It's early evening, and Valen's strolling down a concrete sidewalk He's his way to the Liniya Corporation's privately owned battle arena, located close to the company's main headquarters in downtown. In fact, one can see the towering skyscrapers, including the company's headquarters.

Valen arrives at the arena, noting that the area isn't too busy. There's a considerable amount of road and foot traffic, but it's nothing like nearby downtown. In fact, that's more than usual amount of foot traffic in this area. Among the foot traffic are various Pokémon, such as a Rowlet, a Chikorita, a Chimchar, a Luxio, and an Elekid. Valen smirks as the Luxio begs its trainer for a belly rub. That's what his Luxray used to do as a baby Shinx. However, Luxray doesn't want other people to find out about that. Luxray doesn't want anyone finding about his baby pictures as well.

Interestingly, there's a female Pyroar, a Scyther and a Sneasel among the people and other Pokémon as well. He also notes that several Hoothoot and Noctowl perched on nearby trees, their hooting echoing throughout the area.

Valen turns his attention towards the buildings, recalling that this area of Angel City was first constructed in the early 20th century. The arena's surrounded by mid-rise buildings finished in the Art Deco and Modernist styles of architecture. He notes how a number of the buildings are in different variants of blue, while others have glass-brick walls. As he strolls closer to the arena, he notes that the gate's been built in a a 19th century style, keenly eyeing the ornate patterns in the center. Then, he fixates his gaze at the extravagantly finished spires on the top of the gate. Victorian architecture's always been one of Valen's favorite art styles, along with Neoclassical, Art Deco Modernist, and others.

"History, the arts, and design will always be my thing," Valen murmurs, faintly smiling. "I've even got family working at the Das Bauhaus, which is badass."

Valen recalls how Rosa would call every old building that she saw "old and cool." He found that to be absolutely adorable. He's glad that he decided to reach out to her. Hopefully, he can reach to other friends.

Then, Valen frowns. He recalls that he's kept details about the war a secret from her. Including the fact that he got wounded.

Valen snaps back into focus he spots Dimitri standing next to the gate. "Let's see what he wants." He saunters step by step, feeling a quiver within him.

Dimitri turns his body to face Valen. "Ah, you're here." His face sports a stern expression. "I'm glad that he showed up. I need to confirm something."

"Sup?" Valen asks. "You wanted to see me, so here I am."

Dimitri nods. "Valen, would you mind having a battle with me?" He asks, holding a Poké Ball in his right hand. "I apologize for this sudden and unusual request."

Valen's unsure what to make of this request. Not once has Dimitri requested a Pokémon battle with him. He's well aware that a prevalent rumor in the region is that Dimitri is actually stronger than the region's champion, but because Dimitri doesn't battles publicly, this rumor has yet to be put to the test. Another rumor he's heard is that Dimitri's got a legendary. Will he have to face that legendary?

Valen glances away, faintly sighing. "This request feels pointless." He frets. "This is a battle that I've got zero chance of winning."

Valen snaps back into focus when he hears Dimitri unlocking the gate. The gate's door opens into two, causing a loud creaking noise to echo. Dimitri enters the arena, this position at one end of the arena. Valent takes a few steps towards the, then halts. He takes several deep breaths to relax.

"...Alright, but you'll have to tell me why afterwards," Valen states, sauntering into the arena. He closes the gates, which cause a bang as both sides return to being one. He walks to the opposite end of the arena. Then, Valen turns around to face Dimitri, taking out a Poké Ball from inside his black leather jacket.

"Very well," Dimitri replies, sporting a stern expression. "I shall tell you why after the battle, regardless of the outcome."

"Typhlosion, you're up," Valen states as he presses the button on the Poké Ball to let his Pokémon out.

Typhlosion appears with no flames on her back and her eyes closed, but the flames on her back shoot upwards. The ferocious Fire-type Pokémon opens her eyes, bearing her fangs. She gives off a menacing care, one that could pierce the courage of anyone who wasn't strong.

"His starter Pokémon," Dimitri muses.

"Let's get this battle underway," Valen tells Dimitri, while Typhlosion lets out a belligerent roar that's akin to an erupting volcano.

"I shall use my Haxorus," Dimitri states as he presses the button on his Poké Ball to let his Pokémon out.

Haxorus lets out a mighty roar, glaring with fierce determination. Haxorus and Typhlosion stare each other down, both ready to fight.

"Alright, let us see how much stronger you have become."

"With pleasure," Valen replies, noting that Typhlosion's extremely eager to charge into battle. "Use Flamethrower."

With an self-confident, taunting grin, Typhlosion launches a red-orange stream of fire from her mouth at Haxorus. Haxorus is hit by Typhlosion's Flamethrower attack, but is undeterred and is more than ready to strike back.

"Use Fire Punch," Valen commands. Typhlosion's left hand is surrounded by flames, and Typhlosion charges at Haxorus.

This time, Dimitri won't let the attack hit, smirking as he readies to command a counterattack. "Use Earthquake," Dimitri commands.

Typhlosion attempts to strike Haxorus with her Fire Punch attack, but Haxorus jumps and the attack misses its mark.

Then, Haxorus lands back down and a wave of white shockwaves, powerful enough to make the battle arena slightly shake, is sent towards Typhlosion, who is having trouble maintaining her balance thanks to the shaking.

The white shockwaves hit Typhlosion, and are strong enough to send her falling to the ground, but Typhlosion refuses to be defeated so easy, standing up and letting out another belligerent roar. Despite this show of strength, Typhlosion's still reeling from the attack it just took.

"This battle really does feel one-sided to me," Valen thinks as he keenly studies both his Typhlosion and Dimitri's Haxorus. "I'd give him a hard time, but why put us in that situation? Things have changed."

"Use Dragon Claw," Dimitri commands.

As Typhlosion's reels from the Earthquake attack, both Haxorus's claws glow light green. Haxorus lunges at Typhlosion, slashing the Fire-type Pokémon in the face.

Typhlosion staggers backwards, slightly kneeling. This is a tough opponent, but she's got to keep on fighting. She needs to try to ensure that her trainer doesn't give up.

"Use Flamethrower." Typhlosion's able to pull herself together, and she launches a red-orange stream of fire.

As Haxorus falls back, Flamethrower strikes him in the face. As he staggers backwards, the dragon's engulfed by flames, taking additional damage from the infliction caused by Flamethrower.

"Use Fire Punch," Valen commands,

Typhlosion notes that his tone's gotten dull. Nevertheless, she charges at Haxorus, her right hand enveloped by flames. She lands a right hook to Haxorus' face, sending the dragon stumbling sideways. Haxorus falls to the ground, but is able to get back up. Haxorus lets out a booming roar, causing Typhlosion to respond with another belligerent roar.

"...Use Flamethrower."

A sense of dread overcomes Typhlosion, but she complies. She fires off a red-orange stream of fire at Haxorus, striking him in the face. He pulls himself together, but his mouth falls open seconds later. He senses that something's very wrong with his opponent's trainer.

"...It doesn't matter," Valen states, letting out a heavy sigh. "I forfeit."

Typhlosion's eyes widen, realizing that her fear's come true. She's failed to prevent this.

"I don't see any point in continuing this Pokémon battle." Valen frets. "I'm sorry, Typhlosion."

Typhlosion's visibly disappointed by her trainer's decision, as evident by her frown. She wants the trainer that she met as a Cyndaquil to come back. Sadly, she doesn't know what to do about it.

"Are you sure about this?" Dimitri asks, cocking a brow.

"I'm sure, as your skills as a Pokémon trainer is too high of a mountain for me to climb," Valen replies as he tends to Typhlosion, whose flames have disappeared.

The Fire-type Pokémon slightly frowns and doesn't make eye contact with her trainer. She's not mad at him, but she's saddened by her trainer's self-esteem issues. Even if this battle was one she'd lose, she wanted to give it her all. She wanted her trainer to be proud of her. She wants the trainer who never backed down to return.

Valen feels ashamed of himself—he let his Typhlosion down. "...Hey, it's okay," Valen gently tells Typhlosion as he pets her head, trying to ignore his sense of regret. "I'm still proud of you. We'll just have to get even stronger, won't we?"

Typhlosion nods, closing her eyes as she sports a grin. Valen lets out a deep breath, relieved that the prideful Fire-type Pokémon doesn't hold this against him.

"That's my girl," Valen compliments his Typhlosion with a warm smile, petting her as she gently roars.

"I'll make sure that the next battle you fight in will be one that we win," Valen promises, Typhlosion affectionately licking his face in response. Typhlosion wishes that Valen would stop degrading himself, but that's not going to stop her from loving her trainer.

"Is everything okay?" Dimitri asks as he recalls his Haxorus. Dimitri re-attaches the ball onto his brown belt.

"She'll be okay," Valen replies. "She's always okay in the end."

"He's not okay, though," Dimitri muses. "Just as I suspected. It's not just his people skills that are weak."

Valen and Typhlosion exchange tender smiles. Then, he recalls her back into her ball. Valen places the ball back inside his black leather jacket.

"So, why the battle request?" Valen piques up. "This isn't like you, not to mention there are way stronger opponents than me that would give you a bigger challenge."

"I requested a battle with you to test you," Dimitri explains. "I apologize for the trouble that I have caused you and your Typhlosion."

"...Test me?" Valen asks.

"Valen, you must keep in mind that strength is not the only thing that matters in this world," Dimitri advises. "You are strong as a trainer, but you're self-esteem and socializing skills are weak.

Valen's eyes slightly widen "Dimitri-"

"You also need to start to re-consider your views on friendship."

Valen calms down. "I still see reconnecting with my past friends as risky," he counters. "However, there's one person who's an exception to this rule. I've been in frequent contact with her recently."

"Oh? What is her name?" Dimitri asks, surprised that Valen's actually done something positive in relation to his social life for a second time.

"Her name's Rosa, and she's from Unova."

"Rosa Whitley?"

"Yep."

"I hope you get to see her in person again." Dimitri faintly smiles. "I'm surprised that he's okay with being around Rosa Whitley."

"Me too," Valen admits. "She's like a celebrity in Unova, plus she's got some fame abroad."

"No surprises why she's coming here," Dimitri muses. "If she can become as famous here as she's in Unova, it'll be a boon for her."

"Of course, there's more to the story, but I'll save that for another time." Valen faintly smirks.

"...This gives me an idea," Dmitri taps his chin. "I've considered this for sometime."

"What's up?" Valen blinks.

"Many trainers from all over come here to begin with, so perhaps I could help them live abroad in Calvana," Dimitri explains. "I want to put more time and effort into the company's Tourism & Entertainment Department."

As Valen thinks about all of this, Dimitri ponders about why it took so long to make this decision. Tourism's big industry in Calvana, having played a big role in making Angel City the thriving metropolis it's currently today. Entertainment's also a big industry. Both are closely linked to the pro circuit, and both rake in trillions annually.

This is why the young entrepreneur Hilda White's coming to town. It's why Guzma Armani, head Team Skull Entertainment and founder of the Guzmani clothing brand, has started to consider moving the main headquarters here. It's why fashion designers, heirs and heiresses like Grimsley Lauren III, Fantina Vuitton, Valerie Francesca Versace, and Elesa Gucci have invested millions into becoming a big presence here. It's why Diantha Leblanc has filmed a number of movies here.

Eventually, Valen ends the silence. "Rosa's a vivacious girl, and she loves to battle," he explains. "She's quite the people person as well...yeah, I'll suck it up."

"If you do happen to come across her, please bring her to the company's headquarters," Dimitri requests.

'Will do." Valen nods. "I also think that there's one other idea that you haven't considered."

"Oh? What would that be?" Dimitri questions.

"Dimitri, I think that you need to battle publicly more often," Valen states. "I may not be a super social person, but I do hear rumors and chatter. Many people want to know if you're stronger than Champion Wolfgang."

"I appreciate your kind words, and I shall think about your idea," Dmitri replies. "However, I do not believe that rumor.

"I'm neutral on it myself," Valen admits. "You're definitely strong, though."

"People can exaggerate when there is a great mystery surrounding the truth." Dimitri faintly smiles. He strolls towards the gate, opening it. Once again, a loud creaking noise echoes.

"For now, I suppose that you should get going," Dimitri tells Valen. "Thank you for the battle."

"Alright, I'll see you around." Valen faintly smiles.

"Valen, don't forget that you're still on indefinite vacation." Dimitri smirks. "I better not see you for a while after you bring your friend to the company's headquarters."

"Yeah yeah, I know." Valen rolls his eyes.

As Valen walks out of the arena, he realizes that he's missed text messages from Melanie. Melanie texted Valen that Arthur's been hiding because a family friend from Galar spotted him, making him afraid that family members may find him. Valen smirks in amusement as he reads the text messages.

"Arthur should be more careful where he goes," Valen muses. "He needs to remember that the his family isn't an obscure one."

Then, Valen receives another text message. Upon reading this message, his mouth curves into a genuinely happy smile. He's got a good reason to be happy, as Rosa's coming soon. She won't tell him when. It's a surprise, but the string of grin emojis she sent him is a clear indicator of how excited she's feeling.

She's been calling him Valey, and text messages are no exception. She's called him Valey since the day that they personally met each other. Valen recalls that they met twice, but he was donning his past persona the first time. Rosa had won a raffle set up by Hilda, and the winner got to meet him. Rosa was, and likely still is, another one of Hilda's clients.

Valen's hopeful that Rosa and him can become official again. They never broke up, but a relationship needs communication. He feels that he can't consider them "together" until he fixes his mess. As for Hilda, he wonders if Rosa will further grow the seed that Melanie and his mom planted in him. As Rosa's stated many time in the past: "Wherever Rosa goes, smiles follow."

It's now mid afternoon, and the sun beams its rays over the massive metropolis. Within Angel City International Airport, the passengers of a flight from Aspertia City to Angel City enter the airport via the gate. Many of them have got a smirk, smile or grin on their face, as there's one passenger that livened up the entire flight.

"Noooo time to question my moves! I stick to the path that I chooseeee!" Rosa cheers, dallying her way through the crowd of passengers. "Me and my friends are going to do it right! You'll never see us away from a fight!"

"Rosa Whitley's a ball of adorableness and must be protected at all costs," a male passenger remarks.

"She's also one of the finest Unovan women on the planet," a second male passenger remarks.

"She stands out wherever she goes," a female passenger remarks. "I love that about her."

"To be a master is my dream!" Rosa proclaims. "All I've got to do is believeeeee, and I believeeeee!"

Rosa abruptly halts, realizing that she's passed the entire sea of passengers. She turns around, exclaiming, "Wherever Rosa goes, smiles follow!"

"Thanks for making the flight so enjoyable," a mother responds.

"You made the little guy's day," her husband adds.

"Thank you, Miss Rosa!" The couple's young son waves.

"Tee-hee, you're welcome!" Rosa waves at everybody, then dallies off.

As loud flight announcements, luggage wheels rolling, footsteps, chatter, laughter, and various other sounds echo and surround her, Rosa twirls around. She sees men and women in employee uniforms performing various tasks, such as informing lost travelers where the food court is, pushing and pulling carts full of luggage, a Shinx meowing at his trainer for more treats, two guys showing each other their Gyarados and Venusaur figures respectively, and various other sights.

"Hey, you're Rosa Whitley!" A female onlooker calls out from a row of seats. "I love your white and blue top!"

Rosa twirls to face her fan. Well, fans. There are several people who've taken note of presence. "Tee-hee, thanks! Hiiii everybody!"

"You're such a strong trainer!" her male companion exclaims. "Welcome to Calvana!"

"I've been here beforeeeeee!" Rosa winsomely smiles. "I'm going to have lots and lots and lots of battles and fun!"

"You look great in those black leggings!" A female trainer with a Squirtle gushes."

"Rosa's cute and pretty!" Rosa proudly grins. "I'm the queen, after all!"

Then, Rosa hears a pair on onlookers chatting over how cool it is that there's Unovan pizza at this airport. "Oooooh, I've got to go eat some of that pizza!" Her eyes gleam. "Unovan pizza wins every time!"

Rosa notices a wide ceiling sign on her right, pointing to where the food court is. She dallies towards the food court. "I've got a chance to win!" She cheers. "I'm on my way to victory!"

Rosa feels an unrelenting surge of euphoria within her. "Valeeey's going to be sooooo surprised!" She giggles. "I didn't tell him that I was coming the day after for reason!"

She's here to achieve her dream of being equally popular and famous here as she's in Unova, but she decided to come here much sooner. Her optimism's paid off—it's time to reunite with her boyfriend in the flesh.

"Let's see how well you still handle the queen, big boy."

Thoughts on this chapter?

Modernist and Art Deco architecture were about early 20th century, with Modernism going up to about/after WWII.

Das Bauhaus is a reference to Bauhaus, a German art and design school founded by Walter Gropius. Opened in 1919, shut down in 1933.

Added a scene with Rosa at the end.