Prompt #9: Someone has to break up a fight...


Sidney decided this was the first and last time he ever wanted to see a Garchomp with a confused expression on its face. But that's precisely what he saw when he walked into the practice arena. Cynthia's Garchomp and Glacia's Walrein sat on the battlefield side by side in bewildered silence as they watched the real combatants duke it out.

Both women had left their respective trainer's boxes and marched across to meet at the center of the field. Mere inches from one another, they yelled and gestured about something that left Sidney as baffled as their two pokemon.

"We should probably try to break that up," said Phoebe as she sidled up beside Sidney, eyes glued on the warring trainers.

"You couldn't pay me enough to stick my neck out there..."

Phoebe winced as a particularly nasty tone cut through the air.

"I don't think Cynthia's visit is off to a great start."

Sidney shook his head in agreement, "No one told me that a Sinnohan temper would put even my attitude to shame."

"What's this about a Sinnohan temper?"

The two Elites turned to find Steven standing behind them, looking on curiously.

"Oh, uh, it's nothing, really." Sidney tried to play it smooth, but Steven had already peered past the duo and spotted his Champion counterpart.

"Cynthia's here? Why didn't you say so earlier. I'll have to kindly ask Glacia to stop harassing our guest."

And with that, Steven casually strolled down to the arena floor and began to approach the two women.

Sidney gave Phoebe a worried glance and she returned the gesture, unable to figure out if Steven was foolish, brave, or equal parts of both.

It didn't take long for them to find out, as the shouting match intensified for a brief moment before quieting down, and after only a short while longer Steven returned to join the Elites looking frazzled, yet relieved. Sidney glanced down at the battlefield over Steven's shoulder and gaped when he saw the enraged trainers had already calmed down and were having a civil conversation.

"But, how?"

Steven merely smiled as he straightened his lapels. "Let's just say I had a bit of diplomatic help."

Phoebe blinked in stunned surprise; she had never expected someone as quiet as the Hoenn Champion to be able to quell the hot-tempered trainers. But as Steven walked past the two stunned Elites, she saw exactly where his help had come from. Trailing behind the Champion was his Carbink, happily bobbing in his wake.

"Wait a minute..."

Steven paused for a moment and glanced over his shoulder with a sly smile, "Did you know that Confide works when used outside of battle too?" Carbink gave a happy squeal as it circled around Steven's feet. "This little one is quite a good listener."

Phoebe just stared at Steven in utter surprise, while Sidney's jaw hit the floor.

"Oh, and we'll be hosting Cynthia for a welcome dinner tonight at seven. Don't be late!" And with a wave, Steven slipped out the door.

Sidney leaned over to tap on Phoebe's shoulder, startling her from their stunned silence.

"Remind me to borrow that TM from Steven for the next time Glacia wants to kill me."

Phoebe simply nodded, but made a mental note to do the same.