Scenes were added to the end of 11 and 14 featuring Hilda.
I've also added some things regarding Valen's Pokémon to past chapters, such as Salamence remembering when he met Valen in Chapter 4. Gardevoir also flashbacked in 4, but that was moved there from 21. I decided to leave something related to that in 21(albeit edited), plus the Kirlia flashback's still in 21.
The mid-morning sun beams down over Valen and Rosa's neighborhood. Melanie and Hilda stroll down the cobblestone sidewalk, their Absol and Umbreon walking in front of them. A slight breeze causes their hair to ripple.
The chirping of various bird Pokémon echo while Melanie and Hilda chat with Silver via the former's cell phone.
"I've been told that Valen's been battling a lot more lately," Silver says, his voice emitting the faintest of happy tones. "About time."
"That's right!" Hilda enthusiastically grins. "I'm sooooo happy about that!"
"We all are," Melanie corrects, sporting a warm smile.
"I'll be keeping watch," Silver informs. "When he's ready, it's a full six on six battle between us."
"That sounds awesome!" Melanie and Hilda cheer, their eyes gleaming.
"I've got some asses to kick in battles, so I'll see you two around."
"Good luck," Melanie and Hilda reply.
"As if I need luck," Silver scoffs, the call ending afterwards.
Melanie puts her phone in the left pocket of her blue jeans. Melanie and Hilda exchange bright smiles, the former turning her attention to the Gothic Revival houses afterwards.
"He's going to love the building that I chose," Hilda remarks, clasping her hands behind her back. "The description called it a modern building with classical styling."
"He got it from his mom, but I'm sure you knew that already."
"Hey Melanie, do you want to be my client too?" Hilda asks, slightly tilting her head back. "Valen can vouch for me, as can Rosa."
"Of course I'm going to say yes to that." Melanie chuckles, her Absol exchanging a smirk with Hilda's Umbreon.
"I've got a new client!" Hilda jumps, raising her left fist towards the sky. "I know you get annoyed sometimes, but I can tell you've got some big aspirations yourself!"
"Your perception's still on point," Melanie compliments. "If you need any writing done, I'm your girl."
"Sounds good to me!"
Melanie and Hilda halt, turning around to face Valen's house. Hilda eyes the black roof, while Melanie eyes the maroon underneath.
"I might be Valen's childhood friend, but Rosa and you are closer to him in personality," Melanie comments, glancing leftwards.
"He knows how awesome we are!" Hilda's eyes gleam, clasping her hands over her left shoulder.
Melanie smirks, folding her arms. "That doesn't mean you can top me as his bestie." Her Absol nods.
Hilda purses her lips. "Girl please, I'm his manager." She snorts, waving her left hand dismissively. "You've got nothing on me." Her Umbreon snickers.
"Accept reality," Melanie scoffs, running her left hand through her elbow length black hair. "I'm his favorite behind Rosa."
"My waistcoat gives me bonus points because black's his favorite color!" Hilda laughs, placing her hands on hips.
"Oh?" Melanie mischievously grins, tugging on her brown leather jacket. "Last I checked, he said I look the best in this."
"Pfffft, who know when that was?" Hilda waves her right hand dismissively. Her Umbreon snickers that Absol's trainer should give up, causing Absol to roll her eyes.
"You do realize that some people may mistake you as his second girlfriend, right?" Melanie nudges Hilda with her left elbow.
"Let them." Hilda smugly smiles, folding her arms. "I memorized the definition of romantic friendship just to clap back."
"What happens when those two get married?" Melanie chuckles, placing her right hand over her mouth..
Both Melanie and Hilda hear the front door opening, spotting Valen exiting the house. Valen saunters down the front porch steps, each one creaking as he does so. Rosa dallies behind him, a broad grin plastered on her face.
"You really think that I'm going to abandon Hilda, the person who helped me to achieve my glory days?" Valen asks, folding his arms.
"Tee-hee, silly Melanie!" Rosa winsomely smiles, the breeze causing her ponytails to sway.
"I know what you're trying to do, Melanie." Valen deviously smirks, faintly laughing.
"Somebody's jealous of meeeeee." Rosa mischievously grinning, faintly giggling.
"Of us!" Hilda boisterously laughs, folding her arms. "We rock!"
"H-Hey, it was an honest question!" Melanie's face reddens, stepping back as the duo approach her.
"Was it?" Valen teases, narrowing his eyes at Melanie. "You know I'm a master of class and charm."
Rosa shows Melanie that she's wearing the diamond-line necklace that Valen got her. She holds up the sparkling emerald that's got engravings of a could Serperior on both sides. "Tee-hee, I bet you're still jealous of this lovely gift!"
Hilda spots the large, black gym bag that Valen's carrying around his left arm. "Heeeey, are the classy clothes in there?!" Her blue eyes sparkle.
Melanie breathes a sigh of relief. "I keep forgetting that he's a master troll." She notices that Valen's groomed his hair, as it's no longer disheveled. He's got the slightly slicked look he used to have. Then, she notices that both Rosa and Valen are wearing Guzmani leather jackets. Rosa's jacket is white, and Valen's jacket is black. Fitting for where they're going to today.
"Tux?! Bowler hat?!" Hilda jumps, clasping her hands above her left shoulder. "C'mon, spit it out!"
"Yep, but don't tell anybody." Valen folds his arms, closing his eyes. "You three get first access."
"Woo-hoo!" Hilda and Rosa cheer, their eyes gleaming.
"I better be getting first access." Melanie chuckles, turning away to avoid blushing. "You better stay dormant, fangirl Melanie."
"However, we can't focus on just this," Valen informs Hilda. "I've got amends to make, plus you've got other clients."
"We've got to support Rosa, Melanie, and everybody else too!" Hilda grins. "That's how the squad rolls!"
"Valey's going to watch all my battles!" Rosa's eyes sparkle. "I'm going to become as popular and famous here as I am back in Unova!"
"Ignore me and I'll kick your ass," Melanie jokes.
"Hi there, Umbreon and Absol," Valen greets.
"Hiiiii!" Rosa waves at Umbreon and Absol.
Umbreon and Absol nod to acknowledge Rosa and Valen. Hilda pets Umbreon's back, causing Umbreon to rub herself against Hilda's left leg. Melanie would pet Absol if Absol actually liked to be petted.
"Gengar." Valen snaps his fingers.
Gengar materializes from the ground, waving at Umbreon and Absol. In response, both Dark-types smirk.
"Tee-hee, Volcarona wants to play too!" Rosa takes out a Poké Ball from her pink purse. She presses the button on the ball's front to let Volcarona out. Volcarona greets Gengar, Umbreon, and Absol with a low-pitched cry, floating towards them. All three Pokémon respond by letting our their own low-pitched cries.
Melanie and Hilda would greet Gengar and Volcarona, but they seem to be busy. As the Pokémon chat amongst themselves, Melanie turns her attention towards Valen.
"Hey big guy, get your ass over here." She jumps towards Valen. Melanie wraps her arms around Valen's neck, In response, he places his right hand on her back, running his left hand through her elbow length black hair.
"You need one more than me," Valen says, tenderly smiling.
"Shut your mouth and let me hug you." Melanie flicks Valen on the back of his head, her voice emitting a soft tone.. "Welcome back, old friend."
"Thanks, Detective Ding Dong." Valen smirks. "I'm still angry about the nap interruption, though."
"I can see that." Melanie laughs. "I've long since forgiven you, so don't you dare apologize."
"I'm sorry, what did you say?" Valen lets go of Melanie and vice-versa.
Valen smirks, while the three girls laugh. Even the Pokémon are laughing. He folds his arms, sporting a triumphant grin. He's just that good.
Valen, Rosa, Hilda, and Melanie have arrived at what's the new headquarters of the BW Agency, located in another one of the massive city's commercial districts. As Rosa, Hilda, and Melanie chat, Valen's keenly focused on the structure standing in front of him.
His dark blue eyes scan the wide building's center, noting how the three-story structure has ten columns in front of the first floor's deck and the second floor's deck. He notes the front of both floors have four sets of windows, plus an stilted arched entrance exactly in the middle. Each set's comprised of a semi-circular, arched window and a pair of smaller rectangular windows. The columns and sets of windows have an equal distance each other. This precise symmetry is among the hallmarks of Palladian architecture.
"Pretty cool, huh?" Hilda proudly grins.
"Tee-hee, of course!" Rosa winsomely smiles. "All the buildings in this area are finished in similar fashions!"
"It's even close to where you two live!" Hilda cheers. "Melanie's house isn't too far away either! This area's soooo perfect for the agency!"
"I've heard that this is a frequent spot for both locals and tourists!" Rosa grins.
"You heard right," Melanie affirms.
"It's picture timeeeee!" Rosa and Hilda cheer.
Rosa and Hilda dart in front of the building, the latter holding her cell phone. The bright light of her cell phone's camera flashes several times. Afterwards, Rosa and Hilda exchange a hi-five, then dart back towards Valen and Melanie.
"He approves of your decision." Melanie tilts her head towards Valen.
"Playtime's over! It's time to resume the grand opening!" Hilda jumps, clasping her hands over her left shoulder.
"You aren't even halfway done setting up." Rosa smirks, folding her arms.
"A grand opening means that you're ready to open." Melanie laughs.
Hilda gasps, her eyes widening. "Aieeeeeeeeeeee! You're both right!"
Hilda's smile vanishes when she hears Valen sigh. Rosa and Melanie glance at each other, concerned expressions plastered onto their faces.
"Hilda, you got sidetracked because I'm a mess, right?" Valen's voice emits a dull tone. "I held you back too."
Hilda glances at Rosa, and Rosa nods her head while gently smiling.
Hilda gently pressing her lips up against the top right side of Valen's head. She immediately sweeps him into a warm embrace afterwards, wrapping her arms around his neck. As warmth flows through him, Valen runs his left hand through Hilda's dark brown hair, while placing his right hand on her back.
"You won't get anywhere by moping around," Hilda gently states. "Follow your dream and live each day to its fullest extent."
"I know, but didn't you have to hold off-"
"I couldn't ignore what you were going through," Hilda admits, swallowing before speaking again.
"You're invaluable to all of us, sweetie," Rosa reassures.
"Please don't act like you're a burden," Melanie requests.
"I'm so...we're so happy to have you back." Hilda faintly whimpers.
"I'm not going anywhere this time," Valen reassures, letting go of Hilda and vice-versa.
Rosa kisses Valen on the lips. "I'll always love you, sweetie." Rosa lovingly smiles, placing her left hand over her heart.
"...Thanks everyone...I'll keep trying to improve my self-esteem." Valen softly smiles.
Gengar, Absol, Umbreon, and Volcarona look at each other. Volcarona lets out a soft cry, stating that the squad's back together. Volcarona admits that he learned those words from observing the humans. Gengar, Absol, and Umbreon laugh, admitting the same thing.
"By the way, this area was constructed in the 1980s," Valen states. "New Classical architecture."
"Ooooh, Valey told us old and cool information!" Rosa winsomely smiles.
"This style's centuries old, but styles don't have any sort of 'expiration date' attached to them. The designers and builders of this neighborhood wanted to channel Palladianism."
"Where does the word Palladianism come from?" Hilda asks, folding her arms.
"Antonio Palladio, a 16th century architect."
"You are quite the knowledge bloke," Arthur calls out, catching everyone's attention.
Gengar decides to vanish into the ground, while the others turn to their left, noting Arthur approaching them. They note that Grimmsnarl's walking on Arthur's right.
Arthur smiles, rubbing his ashy blond hair. "I happened to be taking a stroll. Mind if I join you four?"
"Of course," Melanie replies.
"I forgot to tell you how cool your clothes are!" Hilda eyes Arthur's Victorian style trench coat, suit, and pants.
"The brown color makes it cooler!" Rosa cheers.
"Much appreciated," Arthur replies, sporting a placid smile. "I have wanted to become more acquainted with you."
"Ooooh, I haven't seen one of these Pokemon in a while!" Hilda grins, keenly focusing her gaze on Grimmsnarl.
"That is correct."
Valen offers him a fist bump. "Sorry for my behavior from before."
Arthur accepts Valen's fist bump, replying, "I can finally become acquainted with you."
"Say, what's your relation to Sir Edwin Bennington, the famed designer of Galarian country homes?"
"Great-great-grandfather." Arthur glances rightwards towards the three-story building, eyeing the columns.
Gengar materializes from the ground, offering Arthur's Grimmsnarl a fist bump. Grimmsnarl grins, accepting the fist bump. Umbreon, Absol, and Volcarona approach Grimmsnarl, greeting him with low-toned cries.
"Ah, your Gengar," Arthur remarks as the Pokémon chat amongst each other.
"I guess he chose not to jump scare you." Valen shrugs. "Or anybody else."
"Okay, it's time for the tour!" Hilda opens the see-through arched door, stepping aside to let the others enter first. The other four stroll in, with Hilda following behind them seconds later.
Valen, Melanie, Arthur, and Rosa stand in front of the arched wooden door, noting that the lobby's been meticulously arranged. The gazes of the five Pokémon dart around, curiously eyeing each and every item present.
"Welcomeeeeeee to the BW Agency!" Hilda jumps, clasping her hands over her right shoulder. "Isn't it so awesomeeeeeee?"
"Tee-hee, it's super duper. awesomeeeeeee!" Rosa twirls around, eyeing all of the furniture and decorations that surround her and the others.
"The exterior's white, but the interior walls and floor tiles are jet black," Valen observes.
"Nicely done," Melanie commends. "Now I see why you were so busy."
"...It all worked out in the end," Hilda glances towards Valen, affectionately smiling. "In more ways than one."
Valen notes that all of the chairs within the lobby are Kalosian armchairs. Each chair's got a curved headrest, and all of them are finished in black leather upholstery. Metallic white decorates the top of the headrest, extending downwards to the ends of the armrests. The armchairs are separated into ten groups of four. Each set of four surrounds a large, charcoal ebony table with "BW Agency" engraved within the center of each one.
Arthur observes that five groups are on each side of the straight pathway. The pathway itself leads to a circular desk, the male and female receptionist answering phone call after phone call. Both Valen and Arthur note the presence of ceramics behind the front desk, displayed in enclosed cases. However, they'd need to get closer to study the lush imagery that plaster the ceramics.
"I spared no expense in making the interior awesome," Hilda folds her arms. "Saved up even three times more money than I needed to just for this."
"Nice to see you retained what my mom and I taught you." Valen smirks. "Guess you aren't that absent-minded after all." He earns himself a gentle headbutt.
Fourteen male and female workers enter the lobby from the giant opening that leads into the first floor's left hallway. Some carry various boxes filled with magazines, pins, brochures, and other items.
They workers halt when they see that Valen's here. "Long time no see, Valen!"
Valen turns rightwards towards the workers, sporting a friendly smile. "Hard-Ass Hilda still working you lot till you fall asleep?" He jokes, folding his arms.
"Oh yeah, she's something," a male worker with spiky black hair answers.
"She got that nickname for a reason, Kevin." Valen's comments earns him a gentle headbutt from Hilda, causing everybody to laugh.
Hilda takes out her cell phone, entering the camera app. She turns her back towards the camera, but turns her head and winks. The bright light of her phone's camera flashes several times. Then, Hilda turns around to face the camera. She positions her left hand sideways over her forehead, sticking out her index and ring fingers. Several more flashes from the camera emit.
"My fans are gonna loooove these photos!" Hilda gushes, placing her hands on her cheeks. "I look soooooo goooooood!"
"Hilda's skills are on par with how beautiful she is," Valen comments. "That's why she's the best choice for me."
"Oh, stop it!" Hilda gushes, clasping her hands on her cheeks. "This is one reason why I adore you, Val-Val!"
"Tee-hee, you can't handle my Valey's charm!" Rosa cheers.
"As for you, you're so adorable and gorgeous that it's unsafe."
"Awwwww, thanks!"
"Hey, what about me?" Melanie playfully flicks Valen on the back of his head.
"Prettiest girlfriend, prettiest manager, and prettiest writer," Valen answers, sporting a lopsided smirk. "I still say you look the best in that brown leather jacket you're wearing."
"That's more like it." Melanie wraps her arms around Valen's neck. "I want another hug."
"Alright." Valen wraps his left arm around Melanie's waist, pulling her closer.
"Never forget that I love you." Melanie kisses Valen on his forehead, chuckling at his wide-eyed expression.
Valen calms down, affirming, "I love you too."
"Platonically." Rosa narrows her eyes at Melanie, wagging her finger. "I'm not sharing the most valiant knight within my kingdom."
"Duh," Valen counters.
"ValenxRosa are our OTP," Melanie and Hilda retort.
Valen and Melanie let go of each other, exchanging a fist bump. Valen eyes the sculptures of Reshiram and Zekrom that greet people when they enter the building.
"Zekrom's sculpture is made of black marble," Valen notes, keenly studying the sculpture's intricate design. Then, he glances over to the Reshiram sculpture and studies its intricate design. "Reshiram's sculpture is made of white marble. Both are fitting." Both sculptures look like they could come to life at any moment, leading him to wonder if the sculptor asked N and Hilbert to see Reshiram and Zekrom with his or her own eyes.
"Tee-hee, Valey's so smart!" Rosa's eyes sparkle, clasping her hands next to her left check.
"Val-Val, don't ignore the paintings!" Hilda points to her left. "Manager's orders!"
Valen approaches the wall, stating, "Let's see what you got." As he walks past Hilda, he rubs his right fist on the top of her head.
Hilda closes her eyes and laughs. "Heeeeey, don't do that to your manager!" She playfully headbutts Valen.
Valen glances at the numerous reproduction paintings on the walls, recalling that a number of these are well known art pieces. He eyes a portrait of a guy with a serious expression, his age appearing to be late twenties to early thirties at the time this was commissioned. He notes the ornate coattail jacket that he's wearing, which was formal attire during the 18th century.
"Calvana's First Champion, Pierre Bonheur. 1755."
Next to the portrait is a painting of Groudon, Kyogre, and Rayquaza duking it out somewhere within Hoenn. He studies the intricate details of the painting, from the water's ripping effect to the clash of intense sunlight and heavy rain. Between both is Rayquaza, representing how the dragon appeared to stop Groudon and Kyogre from causing havoc.
"Super-Ancient Pokémon by Professor Maya Birch, 1925."
Next to that is a painting of a Victorian-era downtown. Valen recognizes the Gothic Revival architecture instantly. He studies the Victorian era suits and dresses worn by the people depicted. He notes the presence of a number of Pokémon, such as Mudsdale pulling wagons and carriages, and a Pidgeot soaring in the skies.
"Old Downtown, Henry Bonheur. 1868."
"Here I comeeeee, my smart sweetieeeee!" Rosa jumps on Valen's back, wrapping her arms around his mid-section.
"Fine, I'll carry you for the time being."
"Yaaaay!"
"Heeeey check out these Guzmani and Grimsley Lauren clothes!" Hilda darts out of the way, revealing that the clothes are resting on one of the charcoal tables. "These are the new employee uniforms!" She jumps, clasping her hands over her right shoulder.
"Your employees are already wearing them," Valen points out, glancing behind him at a giggling Rosa.
Hilda darts behind Valen and the others. "Look anyway!" She extends her arms sideways, using them to gently push her friends closer to the table. "Come on, don't be party poopers!"
Valen, Melanie, Arthur and Rosa eye the casual jackets, shirts, and pants. The shirts come in long-sleeved, short-sleeved, and sleeveless. Of course, the only colors for all of the clothes are black and white. The jackets have the BW Agency logo on the back, while the shirts have it on both the front and the back.
Valen keenly focuses on the logo. He's always found it cool how half of the logo's black, while the other's white. Hilda put a lot into this, down to the smallest detail. He's proud to have her as an agent, manager, and friend.
Hilda's led the four into the left hallway, the five Pokémon right behind them. As they stroll, Valen notes the various rooms. One room looks like a meeting room, as evident by a giant table and about a dozen seats. Another looks like a cafeteria of some kind, with vending machines placed to the entrance/exit.
Within a large room filled with file cabinets, a male worker with shoulder length black hair notices Valen and the others. "It's been a while since I've seen that guy."
Hilda comes to a halt, folding her arms. The other four halt before they walk too far in front, as do the Pokémon.
Hilda glances into the room, stating, "Less talking and more working, George."
"'President, I've already organized your event idea folders." He adjusts his glasses.
"Oh, I'm sorry!" Hilda clasps her hands over her shoulders. "That's awesomeeeeeee! Thanks!"
Within the computer room located next to the file cabinet room, a female worker with short brown hair gestures for Hilda to come in.
Hilda darts into the medium-sized room. "What's up, Melissa?"
"President, the agency's trending on Glaliebook," she informs Hilda. "In addition, the agency's hit five seven hundred thousand likes on Glaliebook, and five hundred fifty thousand followers on Smeraglegram."
"That's also awesomeeeeeee!" Hilda gushes, her face slightly reddening. "My personal accounts aren't too far off!"
"Our pictures from yesterday are already in the hundreds of likes!" Rosa cheers.
Valen taps Rosa on her left shoulder. She twirls around, seeing that Valen's extended his right hand out towards her,
"May thy knight hold thy hand, Battle Queen Rosa?" Valen playfully asks.
Rosa grabs Valen's right hand with her right hand. "Of course you can, my favorite booooy." She giggles.
"I wanna hug you."
"Kaaay!" Rosa lets go of Valen and dashes in front of him. She wraps her arms around his neck. Valen wraps his arms around her midsection, hoisting her up.
"Oooooh, a double win for meeeee!"
"Whether I'm Valen or The Black Reaper, you'll always be my queen, best girl."
"That goes for you too, best boooy." Rosa and Valen exchange a kiss.
Hilda fixates a stern glare at the duo. "No slacking on the job!" She scolds.
Valen and Rosa fixate annoyed glares at Hilda. "Don't ruin our moment," they chastise.
"We've got lots of work to do." Hilda folds her arms. "You two need to prepare for your future status as a celebrity couple."
"Too soon," Valen and Rosa counter, rolling their eyes.
Melanie places her hands on her hips. "Hilda, maybe you should consider trying to be less bossy."
"You try running a business like this," Hilda counters.
"Hmph, don't think you can yell at my bestie without me putting you in your place." Melanie runs her right hand through her long hair.
"He's my bestie," Hilda retorts, smugly grinning.
Arthur walks up towards Valen, Rosa, and Melanie, murmuring, "Has she always been like this?"
"Yep," Rosa murmurs back. "She's gotten better, though."
"She better not try that with me," Melanie warns. "I don't play that kind of game."
"Don't let it get to you," Valen adds. "She's great at her job, plus she's a great friend to have."
"How do you deal with this side of her?" Arthur piques up.
Melanie and Rosa point at Valen. Valen smugly smirks, stating, "Watch and learn."
"I heard all of that!" Hilda places her hands on her hips, narrowing her eyes at Valen.
Then, Valen's Gardevoir lets herself out of her Poké Ball. She gives Hilda a witch-like grin, making a "shhhh" gesture with her left hand.
Hilda's eyes widen, stepping backwards. "Aieeeee! I forgot about this!"
"Chill," Valen tells his Gardevoir. "I've got this."
Gardevoir nods, walking towards Gengar and the other Pokémon. Four of the Pokémon greet her with grins, while Gengar exchanges a fist bump with his teammate.
Valen places Rosa back on the ground, stating, "I'll lift you up again at home."
"Kaaaay, Valey!" Rosa winsomely smiles. "Nooooow, defeat Expert Noob Hilda!"
Hilda rolls her eyes. "Hey now-"
Valen wraps his left arm around Hilda's mid-section, pulling her closer. He leans up against the wall, giving Hilda a soft smile.
Hilda sports a tender smile, wrapping her arms around Valen's neck. "Fine, you win." She closes her eyes, resting her head up against Valen's upper chest.
"Bossy Hilda doesn't sound as good as Hard-Ass Hilda," Valen teases.
"Shut up, goofball." Hilda gently headbutts Valen's upper chest.
"You need to relax, manager." Valen runs his hand through Hilda's dark brown hair.
"That's what I'm dong right now, goofball."
"Don't be so bossy."
"I got a little heated," Hilda admits. "I don't mean any harm."
"You've gotten much better at managing that side of yours."
"Thank you, Val-Val," Hilda softly replies. "I'm really fired up, that's all."
"Time for your punishment." Valen laughs. "Take this!" He begins to give Hilda a noogie.
"Heeeey, don't do this to me!" Hilda tears up with laughter.
"I've since remembered that Rosa's supposed to get a tickle, while you're supposed to get a noogie."
"Tee-hee, my Valeeey's sooooo funny!" Rosa cheers, clasping her hands next to her right cheek.
"I was wondering when this would happen." Melanie laughs, placing her right hand in front of her mouth.
Arthur silently watches Valen mess around with Hilda, sporting an amused smile. Gengar, Gardevoir, and Volcarona laugh. Grimmsnarl, Absol, and Umbreon sport smirks.
Valen, Hilda, and the others have returned to the lobby. Rosa, Hilda, Melanie, and Arthur sit in one of the seating arrangements. Valen stands behind Rosa with his arms folded, the six Pokémon next to him.
"I have sooo many cool event ideas!" Hilda cheers, her eyes glittering. "Maybe I could set up a play!"
"Oooooh, that sounds awesomeeee!" Rosa grins.
"Rosa, I'm also thinking about an event with a contest, and the winner of the contest gets to battle you!"
"Tee-hee, I love it!" Rosa's eyes sparkle. "Maybe I'll get a fan club here!"
"Woah woah woah woah, hold up," Valen interjects. "Are you trying to tell me that my cinnamon bun doesn't have a fan club here?"
"Not yet, buuuut I'm becoming more famous popular here!" Rosa winks, placing her right hand on her hip.
"Both Rosa and I have large followings online!" Hilda winks, placing her left hand on her hip.
"Acceptable." Valen smirks. "I'm gonna go get dressed."
Hilda darts closer towards Valen. Don't forgot to grab a rose." She whispers into Valen's right ear, playfully winking.
Valen nods, sauntering off into the left hallway. His smile's now a confident and lopsided smirk. Gengar and Gardevoir join him, the trio exchanging a fist bump.
Rosa folds her arms, watching Valen, Gengar, and Gardevoir walk further down the hallway, murmuring, "Casual Valen's my knight. Classy Valen's my king."
"Okay, I've decided that Leaf, Calem and Serena will be the next three to see the beginning awesome comeback!" Hilda announces, causing everybody to look at her with blank stares.
"Just those three?" Arthur piques up. "No Brendan?"
"No Silver?" Rosa cocks a brow. "No Kris?"
"Well...they're the only three who can make it." Hilda sports an embarrassed smile, closing her eyes. "I...uh...I s-should've planned this beforehand...I got really excited so I forgot."
"Silver's battling," Melanie informs. "No idea where Kris is."
"Oh right, Brendan's hanging out with May and Gladion," Rosa adds. "They've been jamming to Hau's latest song, Lemme Put You On Team Skull."
Hilda blinks, her mouth falling open. "I thought May was mainly a country music girl," she comments, scratching the top of her dark brown hair.
"I thought so too, until May described 144 Bars by Brendan as 'nearly seven minutes of straight bars.'" Rosa shrugs. "May, Brendan and Hau said that's a good thing."
"Huh, interesting."
"They also said that Gladion bodied Piers in his diss track, titled Gym Leader Down."
"Why does Gladion have a feud with Piers again?"
"No idea."
Valen's strolling back to the lobby. As he eyes the interior's jet black walls, he notices that several male and female workers are smiling and smirking at him. Some are focused on the bowler hat he's holding in his left hand. Most are focused on the BW Agency and Team Skull logos plastered on the back of his black Guzmani tuxedo, both being centered.
"My name, they're squealing all night. I'm still the big bad trainer when I'm being polite." he smirks, holding a rose in his right hand. His Gengar and his Gardevoir walk beside him on his left and his right respectively. "Come on, it's time to fight. I'm still Team Skull's Valen while being Rosa's knight." He puts on his bowler hat, tipping it over his eyes. "I'm back and it feels nice. I know many women wanna see my fights."
Valen eyes the furniture and decorations that Hilda's placed in the hallway. He strolls past several mahogany-framed armchairs, a gold sculpture of Ho-oh, and a silver sculpture of Lugia, and the bronze wall clock hovering above the sculptures.
Then, he notes the presence of ceramics resting left of the Lugia sculpture. He halts to take a look, also noting the enclosed mahogany cabinet that the ceramics are placed in. Each of the four ceramics have lush imagery decorating them. One ceramic is a wide vase that depicts several Talonflame soaring above a three, with others perched on a pyramid-shaped rooftop. Another ceramic is another wide vase depicts Dragonite, Tyranitar, Metagross, Salamence, Garchomp, and Hydreigon in a rough, wasteland like area, all six having their mouths open in a menacing manner. His gaze turns towards the bowl that depicts a Galarian Articuno soaring above a desolate tundra, likely a depiction of a region within the Arctic or Antarctic. A second bowl depicts a jovial Victini frolicking within the Liberty Garden.
Positioned to the left of the cabinet's a painting of Gyarados, Milotic, and Kingdra majestically flowing through the sea like they're an ocean current. Valen notes that the setting's nighttime, the ocean sparkling under the full moon. A number of stars illuminate the the night sky.
"The Midnight Sea by Vincent Gough, 1889," Valen comments.
Positioned to the right's a painting of several Houndour, Houndoom, Torkoal, Numel, and Camerupt walking or resting at the base of what appears to be a dormant or extinct volcano. Perhaps the next time he runs into Steven, he can explain about the rocks depicted resting within the terrain.
"Volcanic Pokémon by Braxton Birch, 1918." Valen proudly smiles over Hilda's dedication and drive, resuming his stroll towards the lobby.
About a minute later, Valen enters the lobby. He proudly grins when he sees Rosa and the others chatting and laughing.
Out of the corner of her eye, Rosa notices Valen. Her face reddens as she eyes his black bowler hat and tuxedo.
"Rosa, don't I look nice?" Valen leans against the wall, holding the rose directly in front of his face. "I know you really wanna be my wife."
"Oh nooooo, I wasn't fully prepared for this!" Rosa gulps.
"Catch." Valen swings his right hand back, then tosses the rose in Rosa's direction.
Rosa catches it with both hands, her mouth gaping wide open. "V-Valen! W-W-Welcome back!" She bashfully exclaims, directing her gaze towards his white shirt and red tie. "Um...uh...n-nice c-clothes!" She looks away, sporting a tight-lipped smile.
Melanie, Hilda, Arthur, and the other Pokémon direct their gazes at Valen. Hilda grins, while Melanie glances away to prevent her fangirl side from coming out. Volcarona lets out a pleasant cry, while Umbreon and Absol smile. They remember Valen dressing up like this all too well.
"Proper attire for a gentleman," Arthur comments, noting the curious gaze his Grimmsnarl.
"The name's Reaper." Valen smirks, tipping his bowler hat over his eyes. "The Black Reaper."
"He said the line!" Rosa, Hilda, and Melanie squeal. "Kyaaaaaaaaaa!"
"W-Wait, I have to be the calm one!" Melanie yelps, her face reddening.
"So uh, how do I go to a public arena without being spotted?" Valen blinks.
"There's a trio of fields behind this building," Hilda informs.
"Heh, nice."
Antonio Palladio's a reference to Andrea Palladio, a 16th century Italian architect. One of the most famous and influential architects in history. Palladian/Palladianism is a style based off of his works and building/design philosophy.
Sir Edwin Bennington's a reference to Sir Edwin Lutyens. He's famous for his English country homes and his role in planning New Delhi, among other works.