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Snow meandered its way down to earth in gentle, heavy flakes, coating the land in a muffling blanket of soft, crisp white. Julien's Rapidash carefully picked his way through the forest, hooves crunching the fresh flakes. The flames of his mane and tail kept his rider warm.[break][break]

Still, Julien wore a winter coat: tailored wool dyed a deep, dark brown like the trunks of Snowbelle's trees. A knitted scarf wrapped around his neck and tucked neatly beneath the lapels of his coat. Gloves of Dubwool leather and rabbit fur protected his hands as they wrapped around a hunting rifle.[break][break]

Trotting at the side of his steed were several Houndour, each one trained for this exceptional hobby. Their keen noses could distinguish between a scrumptious Farfetch'd, lean Bunnelby, or cooked SLOWPOKE TAIL from a great distance.[break][break]

But nothing of the sort caught their attention. When the Houndour started barking in low, rough sounds, the prey whose scent they'd caught was not a small Pokémon suitable for a single meal. Instead, a majestic winter Sawsbuck emerged from behind a dense cluster of trees.[break][break]

Julien raised the rifle, unhurried. He lined up the shot and waited for the perfect moment.[break][break]

Inhaled. Caressed the trigger. Exhaled.[break][break]

Birds took flight from their roosts as the gunshot rang through the forest.

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Julien considered her question for a moment, then gave a slow nod. "I'd say I am. This is not my first assignment as an ambassador to a foreign region, but it's certainly the more exciting one."[break][break]

Despite the word choice, his mouth set into a grim line.[break][break]

"I had not anticipated the uniqueness of this region when I first arrived. We'd heard the rumors, of course, all the way in Kalos. But it wasn't until I saw what happened in Galar firsthand did I get a hint of the level of danger that plagues you."[break][break]

And not just danger, but also powerful boons: MEGA EVOLUTION, Terastallization, new species of Pokémon wrought from mist and dreams.[break][break]

Julien glanced sideways at Freya to judge her reaction to his words. Then he added, "If there is a way for the Kalosian embassy to aid your efforts, Miss Morningstar, I would know it."[break][break]

Here, he lessened the formality in an appeal to her humanity. It was not a matter between separate nations, surely, but of protecting the world.

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Freya's response confirmed what others already told Julien: that the Silent Icelands were the result of a mythical dragon Pokémon. Despite the evenness in her tone and her mild words, however, he noticed the strain in her smile.[break][break]

"Children will look for an opportunity to play during any misfortunate," Julien mused aloud.[break][break]

As if on cue, a gaggle of young children approached to ask for candy. One of them was dressed as a typical Pokémon trainer, complete with a MEGA ACCESSORY attached to his wrist. The ambassador tossed a few candy bars into their buckets, then watched them scamper off, laughing.[break][break]

"The ones here, anyway, seem acclimated to the region's dangers. Either that, or they have been forced to grow up much faster than their peers in other regions."

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Of all the reasons Elise could have given Julien for being happy to meet him by chance instead of by a formal invitation to the Galarian embassy, the one she gave him now made the least sense.[break][break]

He did not react in any confused or appalled way, however, and simply sat back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. Nearby, a LUCARIO walked past, carrying a tray of dishes for the table next to theirs.[break][break]

"I do not mind," he said, keeping his tone even. "What do you wish to know?"[break][break]

Julien wondered how much Remiel Calcifet had taught Elise. From what he'd heard in the usual social circles, Remiel was worldly, highly educated, and well-practiced in the art of diplomacy.[break][break]

How strange that he had relinquished his position and chosen a successor that needed on-the-job training.

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"The pleasure is mine, Councilwoman Morningstar," Julien said, flashing her a polite smile as he gave her hand a firm shake. "It's a pity we haven't had the chance to meet beforehand, but I understand council matters keep you busy."[break][break]

A pair of children dressed as WOBBUFFET ran up to the pair, exclaiming the usual greeting to beg for candy. Julien selected a couple of bars from his basket and dropped them into their awaiting Pumpkaboo buckets.[break][break]

After the children dashed off, he turned to Freya once more. "And yes, Kalos. It should already be snowing in Snowbelle City by now."[break][break]

A light dusting, of course—nothing to stop hordes of children from running around if they so desired. Wistful nostalgia entered Julien's face as he surveyed what he could see of Ever Grande City, wrapped in the warmth of Hoenn autumn.[break][break]

"You know, I thought this region was too warm for snow, but then I took a visit to the Silent Icelands," he said casually, almost as an aside. "Snow year-round, but only in that part of Hoenn. It's mystifying."

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The councilwoman's "excuse me" cut through Julien's idle thoughts, and he stepped aside to allow her access to more candy. "Apologies."[break][break]

freya morningstar's presence as a volunteer had been a last-minute decision. As the newest member of the Hoenn Council, the PR team had decided the public needed some exposure to her, too. At least Julien did not have to suffer the silliness of Halloween costumes alone, and hers as far more approachable to children than his.[break][break]

"I did not think there would be so many children running around in costume today. Back home, we don't celebrate the holiday as much. Too cold," he commented, making small talk.[break][break]

Julien refilled his own bowl with a handful of RAGE CANDY BARS. His Houndour, Lucilla, barked and nosed the bowl. "These aren't for you. You're going to get a stomachache if you eat one."[break][break]

Though she backed off, she didn't stop from whining and looking affronted.

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Julien stood at the bottom of the steps leading up to the entrance of the Kalosian embassy building, feeling more than a little ridiculous. Someone on his staff had decided it would be a brilliant idea for a couple of volunteers to dress in costume and hand out candy on Halloween. They claimed it would be good PR for the embassy.[break][break]

While Julien had no reason to object—it was a good idea, actually—he had not anticipated being one of the volunteers. His staff had insisted on it, however. After all, making sure he showed his face to the public and smiled at them was part of building good relations between their nations.[break][break]

And so, without much protest, he donned a VAMPIRE costume purchased from the nearest party store. He was sure he looked absolutely appalling in it, but at least the children wouldn't be frightened off.[break][break]

Or so he was told.[break][break]

Thankfully, the stream of trick-or-treaters was not endless. They came in groups, without any regularity to their visits. Julien found himself with plenty of downtime as a result.

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Several hours later, Julien locked up his files in his briefcase and logged off his computer. Soft, golden rays of the setting sun streamed through the windows of his office. Summer in Hoenn meant that sunset happened quite late in the evening, confirmed by a quick check of his watch.[break][break]

Almost 8:00 pm. His stomach rumbled in protest.[break][break]

Julien exited his office, the door closing behind him with a soft click. marilee beaufort sat at her desk, waiting for him. Surprise flitted through him, albeit briefly; though she'd agreed to go to dinner, a part of him had wondered if she'd actually go.[break][break]

"My apologies for making you wait," he said to her, the smile on his lips not even the slightest bit apologetic. "We'll take my car to the restaurant."[break][break]

Though their destination wasn't far, he drove, allowing Mari to sit in the front passenger seat alongside him. The valet opened the door for her when they arrived, then took Julien's keys and car away to park it for him.[break][break]

"This is the Sonnora, and they specialize in classic Kalosian cuisine," he told Mari as they ascended the short steps to the front door.[break][break]

Inside, the restaurant exuded luxury without excess. Dimmed lighting offered a more intimate atmosphere for dinner patrons. A host led Julien and Mari to a small but comfortable two-person table by a large window overlooking Ever Grande City, the curtains pulled back so they could admire the sunset view.[break][break]

Julien pulled out Mari's seat for her, then took his own at the other side of the table. "We'll do the prix fixe menu," he said to the waiter who appeared to pour white wine into identical glasses. "The lady and I are hungry."

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MADE BY GUNSMILE

MADE BY GUNSMILE