"This is a reminder if you don't know me—I'm a wild card who's won her region's league!"
There aren't many people who can match Rui's spunk. She's the life of party within this open battle area. If there isn't a party, she'll just have to bring one.
The setup of the fields resemble four basketball courts side by side, the short staircases on both sides leading up to the boardwalk. Vendors on the boardwalk announce their goods, which range from hats to candy. One of the vendors gets spooked by a mischievous duo of Haunter, a third Haunter spooking a group of rough-looking guys with mohawks. Closer to where she is, cars whiz by in the intersection. Denser foot traffic with pockets of chatter swarm the sidewalks and crosswalks.
Even the streetlights of Yellow Street and 17th Avenue know how awesome she is, why else would they illuminate her? Pokémon duking it out right next to the tranquility of the sea, with the megacity's looming skyline looking like a squad of mighty Steelix! It sounds like some sort of movie set, how cool is that?!
Her opponents better not think she's all talk—she can more than hold her own in battle. Just ask those who saw her win the Orre Conference. Ask her Midnight Lycanroc, who just slammed a Parasect into the ground with both of his hands.
"Hit em in the back with a Rock Blast attack!"
Lycanroc howls, a massive brown boulder with a white glow appearing in front of him. He hurls it at the staggering Parasect, the Grass and Bug-type struck in its large mushroom.
"If at first you don't succeed, have your Lycanroc use Hyper Beam!"
Lycanroc howls, firing a massive orange beam from his mouth. The attack explodes with intensity, flinging Parasect behind its male trainer. It skips on the ground like a rock over a puddle.
"Another win for me!" Rui sticks up both of her index and ring fingers. "Ya girl's winning like she's supposed to be, ooooooh!"
The crowd's in a fervor, and rightfully so. Who is she? Where'd she come from? Why's she so awesome? That's what they're asking, but they ain't getting answers outta her. Hahahahaha!
She's had quite a few battles one day, so she can afford to call it an evening. She loves boardwalks because they offer such a nice view of the sea. Fond memories of hanging out by the sea are as plentiful as fish Pokémon in it, including several with a certain somebody. He's definitely here in Angel City—who else could local trainers be talking about when they're referring to a guy with a Naganadel?
While she was engaging in this skirmish, a large crowd beginning to gather around another pair of trainers. She makes her way to the field on the other end of the rectangular, park-like area but something feels oddly weird about this. It's enough to make her feel a bit uneasy. The imposing aura of a powerful Pokémon is heightening her senses, and it's one that she'd recognize a mile away.
There's no way it's them...right?
Rui stops in her tracks, her demeanor flipping the switch. Her wide-eyed stare's unable to focus on anything else but the purple insectoid dragon and its trainer in the blue trench coat. That's why the aura was so familiar to her.
Naganadel.
Wes.
What are the chances? Should she watch the battle? Should she leave? What if Wes doesn't want to see her?
"Use Dragon Pulse."
Hearing Wes commanding an attack snaps her out of her confusion. Appearing before everyone is a purplish-black, serpentine-like dragon formation with small wings extending from the middle of its body. It screeches like the wind it just stirred up and Naganadel fires it off like a cannon launching a projectile. It blasts the opposing Glalie, making it pelt the reinforced asphalt.
Rui gulps, her legs shaking as she walks towards Wes. The crowd's jumble of murmuring and loud chatter has Wes distracted, while her thoughts continue to vacillate between approaching him and being discreet.
Her determination overcomes her uncertainty and surges within her. She strides towards Wes, her steps growing wider each time. That's the Rui people know and love.
"Hey there, Wes."
"R-Rui?!"
Wes' posture rockets into a stiffer, upright stance. His mouth hangs open, his right hand raised to reassure his concerned Naganadel.
He takes a hard deep breath. He calls back Naganadel, placing the ball inside of his trench coat. He turns his body towards her, standing completely still for a few moments. He approaches her, his walk logy as he weaves through the crowd.
"Sorry...um...I didn't expect to see you here." Rui bows her head, tugging her arms. "But since I ran into you…um...maybe...we could talk?" As her gaze wanders, her face carries a faint shade of pink. "…If…you're okay with it."
Wes cocks a brow. "You want to talk to me?" He scratches his short, shaggy platinum blond hair. "Is that a wise idea?"
Her nerves start to ease up on the tension. "Yes and yes." She sweetly smiles, closing her eyes. "Please?"
Tension begins to weigh down on Wes like a Golem. Should he stay, or should he walk away? He deeply regrets what happened between them after the third incident. He doesn't want to make it worse.
"...Wes?" Rui bites her lower up. "Sorry for making you feel uncomfortable." She rubs her orange ponytails, her gaze darting toward her feet. "...I...I just want to help."
Wes doesn't respond, but he shouldn't pass this up. Another logy walk up the stairs, now he's staring out into the vast ocean. He takes several heavy deep breaths, then looks back at her.
"We can talk."
Rui runs up next to Wes, and her smile extends to both ears. It's been a while since they've seen the ocean like this, but she'll never forget this view.
Waves caress the shoreline on the other side, wild Poliwag and Poliwhirl frolicking in the sand. Various other Water-types, such as Kingdra and Vaporeon, go about their business in the distance.
A Magikarp flies out of the sea and slams into one of the Poliwhirl. The Poliwhirl angrily tosses the Magikarp back into the water. The laughter amongst the other Pokémon abruptly ceases when the Magikarp evolves into Gyarados, but it plops onto the sand for a nap. This doesn't stop the Poliwhirl in question from hiding behind rocks.
Rui giggles, her gaze directed towards Wes. He's flashing the faintest of amused smirks and he can't hide it.
Right next to the illuminated sea with the sun setting in the horizon, that's where she shared her first romantic kiss with Wes. So many great memories, will more join those ranks?
"It's pretty at night, isn't it?" Rui's tone is soft and her mind's light like a Swanna's feather. "I miss these moments."
"I suppose so." Wes leans against the railing, his arms feeling heavy. "I…can't help bit wonder if we jumped from friendship to romance a little too soon…given the circumstances."
"…You too, huh?" Rui frowns, lowering her her with a sigh. "I hate that it hit a sour note." She places her hands over her gut. "I've never been so disgusted at myself before, but I've come back stronger."
He's struggling to even look at her directly, but she's got no problem looking at him. How is she able to think of the good times? They said hurtful things to each other, such as the other being uncaring.
"Before our encounter at Barberini Stadium-"
" "Dwelling on the past won't help," Rui interjects, her fists on her hips. "You need time and I'll wait for you." Her gentle gaze meets his somber gaze. "It's not too late, it's never too late."
He's out of options on what to say next. On one hand, the chances of reconciliation feel infinitesimal. On the other hand, just seeing her smile is causing a peculiar contradiction of emotions.
"Wes, look here." She yanks a Poké Ball out of her jacket. "I presume that it's on eventually?"
Wes lifts his chin, his frown now a smirk. He's unsure what the future holds for Rui and him, but he'll never say no to a battle.
Rui's smile becomes a cocky grin. "Gonna get all sappy with me, lover boy?" Rui leans forward, narrowing her eyes. "Maybe you're scared that I'm still stronger than you."
Wes scoffs, pulling out a Poké Ball from his trench coat. "I'll kick your ass sooner or later."
"You think you can defeat me?!" Rui tilts her head and cracks her knuckles. "Hahahaha, I'd like to see you try!"
"Can do, walking nightmare."
Little by little, the weight on his shoulders is being lifted. He walked a lonely road...until an awkward encounter with a crazy girl outside of Phenac City. She became a bright spot in his life...looks like she'll retain that role.
Pokémon Contests are Valen's favorite form of the performing arts. He's been a trainer with a coordinator mindset for years, but he got his start on the stage thanks to Hilda's advice. He's sat in this large waiting area multiple times before, surrounded by pieces of history within a piece of history.
Ferguson Competition Hall's more packed than it was a couple of days ago, but that's not abnormal. Contests have been popular in Calvana for over two hundred and fifty years. The quaint keystrokes of a Chopin piece hides behind the hustle and bustle of the large gift shop. It sells everything from merch featuring big names like Lisia to posters of famous artworks.
The line's getting so long that many will have to wait until later today to purchase their desired items. Hopefully, Melanie and Hilda have gotten at least some merch by now. The Wallace merch they want won't remain in stock for long in any busy store because it's freaking Wallace The Magnificent. The man's got impeccable style and taste. Valen will gladly admit that can't compare to Hoenn's Niccolaio de Medici. Even so, there merch featuring him in his classy attire, courtesy of Guzma.
A number amongst the throng have spotted him, and murmurs are going around about his return to the contest stage. A few of his female fans are gushing under their breaths, but others are puzzled because he's chilling like a normal guy. Both male and female fans are eager to see his latest performance, but he's got mixed feelings. Rocking a suit would usually boost his confidence, but this situation's an abnormality.
He had decided to watch a contest while vacationing in Lilycove City a couple of weeks ago, and it was a stupendous sight. Serena dazzled everybody and rightfully earned the ribbon. One thing led to another, and he's stoked about entering another contest. Problem is that he doesn't know if he can still wow the crowd. What if he doesn't even make it to the next stage? Was it too soon to enter another contest?
Sensing his lingering doubt, his team lets themselves out of their respective Poké Balls and surround the vintage sofa. Gengar, Golisopod, and Salamence attempt to perform a cheer, making him chuckle. He fists bump Gengar and Golisopod, then he pets Salamence's head. Good thing Rosa's Milotic is still in her ball.
Gardevoir caresses his right cheek, Typhlosion nuzzles her face into his chest, and Luxray rubs his body up against his right leg. Valen pats Typhlosion's head, laughing when she licks his face. He scratches the back of Luxray's ears, the feline's purring further soothing his mind.
Here comes Rosa. Her Volcarona seems to be asking the team if everything's okay with him. Luxray sits on his hind legs, nodding at Rosa with a gentle smile. Rosa begins stroking the feline's back. Luxray may consider himself proud and edgy, but he's still a kitten at heart.
Rosa kneels down on his lap. "Are you okay, sweetie?" She paints her tone with tenderness, her eyes carrying a gentle gaze. "You look worried."
Valen sheepishly smiles, his laugh a tad halfhearted. "Yeah...little bit nervous." He scratches the back of the head. "Please don't worry about me."
Rosa caresses his forehead. "You'll be fine, I promise."
He sweeps her into a tight hug and vice versa. So much love, so much care. Words aren't enough to express how grateful he is.
Rosa flirtatiously winks, a finger on her lip and her other hand on her hip. She spins on her tiptoes while calling out her Hydreigon. She darts away and through the arched entrance. Volcarona's on her left and Hydreigon's on her right. Clash and win, as per the silent declaration of Rosa and Hilda's number one fanboy.
"I promise that I'll be okay," he reassures his team. "Don't worry, we've got this."
His Pokémon are satisfied with his answer. He gives all of them several pats, but how that works for Gengar remains a mystery. What isn't a mystery is the bop to the top of the head he just received—Hilda's knack for appearing out of nowhere strikes again.
Rosa darts toward Hilda and him, but she stops at the last minute. Being a social media sensation, she's got to take pictures of herself. She does just that, and Hilda trots on over. They gesture for their fans to come, which they gladly do. The bright lights of the camera app flashes several times.
He gets onto his feet and approaches the duo. He'll remain quiet and glance around while they discuss upcoming events. Ferguson Competition Hall's more packed than it was a couple of days ago, but that's not abnormal. Contests have been popular in Calvana for over two hundred and fifty years.
The tips of Hilda's left fingers are in front of her grin. "I keep getting calls about that fresco you painted within the agency, plus the oil paintings I put on display," she says. "They want to know the talented artist behind them."
Rosa rests her hands on her hips. "I'm just too awesome." She tilts her head back. "Name it and I'll paint it in oil, tempera, fresco, or ink."
"We're all awesome, silly."
"I'm more awesome!" Hilda spins to face Valen. "Thought you were off the hook, hm?"
Hilda and Valen exchange quips about upcoming events, whereas Rosa muses about her passion for art. Becoming an internationally renowned trainer is among her goals, but she's already got numerous accolades. Why not shift more of that focus towards painting and the performing arts, with a bit of graphic design here and there? It's not like she'll stop battling altogether, plus could always combine being an actress and trainer.
"I'm sitting that regional tournament out."
Hearing that causes Rosa to snap out of her train of thoughts. She folds her arms and an uneasy feeling weighs down on her. He's doing much better nowadays, but she worries that he could relapse into low self-esteem again. Her Volcarona and Hydreigon attempts to cheer her up by patting her head, her faint giggling delighting him. She kisses Hydreigon on his main head, and gives Volcarona a massage on his belly.
She jolts into hyperawareness upon feeling Valen's arms around her midsection. His humming fuses with his embrace to cast a blanket over her.
"Sorry." He hoists Rosa upwards. "I didn't mean to make you worry."
"I know." Rosa slides her arms around his neck and rests her forehead rests. "We want you to be successful and have lots of fun with us." Her smile has a soft tenderness to it. "I'm sorry that I took it in the wrong way."
"It's alright," he assures. "I just...I didn't feel that surge of excitement from the last tournament...even though it was fun."
"No matter what path you take, never forget your strengths and how much Rosa and I love you." Hilda smiles with her eyes closed. "Give us a big smile, that's all we ask of you." Her hands are clasped in front of her. "And be sure to live each day to the fullest."
"And give us a big smileeeee, sweetie!"
Valen places Rosa down. "As if you two don't put a big smile on my face already."
"When Rosa said yes to a vee, I felt something tell me—" Hilda's eyelids flutter and her smile turns coy. "that you're the kinda guy I should make a move on.~"
"Oh?" Valen cocks a brow. "I seem to remember sweeping you off your feet."
"After I mega flirted with you." She kisses his forehead and winks. "You'll never beat me."
Melanie's finally arrived, she's waving while running towards them. What he told Rosa and Hilda applies to her too, and there's her signature flick to the back of his head. She must have practiced using Extreme Speed—how else did she get behind him before he even realized it?
"Where were you?"
"I couldn't decide what jacket to wear, but then I remembered this!" She turns her back towards him, showing off her newest Valerie Versace jacket. "Check it out."
It's a dark red blazer jacket, the new top underneath carrying the same color. She's also wearing boots that go above her ankles. Rosa and Hilda love it too, so much so that they're now taking pictures with her. How many pictures have they taken this month so far? He's lost count.
"Aren't you glad you have somebody so stylish and beautiful as your platonic partner?"
Heh, she's oozing sass like always. "You look great in those, but you three always look great."
"That's right, keep stating the obvious about me." Melanie runs her right hand through her elbow-length, black hair. "Rosa and Hilda too."
Valen shrugs, earning himself another flick. This has been typical for the last seventeen years, but there's a lot of love in those flicks. Rosa, Hilda, and Melanie are textbook examples of true beauty—the most beautiful people are the ones whom has an amazing personality to go along with their looks. The beauty of youth won't last forever, but deep emotional connections? Be it romantic or platonic? Together forever, no matter how long. From now until the end of time.
"Heeeeey, snap out of it!"
Why does Hilda always have something rolled up to playfully thwack him with?
Silver's here too, but he's taking his sweet time getting his ass over here. He's unable to hide his grin, something that'll always be nice to see. The abrasive guy he meet years ago is long gone, and a guy who values strength in numbers and within one's self is here to stay.
"Kris is landing in a few hours. Gonna go to the airport, and I promised that I'd help her to move in."
"Say no more." Valen pats him on the back. "Have fun."
"I'll still be watching the Battle Stage on my phone."
Valen's hands fly in front of him as he steps back. "Woah woah woah woah, it hasn't even started—"
"Humph, you're gonna win the whole thing."
Heh, at least Silver's boasting about somebody else. That habit's how they first met—Silver's boasting incurred the wrath of Steven's fans. Steven's a remarkable sculptor, but a gentleman like Team Skull's Valen couldn't say no to Lisia's request. Valen also couldn't say no to helping the Silver get out of the mess he created.
The contest will start in ten minutes, Rosa and Hilda are part of the opening act. They wave at everybody, then they blow a kiss at him. They wink while he nearly blushes, his face covered with his palms. The duo trot out of sight, but they'll be seeing everybody shortly.
Rui's now here, but her expression... is a mix of content and unease? She's texted everybody about her encounter with Wes, but she wanted to save the details for later. If she needs a little boost, he's got it covered.
Neon and fluorescent lights pulse with the energetic music from the screaming speakers, a rhythm of colors dancing on the giant digital screen. A pair of Tsareena elegantly strut across the elevated stage. It's like a stage show straight out of Vega City. Rosa's Hydreigon and Hilda's Garchomp storm the stage and let out proud roars.
Rosa and Hilda trot onto the elevated stage, their long hair swaying as they spin in opposite directions. They press their backs together and they make a horizonal peace sign in front of their foreheads.
"It's about never giving up, so hold your head up!" they jump. "And we will carry on, yeah yeah yeah yeah!"
The camera crews move in for a closer look, the crowd thundering with applause and elation.
"Here she comes!" They spin towards each other, following it up with an encore. "Lisia the Contest Queen!" Both raise a hand into the air. "Yeah yeah yeah!"
Lisia swoops into the spotlight on her Altaria. He's better known by his stage name, Ali. The large screen captures a close-up of her smile. It's sunny, but it also has a dose of sass to it.
Lisia leaps down onto her feet and kneels behind the duo. Her Altaria floats in-between Hydreigon and Garchomp, the pair of Tsareena bowing in front of the dragons. Lisia rockets up and blows kisses at the crowd while doing her trademark spin.
"Are you ready from some awesome performances?!" Lisia wants the crowd to roar with more fervor that that. "Oh no, I can't hear you!" The crowd sound like a bunch of Exploud. "Now that's more like it!"
Valen doesn't know Lisia personally, but she's definitely someone that he'd enjoy hanging out with. She'll be handling the introductions. His cousin and him at the end of the line.
Among the entries is Alexandra Tezuka, Melanie's rival from years ago. Her fans are going wild, the guys sounding like a bunch of Exploud. Looks like Alexandra wasn't expecting him to enter, but that smile says it all. Ragnar's here too, hence the squealing fangirls that just startled Silver into the present. What was the professional brooder daydreaming about this time?
Several more contestants later, Lisia's got the microphone pointing towards Jacques and him instead of herself. She knows that they prefer to introduce themselves, but there's an obvious twist here. The crowd doesn't need to know their names, but they already do.
Jacques adjusts his dark blue tuxedo jacket. "Ciao." He flips up his shoulder-length brown hair. "Especially to my signorinas." He blows a kiss at the squealing female fans who've brought a large sign.
Valen yanks a rose from under his suit jacket's right sleeve. While waving at his own fans, Valen clenches the rose in-between his teeth and closes his eyes. Silver's startled by squealing again and he almost falls onto Melanie. An elbow jab into his chest prevents that. Jacques and him would be laughing, but they've got to maintain their cool.
It's time for the show to begin, a randomizer tool appearing on the screen. Jacques and Valen are fourth and fifth respectively. The latter's nervousness from earlier must have gotten bopped out of him—he hasn't felt it since he entered the stage.
The first contestant, Alexandra, takes her place. The other contestants exit the stage and head back towards the lobby. Before he's out of sight, Valen raises his hand to wish Alexandra luck. He smiles when she returns the gesture, grabbing a Poké Ball off of her belt at the same time.
Once he's back in the lobby, Valen checks out the giant flat-screen television. Alexandra is using her Walrein for this performance. That Pokémon gave his Salamence a hard time in the finals of the first Calvanian Conference he won. It wastes no time in surrounding itself with sparkling light blue water, its trainer's long blonde hair ripping due to its Water Pulse attack. She's calling for Blizzard, a barrage of light blue snowballs freezing the water.
The ensuing tundra-like aesthetic is a lovely sight, the crowd's rightfully enamored by it. Melanie's giving Alexandra a thumbs up from the front row. Probably for her choice of attire too—Melanie loves Alexandra's white tank top with a Mudkip on the back.
Watching these performances is going to be great, but he's gotta show that he's still got it.
Ragnar's Roserade is delighting the audience with her phenomenal combination of Solar Beam and Sweet Scent. The pleasant aroma's seeping into the waiting area. These performances are getting him more pumped up, and his cousin's next in line.
Ragnar's now leaving the stage, while Jacques leaps onto the stage like the movie star that he is. He's donning that Fantina Vuitton suit like a boss. Lisia's swooning with her palms on her cheeks, her squealing so loud that it probably startled Silver off of his seat.
Jacques' Sylveon is already out—she's twirling with an adorable grin. Looks like they're going for the Dazzling Gleam and Double combo. Sure enough, Sylveon and each copy are enveloped by a dazzling twister of vibrant pink energy and sparkling stars. The crowd's going wild over it and he's hoping for the same result with Gardevoir.
He takes a few hard deep breaths. He can do this, he can pull this off. He shouldn't get lost in any doubting thoughts.
The gushing of Jacques' throng of fans indicate that he's back in the waiting area. Yep, there he is. He's stopping to give autographs and allow his picture to be taken, but his Sylveon has other plans.
Sylveon leaps in front of Jacques and darts towards Valen. She sports a winsome smile while tapping Valen's feet with her front paws. She sits on her hind legs, and Valen begins to pet her. Normally, he'd be after Jacques when it comes to Sylveon's required pets.
"Who's a good girl?" He scratches the back of her ears. "Is it you?" She's now licking his hand. "Of course it's you."
His cousin's now approaching. Sylveon twirl to face Jacques while standing on her hind legs. Jacques picks Sylveon up and strokes her back, much to her delight.
"Nice performance." Valen folds his arms, painting his tone with pride. "Guess it's my turn."
Jacques raises a hand to wish Valen luck, prompting Valen to raise one in thanks.
He makes his way out of the lobby, exchanging a nod with Ragnar as he does so. The instant he's within sight of the audience, the flashy lights are aimed directly at him. He's taking it all in, he's remembering how much fun contests are. This is part of who he is, he'll never forget it again.
He strides onto the stage, waving at everybody. Several of his fans are holding up giant signs to show their support. His female fans are going wild with excitement and the squealing isn't stopping. He may as well charm a bit. He blows a kiss at Rosa and Hilda, who are sitting in the front row with Melanie and Rui. Rosa and Hilda try to outdo each other in cheering, causing Melanie to laugh. Rui's sticking her tongue out while holding up both pairs of her index and ring fingers.
"It's been a while since I've seen him perform!" Lisia spins with her right fist raised. "This is going to be fantastic!"
"Ask and you shall receive."
Time to for a twist of a classic performance—the revamped technique they'll be using is inspired by two prominent nineteenth-century paintings. Why not strut his knowledge a little bit?
He grips a black rose while yanking a Poke Ball off of his Guzmani belt. He tosses the ball into the air. Gardevoir leaps out, performing a graceful landing on her feet. She smirks, folding her arms. There's a Ralts and a Kirlia among the throng, their glittering eyes fixated on Gardevoir. She's already noticed this, her smirk now a lopsided grin.
"Gardevoir, dazzle the audience with your artistry." He snaps his fingers, painting his tone with a collected, somewhat romantic vibe. "La nuit étoilée." He clenches the rose's stem in between his teeth.
Gardevoir's eyes glow light blue, firing off a wave of energy to disintegrate the first orb and merge with the second orb. The second orb shines over a sparkling blue aura like a full moon over the ocean. She fires multiple pink waves of energy, using her Psychic attack to morph them into stars.
"There it is, ladies and gentlemen!" Lisia shouts, her eyes glowing as she spins. "Gardevoir's Starry Night combooooo is in the houseeeeee!" She leaps up and down. "It's inspired by Victor van Gogh's The Midnight Sea and Starry Night Over Azure Bay!"
Gardevoir slides around in an elegant, enchanting motion, her gown being blown upwards and backwards. She closes her eyes and twirls, treating everybody to an mellifluous and angelic tune. Everybody's in awe of her majesty, as they should be. Watching those figure skaters on the glowing box paid off for her.
Valen holds the rose next to his chin. "Let's end this with a gentleman and a lady." He snaps his fingers again. "Wesley Homer's Unforgettable Summer Night inspired this bit."
Gardevoir fires off three pink waves, morphing the first one into a tranquil coastline with a sandy beach. The second and third transform into the contour of a couple holding hands as they walk near the ocean. The contours a striking resemblance to Wes and Rui and Gardevoir bows before resuming her elegant movements.
While the fired up audience roars with applause, Rui's using her right arm to wipe her eyes, then she nods and gives him a thumbs up. There's light at the end of the tunnel and he's living proof of that. Wes, Rui, don't lose hope.
The scenery begins to fade away little by little Gardevoir twirls again, bowing to the audience. Upon hearing the applause and cheering, both trainer and Pokémon grin. Gardevoir gives Valen a peck on the top of his head and caresses his right cheek.
Jacques and the other contestants line up like before, while Valen and his Gardevoir remain where they are. Now that the first round's finished, it's time to see who made it into the Battle Stage. Repetitive dinging echoes as the points are automatically added up on the digital screen.
Jacques and him have made it to the second round, but who'd expect anything less? He'll be facing off against Alexandra, while Jacques and Ragnar will be duking it out prior. If Jacques and him end up battling, may the best man win.
Speaking of cousins, Karissa's the first one to text him. Since he doesn't have a big sis, Karissa declared herself to be his "big sis" many years ago. He responds to Karissa's text, spotting a number of his most diehard fans swarming the stage. Mostly women, a few guys, all want autographs and photos. Both Gardevoir and him are happy to oblige. He's not the only one interacting with their fans. How could he be when several popular people are nearby?
As the bright lights of cameras illuminate his surroundings, he borrows a pen to sign various items. He can't make the world a better place but he can make somebody's world a happier place.
Did you like Valen's performance? How about the debuts?
Remember Drew from the anime? May's rival with Roselia? (A cameo revealed it evolved) His 4kids VA went on to voice Aster Phoenix.
Art is a great tool for worldbuilding and fleshing out characters.
See Chapter 35 of Identity in regards to what Silver says about Kris, Valen, and Valen's mom.
Traditional Japanese names have the family name first.
Wes made a cameo in Chapter 41 of Identity.