A quiet late morning, a classic within the art history field, and the finals of a double tournament this afternoon. A great day for Valen, plus he finished typing up his second book within the past week.
The quiet part is a bit abnormal. Hilda's out and about for agency business, but where's the other crazy wholesome mind? Eh, she'll show up eventually. There's also a surprise for him later today, that's what the crazy wholesome minds said.
Back to casually reading Art History's Fundamentals at the desk. The section he's analyzing for the umpteenth time contains one of his favorite topics. He's had more than few discussions with Rosa and others on how Classical and Renaissance art fundamentally differ from Baroque art. Hilda's always eagerly listened—she loves to learn about everything.
Art History's Fundamentals was the second art book he read, back when he was seven years old. His first was The Lives of Artists, and his third was The Artistic Story. Those two are near his right arm, several new painting prints resting parallel to them.
Tilting his head back results in him noticing recent additions to the wall. The crazy wholesome minds have put up the-oh no! Valen frantically grabs his blanket from the bed. He drapes it over himself, pretending that he's not here. Why Rosa have to put her self-portrait front and center?! She also put the portrait of Hilda and herself above it! He's their number one fanboy and he's proud of it, but why are they decuple effective against him?!
Wait a sec, what was that all about? Why'd he act like such a dorky idiot just now? He's looked at these portraits before without becoming a dork. The Rosa and Hilda calendar's there too, yet he didn't become all dorky and flustered this time. Unlike a certain redhead grump, he's accepted it. Of course, his platonic life partner and his crazy wholesome girlfriends find dorky him to be a cutie. Yeah right, as if he was ever a cutie.
Rosa's self-portrait depicts her with her back turned. One hand on a hip, a cute smile, and a proud wink at the viewer. It's a masterpiece's depiction of herself in the style of Raphael Bonfrancischi da Urbinoroti, a High Renaissance master. The portrait of Hilda and herself is finished in the same style. This one depicts them with their backs pressed together. Rosa's got her left hand sideways, sticking up her index and ring fingers. Hilda's doing the same, but she's using her opposite hand. Both wink with their left and right eyes respectively, both have their other hand on a hip. Can't forget about cute smiles too. They're the cute ones, not him.
He resumes reading, tossing the blanket back on the bed. He takes a peek at his phone, reading that Arthur's landed in Wyndon. He wishes that he could've gotten to know him more, but he has amends to make. Besides, friendship doesn't end due to distance.
Wait, why did that trotting just stop right before the hallway? What's she up to?
"Alas, poor me!"
Rosa's overdramatic shouting echoes throughout the hallway. He gets on his feet, book still in hand. Why did Rosa shout like that? Why's she lying at the edge of the staircase?
Rosa rests her lower right arm on the forehead. "Thy queen hast fallen ill!" She points to the red splotched onto her face. "Thee has't to carryeth thy queen!"
He can still can see red paint on the paintbrush she's still holding. Why's she speaking in Shakespearean Galarish? Did she binge read Whitelaw Shakespeare's word for the millionth time?
"Oh, woe is me!" She yelps, pretending to faint. "Thy queen hast fallen in her quest!"
Valen shrugs as he opens the door to the hallway's bathroom. He pops in, then pops out while rolling up a towel. "Clean up, then I'll carry you." He throws it at her, ready for the retaliatory bop. "That's nes't pas bon for une belle reine."
Thy queen's succeeded, woo-hoo! She rockets onto onto her feet, startling Valen backwards. If that wasn't awkward enough, she nearly knocks Valen over as she darts into the bathroom.
He tries to play it off, only to yelp when he realizes how quickly Rosa's cleaned herself up. Her arms are already around his neck. Why didn't she just ask to be lifted up?
Valen shrugs, hoisting her upwards via her midsection. They waste no time in pressing their lips together, the warmth within their bodies connecting with every kiss. It's like time itself has come to a sudden halt.
Rosa caresses the back of Valen's head. She nudges his right cheek into her midsection, her white and ice blue top being pressed in. His soothing touch feels so good on her back.
"Ready for the finals, sweetie?" She kisses the top of his head. "I'm so happy that you entered this tournament." Hard to believe it's already been a week since Valen and Silver's battle.
"You better believe that I am." Valen proudly shows the Guzmani suit he's going to wear. "Do I need to say if I'm happy?"
"Nopeeeee!" Her gleaming eyes fixate on the BW Agency logos on the sleeves. Not to mention the Team Skull logo on the back. "You look so good in a suit!"
"Why thank you, ma belle reine." He kisses her right hand, making her giggle. " Le roi et chevalier is honored."
"Nooooo, thy queen's honored!" She bops his forehead with hers.
Rosa and Valen laugh, releasing each other. A quick peek at the desk reveals to Rosa that he's gotten new painting prints. She bends forward, her chin on Valen's right shoulder. Somehow, he avoids becoming a flustered dork. That's too bad, he's a cutie when he's dorky.
Rosa points sideways with her right hand. She narrows her eyes as her mouth falls open. First up is Twilight in Pinwheel Forest by Frank Edwin Castelia. The scene's cloaked by the approaching night, the blazing sun setting over pinwheel forest. Skyarrow Bridge uses said approaching night to play hide-and-seek in the background. The dark crimson lake surrounded by twisted trees is a cool minutiae. Virizion's galloping within the forest floor, looking all majestic and cool. Lots of Pokemon are present, such as the Snivy line, Pinsir, Heracross, and the Poliwag line.
Noooow, Super Doctor's Rosa is going to check up on Our Trainer's Home by Wesley Homer! The sky's finished in bright blue, the ground in burnt sienna, and the sun in yellow ochre! Nooooow, she must look at all those happy Pokémon! Arcanine's licking the trainer's face, Tsareena's giving him a hug, Hydreigon's roaring in celebration, Gengar's making him laugh, Glaceon wants to play with its Poké Ball, and Ursaring is flexing for some unknown reason!
Next up is a print of the world's most famous painting, Lorenzo Da Vinci's Mona Gardevoir. Her gleaming eyes, smug smirk, and folded arms gives many viewers the vibe that she's just won a battle. It's fitting that Florentine Stadium's proudly towering in the background, its massive rooftop dome poking into the ultramarine sky.
Da Vinci wanted to paint a portrait of the first Pokémon he had obtained! That's the origin story and she adores it! Speaking of which, Valen's Gardevoir's going to adore this, assuming she hasn't already seen it!
Oops, she's right there in the hallway. Exact same pose, except her face carries a lopsided grin
Valen taps Rosa's right shoulder, nearly being knocked over again due to a twirl. She giggles while he shrugs it off.
"I'll catch you later, ma belle reine."
Valen kisses Rosa on the lips, his fancy Guzmani clothes in a gym bag. His Gardevoir and him waves at her as he enters the hallway, both laughing when her waving uses Agility. His footsteps can be heard as he makes his way down the stairs. Gardevoir cackles as she follows close behind.
For Super Doctor Rosa, it's time to resume her task of checking out the prints. He'll achieve success within the art history field, while she achieves success as a painter. She hasn't ruled out the performing arts completely either.
Melanie relaxes within a ornate sofa within a public arena, a river of chatter and laughter flowing past her. Her legs are crossed, her hands are tucked behind her head, and she's got a proud smile. This arena's a fitting place for the finals—it's where she brought Valen the day after they met at the park.
Le Faucher Noir's back. That's what a number of the chatter is about, not to mention that big fans have gathered around in an adjacent area of the lavish lounge. Ha, that biker woman's debating with a woman in a suit over which of his monikers are better. Close to them two male trainers chatting about how badass his battle and contest performances are.
Despite all the commotion, Rosa and Silver's video chat with Kris can be overheard from her location. It'll be an in person chat soon enough—Kris will be living abroad. Rosa's Hydreigon is attempting to join the chat too, but keeps getting blocked by Sliver's Kommo-o. Kommo-o's looking a bit devious. Did Silver try to hide the obvious yet again?
Melanie would be joining them, but they've already begun approaching her. She sits up, straightening out her posture. She waves at Kris and vice versa.
"My residence's the house that Rosa was renting at first," Kris informs. "Small world, huh?"
"Small world indeed." Melanie saw photos of the house, but she never got to see it in person. That being said, she believes that Rosa moving back in with Valen accelerated his improvements.
"I rented it because I didn't want to put too much on my place, plus I also was struggling to cope," Rosa discloses. "But he's back on track now."
In hindsight, she should've moved back in with him from the start. However, dwelling is a time waster. Everybody needs to keep pushing forward.
"I heard about the battle," Kris tells Silver. "I know what you did for him." She closes her eyes, her face glowing. "I'm beyond proud of you, bestie."
Silver clenches his teeth as he gives Kris a wide-eyed stare. Her words mean a lot to him, but does her smile have to be so damn cute?! Why'd his left hand place itself on his heart?! Humph, just forget it. Hearing those words from Kris is precious, just like Kris herself.
"I loved watching his contest and battles." Kris places her hands on her lap. "And if I didn't change, I'd never get to befriend him…nor would I get that apprenticeship."
"I'm not any different." Silver's grin partially shows his teeth. "We both saw the error of our ways."
Silver and Kris stare deep into each other's glistening eyes, the surrounding cluster of noises keeping them from zoning out. Who could've expected former bitter rivals becoming this close? As friends, of course.
Yep, they're definitely just friends! No blatantly obvious elements here. Imagine how scandalous it would be if people learned that big tough Silver finds Kris cute! Oh no, the horror! The absolute horror of people going "awwww" at Mr. I'm The Strongest!
Oh no, Silver needs to hide this instant! His face was visibly red, and he can't use the hot sauce excuse this time! This is bad, really bad! Even Kommo-o's laughing at him! Tingles on his skin, his pride will never heal! Why is Kris so cute?! Fake Silver needs to yield!
Silver rapidly shakes his head, straightening out his posture. Nobody saw anything, no siree.
Kris places the tip of her left fingers on her forehead. "Get ready." She closes her eyes. "You need to be ready for somebody as stylish as me."
"I'm never ready for your annoying butt," Silver grumbles, turning his head away. "At least you're a nice annoying person."
"I'm never ready for your grumpy butt, but you're a subtle softieeeeee," Kris retorts in a singsong tone. "But you know I'm always one step ahead of you." She wags her left index finger while playfully winking. "You know you like meeee!"
He ignores her second remark. "Don't remind me." Kommo-o just has to egg him on like Feraligatr, doesn't he?
She can remind him that he's han-that's he's strong. Fine, he'll reluctantly admit that she's fun to be around .She's also cute and pretty, but she's a cute and pretty friend . Fake Silver better stay dormant.
"This made me remember the time I ran into Leon while shopping in Wyndon." Melanie awkwardly smiles, briefly closing her eyes. She uses her right hand hand to brush the front ends of her long hair. "Uh...so he's a really nice person...but I think he might need a chaperone whenever clothes are nearby." Someone named Bluesette was with him, which is good because none of the outfits he tried on matched in any way.
"Leon's a grown ass guy, plus he's the champ of Galar," Silver retorts, his lower lip curling upwards. "That's too much." Leon likes to run off, so why doesn't he do that in those situations?
More importantly for Silver, Kris better not get any wise ideas from this. He's not wearing a damn suit...unless she gives him a k-absolutely not. I mean, he's not completely opposed-yes he is.
"By the way, shouldn't Valen and Hilda be here by now?" Melanie asks, tapping her red nails together. "I wonder who's getting more flustered." She chuckles, her left hand over her mouth. "Kidding, kidding!"
"My turn, my turn!" Rosa places her left palm just under her neck. "Valen, oh Valen!" Her right arm rests on her forehead. "Wherefore art thou, Valen? Thy queen hast requested thee."
A lightbulb flickers on within Silver's mind. "Kris, why can't you be like that?" He deviously smirks, his arms crossed. "Why don't you recite Shakespearean Galarish too, unless you're not cool enough for that."
"Excuse me?" Kris looks like she's using Glare. "Say that again, mister." Her Glare attack doesn't effect the opposing Silver.
"You constantly nag me, so I'm returning the favor." Silver leans back in the chair, his chest outwards. "When was the last time you read The Achiliad by Hómēros?" He smugly narrows his eyes. "How about Historia by Democedes, the father of history?"
Kris places her fist on her hips. "Oh, don't you even-"
"How about Comfort & Vengeance by Hómēros?" Silver's gaze moves towards Rosa and Melanie, snickering at the stern expressions. "Think you last read that couple months ago,"
Kris's jaw drops as she steps back. "No, I-"
"That's the one where Yveltal comforts and avenges Xerneas, who was crying after the weapon was fired," Rosa chastises, making punching motions. "You wanna go, Kris?"
"The implication is that haven't you read the oldest known hurt and comfort story in a while." Melanie places her hands on her hips. "I don't like that."
Silver snickers while Kris tries to wriggle herself out of this. Take that, Queen Blabbermouth! Hahahaha, he's finally turned the tables on this annoying person who's absolutely and positively just a friend.
Silver's eyes widen when he hears Rosa and Melanie burst out laughing. His jaw drops as they high five each other. They were trolling him this entire time, now Kris just got invited to classical literature night on the day he's entered a phaal curry eating challenge! Dammit, he was so close to turning the tables on Kris!
Whatever, he's going to take a look around this interior. It's more interesting than anything Kris has to say...except for that he's han-no. Mhm, he knows all about the buon frescoes on the ceiling, he knows all about Neoclassical architecture. He knows all about the Calvanian Fresco School, he definitely isn't listening to Valen and Hilda talk-they're here? Yep, Valen and Hilda are finally here, their flustered and bubbly voices making Rosa and Kris giggle. Hilda's Garchomp is out of his ball, he's already running towards his Kommo-o and Rosa's Hydreigon.
Silver groans, relating Valen's attempt to deny the fact that he cried while reading Comfort & Vengeance. Hilda waving at him at the others, her right arm wrapped around Valen's neck.
Humph, Rosa and Hilda don't need to blush like that. They've seen him don a suit plenty of times-Kris shouldn't even be thinking about it. Kris needs to stop having that mischievous smile. It's not happening, sorry not sorry.
Valen rests his hands in his pockets. "So...what's the surprise?" His gaze darts around the area. "Is it something or someone?"
Rosa and Hilda giggle and titter, nudging each other with an elbow. They dart towards a large corridor, both looking back to give Valen a wink.
Melanie's got a teasing smile on her face as she flicks his forehead. She runs to join Rosa and Hilda, catching up with them right when a familiar female trainer comes into sight. Melanie's eyes twinkle, this bestie of theirs has always looked great in her long-sleeved crop top, her strap, and her boots. Those dark blue clothes contrast with her light blue shorts, and the white buckles at the end of her straps.
"It's great to see you again, Skyla!" One by one, Rosa, Hilda, and Melanie give Skyla a hard high five.
Skyla places the tips of her right fingers on her forehead. "Calvana's been enjoying their treat." She rests her left hand on her hip. "They've been graced by Skyla of the Elite Four." She gives Rosa and Hilda hard high-fives.
Upon hearing her name and her incredibly sassy voice, Valen'[s whole body jolts. "S-Sk-Skyla…Skyla's actually here…in person?!" He rockets out of the chair, his eyes meeting those of his cousin.
"I seem to have arrived just in time," Jacques remarks with a placid smile. "You should be the one to greet Signorina Skyla first." He chuckles, leaning back against the wall. He raises a brow when he spots Skyla approaching. "She decided to beat you to it." He pats Valen's upper back. "Go on, cugino."
Valen takes a deep breath, his pulse racing. He slowly turns around, that familiar dark red hair coming into his line of sight. His eyes are becoming puddles, but he can't help himself: which ding dong is chopping onions in here?
A warm sensation flows through him when Skyla wraps her arms around his neck. Yep, here it comes. Here comes the cozy feeling he gets from hugs. The attempt to squeeze him is unnecessary, but whatever. Neither is him being called cute, you crazy wholesome minds.
"Gimme a wider version of precious smile of yours, airhead," Skyla whispers, her tone sweet. "Don't hold out on me."
Heh, forget all of that. He needs to enjoy this platonic affection. "Is this smile big enough?" He rubs Skyla's back. "I was wrong...I do matter to people," he admits. "I was proven wrong multiple times."
"Of course you matter to me, airhead," Skyla pokes his nose, then points with the same finger. "You'll always matter to me, no matter how long the distance between us is."
"Congrats on the new gig." Valen high fives her. "Now you can actually travel more."
"I didn't just take them up on their for traveling." Skyla proudly grins, the tips of her left fingers on her forehead. "I was obviously the sassiest and hottest pick."
"There were picks?" Valen rapidly blinks. "I thought it was just-"
"Haha, you confused face is so funny!" Skyla waves her left hand in a playful manner "About the pick, not about my obvious strengths." She wraps her right arm around his neck, teasing, "I heard how lucky you are." she winks. "Congrats on the vee."
He kisses Skyla on her forehead, while she rests her right cheek on his upper left arm. His friends, plus, his pair of crazy wholesome girlfriends, helped him to beat back the darkness that corrupted his mind. His family, team included, stood by him as well.
Rui's boisterous laugh echoes, the wild card coming into sight. She's decked out in her Team Skull attire, a silly grin on her face. Rui halts when she sees Skyla, but a high five soon follows. Her PWT battle against Skyla was an epic one! It's hard to believe it's already been a year since then!
He gets a fist bump, she gets a fist bump, everybody gets a fist bump! "Sorry about being late!"
"You aren't late, silly." Hilda titters, her right fingertips hovering above her grin. "That being said, where were you?"
Rui sticks up both pairs of index and ring fingers. "I was calling up Team Skull!" She sticks her tongue out. "Wait for it, wait for it, waaaaaait for it-"
Suddenly, Valen's phone blares with notifications. Yep, direct messages from Team Skull members are the cause. Guzma, Plumeria, Gladion, they're all going to be watching the finals. They've been watching from the start to begin with.
"Well, I'm heading out." Melanie points and winks at Valen. "I'll be seeing you again really soon, so be prepared." She begins to stroll off, her steps wide and her arms swinging.
Valen's mom and dad just texted him, not even work can keep them from tuning in. Here comes the rest of the family. Heh, Serena's sharing photo of Calem and her in front of the television. Leaf's calling him Mr. Meanie, which is still an adorable nickname. He wants to respond to everybody's texts and direct messages, but that'll have to wait. He ready to leap into action...the battle the battle starts in just over an hour. That's why Rosa and Hilda just took their phones out, but they'd do that regardless. While they do their thing, he'll answer the messages one at a time.
Rosa uses her phone to play a smooth upbeat instrumental, while Hilda presses play. Hydreigon and Garchomp join their respective trainers.
Hilda and Rosa press their backs together, shouting, "Yeah yeah yeah, let's do it!" The melodious roaring of the dragons make them giggle and titter respectively "You are one of the best, like no one ever was!" Hilda jumps, clasping her hands over her left shoulder. "Ever was, ever was!"
"To win battles is your real test!" Rosa's eyes sparkle, clasping her hands next to her right cheek. "To be cool is your cause!" Salamence and Hydreigon roar as if they're doing what the humans call karaoke.
"Your whole life's led to this, time to test your skills!" Rosa sticks both of her index and ring fingers. "We know that we just can miss, you're gonna show the world-"
"Born to be a winner!" Rosa and Hilda grab each other's hands and jump into the air. "Born to be a champion!" They rotate positions. "Born to be a winner, born to be the very best!" They point at Valen. "Born to be a winner, that's yoooou!" They exchange high fives with each other, the dragons emulating them.
Rosa's touch is all that Hilda needs to see. She clasps her hands behind her back, pacing herself towards Valen. She's got one more, because dreams really do come true. Now she can share hers with the love of her slides her arms around his neck, locking her lips onto his. His warm touch flows through her dark brown hair and her back. Her black waistcoat and white top are pressed inwards when Valen rests his left cheek on her midsection. They hold each other as tightly as possible, the flow of time ceasing within their minds.
Is it a mere coincidence that the buon fresco above Hilda and Valen depicts two trainers having a similar intimate moment, a Boltund and Espeon snuggling with each other by their respective trainer feet? What about the buon fresco to the left and right? That Serperior's towering proudly within the dense canopy and lush foliage of Pinwheel Forest. That male and female Pyroar hold their heads up high while atop a steeply sloped hill.
Two columns sit on opposite sides of a giant entrance. On the other side of that entrance is the main arena of this stadium, the eager crowd's chatter entering through it. A lunette with a gorgeous fresco of Salamence and Dragonite soaring high rests above it. Valen rubs his hands on the two columns as he passes them. His's smile radiating confidence, his stride's showing that he means business. The crazy wholesome minds have to keep themselves from trotting ahead of him.
Upon hearing the erupting crowd, Valen clenches a rose in-between his teeth. He points at the crowd, a lopsided grin on his face. Rosa and Hilda wave at everybody as they darting to join Skyla and the others in the front row.
Melanie rubs her eyes to prevent tears from dripping. Nothing can truly state how proud of him she is. She winks at him, taking two Poké Balls out of her blue jean jacket. Her posture's stiff, an air of readiness surrounding her. She wants to get this show on the road! She spins as she hurls the balls, her Dragonite and Absol leaping onto the ground. Dragonite flexes his arms, his facial expression competitive. Absol merely closes her eyes and smiles.
Valen tosses the rose towards Rosa and Hilda, the former catching it. He yanks two Poké Balls off of his Guzmani belt. He chucks the Poké Balls into the air, his Salamence and Typhlosion landing with their eyes closed. Salamence's red wings appear more of a crimson hue as they rise, while the flames on Typhlosion's back shoot up with more intensity. Both sharply open their eyes. They unleash the most thunderous roars that they can, the ground trembling beneath their feet. The four Pokémon greet each other, may the best duo win. Their trainers are leaning forward, their eyes emitting both determination and affection.
"I'll give you lots of hugs when you lose," Melanie teases, her hands on her hips. "Can't touch this." She runs her right hand through her long black hair.
"You'll be needing the hugs, ma belle amie." Valen points to himself, his eyes closed and his grin lopsided. "The big bad trainer who beats you down and beats you down without ever letting up." He sharply re-opens his eyes. "It's your boy, Valen!" Guzma's definitely going to be boasting about hearing that.
"Let's put on a show together!" Both shout, causing the crowd to roar with more fervor.
It's time for Team Skull's Valen to cause some mayhem, especially since Melanie's Dragonite is charging in with Dragon Claw. "Fend him off with your Dragon Claw." Absol's coming in fast, but not fast enough to evade. "Use Flamethrower."
Salamence takes off like a shuttle, his claws glowing royal blue. He uses his claws to intercept Dragonite's claws, which are glowing white.
While the dragons attempt to overpower each other, Typhlosion's stream of swirling fire strikes Absol in the face. She's not deterred, but that's to be expected. Here comes Absol's Shadow Ball, causing Valen to snap his fingers. The black and white sphere is flung like a boomerang thanks to Typhlosion's Strength attack.
While the battle rages on, Valen hopes that everybody's aware that he's back. In particular, madams should remember that he can be a baddie while he's being polite.
Fate chose to write a new book on him, one that has a happy ending. He can't change the past, but he can change his future.
Thank you to everyone's who read this to the end! This is the first time I've ever completed a fic! I'll probably still make at least few tweaks to the fic here and there.
Now it's onto finishing Rosa's Renaissance. Stay tuned for the sequel, which will be titled There's No Better Team :)