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That's not bad at all for baby's first contest![break][break]

No matter how Toffee places, Luka is infinitely proud of her cute little boy. He'd done his best and even came up with the right answer, the clever little thing! And he's clearly enjoying himself just as much as some of the children in the audience seem to. Luka pays particular attention to the little girl who seems to be their fan, making a note to try and find her after the show so she can meet Toffee in person.[break][break]

But first, they need to close out the final round! There's more cheering as Luka and Toffee appear back onstage, the Togepi once again cradled in his trainer's arms. But Luka is quick to try and shush the audience as gently as possible as the lights begin to dim. The ambiance becomes warm and comforting, and the same lullaby that had introduced the pair begins to filter through the sound system once again.[break][break]

"I'd like to thank you all for coming out to see Toffee's very first contest performance!" Luka begins, and the Togepi chirrups softly and waves his little arms out at the crowd. "But as you can see, all this excitement has tuckered the little guy out!"[break][break]

The lullaby continues as Toffee yawns adorably, beginning to tuck himself back into his shell. But that doesn't mean their performance is over just yet! "Babies need plenty of rest to grow up big and strong...and clever, too! Perhaps next year, you can see him all grown up! But for now, we'd like to send you off with some well wishes, and to share a few lovely dreams with you. Everyone's done so amazing, so make sure to show them your support as well!"[break][break]

It's a bit of a stretch to call this a dream eater, perhaps, but this is a contest so who's gonna find fault in a few creative liberties? So instead of stealing dreams, Toffee instead shares those of all his fellow performers. Andrea Benoit, cato, @pippa, Martín del Mar, kyle lopez, and Locke Jamison...they and their Pokemon can be seen projected in dreams above the stage, each reacting joyously to winning the contest, or having a nice snack, or playing around with their trainer— whatever their heart's desire might be![break][break]

And the main dream displayed is Toffee playing with all his other Togepi friends, cuddling up with Luka, winning the contest ribbon with her. It's a pure and innocent little display, absolutely bursting with love between all parties.[break][break]

"I truly hope that this coming year is a beautiful dream for all of you," Luka says as the projections begin to fade, and Toffee enters his own little dreamworld. "We love you all so much, thank you!"

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notes: Togepi uses dream eater

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The first round ends, but what remains is a feeling of buzzing anticipation. Luka is practically bouncing on her heels backstage before the next round begins, with Toffee squirming excitedly in her arms. She makes her usual rounds, congratulating every other contestant on their successful introductions, but spends the rest of the time trying to calm Toffee down before they go back onstage.[break][break]

He's being a good boy, really! But all the cheering and the lights and sounds are a little much for the egg. Although he doesn't seem overwhelmed— in fact, he seems to want to leap out of her arms and jump right back onstage! And as much as Luka loves the enthusiasm, they've got to wait their turn...[break][break]

As soon as Kyle's appeal is over, they're up! This time, Luka isn't carrying Toffee onstage— she follows him out as he runs as fast as his little baby legs can carry him. For her, this is a leisurely pace, but his urgency is really quite adorable! He looks towards the buttons, then at Luka— it's clear he wants to just run over and press one, but they've got to make their appeal first.[break][break]

"Okay, Toffee! That's a pretty tough question you've got...oh, I know! Smart babies always study first. Let's hit the books!"[break][break]

Toffee lets out a chiming cry and waggles his fingers, conjuring a large reflect just like they'd practiced beforehand. But this is a contest, so of course they're adding their own panache! Instead of being a regular screen, the psychic move takes on the appearance of a giant floating picture book, complete with simple and adorable illustrations of various baby Pokemon.[break][break]

There's only a few "pages" for Toffee to flip through, each showing pictures of baby pokemon and their evolutions. Luka provides a simple narration while he turns each comically oversized page, gurgling happily all the while. It's a sweet, cozy little scene...but in the interest of time, it wraps up pretty quickly![break][break]

"Wow, Toffee! We've really learned a lot today," Luka croons, and the picture book bursts into a shower of sparkles and slowly fades. "I think you're ready to answer your question now! What do you think?"[break][break]

Her Togepi chirps in agreement and rolls over to the buttons, staring long and hard at each option. Then, with a happy coo, he presses down on button B: Pikachu!

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notes: Togepi uses reflect

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In the moments right before their haunting spirit appears, Luka swaps out her Jumpluff for her Rotom once again. This time, Lychee seems far more alert and serious than before. The buzzing ball of plasma seems fixated on the pyre in front of them, their eyes gleaming and mouth turned from a cackling smile into a frown.[break][break]

The apparition that appears before them isn't the most frightening, but there's a certain slow horror in the way that it moves— the twisting distortion of it all. Luka swallows down a frightened cry and takes an involuntary step back, throwing up her arms to try and defend against the incoming projectiles.[break][break]

It doesn't quite work. She takes a stapler to the side of the head and a mug right in the gut, and even though it hurts at least it's nothing lethal. Her Rotom, however, is passed something far more deadly— though it seems innocent enough at first glance.[break][break]

"We, um...w-we have your music box," she says shakily, holding it out towards the poltergeist. Perhaps they can make a trade? "W-would you, erm, l-like it back? Th-th-there's no need for us to um, to fi- woah!"[break][break]

A rush of hot air blows past her and ends that line of inquiry right where it starts. Luka winces as she rubs at the side of her head, reams of paper billowing around her on the steamcloud of air that the ghost projects. Lychee, in the meantime, regards the berry they've been given with the same suspicion that the rest of her companions seem to hold.[break][break]

"Eh? Ehhh? D-do you think it's really that bad?" Luka glances between the berry and the distorted shape of the Ploteageist, lips pursed in a confused frown. "Okay, um...L-lychee! Can't you just drop it?"[break][break]

They can't, but that doesn't mean they're trapped with it. A ghostly game of hot potato ensues between the two spirits as Lychee uses trick right back at the sentient teapot, tossing back their cursed item with a crackling hiss of electricity.[break][break]

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- uh oh sisters![break]
- rotom uses trick on the berry

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Taking the stage is nothing new for Luka Chêne. As a rising star in Hoenn's contest scene, she's used to cheering crowds and the glare of the spotlight, the music and costumes and thrill of performance.[break][break]

However, her usual competitor isn't at her side today. Cupcake the Clefable is cheering from backstage instead, sporting the same pink glowsticks that their supporters are waving around. And at her side, cooing happily as he clings to Luka's leg, is her dearest baby![break][break]

Toffee the Togepi, though the self-appointed ruler of Luka's eggy army, is still too little to learn the complicated routines and elaborate choreography that Luka's used to performing. But honestly, that suits them just fine! She's more than happy to showcase her little darling in the manner most suitable to him— showing off how charming and adorable he is in a simple, genuine way.[break][break]

Their entrance is simple. As soon as the stage is empty (but not before she grants Martín del Mar a quick: like, nya and a wink) the lights dim, but don’t lower entirely. Toffee doesn’t like the dark![break][break]

Her Togepi is tucked away in his shell as they enter, Luka cradling him gently while soft music plays. It’s reminiscent of a childhood lullaby— something cute and sweetly nostalgic. Luka's steps are slow and careful, as though she's afraid of waking the baby, though she stops once they reach center stage.[break][break]

The light here is much brighter, a proper spotlight. Luka's dress shines a brilliant white underneath it— as always, she's matching with her companion. The patterns on her ensemble match Toffee's shell, and the same red bowtie he wears is nestled amongst her roseate curls.[break][break] As she hums along to the lullaby Luka lifts her arms, raising Toffee up in the air while the egg slowly wakes and emerges from his shell with the sweetest baby smile.[break][break]

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Her supporters erupt with a chorus of awwwws and cheers, and shaking pink glowsticks wink out at her from the crowd. Riding the wave of enthusiasm, Luka holds her Togepi up like Simba while he giggles and coos as though to say, behold, king baby![break][break]

“Hello, Hoenn! I’m Luka, and this is my darling Toffee! And we're so happy to be sharing this moment with you today!" Toffee gurgles his agreement, and she giggles right along with him. "All Pokemon start as an egg— they're full of boundless potential and promise. And Toffee here is emblematic of all that exciting potential. Plus, he's a real egghead!"

Does that count as a clever pun, or more of a dad joke? Luckily, Luka's cute enough that her little joke still earns some good-natured laughs.[break][break]

"You know, they say Togepi store happiness inside their shells. And today, we'd like to share that kindness and joy with all of you! Eggs are full of hope and new beginnings, just like the start of every year! Our resolution this year is simply to spread more joy and hope to everyone, and we're just thrilled to be able to start here, with all of you! Thank you!"

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While paxton concordas is excited, his neighbor is considerably less so. A mechanical kingdom had sounded charming at first— she'd imagined wind-up dolls and music boxes. And this place is beautiful, though not in the ways she'd expected. This place feels very old, and very slow. And somehow, she gets the feeling that it knows they're here.[break][break] Though Luka keeps an optimistic smile on her face she can't help but worry that she's out of her depth once again, and even more concerned that her presence will slow their team down.[break][break]

In comparison to Paxton, she's traveling light. Her pack is full of water and trail mix, pokeballs and potions and a few basic medical supplies. There are no weapons on her person, and she can't help but glance uneasily at the rifle strapped to her friend's back. Surely their little expedition won't necessitate any violence, right?[break][break]

A girl can dream, at least. Luka's Lopunny, perhaps sensing her unseen apprehension, lays a paw on her trainer's arm as means of reassurance. And it helps, though it can't quite dispel the unease that spider-steps up her back.[break][break]

The air here feels stale, somehow— stagnant, and carries the scent of rusted metal. If Luka were a scientist perhaps she'd be able to attribute that to a lack of biological life in the area, but as it is she can only follow the lines of logic presented by gut instinct.[break][break]

"This place is kind of creepy," she says to no-one in particular, glancing up at the tall mechanical spires that loom over them. "Paxton is right...l-let's stick together, if we can."[break][break]

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"H-hey, woah! Watch out, Bonbon...don't get too far ahead!"[break][break]

With a merry chirp, the Lopunny returns to her trainer's side and settles in step beside her. And although she's one of Luka's oldest teammates and more than capable of taking care of herself, Luka breathes a little sigh of relief. She always feels more comfortable when they're together— whether this be their first outing together or their hundredth.[break][break]

Speaking of which, it's another week and another outing at the same place. Though the grounds are starting to become rather familiar to Luka, they're still worth an investigation! Who knows what might turn up this time, after all.[break][break]

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Oof! What a long walk...she wants to take a nap![break][break]
Having a Musharna helps, of course. But it's not quite the same. Fabricated sleep is never as good as the real thing.[break][break]
So she's going to trek onwards! Sorry Mawile, but there are bigger fish to fry. And Luka (and Plum) are going to find them![break][break]

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"Mmmm...it still needs something else," Luka says with a frown. Though her dapper snowman does look rather impressive with his snowy beard, there's still something missing![break][break]

"Hmmm...what do you think, Vanilla?" she asks, but her Vulpix doesn't have an answer. Instead, the little fox just sneezes a few snowflakes and trots off to go play with her other partners.[break][break]

Without any other ideas, Luka plops the hat off her head and onto her snowboy's. It had been a boxing day gift from a coworker, but a little snow won't hurt it. Maybe that's the perfect final touch?[break][break]

As she puzzles over what else to add, she can feel eyes burning into the back of her head (in Ceruledge's case, quite literally!). But the attention certainly isn't ill received.[break][break]

"Oh my gosh, hey!" she calls over to Raziel Beckett with a cheerful wave. "Did you just get here? Your snowboy looks amazing already!"

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