#i’m gonna miss vixenswipe sm guys :((

[dovewingpkmn]

[A video is attached. Would you like to view?]

“All good! Start when you’re ready, Dovewing.” Hop’s voice comes from behind the camera.

They’re all in a less crowded part of Stow-on-Side, near an ancient mural. Dovewing is carefully on top of the railing to be above. In front of her stands Snailpaw, who is no longer a Shellos but now a Gastrodon, Vixenswipe the Thievul, and a Torkoal.

“Thanks again for recording, Hop.” Dovewing says, facing the camera.

“No bother!”

“Right.” Dovewing shakes out her fluff, before taking a breath.

“I, Dovewing, a newcomer to this world, a Pokémon trainer on her journey, endorsed by this world’s Champion, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and the code of this world as well. I commend them to you as a warrior in their turn.

Snailpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and protect your teammates, until you can no longer battle?”

Snailpaw makes some kind of gurgling noise, but it sounds positive.

It takes Dovewing a moment before she continues. “Then, by the powers of Starclan, I give you your warrior name. Snailpaw, from this moment on, you will be known as Snailstorm. Starclan and I honor your bravery, and we welcome you as a full warrior of the team.”

Hop, Ivypool, and Sonia chant Snailstorm’s name in the background. A chorus of Pokémon yip and chitter alongside them, and Snailstorm walks out of frame to join them.

“That is not the only ceremony we have today. Vixenswipe, is it your wish to retire your role in the team to make space for our new friend?”

Vixenswipe yips, nodding their head.

There’s an emotional look in Dovewing’s eyes. “The team thanks you for your dedication and love. You have served us well, and we hope your days in rest are peaceful. Your stories and wisdom will still have a place, and we will continue to learn from you.”

She hops off from the railing, walking over to Vixenswipe. They lean down so they are able to touch noses, and then Vixenswipe licks Dovewing’s forehead affectionately. There’s a tear down Dovewing’s cheek.

The crowd chants Vixenswipe’s name.

As Vixenswipe bumps heads with the Torkoal, Dovewing turns to face them. “It’s time for your ceremony as well.” She takes an even longer breath.

“I, Dovewing, a newcomer to this world, a Pokémon trainer on her journey, endorsed by this world’s Champion, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. Despite not being in our team, they already have the experience for it, and understand this world’s rules. I commend them to you as a warrior in their turn.

Torkoal, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and protect your teammates, until you can no longer battle?”

The Torkoal gives an affectionate grumble.

“Then, by the powers of Starclan, I give you your warrior name. Torkoal, from this moment on, you will be known as Whirlburst. Starclan and I honor your wisdom, and we welcome you as a full warrior of the team.”

The crowd chants Whirlburst’s name.. however, there’s notably a new voice, alongside the usual ones and the yapping Pokémon. Hop turns the camera, and standing there is an older lady, wearing pink and light blue with large purple fluff draped over her shoulders and around her neck. She has a light blue hat, and a pink and light blue umbrella.

“…Opal?” Sonia confusedly says.

She simply nods her head. “Congratulations.” Then she walks away. Hop scrambles to end the video, the final shot just being Dovewing’s flabbergasted expression.

[The video ends.]