It's a late sunny afternoon, and Valen's standing outside an enormous residence within his old neighborhood, smiling as he remembers that the whole neighborhood's finished in the Neoclassical style of architecture. Valen recalls reading that modern Angel City first sprung up during the 18th century. Valen still find it amusing how the city's got buildings years older than the region's league, which was established in 1755.

The house that Valen's starting at is full of memories, as this is his childhood home. It's where he first met Melanie seventeen years ago, when she moved to this neighborhood. This house is also where his mom's colleague, Professor Elm gave him his starter. Valen first met his Gardevoir on this property. He was eight, and she was shy Ralts that somehow ended up in the backyard. There are plenty of other memories within those walls, and within this neighborhood in general.

"I've always found it cool that I lived in a house that was first built in 1757."

Valen keenly studies the Neoclassical architecture style of his childhood home, currently focusing on the four cylinder columns in the middle. Between the columns and the front door lies the front porch, and Valen's sat in the porch's aged chairs many times.

"It's a really nice feeling to know that so many of these old structures are still around."

"Are you going to say hello, or are you going to keep talking to yourself like I can't hear you?" An older woman wearing a magenta blouse calls out to Valen from left end of the front yard. Valen snaps back into focus, because the woman calling out to him is his mother. Professor Veronica Barsotti was tending to her garden when she spotted her son.

"Sorry for not calling you ahead of time, mom."

"Don't worry about it," Valen's mother, Pokémon Professor Barsotti, beams with a gentle vibe. "Even though you live elsewhere now, this is still your house too."

Then, the family pet Boltund rushes out to greet Valen in a jovial, excited manner. The happily panting canine spotted him through the front door's arched windows.

"Hey there, boy," Valen gently speaks. He bends to pet Boltund, who affectionately licks his face. "You know, I've never been to Galar," Valen admits.

"Still?" Professor Barsotti questions, her eyebrows raised in surprise.

"Yep," Valen replies as he pets Boltund, much to the Pokémon's delight. "Or, maybe I did but forgot."

"Why don't we continue this conversation inside?" Professor Barsotti asks. Then, her cell phone rings. "I'll answer this, then I'll come inside." Professor Barsotti decides not to reveal who's calling her, as her son's a confused soul.

"Alright, I'll go in first." Valen replies, walking towards the front door with a happy Boltund by his side.

Professor Barsotti answers her cell phone. "Hi, Rosa," Professor Barsotti says through the phone's speaker. "Don't worry, I'm sure that he'll contact you eventually."

"Tee-hee, he knows he can't evade me forever!" Rosa exclaims on the other end of the line.

"He's here, so I'll have a talk with him," Professor Barsotti informs, sporting a warm smile.

"Thanks, Mrs. Barsotti," Rosa replies. "I really do miss him, but I have to remain cheerful. That's just who I am, and I also have faith in Valen."

"Thanks for trying to reach out to him," Professor Barsotti says. "You aren't the only one who wants to see him again."

"I still can't believe he thinks I'm mad at him," Rosa laments, her voice emitting a dull tone.

"I'm sorry...he's become very depressed recently."

"...I thought it was work...until recently." Rosa sighs. "I've started to feel that something's wrong."

"I'd tell you everything, but I don't want to hurt you," Professor Barsotti states.

"I understand, Mrs. Barsotti," Rosa replies. "I know that I can't wave a wand and make his issues go away, but whenever I hear and see him again, I'm going to be my usual self so he cheers up."

"Thank you," Professor Barsotti says. "How about his other friends? Calem, Serena, Gladion, any of them ask you about him?"

"Yep," Rosa affirms. "We won't give up on your son, Mrs. Barsotti."

"They told me the same thing. Thank you, all of you." Professor Barsotti's voice emits a soft tone.

As she lets Rosa talk, Professor Barsotti ponders about how son's been overlooking his happier days. Rosa could bring those back just by being present in his life again. There was also that other girl that he became close to, so close that it was on par with his relationship with Melanie.

"Rosa, do you know why Hilda hasn't called?"

"Well...it's a long story, but she doesn't hate him or anything like that," Rosa replies. "She's also busy with trying to move the BW Agency to Angel City."

"It'd be great if they reunited."

"I agree."

Inside the living room, Valen sits on a red sofa with outscrolled arms that's finished with velvet leather upholstery, whereas his mother sits on a mahogany armchair that's also finished in velvet leather upholstery.

"I see you kept the historical themes going," Valen remarks as he looks around, seeing various pieces of furniture, such the walnut table on his right and several pine cupboards within the kitchen.

"The walls are original, but they look like they're new," Valen notes, staring at the elegant walls made up of brown marble.

Valen faintly smiles at the various paintings that his mother's kept on the walls for years. Valen's favorite painting remains the one that depicts Rayquaza making its way through the clear skies above Hoenn.

The interior of Valen's childhood home looks more suited for a monarch's opulent palace than the home of an upper middle class family. In fact, this was once the home of a very wealthy family over two hundred and fifty years ago. Valen recalls his mom telling him that her family purchased and restored this house many years before he was born.

"Honey, you of all people should know that we have to keep the historical themes going, plus we have to maintain its historic value!" Professor Barsotti exclaims, sporting a broad grin.

In addition to being a renowned Pokémon researcher, Professor Barsotti's a renowned historian of architecture, interior design, and decorative arts.

"It's a weird feeling whenever I actually express myself," Valen admits with his eyes closed as Boltund happily sits next to his left leg. "As you already know, I'm not exactly comfortable with opening up to people after I was honorably discharged."

"Valen, have you actually talked to anyone, domestic or abroad, lately?" Professor Barsotti asks with her eyebrows raised. "You used to be a more sociable person, yet it doesn't seem like you've kept up with anyone."

"Well, I met up with Melanie again, and I started to wonder about the people I met abroad." Valen feels a light quiver in his stomach.

"If you ask me, I think it's time to start reconnecting with everyone that you can," Professor Barsotti advises Valen, her voice emitting a soothing tone. "Honey, people really miss you."

"I dunno...mom, is it really worth it?" Valen somberly questions. "Am I really worth that much to them?"

Boltund looks at Valen, tilting his head leftwards. The canine's perplexed—he doesn't understand why Valen's talking like this. He remembers the Valen that constantly played with both Shinx and him where they were younger.

"Honey, I don't believe that Melanie's the only person who wants to see you again," Professor Barsotti informs her son. "Sometimes, I get calls from people in other regions asking about you. A few even thought you were killed while fighting in Orre." Professor Barsotti scratches the back of her short, wavy black hair, She's bewildered over why her son let such a grim feeling occur in the first place.

"Huh, seriously?" Valen reacts, re-opening his eyes with his eyebrows raised.

"Don't worry, I cleared that false notion up when it came to my attention."

"...It really has been a while if people are thinking that, but I dunno about all of this."

"What's the hesitation, honey?"

"...I'm different than I used to be...will they actually accept that I'm not who they remember?" Valen frets. "Dad's grandpa once said that war can corrupt anybody, including the most kindhearted people. I now realize what he meant."

"We all have our strengths and weaknesses, but that doesn't mean we can't try to improve ourselves."

"That's true," Valen admits, sporting a frown. "However, do you...do you think anybody actually misses me?" Valen bows his head.

Why's he even asking this? Who's going to miss a miserable and unfun person like him? Many of those friends of his are lively, so why would they waste their time with him?

Professor Barsotti isn't one to feel down in the dumps. Instead of a frown, a wide smile plasters her face. "Honey, of course they do! Try to get back in touch with past friends. You'll be pleasantly surprised!"

"Eh, I'll think about it."

Valen bends down to pet Boltund with his right hand, having heard the canine wincing over his somber demeanor. Valen faintly smiles as Boltund happily pants.

"You definitely do need to change your views on relationships, as I'm still waiting on you to bring home another girl!" Professor Barsotti exclaims.

"She was very energetic and lively, wasn't she?" Valen reminisces with a faint smile.

"I still remember how happy your grandmother and I were when you came to our villa with a girl!" Professor Barsotti reminisces in elation. "You need to seek out that old flame again! Your mother needs a daughter-in-law before you turn thirty!"

"Of course you'd say that," Valen replies. "How's grandma and grandpa doing?"

"They're doing well," Professor Barsotti replies. "If you ever visit Redwood Town, be sure to visit them."

"Heh, will do," Valen replies, now sporting a more visible smile. "You mind naming everyone who called you to ask about me?"

"So far, I've received calls from Melanie, Rosa, Skyla, Calem, Serena, Silver, Plumeria, Gladion and Lillie."

Valen can't help but sport the faintest of amused smiles upon hearing the names Silver and Gladion. The two guys he dubbed The Brooding Duo actually tried to reach out to him. He still has doubts, but he appreciates that people are trying to look for him. Maybe overtime, he'll gain the strength he needs to overcome his issues. Then, he takes note of one specific name in particular. It takes a few seconds, but when it hits him that his mother's just mentioned Rosa, a wide-eyed Valen jerks his head back, his jaw dropping in disbelief.

"Did you just say Rosa?!"

Professor Barsotti raises her eyebrows again, noting, "That name seems to have caught you off guard."

"Both Melanie and you have received calls from Rosa...I can't believe this," Valen comments, closing his eyes to hide how watery they've rapidly become. "Rosa...I vanished from her life...I don't get it." Boltund looks at Valen, wondering why his mood's suddenly changed. "Mom, doesn't she hate-"

"Valen, don't speak such nonsense," Professor Barsotti chastises as she narrows her eyebrows downwards, forming a forehead crease.

"...So, how's Rosa doing?" Valen asks, feeling a fluttery feeling in his stomach. "Is she still the same?"

"She's doing fine, and she definitely hasn't changed one bit." Professor Barsotti replies, sporting a soft smile.

"Rosa, you aren't mad at me at all?" Valen feels a sinking feeling in his stomach, bowing his head downwards. He lets out a heavy sigh, unsure what to do.

"Hopefully, your outlook on life changes to what it used to be. If anyone can help you with that, it's Rosa," Professor Barsotti states.

Valen jerks his head back again, realizing that his mother is probably correct about Rosa. However, Valen's as skeptical about reaching out to Rosa, or anybody else, as some of his mom's fellow researchers are of the existence of Celebi.

Since it's his mother, Valen decides to relents. "Alright, I'll think about reaching out...to Rosa first." He faintly smiles when he hears Boltund barking in encouragement.

Professor Barsotti nods, sporting a gentle smile on her face. She knows Valen's lost and confused, so she won't push him.

Melanie's asked Arthur to come with to the park where she met up with Valen again. They've been getting to know each other a bit more, which pleases both of them.

As Melanie allows Arthur to study his surroundings, she thinks about some of what she's learned about him. Melanie was surprised to learn that due to his personal beliefs, he's only entered the Galar Conference once. He came in 3rd.

"This is a rather lovely looking park," Arthur notes, looking around the park that Valen and Melanie hung out in many years ago. "It has a quaint feeling to it, and it is quite pleasant." As his brown, Victorian style suit jacket ripples in the slight breeze, Arthur notes that there aren't a whole lot of people around.

"We both grew up in this neighborhood." Melanie observes that there are less people within the park today. Melanie's sweating a little, having noticed that a few people do recognize her. Fortunately, the trainers in this neighborhood are usually pretty chill, and won't storm in and demand a battle.

"Speaking of which, where is Valen?" Arthur asks, raising his eyebrows.

"The dunce vanished without telling me where he was going." Melanie exasperates with her hands on her hips, her blue jacket rippling in the slight breeze. "All he texted was that he needed a little bit of time to ponder about his past connections."

"I see," Arthur replies. "Well, I guess it cannot be helped."

Arthur thinks about what he's learned about Melanie. He admires the fact that she's a writer, plus she likes the works of famous Galarian authors like Connor Dickens and William Stratford.

"However, if he's considering what I think he might be considering, then let's leave him be," Melanie says, hoping that he's finally going to reach out to Rosa.

"What did you bring me here for?"

"So you can take me up on that offer."

"Is that so?" Arthur piques up. "That must mean you wish to battle."

"Yep," Melanie states as she takes out a Poké Ball and holds it out in front of her. "I want you to show me what got him excited."

"Very well," Arthur replies. "I shall accept your challenge."

"Valen says I'm strong for a reason, so you better watch out!" Melanie boasts.

Melanie and Arthur stand on opposite ends of a lush, grassy field. Melanie has sent out her Dragonite. Arthur has sent out his Duraludon. Since Melanie's a notable trainer, a small crowd of people have gathered to watch this battle.

"Dragon Claw," Arthur commands. Both of Duraludon's hands glows light blue and he charges at Dragonite.

"Counter with your Dragon Claw!"

Both of Dragonite's hands glows light green and he slightly lifts himself off the ground as he charges at Duraludon.

Both Pokémon slam their glowing claws into each other, with neither giving an inch as they glare at each other with their competitive fighting spirits.

Both Pokemon fall back, then charge at each other again. Dragonite and Duraludon slam their claws into each other, bobbing and weaving when one takes advantage of a potential opening. Eventually, both dragons land a blow, causing them to stagger backwards.

Arthur sees this as another opportunity, commanding, "Stone Edge!"

Duraludon roars as he slams both of his hands onto the ground. Then, several giant pillars of rock sprout upwards, emitting a white glow. The rock pillars crash into Dragonite, causing the light orange, bipedal dragon to yelp. Dragonite nearly loses balance, but he manages to remain in-flight as the rock pillars dissipate.

"Use Brick Break!" Dragonite charges at Duraludon, his right hand glowing bluish white.

Dragonite aims his hand sideways, striking Duraludon in the center of his body. "Dragon Pulse!" Dragonite opens his mouth and a white ball of energy forms in front of it.

Duraludon's staggering from Brick Break, but neither trainer nor Pokemon are throwing in the towel. "Use Dragon Pulse as well," Arthur commands. Duraludon regains his composure and opens his mouth. A gunmetal gray ball of energy forms in front of his mouth.

Both Dragon-type Pokémon launch their Dragon Pulse attacks at the same time, with both spheres turning into dragon-shaped beams. Then, Dragonite's beam morphs into a giant, white, dragon that's got wings, talons, a tail, and spikes on the shoulders. His Duraludon's beam transforms into a giant, gunmetal gray dragon with glowing red eyes, wings, talons, and a tail. Melanie notes that this dragon formation's got a robotic feel to it.

A shrieking gust of wing blows as both dragon formations collide into each other, causing a detonation that results in a ton of smoke enveloping the area. As the smoke clears, Melanie and Arthur look at each other with expressions of enjoyment on their faces, while their respective Pokémon signal respect for each other by letting out cries.

"You aren't bad," Melanie compliments. "I can see why Valen had fun in his battle with you."

"Your compliment is much appreciated," Arthur replies. "However, I shall not suffer a defeat a second time!"

"Sorry, but I'm afraid you will be defeated a second time!" Melanie counters. "Use Flamethrower!" Dragonite opens his mouth and unleashes a red-orange stream of fire. Duraludon's struck on the right side of his face. Then, Duraludon's entire body becomes enveloped in flames, taking additional damage."

"That's not good," Arthur murmurs.

"There's no stopping now!" Melanie shouts. "Aerial Ace!"

Dragonite's body is enveloped by a white outline, and he flies towards Duraludon. Dragonite flies so rapidly that he becomes a blur, striking Duraludon in the face within milliseconds. Duraludon slightly stumbles, but he quickly regains his composure.

"Use Flash Cannon." Small orbs of energy begin to form and merge in front of metallic dragon's mouth.

Melanie's mouth curves into a confident grin, commanding, "Counter with Earthquake!"

Dragonite slams his tail into the ground as hard as possible, sending a flurry of white shockwaves towards Duraludon. Before he can launch Flash Cannon, Duraludon wobbles as he attempts to endure the super-effective attack, shutting his eyes during the process.

"Oh come on!" Arthur bemoans.

"I show no mercy, just like Valen!" Melanie boasts, placing her hands on her hips as she lets out a cocky chuckle. "Earthquake again!"

Dragonite slams his tail on the ground for a second time, sending another flurry of white shockwaves towards a still reeling Duraludon. The combination of back-to-back Earthquakes and burn damage proves too much for Duraludon. As he stumbles backwards, Duraludon lets out a soft roar to congratulate his opponent. Then, the Steel and Dragon-type falls to the ground in defeat.

"Nice job, Dragonite!" Melanie exclaims, running over to her Pokémon. Melanie and Dragonite exchange a hi-five, both grinning.

"You've got to be bloody kidding me!" Arthur exclaims in disbelief as he recalls Duraludon. "How could I have lost again?!"

"I warned you that I was strong!" Melanie teases as she recalls Dragonite. "Maybe Valen was right and I am stronger than him!" Melanie silently laughs at herself, as Valen's likely stronger than her nowadays.

She remembers Valen's trips to other regions. In some of those trips, he faced off against some very powerful trainers. He only won one of those battles, but he made all of the others work for their victory.

"Good thing mum and dad are not here to see this, otherwise I would be reminded of that instructor I once had," Arthur remarks. "I was stronger than that muppet, for crying out loud!"

"That's why you're here, though," Melanie reminds Arthur. "I'm guessing you want to get away from such a lifestyle."

Arthur calms down, clearing his throat. "You are quite right, but what about Valen?" Arthur asks. "What does he want?"

"Honestly, I have no idea," Melanie admits, letting out a deep sigh. "I just hope his old self hasn't gone dormant forever."

I see." Arthur isn't sure what else to say. He just met Valen and Melanie, but he can feel her anguish over her friend's chance. It leaves him wondering what the old Valen was like outside of battles.

"Actually, I think I'll have to take that back," Melanie says, snapping Arthur back into focus. "Valen's far more powerful than he's presenting him to be. You'll see what I mean one day."

"I look forward to it." Arthur smiles.

Valen lies on his old room's bed as he stares at his cell phone in silence, pondering on the advice that his mom gave him.

Valen lets out a shallow sigh. stating, "Things have changed for me in a big way."

Valen glances right to an empty ebony bookshelf. All of the items that were in this ebony bookshelf are now in Valen's current residence.

Valen stares at his cell phone again. He recalls that no matter what, Rosa's presence brightened his mood. Maybe he really does need her around, but what if things don't work out?

"Reconnecting sounds like a pain." Valen sighs. "I think that-"

Valen's interrupted when his Gengar materializes from the wall right of him.

"When did you get out of your Poké Ball?"

The grinning, red-eyes ghost points to Valen's cell phone with his right hand.

Then, Valen notices his Gardevoir, standing next to his open door. Gardevoir she nods in approval with an affectionate smile on her face.

Gardevoir's joined by Luxray and Typhlosion. Luxray nods in approval with a sterner expression on his face, whereas Typhlosion lets out a gentle cry to show her approval.

"That's four, so where are-" Valen's interrupted by a low toned roar from his Salamence. Gardevoir and Luxray move to their right to show that Salamence and Golisopod are here as well.

"...It's that important to all of you?"

Salamence smirks and Golisopod cackles over Valen's question.

"...Alright, since you're all family, I'll give a try if it makes all of you happy," Valen says, closing his eyes while sporting a faint smile. "I'm still not sure how I'll proceed from here on out, but let's do this."

Valen dials a number on his cell phone. "Hopefully, she doesn't hate me nor is too mad at me." The phone rings once, as it's immediately picked up. "It's your boy, Valen."

"V-Val...Valen?!" Rosa gasps. "Is it...is it really you?!"

"Sup, Rosa?" Valen smiles. "I know I haven't kept in touch, and I'm sorry about that, but here I am."

"It's you...it's really you...you're back," Rosa says, her voice cracking with emotion. "I'm...I'm so glad...I really missed you...never lost hope."

Valen raises his eyebrows upwards, having heard Rosa's crying as it grows louder and louder. "Hey, are you okay?"

"Y-Yeah, I'll be fine...thanks," Rosa replies, pulling herself together. Then, she startles Valen by letting out an elated scream. "You finally showed yourself, mister!"

"Wait a minute, you seriously aren't mad at me?" Valen questions, his mouth gaping open in astonishment. "I left you out to dry, so why are you-"

"Are you kidding me?! How can I be mad at you of all people?!" Rosa joyfully shouts. "Hearing your voice again just made my day, or maybe even my week! Tee-hee, maybe even my month!"

Valen's Pokemon look concerned as they watch Valen shed tears. However, they smile when they see their trainer sporting a smile of his own.

"Yaaaaay, Valey's back! Yay! Yay! Yaaaaay, Valey's returned! Yay! Yay! Yay! Everybody, jump and shout yay!" Rosa cheers, her jumping being loud enough for Valen to hear it.

Valen faintly laughs, remembering how much he loves her liveliness. "I've met up with Melanie again, so I've been pondering about reconnecting with more old friends," he explains. "You happen to be the first one."

"Tee-hee, you're a smart boooy! Rosa's always super fun to be around!"

"Why not come over to this region again at some point?" Valen asks. "If I recall, you didn't thoroughly explore here in your previous visits."

"Oooooh, I'd loooove to!" Rosa exclaims. "You know I loooove to battle, and I want to have battles with all sorts of trainers! More importantly, there's a certain special someone that I've got to see in person again!"

"Still full of energy," Valen notes, now sporting a wide grin. "However, you better watch yourself—we still don't mess around in Calvana."

"Ooooh, I must come to your home region again! After all, I'm Battle Queen Rosa! I need to become famous in your home region!" Rosa proclaims. "We super duper ultra really need to catch up in person too!"

"I agree," Valen replies. "Hit me up whenever you decide to come here again."

"I'm gonna take you up on that offer, soooo you better not vanish again, big boooy."

"I can't make that promise, so you'll just have to find me," Valen teases. "If you can find me, that is."

"You think you can evade me forever?!" Rosa exclaims in hysterics. "We both know who's going to win in the end!"

"You're a Normal-type and I'm a Fighting-type," Valen proudly replies. "There's no way you'll defeat me."

"Oh, we'll see about that," Rosa retorts with a faint giggle. "You can't evade the queen."

"Don't test your luck," Valen teases.

"Oh noooo, I'm soooo scared!" Rosa laughs.

Gengar joins the other five Pokémon, all of whom look very pleased and joyful that their trainer might be starting to open up more. After all, it's rare for their trainer to show genuine happiness these days beyond brief moments. However, they're also very amused at how oblivious their trainer's become, as he doesn't pick up on Rosa's attempt at flirting with him. Either that, or he's just faking it. He is teasing her back, after all. Also, these Pokémon remember that their trainer loved to prank people.

Rosa was the first canon character I decided to include. Her character's based off of Rosa from Masters.

I'm an avid nonfiction reader, or as least I try to be. I also have an interest in architecture, so I figured I'd use real world architecture/artistic/design styles for worldbuilding.

Mahogany and walnut are a type of wood.