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Chapter Text

Cyrus Groaned as he entered the Galactic Headquarters building; shaking the snow from his head and stomping his boots by the entrance.

It was winter in Sinnoh...which meant snow...and lots of it, as well as temperatures well below freezing.

Though that's not what bothered Cyrus...in fact, he handled the cold quite well and actually preferred it as opposed to warmer weather.

It was the holiday season in particular that always managed to strike a nerve under the team leader's skin.

After all, he prided himself on being a man who aimed to destroy all human spirit and emotion of any kind....and well....Christmas always promoted the opposite of those beliefs.

Even after heading out for a short walk to the department store, Cyrus found that he couldn't escape Christmas no matter how hard he tried.

The streets of Veilstone City were heavily adorned in wrappings of bright Christmas lights, from the buildings to the trees. Happy couples and families walked along the streets; laughing amongst themselves as they played in the snow with their pokèmon.

Cyrus couldn't help but roll his eyes at the sight of it all.

What foolish people...don't they know that all their emotions will waste away to nothing?

He continued his walk with his hands behind his back as falling snowflakes began to pile up on his icy blue hair.

Cyrus was trying his best to avoid eye-contact with anyone...though he soon found himself glaring at a couple holding hands in-front of him. He raised an eyebrow at the pair's interlaced hands with an amused scoff.

Love....it was always such a confusing concept to him. Just why were people so willing to put themselves into relationships that will inevitably end in disaster? Falling in love with someone....it shows weakness and vulnerability.

Not that this mattered much to Cyrus. After all, he would have his own universe in due time...a universe that would have no need for love or companionship.

Though at the current moment, he really wished for that universe to become a reality as quick as possible.

He finally made his way up to Veilstone's department store; hoping to find some temporary escape from all the holiday cheer....though it was quite the opposite.

Cyrus's eyes grew wide with shock as he entered the building....what he saw was pure chaos.

The first floor of the department store was filled with shoppers standing shoulder to shoulder, as people pushed past each-other trying to get their hands on last minute Christmas gifts.

Cyrus's face clenched in disgust as a rather impatient shopper with a cart pushed past him....this was an absolute nightmare. Not to mention the fact that the blasting Christmas music throughout the store had the team leader's ears bleeding.

He groaned as he reluctantly joined the long line of other shoppers...he could do this....just approach the clerk, get what he needed, and leave....simple.

Though of course....things were never that simple for Cyrus.

"Happy Holidays sir! Welcome to the Veilstone department store, how can we help you today?"

"......Huh?"

Cyrus was interrupted from his thought process as he soon found himself at the front of the line....now finding himself face to face with a clerk who was much too jolly for his liking.

Cyrus tapped his fingers on the store counter anxiously. "I'd like to purchase ten hyper potions." Said the Galactic boss in his usual monotone while he tried his best to avoid eye contact with the happy clerk.

"Very well sir, we also have a sale on-"

"No."

"Oh....well then could I interest you in-"

"No."

"Okay...how about-"

"Don't need it."

Cyrus began to scowl at his increasingly abrupt replies, and the clerk's persistent questions. Arceus knows the last thing he needs is more lines on his forehead. No matter, considering the clerk still seemed unphased...her fake plastered smile was still perfectly in place.

It's what Cyrus hated the most about this universe....all the fake emotions that you had to pretend to give a damn about.

"Alrighty sir, here are your ten hyper potions, ready to go!" Chimed the clerk as she placed the packaged potions on the counter with a smile.

"Hmm......." Cyrus groaned apprehensively under his breath as he took his wallet out and grabbed a wad of cash to pay for the goods.

"Oh sir, would you like to donate $1 to our pokèmon Christmas charity fund?" Asked the clerk with enthusiasm. "Every dollar donated helps a pokèmon in need!"

Cyrus raised a suspicious eyebrow and shook his head with a scoff. "No....." Replied the team leader nonchalantly.

"B-But sir! It's only $1! You just paid much more than that for the potions!!!" Pleaded the clerk as her smile began to fade.

"Yes...that is correct....I see you know your math well." Stated Cyrus with a smug grin. "Though I believe my answer to your question was no."

It wasn't that Cyrus necessarily wanted to be cruel intentionally.....it was more so that he didn't believe in charity. Theoretically, his donated money would just end up being stolen by some large company instead of going to the intended cause. He considered himself a smart man....nothing in this universe done out of good will could ever be genuine.

As Cyrus saw it...everything was done with selfish intentions.

The clerk's jaw dropped in shock at Cyrus's response. "I-I don't believe this sir! What rotten behaviour on Christmas Eve of all days! I hope you have a VERY horrible Christmas!!!"

Cyrus couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at the clerk's outburst....if anything, it just proved his theory to be correct; emotions were a sign of weakness.

The Galactic boss grabbed his potions on the counter with a smirk. "Good day to you too miss." He then bolted for the nearest exit faster than a pikachu's lightning bolt.

Once outside, he took a deep breath and let out a sigh of relief....the cold night air had never felt so good on his skin. He wouldn't have even had to make this impromptu shopping trip if it wasn't for Mars challenging him to a pokèmon battle, then proceeding to wipe out his entire team. It's not that he cared about his pokèmon....they were just tools of battle after all....though he still liked to keep his team in the best of shape.

Cyrus walked as fast as he could to the place where he knew he would be safe from all this Christmas nonsense....the Galactic Headquarters building. He knew he controlled everything there....and under his command, there was to be absolutely no celebration of the holiday season under any circumstances.

His team of commanders and idiotic grunts were expected to work on the master plan all through Christmas Eve...no exceptions! Cyrus couldn't lose sight of his perfect universe....it was so close, he could practically taste it.

He stood proudly on the steps of the Headquarters building, pushing the door open and shaking the winter off of himself.

What he expected to see was his team hard at work under his rule, what he wasn't expecting to see was-

"MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE MASTER CYRUS!!!"

Cyrus had little to no time to remove the scarf from his neck, as he was bombarded by Mars and Jupiter throwing red and green confetti at him.

The Galactic boss groaned in confusion as he plucked a piece of confetti from his hair. "For the love of Arceus, what is going on here?"

Jupiter giggled while she blew through a glittery party horn. "It's Christmas Eve boss...we thought we'd make headquarters look festive for the season!"

Mars nodded in agreement as she adjusted a tissue paper party crown on her head. "Y-Yeah....ummm....we thought that we could uhhh.....take a bit of a break from work tonight to celebrate......" Mumbled the commander with a sheepish smile.

Cyrus scowled as the two women clung to each-other in fear at an inevitable scolding from their boss. Though as it was, Cyrus was at a loss for words. In fact, he almost had a heart attack when he looked up to see that his beautiful dreary building was now fully decorated in Christmas decor; grunts running around rampant in Santa hats as they chuckled amongst themselves and opened up party crackers.

Cyrus bit his bottom lip as he attempted to recompose himself. "....Where's Lieutenant Saturn?" Asked the team leader with a tired hand through his hair.

"I'M UP HERE MASTER CYRUS!!!"

The thought of Cyrus having a heart attack practically tripled when he looked up to see that a GIANT Christmas tree had been setup in the headquarter's lobby. Though what really shook him up was Saturn standing a top a flimsy ladder being held by his Toxicroak at the bottom, as the commander tried to put a star on the tip of the tree.

"Saturn, get down from there this instant!!!" Demanded Cyrus with a stomp of his foot.

"Don't worry sir, I'll be okay!" Laughed Saturn from the top of the ladder. "Toxicroak's holding the ladder for me so I won't-WHOAH!" The commander wobbled back and forth momentarily as he lost his footing.

Cyrus found his heart-rate increasing as he took a step forward. "Saturn, get down at once! That's an order!!!"

Saturn....

The Galactic boss was sure that Saturn would be the death of him someday. The crescent-haired Lieutenant was always in over his head....trying to impress him one way or the other. Admittedly, Cyrus would never claim to be charmed by Saturn's attempts at flattery....though he did feel a twinge in his chest everytime the commander put himself in danger....he did need him to complete the master plan after all.

"Nghhh....just a little bit more..." Saturn stretched out as far as he could from the ladder with a wince. "Annnnd.....Got it!!!" Chimed Saturn happily as he managed to put the star on the tree.

In a moment of celebration, Saturn raised both his arms happily....seemingly forgetting exactly where he was standing.

"Ugh ugh......GWAHHHHH!"

Both Jupiter and Mars gasped as the Lieutenant came toppling down from the tall ladder.

"SATURN!!!"

Cyrus's cry was filled with a strange amount of emotion as adrenaline surged through his body; allowing him to run fast enough just in time, as his right-hand man fell into his arms.

The team leader's legs wobbled while he balanced himself from the impact; trying desperately not to topple over himself.

Saturn breathed heavily with his arms wrapped around Cyrus's neck. "M-Master Cyrus....Y-You actually caught me?" Asked the commander slightly baffled.

Cyrus let out an annoyed scoff and rolled his eyes. "Of course I did you foolish imbecile....you're a valuable asset to me- I mean to this company."

It was an odd sensation....to feel Saturn's hands at the back of his neck, to have the commander's weight in his arms....he was as light as a feather...Cyrus never realized how small he was compared to him before. The Galactic boss looked down at the ground to avoid the other man's gaze....these thoughts of his....they were juvenile; contradictory to everything he believed in. He was going to bury these emotions one day.....kill them even...destroy them with his own universe.

"Ummm....Master Cyrus?" Asked Saturn nervously.

"What is it?"

"Ugh.....you can kinda put me down now." Continued Saturn with a blush as he gestured between his boss and the ground.

"Ah! Of course...my bad." Stated Cyrus awkwardly, as he carefully placed the commander back on his own two feet.

Saturn's Toxicroak approached him and placed a hand on his trainer's shoulder to see if he was okay.

"H-Hey buddy....I thought you'd make sure I wasn't gonna fall?" Chuckled Saturn with a laugh as he patted the pokèmon's head.

The pokèmon let out its cry and shrugged in reply.

"Awww...it's okay buddy...besides, I had Master Cyrus here to save me!" Exclaimed Saturn with a big toothy grin.

"Yeah! That was quite impressive boss!!!" Interjected Jupiter with another blow of the party horn.

"I agree sir! Where would Saturn be without you?" Giggled Mars in a teasing tone.

"Hmmph.....dead probably." Replied Cyrus in all seriousness.

"Now about the party-" Continued Mars.

"There won't be a party." Stated the Galactic boss abruptly.

"W-What!?!? B-But why?!?!" Exclaimed a disappointed Jupiter.

"Why?" Continued Cyrus with a sigh. "Because we have work to do that's why....Team Galactic must always prosper and never fail! I don't care what day or holiday it is....we must not stop working at the master plan!"

"B-But....even for one day?" Mumbled Mars nervously.

"Especially for one day! If i'm not mistaken Commander Mars, you still haven't finished those blueprints I gave you last week?"

"N-No sir....."

"And Commander Jupiter, how about your studies on the mythical lake pokèmon?"

"T-They're not finished yet boss.." Stated a defeated Jupiter with slumped shoulders.

"My point exactly....it seems that this foolish Christmas thing has made you all lazy." Said Cyrus with a shake of his head. "Now, I want you three to round up all the grunts and get back to work!"

"B-But....." Pleaded Mars once more.

"And take all these decorations down...I expect everything to be back to normal by tomorrow morning."

Cyrus started to walk away, though was stopped by a hand tugging at his sleeve.

"Commander Saturn?" Asked Cyrus with a raised eyebrow.

"M-Master Cyrus please....we just didn't want you to be alone for Christmas." Replied Saturn with a fond smile.

"Saturn I-"

Once more, Cyrus was at a lost for words...staring directly into Saturn's face. Blast those big Buizel eyes of his! There's a reason why he doesn't do the whole eye-contact thing!

"That's an unnessecary concern Lieutenant." Stated Cyrus as he cleared his throat and stood up tall. "Now get back to work."

With that, Cyrus tugged his arm away from Saturn's grasp and made for his room. He didn't dare look back to see the commander's pained expression....he had to convince himself that it didn't matter....nothing in this universe mattered.

The team boss let out a sigh of relief as he entered his room and closed the door behind him....though he was not alone. His Houndoom was curled up on his bed; the pokèmon lifting up it's head and wagging its tail at its trainer's arrival.

"Hmm....Hi boy...." Said Cyrus apprehensively towards the excited pokèmon.

The Houndoom let out a cry and started panting as it's eyes motioned towards the door.

"Huh? No, we're not going outside....we need to stay in here and prepare for the master plan." Replied Cyrus nonchalantly as if the pokèmon knew what he was saying.

Houndoom started whining and pouting in response to its trainer's words.

"I said no! You need your rest to battle perfectly, there's no time for play!" Scolded Cyrus with a finger towards the pokèmon. "We don't need people, and they certainly don't need us! Now stop with the emotion, it's a sign of weakness, remember?"

The pokèmon gave up its pouting and plopped back down on the bed with a sigh of defeat.

Cyrus groaned and ran a hand over his face as he went to sit at his desk; turning on a table lamp to illuminate all his research for the master plan.

This is what he was here for....the creation of his universe...the only thing that truly mattered. Not Christmas, not pouting pokèmon, and certainly not a crescent-haired commander with big beautiful eyes.

"Finally....peace and quiet at last!" Cyrus rolled up his sleeves and grabbed a pen as he got to work.

The minutes of working soon turned to hours. With Cyrus scribbling down ideas for his ideal universe, scratching things out, and crumpling up the paper completely as he threw it over his shoulder and started over again....it was the vicious cycle that never ended.

The Galactic boss was lost in thought; nibbling at the end of the pen with anxiety, when he jumped at a sudden knock at his door.

"Arceus, who is it?" Asked Cyrus with slight annoyance.

"It's me....Saturn...."

Cyrus let out a sigh as he started nervously fiddling with the pen in his hand.

"Saturn....I thought I said to get back to work and-"

"I know" Interjected Saturn abruptly from outside the closed door. "I just.....I just wanted to let you know that I care- I mean we all care about you sir."

"........."

"...Ummm...if you want to still spend some time with us, just know that the offer's still on the table."

"......."

Silence on Cyrus's end....he couldn't bring himself to respond. He simply waited until he heard Saturn's footsteps walking away to get back to work again...
he needed to focus on the only thing that mattered....even if Saturn's soft voice still rang heavy in his ears.

"Ngghh.....Must. Keep. Working."

Cyrus felt himself grow tired as he continued to aimlessly scribble ideas on paper. His arm was sore, and his palms were sweaty....he knew he needed a break...but he couldn't bring himself to stop.

The team leader struggled to keep his eyes opened as he continued to write. "Nghh...legendary pokèmon....must destroy....universe..." Cyrus's head fell down on his desk while all his words turned to sleep-induced rambling.

"Hmm....must....be....a...god...." The pen then fell from his sleepy hand. "Nghh....Saturn.....please....my father...said...I can't...be...seen...with..you."

He started shaking in fear at what felt like a nightmare; the real world started to fade away...and soon, he found himself awake in what looked like a different world entirely.

Cyrus's eyes fluttered open, as he reluctantly stood up to reveal the strangely familiar environment.

He was at the Spear Pillar.

"H-Hello? Is there anyone here?" Asked Cyrus as he surveyed his surroundings in confusion.

"Hello there Cyrus...."

At the sound of his name, the team leader spun around quickly; his jaw dropping in shock at what he saw.

"HOLY ARCEUS!!!" Exclaimed Cyrus as he fell flat on his back in shock.

Standing tall in-front of him was none other then the legendary pokèmon Dialga....the god of time.

"Y-You're one of the legendary pokèmon...the one I need to make my universe." Studdered Cyrus in disbelief.

"Yes, I know all about your little plans....though that's not why i'm here today."

The pokèmon seemed to speak to him telepathically....this was unreal...it had to be some sort of dream, right?

Cyrus ran a hand through his hair and chuckled maniacally.

"That's it....i've finally gone insane haven't I?" Continued Cyrus with a shake of his head. "My work has finally gone to my head!"

"While I wish that were true, that is not the case." Replied Dialga with what looked like a smile.

"So....if I play along with this crazy dream i'm having." Started Cyrus as he stood back on his feet. "Why are you here, oh great god of time?" Asked the Galactic boss with a heavy amount of sarcasm.

"Hmmm....I see your attitude is still a problem." Continued Dialga as the pokèmon tilted its head in contemplation. "And you haven't been very kind to your friends this holiday season, have you?"

".....And why is that any of your concern?" Asked Cyrus with a raised eyebrow and crossed arms.

"That's easy.....i'm the ghost of Christmas past."

"I.....I beg your pardon?"

Chapter Text

Cyrus stared in awe at the time god pokèmon; his jaw hung low in shock and disbelief. The ghost of Christmas past? Just what did he do to deserve this strange punishment?

Dialga stood tall as it tilted its head in amusement at the Galactic boss. "Hmm...I see by your facial expressions that you doubt my motivation." The pokèmon than let out what sounded like a laugh.

"Of course I doubt your motivation!" Cried Cyrus with a scowl. "You're supposed to be the master of time, not some Christmas-induced fever dream!"

The Galactic boss closed his eyes and continued to scowl as he rubbed the bridge of his nose in frustration. He was still sure this was all just some terrible nightmare, and he would wake up soon. But alas, when he opened his eyes, he was still at the Spear Pillar with a very confused Dialga standing in-front of him.

"......Have you accepted your fate yet?" Asked Dialga in a rather sarcastic tone.

Cyrus slumped his shoulders and felt his eye begin to twitch at the fact that he was still stuck in this terrible nightmare.

"Well....I suppose I have no choice in the matter." Replied Cyrus through clenched teeth.

"Wonderful!" Exclaimed Dialga enthusiastically. "Well, let's not waste anymore time here...let's get going!"

"W-Wait! Where are we-"

Before Cyrus could properly respond, he soon found himself being teleported from the Spear Pillar. In the blink of an eye, the two found themselves standing in the middle of a random field that was covered with a sheet of fresh white snow.

The Galactic Boss surveyed his surroundings in confusion. "J-Just where in Arceus's name did you take me!?!?" He shouted as he started to shiver from the unexpected cold.

"......The past...." Replied Dialga nonchalantly.

"Pfft....y-yeah right!" Cried Cyrus in disbelief through his now chattering teeth. "Y-You can't just take me to any old field and claim it's the past! That's just illogical and-

Before he could finish, the Galactic Boss found himself once again interrupted.

It was the sound of a boy's laughter.

Cyrus's entire body froze as he laid eyes on the boy in question....and it wasn't from the cold.

The boy was giggling happily as he skipped around in the fresh snow; tossing it up in the air and squealing in excitement as it landed back down on him. From the familiar head of spiky blue hair, to the little Murkrow following behind.....it didn't take long for Cyrus to realize that this little boy was him.

".....You were saying?" Teased Dialga as it leaned closer towards a shell-shocked Cyrus.

His childhood.....the one place he would never like to revisit under any circumstance...yet here he was. Something about seeing his younger self act so innocent and happy was enough to trigger Cyrus's fight or flight response.

"No! No! No! No!" Cried Cyrus frantically as he turned away towards his younger self. "Take me back this instant! I demand it!" pouted the Galactic boss with a tantrum-like stomp of his feet.

"I'm afraid I can't do that.....you already consented to being here." Replied Dialga sternly.

Cyrus groaned and covered his ears as he heard his younger self continue to laugh in the distance. Admittedly, he hadn't heard his own laugh in well over a decade.

"Besides, this place doesn't seem so bad." Continued Dialga. "You looked like you were a very happy child."

"Nghh.....that's exactly my point!" Exclaimed Cyrus with clenched fists. "That happiness of mine.....it was foolish! All those stupid emotions....they led me nowhere!"

"Hmm.....so my timing was correct after all." Said Dialga curiously. "There's something about this particular memory that made you who you are today.....that made you hate Christmas with a burning passion."

"Again, why do you care so much about my distaste for Christmas!?!?" Asked Cyrus with a tired sigh.

"No time to explain.....we need to catch up with little you!" Finished Dialga as it began to hover towards young Cyrus.

"H-Hey! Wait up!!! Some of us can't fly y'know!!!" Cried Cyrus as he reluctantly began to trudge his legs through the heavy snow.

Much to Cyrus's dismay, the two of them eventually caught up to his younger self.

"C,mon Murkrow!" Cried a child Cyrus towards his pokèmon who was struggling behind him. "Mom's going to kill us if we're late again!!!"

An adult Cyrus watched as the Murkrow let out a happy cry and perched itself on the little boy's shoulder.

The Galactic boss bit his bottom lip at the strange sight of watching his younger, happier self. It wasn't emotion he was feeling for the little boy....it couldn't be...he wouldn't allow it. If anything....he felt pity for the poor boy...how gullible he once was.

"You're familiar with this memory, aren't you?" Asked Dialga towards Cyrus in thought.

"I....I remember it like it was yesterday." Replied Cyrus while he closed his eyes and shook his head. "Christmas Eve....seventeen years ago."

They continued to follow the child Cyrus, until eventually they made their way to the edge of the field; where the little boy was running towards the skyline of Sunyshore City.

The Galactic Boss couldn't help but scoff in disgust at the familiar sight of the lighthouse in the distance.

"....I'm guessing you haven't been here in awhile?" Asked Dialga curiously.

"I avoid this city like the plague..." Replied Cyrus with a half-hearted chuckle.

They continued to follow the little boy as he ran through the streets of Sunyshore City. Cyrus was almost out of breathe keeping up with his younger self...he had forgotten how much energy he once had.

Little Cyrus smiled as he petted the Murkrow on his shoulder. "Do you think mom and dad will like my new invention this time?" The pokèmon nodded with encouragement as it nuzzled up towards its trainer's neck.

They were now on his home street, and adult Cyrus felt his heart-rate increase. Every house was decorated with Christmas lights and other festive decor....all except for one.

His old house....standing out like a sore thumb in the middle of the street. It was dark, dingy, and small compared to all the others; it was lacking life....it was lacking emotion.

"We're going in with him aren't we?" Asked Cyrus nervously as he eyed his younger self approaching the front step.

Dialga stayed silent as it nodded in reply.

The Galactic Boss gulped in fear as he followed behind the little boy. "Very well....i'm not afraid of my past."

Child Cyrus slammed the front door shut loudly as he entered the house.

"CYRUS, IS THAT YOU!?!?" Cried a woman's voice from within the house.

"Y-Yes mother....it's me..." Replied little Cyrus shyly.

There were loud footsteps within the house, as a woman eventually rounded the corridor.

The Galactic Boss's legs practically turned to jelly as he took in the sight of her....his mother.

Arceus, he hadn't seen her in years. He had almost forgotten what she looked like. Though much like him, she had the icy blue hair and sunken cheek bones, along with a permanent scowl plastered on her face...overall, she was a tired looking woman.

"Cyrus...." Continued his mother with an impatient sigh. "This is the third day in a row that you've come home late."

"I'm sorry mother, but I was working on my latest invention and-" Started little Cyrus.

"Enough! I don't want to hear another word about these foolish 'inventions' of yours!" Sighed his mother as she ran a tired hand over her face.

"B-But, it's different this time..." Pleaded little Cyrus as his face fell in dejection.

"Try explaining that to your father then..." Finished his mother with a cruel chuckle that made little Cyrus whimper in fear.

".....So, it looks like the big boss man was once afraid of his mother." Teased Dialga towards an adult Cyrus.

"Oh please...." The Galactic Boss scoffed with an eyeroll and crossed his arms. "I wasn't afraid of my mother, it's not like she was as bad as-"

"CYRUS!!"

"F-Father...." Mumbled both child and adult Cyrus in unison.

His father....the man was the only person in the universe who could truly make Cyrus's blood run cold. He was a brute of a human being. Asides from having dark hair, the face of his father was quite the same if Cyrus were to look into a mirror now.

"What foolishness are you on about now boy?" His father loomed tall over little Cyrus; causing the Murkrow on his shoulder to cower behind its wings in fear.

"N-Nothing father...it's just that I was telling mother about my latest invention and-"

"Cyrus my dear boy....when will you give up these little inventions of yours?" Asked his father with a scowl. "After all, they always end in failure...or you almost burning the house down."

"B-But....I think I can get this one right..." Mumbled child Cyrus as he kicked his feet nervously. "I wanted to create a machine that allows trainers to revive their fainted pokèmon on the go without the use of revives or pokèmon centers!"

The Galactic Boss couldn't help but smile fondly at his younger self. His enthusiasm and passion for machines was something that never wavered over the years.

"So....did you ever do it?" Questioned Dialga. "Did you ever make the machine work?"

"N-No...." Replied Cyrus as he rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "It ugh....it quite literally blew up in my face more than a dozen times."

His father continued to scold his younger self ruthlessly. "Cyrus....please give up on these dreams of becoming an engineer...it's worthless!" He then patted his son on the back a bit too roughly. "Pokèmon battling my boy.....that's where you'll find success!"

"B-But....my teacher says i'm gifted!!" Protested little Cyrus in defeat.

"Yes....she also says you're asocial..." Interjected his mother in shame.

"That's right." His father nodded in agreement. "Tell me Cyrus, have you made any friends yet?"

"N-No...." Stammered little Cyrus in shame.

"And what about your school's Christmas dance?" Continued his father. "You decided to work on your machines the entire time instead of asking a girl to dance!"

"I.....I'm not interested in asking a girl to dance..." Rebuttled the little boy with a confident nod.

"Of course you're not...." Spat his father with harsh eyes. "My son's a recluse AND a fruit!"

The Galactic Boss watched helplessly as tears began to form in his younger self's eyes. He remembers this moment....it was when something snapped deep inside of him....he hadn't been the same since.

Arceus, he wished he could just reach out and hug the poor boy.

"Enough of this!" Interjected his mother abruptly. "I will have no more arguing on Christmas Eve!"

At the mention of Christmas, little Cyrus's eyes perked up in excitement.

"Where's the Christmas tree?" Asked the boy as he eyed the empty living room. "And what about the presents?"

"Well my boy....do you think you DESERVE presents this year?" Asked his father with a glare.

"W-Well.....I don't know..."

"You haven't done much this year my son." Continued his father while he eyed the pokèmon on his son's shoulder. "I mean, look at that Murkrow....you haven't even worked at leveling it up yet! It looks pathetic!"

The Murkrow let out a cry as it frowned in defeat. "I....I'm working on it! Just don't yell at him, okay?" Said little Cyrus as he pet the tiny bird pokèmon on his shoulder.

"No matter....you still have work to do...so you don't deserve to celebrate the holidays this year!" Finished his father with a cruel chuckle.

"Well....it would appear that the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree." Interjected Dialga towards the Galactic Boss.

"What's THAT supposed to mean?" Asked Cyrus defensively.

".....I think you know all too well what it's supposed to mean."

Cyrus vowed everyday of his life not to end up like his father. In fact, creating his own universe was part of the plan to escape his ideals completely....to become more powerful than he ever was.

"Well....is Grandpa coming over to visit?" Asked the hopeful little blue-haired boy.

"No." Replied his father sternly.

"But Grandpa always gives me a present! And he always loves to hear about my inventions!!!"

"I said no!" Continued his father. "Arceus, that old man has filled your head with too many ideas already!"

His mother stepped in and placed a reassuring hand on her son's shoulder.

"Come now Cyrus...there's going to be a terrible blizzard tonight....Grandpa can't visit us in these conditions."

"Yeah.....I guess so..." Slumped little Cyrus in defeat.

"Now come...let's eat Christmas dinner together as a family." Finished his mother.

At that, the little boy soon found himself sitting at a table amongst his stern parents as he played around with the microwave TV dinner in-front of him. The Galactic boss felt uncomfortable watching the scene.....it was so silent that you could hear a pin drop.

"Cyrus....put that Murkrow back in its pokèball at once." Demanded his father. "You know how I feel about pokèmon at the dinner table."

"N-No...." Stammered little Cyrus. "I want him to stay with me."

His father groaned in response as he went back to his food.

"Quite the family you have here eh?" Asked Dialga in a sarcastic tone.

"Yes....our stern faces and lack of eyebrows really make for the perfect Christmas postcard." Replied Cyrus with an annoyed eyroll.

"Cyrus....can you eat your food instead of play with it?" Sighed his mother tiredly.

"Nghh....i'm not hungry." Groaned the little boy in disgust as he piled up the slop on the TV dinner tray.

"You're never hungry!" Continued his frustrated mother. "Look how skinny you are! You're practically anemic! People probably think we can't afford to feed you!"

"I DON'T CARE WHAT PEOPLE THINK OF ME!!!" Cried little Cyrus loudly.

"Cyrus...." His father grit his teeth and put his fork down on the table. "I've had enough of you for one night.....go to your room young man!"

"Err.....Fine!" Huffed little Cyrus as he stomped away from the table. "I don't need you anyways! I don't need anybody!!!"

Dialga and the Galactic Boss watched as the little boy made his way to the top of the stairs, and sat to eavesdrop on his parents below. Cyrus knew that this was to ultimately be his worst possible decision.

"That boy of ours....he's not normal!!!" Exclaimed his father angrily.

"I know he's not honey...but can you at least try to understand him better?" Pleaded his mother.

"Understand him? There's nothing to understand about him!" Continued his father. "The way his brain works, his inability to communicate like a human being....our son's a freak of nature!"

Little Cyrus clasped a hand over his mouth in shock at what he had overheard. Tears began falling down his cheek as he rushed to his bedroom and slammed the door; falling flat on his bed in defeat.

His childhood bedroom...there was a telescope at the window aiming up at the night sky. His wall was covered in various posters, from galaxies and planets, to great inventors and geniuses from Albert Einstein, to Professor Oak of the Kanto Region.

The little boy continued to cry as the Murkrow cuddled up close to him. "W-We don't need them Murkrow!" Cried little Cyrus with a sniffle. "We'll create our own world! Our own universe! We'll never need anybody ever again!!!"

"....And so it begins..." Said Dialga pensively.

The Galactic Boss said nothing. All he could do was chew at his bottom lip as he forced himself to stare away from the unfolding scene in-front of him.

"I know.....we'll runaway!" Cried little Cyrus with a delighted giggle. "We'll runaway to Grandpa's house! He'll take us in!"

The Murkrow nodded in agreement as the little boy rushed up and grabbed a suitcase; shoving it with clothing and items for his pokèmon.

"Come on! Let's get going!" Exclaimed the little boy while he opened up his windowsill.

A shiver ran up Cyrus's spine as he watched his younger self plop out of the window and into a fresh pile of snow below; the blizzard was already picking up outside.

"Hmm....running away in a blizzard....I thought you were supposed to be smart?" Asked Dialga in a snarky tone.

"I was only a child." Stated Cyrus abruptly.

The two of them followed behind the little boy, as he and his Murkrow struggled to walk against the strong winds and flying snow.

"C-Come on....w-we need to k-keep going." Said little Cyrus as he hugged himself to keep warm.

The winds were getting so strong that poor Murkrow could no longer fly without getting blown over completely. Little Cyrus could barely keep his footing as well.

"Nghh....I can't see a thing! The snow's too thick!" Cried the little boy who was squinting to see in the snowstorm.

The Galactic Boss felt sick to his stomach as he watched his younger self trip and fall in the snow. This entire ordeal....to relive the horror story that was his childhood...it was torture.

"H-Hey! I think I see a cave over there!" Exclaimed little Cyrus to a shivering Murkrow. "L-Let's go!"

Eventually, the freezing little boy and his pokèmon made their way inside a small cave. Child Cyrus fell to the ground in defeat and pulled his knees to his stomach as he started to cry.

"I'm sorry Murkrow....I've gotten us lost...I failed again."

The bird pokèmon let out its cry as it nuzzled against its trainers face in reassurance.

"Hmmm?" Questioned Cyrus as he raised his head to stare at the pokèmon. "Y-You're right....we can't give up yet! W-We need to make a fire so that we don't freeze!"

At that, the little boy collected sticks, leaves and rocks from within the cave. He then piled the leaves together in a pile and started rubbing the two sticks together  between his hands. Eventually, smoke appeared, and little Cyrus began gently blowing on the leaf pile until it caught fire.

"S-See! W-We did it!" Exclaimed the little boy proudly. "I'm smart! I'm a genius!"

Child Cyrus and his Murkrow sat in-front of the fire, until they both let out a yawn and fell asleep curled up together on the cold cave floor.

"Can you take me back now?" Asked the Galactic Boss towards Dialga. "I think i've seen enough of my own pitiful mistakes."

"No." Said Dialga firmly. "You haven't learned your lesson yet."

Cyrus glared at his younger self sleeping rather peacefully; drool escaping his mouth as he snored loudly. Just what lesson was he supposed to learn here?

The little boy flickered his eyes open to stare at the morning sun coming in through the cave. The blizzard had since passed, though it was still cold, and he soon discovered that his fire had gone out.

The Murkrow cried happily against it's trainers face. "Haha...good morning boy!"

The little boy's stomach than gurgled....maybe it was a bad idea to skip dinner last night?

"You're hungry too, aren't you?" Asked little Cyrus towards his pokèmon. "Hmm...I'll see what I have in here."

The boy opened his suitcase and began dighing through it; only to find one stale poffin at the bottom.

The Murkrow stuck up its beak in disgust at the treat. "I know you don't like the sweet ones...but it's all I have." Said little Cyrus sheepishly. "C'mon....we'll split it okay?"

The pokèmon nodded reluctantly as the little boy split the poffin and gave half of it to the tiny bird, and saved the other half for himself.

"M-Merry Christmas Murkrow."

They were soon interrupted by a bright flashing light; a policeman stood at the entrance of the cave with a flashlight; Cyrus's parents standing angrily behind him.

"Is this your boy?" Asked the officer.

"Yes...thank you for finding him sir." Said Cyrus's mother.

In no time, Cyrus's father had pushed past everyone and grabbed the little boy by the ear; forcefully dragging him out of the cave.

"You're in big trouble young man!" Cried his father in anger.

"O-Owww! Father you're hurting me!" Exclaimed the little boy in pain as he was being dragged away.

"Well don't you go crying about it now. Remember What I told you....emotions create weakness."

"Y-Yes father..." Replied the little boy coldy.

The Galactic Boss stood next to Dialga as his younger self was taken away from view....it was the end of the memory.

"How long has it been since you've seen your parents?" Asked Dialga curiously.

"Years...I left home the minute I turned eighteen, and haven't been back since." Replied Cyrus as he shook his head with a scoff.

"....Where do you think they are now?" Continued the legendary pokèmon.

"I don't know....who cares!?!" Cried Cyrus defensively. "Surely you're not insinuating that I see them again?"

"Of course not....after all, your own flesh and blood doesn't always deserve to be the ones you call your family."

"What do you mean by that?" Asked Cyrus with an annoyed scowl.

"You have created your own family...but yet you mistreat them the same way your parents once mistreated you."

"If this is about Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, then you can-" Started Cyrus in protest.

"You're the only one who can choose to breakthrough the bonds of generational trauma....but my job is done here....it is up to my colleagues to continue this journey with you." Finished Dialga with a smile.

"W-Wait, what do you-"

Cyrus soon found himself transported back to the Spear Pillar. This time, he was standing face-to-face with a pink and white pokèmon. It was Palkia...the god of space.

Chapter Text

Cyrus stared up at the god of space with disinterest. Normally, one would be a bit shocked to find themselves face to face with such a legendary pokèmon....but given the continuous nightmare that the Galactic Boss has been forced into...he found himself more bored than anything.

"Hmm.....I must say that you seem completely unfaltered by my presence." Said Palkia in confusion with a tilt of its head.

"Considering I already had quite the time with your little 'friend', I should say that nothing surprises me at this point." Replied Cyrus sternly as he tiredly rubbed his forehead.

"Oh? So I take it you didn't enjoy your little visit to the past?" Giggled Palkia teasingly.

"What do you think?" Stated Cyrus harshly with a scowl.

"Well....no matter, i'm here to take you to a place much more familiar." Continued Palkia dismissively. "I'm the ghost of Christmas present!"

"E-Excuse me?" The Team Galactic boss let out an audible groan and ran a hand over his face. "I....I don't understand...why can't you all just leave me alone?"

".....Because you haven't learned your lesson yet." Replied Palkia nonchalantly.

"My lesson? Well, could you at least tell me what my lesson-"

Before Cyrus could finish, he once again found himself being teleported by a legendary pokèmon.

"H-Hey!" Started Cyrus as he shook his head out of dizziness. "Can you stop doing that!?! I can only take so much and-"

This time, the Galactic boss stopped himself short as he realized where he had been teleported to. It was the inside of the Galactic Headquarters building.

"Oh thank Arceus.....home at last!" Said Cyrus with a sigh of relief.

His relief was rather short lived, as before Cyrus knew it....Jupiter, Mars, and Saturn rounded the corner in front of him; with Saturn carrying an all too familiar Christmas tree star in his hands.

"Saturn, I don't know why you got such a big star for the tree." Said Jupiter with a shake of her head as she eyed the struggling commander.

"Ngh.....well....go big or go home, right?" Chuckled Saturn as he bent his back attempting to carry the large star ornament. "And who knows....maybe Master Cyrus will appreciate the hard work this time."

"Ugh." Scoffed Mars with an eyeroll. "You put too much faith in him....you know that man doesn't appreciate anything."

Cyrus felt a lump in his throat as he soon realized that he was indeed back home in the present....though he had been teleported to a time mere moments before the events of the day had occured.

"Don't tell me...." Started Cyrus through grit teeth. "You're going to force me to watch all these events again from a third-person perspective?"

"Yup!" Chimed Palkia a little bit too happily. "I have a feeling we're gonna make some real progress here!"

Cyrus pursed his lip out with a growl....he almost wished he was still in the past with Dialga....at least the god of time was a little less excitable in comparison to its pink counterpart.

"Alright Toxicroak...let's do this!" Exclaimed Saturn to his pokèmon as he made his way up the tall ladder to put the star on the tree.

"I hope you know you're gonna kill yourself up there!" Cried Jupiter with her hands on her hips while she reluctantly eyed the commander making his way up the ladder.

"Yeah..." Interjected Mars in a worried tone. "And it's not like Master Cyrus cares if you live or die!"

The Team Galactic boss couldn't help but look away at the stress inducing sight as Saturn made his way to the top of his ladder. He bit his bottom lip in anxiety....what Mars said....it wasn't true. The thought of Saturn dying....it just...didn't sit right with him.

"Please.....I don't wish to witness this sight for a second time." Begged Cyrus towards Palkia as he crossed his arms.

"No worries!" Laughed Palkia with excitement. "Besides....I think you're about to make your big entrance!"

Cyrus's face lifted as he heard the familiar click of the front door closing. Sure enough, when he turned around, he saw a mirror image of himself from earlier in the day....stomping his boots and shaking the snow from his hair.

"MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE MASTER CYRUS!!!"

The Team Galactic boss watched curiously as Jupiter and Mars threw green and red confetti on his past self. There was something odd about seeing himself like this from a third-person perspective. Was his scowl really that harsh?

"Hmm, talk about déjà vu, eh boss?" Interjected Palkia with a laugh.

"Don't call me boss...i'm not your boss." Stated Cyrus abruptly.

"Oh really?" Questioned Palkia. "Because I thought you were the one who wanted to take control of me and destroy the universe while-"

"Enough!!!" Cried the Team Galactic boss as his muscles visibly tensed up.

He and Palkia stood together in silence as Cyrus watched his past self from earlier in the day scold the two female commanders. Alas, the moment of truth eventually arrived where he was forced to relive the highlight of the day....and not in a good way.

"....Where's Lieutenant Saturn?"

"I'M UP HERE MASTER CYRUS!!!"

The Galactic Boss felt the bile begin to rise to his throat as once again he watched Saturn begin to wobble at the top of the ladder.

"Ugh ugh......GWAHHHHH!"

His heart stopped for a second time as Saturn fell from the ladder. Though Cyrus was caught off guard as his past self zoomed in front of him faster than a lighting bolt to catch the falling commander.

"SATURN!!"

His lieutenant plopped into his past self's arms, and seeing it from a third-person perspective, Cyrus was surprised to see just how close a catch it was....that Saturn was mere milliseconds away from hitting the ground.

"Saturn...."

Cyrus mumbled to himself as he watched the silent seconds go by that his commander was in his arms. He couldn't help but smile fondly as he noticed just how perfectly Saturn's small hands curled at the back of his neck.

"Hmm....quite the romantic sight isn't it?" Asked Palkia in a teasing tone as it nudged Cyrus's side.

"W-What?!?!?" Exclaimed Cyrus in offense. "Why would you say such a thing?!?!?"

"Well....." Continued Palkia while it continued to stare at Saturn. "He's looking at you like you put all the stars in the sky."

"Y-Yeah....that's because I just saved him from certain death!" Rebuttled Cyrus in frustration.

"Hmmm....well I would believe that." Continued Palkia. "That is if you weren't looking at him in the EXACT same way."

Cyrus opened his mouth to protest, but found himself at a loss for words. Sure enough, when he looked over to his past self, the man seemed absolutely dazed with Saturn in his arms.

"Nghhh.....can we move one from this please?" Pleaded the Team Galactic boss as he turned away from the ledendary pokèmon to hide the growing blush on his face.

He and Palkia continued to watch together, as his past self turned down Mars and Jupiter from their idea of throwing a party. He couldn't even bear to watch when Saturn gripped onto his sleeve...begging him to stay. Eventually, it was just his commanders alone at a table....as them and the Grunts reluctantly got back to work.

".....This is what I never saw..." Mumbled Cyrus to himself.

"Indeed!" Chimed Palkia happily. "I have a feeling something spectacular will happen here!"

Cyrus was halfway into an eyeroll when Saturn brushed by him; unaware like he was some sort of ghost. The Team Galactic boss couldn't help but reach a hand up to his shoulder that held the commander's touch.

"Ugh....." Sighed Saturn as he sat down at the table with the rest of the commanders. "I don't know why I even try with him anymore...."

"Let me guess..." Interjected Mars without looking up from her paperwork. "You went up to Master Cyrus's room to convince him one last time to hangout with us?"

"Yeah....." Replied a dejected Saturn with slumped shoulders.

"You really are sweet on him, you know that right?" Teased Jupiter with a chuckle.

"Well..." Started Saturn as he scratched the back of his head. "I am his lieutenant for a reason.....i'd do anything to make Master Cyrus happy."

"Too much Saturn....you do WAY too much for a man who's incapable of feeling emotion." Finished Mars with a shake of her head.

Silently, the three commanders got busy with their work; blueprints and laptops open to display research on the three mythical lake pokèmon.

"If....if this is some kind of guilt trip, I'll have you know that I don't need it." Interjected Cyrus towards Palkia. "Especially after visiting the past with your little friend and-"

"Shhhhh!" Shushed Palkia dismissively. "We're almost at the best part of this memory!!!"

The Team Galactic boss raised a non-existent eyebrow towards the legendary pokèmon. Best part? Just what exactly was about to happen.....his commanders were just busy with their work after all.

"Ugh...." Sighed Mars as she leaned back in her chair away from her paperwork. "Arceus, I really wish we were partying right now instead of working."

"Yeah....well we have Master Cyrus to thank for that!" Scoffed Jupiter sarcastically.

The two women slumped their shoulders in unision as they eyed the endless tables of loyal Grunts working away on the exact same paperwork....it was an endless ordeal.

"It's a shame really..." Continued Jupiter rather flirtatiously towards Mars. "I didn't even get the chance to kiss you under the mistletoe."

"Oh don't worry my dear....the night's still young." Replied Mars with a wink.

Cyrus found himself blinking aimlessly..
..did he just hear what he think he did?

"You guys are too much!" Interjected Saturn with disgust. "I mean Arceus, how long are you two planning to keep your relationship a secret?"

"I dunno...." Shrugged Mars nonchalantly. "I think we're okay as long as Master Cyrus doesn't find out."

"And how long will that be!?!?" Continued Saturn. "I already cover for you two when you sneak off to the janitor's closet together during his speeches!"

"And we're VERY grateful for that Saturn." Giggled Jupiter alongside Mars.

Cyrus stood with his jaw hung low in shock while he watched the unfolding developments in-front of him. Jupiter and Mars were really together? Just how blind to this 'love' stuff was he really?

"So ugh...." Started Cyrus awkwardly. "Is this the 'spectacular event' that you were referring to?"

"Hmm....no!" Replied Palkia with a laugh. "Trust me.....it gets better from here."

Saturn groaned in disgust with a glare towards the two women now holding hands.

"You two are in big trouble if Master Cyrus ever finds out about this......you know what his rule on relationships is."

"Ugh....we know." Continued Jupiter with an eyeroll. "No romantic or sexual relations among co-workers!" Finished the commander in a mocking tone of her boss.

"Now why would you make a rule like that!?!?" Questioned Palkia towards Cyrus.

"I....I don't know!" Protested Cyrus with a shrug. "It just seemed like a good way to keep everyone focused on their work!"

Jupiter then rested her head on her hand as she stared at Saturn curiously.

"I think it's a bit hypocritical to judge us Saturn...." Stated the purple-haired commander.

"W-What do you mean by that?" Questioned Saturn nervously.

"Please.....you know damn well what we mean!" Cried Mars.

"N-No.....No I don't!!!" Protested Saturn defensively.

"Oh yeah?" Continued Jupiter as she eyed Saturn's notebook in his hand. "What are you working on then?"

"Work.....what else would I be doing?"

"Yeah right..." Scoffed Jupiter. "Let me see!!!"

"N-Nooooo!"

At that, the purple-haired commander practically wrestled the notebook out of poor Saturn's hands.

"Ahhh! Would you look at that!" Exclaimed Jupiter as she laid eyes on the notebook in her hands. "It's just as I thought!"

Sure enough, on the page of the notebook were the words 'Cyrus + Saturn' encircled by a heart written clear as day for everyone to see.....including Cyrus himself.

"Hmmm....now what do we think about that?" Teased Palkia towards a stone cold Cyrus.

"S-Saturn....y-you foolish emotional boy!!!" Scowled the Team Galactic boss as he hid his face behind his hands.

"Hmm......and this isn't even the best part!!!" Finished Palkia excitedly.

Poor Saturn was currently huddled up in embarrassment on the chair as the female commanders continued to tease him.

"Saturn! You totally have the hots for our boss!!!" Exclaimed Mars with a giggle.

"N-Nooo! It's not like that at all!!!!" Protested the lieutenant helplessly.

"What do you even see in him?" Continued Mars dismissively. "I mean, he doesn't even have any eyebrows!!!"

"H-Hey!!!" Rebuttled Saturn with a finger pointed towards the two women. "It's not his fault he has bad genetics....and ugh....I think he's handsome just the way he is!"

"SO YOU DO HAVE THE HOTS FOR HIM!?!?!" Gasped both women in unison.

"Gwahhhh! Stooopppp!!!" Pleaded Saturn in shame as he plopped his head down on the table. "You cannot tell him....no matter what!!!"

"Oh my Arceus, Saturn really wants to bed our boss!!!" Continued Mars with a giggle.

"Now I see why you want Master Cyrus to join us...." Interjected Jupiter with a devilish grin. "You want to catch him under the mistletoe, don't you?"

"N-Nooo! Stooooppp!!!" Pleaded Saturn once more.

The poor lieutenant couldn't keep himself together as the two women continued to tease by making kissy faces towards each-other.

"Okay....we'll stop....on one condition..." Said Jupiter with a chuckle.

"W-What?" Asked Saturn nervously

"If you do ever get with Master Cyrus....you have to tell us if the rumours are true..."

"W-What rumours?" Questioned Saturn curiously.

"Oh....you know the one." Continued Jupiter unable to contain her laughter. "That Master Cyrus is hung like a Rapidash."

"Gwahhh!!! Enoooughhh!" Begged Saturn as his face turned beet red.

Cyrus too, found himself unable to control the red hue that was slowly taking over his pale face.

"S-Such crude conversation amongst my staff!!!" Cried Cyrus angrily. "I should cut all their salaries in half!!!"

"Shhhh!!!" Scolded Palkia by Cyrus's side. "This is it! This is the best part!!!"

Saturn shook his head with a half-hearted chuckle towards the two women.

"You guys don't get it.....what I feel for Master Cyrus....it's different."

".....and that is?" Questioned Mars curiously.

"Ugh....." Started Saturn with a bashful grin. "That I....umm....that I love him."

"Oh Saturn..." Spoke Mars as she reached out a hand to the male commander. "You know he'll never feel the same right?"

"Yeah......I know..." Mumbled Saturn in disappointment.

Cyrus stood still in shock at the confession. He found his fists clenched together so tightly that his nails dug into his palms.

"Love me?" Said Cyrus with a maniacal laugh. "That's impossible! Nobody loves me! My own parents never even loved me!"

"......But he does..." Interjected Palkia shyly.

"Rubbish!" Lashed out Cyrus angrily. "He doesn't know what he's talking about!" He then walked away with a growl and slammed his fist on the nearest wall. "Foolish emotions cause weakness like this! Like I would ever be with him anyways...."

"And why is that?" Asked Palkia unphased by the team leader's outburst.

"B-Because....why would I be with him when I could be with one of the girls instead!?!?" Spat Cyrus abruptly.

"....I think you already have the answer to that...." Interjected Palkia quietely.

Cyrus couldn't help but chuckle as he lay his head on the wall in defeat.

"Because my father would string me up by the balls if I were to pursue such matters..."

The Team Galactic boss turned to face the memory of Saturn and let out a sigh.

"I could give him the whole universe if I really wanted to....I could give him a place where this world would never hurt him...would never hurt us."

"Is this a confession?" Asked Palkia curiously.

"What? No!" Protested Cyrus as his face fell back into a scowl. "I said I could, that doesn't mean that I would!!"

"Hmm....well you mentioned your father." Continued Palkia. "Though he's not here....so who cares what he wants? What do you want for yourself?"

Cyrus stared at Saturn's gentle face as he genuinely pondered the legendary pokèmon's question. What did he want? Would he allow himself to be vulnerable for once?

"I.....I want.....I..." Started Cyrus hesitantly. "I want everyone to leave me alone....including you!!!"

Nope...

Now wasn't the time to be vulnerable.

Palkia slumped its shoulders in disappointment as Cyrus turned away from Saturn. The poor lieutenant was far too kind for this vicious world....Cyrus would be sure to protect him from it until the bitter end of time.

"I....I don't think I can work much longer." Sighed Saturn as he leaned back in his chair and eyed a plate of Christmas cookies on the table. "I'm gonna bring these to Master Cyrus....he hasn't eaten anything all day."

".....He never eats anything..." Commented Mars still focused on her work.

"I....I know....but I have to try.....for his sake." Replied Saturn as he stood up and grabbed the plate of cookies.

"Welp....that's our cue to leave!" Exclaimed Palkia abruptly.

"W-Wait, where are we-"

Before Cyrus knew it, he once again found himself teleported. This time he was in his bedroom at the Team Galactic Headquarters; face to face with himself passed out on his work desk....snoring loudly in a puddle of his own drool with a pencil behind his ear.

"Well.....this is rather humilitating." Scoffed Cyrus towards his sleeping self.

"Relax....you're only human." Commented Palkia with a chuckle.

He was about to pass off some comment about he was a god....though he was interrupted by a knock on the door.

"M-Master Cyrus? Are you in here?"

There were a few more knocks on the door before the doorknob jiggled, and the door swung open; a reluctant Saturn peeking his head into the room.

"M-Master Cyrus?" Asked Saturn once more as he tip-toed into the room with the plate of cookies.

The Team Galactic boss visibly cringed as his sleeping self snored VERY loudly; alerting the commander to his presence.

"Well hello there Master Cyrus." Saturn giggled as he placed the plate of cookies down on the desk where his boss was fast asleep. "Hmmm....I didn't know you snored so loudly.......how cute."

Cyrus tensed up as Saturn leaned down towards his past self; as if to get a better look at him snoring away.

"Huh....it seems like you only show emotion when you're sleeping, eh boss?"

"H-He's just mocking me now..." Interjected a frustrated Cyrus towards Palkia.

"Hmm....and I think you're missing the point here." Replied Palkia with a shake of its head.

Saturn continued to stare adoringly at his sleeping boss...until he was startled by a gruffled whining noise.....it was Cyrus's Houndoom who had woken up from all the commotion.

"Huh?" Questioned Saturn as he turned around in surprise. "Oh....Hi boy!"

Cyrus watched in surprise as Saturn sat on the edge of his bed and pet his Houndoom as if he had done it a thousand times before.

"Ahh! Who's a good boy!" Praised Saturn while Houndoom stuck its tongue out happily as it got petted. "Are you hungry boy? You know I always have treats for you!"

At that, Saturn pulled a poffin from his pocket and giggled as Houndoom scarfed it down out of his hand.

"You're such a good boy!" Continued Saturn as he pet Houndoom's head. "Don't tell Master Cyrus that i've been sneaking in here to give you treats....he'll be upset!"

Oh...

So that was it....Saturn had already been forming a relationship with his pokèmon through the temptation of treats. It was odd though....he wasn't angry at the fact, more so he found it endearing.

Houndoom let out a whine as it jumped off the bed and started scratching the door anxiously.

"Huh? What is it boy?" Asked Saturn as he leaned down near the pokèmon.

The Houndoom continued to whine, and soon the commander was able to put two and two together.

"Ohhh! You have to go out to the bathroom don't you?"

The pokèmon nodded as it continued to scratch at the door.

"Alright....I suppose I can take you out for a walk." Said Saturn as he turned back to stare at a sleeping Cyrus. "J-Just....hold on a sec, okay?"

At that, Saturn grabbed a blanket from the bed and placed it over his sleeping boss's shoulders.

"Hmm....sleep well Cyrus..."

"S-Saturn, wait I-"

Cyrus couldn't help but reach out his hand towards his commander, only to have it go straight through him.....crap....he had forgotten this was only a memory.

"Alright boy! Let's go for a walk!" Chimed Saturn happily towards Houndoom.

The commander and the Pokèmon were soon out of the room....leaving Cyrus and Palkia alone in silence.

"H-He.....he called me by my name....without 'sir' or 'master' before it..." Uttered the Team Galactic boss in disbelief.

"Well.....have you learned your lesson yet?" Asked Palkia curiously.

"No." Stated Cyrus abruptly. "I still don't understand what lesson i'm supposed to be learning here."

"I was afraid of this....but it looks like you leave me no choice." Continued Palkia with a shake of its head.

"A-Afraid of what!?!?"

"Your final journey.....it will be with my other colleague....and they're not as nice as Dialga and me..."

"W-What?! Where are you sending me now?!?!" Cried Cyrus in confusion.

"I'm sorry.....you're practically an impossible case." Finished Palkia apologetically. "But our colleague....I believe their cruel ways will be able to get through to you."

"W-Wait-"

Before Cyrus knew it, he was teleported once more. He expected to be back at the Spear Pillar....though that was not the case. He found himself in an unfamiliar environment.....it looked like the real world....though it was distorted. The Team Galactic boss couldn't help but shiver...he suddenly felt as if he was being watched.

Chapter Text

"H-Hello? Is there anyone here?"

Cyrus called out in his new unfamiliar surroundings, only to find that his voice had fallen completely flat.

This strange place.....this world....it felt almost like the void.

The Galactic Boss looked around the barren wasteland at the emptiness that engulfed him. Everything was still....frozen in time at that.

"W-What the...." Mumbled Cyrus to himself as he peered over the edge of the barren land-mass to the neverending darkness below.

"I wouldn't get that close to the edge if I were you..."

"Who was-GWAHHH!!!"

Cyrus had slowly turned back around, only to fall flat on his ass in shock the minute he got a look at just who exactly was speaking to him.

It was a pokèmon.....or so Cyrus assumed given his current circumstances.

In all honesty, the creature looked more like a demon with its glowing red eyes, shadowy wings, and yellow armour.

"My bad....I didn't mean to startle you." Said the strange pokèmon with a chuckle. "I just don't think you want to fall off the edge to be consumed by darkness for all eternity.

"A-Arceus!" Cyrus exclaimed while he stood up and brushed the dirt from his pants. "Just who are you anyways?"

"Excuse my lack of manners....i'm Giratina. Though most know me as the god of matter."

The Galactic Boss gazed up at the large floating creature with a tilt of his head.

"Hmmm....I can't say that I've ever heard of you."

"That's true....I prefer to keep a low-profile in comparison to my colleagues." Continued Giratina with a smile. "I only show myself in absolute dire situations that call for my help."

"Is that so?" Asked Cyrus with a sarcastic scoff. "Well....i'm ever so glad that we have an overgrown Weedle in armour to protect us."

The pokèmon let out an angered cry and opened its wings. "H-Hey! Who are you callin' an overgrown Weedle you little-" Giratina then calmed itself down and shook its head with a sigh. "Hmm....my colleagues were correct....you truly are a pitiful person."

Cyrus did nothing but growl in response as he rolled his eyes and crossed his arms.

"Well I suppose we should get down to it then.....I am the ghost of Christmas future after all."

"Yeah....no shit." Replied Cyrus tiredly while he ran a hand over his face. "Let's just get this over and done with already..."

"You know what....on second thought." Said Giratina with a devilish grin. "I'm kind of tired of time-travelling.....it takes a lot out of me, you know?"

"....What are you implying?" Replied Cyrus through grit teeth as he clenched his fists in frustration.

"I'm just saying that I think it's best if you wait it out instead...."

"Wait it out?"

"Yeah..." Continued Giratina nonchalantly. "Besides....I have a few errands to run myself. So, I guess i'll come back for you when we're ready to go!"

"Hold up!" Protested the Galactic Boss with his hands held up in defense. "Y-You're leaving me here alone!?!?"

"I believe that's what i'm getting at." Continued the pokèmon. "Is that a problem? I thought you enjoyed being left alone?"

"Pfft....of course it's not a problem!" Said Cyrus confidently. "Go on and leave! The less legendary pokèmon I have to deal with, the better!"

"Okaaaay....if you say so!" Finished Giratina in a teasing tone. "See ya!!"

At that, the pokèmon disappeared in a shadowy cloud of smoke....leaving Cyrus alone in the empty world to fend for himself.

"That's right! Get out of here....see if I care!" Cried Cyrus towards the pure nothingness of the distortion realm.

The Galactic Boss continued to curse under his breath, and aimlessly grumble and rant to himself until he grew tired.

Eventually, he let out a sigh of exhaustion as he eyed his surroundings once more.

"Y'know....this place isn't so bad." Mumbled Cyrus to himself. "It's quiet, peaceful, and devoid of emotion....it's my perfect universe!" He then chuckled with a smirk.

He whistled amongst himself as he took a casual stroll across the distortion world. The joke was clearly on Giratina....the Galactic Boss was enjoying every minute of his alone time.

At least he was enjoying it....

That was until time started dragging on. The minutes felt like hours, and the hours felt like days. It came to a point where Cyrus couldn't exactly tell how much time had passed since Giratina's departure.

"Haha! I see you're a funny pokèmon who likes to play tricks!" Chuckled Cyrus maniacally as he kicked around a small rock on the ground. "B-But I get it....you can come back anytime now......like soon please."

There was no response....

Even the emptiness of the world itself was silent. The atmosphere was stuffy...like the air was caving in on him.

"Ugh!! For the love of Arceus!" The Galactic Boss growled in frustration as he kicked the small rock directly off the land-mass and into the void below. "Fine! Keep me prisoner....i'm as strong-willed as any god ever was!"

Eventually, those long hours turned into long days....and the long days turned into even longer months. At this point, Cyrus was secretly hoping that he'd just starve to death....though human needs seemed to have no bearing in this realm.

"T-This is torture! It's pure madness!"Cried Cyrus as he sat down in the dirt and buried his head in his hands. "And you pokèmon claim that I'M the cruel one!?!?"

The Galactic Boss groaned as he grabbed a nearby stick and started drawing in the dirt out of pure boredom.

He first drew half-assed doodles of his own pokèmon team....because he secretly missed them dearly.

He missed how Gyarados would splash him when he was let out to play in Lake Valor.

He missed the laughter that would ensue whenever his Weavile would play a prank on one of the poor Grunts.

He longed for the way Houndoom would curl up close to him on his bed at night.

Or the secret sense of pride he felt when his Golbat finally evolved into a Crobat.

And of course there was Honchkrow....his dearest partner since childhood.

"....I'll see you guys soon...I promise." Cyrus sighed at the lined doodles of his pokèmon while he continued to draw in the dirt.

He drew Jupiter and Mars holding hands together, with Purugly and Skuntank at their sides.

The Galactic Boss let out a half-hearted chuckle at his attempts at drawing before moving on to draw Saturn.

He let out a sigh...

He missed his Lieutenant the most. His loyalty...his sweet smile, and of course his stupid haircut.

"....I wonder where you are without me?" Asked Cyrus towards the finished stickman of the blue-haired commander. "Though you probably don't care."

He then drew a stick figure of himself next to Saturn; complete with spiky hair and all. Admittedly, he didn't mind the way they looked together.

Cyrus continued to brood in grumbling silence as he prodded the dirt with the stick, until-

"A'hem! I hope i'm not interrupting anything?"

"A-ARCEUS!!!"

Once more, Cyrus tumbled backwards and fell on his back; looking directly up at a very confused looking Giratina.

"You scared the crap out of me!!!" Cried Cyrus as he sat up.

"Sorry about that....it just ugh....it seemed that you were busy with your little drawings." Replied Giratina in a teasing tone.

"W-What!?! I have no idea what you're talking about!" Protested Cyrus while he attempted to discreetly kick dirt over the drawings. "Y-You must be seeing things!!!"

"Hey....there's no shame in having feelings y'know." The pokèmon then let out a laugh. "So....how did you enjoy your time alone?"

"YOU LEFT ME HERE FOR A YEAR!!!" Cried Cyrus with a twitch of his eye.

"A year? Has it really been that long?" Said Giratina with a tilt of its head. "Ahh! I guess I must have lost track of time!" Finished the pokèmon with a wink.

Cyrus took a deep breath as he stood stoically with his hands behind his back....though really, he just about wanted to tear his hair out.

"Oh? Don't tell me you didn't enjoy it?" Continued the pokèmon.

"N-Nonsense! I enjoyed it just fine!!" Lied Cyrus through his teeth. "Now....are you planning to take me somewhere, or what?"

"Ahh! Of course! It's Christmas Eve exactly one year in the future now!" Continued Giratina enthusiastically. "Let's see how well your co-workers are doing without you!"

At that, Cyrus found himself being teleported through a cloud of smoke. Before he knew it, he was standing back in the lobby of the Veilstone Headquarters building....though things were drastically different.

"I NEED THAT PAPERWORK DONE BY TODAY!!!"

"HURRY UP! MASTER SATURN IS GONNA BE ANGRY IF THOSE BLUEPRINTS AREN'T FINISHED!!"

"DOES ANYONE HAVE A PEN THAT ACTUALLY WORKS!?!?!"

Cyrus's jaw dropped at what he was witnessing.....there were Grunts frantically running back and forth throughout the building, passing off various pieces of paperwork to one-another.

Though the scariest part, was that the Grunts didn't look like Grunts at all. Gone were the infamous bowl cuts, now replaced by slicked down hair and business suits; making everyone look like blue collar workers.

But there was one thing that stuck out amongst other things...

"M-Master Saturn?" Uttered Cyrus under his breath in confusion.

"Yup!" Chimed Giratina with a nod. "With you out of the picture, the company was left to Saturn! Let's see just exactly what he did with it!"

They walked directly through the crowd of working Grunts, until they came upon the front desk area. There, Jupiter and Mars dressed as office secretaries were sitting next to each-other as they answered an onslaught of neverending phone calls.

"Hello, this is the Galactic Energy Company! We're here to fulfill all your clean energy desires!!!" Chimed Mars in a fake happy tone through the phone.

"Yes ma'am, that is correct! The GEC has been the number one energy company in Sinnoh for about a year now!" Said Jupiter on a different phone line.

Cyrus shook his head in dismay....how did all of this happen in only one year of his absence?

"I....I don't understand...." Said Cyrus as he gripped on tightly to himself. "How did the company become so popular?"

"Well....I suppose Saturn was always business savvy." Replied Giratina nonchalantly. "With your little universe plan out of the way....the little guy finally found a way to succeed!"

"S-So......you're saying that he's better off without me then?" Asked Cyrus while he turned his head away and closed his eyes; unwilling to hear the truth.

"Well....he would be..." Continued Giratina hesitantly. "That is if it weren't for his rather nasty attitude."

"W-What?!?! Saturn with an attitude!?!?" Exclaimed the Galactic Boss with a scoff. "That's impossible! Saturn's sweeter than a poffin, how could he possibly-"

"I BETTER SEE WORK GETTING DONE IN HERE!!!"

Cyrus felt a lump grow in his throat at the unfamiliar booming voice. Turning his head, he saw a strange man stomping through the building towards where Jupiter and Mars were sitting.

It was Saturn....but it didn't look like him.

He was wearing a blue business suit and had his trademark hair slicked down. Not to mention the large cigar now hanging out of the side of his mouth that trailed a line of smoke behind him.

"Why hello there ladies!" Said Saturn with a wink as he slammed a hand down on the front desk, causing Jupiter and Mars to jump in their seat. "Are we working hard, or hardly working?"

Cyrus couldn't help but cough as he caught a whiff of cigar smoke; he suddenly felt nauseous. Saturn was speaking with a fake city accent...sounding as if he were from the Unova region.

"M-Master Saturn...ummm.." Mumbled Mars nervously. "I ugh....Jupiter and I actually had a question for you."

"Ahh....give me a moment." Replied Saturn as he turned around. "Coffee! Where's my coffee?!?! I asked for it ten minutes ago!"

Just when Cyrus thought things couldn't get any worse....they did. He certainly wasn't expecting the sight of Saturn's Toxicroak wearing a tie around its neck and trying to balance a large tray of coffee in its hands.

"Arceus, it took you long enough!" Scolded Saturn towards the pokèmon while he grabbed a coffee. "You need to do better as a coffee intern...now get back to work!!"

The poor Pokèmon saluted its trainer; sweating in fear as it ran back frantically to presumably make more coffee.

"Now....what is it that you wanted?" Asked Saturn who turned his attention back towards the women.

"Well umm....it's Christmas Eve sir..." Continued Mars. "So....Jupiter and I were wondering if we could have the rest of the day off to celebrate together?"

"Haha! That's a good one!" Said Saturn with a chuckle. "....But the answer is no!"

"B-But-" Started Mars in protest.

"But nothing! You have lots of work to finish tonight!" Rebuttled Saturn. "All of Sinnoh is in demand for our energy right now!"

".....It's just....we haven't had much time to spend together as a couple since you've been working us so hard." Interjected Jupiter with pleading eyes.

"Pfft.....I don't care for your romance problems!" Scoffed Saturn with an eyeroll. "Love.....the only thing it ever does is lead to disappointment and betrayal."

"I........I turned him into a monster." Mumbled Cyrus helplessly to himself.

"Well...." Said Giratina as it nudged Cyrus's side. "I think it was the LACK of you that turned him into a monster."

"Ugh!" Scoffed Mars in disgust at her new boss. "You're starting to sound exactly like HIM now!!!"

Saturn visibly tensed up and clenched his fists.

"What was that Mars?"

"You heard what I said!" Exclaimed the frustrated woman. "You've been acting like a real dickhead ever since Master Cyrus disappeared!!!"

"Don't...." Started an angered Saturn through clenched teeth. "...Ever say his name in-front of me ever again....do I make myself clear?"

"Y-Yes......sir...." Replied a dejected Mars as she slumped back in her chair.

"Don't ever forget who saved this company from ruin!" Continued Saturn with a maniacal laugh. "It's MY company now....not his! All HE ever did was abandon us during our time of need!"

"Nghh....T-This isn't right.....seeing Saturn like this.....it should be illegal!" Cried Cyrus as he visibly squirmed. "C-Can we go back now? Can you fix him......please?"

".....I'm afraid we're not done here yet." Replied Giratina nonchalantly.

The Galactic Boss was suddenly filled with the indescribable urge to save Saturn. This future felt off....a world where someone was forced to have his own mindset.....it was a punishment that Cyrus wouldn't wish on anybody.

"O-Of course sir...." Interjected Jupiter awkwardly. "So....what work do you have planned for Christmas Eve then?"

"Who me?" Asked Saturn dismissively. "Naw...i'm not working....I have a date tonight!"

"W-WHAT!!?!?" Exclaimed the two women as well as Cyrus in unison.

"B-But.....you just said we had lots of work to finish!?!?" Protested Jupiter in frustration.

"No, no....I believe I said YOU have lots of work to finish.." Corrected Saturn with a cheeky grin.

"Bastard!" Cried Mars as she stood from her seat. "And just who are YOU going on a date with anyways?"

"Eh....just some guy from the Elite Four." Replied Saturn with a shrug. "I think his name's Flint or something."

"W-What?!?!" Continued Mars. "But you just told us that love is a worthless waste of time!!"

"Oh....i'm not seeing him on the basis of love, if you know what I mean." Finished Saturn while he turned his back on the women.

At that, Cyrus felt an unfamiliar twinge in his chest. It made his eye twitch...it made the veins in his neck throb......it made him angry.

"That's it.....i'm killing this Elite Four guy and you can't stop me!!!" Huffed Cyrus while he punched his palm with his fist.

"....I will stop you..." Interjected Giratina.

"Well....can YOU kill him then?" Asked Cyrus as he eyed the pokèmon's menacing form.

"Oh....a jealous guy are we?" Asked Giratina in a teasing tone.

"N-No.....I just don't like the guy!" Rebuttled Cyrus as he crossed his arms defensively. "I mean, Saturn can do so much better!"

"Hmm....like with you?" Laughed the pokèmon in reply.

"Shutup you foul beast!" Pouted Cyrus as he turned to hide the growing blush on his face.

Saturn whistled happily as he turned and walked away from Jupiter and Mars.

"....He's doing well on his own." Noted Cyrus with keen intent. "I admit....i'm quite impressed."

"Are you now?" Asked Giratina. "Well, what if I told you things aren't always as they seem?"

Before Cyrus could reply, he found himself being teleported once more....this time, he was now standing in his former office; now belonging to Saturn.

"W-What are we-" Started a confused Cyrus.

All of a sudden, the door opened and Saturn walked into the room; closing the door behind him with a sigh.

"Ugh.....i'm hopeless..." Groaned the former commander as rested his forehead on the door.

"S-Saturn?" The Team Galactic Boss asked in concern.

Saturn turned around and slid down the door and onto the floor; the cigar falling from his mouth. He pulled his legs together towards his chest and began to sob into his hands.

"Oh Cyrus.....I...I have no idea what to do without you!" Cried Saturn with a loud sniffle. "It's all fake...i'm a phony...nothing has felt real since you left!"

Cyrus stood in stunned silence behind his old office desk. He opened one of the drawers to see one of Saturn's notebooks....it was open to a familiar page...the page with 'Cyrus + Saturn' encircled in a heart. The Team Galactic Boss placed a hand over the doodle with a sigh.

"Please Cyrus....why did you leave me?" Saturn continued to cry into his knees. "I miss you so much....I wish you were here!"

At that, Cyrus walked over to the crying man and knelt in-front of him so that they were eye-level to each-other.

"S-Saturn...I am here....please." Pleaded the Team Galactic Boss aimlessly. "I...I'm sorry...I'm so sorry I hurt you."

Cyrus's hand trembled nervously as he reached out and attempted to wipe the tears from Saturn's face....though of course, the hand just went right through him.

"....You know he can't see you, right?" Asked Giratina with an eyeroll.

"Hmm.....I wish he could." Said Cyrus with his head slumped down in defeat. "Please....take me away from here....I can't bear to hear him cry any longer."

"Very well!" Chimed Giratina excitedly. "How about we go one more year into the future?"

"W-What?!?" Protested Cyrus as he stood back up on his feet. "B-But....we're already here! Haven't I learned my lesson yet?!?"

"Nope..." Continued Giratina. "I admit we've made progress....but you haven't quite admitted to the error of your ways yet."

"Admit to what exactly?!?!" Rebuttled Cyrus in frustration.

"That's for you to find out!" Chimed Giratina a little bit too happily. "I'm so excited to see what's next....I have a feeling things are gonna get more interesting from here.

"You overgrown Weedle!!" Cried Cyrus with a pointed finger towards the pokèmon. "This is my life, not a soap-opera!"

"Eh....same thing." Replied Giratina with a shrug. "Now....off we go to the future-future!!!"

At that, Cyrus was being teleported again...this time to an unknown destination. Given the way this current future looked....he was unprepared to see how things would progress from here.

Chapter Text

Cyrus had fully been expecting to be teleported somewhere new....though what he wasn't expecting was to be back on the streets of Veilstone City; Christmas lights sparkling, and light snow falling from the sky.

"Err.....It's Chrismas Eve again?" Asked Cyrus with a scratch of his head. "I thought we were supposed to be in the future-future? Everything still looks the same here."

"Everything looks the same does it?" Questioned Giratina curiously. "...How about you take a look behind you."

The Team Galactic boss turned around reluctantly and had to adjust his eyes at what he saw. It was the Galactic Headquarters building....though it looked completely abandoned; windows were boarded up and all the lights were shut off. The darkness of the building stood as a stark contrast in comparison to the bright festive streets of the city.

"W-What happened?!?!" Asked Cyrus as he took a few steps back from the building in shock. "I....I thought they were thriving without me?"

"They were.....until a competitor company showed up and stole all their business." Continued Giratina. "They were forced to file for bankruptcy within months."

Cyrus closed his eyes and took a deep breath at the mention of his once prosperous company now in shambles.

".....What happened to Saturn?" Asked Cyrus as he bit his bottom lip nervously.

"Well....I suppose we can go on inside and find out!" Chimed Giratina as it made its way towards the building.

"W-What?!?" Uttered the Team boss as he stopped dead in his tracks. "Certainly you don't mean to say that he's still living here!?!?"

"Living? Well that's a bit of a stretch." Asked Giratina with a half-hearted chuckle. "I would say barely living....but I suppose I won't spoil anything for you."

"You overgrown Weedle!!!" Exclaimed Cyrus with a scowl. "If anything bad happened to Saturn, I swear i'm going to-"

Again, Cyrus found himself being teleported mid-sentence; this time ending up inside the Headquarters building...and it was indeed abandoned. There were no lights on, empty beer bottles were scattered across the floor, and it reeked of garbage.

"Ugh....what a dump!" Cyrus clenched his face in disgust as he kicked over a beer can in his way. "Are you sure there's someone in here? Because I won't be tolerating any more of your tricks."

"Pfft please, do I look like the type of pokèmon to lie to you?" Asked Giratina with a goofy grin.

The Galactic Boss crossed his arms with a low growl and blinked at the pokèmon in annoyance.

"O-Okay, I see you're fed-up...no more tricks this time, I promise!" Continued the pokèmon with a laugh. "So ugh....why don't you look around a bit...I have a feeling you'll find what you're searching for."

At that, Cyrus's ears pricked up at an odd rustling noise coming from across the now abandoned hallways; it was specifically coming from the kitchen area.

".....That's not who I think it is, is it?" Asked Cyrus reluctantly as he began to anxiously chew on his fingernail.

Giratina said nothing in reply as it motioned towards the end of the hallway with it's eyes.

Cyrus took that as his cue to check out the situation for himself. He took a deep breath as he rounded the corner; peering into the kitchen to see a bent over figure snooping through the refrigerator.

"....S-Saturn!?!?" Mumbled Cyrus to himself in shock.

Sure enough, the figure turned around to show that it was indeed the blue-haired commander; hair disheveled, stubble on his face, and guzzling down a beer.

"What happened to him?" Asked Cyrus in shock as Saturn crushed the empty beer can in his hand and tossed it to the floor with the others.

"Eh....he's down bad I suppose." Interjected Giratina nonchalantly. "You know, with his company gone bankrupt, and the man he loves having been presumed dead for two years now."

The Galactic Boss grit his teeth together and clenched his fists while he turned his face away from the pokèmon to conceal the red hue on his face.

"Nghhh....E-Enough!...I've heard enough!" Begged Cyrus abruptly.

At that, there were footsteps heard from the otherside of the building...and they were only growing closer; someone else was in the building with them.

"S-Saturn? Are you in here?"

The voice came from none other than Mars, who had slowly crept her way into the kitchen. The red-haired commander looked out of place for Sinnoh's cold winters, as she was dressed in a tank top and shorts fit for a beach rather than a Christmas holiday.

"Nggh.....H-Hey Mars..." Said Saturn in a slurred voice as he leaned on the refrigerator for support.

"Ugh!" Cried Mars in disgust while she snatched an unopened beer can out of the man's hands. "Getting drunk alone again!?!? I thought you said you were getting sober!?!"

"I am....I'll start tomorrow!" Protested Saturn with a burp.

"You're pathetic...you know that?" Huffed Mars with a shake of her head. "Anyways...i'm here to say goodbye...my flight to Alola leaves in an hour."

"...I still think you're crazy for booking a flight on Christmas Eve..." Mumbled Saturn in a barely audible tone.

"Well...what other choice do I have?!?! Arceus knows I can't stay here for the holidays!" Exclaimed Mars as she looked down in dejection. "....Especially after Jupiter left for Kalos."

Saturn let out a sigh and scratched the back of his head as if he were guilty of something.

"Ahh...about that....i'm sorry for breaking you two up and all." Uttered Saturn with a sheepish grin. "I guess I kinda worked you two to death, huh?"

"Hey, it's not your fault...it's water under the bridge at this point." Replied Mars with a brush of her hand.

"R-Really?" Asked Saturn in disbelief. "Because I distinctly remember you calling me a 'little bitch' when you two broke-up."

"Okay.....so maybe it is all your fault..." Replied Mars with a half-hearted chuckle.

"Ugh, I knew I was in over my head!" Cried Saturn as he slumped back against the fridge. "I lost everything I had trying to be some stuck up businessman!"

"Saturn..." Continued Mars with a reassuring hand on the man's shoulder. "You need to let the past go....you were just trying to fill in the shoes that were left behind for you."

"Ngh....even my own pokèmon won't listen to my commands anymore! They hate me more than I hate myself!"

Mars backed away with a sigh of defeat.

"I've tried to reason with you....but it seems you just won't listen." She then flashed a sympathetic smirk. "Anyways....I should get going now....don't you have plans for Christmas Eve?"

"......No."

"What about Flint? Aren't you still seeing him?"

"....He kinda left me after I lost all my money." Chuckled Saturn awkwardly. "Besides.....he was never really my type."

"Oh yes....I forgot." Interjected mars with a giggle. "You like the ones WITHOUT eyebrows."

"Yeah...Exactly!" Laughed Saturn fondly.

"....You should leave Sinnoh too y'know." Continued Mars. "There's nothing left here for us anymore..."

"I dunno....I think i'll stick around a bit longer and take care of things around here." Mumbled Saturn with little to no confidence as he surveyed the crumbling building around him.

"Saturn...." Replied Mars seriously. "He's never coming back, you know that right?"

"Y-Yeah......I know...."

"Merry Christmas Saturn."

At that, the red-haired commander gave her friend one last hug before leaving the building in a hurry....leaving poor Saturn all alone.

"S-Saturn..." Mumbled Cyrus in concern. "I know him well....he's not the type that should be left alone."

Saturn began to drunkenly ramble to himself as he stumbled out of the kitchen area; eventually struggling to make his way up a flight of stairs.

"T-Those are the stairs that lead up to the rooftop. Why would he be going up there for?" Asked Cyrus with concern.

Once again, Giratina said nothing while he stared solemnly at Cyrus. The Team Galactic Boss's face fell flat in horror as he finally put two and two together.

"Oh, he wouldn't!!!" Cried Cyrus in a panic.

He sprinted up the stairs after Saturn as fast as he possibly could, finding himself hit with a gust of cold wind and snow as he exited onto the rooftop. Much to his dismay, the blue-haired commander was sobbing to himself as he stood on the edge of the building.

"....You always said we'd reach the stars someday." Sniffled Saturn as he looked up at the night sky. "But look where we are now.....i'm sorry Cyrus....I disappointed you."

"W-What no!?!?" Protested Cyrus through his heavy breathing.

"Wherever you are....I hope you're happy." Continued Saturn with a half-hearted chuckle. "I'm sure you're better off without me anyways..."

The Galactic Boss felt a strange prickle in the back of his eyes....almost as if tears were forming. He did his best to hold them back....they would show his weakness...after all, he hasn't allowed himself to cry since childhood.

"Saturn.....please don't do this." Begged Cyrus once more.

At that, Cyrus made a run for the edge of the building to save the blue-haired commander, though he was stopped by some sort of invisible force field in his way. Sure enough, when he looked to his side...Giratina was beside him with a look of despair on its face.

"W-What?!?" Cried Cyrus as he banged his fists against the force field. "Let me save him! You miserable pokèmon! You heathen! Let me save him...I need to save him!" Continued Cyrus with more emotion in his voice that hadn't been conveyed in years.

The Galactic Boss continued to helplessly bang on the invisible shield as he cursed out Giratina....everything felt completely hopeless.

"....Merry Christmas Cyrus....wherever you are."

Saturn looked back one last time with a small smirk before disappearing off the edge of the building.

"SATURN! NOOOOO!!"

Cyrus fell down to his knees in defeat; tear drops slowly hitting the ground in-front of him.....he was crying. The foreign tears stung his face as they trailed continuously down his cheek.

"A-Alright....you win!" Said Cyrus with a sniffle as he hit the ground with his fist. "I'll admit to everything!"

"Oh?" Asked Giratina with a tilt of its head.

"I....I'm an asshole, okay!!!" Cried Cyrus with a maniacal chuckle. "I think i'm a god, but i'm no more than a mere mortal! I'm pathetic.....i'm useless!!!"

".....And?" Continued Giratina.

"And i'm no better a man than my father...heck, i'm probably worse than he ever was." Continued Cyrus as he brushed the tears from his face. "I buried my emotions in fear of becoming what he never wanted me to be."

"....You're almost there." Encouraged Giratina.

"And my friends....I treat them like shit when all they do is care about me." Admitted Cyrus with a half-hearted chuckle. "I've been the Christmas scrooge all year long I suppose.....but please, give me a second chance....send me home."

"Very well.....you've come a long way to reach this point....and in the Christmas spirit, I suppose I can forgive you just this once." Finished Giratina with a smile.

"T-Thank you.....I won't let you down!"

Suddenly, the world in-front of them started crumbling away into nothing but shadow, and Cyrus felt as if he was falling right through it. When it was all over, he found himself flickering his eyes open on his work desk where he had initially fallen asleep.....he was home at last!

"A-Arceus!!!" Cried Cyrus in shock as he jerked his head back and wiped the line of drool from his face.

He surveyed the room; his Houndoom was no longer curled up on the bed, there was a plate of cookies beside him, and a blanket wrapped over his shoulders.

He reluctantly took a bite out of one of the cookies and smiled....so it wasn't a dream after all....everything had really happened.

"Wow, the snow's really coming down out there!"

"Yeah....I hope Saturn and Houndoom are alright..."

When Cyrus came downstairs, he found Mars and Jupiter peering out the window. There was indeed a large snowstorm outside.

"A'hem!!" Interjected Cyrus to get the women's attention.

"Oh, Master Cyrus!" Exclaimed a startled Mars as she turned around in a panic. "I...I didn't see you there sir!"

"M-Mars and I weren't taking a break or anything.....I swear we're really working hard sir!" Studdered Jupiter nervously.

Cyrus rolled his eyes as he walked towards the two women to peer out the window as well.

"Hmm....that's not why i'm here..."

"Oh! If it's about your Houndoom sir, I can promise you that Saturn absolutely did NOT take him out for a walk in this snowstorm." Chimed Jupiter with an awkward grin.

"You idiot!!" Scolded Mars. "Saturn told us not to tell him!" She then covered her own mouth at the realization of her outburst. "Oh crap....I....ugh....I mean...you heard nothing sir!!!"

"Oh you two make me laugh!" Said Cyrus with a shake of his head and a chuckle. "Quite the couple you guys are indeed..."

"W-What?!?! B-But how did you-" Started Jupiter with her hands on her cheek.

"Now.....as a bit of a Christmas gift on my behalf." Continued Cyrus with a smug grin. "I hereby lift my rule when it comes to dating amongst co-workers."

"R-Really?!?! T-Thank you sir!" Uttered Mars in disbelief. "B-But.....why the change of heart?"

"Eh....I had some time to reflect I suppose." Mumbled the Team Boss with a shrug as he rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.

".......I think he's lost his mind." Whispered Mars towards Jupiter who nodded in agreement.

The front door then jiggled open as a gust of cold air entered the building. Saturn walking in with Houndoom at his side as the blue-haired commander shivered and shook the snow from his hair.

"SATURN!!!"

Cyrus's face lit up with a wide grin as he ran towards the other man without restraint.

"M-Master Cyrus! I know you're probably angry that I took Houndoom and-"

Before Saturn could finish, he found himself being picked up and spun in a circle by his boss as Cyrus engulfed him in a tight embrace.

"M-Master Cyrus? A-Are you okay?" Asked Saturn with a heavy blush on his face.

"Oh Saturn, my sweet Saturn...don't you ever leave me again." Hummed the Galactic Boss while he held the other man close.

"I....I was only gone for 15 minutes sir."

"I know....but it felt like so much longer."

Saturn looked over Cyrus's shoulder at Jupiter and Mars for some type of answer, but all they could do was shrug in confusion.

"...And Houndoom! My favourite boy!" Laughed Cyrus as he released Saturn to kneel down and pet the pokèmon at his feet.

Houndoom was reluctant at his trainer's rare sense of affection, though eventually gave in when it came to belly rubs.

"Yeah....you like that, don't you boy?" The pokèmon cried happily as it got up and started licking Cyrus's face in adoration. "Ahh, easy boy! I missed you too!"

Cyrus laughed as if he hadn't done it in years while he continued to give attention to his pokèmon....his co-workers were rather perplexed to say the least.

"Saturn.....what exactly DID you put in those cookies you gave him?" Asked Jupiter with an accusing glare towards the other commander.

"N-Nothing! I swear!!!"

Cyrus stood up and clapped his hands together happily.

"Well.....aren't we supposed to be having a party?"

"B-But...you said-" Started Mars.

"Forget what I said." Replied Cyrus with an eyeroll. "Let's party!"

Eventually, they gathered everyone together, and had music playing and food and drinks on the table. The Grunts were running rampant as they jumped around excitedly, Jupiter and Mars were playing cards with each-other, and Cyrus was awkwardly standing alone in the corner....as would be expected of him at any social event.

"Ugh.....Hi sir....."

Cyrus looked over to his side to see that Saturn was now next to him sucking down on a candy cane.

"Commander Saturn....I ummm...I must apologize for my previous actions..." Started Cyrus as looked down and kicked the ground nervously. "Hugging you without permission and all that....it was quite unprofessional on my behalf."

"N-No, don't worry about it!" Replied Saturn as he pulled the candy cane out of his mouth with a pop. "I umm...I actually appreciate the affection coming from you." He then looked off to the side shyly. "I really don't know what's come over you, but I must say that emotions suite you well sir."

"Ahh...Umm...thank you Commander Saturn." Stuttered the team boss in return. "Can I ugh......get you a drink or anything?"

"Thanks, but I think i'm okay right now." Replied Saturn as he shoved the candy cane back into his mouth.

Cyrus nodded awkwardly in reply while he started to sway awkwardly in place...he wasn't all too good with expressing his feelings yet.

"Actually Master Cyrus....I umm....I actually have a present that i've been meaning to give to you." Stuttered Saturn nervously as he tugged at his shirt sleeve.

"...Oh?" Replied Cyrus with a raise of a non-existent eyebrow.

Saturn nodded with a sheepish grin as he pulled a familiar red and white round object out from his pocket.

"....You got me a pokèball?" Asked Cyrus with visible confusion.

"No silly! It's what's IN the pokèball! Open it up!" Chimed Saturn in excitement.

Cyrus hesitantly took the pokèball from the other man's hand. It had a bright red Christmas bow on top, which was rather endearing....no one had got him a Christmas present in years. When he opened the pokèball, he was flashed by orange accompanied by blue electric sparks.

"I-It's a Rotom!" Exclaimed Cyrus in excitement at the pokèmon that was released from the ball.

The electric pokèmon let out a cry as it buzzed happily around Cyrus.

"Well hello there little guy!" Chuckled Cyrus as he reached out a hand to the pokèmon. "You're quite the machine, aren't you?"

"Y-Yeah..." Interjected Saturn awkwardly. "I know you've been doing research on Rotom lately, so I kinda took matters into my own hands to get you one."

"B-But how did you catch one?!?" Asked Cyrus as he continued to stare at the pokèmon in awe.

"....I had to make a trade for it actually." Replied Saturn a bit sadly.

"W-Wait....you gave up one of your own pokèmon for me?" Asked Cyrus in disbelief.

"Y-Yeah......Kadabra actually..."

"S-Saturn!" Exclaimed the Galactic boss in shock. "I.....I can't accept this gift! You have to trade it back! You loved that Kadabra!"

"I know.....but I.....I just think it's worth it to see you happy like this sir." Uttered Saturn shyly. "And besides....I made the trade with a child trainer at the Old Chateau, and Arceus knows i'm not going back to that creepy place again!"

"....Saturn....I..."

Cyrus was at a loss for words as he stared at Saturn in disbelief....he had never felt so many emotions at once....though he didn't mind it.....for once, it didn't feel so bad to be human.

"Thank you..." Mumbled Cyrus with a hand on his heart. "I cherish your companionship Saturn...I truly do."

"....Cyrus...." The blue-haired commander spoke as his fingers gently brushed up against the other man's...though he was quick to pull away. "I...I'm sorry...I didn't mean to do that sir."

"No...it's quite alright..."

Cyrus took the lead as he reached his hand out and interlaced his fingers with Saturn's; the commander looked as if he could faint at the action.

"....T-This....is okay?" Asked Saturn anxiously.

"Yeah....it's okay." Replied Cyrus as he gave Saturn's hand a squeeze. "It's more than okay actually."

They would have enjoyed their moment alone....that would be if Jupiter and Mars weren't eyeing them with matching smirks of mischief.

"Hey you two!" Interjected Mars with a giggle. "I think you oughta look up!"

Cyrus looked up, and immediately felt his body heat up in embarrassment at what he saw.......mistletoe.....because of course it was.

"H-Hey!" Shouted Saturn towards the two women. "That was literally not there like five minutes ago!!!"

"We had nothing to do with it!" Replied a sarcastic Jupiter with a wink. "Though I suppose there's nothing you can do about it now!"

Cyrus gulped loudly as he turned his attention back towards Saturn.

"We don't have to do it you know...after all, it's just a stupid Christmas tradition and-"

The Team Galactic boss found himself cut short by the warmth of a pair of lips pressing softly against his cheek.

"Merry Christmas Cyrus..." Said Saturn in adoration as he pulled away.

"Saturn....if you're going to do things, I believe you should do them right." Replied Cyrus while he placed a hand behind the commander's neck.

It was unusual for the Galactic Boss....but he acted on impulse over logic, and soon enough there was the unfamiliar sensation of a pair of lips pressed up against his own. As far as first kisses go...it wasn't terrible; Saturn's lips were soft and he tasted of peppermint....it was short and sweet...a moment that Cyrus would want to remember forever.

When they pulled apart, the Galactic Boss looked at Saturn with concern...the poor commander seemed to be in a lovestruck daze.

"S-Saturn....are you alright?" Asked Cyrus as he gently shook the other man by his shoulders.

"....I....I think i'm dreaming...." Giggled Saturn in reply.

"I think you broke him boss!" Interjected Mars. "He looks as if he's going to kneel over and die!"

"Well I hope he doesn't do that...because i'd like to kiss him again sometime." Chuckled Cyrus with a bashful grin.

Saturn shook his head in disbelief as he snapped himself back into reality.

"W-Wait, What?"

"Also...I should advise you to NEVER run a company on your own under ANY circumstance!" Said Cyrus in attempts to change the subject. "Because I think you're quite unqualified for it."

"Err.....okay?" Replied Saturn in confusion with a tilt of his head. "Gee sir, nobody knows romance like you!" Finished the Commander with an amused chuckle.

"H-Hey! Check it out everyone!" Interjected a female Grunt staring out the window. "The snowstorm has stopped!"

Cyrus's eyes grew wide at that information, as he looked at Saturn with a mischivous grin.

"Well....what are we waiting for!?! Let's get out there and build a snowman!!!"

"W-Wait, Master Cyrus-" Started Saturn in protest.

"Oh! And then we can have a snowball fight!" Continued Cyrus in excitement. "It can be you and me versus Jupiter and Mars....the Grunts can join in as well!!"

"Sir...." Pleaded Saturn.

"...And I guess we should also donate some money to the Veilstone Department Store pokèmon charity." Said Cyrus towards the blue-haired commander. "I bet that clerk will like you more than me!"

"Cy-"

"No time to talk! It's time to have the best Christmas ever!"

At that, Cyrus grabbed Saturn by the hand as Jupiter, Mars, and even the Grunts followed closely behind. Everyone soon found themselves outside in the cold night air; building snowmen and snowforts, creating snow angels, and hosting what could possibly be considered the largest snowball fight in Sinnoh's history.

Cyrus laughed through it all...even as he took a snowball square in the face in order to protect Saturn. Though somewhere far above the chaos...three pokèmon watched the scene play out with pride.

Maybe Christmas wasn't so bad after all.