me from repeatedly dying' gifts."

    "So that scrap of fluff didn't find you useful?"

    "Not really, we only got to Tao in time for me to get the illness shortly after it started."

    "Figures. Ren, what's that card say?"

     Ren stopped playing with the new ball and picked a crumbled envelope off the top of his Sorry game. The Poochyena opened the envelope. "I apologize for you and your teammate's recent illness, as well as Madam Coco's attitude towards it, and I hope you get better and enjoy the gifts," he read.

     "Why didn't he walk over and say it instead of making you do it? That's pretty lazy and cowardly of him."

     "I don't know."

     "These are pretty nice," Ren said. "Tell him thanks for me."

    "But make sure he doesn't think that Skitty's off the hook," the Ninetales added, examining the board game.

     "Don't worry, I'll remind him that Coco isn't off the hook for anything; she used Attract on my teammate."

     "Why would anyone want her around if she does that?"

     "Based on the large amount of Pokémon complaining about a Skitty with a red bow refusing to lower prices for anyone no matter what the circumstances and squeezing them dry, I'd say because she's helping the Merchants make money."

     "That explains it."

     "I'll see you around then, Miss."

     "Stellaluna."

     "That's a pretty name, good bye Stellaluna, bye Ren," Nella replied dashing back to Poppins and Maurice grinning. "Ren enjoyed the gifts and says thanks. Stellaluna wasn't sure why you didn't deliver the gift yourself."

     "To be honest, Madam Coco didn't want me to give them anything, but I felt so bad about Ren. I don't like seeing kids sick or injured," the Mankey replied. "Thank you. I think I see Coco and Silver closer to the stage; I'll go meet them. You two take care."

    The two then wandered around what felt like the entire café to find Team Trample and Team Rowanberry until they heard the loud argument break out by a group of Rescuers.

    "What are you talking about Anther? Chill is the greatest guild leader ever, without a doubt!" yelled a Mareep.

    "I mean no offense to our currently disabled leader, but Mike is way tougher, braver, and heroic. Has Chill survived being in Merlot's Castle?" a Deerling shouted back.

    "Did Mike go to Monochrome Tower?"

   "Has Chill ever managed the guild solo?"

   "Has Mike ever-"

  "Myra, Anther, hey!" Poppins called. "Awesome, Hearth and Chloe are with you guys, because I have team presents." The Prinplup put one box in between the Chikorita and Mareep and another one between the Deerling and Ponyta.

     The two other teams opened their boxes. Team Rowanberry received a pair of medals, a small trophy shaped like Chill, and some candy. Team Trample also received medals as well as a trophy shaped like Mike, some sweet and dry treats, and some money. "Oh thank you," Hearth said Poke Dollar signs practically appearing in her eyes as she picked up the gold. "This is great."

     Anther put on one of the medals, held up the Mike trophy and nodded. "Yeah, these are excellent gifts. Thanks." Team Rowanberry nodded in agreement.

    "No, it's our pleasure. You helped us out big time with that last Mission. I wish it went better, but it could have been a lot worse without you," Nella replied. There was a moment of silence as they thought back to how everything ended. The Rescuers were tending to various villagers to make sure they were okay, no one had thought Shiv would get back up, and when they saw the blast of ice they thought it was a Blizzard attack, instead of Chill using the triangle to avenge his sister, Cindi.

     "To Chill, his family, and everyone in Snowy Village. I hope everyone get's better," Myra called somberly, raising a glass and looking sadly at the Chill trophy.

     "To Chill," everyone echoed.

     "So what do you think will happen next?" Myra asked. "We have the Icicle Triangle, Maple's learning how to play, and Kyurem is an Ice type. Do you think Mike would try to use it on him like Shiv did to the villagers?"

    "No way!" shouted Poppins.

    "Mike is way too cool to do that!" Anther shouted, sliding between Myra and his trophy.

    "I was just wondering."

   "So, what!"

   "Hey," Chole cut in. "Any guesses what the next missions will be? Slasher's Gang's been disbanded and most of the members joined teams in the other guilds and things have calmed down in Tao."

   "Maybe it has something to do with that Fresnel character that's been helping out," Myra added. "He's not from around here, maybe he came here for help with something."

    "But's he's been helping with the guild a lot, and not just the Rescuers, Merchants too," Hearth added. "That doesn't sound like something someone looking for help would do. Especially if it's serious."

    "Regardless," Anther said, "I think we're all ready for another big mission.

    "Actually, Nella and I have been talking about it, and we'll be mostly doing side missions until we're actually experienced," Poppins replied.

     "What do you mean?"

    "Technically, that was our first mission."

    "Plus, between getting sick, having my leg cut open, and getting frozen, I'm not going to be in good shape for difficult missions for a while," Nella added.

    "I'm sorry," Chloe said.

    "But hey, we started with a side mission, so things will still turn out okay for you guys," Myra added.

    "Yeah, I'm pretty sure you'll catch up once Nella's healed," Anther added.

    Poppins nodded, and the three teams hung out for most of the night.

***

    "Vertigoooooo," Sly called. "I have a surprise."

    "What is it~!" the Spinda said as he twirled around and distributed a tray of cakes to the Rogue Team.

    "Preseeeeent! Open ittttttt!" the cat shoved the team's last present across the table to the Café owner.

    "Pssst, Lee," Ice whispered across the table. "Do ya think they're related, they both talk and act funny."

    "To be honest, I don't know anything about Mister Sly's life before we met," the Sewaddle answered.

     "Thank you for the bow tie~" Vertigo called as he lifted the gift out of the box. Leilani and Ice winced when they saw it. The most obvious thing about the bow tie to them was that it was made by someone who didn't have the slightest idea how a bow tie worked. It was still a severely misshapen mismatch of clashing colors; the bow part was compose of what looked like a diamond and an arrow three times the diamond's size, while a ribbon was sewed to the back when the deranged creator realized it needed to be attached to the neck somehow. "Very nice gift Sly~" the Spinda continued as he tied it on backwards.

    "How did he recognize that as a bowtie?" Ice asked.

    "Well, he tied it so it won't get into the food," Leilani replied.

    "I'm very happy that I made someone else happy with my handy work. We should sew more ofteeeen," Sly purred as he leaned into their conversation.

    "Were you eavesdropping on our girl talk?" the Sewaddle asked.

    "Yes," Sly answered through a mouthful of cake. "Especially since it's been the first time Ice has talked since she visited her sister. Do you want some caaaaaaaake? It'll make you feel better."

   "Yeah sure," Ice mumbled and snatched a piece from him and began eating. "What type is this?"

    "Ice cream cake, Ice Creeeeeam," Sly purred happily, taking another bite.

    Ice grimaced and imagined kicking him really hard at the end of the party as she continued eating. Maybe.

***

    "Maurice, I was wondering when you'd get here. All this time I was expecting Silver to show up late because he hates crowds," Coco said pouting as the Mankey climbed into a chair next to her.

    "I'm deeply sorry, Madam, you too Silver," Maurice replied.

    "No problem," Silver replied with a shrug.

    "Yes, there is a problem. I was holding off on giving Silver his gift for being such a good helper this week until you got here since I was sure you'd want to be here for it," the Skitty replied continuing to pout.

    "You got me something?"

    "Of course, what did you think this box I was sitting on was for?"

    "A bribe to PK."

    "Well it's not."

    "That does explain why you didn't give it to her as soon as she started dancing."

    "Drop the topic, she might hear you, now open your gift," Coco hissed, using her tail to hand the box to the youngest member of her team. The Sneasel opened it and took out a fedora. It was a slightly off white, with a band above the brim in the same shade of bright red as Coco and Maurice's accessories. "I figured the white would go great with your fur color, and the band was a close enough match to mine and Maurice things that we can call that shade of red a team color."

     "Thanks," Silver replied. He tried it on, it fit pretty well, he'd have to try and figure out the best way to get the hat and his ear feather comfortably.

     "I knew you'd like it. Now, a toast to Team Luxury."

***

     It was a while after the party. Poppins and Nella had spent their time moving from table to table to hang out with all the friends they made in the Rescuers Guild, and were now exhausted. The two were sitting outside at the base of the Rescuer Tree House. They would have gone inside to join the other teams, but Nella couldn't climb it with her leg still in bad shape, and both wanted some time for just the two of them, and didn't have their own house yet, so here seemed as good a place as any.

    "That mission really affected us," Poppins replied sighing.

    "Yeah, I know," Nella replied.

    "That's why I got you this since you haven't been acting like your usual self," they said simultaneously.  The two turned back and blushed, then each shoved a box towards the other.

     "Wow, this is pretty," Nella breathed as she looked at the flower in the box. "How'd you get it?"

     "Accessory shop. Mike gave me a voucher since we completed the mission, so I used it to surprise you. I wasn't really sure what to get you, since I know you like your scarf, so I thought maybe something brightly colored, but I made sure it wasn't blue."

      "I love it, thanks," Nella beamed as she tried to arrange it in the knot of her scarf.

     "A bigger question is how you got this?" Poppins asked, raising a medal like the one they had given the other teams they worked with on in their last mission. "Even with the money Maurice lent us, we were broke when we were done shopping."

     "Maurice wanted to get me a gift anyways, but I asked him to get his teammates to help him buy and wrap this without you knowing instead."

     "Thanks," Poppins said beaming. "But why didn't you get one for yourself."

     "I'm not a hero."

    "Yes you are. You covered for me when I was freaking out," Poppins snapped. "When we get a house, I'm going to hang this on the wall and say it belongs to both of us."

     "How are we getting a house? We're broke."

     "You didn't mind my parent's place in Snowy Village, and this place has some high quality snow. We'll build one out of that, then figure something out when it all melts."

     "Okay, do you want to find a place tonight?"

     "Sure thing, Nel."

     So the two Rescuers paced out and found a free space near several other houses belonging to Rescuers and spent the rest of the night piling up snow to start making their home.

Description
    "You two ready for some rapid gift giving?" Poppins asked looking around and surveying the Café. He was the most familiar with the Pokémon they were giving to, so he had put himself in charge with searching out the teams that were receiving gifts.

    "Is that one of the Buizels you mentioned in that group of Merchants over there?" Maurice asked, pointing to a table. Poppins didn't recognize anyone at first before he caught sight of a Buizel with a blue bandana sitting a bit to the side talking with a furry Glaceon whose back was to them.

    "That's Frozen," the Prinplup replied moving forward, the Buizel looked up and the Glaceon turned around revealing a set of scars over her right eye. "Hey, Frozen, it's me Poppins from the fire squad during that sickness. You remember Nella, right? And this is Maurice he's another Merchant who's helping us. Anyways, here you go. Nella and I wanted to thank you for the help putting out the fire and taking her back to the Medical Tent." The Penguin Pokémon then handed over a box.

     "Thanks a lot you two, and I'm really sorry abou-" Nella started to apologize to the Buizel before Poppins shoved a wing over her snout. Frozen unwrapped the box and lifted the lid to reveal and assortment of berries. "We weren't really sure what you were interested in," Nella added as she moved around her teammate's wing.

    "Thanks, Frost and I will enjoy these," Frozen said.

   "You're welcome," replied the two Rescuers as they waved good-bye and began looking around.

    "Quit apologizing, Nella. We're getting a new start in Tao by doing this. Besides, you did what you did in self-defense," the Prinplup whispered to her, making sure that Maurice and any other near by Pokémon couldn't hear.

   "Okay," Nella replied, dropping the subject.

    The trio wandered around the Café for a while, passing by Vertigo who pointed them towards A-Squad when they asked about other teams. Mar was leaning back and talking with a Riolu with a lot of pink accessories while the Servine next to him was offering cupcakes to an Eevee.

   "Mar! My partner Nella and I got you this, as a thank you for saving her a month ago," Poppins forced out in one breathe, handing another package off to the Buizel. Mar slid his goggles back onto his forehead and opened the box, revealing another assortment of berries, while the Riolu and Servine looked over his shoulder in interest.

   "Thank you very much for the help," Nella added, biting back another apology.

   "No problem, and thanks you guys," Mar replied as he opened the box of berries and candy and handed some out to his friends.

    "You're welcome," Nella replied as they left.

    Next, Poppins recognized King's Pride by Sirene's distinct white tail. The Eevee and her teammate were sitting with a group of Pokémon they were obviously close friends based on the loud laughter coming from the table. The table itself was littered with boxes from what looked like a gift exchange among the friends. It looks like we're not the only ones who ignored their no gift policy, Poppins thought as he moved to the team and placed a brightly wrapped box next to them.

    "Even though you don't want it, this is our way of saying thanks for the help at Snowy Village," Poppins announced.

    "You know just as well as we do that it was a group effort. You and Sirene worked together to get the Triangle," said Lear as he and Sirene unwrapped the box. Inside was a deck of cards, a pair of medals, and a game of Sorry. The latter made Poppins shift a glance at Nella who grinned as if to say I bought that before you said no apologies.

    "Thank you," Sirene beamed.

    "You're welcome. Besides, if you hadn't gotten the Triangle in the first place, who knows where I'd be," Nella replied.

    "But that's what Rescuers do, save others," the Eevee replied brightly trying to cheer the other girl up.

    "I shouldn't have needed rescuing in the first place."

    "We all make mistakes," Lear added. "And thanks again."

    "You're welcome," Team Jet chorused.

    "Do you want to stay and hang out with us?" Sirene asked.

    "After we deliver these last gifts," Poppins replied, gesturing to the boxes he and Maurice were carrying.

    "Okay, see you later."

    The three Pokémon walked past the stage and stopped briefly to watch the show that the Merchants had organized, then quickly left when they saw PK dancing.

    "I haven't seen you two in a while," called a Pikachu with a blue bandana and a notched tail sitting next to a Totodile in a matching bandana. "Where have you been, and who's your friend?"

    "We stayed in Snowy Village a little longer than the others because I was injured during the mission," replied Nella looking sheepish. "Anyways, we got you this as a thank you for Toto helping out the last time I got injured. I need to work on not getting injured when I leave Tao."

    "That wasn't necessary," Toto replied.

    "That's what people keep saying. How about this is a gift for having a really awesome Hydro Pump?" Poppins replied forcing a box into the Totodile's lap. The Totodile opened it to reveal a collection of candy as well as hot chocolate mix and some mugs.

    "Thanks you guys, but next time don't give us stuff."

    "Next time we work together our team won't need rescuing," Poppins boasted, which prompted Nella to shove him. "And you're welcome."

     "I hope you're feel better soon, Nella," Sya added beaming.

     "Thanks, I hope so too," the Houndour replied.

    "No problem. Feel free to stop by sometime later."

    "Alright, see you!" Poppins called as they left again, although just as the other Rescuers were out of listening range, Maurice motioned for them to stop.

    "That's them," the Merchant said pointing to a table and handing a package to Poppins. The two Rescuers followed where he was pointing to see a group of Rogues. Among them was a beautiful white Ninetales with a long purple cloak dangling gracefully from her shoulders and an energetic Poochyena with a mess of shiny golden fur. "It seems Mr. Renegade is getting much better."

    "You know, it's kind of awkward apologizing for your team," Poppins pointed out.

    "Could you please do this for me?"

    "Of course," Nella replied taking the gift from Poppins and marching up to Renegade.

   "Renegade, right?" the Houndour asked as she gave the Poochyena a box. "I'm a friend of Team Luxury, they want you to have this."

    "How'd they manage that?" the Ninetales remarked as her partner tore into the box's wrapping.

    "By Coco not talking to us after she delivered medicine to me and Maurice spending the past few days helping my partner and I get a series of 'thanks for keeping me from repeatedly dying' gifts."

    "So that scrap of fluff didn't find you useful?"

    "Not really, we only got to Tao in time for me to get the illness shortly after it started."

    "Figures. Ren, what's that card say?"

     Ren stopped playing with the new ball and picked a crumbled envelope off the top of his Sorry game. The Poochyena opened the envelope. "I apologize for you and your teammate's recent illness, as well as Madam Coco's attitude towards it, and I hope you get better and enjoy the gifts," he read.

     "Why didn't he walk over and say it instead of making you do it? That's pretty lazy and cowardly of him."

     "I don't know."

     "These are pretty nice," Ren said. "Tell him thanks for me."

    "But make sure he doesn't think that Skitty's off the hook," the Ninetales added, examining the board game.

     "Don't worry, I'll remind him that Coco isn't off the hook for anything; she used Attract on my teammate."

     "Why would anyone want her around if she does that?"

     "Based on the large amount of Pokémon complaining about a Skitty with a red bow refusing to lower prices for anyone no matter what the circumstances and squeezing them dry, I'd say because she's helping the Merchants make money."

     "That explains it."

     "I'll see you around then, Miss."

     "Stellaluna."

     "That's a pretty name, good bye Stellaluna, bye Ren," Nella replied dashing back to Poppins and Maurice grinning. "Ren enjoyed the gifts and says thanks. Stellaluna wasn't sure why you didn't deliver the gift yourself."

     "To be honest, Madam Coco didn't want me to give them anything, but I felt so bad about Ren. I don't like seeing kids sick or injured," the Mankey replied. "Thank you. I think I see Coco and Silver closer to the stage; I'll go meet them. You two take care."

    The two then wandered around what felt like the entire café to find Team Trample and Team Rowanberry until they heard the loud argument break out by a group of Rescuers.

    "What are you talking about Anther? Chill is the greatest guild leader ever, without a doubt!" yelled a Mareep.

    "I mean no offense to our currently disabled leader, but Mike is way tougher, braver, and heroic. Has Chill survived being in Merlot's Castle?" a Deerling shouted back.

    "Did Mike go to Monochrome Tower?"

   "Has Chill ever managed the guild solo?"

   "Has Mike ever-"

  "Myra, Anther, hey!" Poppins called. "Awesome, Hearth and Chloe are with you guys, because I have team presents." The Prinplup put one box in between the Chikorita and Mareep and another one between the Deerling and Ponyta.

     The two other teams opened their boxes. Team Rowanberry received a pair of medals, a small trophy shaped like Chill, and some candy. Team Trample also received medals as well as a trophy shaped like Mike, some sweet and dry treats, and some money. "Oh thank you," Hearth said Poke Dollar signs practically appearing in her eyes as she picked up the gold. "This is great."

     Anther put on one of the medals, held up the Mike trophy and nodded. "Yeah, these are excellent gifts. Thanks." Team Rowanberry nodded in agreement.

    "No, it's our pleasure. You helped us out big time with that last Mission. I wish it went better, but it could have been a lot worse without you," Nella replied. There was a moment of silence as they thought back to how everything ended. The Rescuers were tending to various villagers to make sure they were okay, no one had thought Shiv would get back up, and when they saw the blast of ice they thought it was a Blizzard attack, instead of Chill using the triangle to avenge his sister, Cindi.

     "To Chill, his family, and everyone in Snowy Village. I hope everyone get's better," Myra called somberly, raising a glass and looking sadly at the Chill trophy.

     "To Chill," everyone echoed.

     "So what do you think will happen next?" Myra asked. "We have the Icicle Triangle, Maple's learning how to play, and Kyurem is an Ice type. Do you think Mike would try to use it on him like Shiv did to the villagers?"

    "No way!" shouted Poppins.

    "Mike is way too cool to do that!" Anther shouted, sliding between Myra and his trophy.

    "I was just wondering."

   "So, what!"

   "Hey," Chole cut in. "Any guesses what the next missions will be? Slasher's Gang's been disbanded and most of the members joined teams in the other guilds and things have calmed down in Tao."

   "Maybe it has something to do with that Fresnel character that's been helping out," Myra added. "He's not from around here, maybe he came here for help with something."

    "But's he's been helping with the guild a lot, and not just the Rescuers, Merchants too," Hearth added. "That doesn't sound like something someone looking for help would do. Especially if it's serious."

    "Regardless," Anther said, "I think we're all ready for another big mission.

    "Actually, Nella and I have been talking about it, and we'll be mostly doing side missions until we're actually experienced," Poppins replied.

     "What do you mean?"

    "Technically, that was our first mission."

    "Plus, between getting sick, having my leg cut open, and getting frozen, I'm not going to be in good shape for difficult missions for a while," Nella added.

    "I'm sorry," Chloe said.

    "But hey, we started with a side mission, so things will still turn out okay for you guys," Myra added.

    "Yeah, I'm pretty sure you'll catch up once Nella's healed," Anther added.

    Poppins nodded, and the three teams hung out for most of the night.

***

    "Vertigoooooo," Sly called. "I have a surprise."

    "What is it~!" the Spinda said as he twirled around and distributed a tray of cakes to the Rogue Team.

    "Preseeeeent! Open ittttttt!" the cat shoved the team's last present across the table to the Café owner.

    "Pssst, Lee," Ice whispered across the table. "Do ya think they're related, they both talk and act funny."

    "To be honest, I don't know anything about Mister Sly's life before we met," the Sewaddle answered.

     "Thank you for the bow tie~" Vertigo called as he lifted the gift out of the box. Leilani and Ice winced when they saw it. The most obvious thing about the bow tie to them was that it was made by someone who didn't have the slightest idea how a bow tie worked. It was still a severely misshapen mismatch of clashing colors; the bow part was compose of what looked like a diamond and an arrow three times the diamond's size, while a ribbon was sewed to the back when the deranged creator realized it needed to be attached to the neck somehow. "Very nice gift Sly~" the Spinda continued as he tied it on backwards.

    "How did he recognize that as a bowtie?" Ice asked.

    "Well, he tied it so it won't get into the food," Leilani replied.

    "I'm very happy that I made someone else happy with my handy work. We should sew more ofteeeen," Sly purred as he leaned into their conversation.

    "Were you eavesdropping on our girl talk?" the Sewaddle asked.

    "Yes," Sly answered through a mouthful of cake. "Especially since it's been the first time Ice has talked since she visited her sister. Do you want some caaaaaaaake? It'll make you feel better."

   "Yeah sure," Ice mumbled and snatched a piece from him and began eating. "What type is this?"

    "Ice cream cake, Ice Creeeeeam," Sly purred happily, taking another bite.

    Ice grimaced and imagined kicking him really hard at the end of the party as she continued eating. Maybe.

***

    "Maurice, I was wondering when you'd get here. All this time I was expecting Silver to show up late because he hates crowds," Coco said pouting as the Mankey climbed into a chair next to her.

    "I'm deeply sorry, Madam, you too Silver," Maurice replied.

    "No problem," Silver replied with a shrug.

    "Yes, there is a problem. I was holding off on giving Silver his gift for being such a good helper this week until you got here since I was sure you'd want to be here for it," the Skitty replied continuing to pout.

    "You got me something?"

    "Of course, what did you think this box I was sitting on was for?"

    "A bribe to PK."

    "Well it's not."

    "That does explain why you didn't give it to her as soon as she started dancing."

    "Drop the topic, she might hear you, now open your gift," Coco hissed, using her tail to hand the box to the youngest member of her team. The Sneasel opened it and took out a fedora. It was a slightly off white, with a band above the brim in the same shade of bright red as Coco and Maurice's accessories. "I figured the white would go great with your fur color, and the band was a close enough match to mine and Maurice things that we can call that shade of red a team color."

     "Thanks," Silver replied. He tried it on, it fit pretty well, he'd have to try and figure out the best way to get the hat and his ear feather comfortably.

     "I knew you'd like it. Now, a toast to Team Luxury."

***

     It was a while after the party. Poppins and Nella had spent their time moving from table to table to hang out with all the friends they made in the Rescuers Guild, and were now exhausted. The two were sitting outside at the base of the Rescuer Tree House. They would have gone inside to join the other teams, but Nella couldn't climb it with her leg still in bad shape, and both wanted some time for just the two of them, and didn't have their own house yet, so here seemed as good a place as any.

    "That mission really affected us," Poppins replied sighing.

    "Yeah, I know," Nella replied.

    "That's why I got you this since you haven't been acting like your usual self," they said simultaneously.  The two turned back and blushed, then each shoved a box towards the other.

     "Wow, this is pretty," Nella breathed as she looked at the flower in the box. "How'd you get it?"

     "Accessory shop. Mike gave me a voucher since we completed the mission, so I used it to surprise you. I wasn't really sure what to get you, since I know you like your scarf, so I thought maybe something brightly colored, but I made sure it wasn't blue."

      "I love it, thanks," Nella beamed as she tried to arrange it in the knot of her scarf.

     "A bigger question is how you got this?" Poppins asked, raising a medal like the one they had given the other teams they worked with on in their last mission. "Even with the money Maurice lent us, we were broke when we were done shopping."

     "Maurice wanted to get me a gift anyways, but I asked him to get his teammates to help him buy and wrap this without you knowing instead."

     "Thanks," Poppins said beaming. "But why didn't you get one for yourself."

     "I'm not a hero."

    "Yes you are. You covered for me when I was freaking out," Poppins snapped. "When we get a house, I'm going to hang this on the wall and say it belongs to both of us."

     "How are we getting a house? We're broke."

     "You didn't mind my parent's place in Snowy Village, and this place has some high quality snow. We'll build one out of that, then figure something out when it all melts."

     "Okay, do you want to find a place tonight?"

     "Sure thing, Nel."

     So the two Rescuers paced out and found a free space near several other houses belonging to Rescuers and spent the rest of the night piling up snow to start making their home.