🌹 Parties! Tarts! Leon!? oh no,🌹

A few days had passed since that nightmare, and everything was back to normal. Thanks to the Pokémon's help, the Maze Garden was even better. All of Lia's Grass types did a phenomenal job; adding other flowers and landscaping made it more photogenic. They even added a separate garden with berries for the dorm to feed the Pokémon. Trey was pleased about it after he tried some of them.

Lia had to explain the properties of the berries a few times, considering some of them (more specifically, Ace) ate a tomato berry before she could warn them about its flavor. The poor boy had guzzled down six bottles of water to kill the spice.

And ever since Lia told him about Shaymin's spices and what they do, Riddle asked for another separate garden for Shaymin's gracidea flowers. Mr. Clyde was relieved that the gardening didn't take long; when he saw its state before, he was as stiff as a statue in shock. In his words, the place looked like a war zone between a demon bear and an Elder Ent.

(A/N- For those who don't know, an Ent is a giant magical 'Tree creature that protects forests. That is pretty much where the inspiration for Trevenant came from)

Now, with the garden repaired and Riddle's recovery. It was time for the do-over Unbirthday party.

"All hail our leader! The Red Rose Sovereign ruler himself. . . Housewarden Riddle! And his honored guest, Lady Lianara!"

The gates opened, and Riddle, Lia, and their partners came out with proud smiles; everyone clapped as they entered the scene. The Pokémon who helped were there, too, as they cheered.

"Hmm, yes, a proper Unbirthday indeed. The roses are bathed in red, and the tablecloths are white. And the dormouse," Riddle then stopped himself, shaking his head. "Ah, I suppose it's fine either way."

Since the 'overblot, ' Riddle has loosened up on the rules and traditions. Not by much, but it was a start. Everyone was opening up to him and no longer cowering from his presence.

Trey couldn't help but laugh at his attempt to adjust. "It's alright; not everything has to change overnight," he continued as he prepared some scones for the two and Pokémon.

"How about this: instead of spreading jam on the mouse's nose, Let's do it on scones. And let's set the bar to saying, "It's fine like this," instead of "It has to be this way;" that seems like a reasonable goal."

Riddle fondly hummed as Trey's Alcremie added a dab of cream to the scones. "Yeah, makes sense."

Lia held his shoulder. "Hey, you're trying. That's all that matters; the important thing is that you're okay with it."

"Thank you, Lia."

A little way from their table, Ace, Deuce, Theo, and the kids were talking with Cater. "Aaaaaagggh, I can't believe we still got roped into cleaning and prepping the garden."

"Ace, you know, as well as all of us, that we were also responsible for its destruction."

"But we didn't start it!"

"Hey, look on the bright side. Thanks to all the Pokémon who helped, it didn't take so long." Maddie beamed.

"Yeah, it only took about a day to fix everything. Although, what were those little guys that helped with the soil?"

"Oh, those were wild Diglets and Dugtrios. They're our world's moles, in a way. The dirt aerates when they dig through the earth, making it perfect for gardeners or farmers." Matt explained.

Cater laughed, "Sounds like there's a Pokémon for everything. The garden is ten times more Magicam-worthy than before! #nofilter needed for this gorgeousness!"

"Well, either way, I'm just glad Lia and Dorm Leader recovered without fault." Deuce sighed.

"Can we just eat now? We didn't get a chance last time, and I'm starving!"

"You had two helpings of the quiche Lia made this morning, Grim. And stop drooling, it's gross." Matt deadpanned as he dragged the said feline creature away from a table.

"Hey ho, sorry I'm late. Hatterene and Indeedee needed some help with the little ones." Persian walked in.

"No worries, you're right on time. Alright! Let's all grab a cup and—" Just as Cater was about to suggest making a toast, something caught Riddle's eye.

"WAIT A MINUTE!"

"Huh?!?!"

"Why, are there still white roses!?"

Looking back, there were a few rose trees and bushes that weren't completely painted red. Everyone froze in dread and started to panic inwardly.

"Huh?! We missed one?!"

"Uh, there's a lot more than one that's not finished."

"Not the time, Mads!"

"Gah! I told you guys not to miss a single rose! Who was put in charge of ya?!"

"How is this our fault?!" Deuce barked back.

"N-now hold on, Riddle. . . " Trey tried to calm the situation as Riddle approached the unfinished roses.

Everyone whispered to one another in fear that they were going to get collared again. However, Lia and Pikachu looked over to Charlette and noticed she was still passive over everyone's fear. Before she said anything, she then realized something. . . and just smiled.

Maddie tugged on Theo's leg, "Pisst, Theo, what's the big deal?"

"It's tradition to have 'red roses for Unbirthday parties. However, they're always grown as white roses, so to have red, they either paint or use magic to make them red."

"That's stupid."

"I'll say," Matt agreed.

"Shush, you two! You want Riddle to hear ya?!!"

"But they're not wrong."

"Not you too, Persian."

Fortunately, to Cater's relief, Riddle didn't. But he and everyone else were shocked at what happened next. Instead of getting mad, Riddle waved his staff, and in an instant, all the unfinished roses were now entirely red.

"Oh well, I'll let it slide for today. What's a few roses? You've all worked hard enough."

"F-For real?!"

"Get a hold of yourself." Matt and Maddie said flatly as Cater joyfully cried.

"Wow, Riddle. You got them all at once. Have you painted the roses before?" Lia asked as she and her partners approached him.

"Not that I recall; all the other dorm members have had that job since I became Dorm Leader."

"Well, at any rate. They look amazing."

"Thank you. Although, why didn't you three fret over it like everyone else?

"Because of Charlette, you see Riddle, other than mega evolution. The bond between a trainer and their Pokémon can also allow one another to know their thoughts. Charlette knew you would overlook the roses, so we didn't freak out like the rest did."

"You certainly know your stuff when it comes to these creatures. Which I'm thankful for."

"I'm happy to help. Nothing means more to me than the well-being of my friends, family, and Pokémon alike."

Riddle was taken back, "You, you consider me as your friend?"

"Pika? Pika, Pika Pi." (Why not? It'll be a lot more fun than having no friends)

"But, with how I was before,"

"Not all friends start well. Sometimes, it's a matter of taking the first step. Never lose sight of yourself, no matter your hardships. Eventually, you'll see a new light in things you never expect. That's what my mom has told me."

"Your mother sounds very wise."

"Yeah, she was."

"Was?"

Suddenly, Lia remembered something and quickly turned to her pocket. "Oh yeah! I have something for you. Well, it's actually for Charlette, but in a way, it's for both of you." she pulled out a small gift box wrapped in a red ribbon.

Riddle took it and began to open it, with Charlette looking over. Both were taken by surprise when they saw what was inside. It was the Lopunnite she had shown them before, but it was cut to a smaller size inside a gold rose pendant strung with the Heartslabyul ribbon.

"Now you can have Charlette Mega evolve in an emergency."

Riddle smiled, took the pendant out, and turned to Charlette, who was very excited.

Once he wrapped it around her neck, the rabbit Pokémon couldn't help but show it off. It was as if she was meant to adorn the dorm colors.

"Thank you, Lia. From the both of us."

Lia and Pikachu just smiled back as they walked back to the party.

"Looks like the kid's changed a bit," Persian smirked beside Lia.

"Yep, and it seems he couldn't be happier for that."

"CHEERS!"

_______________________________________________________________________________

Meanwhile, back at the Ramshackle, there was a stir as a flash of light showed through the windows, and some voices were heard.

*Please understand! Miss Lia was planning to tell you, but things kept coming up after another, so her hands were full!*

"She should have tried to call me before anything else."

"Li-Chan did try!"

"Don't try to defend her, Hoopa; you're in as much trouble as she and the twins."

The front door immediately swung open, revealing a young man with long purple hair dressed in fancy attire and a ball cap.

Following him was Sonia, wearing her lab coat instead of her usual.

"Leon, I think you're overreacting a bit."

"She and your cousins have been in a different world for a whole week and a half. Aren't you the least bit concerned with what's been happening, Sonia?"

"Of course I am, but this is Lia we're talking about. She's a smart, responsible woman now. You and I both know that."

Leon didn't respond as they left the dorm's property and down the path to the botanical gardens.

"Leon, do you even know where you're going?"

"No, but my 'bother instincts have never failed me when it comes to finding Lia."

"Your 'brother instincts? The last time you were looking for her, you nearly froze at the hills of Freezington."

Before the champion could reply, they noticed two figures in the distance coming out of the gardens. Knowing Sonia wouldn't let him look for Lia alone, he walked over to them. He noticed some odd features about them, but he was too determined to find his sister to question them.

"Excuse me."

"Hmm?/ Huh? Who are you?"

"I'm sorry to bother you, but any chance have you seen a young woman with pink and white hair anywhere?"

"That herbivore? How the hell should I know?"

"Excuse me?" Leon glared, not liking the tone of this man. Not one bit.

Sensing trouble was about to arise, the other one jumped in: "If you're talking about Miss Perfect, we saw her only a few days ago. We don't have any clue where she'd be now."

"Do you know someone who could help us then?" Sonia asked.

"My best bet would be Mr. Clyde. He's the school's groundskeeper. If anyone would know where anyone would be, it's him. He's still in the gardens, doing a bit of pruning." the smaller one pointed to the said building.

"Thank you. Come on, Leon, the sooner we find them, the sooner you can relax."

As the two walked to the gardens, the other pair stood in their place, wondering what the fuss was about.

"Oi, Ruggie. Care to explain why you jumped in like that?"

"Did you seriously not see the flashing red flags from that guy, Leona? I don't know about you, but I don't think he's someone you should snap at."

Leona scoffed as he walked away. "Please, what could a guy like him do?"

"Not sure we'd want to find out."

Little did the two know, Leona did feel a bit threatened. Not by the guy in general, but for some reason, because he was looking for Lia. Leona had no idea why, but the thought of that woman being with another man didn't sit well with him.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Back at Heartslabyul, things were running smoothly. Everyone was mingling, everyone was happy. All seemed well, especially with all the Pokémon playing around and showing off to the students.

"I don't know about you guys, but I think these creatures are way better than the ones we picked for our 'Familiar essay.'"

"I'm with you there; I bet we don't have to worry about making a contract with them."

'Not in the least,' Lia thought, agreeing with the students.

"Hey, Lia. Do you mind sending me the recipe for your 'mandarin tarts? The students here can't seem to get enough of them."

"Sure thing, Trey, though you'll also have to talk to Mr. C about the mandarins."

"That reminds me, Dorm Leader, what happened to that 'Apology tart?"

"Chimchar?" (You're asking now?)

"Ah, yes. I have it." Riddle quickly pulled out a box from his table. "Here you are. A strawberry tart, personally made."

"You sure it's a tart?"

"Maddie!"

"What?"

"Pretty sure it was the kid's first time baking. You should have seen the cupcakes Lia made when she first started."

"Persian, don't you dare."

"What a rare sight! Let me take a quick pic for the album," Cater beamed as he took the picture.

"It may have an off shape, but all I can see is that you've put a lot of effort into the glaze. It's not bad for your first time."

"Don't go soft on him now; let's give it a taste before the comments."

"You mean, before you can criticize."

"Shut it, Theo."

Just as everyone was about to take a bite, both Lia and the twins noticed Trey's and Riddle's Pokémon looking like they were about to be sick. They quickly put their forks down when all the boys and Pokémon froze.

"SAAAAALTTTYYYYYY!!!!"

"What!"

"Bleh! I! Wh-What the heck!? It's like a full-spoon salt lick! What did you put in this?!"

"That's an after-taste I won't forget." Theo groaned as Ranal got him a cup.

"This shouldn't be your reaction! How can this be?! I followed the recipe to a T and measured everything as said! Wait, unless it's. . . Could it be from the oyster sauce?"

Lia, the twins, Persian, and Pikachu sweat-dropped. 'You think?'

"Y-You're telling us you used Walruse brand oyster sauce, Trey joked." Deuce gagged.

"But, he told me, it was the key ingredient for all delectable tarts. He said all the bakers back home use it."

"You seriously believed that?! It was obvious he was pulling your leg!"

"You fell for it too." The twins snarked.

"You two shush!"

"Even as a joke, it should have been just a drop or two. How much of that stuff did you put in?"

"The- the exact amount wasn't written. I just made the best-educated guess."

"Good thing yours and Trey's Pokémon did have any. They looked like they were about to hurl." Deuce sweat-dropped as he looked at the said group.

From the corner of her eye, Lia noticed Trey shaking where he stood, then said, "Pfft! Ah ha, ha, ha, ha! I-I can't believe someone literally fell for that joke!"

"Any first-timer would take it seriously, kid."

"Still, though," Lia giggled, "It is pretty funny if you think about it."

"Pika, pika," (I still remember everyone's faces after eating Maddie's brownies.)

"Could you not bring that up?"

Riddle started to chuckle, "Indeed, quite silly. I've made myself the 'joker."

Soon, everyone joined in on the laugh, "Right? It's so disgusting that it's funny.

"And all we can do is laugh."

"Better than gaging for the rest of the day." Theo shook his head.

"Still, thou, *nom* *nom* it's not so bad, *nom* *nom*, " Grim said as he chewed.

"Now that I think about it, it's almost like a 'sweet and sour taste."

"You're right, little Cutie. It's not so bad when you get used to it."

Deuce shivered at them, "You two actually like it?"

"I'm not saying it's 'tasty or anything. I'm just saying it's not bad."

"I like sour candies or cinnamon gummies over sugary sweets, to be honest."

"But you had, like, three of Lia's tarts." Ace pointed out.

"Because whatever big sis makes is always yummy."

'Can't. . . deny that.' The boys sweat-dropped.

"Also, Cater, you don't mind because it's not sweet. Isn't it?"

That caught Lia's attention: the said ginger didn't say anything for a moment as Trey went on. "Since being here, you've never had any sugary sweets or baked goods."

"Now that you mentioned it, he didn't try the chestnut tarts before suggesting your Unique magic."

"That's because he always brings it up so that the taste can change. I noticed every time I invite some of the third years to small gatherings or events." Theo added.

Cater soon freaked at the two. "W-What!? You guys figured me out?!"

"Yep, I'll admit, you did hide it pretty well at first."

"But since you kept asking Trey to use his magic, putting the pieces together didn't take long."

Cater lightly glared at them, "Ok, you got me, but word of advice, ya both: This goes for Riddle, too. If you know something, go ahead and say it. It's not cool to keep things on the D.L."

"How about this? On the next Unbirthday, I will make you a quiche instead."

"Cool with me, as long as you make it's 'photogenic as your tarts."

"It can't be as good as Lia's quiche," Grim murmured. The twins nodded with him.

"Sound like you got some competition, Trey~"

"Geh, heh, heh. If her cooking is anything like baking, it sounds like it."

Lia couldn't help but feel embarrassed by this conversation: 'It's just basic home cooking. No big deal. I know of some simple recipes my mom taught me.'

She soon snapped out of it when she heard loud munching at one of the food tables. "Mmmmm~ As always, your treats are so delightfully tasty, Trey.~"

"PIKACHU!?!" (YOU!?!)

"How did you get in?"

"Hmm? You know him, Matt?"

"Not exactly, Maddie."

"Chenya?! What in the world are you doing here?!" Riddle asked, surprised.

"Hmmm? Ain't it obvious? I came to celebrate my Unbirthday~. Speaking of, Happy Very Merry Unbirthday to ya, Riddle~." he exclaimed while suddenly floating up and snatching the crown from Riddle's head.

"Geh! Unbirhday parties are a traditional Heartslabyul event for Heartslabyul students, meaning they shouldn't concern you."

"Hmmm? ~ Then what about this lot here? ~" Chenya points to Lia, Grim, and the twins. "They're not of your dorm. Neither is any of their little friends.~"

"They're here as honored guests; now give that back!"

"Hey! It's that semi-invisible cat guy from before!" Grim pointed out.

"Semi-invisible?"

"I'll explain later," Matt waved off his sister. "Anyway, what dorm is he from anyway? Since he's not from either Heartslabyul or Savanaclaw."

"Actually, Chenya isn't from this school at all," Theo sighed, shocking the group. "He's from our school's rival, Royal Sword Academy. The other prestigious school at the other end of the island."

"A different school? I guess that makes sense there being another prestigious school."

"Why is he here then? And are those ears and tail real?"

"Hmm~ Curious about me, Little Kitten? ~"

"! Who are you calling 'Little!? I'll have you know I'm tall for my age!"

"But you're like an inch shorter than me,"

"Shut up, Matt!"

"Did he just say . . . . . Royal Sword Academy?"

Turning around, Lia and Pikachu flinched, seeing some older dorm students darken with rage. It was like mentioning that school was 'Taboo' to them. They started shouting insults left and right as they neared Chenya.

"Oop, guess it's my cue. I had my share of tart; I'll see myself out. But first ~,"

Before anyone could react, Chenya suddenly vanished and reappeared over Lia and the group. Then, he placed something on their heads: "My little 'Welcome to you ~. Hope you guys Enjoy Twisted Wonderland. ~" And with that, he disappeared completely this time.

"How dare he!?!"

"He's making a run for it! After him!"

As most students vainly chased after the cheeky cat, everyone else was a bit dumbfounded by what happened. Taking off what he had put on their heads, Lia found that Chenya had given them crowns made with purple flowers.

"Geez, everyone went bloodthirsty all of a sudden just for one guy?" Grim wondered as he gave his crown to Arty, who looked inspired by it.

"Can't say that I blame them, you see, more than half of the school sees Roayl Sword as an 'enemy since we've been losing to them for the past one hundred years."

Lia looked at Theo, shocked, "Really? That long? How is that possible?"

"I think I can take a guess," Persian deadpanned.

"Hey, hey, hey, what's with this 'gloomy vibe? This is a party. We should be celebrating our Unbirthdays!"

"You don't need to tell me twice! I'm going to eat till my stomach explodes!"

"Again, like a Mini Munchlax." Matt frowned as he watched Grim stuff his face.

"Hey, Mr. Riddle, Ace," Maddie walked up.

"Hmm? What's up, Mads?"

"I have something for both of you,"

"For us?" Riddle questioned. Maddie took out a plate showing two bright red Poké puffs.

"I had Hatterene help me make them."

"I see. Did you make more? It's not fair that we're the only ones having these... "

"They're called Poké puffs, a pastry that's normally for Pokémon, but humans can have them too." She pointed at a table with some more, and the Pokémon and dorm students were already enjoying them. However, Lia noticed Ace and Riddle's puffs were the only red ones.

'Wait, sometimes the frosting color shows what ingredients and berries were used in the pastry. And red frosting sometimes means. . . !'

Lia hurried to the boys, "Wait!" But it was too late; the two had already taken a bite of their puffs. Their eyes shot open as soon as they did, and their faces were as red as their hair—possibly more.

"GAH!!! WHAT IS THIS!?!"

"AAAAH!!! MY MOUTH FEELS LIKE IT'S ON FIRE!!"

Matt immediately turned to his sister, "Maddie! What did you do!?"

"AH, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA! Those were my special Tomato berry 'Revenge puffs!"

"Revenge? Why would you," Trey began to ask as he gave Riddle a glass of milk.

"Revenge on Mr. Riddle for what he said to big sis a few days ago. And" she then pointed at Ace, who was getting a glass from Deuce. "Revenge on Ace for being a jerk to her on the first day."

"And *huff* you guys *huff* say that *huff* I hold grudges? *huff*"

"Pika, Pika, Pi, Pikachu." (I wouldn't say grudges; Maddie here is one of those who believes in 'getting even.)

"Lopunny, Lop." (Still, though, that's taking it too far.)

"Don't, Charlette. *huff* Though it was a bit much, I did deserve it."

"But did you have to do it now of all times!!!??" Ace seethed.

"As you still haven't apologized to Lia, yes, I did."

Deuce looked at Ace, "You still have,"

"I had a lot to deal with, okay!?" he soon composed himself as he walked over to a table. "Also, I wanted to wait for a better time to apologize to her with this." he held out a little plastic goodie bag with a cake roll slice the size of a teacup plate.

(A/N - it's the one with the strawberries)

"Ace, where did you,"

"You remember the night Deuce and I spent the night at your dorm after we made tarts?"

"The kid here asked me what your favorite dessert was after dinner," Persian explained.

Theo laughed a bit, "Oh, so that's why you kicked everyone, besides Hatterene, out of the kitchen the other day. While Lia was out in the back."

"And for why you asked for my Alcremie and some strawberries from me."

"Would you two shut it!" Ace blushed.

"Kid," "Pika,"

"Right, *cough* Lia, I'm sorry for what I said to you when we met. Hope you accept my apology and this."

Lia was silent for a moment, then started to laugh as Ace looked away, blushing. 'Guess he's not used to being a softy,' she said.

"Thank you, Ace, and I accept your apology. Though word of advice: try to be a little more considerate and read the room better. That way, you can avoid situations like that in the future."

"Yeah, yeah."

Lia then looked down at his partner. "You and the others make sure he behaves."

"Char," (No problem.)

"Hey, don't make me sound like a 'punk. That's Deuce's job."

"Hey!"

"Pikachu," (He has more self-control than you)

"No joke,"

Lia and everyone else laughed as Ace argued with Grim and the Pokémon. 'It's been a pretty rough start. But I feel things will look up in my stay here.' Lia beamed as she continued to enjoy the party. . . .

At least . . .

"Ahem,"

. . . . For a moment. . .

"I'm sorry to interrupt,"

Lia froze when she heard that voice, "oh, arceus."

"But I would like to speak with my sister."

Everyone turned to the garden entrance, finding Mr. Clyde with Sonia and a very infuriated Leon.

"Lia, we need to talk. Now."