Kindred Souls
-Instead of Cynthia, the other Champion of Sinnoh goes to Unova's town of rippling waves.
AN: So I began writing this because I love this crack ship, but I can't find a story for it. Somehow I doubt there's going to be very much romance in here. Yeah. Cover image credit: doodleblah on Tumblr.
Songs: 'Days and Moons' by Elsa Kopf. 'Holiday' by Green Day.
"You need a vacation."
Hilbert, toying with his Samurott's Poké ball, didn't look up. "I've been at this job for three months," he replied mildly. Spin. Wobble. Grab. Rinse and repeat. "Am I really that bad at it that you want me out already?"
It wasn't a lie.
Marshal gave a snort. "The problem isn't how many challengers you manage to beat off when we let them by, kid, you're overworking yourself. For Re - Cobalion's sake, have you looked at yourself in the mirror lately?"
Hilbert ignored the near-slip of Marshal's tongue, because it was not uncommon for people to sensor themselves around him. Not anymore.
Besides, Marshal was one of the few people he could stand to be around. The man had no guile or falsities – he wasn't made for that. He was direct, straightforward, and Hilbert appreciated that very much.
"Do I look cool?" he asked instead. The worn sphere spun on the smooth, polished wood of his desk, and the white underside began flipping. He readjusted it before spinning it again. "I always thought I'd look cool with a five o'clock shadow and bags under my eyes. Kind of like this mysterious champion look, y'know?"
"Kid, you look like a druggie."
He shrugged. Truth. At least this one didn't hurt.
"Seriously," Marshal said, and pulled a chair out so he could sit in front of the desk. Hilbert imagined an unruly student meeting with a hippie teacher and tried not to laugh. He failed.
The fighting-type expert ignored his sudden, unexplained snickers. "It's July," he said. "Go and enjoy life. Be a kid."
A kid, huh? Hilbert shrugged him off, and then, to make him leave, began asking the most boring and mind-numbing questions he could on the different sections of paperwork.
Marshal knew he was getting played, but left nonetheless.