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Hades nodded, "As if Darkrai could ever kill another me."

Horae rolled her eyes softly as the dusknoir's declaration but couldn't exactly call it wrong. Everyone here knew that the evil bastard was full of shit. Though, it is a relief all the same. The shiny Celebi fluttered over to Silvanus and poked his nose, "It's good that you found them again, dear. They must have missed you dearly."

Artemis agreed, "After all we have all been through, hard to imagine any of us being apart for too long. Facing the end of the world and living through it does bring Pokémon closer together."

Seeing the trio getting closer to him, They missed him as much as he missed them, four years really passed by so fast with everything going on, and, there was so much Silvanus needed to say–needed to do. He nearly leans into Artemus’ touch, even if it was to dry away his never-ending tears, heart yearning for any sort of further connection due to the impending doom the older gecko had learned of only recently.

“ There’s… so much I need to tell the three of you. “

Opening his eyes after he finished taking a few deep breaths, mere moments after, purely out of the sake that it needed to come out, through shaky words, from henceforth, they’d decide to tell them exactly what was happened, omitting few key events not to stir the pot on the whole situation.

“ I told Artemis this already but.. I’ve been reunited with my trio.. Eir and Seker.. They’ve.. been looking for me as long as I’ve been looking for them. “

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Artemis looks up at Platinum, who only nods as he guides his brothers away. There was much to be done and not a lot of time to do it. Horae beamed as she floated up to Silvanus and hung off his neck slightly, "It's great to see you, darling."

Even Hades had his own peace to share, "It was... Boring, without you around."

The younger gecko gave him a look of 'really?' Before he focused on drying Silvanus' tears, "Do you need a minute?"

Silvanus, who was practically clinging onto Artemis only really pulled away after they were all dropped from Hades’ hold, the thump getting some half-laugh-half-shaky breath as he tries to wipe the constantly flowing tears from his eyes. He deeply appreciated even the two words of comfort Artemis put out. The older Grovyle always was one to put out so many different emotions it was sort-of difficult to decide what emotion he wanted to feel at any current given moment.

Make it count. You only have a few weeks left in you. You’re already feeling your life force wane, that flame you thought was unable to be put out, was teetering on the edge of flickering out, put out like a breath of cold air on a candlelight. It was terrifiying. Knowing anything could happen, so much is going through the Gecko’s head that he nearly forgets to breathe… Silvanus closes his eyes, and starts taking deep breaths. In. Out. Repeat.

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Artemis, unaware of what was going on with Silvanus, did do the common comfort route and held his friend close, "It's alright."

He wanted to be there for them, to keep holding them. But alas, Hades can only hold them aloft for so long and he practically dropped the gang in a pile and caused the six sabeleye to snicker and giggle at them.

Diamond and pearl looked away in second and embarrassment, and Platinum just looked on, trying to feign disinterest.

Tears dripped from the moment of the embrace on, Silvanus mostly clinging onto Artemis tightly, his heart pounding like mad, he didn’t know if it was a good thing or the beginning warning signs, huffing as if he was out of breath in-between sobs. He’s already showing the signs weakness. A stray hand falls against Artemis’ chest, it wasn’t in any weird way, in the way that they usually do, they were just, he realized all the tensed muscles in his own body, how much it was weighing down on him, and how much he’s bottled it up for.

He was family. He wasn’t blood but he damn well was family. They finally fully let out the waterworks of joy and thankfulness afterward, after that statement. The pure guilt going through every fiber of his being as he felt it. The end of it all. Why couldn’t he be happy for just a few more years? A few more years of happy memories and.. a family he never had..

Tears of joy turned very quickly into mixed feelings. He could enjoy these feelings of a found family in ignorant bliss of his impending illness, or he could tell them. He could tell them what was going on. So Silvanus chooses both, and softly whispers into Artemis’ direction.

[ I’m so scared. I finally found my place in life, my happiness — I don’t want to go. ]

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The small and large group piled in to share the love for the poor gecko. While none of them knew the struggles he was dealing with, they all could see just how much their gestures have moved him. He deserved this moment of happiness, and none were going to take it from him.

Even Hades joined in on the hug, actually hefting the lot of them up off the ground. Horae struggled futility against his grasp, prompting the dusknoir to chuckle menacingly. Artemis didn't seem bothered, though. It was nice seeing the ghostly bastard in a good mood for once.

"You're a part of the family... Don't ever forget that."

He may not be a part of their group either, but in the end, did it ever really matter?

No, not really. Silvanus was always welcome here.

When it came to Diamond and Pearl’s gift, intriguing it was, while it was a collection of clothing, It would be cool to hang this up around the entirety of his Hall of Origin, a lot of it sort of fit the whole aesthetic of some of those areas, Not all of them. Eir and Seker would question him to absolutely no end if they saw any of the more feminine clothing options, but.. he’ll.. he’ll worry about that at a later date, of course. Silvanus chuckles nervously, wiping the metaphorical sweat off of his forehead.

“ This gift is ripe with the aesthetics but, oh the confusion this will cause, lord the embarrassment even. “

Meanwhile, Artemis’ gift also fit the description of ripe with the aesthetics, but in a completely different way, it fit directly into Horae and Hades’ own gifts.. He noticed a lot of the berries, but there were quite a few that not even he’s seen through his travels. All of this was just all very… kind of them, he almost felt guilty with how things have been going on his side of things. Timelines merging, his own life-force slowly sapping away, he’s just so happy they’ve gone out of their way to do such things for the older gecko.

It’s hard not to shed tears, the memories he could revisit, the assortment of berries he could try and replant for further reproduction, hell, even choosing his favorite to be placed into the pot Hades had given him. With a singular hiccup, a lump in his throat is cleared as he wipes the tears of joy from his face, a faint tint of red over his eyes. Recollection. It’s.. It’s…

[ “ I appreciate all of this. You don’t know how much this means given with everything going on. “ ]

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Artemis was looking and feeling rather giddy as his moment to give his gift came up. It wasn't much all things considered. But like the other gifts on display, it was the thought that counts. It was a gift basket of sorts, a soft pairing with Horae's gift as it contained a wide assortment of berries. Some of which might not even be recognizable right away to the well traveled gecko.

The perks of being able to travel all around time and space means you can get some rather rare and exotic berries from all across the continents. Even so, this would have taken at least a little time to gather them all. They even look fresh, too!

Not to be out done by mere mortals, the three large legends put forth their own gift. Inside was perhaps the most unorthodox gift yet. It was clothes, but not just any sets of fabric. They were designer pieces, high fashion to those in the know. Jackets, hoodies, shirts.... dresses and skirts? This would normally have cost a small fortune given the sheer amount of outfits and ensembles to wear, but Artemis was clever enough to use a bandit raid as a means of obtaining them.

History says that shipment was destroyed, but nobody knows what really happened to it. History is fickle.

Diamond puffed out his chest and said, "This was one of Lady Araignée's latest designs in that Era, battle chic."

Pearl deflated, seeming embarrassed to have even been a part of that venture, "Apparently it was inspired by exploration guilds. Hard to tear fabrics and move resistant."

Not just yet? Presents? Intriguing. Silvanus didn’t even flinch when Artemis wrapped an arm around his shoulders, hell it even felt like old times, but seeing Horae’s surprised expression and protests, he knew deep down that the younger Grovyle was hiding something from even the other two. But presents weren’t something Silvanus was much of expecting. But, as it has been several years, maybe something to stir the pot was finally in order for the trio and Silvanus.

Granted that he was going to look at the gifts, Silvanus took his sweet time eyeing up all the presents, undoing them very carefully. When it came to Hades gift, he realized upon opening that it was a planter, how long it would last was unknown, but given their knowledge of his expertise and knowledge of gardening, it was a perfect gift. When Horae’s gift was given, an odd stone of intricate nature. While she hadn’t told him what it meant or what it did, the beauty in the shape and features meant much to the older gecko.

[ “ I genuinely appreciate these gifts, you two. Then that leaves you, Artemis. What could just be your surprise–your gift for all these years of separation. “ ]

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He smiled as he wrapped an arm around the older gecko, "not just yet! It's time for presents."

Horae protested, likewise wanting to know what Artemis had been planning behind thier back, "but darling~"

Artemis gently shushed her and said, "We've been thinking about this for a while now, saving up birthdays. Figured now would be a time to catch up."

Hades was the firstto approach, massive arms outstretched as he held up a present, "Here, Don’t ever say I don't do anything for you."

Inside was a pot from a thirty years in the future. He says that it grows and waters a single berry plant for you, no need to take care of it, save for plucking berries every once in a while.

Horae was next, offering him a stone that let's him relive a memory and see it from other angles. A means of seeing the world like only timetravelers of her caliber can.

Honestly seeing the three come out from the main gate drew his gaze from Artemis to the trio. Of course he was plenty confused with what they were all handling, honestly the kegs interested Silvanus more than anything else, but it wasn’t anything to mark getting up, continuing to eat his cake as he listened onto the back-forth with Artemis and the trio. He’s listening though, spaces out with so much going on. His silence speaks plenty that he isn’t fully surprised about this, they were late, and Hades notioned towards the possibilities that they’d be late to the party.

It’s intriguing, and it allows Silvanus to further feel at ease, though listening in on Artemis’ tone of voice and facial expressions meant that Artemis knew more than even Horae and Hades. Oh you sly bastard— A chuckle emits from his throat, finishing off his slice of cake right as they’re finishing up apologizing to the trio. Silvanus looks back and forth, somewhat confused but with a couple of ideas in his head to what exactly was Artemis’ plan.

“Is this your grand surprise? I-It’s the thought that counts, you know? Glad you three could make it.”

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It was as they were talking that the main Gate had opened and the Palkia known as Pearl flew through, holding what appears to be large kegs in thier arms. They were shortly followed by Diamond, who was carrying a large present on thier back. And Platinum... The hell snake merely appeared, slithering out of Diamond's Shadow with what appears to be a long bad in his mouth.

Artemis smiles as he gestures for them to set them things down over with the other gifts and says, "Guys! Glad you can make it. I hope that they didn't give you too much trouble."

Platinum growled, "You sent us into a damn ambush."

The gecko grinned sheepishly and ask, "are you sure you don't mean slaughter? Those bandits should have been a cake walk."

Pearl deadpanned, "they were, but the point stands. That was reckless."

Artemis shrugs, "My apologies, but I didn't know any other time period you could have gotten them."

“I wouldn’t be able to set up a surprise like this, either. It’s the thought that counts though, am I right? Though their tardiness to the party is a surprise in of itself, don’t you think?”

It looks like everyone would be surprised at this lack of a surprise party after all, since not a soul seems to know where where the others are. Dare he say this is their own surprise to everyone, and not just Silvanus! Being late to something that should’ve been a surprise means that they could have a surprise of their own! Silvanus was made excited to see what they’re able to put out in this. Dare he say he’s also going to not make any guesses on what the surprise is.

Looking at the cake and taking another bite, savoring the flavors of the cake, it was sweet, like all should be, but it.. was nice, it’s evident that the gecko hasn’t exactly had any baked sweets like cake in several years, he didn’t know what the quality was like, but they enjoyed it greatly, and that’s all that should matter at the moment. Setting down his plate for a moment, he watches Horae and Hades speak their frustrations in the distance, ending in a chuckle.

“But hey? Thanks for all of this–you didn’t need to, but I really appreciate this.”

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Artemis grabbed a slice and sat down beside Silvanus as he watched the Sableye fight over thier individual shares. Something about them being uneven, thought everybody there could tell it was cut as well as Sikvanus could with shaky hands.

"Hey there~"

Meanwhile, Horae and Hades were off likewise doing thier own thing, both sharing thier frustrations and speculating what the legends were getting. However, it would seem that nobody knows. Moody expect Artemis, but he was going to keep that a secret for now. It would only ruin the surprise.

To this end, he would keep Silvanus distracted, "I hope you are doing alright... neither of us are hood witn surprises, but after four years... Yeah. A party just made sense."

“Ah? An entire half an hour…? Oh wow. Alright then. Don’t mind if I do…”

Moving from where he was leaning, Silvanus guided his hand over to the knife, holding it sent a shiver down his spine, like he wasn’t fully comfortable with holding it, but quickly shook it off as just a small issue with his brain. His mind wandering back to the fact that the others had chosen him for this, had been excited about this–had gone out of their way to bring Silvanus great joy. Taking a deep breath, making several cuts out of the cake, and putting his own slice onto a plate, before setting down the knife, putting down said knife somehow put himself back at ease.

“There–we should be good for everyone to grab a slice– I know I could’ve just cut myself a slice but… thought I could do the whole thing instead.”

Though there’s a lot at his mind, what were they up to? Why were they late by half an hour at this point? It was in the back of his mind as he grabs a fork and ends up sitting down, keeping everything stable as his gaze lays on the entirety of the Hall of Origin, they did so much for him, they’ve always done so much for Silvanus, and there’s so much that the older, more rugged gecko wants to pay Artemis and the others for. This is only the beginning of the end and it is these memories right here and now they are more important than anything else.

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Horae smiled as she hugged him by the neck, "of course darling, in our line of work, moments like these matter the most."

Artemis concurred, "As if we would pass this up. You were the first person we considered throwing a party for."

The first and only person... In thier line of work, it's almost always just them, as anyone else is not really supposed to be too aware of thier existence. Got to preserve the world order and all that. Silvanus, being an alternate of Grovyle, is something of an exception, one they gladly accept. Besides, he is too good a friend not to celebrate a reunion for.

Hade floated forward and insisted, "You may cut the cake. We have waited a half hour after their expected arrival time. Diamond, pearl, and platinum knew this may happen."

He wondered on what could’ve happened if their Dialga and Palkia were here on time instead of Silvanus having to wait here with the other trio for a good while. Maybe they should wait a little while longer to cut the cake? Wouldn’t they not want to miss that? Or is that a little bit.. too sentimental to their reunion part? This was a far reach compared to how Eir and Seker celebrated their reunion, it was simple, in the forest far away removed from anyone’s usual whereabouts, And it was..pretty emotional to say the least.

But here? It was upbeat and, everyone was excited to see Silvanus again, Hell..he’s not had cake in years, it wasn’t really someone he prided himself on wanting very often, but today? It felt natural to want it. Felt..needed to keep his spirits up once in awhile. Silvanus would decide on some fun-witted stalling of his own, by all means it was going unnaturally fast, and.. in order to slow things down, Silvanus leaned up against a wall and purred at the sight of all the snacks and cake.

“There’s so much in order of decorations here–all for me? Sorry- I’m still so surprised y’all would do this! Oh, I don’t even know what to say but thanks.. it’s..precious to get memories like this.”

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"They never gave up on you..."

A sentiment shared by each and every mon in the room. The sabeleye finish tacking up the banner they were holding as Hades sets the cake down on a table beside paper plates and other plastic utensils, including the knife for cutting said cake.

Artemis was happy that things seemed to be going well so far, but was a little frustrated that their bosses were not back yet, the whole point of stalling Silvanus was so that wouldn't even be a thing. But alas, what can they do?

It was a good day in the Hall, and nothing was going to Interupt it, not if Artemis and Horae had anything to say about it. It had been so long since they last saw Silvanus they spared no expense to make sure he would have a good time. Expensive decorations, good food and snacks. The gang even went and splurged on minor gifts to give should he want them.

“The Three of us reunited before splitting back up. It was a short reunion but– It’s the thought that counted.”

Chuckling in the responses that both Horae and Hades had mentioned in reaction of Eir and Seker being alive and well. Of course he was also ecstatic that they were alive, nearly driven to tears, nearly as in he was bawling his god-damn eyes out for a good while. Of course Silvanus was happy that they were alive, and even if they had to leave him again for reasons related to busy-work, he was alone again, but.. then Artemis and the others sent him that post card, and then he had to get into shape in both body and mind to even feel able to approach and talk to them. Basically he had to push a lot of his grievances aside just to be presentable enough.

“Sure– but at least set the cake down, first! I wouldn’t want either one of you dropping it.”

But of course he knew that wasn’t going to be happening, half of the people there knew psychic type moves if disaster even decided to strike upon their surprise party. Silvanus was still…how should be put it? Flattered? Shocked? That they’d even throw this level of a party for their reunion? Silvanus didn’t even.. didn’t even think he deserved something of the sort, but there was no stopping it, and deciding to get all emotional over the thought of it wasn’t in his bst interests. Just enjoy yourself for right now.

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Of course, Horae stunned when she saw just how banged up Silvanus was, but Hades held her back for now. This was supposed to be a party after all, no pestering the guest of honor until later. Artemis stepped forward, gently dragging Silvanus along with him as he explained, "Guys, you will not believe who showed up. Darkrai was full of shit, your alts are alive."

Horae seemed quite pleased to hear that, boisterous stating, "that's right, as if that nightmare could ever catch me. He is no dialga!"

Hades nodded silently in agreement, as if to say, 'I would like to see him try to kill me.' His pride was written all over his wicked smile.

Artemis was ecstatic about this development and hoped that Silvanus' ever expanding support group continued to aid in his recovery.

With that said however, Horae offered the cake to Silvanus and said, "want to cut the cake?"

“Holy shit.. a full on party? I mean– I wouldn’t have expected anything less than this.. but what a surprise!”

He nearly freaked when he saw everything, but Artemis wrapping an arm around his shoulder was enough for him to calm down almost immediately in their grasp. Was the teasing to get him calmed down or did Artemis not plan them being ready that fast? Oh well. He still wants some alone time with Artemis at one point or another, so, without a doubt he’d unbutton his cloak and hood almost entirely, so it hanged off of his back, most of his features laid bare for all eyes to see. He needed to be flexible, and being buttoned up probably wasn’t the best way to be flexible.

“Wait.. this isn’t everything you have to show? What do you mean they’re getting something special for me?”

Oh my, Dear Arceus he’s got way too many questions, but his gaze lays on everyone, he’s in a bit of shock, for someone that was so chill around Artemis until he was shoved into the portal, there was a calming aura over his shoulders as he let out a light sigh, looking at the cake, at the decorations, at just how different the Hall of Origin was after all these years. They didn’t have to throw a full on party for him, though…Silvanus wasn’t exactly complaining!

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Artemis nearly shoves him through the portal, "No, after you, I insist!"

He laughed, for but a moment he had Silvanus trapped right where he wanted them. The Hall of Origin was just like he would remember, just with a few more modern tweaks. New liht fixtures here, updated door paint coatings there, and the same old gang waiting on the otherside waiting for him. Horae and Hades were holding a cake, while the six sableye were towering up above to hold up a 'welcome back' banner above the group.

"SURPRISE!"

The younger gecko put an arm around Silvanus as he gestured to the spread of snacks and other assorted party themed items and said calmly, "we all missed you. Figured a party up celebrate our reunion was in order..."

He paused, and then sighed, "forgive diamond pearl and platinum. They were busy getting something special for you."

“I guess you’re right, Oh I can’t wait to–”

He was going to continue his sentence with another tease when their gear rumbled and Artemis looked a bit upset by the fact it had rumbled. Oh well. Maybe another time they’ll do it. Thankfully things didn’t get too far along for him to have freaked out about this. Later they’ll have their fun, Silvanus is sure of it. But first he’ll have to deal with Horae and Hades–it’s not a bad thing! He misses them just as much as he misses Artemis, and that’s saying something, dare he say he’s intrigued in how Horae will act upon seeing all of his new scars, it’s probably not good, to be honest.

Alas that’s the thing about Celebi, all of them seem to be worried to hell for their gecko’s, Artemis and Silvanus’ issues with getting themselves hurt nigh-fatally almost all of their lives was a very justified reason to get all worried about their injuries. Of course when Silvanus’ gaze lays on the portal, Approaching the portal.

“I should let you go first, if we’re going in~”

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"I suppose we won't know until we start bumping heads and going at it."

But before the conversation can get any more heated, the gear at Artemis' hip, his badge of honor and literal badge started to vibrate. He let out a sigh and chucked it away from thier position and watched it grow in size.

Of course they had to be interrupted. Always before the fun begins. Thankfully it wasn’t entirely unplanned. He just wished he had a little more time before the others joined in the party.

With a sigh, he gestured to the open gate and said, "The others are going to want see you now. I vame here first to check up on you while they cleaned up."

And now, they were waiting for them. Perfect, just perfect!

“It could be an invitation.’

Silvanus purrs in a teasing manner. Of course it was an invitation.. how he’s grown over the years and yet he still trusts Artemis to the fullest extent of his own life. For once.. he wants to caress them, trace their scars–to allow them to trace his scars, too. Artemis’ smug grin got an equally excited grin from the older Grovyle, of course they have learned a lot from the time they haven’t been around each other! Oh dear! Where has he learned so many of these tactics?~

“Strong enough to Take me? Oh you have to remember that I too have gotten stronger, you will have to go all out to even need to take me!~ “

Was that an innuendo fired right back at Artemis or was that a challenge of experience and strength for the other to come at him? Well, according to his tone, and the fact he had approached the other with such grace, a sly grin on his face, his eyes gleaming with excitement, before he laughed, staring at Artemis with a longing gaze.

“Strength and Experience are two different things, are you sure you could take me?”

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He jests, "is that an invitation?"

He feigns worry as he looks at an imaginary sundial, "Look at the time though, it's getting so late, how would we ever have enough..."

That smug grin of his matched his tone. He was clearly enjoying Silvanus' company. As he should! It's been far too long since they last hung out, and here they were together again, laughing thier life and death scenarios off just like old times. Some things never change, even with the passage of time.

It was here that he explained with pride, "I haven't neglected the things you taught me either. I may not have had as much time to practice, but I am sure I am strong enough to take you."

The innuendo was strong, and on purpose.

“Not feeling it either means you’ve got fucked up nerves or it healed. “

Silvanus sighed, shaking his head, placing his hands in his cloak’s pockets, but does this add so much more character to Artemis, oh how much more handsome he looks, now! What an absolute gentleman with those scars! Of course making sure it isn’t nerve damage is supposed to be a top priority but how long has it been since those arrows were fired into their back?! That honestly worried the hell out of him, Eir would freak the hell out if she saw even half the life threatening battles that Silvanus has been in! But..so would Horae. They think so much alike..

“Oh? And I think the scarring makes you a bit more.. how do I put this? A rugged gentleman, the more scarred, the less the weird ones will faun over you! And–on the case of similarities, I can only hope we can explore our new selves to one another—”

Oh? Was that Silvanus teasing them right back with some hints of his personal experiences? Sure, some people loved the scar look, it was sexy–Silvanus was one of those people who thought scars were hot.. He’s not wrong. Artemis knows that all too well. And look at this? Silvanus is getting closer, to line Artemis’ facial scars with a singular digit.

“Scars tell a story as you know, and I think the more stories one has to tell, the better they are, you seem to have gotten a few new stories to tell, and every one of them brings ye more character… Heh.”

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His back was peppered by small scars where he had been struck. Way more than what one should ever have... and yet, he kept smiling about it, "What does not kill us makes us stronger. I don't even feel it anymore!"

That's never a good sign. Nerve damage on that level... perhaps Horae should be looking him over as well? But, knowing how stubborn the two of them are he would likely never sit still long enough.

Artemis purs softly and lightly flirts with Silvanus, "I think the scar makes you look more distinguished! And hey, at least we can still tell eachother apart~"

He follows this up by heavier flirting, "I wonder though how similar I have grown compared to you... I can say I definitely filled out a lot more since we last chatted."

“We never seem to not put our bodies at risk of mortal injuries, huh? As long as you’re alive, and you’re able to recover.. I guess that’s a way to live, huh?”

Silvanus pointed to the duo-claw scar over his eye. Horae would probably flip her shit if she saw it, especially with how.. recent the scarring looks. It happened in the past…eight months ago? It was just showing the first stags of scarring. It still hurt, it gave him headaches from time to time, but it made him look so much more intimidating.. but the mental image of Artemis having the spiky back akin to a Sandslash somewhat worried him, like– a lot. Very much so that he pulls away from his hug and takes a couple of steps to actually go and look at their back.

“Will say that it’s quite worrisome, you could say the same to me. Got into a nasty fight with an absolutely furious Lycanroc. Glad I didn’t lose my eye.”

A laugh, nervous in nature, he is truly a miracle-man for not losing his eye, damnit he’s cheated death so often now, too. It’s surprisingly just how much of a death wish these jobs can net them, especially with the amount of scars Artemis has gotten in such short time, though he circles back to face Artemis with a soft smile on his face. He’s definitely still hiding his pain, not a good thing, but also, for once he doesn’t want to worry about this, especially when they should be catching up.

“I saw Hades wanted another duel. I would love to at one point. I’ve gotten stronger. Never letting myself down, of course! I need to be strong.”

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He saw that coming, and was very willing to let it slide, but not without one last comment, "Just don't forget. Even though your lives took different turns, you both still mattered to eachother, same ones or not. That kind of love transcends time and space."

The grovyle smiled as he thought of his own partner, wonder just what they were doing now. Were they still thinking of him every now and again as they were them? Surely, for as long as they remember eachother their spirit will live on in thier hearts.

He shed a tear as he finally moved on from the topic. His friends, right, he smiled warmly and said, "Hades is... much the same as he always was. Always eager for a fight. And Horae. We've been working through a few things. You should have seen the look on her face when I came through the gate one day with a back full of arrows. Those Deciduie were pissed!"

He laughed it off, but almost everyone was worried about the pincushion of a gecko. Artemis was oft the first to arrive on a Scene. And as such, often in the most danger. But he was fine with that better him than any of his friends... right?

“N-No! We’re not a thing. I still view him as a brother. He has a mate of his own, now. But this isn’t the brother I know. I still feel a bit guilty knowing what he’s gone through before the merge.”

It was honestly very conflicting, his face absolutely lighting up with a flush on his face, clear as day. Pulling away from the hug and giving them a laugh in return. there was so much guilt and sadness in his very mind and body but just being around Artemis was curing that pain. If only briefly. Of course the gecko was hiding it again, but there were important matters at hand, and he was also taking it at his own pace, he cannot force himself or else it would be back to square one. As painful as the guilt’s been lately, he just has to continue looking forward.. but just for how long can Silvanus continue to do that?

“I think I’m alright with being around him? I’ve.. kept my distance, I have no clue how he’s feeling given the passing of his timeline’s..me. “

He wants to let them heal on their own. Another Grovyle coming into Lendys’ life probably isn’t the best idea. He’s.. already dealt with a few instances of him meeting people that the other him was very close to. Started to make him feel guilty despite the fact that Silvanus didn’t do this on his own free will. He didn’t ask for the timelines to be merged, he didn’t ask to be thrown into all this mess, hell, if it weren’t for the timeline merge, though… he would’ve already thrown his life away, and Artemis would’ve come back to… No. Don’t think about that! Don’t! Think.. about any of that…

“ Enough about me… how are you and the others? Outside of your work..?”

Iconic deflection, Silvanus.

[cxsmic-prxtectxrs]

Yet again, Artemis was caught off guard by that statement. There was clearly a lot still going on, but the relief, the sorrow, and the joy in Silvanus' words was a mixed bag that Artemis was not sure he should reach into, but curiosity ate away at him.

He asked, "Are you two... Together?"

Perhaps that was the wrong question to ask. He shook his head and asked a better one, "Are you okay with being around him?"

Seeing an alternate of himself was one thing, it was possible to get used to in thier line of work. But to see an alternate version of someone you were so close to in the past. It must be at least a little conflicting. And yet, Silvanus did admit he was proud to see Lendys having grown up to be stronger. Surely together the two of them could help eachother heal.

“I guess he was full of shit.. I.. was fooled, but I am nonetheless happy.”

The next hug allowed him to put a lot more emotion into it. He was so happy all of a sudden, through the months of sadness, the months of pain and strife, there was a genuine happiness that came from Artemis being there finally for Silvanus once more. And even though danger loomed over this sector of the grand scheme of timelines, there were so many people at the forefront of it, and Silvanus thought that he’d finally get to rest…but maybe one-final horah! Would be good for him. This is his world now, he has to protect it just like everyone else. Guilt sucked, but giving up also sucked.

“I was in the middle of repairing it when the timeline merge happened.. Dialga upgraded it. My abilities have grown out of the needs of its old powers. I prefer it this way, now that he is here, too.”

Silvanus rubbed Artemis’ back as they hugged, it had a soft glow to it, a soft.. violet, lavender color to it. It wasn’t green anymore, it wasn’t orange anymore. It was lavender in its entirety. It was so pretty, he wipes a singular tear from his eye. He might as well get the most of it out in a singular sentence, Silvanus knew there was a lot he needed to go over.

“They merged mine with a timeline with a Lendys.. He’s grown so strong and I’m so proud of him–even if he’s not…mine.”