A/N: Big Thanks to RemiGrezalea for beta testing this chapter.
Camphier Town
10:49 Pm
Hotel A' La Lovely
'...Tired eyes, barley open; Crippled by a promise- broken. I have seen an empire falling. Hopeless can, you hear me calling? Turn away from all that I know; Burning this bridge behind me. Light the way, and I'll follow... Where you go...'
Music played through the tips of her rose-gold tinted wireless headphones. A 4-4 beat mixed in the right amount of natural instrumental & synthesized beats entranced her mind with brilliantly written lyrics. Failing to do its task of drowning out the sounds of the pouring rain beating mercilessly down on the rooftop, keeping her sights away from the steaks of water lining the windows.
She still found her eyes lingering every-once and while. Distraction unavoidable.
From beside her, her newly evolved Braixen cooed. Her nuzzle borrowing into the side of Aria's leg.
After giving the Pokemon a quick pet, she turned her attention back towards the paper she was writing on.
It was the plan for her upcoming performance. Of course, she needs to come up with a whole slew of brand new idea's. As reusing old ones will only get her undesirable flak.
It's the part of Pokemon performances that nobody ever talks about. It's grueling, really. No matter how much she loves being up on stage, the 'planning & prep' aspect will never be fun.
Especially not when you have somebody like Palermo constantly breathing down your neck.
"...uh, maybe a flaming flower? But adding in Spritzee's dazzling gleam for dramatic effect?...But we'd need a stronger move then ember. That might be something for the future tho..."
Letting out a sigh, Aria's head fell onto the table. Bumping her expensive headphones against the solid wood.
She sighed in exasperation, letting it linger as her thoughts once again caught up to her. Her fingers gently drummed on the underside of the table.
No matter how hard she tries, she just cant focus.
Why might you ask?
That boy she meet weeks ago.
He was like a plaque in her memories, a sensual force stripping away her ability to focus.
His handsome and cutesy smile was a like permanent picture seared into her mind. And she can't find the strength to look away.
Is it weird that she finds him dreamy? Especially since she only meet him one time, for like five minutes no less. Surly that has to be a least a little bit excessive?
It also doesn't help that he's quite a bit younger then she is.
"Oh god. Am I like a pervert now or something?!"
Her body squirmed uncomfortably in her seat. The polka dot pajamas that she was wearing twisted ever so slightly, giving the woman a bit of a midriff. Partially showing off her strong abdomen, of which had been refined from years of rigorous training for her showcases.
"But ... those sparks I felt. Upon shaking his hand ... it was like a bolt of electicy ran through my body. Or like ... like fireworks exploded in my heart! That had to of meant something, right? Right?"
Maybe, just maybe ... one day—
With a little more then a singular intensive, her brain betrayed her by spiraling off into a million little fantasies about her and Ash.
Ranging from wholesome walks on the beach, to some ... not so wholesome perversions-
"GAAH! What am I doing?!"
*SLAM*
Her forehead collided with the surface of the table. The hair tie holding her hair in it's messy bun flew off, causing stray strands of pink to erupt all over the darkly stained wood.
Her face feigned a perfect duality of Aghasticism and discombobulation.
"Oh Arceus, what am I doing?! It's like I'm some stupid love stuck teen. Smitten by first sight alone. I'm a walking Cliché"
She was a celebrity, he was just a teenager ... albeit a very brave, tremendously stupid, overly selfless and extremely handsome teen.
She had only seen him one time. One freaking time. ONE TIME. And now, she was sitting in her room, at night, putting off her duties to day dream like a fool.
Love at first sight wasn't real. That much was a fact. It has been proven to be a thing of fiction. Nothing but common trope in shitty romance stories & fairy tales. Overused and boring.
And yet...
Questions turned the gears of her mind.
So then, why?
If it isn't love, what is it?
What even is 'Love' ?
Is even possible to feel love after just one encounter?
Why cant she extinguish this burning desire in her heart? Will it ever go away? Was he thinking of her? Will they meet again? Will she ever stop thinking about him?
So many questions; yet so little answers.
If only ...
If only she could see him again, just to make sure. To confirm whether or not what she feels is for real.
Aria wasn't stupid. She knew she wasn't in love. But she feels something. Something isn't nothing.
Hence, the flame in her heart.
She just... she want's to see him again.
She want's to get to know him.
...maybe she's just a hopeless romantic.
Or maybe, she's blowing things way out of proportion; reading into every fine detail way to intensely.
But, for the first time since her childhood, Aria's desired something far out of her reach.
She'd have to scale a mountain just to get it. (After she figures out what exactly it is, of course) But, she can tell for infallible certainty, that her heart thumping against the inside of her chest wasn't just for show.
They're has to be something there. A double entendre. A reason. Anything.
She's determined to figure out what.
She can already tell she'll have to swim through tidal waves just to touch his hand once more. Even if the current's strength wont let her leave the shore.
And If that doesn't mean anything, she doesn't know what does.
Snapping her attention away from her thoughts, her phone vibrated against the desk. Glancing down, Aria paused her music and picked up the phone. Answering with her usual cheerfulness... with just a hint of underlying annoyance.
"Hello?"
'Ahh! Aria! I thank you for answering your phone this late at night! This is indeed quite marvelous!' A very familiar voice chimed through the mechanical device
"...Augustine. Is there something you need? I was just about to head to bed" She lied, not wanting on spend to long on the phone.
'Ah, well, that is quite malheureuse. Pardon moi puis madame- but, I have a request for you'
"Oh?...What kind of request?" She palmed the side of her left cheek as she spun around the imaginary phone cable.
'Oh? Is that intriguer dans vos voix? That is quite marvelous! You see, I was thinking about inviting a special guest to the summer camp this year- and who better then le reine de Kalos, herself?'
"You're still running that camp? The one I went to when I was a kid?"
'But of course! It's a staple in Kalos tradition. Aspiring trainers come from far and wide just to attend... performers included. Quelle fais toi dire? Sounds like fun, non?'
"I don't know, I'm quite the busy woman..."
'That you are madame, but don't you think it'll be nostalgic to come back after all this time?'
"You say that like Its been a long time-" Aria brushed a stray strand of watermelon pink hair out of her face
'It's been ten years since you last attended' The professor practically deadpanned.
"WHAT?" Aria practically shot up in her seat 'Has it really been that long?!' She thought while dragging her hand down the side of her face.
'You stopped attending once you turned fourteen & your career begun taking off, remember?'
Aria inquired "...I- has it really been ten years?"
'Aïe. It has!' The man exclaimed
Aria took a moment to overcome the sudden revelation "I definitively don't want to now, I certainly don't need constant a reminder on how old I am"
'Well, while that is quite inauspicious- I'm still going to have to convince you otherwise.'
"You really want my attendance don't you?"
'But of course! You're all the rage with today's youth!'
"Perhaps- but I still don't want to go"
'Are you sure?'
"Yes"
'Are you sure, you're sure?'
"Yes"
'Well then, I hate to bust out the big guns but- I'm desperate'
"What do you possibly think can sway me-?"
'Ash Ketchum will be there'
A moment of silence ragout between the two before-
"...You should've started with that"
'Ahahaha. Ce est au-delà merveilleux!'
"I hate you; you know that right?"
'Merci, Merci Ariana! I appreciate it'
"Yeah, Yeah, Sure. Just E-mail Palermo the details and I'll get her to clear my schedule"
'Marvelous! Merci Madame Ariana!'
"It's Aria-"
'Ahahaha, But of course! C'est au-delà merveilleux!'
With a quiet click, the line went dead.
Aria remained quiet for a moment as the music she was listening to returned.
'... all this bottled up rage inside, starts to light up in flames tonight. Oh I'm looking you in the eye; You're so sick you look paralyzed..'
"...Wait a damn minute" She turned her phone and tapped on the screen a couple times, pulling up the date on the device "How in the hell would he know if Ash was in attendance?! Registration for the camp doesn't even start for two months! That slick son of a bitc-"
Santalune City
10:49 Pm
Pokemon Center
"Those two girls were pretty crazy, weren't they?" Clemont leaned back into this seat, letting out a tired sigh.
"They were something alright" Ash nodded in agreement while he fiddled with Froakie's pokeball.
Bonnie rubbed her cheeks with two palms, still traumatized. "I can still feel her hands on my face..."
They were currently situated in the Pokémon Center, sat off to the side in a cluster of tables and chairs.
All three of them were eating dinner. Something they had grabbed from a nearby cafe.
Ash stood and stretched, multiple therapeutic joint pops firing off throughout his body.
"Alright. I'm gonna head out for a bit. Gotta get those late night grinds in y'know?"
Clemont nodded in understanding. "Alright then, I think I'll book us an a room and put Bonnie to bed."
"I'm not tired!"
"What will do you after?" Ash asked, ignoring the little girl
Clemont smirked and pushed up his glasses using the rims. "Well, I think I'll work on my newest invention"
Ash scratched the back of his neck diligently while smiling sheepishly "Well... as long if it doesn't blow up in my face- then It's sounds like a plan!" He stuck his thumb up, Pikachu mimicked his movements to a tee
"Yeah, right! This is Clemont were talking about. It's guaranteed to go BOOM" Bonnie threw her hands into the air to get extra emphasis.
"Way to have faith in your older brother..."
"Pfft. As if I could ever half faith in that disappointment of a inventor"
"Bonnie!"
"Sorry Clemont, but it's true. At this rate, I'll never be able to find you a wife if she's scared to get nuked every night!".
Raising his eyebrows in surprise, Ash awkwardly laughed and slowly began to back up"Haha.. well then. I better get going"
Waving the Citron siblings off, the raven haired trainer made his way towards the portable phones, Located on the other end of the Pokemon center.
With a couple taps and a minute of ringing, a man answered on the other end. 'Hmm? Ash! How's it going bro?'
"Hey there, Tracey! Sorry for the late call, but I was wondering if ..."
Lumiose City
10:49 Pm
Vomir l'amour Café
Stepping through the double doors of a fancy boutique café, Diantha spoke into her phone, she feigned annoyance.
"You're kidding."
'Unforgettably, no. My suspicion was indeed correct. Lysandre is back and he's sponsoring a Trainer. One to wield a Pokemon fused with a mysterious and experimental bio-energy of which he dubbed 'Mega Evolution Energy'. We don't really know how it works or what is actually does. But, as rumor has it, it supposedly amplify's the power of Mega Evolved Pokemon Tenfold... Like a sort of performance enhancing drug, but for pokemon' A male voice called from the other line, speaking with a light accent.
Her light-footsteps were drowned out by the sounds of the bustling city. Even at night, Lumoise was a sight to behold.
"Well, that's all it is right? Just a rumor?"
'We can only hope. Such a substance would has quite possibly limitless potential. The person who sent me the anonymous tip compared to a power stockpiler. The more mega evolution pokemon the wielder defeats, the more energy they collect and the stronger they become. The snowball effect is devastating.'
"Well then, Siebold, why don't we put that theory to the test. He just started out right? So invite him out for one of your restaurants specialty dishes."
'Very well then, Ma'am. As you wish.'
"And..." Waving at a passerby who recognized her, Diantha lowed the sound of her voice. "...Keep me in the loop, will you? I wanna stay on top of this. Possibly getting the jump that narcissistic maniac later on- possibly saving us all the time later on"
'Of course.'
With a click, he hung up the phone, letting the line die.
Lysandre. She didn't even know how mad man was still alive, much less right back into twisted schemes.
Not even a year ago, he was a dead man. Doctors confirmed he had no more then three months left to live.
Now he's a dead man walking. Which is even more dangerous.
But, with that said, why now. Why of all times show up now? What is he planning?
Surely he's planning something, this is Lysandre after all.
Staring up at the moon, Diantha basked in it's glow "Anonymous tip my ass. That was most definitely Malva, she's probably stirring the pot again. But why? What's her motive? What does she hope to gain?"
To be quite frank, Diantha was quite tired of having to ask why.
Deduction requires sacrifice. Her time is money & is efficiency is everything.
With that being said, now it's a race against the clock. She needs figure out what Malva's after while also getting the jump on Lysandre.
Diantha signaled for her private driver. Within seconds a large black limousine pulled up.
The car door popped open and she stepped inside.
"Where to ma'am?"
She took a glance down towards her phone.
"Back to the hotel please, Gabriel."
With a silent nod, her driver, a large man with dark skin sitting in the drivers seat took the vehicle out of park.
Choosing the seat closest to the door, she quickly sat and adjusted herself.
"Sometimes, I wonder whether being the champion is worth all this trouble-"
Suddenly, she was interrupted by a familiar voice, almost causing her to jump through the ceiling in surprise.
"I wouldn't think it to be so, Ms. Carnet. It seems like it's troubling you quite a bit"
It was deep, but it held that familiar amount of low rumbling. She could never forget it.
Glancing up, she spotted him sitting on the opposite end of the Vehicle. One leg crossed over the other and his fingers intertwined.
"Lysandre-"
"These troubles of yours, Diantha- Why don't we speak of them over a cup of tea?"
"No thanks. I'm just had a drink. I'm already quenched"
"Hmm, are you now? That's to bad. Oh well, perhaps I can offer small pastry. My cafe was some wonderful bakers, why don't you give it try? You see, we have some important business to discuss and the last thing I'd ever want to be is rude"
"...How kind of you"
Santalune City
11:41 Pm
Pokemon Gym
Streams of moonlight shone through the ceiling of large glass windows, naturally illuminating the battle field, even without the use of artificial light.
"3 on 3, that's alright with you, yeah?"
Ash pumped his fist "Of course! Sounds like a blast!"
Viola nodded & took a breath. A fancy stone bore around her neck, attached to necklace of brown leather.
They stood opposite of each-other on the field. To the right of his feet Pikachu was curled up in a ball, resting.
Then, with underwritten synergy, both trainers unclipped pokeballs from their belts and tossed them skybound.
A/N: CUE THE BATTLE MUSIC! ٩( ͡ ͜ʖ ͡)۶
"Staraptor, I Choose you!" "Scolipede, come out!"
Two flashes of blue energy filled the nightly air. Lighting up the immediate area.
Emerging from those flashes of light, were two Pokemon.
The Flying/Normal type Staraptor and the Bug/Poison type Scolipede.
Ash smiled. "Start us off with Bravebird!" He exclaimed while snapping his fingers
Viola made a couple of exasperated arm movements and called out her command "Protect!"
Glowing a fadded white, Staraptor dove towards the large bug type Pokemon, who was currently stationary. Moving at blitzing pace, the bird didn't have anytime to react before slamming into a clear force-field.
"Protect? That's just delaying the inevitable" Ash pointed out. A small smile on his face... which immediately dissipated upon Viola smirking while she gave a cryptic response. "Am I?"
As if on cue, a hue of orange and red surrounded the body Scolipede, signifying a stat raise.
"Uh...?"
If the smug look on her face was anything to go by, then Ash could only guess he had just played right into her hands "Scolipede's ability is 'Speed Boost'. It raises his speed every-time after he performs uses a move.
"It doesn't matter how fast you are if you can't take a hit! Bravebird again!"
"Run around while using Sword Dance. He wont be able to hit you if you're fast enough" Blitzing around the field's edge, the already fast bug pokemon ran while simultaneously using the move 'Sword Dance'. Giving him a huge attack boost.
Staraptor dove towards his opposition repeatedly, only to slightly miss every time.
Tapping his fingers against his chin, Ash was thinking of a way to counter. But, how are you supposed hit something that is constantly getting faster and faster?
...Well...
... You don't. "Starapator fly up! If she's using Swords Dance then she's probably only got physical moves! There's no way for her to hit you from the air. "
Doing just as his trainer commanded, Staraptor flew up. It was now several meters above the field.
"Poison Jab! Super jump into the air using your enhanced speed!" With the horn on it's head glowing an inky purple, the bug Pokemon took to the sky's. Using it's enhanced speed to gain momentum and jump exponentially higher then it could ever normally.
Ash smiled "Perfect! Now, spin and use U-Turn!"
Now radiating a light green hue, Staraptor spread it's wings and spun in a single spot.
As poison jab was about to connect, The tip of Staraptor's wing slightly grazed with the top of Scolipede's horn, before poison jab could hit it's mark. Instantly, a red light encased Staraptor and he went back to it's pokeball.
Scolipede had completely missed it's attack.
Viola's eyes went wide "What-?! He managed to dodge by using U-turn?!"
With the speed worthy of a Pokemon master, Ash changed pokeballs and sent out his next pokemon.
"Quickly! Before it hit's the ground! Incineroar, come out and use darkness lariat! That should knock it off it's balance"
Emerging from the pokeball, a large, Fire/Dark type bipedal Pokemon materializes and takes action instantaneously.
She lets out a ferocious roar and follows it up by spinning on the spot, paws lighting aflame.
Scolipede began falling from the ground, gravity running it's course.
Ash smirked as the fire/dark type slammed into Scolipede before it could even finish it's descent, sending the pokemon flying back.
"Now- While It's stunned! Flame Charge!"
Encasing itself in an veil of flames, Incineroar charged at the pokemon.
Contact was made and smoke filled the immediate arena.
From Viola's perspective, it all happened so quick that is blurred into one single masquerade. First, Ash had U-Turn to dodge an attack, then he followed it up by exploiting a weakness she would've never thought of in a million years. He baited Scolipede into using it's increased speed to jump exponentially high, giving him enough time to switch his pokemon and attack before it can even hit the ground. Which in turn knocks her's off balance, allowing him to land a super effective attack, dealing massive damage.
"What the h- H-how did you-!?" Viola was beyond flabbergasted
"No single plan is perfect & no strategy is flawless. That's one of the many lesson's I've learned on my journey!" Ash paused, his eyes lingering towards the grounded & heavily injured Scolipede. "Of course, I took a few liberty's, especially with that U-Turn. But hey, It worked out in the end so I'm all good! I had faith my Pokemon could pull it off and sure enough, they did!"
"...Well I'll say. This is proving to a lot more difficult then I originally anticipated. Just a couple minutes in and you've already got me on my toes"
Ash smiled and rubbed under his nose with his left hand's pointer finger "Hehe. I try"
Slowly, albeit shakily, Scolipede rose from the ground "Can you go on, Scolipede?"
The pokemon's eyes burned with fiery determination, he might've taken a few hits, one even super effective but he refused to give up in the face of adversity
Ash could feel the aforementioned flowing from the pokemon's core. Unrivaled prowess. It was almost contagious.
However, the pokemon's condition was worse for wear. Ash could clearly see it's legs shaking and it's body was burned and bruised.
Determination & Power often work in conjunction. But only when both are equally balanced. The scale must not tip too much in either direction, or else unison is unachievable.
Overwhelming power is useless when there's no initiative to use it.
Sheer determination wont get you anywhere if you don't have any power to back it up.
Ash shook his head. "You should withdraw your Pokemon. Scolipede is no condition to fight. I refuse to beat him down further for no good reason. That isn't a pokemon battle."
Viola, rightfully so, looked slightly offended "Are you underestimating my Pokemon?"
Ash, once again, shook his head. "Of course not. I can feel his prominent strength."
Her hand movements were obscene, but her face had gone almost stoic "Then what's the problem?"
"Scolipede's only standing because of his desire & sheer will to make you happy. But, it's body is in no condition to do so. While it is a testament to your bond, it wont matter when scolipede is beaten within a inch of it's life because it refused to stop fighting."
"It's not that I don't think you're super strong, because you are. Things have just one in my favor this time around, ya see?"
Viola took another glance at her pokemon, and sure enough, the kid's words rang true. Her Pokemon's legs were shaking. It's body was littered with burns & scratches. It was clearly on the brink of collapse.
She stared ahead at her pokemon, the realization striking harder then a ranging Rampardos.
"...He's right, Scolipede, but I know you want to press on, so- lets have one final escapade! Use Baton pass!"
As it's last ditch effort, Scolipede gathered the rest of his remaining strength and let out a fierce but maniacal battle cry. Which was followed up by it's body being surrounded by the light of a pokeball.
Then, as if mimicking Ash, Viola clipped away scolipede's pokeball, unclipped another Pokemon's and threw that into the air.
The pokemon that emerged took Ash by surprise. But what was concerning was the stat boosts it gained.
"A Golisopod?"
After silently thanking the Pokémon inside her pokeball. She let out a sly smirk "Surprised? People know I'm a bug specialist, so they always think they can win using rock & fire types; I had raised this guy as a counter. Pretty nifty huh?"
Ash eyes sparkled with excitement. "Oh yeah! It's so awesome! It's my third time battling one!"
"He's pretty strong too"
"I bet"
Ash then turned to his fire Pokémon, they locked eyes. It was a knowing glance.
Viola's smirk deepened "He's also got a lot of cool tricks, like this- Use First Impression!"
"CATCH IT!"
"Wha-?!"
Golisopod shot forward, it's body becoming nothing but a streak of green and blue.
Only to slam into head first Incineroar's paws.
Viola looked flabbergasted "How in the-?!"
"I did tell you this wasn't the only Golisopod I've seen, didn't I? Now, use revenge!"
With its body glowing black, Incineroar slammed her paw down on Golisopod, dealing some damage & knocking the Bug/Water type back a few meters.
"Pressure the Incineroar! Use liquidation!"
"Match it with Flare blitz!"
There was an explosion of steam & water vapor in the center of the field.
"Again!"
"You too!"
This time, the super effective move slightly overpowered the opposite. Pushing back the fire type a little bit.
Ash's smile faltered "Uh oh. That's not good."
Ash needed a new approach to this. Obviously, spamming Flare Blitz won't work.
So, he needs a way to bambozzle a Golisopod and fast.
But, in the meantime ...
"Darkness lariat!"
"Lunge!"
The two claws on Golisopod's arms glowed a faint green, similar to the colour from Staraptor's U-Turn.
The moves collided in yet another stalemate. Little shock-waves of air spewing out in circular motion as a result of the two moves' collisions. It was a true testament to the sheer strength held by both Pokémon.
Viola's brow scrunched "Liquidation! It can't hold on forever"
"Take a page out of the professor's book and use Bulk Up!"
A sword of water materialized in the claws of Viola's Pokémon.
Incineroar let out a ferocious roar and flexed her muscles.
"This is a gamble, but It just might work..."
During the 'bulking up' process, Incineroar was left venerable. So much so, that the liquidation landed a clean hit. It dealt quite a bit of damage, but had some reduced thanks to the raised defense brought by Bulk Up.
"Now, Use darkness lariat again!"
"Match it with Lunge!"
Incineroar spun much ferocious this time around, it's overwhelming power was only boosted further.
This time, it was Golisopod who was pushed back.
"Get in there & use a picture perfect Close Combat!"
Ash gawked. "Crap! That's super effective too!"
The move landed with Golispod's glowing fists slamming into the chest of Incineroar
After watching his Pokemon recoil in pain, Ash grimaced. 'I can't rely on Incineroar for this whole match. I know Viola has one of those Mega Pokemon coming in soon.' His eyes darted back and forth between his pokemon and Viola's mega stone 'Chances are I'll need her power to beat Viola's mega. Not that I don't have faith in Staraptor or Bayleef, but I'm not sure if they can handle it...'
1 Hour Ago
Ash stood in-front of the Pokemon center's video phone. There was a big smile on his face.
'So Ash, what can I do for ya?' On the other end of the line, a man slammed a stack of papers onto the table, causing the camera to shake.
Ash nervously smiled "I have a tough battle commin' up, so I was wondering if I could transfer some of my pokemon?"
'How many?'
"Two"
'Anyone in particular?'
Ash shrugged "Just-whoever wants to battle"
Tracy, the aforementioned man smiled 'Alright then, just let me-' Tracy walked out of frame, paused for a moment, then screamed. From Ash's perspective, it sounded maniacal
'ASH NEEDS TWO POKEMON. WHO WANT'S TO BATTLE?' His yell was peircing.
A loud, incoming grumble caused the speakers on the poke-center's phone to lightly vibrate
Then, two figures zipped past the camera, one green; the other black.
The sound grew more intense.
'ALRIGHT! THAT'S ENOUGH! WE HAVE TWO WINNER'S: BAYLEEF & STARAPTOR, THE REST OF YOU GO EAT BREAKFAST!'
'Breakfast?' Ash glanced out the window, the moon stared back 'Yeah, I guess that's how time-zones work, huh'
The rumbling came to a screeching halt.
'Two 'battle ready' Pokemon coming right up! One fierce predatory bird and one leaf mammal ... who also may or may not be in love with you; but we don't talk about that'
'It'll be jeopardizing the 'Bulk Up' but I still think it's the best play...after all, I need to have faith in my Pokémon' The tips of his fingers paled as his grip on the ball tightened. "Incineroar, return"
A red energy captured Incineroar, returning her to the pokeball.
Viola eyed Ash curiously 'Why switch now? Seems a little odd since he got off the Bulk Up'
"Now, Bayleef!" After switching Pokeballs, he sent out his next ally.
Viola sputtered "You knew I was a bug type trainer yet you still brought a grass type?"
Bayleef materialized and immediately jumped onto Ash, hearts in it's eyes
Ash attempted to catch the grass type.. "Of course! Bayleef wanted to battle so, I had to let it- WOAH" ..but was ultimately knocked over.
"You'd put yourself at a disadvantage, just because your Pokemon wanted to battle?" She asked while staring at the green Pokemon currently nuzzling her trainer very lovingly.
"Who wouldn't?" Ash responded standing up slowly, lightly pushing his Pokemon back down
"Anybody striving for victory"
"...Maybe. But type advantage isn't everything. I'll show you how effective my Pokémon can be! Type advantage or no!"
Viola cocked a smile "We'll see. Use Lunge!"
With the speed boost gifted to Golisopod, he was able to close in quite fast. Glowing green claws arching in their target.
Ash responded in kind "Lock it down with vine whip"
Forest green vines rocketed out of the bud's around the pokemon's neck. Quickly wrapping around the wrist's of Golisopod, rendering it immobile
"Do you really think a couple vines can hold Golisopod for long?"
"No. But I don't need them to- Razor Leaf!"
"BAYYY!" The pokemon roared as a flurry of leaves shot out from her body.
Golispod swung it's arms around frantically, slicing the vines with it's lengthy clawx in the process.
The Bladed leaves did their worst, leaving scrapes on the adversary.
"Tch. Again, Lunge!"
Before Ash could react, considering the close quarters the two pokemon were already in, lunge hit it's mark, dealing super effective damage.
Bayleef recoiled in pain. A cry of agony followed.
Then, a hue of blue surrounded Ash's pokemon, similar to the orange one. However, instead of it signifying a state raise, it was the opposite.
"That was lunge's secondary effect. Upon coming in contact, the move lower's the attack of the opponent" Viola swayed her hips, feigning a sly smile.
Ash clenched his fist "Oh man! This battle keeps on getting better & better!" His body was shaking with explosive excitement
"Better and better...?" Viola was confused. 'Does he not realize his attack being lowered was bad thing?'
"Better & better." He nodded in affirmation. "A Pokemon battle only get's more fun the harder it becomes! Because then you know you beat your opponent at their best!"
"Oh? Quite confident are we? Lets see how long that lasts. Lunge, once more!"
"Charge in head first!"
Bayleef wasted little time, the Pokemon took of sprinting towards Golisopod
Golisopod stood it's ground.
"Now! Body Slam!"
"Dodge by jumping over then strike the back legs!"
Golisopod waited until Bayleef was just about to strike, then it sprung into the air, narrowly avoiding the normal type move.
It landed with a roll, but quickly spun around. The baton-passed speed boost once again coming in handy.
"BAYLEEF LOOK OUT!"
Bayleef barly had anytime to react before both of her hind legs were stuck simultaneously. She fell to the ground and face planted into the dirt field.
"Bayleef! Are you alright?!" Ash's cry's for Bayleef fell on deaf ears, as Golispod refused to let up.
Yet another onslaught of lunge's were bombarded onto Bayleef, striking with unprecedented power and speed.
"Bayleef..."
Ash let his head fall in shame.
Bayleef was unable to battle.
She had barley even gotten a chance to battle. It really was foolish of him to bring her against a bug type trainer. Or, at least, one of this caliber.
"Bayleef is unable to battle"
Ash sighed and returned his pokemon. He gave his quiet thanks to the grass type and grabbed his next pokeball.
"Maybe. But that doesn't mean we're done! Staraptor, I choose you!" Ash threw the pokeball up into the air, just like the first time when he called out the normal/flying type.
Emerging & materializing mid-air, Staraptor spread it's wings and let out a high growl. "I won't let Bayleef's effort go to waste! Brave Bird!"
Viola thrusted her arm forward and stomped her foot "I don't think so! Slice it out of the air with Liquidation!"
Simultaneously, both Pokemon initiated their attacks. The two charging at each-other in a climatic fashion
"You'll have to do better then that! Staraptor harden your wings with Steel Wing!" Ash pumped his fit into the air. He was more determined then ever to win now!
Viola looked a little taken back 'Is he using two moves at the same time?'
Satoshi internally grimaced as the Pokemon collided near center field. While Golispod's liquidation had been proven futile against the combined power of brave bird and defense of Steel wing. It didn't take away from the fact that the move still made contact. Staraptor was able to break through and land a big hit, but at the cost of taking a hit & recoil damage on top of that.
Golisopod was forced down to it's knees as it skid across the field, leaving a trial of earthy sediment in it's wake. The damage it has taken from the super effective attack was immense. But the Pokemon refused to give in.
Staraptor flew back into the sky, a look of pain of it's face. It had taken a great of damage in that single turn and has used up quite a bit of it's energy upon combining two moves at single time.
"Nice one Staraptor! But It isn't over! Golisopod refuses to give in! So neither will we! Put everything you got into this Bravebird!"
Ash knew it was a gamble. Staraptor was a tough pokemon, but he had taken a Sword-dance boosted liquidation from Golisopod. Not to mention the pokemon wasn't really meant for defensive endeavor. Sure, steel wing helped deflect a fraction of the damage, but at the cost at more stamina.
Incineroar was a slow defensive & offensive tank, which let it's tank hits much better. While on the other side of the coin, Staraptor was a frail but fast & strong attacker- almost like a glass cannon.
But then again, he was sure this Bravebird was in prime position to take out Golisopod. There was no doubt about that, the water-bug was on it's last legs. But it still possessed a major threat
The actual result could've been much worse. It ended a stalemate.
Staraptor took a hard angled dive towards Golispod, while the aforementioned struck with fluid simultaneity; duel wielding liquid swords.
The impact force stirred the battlefield's floor, causing an eruption of sand and dirt to cloud both trainers vision.
"Staraptor! Are you alright?" Ash called out only seconds after the collision, only to receive no response. Viola did the same, calling out to her Pokemon, but ultimately received the exact same answer as Ash.
After the dust settled & cleared. They were treated by an unruly sight.
Both Pokemon were unconsciousness, large swirls present in their eyes. Golispod was laid on it's back, all four limbs sprawled out in a different direction. He was positioned near center-field. Staraptor was much farther out, near the northwest corner of the field. Its wings were spread out wide, occupying a fairly large space. It was positioned on it's front, beak down in the field. The hair on it's head was split, laid out in a multitude of small clusters.
"It looks like both our Pokemon are out of commission"
"Yeah..."
A moment of silence was shared between the trainers.
"I think this battle has dragged on enough, don't you agree?"
Ash nodded "That I do"
With a nod of mutual understanding, both trainers returned their respective Pokemon and sent out their only remaining partners.
"Incineroar, I choose you!"
"Pinsir!"
Ash tilted his head to the side, confused at something when the two remaining Pokemon materialized on the battle field.
"What is that-?"
But then his eyes flashed with recognition "It's a Mega stone!"
Pinsir stood opposed to Incineroar, on it's left leg was a metal brace, inside a yellow, red and brown stone glimmered. It's surface reflecting the rays of moonlight from above.
He didn't know much about Mega Evolution, but earlier today after his talk with Tracey and during the following conversation with Kukui, Ash had been warned him of their potential...
45 Minutes ago
Pokemon Centre
'Hmm? Incineroar? Pretty good choice if your going up against a bug type trainer' Through the same phone from where he called professor Oak's lab, Ash spoke to a tired looking professor Kukui. His hair was tired up in an usually messy bun & his eyes looked drained.
Ash hummed in thought before responding "Yeah, I also some got my other old pokemon with me" He held up two Pokeballs towards the screen.
'Oh? Who?'
"Staraptor and Bayleef"
'Staraptor I understand ... but Bayleef?'
"She wanted to battle" Ash said nonchalantly while shrugging his shoulders.
There was a muffled snicker erupting from the opposite side of the phone line. The man had covered his face when laughing. Unusual for him- but Ash figured it was probably because Proffesor Burnet was asleep
'Only you would pit a grass type against bug type trainer'
Ash rubbed the back of his neck and smiled sheepishly. "Heh- I guess"
But then his smile fell. He just couldn't shake the feeling of concern over the professor's appearance.
There were dark bags under his eyes, and Ash could see the half-empty coffee mug positioned on the table to his right.
It was uncommon for the professor to drink caffeine. As a professional Athlete, he tends to stray away from drinks with caffeine, only on days when he's overly exhausted or tired would he indulge himself.
'Hey professor, are you alright?'
Ash saw Kukui flinch ever-so-slightly before smiling brightly.
'Of course Ash, why do you ask?'
"You're tired"
A beat of silence passed between the two
Kukui waved him off subtly 'It's no big deal, I've just had ... a few revelations recently. Nothing to fret over.' Wanting to change the subject, Kukui hastily redirected 'Now, you said you were battling against a Mega Pokemon right? If so, you might want to consider bringing your Z-Ring.'
"My Z-ring? Really?"
The man nodded 'Mega Evolutions is quite powerful. It makes Pokémon much stronger, sometimes even changing a Pokemon's ability and typing in the process. We did a couple classes on it when you attended the Pokemon school- , But I'm pretty sure you were asleep- or maybe in that alternate dimension. Knowing you, It could be either-or'
"Man, that's so awesome! Mega's are so cool!" Ash was gushing,(consciously choosing to ignore the light jab at his poor school attendance) shimmering stars of amazement and fascination could be seen glittering in his eyes.
'Indeed, but they're also incredibly dangerous. I'll save you the lecture- because I know how much more you prefer learning by doing instead of hearing. But I suggest you not overestimate your own prowess and proceed with caution.'
"Sure thing professor! If Ilima's mega evolution is anything to go by, I'll be sure to give it 100%!"
Kukui nodded and raised his fist 'That's the spirit!'
Viola gently rubbed the stone handing off her necklace. Her thumb slowly guiding over the well polished surface. Rubbing off any possible dust remnants.
Ash knew he was in a tight spot, even despite his type advantage. Incineroar had already taken considerable damage from trading blow's with Golisopod. So it was at a considerable disadvantage.
And that wasn't even mentioning the Mega Evolution that was still to come.
"You're strong Ash. I'd say you earned the full power treatment right from the start? Don't you agree?"
Ash nodded "Of course! I only wan't to battle you at your best!"
With a sly smile dancing open her lips, the blonde jerked her hand forward and yanked the stone off the necklace.
"Pinsir- it's time to become as pretty as a picture!" A fierce multicolored light enveloped both trainer and pokemon alike
Ash watched with wide eyes as the process went underway. The sheer prominence of the illumination caused the room to erupted in an scintillate shine.
"Woah..." Ash remained in awe
"With flashes of a thousand camera lenses, become yet another masterpiece of this photographers gallery! Go beyond the artist's quo, harness your true power and Mega Evolve!"
Emerging from the light was a Pokémon Ash himself had never seen before.
It was Pinsir... but different. Like really different.
It had wings & It was flying.
"...Pinsir?"
Viola put her hands on her hips and smiled boastfully "When Pinsir Mega Evolves, it gains the flying type. Hence; the wings."
"That ... Is... SO FREAKING AWESOME!"
"I know right!"
"Oh man! I can't believe I get to battle a Pokémon like that! This is great isn't it Incineroar?" The wrestler lion roared in response to her trainer, feigning agreement.
Grabbing her camera, Viola snapped a photo of the field in front of her. "Now, let's get the remainder battle underway— Use X-Scissor!"
The newly evolved Mega Pinsir lunged, the wings on its body suddenly rocketing it forward with surprising speed.
Both Ash and his Pokémon were caught up off guard, having no time to react before being stuck simultaneously by two claws swiping across from one another.
Incineroar threw its arm up to block out of instinct, having just narrowly avoiding a direct attack.
"Keep up the offensive pressure and use close combat!"
Within seconds, the Pokémon shifted its momentum in the air, and swung downwards with its claws.
"Use flame charge! Cover yourself in fire and take the hit!"
Right before making contact, Incineroar cloaked itself in an fire.
"Pinsir- Pinsss!"
After unleashing a multitude of strikes, Pinsir recoiled back in pain, hissing while it clutched it's left appendage.
"Smart. You weren't fast enough to block so you covered yourself in fire. Simultaneously dealing damage and forcing Pinsir to temporarily retreat. However- It won't work a second time"
Ash titled his hat down and swung it around backwards. "I don't need it to"
The sly smirk on his face didn't go unnoticed by his attentive opponent
"Oh really?"
Ash raised his fist up by his face, causing his arm to bend at an ninety-degree angle. On his wrist, sat a black ring with a glistening red stone in it.
Her brow furrowed "What's that?"
"It's my Z-ring"
"...A Z-ring? I've never seen one in person before"
"Isn't it amazing!"
"Those are the catalyst for performing Z-Moves, correct? "
"They are!"
"Rumor has it they're extremely powerful. Is it true?"
"I think you're about to find out"
"Oh? We'll just have to see about that! Because I also happen to have some powerful moves of my own! Pinsir, Use a cataclysmic Giga Impact!"
With a yet another burst of momentous speed, Pinsir took off. Contrail's of air pressure left in it's wake.
While the Pokemon blitzed through the air in an unruly pace- Ash's eyes widened in mixture of realization & confusion.
When a Pokemon performs the move 'Giga Impact', it get's consumed in a veil of white aura. It's common practice for a lot of various poweful moves, where as a pokemon will expel copious amounts of excess energy.
Over the years, he had come to learn that each move has a specific colour associated with it's respective type.
Ash noticed the colour radiating from Pinsir wasn't white, but a light blue.
Light blue was of the flying type.
"It changed type?! ER- Try to compensate with Bulk Up!"
The impact from the move kicked up some more of the battlefields dirt.
Incineroar was sent hurdling back from the tremendously powerful move. The Bulk Up had helped with negating some of the damage, but not nearly enough of it.
"...I've never seen a Giga Impact like that before" Ash said while staring in shock, watching as his pokemon struggled to regain her footing.
Viola bounded up and down on the heels of her boots. "It was all thanks to Mega Pinsir's ability 'Aerilate'. It changes all normal type moves into flying and gives it a power-boost"
"That's nasty. But it won't stop us!" Ash clenched his fist. 'I can't afford to keep taking hit's like this. Incineroar isn't invincible. I have to end it now' Ash took a controlled step back, letting out deep exhale as he did so. "It's time Incineroar, are you ready?"
With a slight nod, the female Pokemon stood at attention.
"Alright then, let's do this"
Ash raised both his arms up and crossed them over his chest.
Viola watched in bewilderment as the energy started to admit from the Z-ring. A faint yellow aura highlighting his body.
Ash brought his arms down and extended them out into a gesturing position. Almost as if he was a conductor of a symphony, waving in their orchestra.
"This is our full power"
With narrowed eyes, he followed up the movements by thrusting his right arm forward with his palm facing Incinceroar's backside , finger's spread wide open. He capped the crevasse of his right elbow with is other hand.
The energy that had gathered around him had now shifted to the dark type. Covering them both in a overflowing amount of radiating power.
"Inferno Overdrive! ( ダイナミックフルフレイム )"
With eyes as wide as an black hole eclipse, the smile on Viola's face completely faded.
If the colossal sphere of fire forming in-front of Incineroar was anything to go by, then she was probably in trouble.
'The interior of the gym is to small, there's no way I can evade this. Not to mention Pinsir just used Giga Imapct, so he might not be even able to move yet. Damn- I'm stuck between a rock and a rock in a hard place now.' With seemingly no options left, Viola stammers in place.
Moments ago the battle had been heavily weighted in her favor. She had his last Pokemon on the ropes.
But with a single move, he had turned tables entirely.
It had been like this the majority of the battle. With only a single move he could counter an entire well thought out strategy.
She, was also naively avoiding the fact that she had made a big mistake by going for a Giga Impact.
'So this is what sets him apart from other trainers. His ability to come up with counters on the spot. He's so immaculate it's almost scary'
Snapping Viola out of her thoughts, was Incineroar's fearsome battle cry.
She staggered in surprise as the fire type lunged forward, extending It's right arm out in a throwing motion, hurling the giant ball of flaming mass down the field and towards the opposition.
*BOOOM*
The collision rattled the windows of the gym's interior. Practically shaking the building on its foundation.
Mega Pinsir was completely consumed within the flames.
Smoke erupted in an mushroom cloud like fashion, following the intense explosion.
Pikachu placed a firm paw atop Ash's hat, ensuring it didn't fly away from the shock-wave that followed.
Viola frantically waved at the smoke in-front of her face, attempting to clear the shield blocking her vision.
"Pinsir?!"
Ula'ula Island
{Po Town}
3: 52 Pm
Earlier Today
He was beyond fucking bored.
Just having finished conversing with Plumeria, (something about the 'enlistment' of a few new skull members or whatever) he was left with nothing to do but and sit and mope.
Of course, this was of his usual routine, but today he felt especially bored
Guzma was currently sat atop his throne, legs crossed and arms folded. His head leaned back against the chair as he let out a sigh. "I'm so damn bored that I'm about to claw out my own eyeballs just to give myself something to do."
"You're kidding, right?" To his left, the aforementioned girl had finished feeding her Salazzle a sitrus berry "Why don't you train or something? After all, you did lose to the kid"
Throwing his arm up to cover his face, Guzma let out an exasperated huff of frustration "Don't remind me"
Smiling, she stood up from her crouched position. "Relax, I'm kidding- About losing to the kid, not the training. He did beat Kukui after all"
"Er... Yeah, guess I could train, It probably wouldn't hurt"
Standing up as well, Guzma stretched and and cracked his back, knuckles and neck respectively. A multitude of therapeutic joint pops rippled out from his body.
"...That's gross"
"Shattup- It's satisfying"
"It's really not"
"Well I think it is"
"And I think you'll get arthritis if you keep that up"
"That's only a myth"
"Better then safe then sorry"
"Well Plumaria, I'm touched that you care so much about me, but I'm not going to stop."
"As if" With a scoff, the woman took her leave, heading towards the lobby of the team skull manor, her Pokemon in tow. "Your constant joint cracking is annoying"
"Uh-huh. You keep telling yourself that"
Wiping the sly smirk off his face, he let out yet another sigh and walked in the opposite direction of Plumaria, towards the direction of his room.
He has a meeting with Hala in about a couple hours anyway. Something about an 'Elite 4'.
Maybe, just maybe, being punctual for once wouldn't be such a bad thing-
*Bzzt*
*Bzzt*
*Bzzt*
From inside his pocket, Guzma's cellphone silently vibrates. Confused as to who could possibly be calling him, he pulls it out of his pocket, only to be greeted by an unknown number.
With no more then a mere thought, he presses the 'End call' button, having zero desire to answer.
The phone returns to his lock-screen, causing Guzma's evenly paced strides to falter.
It had been set to the same photo for years on end. It was of a significantly younger looking, but much more muscly Hala and two young children both with black hair, wrapped around each arm, all posing. To the large man's left, a boy who's skin was a shade darker, had two Pokemon resting on his shoulders. A cheery looking Litten and a small but happy rufflet picking at it's feathers. Both pokemon were resting on his right and left shoulder respectively. On Hala's other side, a boy with a slightly lighter skin tone held a single Pokemon that was sat atop his head. A shaking Wimpod who was facing opposite of the camera, clearly terrified of whoever was taking the photo.
All three of them had large smiles on their faces. One boy held up a peace sign and the other boy seemed to be extremely annoyed.
The backdrop is of the brilliantly shining Alolan ocean. Sunlight could be seen bouncing off the surface.
The photo was 25+ years old now, but it still held such novelty. From the days when life was good.
From the days he still had his brother.
From day's before he fucked it all up.
It had only been seconds that he stared at the phone screen, but in the short time before he can re-pocket his phone, it buzzes yet again.
'...Well that's not annoying at all'
This time, he answers so he can promptly tell who-ever's calling to 'shove it'
"OI! You got the wrong number. Now, I'm going to have to ask to you to kindly fuck off-"
He was interrupted by a voice piercing through the line. It deep, rumbly & recognizable.
'The conjuring rhythm of feeble starshine is about to break, decaying in anew world risen from the scars of tomorrow'
Guzma's pupils shrunk to the size of pine needles, his breath hitching.
The man froze in his tracks, Guzma glanced down towards his phone.
"L-lysandre?"
Without even thinking, he turned and bolted down the hallway. Running into this personal office.
The slam of the door rattled the old piece of wood on it's rickety hinges. 'N-n-no way-'
"Lysandre?"
As the man on the other end spoke into the phone, Guzma did his best to mask overwhelming fear.
'Guzma. I'm glad you decided to pick up the phone. It took you long enough.'
The voice sent chills down his spine.
In this world, there are three types of people.
Good ones, 'bad' ones, and the really bad ones.
Good people are like Kukui. Understanding, sympathetic, kind, and just all around decent human beings.
The 'bad' ones are like him and his skull grunts. Outcasts from society, misfits, misunderstood, misguided. But not inherently bad people.
But Lysandre... he's one of the really bad ones. A soul hell-bent on destruction. He's merciless, motivated by selfish desires & quite literally one of the 'big-bads' of the world. A being of pure, psychotic evil.
He's twisted & cruel. And like a comic book super villain come to life, he's truly believes everything he's doing is all for the benefit of humanity.
An Individual lacking true purpose.
'Yes. That's Me. Now, I'd like to discuss something with you, leader of Team Skull'
To be honest, the man scared him beyond words. There's no telling when you might set him off, its like constantly walking on egg shells. Truly grueling.
Steeling himself, burying his fear deep down inside, Guzma struggled pulled himself together. "Well yeah, I was... otherwise pre-occupied with some important business-"
'Mmm-hmmm. If idly chatting with your underling and complaining about excessive boredom counts as viable business, then sure. Although- You Alolan's have always been quite 'out-there' if you catch my drift. But I digress, as, I have much more pressing matters to discuss with you'
'Oh great- he's got this place bugged. How lovely'
Once again having to steel himself, Guzma covered the speaker and let out a quiet but shaky breath. The last thing he needed to do was let a sarcastic comment or negative interpretation slip out.
"Oh? And was business would somebody like you have with a low-life criminal like me?"
'Well, to put it simply, my organization is in jeopardy and has fallen under heavy potential threat.'
"...You're kidding. What could possibly have you threatened?"
Guzma pinched the bridge of his nose, the white-haired man was once again forced to calm himself. 'What in the hell could have flare under-threat? Rocket? Are they in another gang war?'
'As you know, the reason team Flare stands supreme is due to our & lack of pride & arrogance, Unlike the rest of our competition. Now, if we were to properly reap the benefits of historical documents provided to us, then I can quite confidently say that we need outside assistance. Now, I have come to understand that you have met and battled with a trainer going by the name of 'Ash Ketchum'. Formally: Satoshi Ashton Ketchum is that correct?'
'...Kukui's brat? What does the big-bad Dorito-man want with him of all people?'
"I do. What of it?"
'Well, Guzma, looking back onto every-region of which that young man has been too, he has been a thorn in the side of at least one rival organization, sometimes even being the cause of their demise. Most of them being well aware of the threat prior of his arrival but failing to acknowledge it because 'he's just a kid'. Well, as I said before, we lack that crippling arrogance. It wont take long for Mr. Ketchum to stumble across our operations, and once he does, I want to be ready for it. Ergo, I will require external assistance. You see where I'm going with this, no?'
Waving his hands around, Guzma sputtered. Again. "Hold on. Are you telling me that a child is the one responsible in the help & aid of Aqua, Magma, Plasma & Galactic's dismemberment?" He shook his head, disbelief evident.
'That he is. It was confirmed by my intelligence team. That boy is a plague. Absolutely eviscerating all semblance of correlation, scattering those insolent fools like insects.'
Guzma drew a breath, his brain going a mile-a-minute. He doesn't like where this going.
'Unlike everybody else, I am no fool. I learn from history. Harnessing it as a tool for the future. And If the past in any indicator, I need to take full precautions against his potential threat.'
"I-"
'Oh, and just so you know- you're more then welcome to go to that brother of yours, Kukui, with this information. I know he and Ash have a close personal connection.'
'...Does he have spies on the inside? Was bugging the place not enough?' His thought with a clenched fist, nails now digging into his palm.
'Just know that if you do..'
A loud cry for help ragout from above him, alerting Guzma.
It was followed shortly after by a loud thud.
Without even thinking, he ripped open the door to his room and ran down the hallway and around the bend.
Upon returning to the mansion's foyer, he was treated to a truly horrific sight.
There he saw a body of Keoni, one of his higher ranking grunts, sprawled out on the floor, motionless and bleeding out. Evidence of blunt force trauma littered all over his body.
'...You will pay in kind'
Guzma dropped to his knees.
Guzma clutched the phone in his hand. His entire arm was trembling "W-what do you ... what do you hope to gain from this?"
'...Unwavering Loyalty'
With the click of a phone, the line fell dead.
Outside of Viola's gym.
"Holy whoa, Sere! Your future boyfriend is cracked out of his mind! He just set off a mini volcano inside the gym!"
Leaning up against the glass walls of the gym, two young woman peered inside.
"...He's so amazing"
"Hell yeah he is! Looks like I heavily underestimated -stack here!"
Still refusing to peel her eyes away from the epic battle, Serena sighed. "Don't call him Short-stack Shauna, That's mean and unnecessary"
"But it's true-"
"Shauna..." Serena warned
"Alright, Alright! I'm sorry"
"Thank you."
...
"Still doesn't make me wrong tho-"
"SHAUNA!"