The end of the "friendly" competition was surely going to be any day now. How did Murasakibara know? Because he had seven badges while halfheartedly in the competition. Who knew where the others, who were actually into it to win, were at.

"There you are, Atsushi," a voice said. Murasakibara tilted his head up from his spot laying on the sandy beach of Undella Town.

"No, it's Muro-chin," Murasakibara whined to his Pokemon on either side of him.

Himuro brushed off Murasakibara's disappointment. "We've been here for days now. I've already visited Alex here and it's time for you to go."

"No~" Murasakibara drawled on once again. "Aka-chin'll probably win anyways."

Himuro sighed, plopping down beside Murasakibara's head. This was why he tagged along when running into Murasakibara in Unova: Murasakibara would no doubt go his own pace and get sidetracked or lost. Himuro grew up in Virbank City despite being from Kanto, so he knew the region pretty well and could guide Murasakibara through while encouraging him at the same time. Like usual, Murasakibara was gonna call it quits.

"You never know. Humilau City is just a route away," Himuro tried to pep talk.

Murasakibara only grumbled, shimmying himself more into the sand. "But ice cream here is good."

"You can get your friends to treat you to even more ice cream when you win," Himuro said.

Murasakibara contemplated this. He gave another childish whine.

"It's a really cool place. You can get around by boats."

"No," Murasakibara instantly shot down, he and his Pokemon all turning away. "We'll sink." Possible, considering how much Munchlax already weighed by itself. Murasakibara liked having his Pokemon out.

Himuro narrowed his eyes. Seemed there really wasn't a way to get Murasakibara to move. Unless…

"Okay. We can stay," Himuro gave in with a shrug, leaning back on his hands. "That's fine. Alex was talking about wanting to train you, too."

Murasakibara obviously went tense.

"You'll love training under her," Himuro continued. "Not only did she coach Taiga and I in basketball, she also taught us some great battle techniques. It was a lot of work, but you know Alex; of course she wasn't going to let us quit."

"Munchlax, Lickitung, I think it's time we get up," Murasakibara said to his Pokemon.

"Munch."

"Licki."

The two Pokemon agreed.

Himuro had a sly smile on his face as he watched Murasakibara scurry off.


Himuro and Kagami growing up in Unova parallels them growing up in LA, even though Unova is based of New York. still, MURICA! And Alex visits Undella a lot. Sorry if I got this off; I didn't get very deep into gen 5