Valerie took in a deep breath, then released it again with a wide grin on her face. It'd taken quite a bit of travelling, so much so that the sun was beginning to set, but she was here at last, even if only for a dreadfully short week; Ecruteak City. Home.

Collecting up her rather extensive group of suitcases, she entered the city and stared up at the Bell Tower, which cast a long dark shadow over the city as the sun set behind it. Whether just from the magnificent sight or from some sort of nostalgia from not having seen said sight in a year at most, Valerie couldn't help but feel breathless.

"Some things never truly change. Yet some things still manage to amaze," she murmured, to no-one in particular. She then giggled and broke into a run as she continued to her parents' home, throwing in a twirl as she ran.

That night, after having left her bags in her old room and settling down for some hours to tell her parents about the Kalos region and everything that had happened to her since she'd last seen them, the woman was out in the streets, admiring everything about the city that she'd missed. Even things she didn't think she would, like the Burned Tower, being a sign of an incredibly depressing moment in the city's history. Valerie couldn't help but smile as she saw a small group of trainers hanging around the Pokémon Center, and from what she could hear of their conversation, they'd been beaten pretty badly that day by the gym leader.

"I still say we should get an Eevee and evolve it into an Umbreon," one boy said, with his friend huffing, "But where do we get an Eevee in the first place, genius? They're rare, dude! And besides, I still say we get an Espeon if we do find one."

"How would that help? It's a Ghost gym!" The gym leader giggled as their argument grew louder, catching the attention of others walking on the street. She sped on past the Center, trying not to get caught staring. As she turned the corner by the building, she gasped, catching sight of a building she hadn't seen in years; the Dance Theatre.

"Oh my," she breathed, clasping her hands in excitement as she took in the building; it'd been touched up since she'd last seen it. New roof tiles and a touch of paint. Then she couldn't help but squeal with glee and bounce with joy as she saw people entering.

"Is there a show on? Ooh, I have to see it! It's been so long!" Running forward and digging out her purse as she did so, she joined the queue of people - though small yet controlled crowd would've sufficed as a better description.

"One please," she requested to the ticket salesman, trying to remain calm and be mature despite her true feelings. Once handed her ticket though, she did let out a small squeak, earning her an odd look from the salesman. Finding her spot in the audience, she told herself to calm down and act her age, especially seeing as how the show was still to actually start. Valerie looked around the hall; it too had been fixed up like the exterior, from what she could remember from faded memories of coming to see the Kimono Girls as a young child. A man sat next to her, however she was too absorbed in the curtains of the stage; she could've sworn the Dratini embroidered onto them were done in a plain red thread in her youth. Now, a shimmering gold shone back at her.

"Wow," she whispered, captivated by even the tiniest details within the curtains. The man next to her chuckled.

"You seem excited," he said, catching Valerie's attention. Her head swung round to look at him. He seemed familiar, with his blond hair and that purple scarf. Not in the sense that they'd actually met, but more in that she'd seen him before, of that she was sure. Smiling nervously, she lifted her hand and began to twirl a strand of hair around a single slender finger.

"I am. It's been years since I've seen the Kimono Girls dancing, especially so since this is my first time home in a year," she said, laughing quietly. The man's eyebrow rose, intrigued. He leaned forward slightly and asked, "And where were you for a year, if you don't mind me asking." Valerie, though confused at the man's curiosity, smiled and nodded.

"I don't mind. I've been living in the Kalos region actually. For a good few years now. I come home to visit my parents every so often, but this year's been pretty busy, especially for the League. Lots of trainers and such." The eyebrow arched again, and he said, "You're a gym leader?" Valerie nodded again.

"Yes. That's a long story all on its own, but I am a gym leader," she said smiling. To her surprise, the man burst out laughing, though he kept it as quiet as he could considering the location.

"What a coincidence," he laughed. Holding out a hand, he said, "I'm Morty, also a gym leader. Of this city in fact." Valerie blinked, realisation spreading on her face.

"Ah! I was wondering how I recognised you," she said, laughing herself. Taking his hand, she added, "It's a pleasure to meet you then. And I do mean it." Grinning, Morty said, "Likewise. And if you don't mind me asking another question, would you happen to be the elusive Fairy-type gym leader?"

"I...I am. But how did you...?" Valerie trailed off, surprised that he knew that. Chuckling, the blond said, smiling sheepishly, "Whitney won't stop going on about you, as well as the new type they discovered. She hasn't been to the Kalos region - yet, though she's booked a plane and is currently arguing with the League about giving her a holiday. Maybe even as we speak, knowing her - but she is fascinated by the place. Hate to point this out considering this is our first meeting, but I can't help but feel as though I already know so much about you." This last sentence came out with a touch of sarcasm lacing the words, making Valerie laugh.

"I'm afraid I can't return the sentiments." Just then, the lights dimmed down, signalling the beginning of the show. Valerie gasped, eyes shinning as the stage was illuminated by overhead spotlights and the curtains began to part. Morty smiled, amused by the woman's actions. He leaned back in his seat, but not before muttering to Valerie, "I'll shut up now, let you watch the show. But I wouldn't mind asking later if its as you remember it." The woman could only cast him a quick glance before her attention was completely taken by the stage as the first Kimono dancer stepped on, attire sparkling under the glow of the lights.

A new drabble omgee.

I'm getting good at this 'Writing then posting and not leaving people waiting for too long' thing. Cause normally, I'm not very good at it, shock horror.

But hey, I'm still on a massive Pokémon high, and I absolutely adore the Kalos gym leaders, so why not write about them. And why not try and do a good job.

I'm still working on that one request. I'm sorry to say its taking a while due to minor Writer's Block, but I got a good chunk of it down today. I say a good chunk, cause it is a drabble and drabbles aren't ever meant to be massive.

I hope you guys enjoyed this drabble. Figured I'd write one about Valerie, cause I like her, and it's nice to expand on any little backgrounds or headcanons you've got about characters.

Thank you for reading, do drop a review if you'd like. Suggestions are nice too, as well as faves and follows.

I shall see you all next time!

Angel-chan x