002 Video/Action for Celadon City, fastdated to CHRISTMAS.

[redenzione]

[So, our normally serious ex-crusader has stumbled upon an age-old Christmas tradition, but not that old that it's practised in his time. He doesn't exactly understand it, but if it puts the merry in Merry Christmas then why the heaven not?

Even if he looks like a complete fool, wearing the red suit and the hat.

That still can't hide the bright look on his face when he addresses everyone on the feed though.]


It is the day of the Saviour's birth. There may be no church or priest here, but it brings me much joy to know that his message of Love remains ever-lasting, even in lands as far-flung as Kanto and Johto.

I have observed that it is custom here to offer gifts to friends and family. However, there are those who are perhaps not as fortunate. Should any of you be in Celadon City, I have set up a simple stall around the corner from the Breeding Centre; I will offer onto every soul who passes by a small bag of Christmas sweets. It is not much, but nevertheless I hope that it will bring some cheer.

May all of you have a blessed Christmas, and let us not forget the spirit of giving that inspired these festivities. I encourage all of you to spare a thought for those who are alone this season.

[And that's the end of that video broadcast. Dante can be found near the Breeding Centre making good on his word: everyone who walks by gets a free goodie bag that has a gingerbread man, a candy cane, and three pieces of chocolate inside.

It's honestly not going to be hard to miss him: the guy is still dressed as Santa Claus, and there's a small Christmas tree right next to his small decked out in the most garish and eye-blinding neon lights.]

[Also, three people are getting individual gifts from Dante this year! Blake, Kayneth and Walter" are getting presents from him, which would've reached them by Christmas Eve.

Lastly, on an OOC note this post was posted on 25th December in my time zone, so Merry Christmas everyone and have a Happy New Year!]

Comments

video;

[pipers_son]

I was just chattin' ta someone about if we had any religious folk here!

Rather nice of ya ta do what yer doin'~.

Video

[redenzione]

Thank you. This is my first Christmas as a new man with a better heart. I was gifted a second chance after a life full of sin; I will not waste it.

Video

[pipers_son]

[A life full of sin, huh?]

So I take it yer another fellow who's not exactly met a pleasant end back in yer home?

[redenzione]

The end of my mortal life was marked with much hatred and violence. I was to be condemned to the lowest reaches of Hell for all that I had done. But...someone saw the good that still existed within me. And it was through her faith that I found my redemption. Indeed, I was to embark on a journey of a purification and penitence before I was brought here.

[pipers_son]

Sounds difficult. So this is the reward ya get, then?

[redenzione]

No. It is my test. Much have I learned during my journey through Hell; these lands are where I will truly prove that I have changed. Only then will I be worthy of entering Heaven's gates to be with the woman I love.

[pipers_son]

Ah, I see then. Well, best of luck ta ya! Seem ta be on the right path.

Me, I don't have anyone waitin' for me, so I think I'll find myself waitin' instead fer my family.

[redenzione]

I see...

Has your life's light been extinguished in your world as well?

[pipers_son]

Mhm. Couldn't be helped. Fire's a nasty thing.

[Demons and bleeding out are worse, but he's a secretive sort.]

[enjoymyatelier]

[...ignore that weird cough Dante he can't get over how bizarrely quaint this all is but does not want to actually laugh at the almost certainly a Servant version because that is suicidal

...though man, that last bit hit a little close to home...]

Well, you're certainly getting into the spirit of things. Looked into some more modern traditions, have you?

[redenzione]

I have heard the bards sing of a man known as Santa Claus, who provides gifts to children every Christmas. And in honor of his kindness, many others don his colours and hat, and continue his tradition.

I have been very blessed, and it would only be right for me to bless others as God has done so for me.

[enjoymyatelier]

[...he's so sincere, Kayneth doesn't even know what to make of this]

...Something like that, yes. I'd always considered the current depiction of him to be a consumerist symbol to get people to buy more useless things over the holidays, to be honest, but that's... more the spirit people want to invoke, I suppose.

[redenzione]

He stands for many virtues that I strive to adopt. Kindness, patience, humility, and a servant's heart to serve others. Truly, he is a man worthy of praise.

Though...I do not know why he uses reindeer to pull his sleigh. Would not a horse serve that purpose better. Unless there are no horses that can fly.

[enjoymyatelier]

Well, he is inspired by a saint, so that isn't terribly surprising. It's a bit convoluted how they got from Saint Nicholas to the current depiction, but... well, he's something of a composite figure. Some would suggest that he's also partially inspired by the pagan god Odin, who superficially resembles him rode through the sky on an eight-legged horse.

The reindeer were a flight of fancy by an American who wrote a poem that introduced several of the famous elements of his mythos. I believe they were included because they live in cold climates and, thus, well suited to traveling in cold weather.

[redenzione]

So he is based on a real-life saint. It seems right that Saint Nicholas be remembered for his kindness and humility, although I doubt he was as well-rounded as Santa Claus is. But it is truly wonderful that his spirit of giving continues on even after many years have passed since his death.

...but if that is in our world, then how is it possible that Santa Claus exists here as well?

[enjoymyatelier]

True enough, I suppose --- on both counts.

Well, plenty of Pokemon resemble animals, do they not? It could easily be something of that sort. After all, there is a Pokemon that looks and acts like traditional depictions of Santa Claus... perhaps they simply decided to anthropomorphize it and call it a day.

[redenzione]

A Pokemon like a saint? This world is full of wonders. I shall seek out this Pokemon and see it for myself. May I trouble you for its name?

[action]

[beholdmydemons]

[Walter will never stop being a little alarmed at the sheer domesticity of Cecil's house. He's absolutely not complaining about the amount of food and general aura of cheer that was involved today...but when the Gyarados get involved, he has to excuse himself for a while.

He hits the streets with his Houndoom at his heels and his Vulpix bundled up in the front of his coat, its nose sticking out from under his scarf. Pragmatist though he may be, Walter has to admit the day's atmosphere is really quite pleasant - the colored lights and cheery blend of Celadon BGM and music from stores turn the snow from a nuisance into something almost charming, and with a small fox keeping him warm, he can really stop to appreciate the way winter looks.

Or, at least, he can appreciate it when he's not trying to keep Orthrus in line; the dog seems entertained by everything today, melting his own little path along the sidewalk and stopping to yip at every splash of color they pass by. Including...

...Oh, wow, that's the guy. He'd seen him in that network post earlier, but didn't have anything to say about it. Walter had made a note to send him a thank-you after finding that gift, but...

...

...well, for now, he should probably get his dog off him.]

Hoy, Orthrus! [Walter grabs the Houndoom by the horns before he can disrupt the stall at all. The dog relents, circling Walter's feet tightly then flopping to the ground and rolling onto his back, his rump wiggling merrily.]

[redenzione]

[Dante is not opposed to the Houndoom; rather he smiles at the dog and kneels down to give him a stomach rub.]

A fine creature. I have seen one of his kind before, but not quite as friendly.

[Standing upright once again, he roots around behind the stall before he pulls out some Christmas-themed Poke-treats and places them on the ground for the Houndoom.]

[beholdmydemons]

[Well hot dang, Orthrus is loving him some treats, here. He wriggles playfully across the ground to crunch up the treats (melting a little furrow in the snow) then pushes himself up on his forelimbs to lick Dante's hand in gratitude.]

Yeah?...This one's fair personable, hatched him myself. [Kuda wriggles his front half out of Walter's scarf, stretching his paws out towards the treats. Walter grabs the Vulpix and sets him down so he can join his buddy.]

[Then he shoves his hands in his pockets and stands back up, tapping a foot awkwardly.] ...Er, I found your gift. T'wasn't expected - thank you. [His Drapion liked it?]

[redenzione]

Think nothing of it. I believe that surprise is part of the gift-giving tradition here.

How goes your Christmas, Walter?

[beholdmydemons]

Warmly, and well-fed. Though you'd hardly make it known- [-he mutters at Orthrus in mock exasperation, nudging the dog in the side with one foot. ("Who, me?")]

And... [...yours seems to be going pretty well, but uh] Er, what are you wearing?

[redenzione]

It is festive gear crafted in honor of a great man known as Santa Claus. He is well-known for giving gifts to children who have good hearts and do many kind deeds. However, I realise that not everyone may be so fortunate as to have presents this year. Hence I have set up a small stall to spread some Christmas joy around.

[Have a goodie bag Walter.]

Merry Christmas Walter. May the Lord bless you, your friends, your family, and your Pokemon in the coming New Year.

[beholdmydemons]

[Oh, that guy. That's kind of funn-

-and his smile falters for a moment, coming back half-hearted and forced.]

...You as well. [It's possibly the most awkward-sounding sentence Walter's uttered this week. Kuda bounds back over to him and swiftly climbs up his back, flopping back down over Walter's shoulders and tugging the scarf over himself.]

How...many people have passed you yet?

[redenzione]

A fair number. I cannot be certain, but I think I will be able to distribute all these Christmas sweets before the day's end, perhaps a few odd bags may remain. Whatever I have left over I will send to the Breeding Centre.

...does it bother you so, when I speak of the Lord? I mean no offence, but I cannot help but notice.