The lights that beam down upon Valen are as bright as the light of determination within him. It's a light that could've dimmed, but it's evolved into a reverse black hole. The shadows cannot penetrate it, nor can it escape destruction within the illumination of hope.
If he were to give advice to a new coordinator, he'd start with what he's engaging in right now. He's nowhere near the level of coordinators like Wallace and Lisia, but he's entered his fair share over the years. As a result, he's seen newcomers being caught off guard by the system used. You can't just charge in like a Tauros and expect to win solely through the traditional way. You've gotta get the crowd going by putting on a grand show.
If one Pokémon hasn't triumphed when the timer runs out, points determine who wins. Points deplete with each blow during the set timer. That's how Jacques managed to defeat Ragnar, despite neither Metagross nor Gallade going down. His own last opponent was a formidable one too, but Gengar triumphed over that Dusclops. It's time for Luxray to repeat that victory against Alexandra's' Medicham.
Here comes Medicham, a trained combatant that could ace a role in action films. Her fists engulfed in fiery blazes, but Luxray's in a pouncing position. This boxing ring's about to have more than one feline.
"Double trouble, Double Team!"
Pokémon in an animated movie called this Kage Bunshin No Jutsu, and that's what Luxray's calling it too. Dozens of copies surround and confuse Medicham, who hastily attempts to find the real him. She swings and swings, but no dice.
"Dash like the wind with Agility, make em cower with Night Slash!"
Luxray and his copies move so fast that they appear to blur. Medicham strikes a fighting pose, her eyes narrowed as she glances around. The army of felines charge in for a rapid-fire combination, but Medicham vanquishes the clones one by one. The proficiency of her graceful punches and chops resembles that of a kung fu fighter.
The real Luxray has managed to sneak behind her, his fronts claws glowing purple. He slashes her shoulders, then appears to vanish for a moment. Medicham crosses her arms, but Luxray slashes her from the right side, then the left side.
"Medicham, the cameras are ready for Close Combat!"
Medicham skyrockets into the air, leaping down with her fists and feet outwards. She pummels Luxray with a barrage of blows, he's sent hurling into a rock pillar. Medicham dashes towards Luxray and continues her onslaught. The feline shuts his eyes with his teeth clenched. He can endure this, he will endure this.
"Let's see if you can handle a second Close Combat!"
Valen's lips are parted, and his eyes are narrowed. A festinating sensation springs his pulse and his mind broadcasts Medicham's approach as an old-timey, silent movie. He'll gladly take Alexandra up on that offer, lowering his hand like a commander gesturing to a noble soldier.
"You know what to do, my ferocious feline!"
Luxray sharply opens his eyes and hisses. He leans on his right paw to evade the first punches and kicks. He dashes from one side to the next to evade a second onslaught, then backflips into the air to avoid a third.
Valen gestures with his hand, but the commander is now directing a strike. The timer's in the red, but this next attack will finish it before it runs out.
"Hyper Beam now, my majestic feline!"
Bright orange energy assembles within Luxray's mouth. He leaps into the air, smugly grinning at his wide-eyed opponent. He unleashes a powerful, coruscating beam that roars like thunder and the Fighting-type's figure enveloped by the powerful attack.
Medicham crash lands onto the ground and slides on her back. Alexandra looks with a stunned expression, her left arm bent in front of her.
"Le Moissonneur Noir is advancing to the semifinals!" Lisia cheers, leaping upward. "His comeback's proving that he's still got it!"
Luxray smugly grins again, allowing the cheering to bombard his ears. It should be obvious that his trainer's still got it, and so does this proud feline's
Luxray proudly roars, declaring to every Pokémon present that he's not a cute kitten. Do cute kittens know Hyper Beam? Do cute kittens look that majestic when leaping? If so, prove it to him.
Alexandra calls back her Pokémon and re-attaches the ball to her belt. Valen and her high five each other over a battle well fought.
He's made it to the semifinals, but there's a more important matter to attend to. Luxray's sitting next to his left leg.
"That's my boy."
He pretends to have his right hand in his pocket so he can discreetly pet Luxray. Why Luxray doesn't want people to see the obvious is not something he can comment on. In any case, Lisia's already taken center stage.
"It's time for the semifinal matchups!" Lisia points towards the digital screen. "Hit it!"
Digital dinging repeats as the randomizer decides the matchups. After this, it's break time. There's always a break in-between so trainers and their teams can rest up and be at the top of their game.
The screen's broadcasting the semifinals matchups. Valen's gotta get serious again soon—his opponent is Jacques. His cousin's a strong trainer, but he's always been more focused on the Calvanian Grand Performance than the Calvanian Conference. He's never won the latter, but he's won the former four times. He's also won a conference in the Ragulia region.
Only one of them will advance, but they'll both win. They're family, they want the other to be happy and successful.
The lobby's alive with the gushing of fans interacting with their favorite contestant. Valen and Ragnar are swamped with autographs and photo requests, while Rosa's sitting in one of the many plush armchairs.
Hilda and Melanie went poof, the former for agency business and the latter's meeting up with Leaf. Tee-hee, they don't want smoke with the queen! Her own fans have noticed her, the queen decreeing that thee shall smileth. She stands up and darts towards them. She does a different pose for each photo with a fan. Bright lights illuminate her surroundings, smiles bigger than the Prism Tower in Lumiose City.
Another successful giveaway, but how could it be anything but successful? Wherever Rosa goes, smiles follow! Noooooow, back to being serious! Good thing there are several walnut tables present!
A chalk-like sound repeats as Rosa moves a pencil around a sheet of white paper with precision. She's a Ninjask of a drawer, so why not finish the first sketches of another batch of paintings? Gardevoir looked so elegant and Luxray looked so majestic! She added a third one because Lisia and her Altaria looked so awesomeeeee! She's still deciding on the styles for numbers one and three, but she also wants to create a work inspired by Caravaggio's The Calling of Pokémon Battles!
She holds her right hand under her chin, pointing sideways with her thumb sticking out. If she's going to paint her own variation of The Calling of Pokémon Battles, who should she base the person pointing to himself off of? There's going to be a Luxray in the picture, so maybe—
"Can't it wait just once?"
"It really is your destiny to be an artist."
Valen and Ragnar are approaching her, their eyes meeting her drawings. She tilts her head back, her pride swelling as she listens to them discussing her work. Being approachable and outgoing has more than paid off, that's partly why the queen's so awesomeeee.
"That's my girl." Valen rubs her head. "Nice job on the similarity between the interior in the second drawing and Parfum Palace."
Rosa clasps her hands next to her right cheek, her right foot slightly lifted. "Thank you, sweetie!"
"You already know who to call for further assistance." Ragnar uses a hand to brush his silky black hair. "The Phoenix family will gladly put in a good word for you."
"Tee-hee, thanks!" Out of the blue, Rosa loudly gasps. She twirls to face Valen, a faint blush decorating her face. "I forgot to tell you about leaning a bit more towards the arts!" She jumps back, her arms extended in opposite directions. "Oh nooooo!"
"You just told me, ball of fluff."
They share a laugh, while Ragnar grunts in amusement with his eyes closed.
"I'll support you in everything you do," Valen promises with his right hand over his heart. "But keep in mind that the Rosa I know and love is a skilled trainer, painter, and performer."
Rosa nods with a soft smile. "I can always combine acting and battling." She clasps her hands in front of her and closes her eyes. "Please don't worry, kay?"
He doesn't need to say that he trusts her or vice versa—they can feel it from their loving expressions.
"Ooooh, what if I could play the role of Champion Rosalina Vervloet in a battle flick?!" Rosa's grin grows wider, her eyes sparkling. "Tee-hee, you could play the role of her husband!"
Valen slowly blinks, his stare wide-eyed. "I...uh...um-" He scratches the back of his head. "I don't think I'd be the best choice for Sir Charles Vervloet, Earl of Circhester-"
"We could have our twentieth kissing scene in a historical fiction film!" Rosa tilts her head back, her eyes closed and her palms under her chin. "I loved it when we played characters that got together at PokéStar Studios and Sunset Studios!"
Her mind travels to Baroque era Galar. She sits on her throne, her long hair and elegant gown ensuring all shall stare in awe. Here comes her prince, who's also her king and knight. No suit here, but he gets to wear a doublet, loose breeches, and boots. All of them are black and he doesn't say a word cuz he's mysterious! He's swooping in on his Salamence and sweeping her off of her feet.
Tee-hee, maybe she could play Lucreiza de' Ragonesi, the woman in Raphael's The Princess & Her Pokémon! Valen can play Raphael in this hypothetical art and historical romance film!
"Wake up and tell me why you're so adorable."
"You know why!" She places a hand on her hip. "Roooosa's the cutest and prettiest woman who can hit a quadruple home run as a trainer, a painter, an influencer and an actress!" Her other hand's sideways with two fingers sticking out. "Theatre or film, name the role and I've got it covered!"
She used to wonder if she's the type of girl he'd be down for—the answer became obvious very quickly. Her crush on him was so massive but he approached her before she could make a move on him.
"Ha, you two haven't changed much." Ragnar chuckles and crosses his arms. "Same applies to the rest of the pack."
Valen's about to speak, but Hilda's begun to counter Rosa's trainer and influencer claim. How she managed to avoid detection is a mystery, but he decides to avoid acting like a fanboy. The correct answer is both, you crazy wholesome minds.
"Where'd you come from?" Ragnar's right thumb and right index finger rest on his chin. "You always seem to appear out of nowhere."
"Hehe, that's my secret!" Hilda turns towards Valen and bops his forehead. "Don't you worry about us, cuz we've got this!"
The conversation's overheard by a young woman wearing a white bucket hat. She giggles as Melanie steps out from behind her.
Melanie's hands folded and her smile prideful. She told Leaf she's find them with ease. Even in a crowd the size of a small town, they stick out like a shiny. Furthermore, she deems the fashion queen of the squad. She deems Leaf's light blue sleeveless top and pinkish-red skirt to be a perfect fit for her.
"Hiiii everybody!" Leaf's convivial voice catches their attention. She waves while walking toward them. "Hee hee, make room for meeee!"
Hilda and Rosa wave back, meeting Leaf and Melanie midway for a quadruple high five.
"She's my newest client." Hilda pats Leaf's back. "She'd like to become a movie star, plus she's an awesome trainer herself."
Valen and Ragnar stroll like Slakoth in Leaf's eyes, but she's glad to see the former again. She knows who Ragnar is, but now she can become his friend too!
"Glad to see you again." Valen offers a fist bump. "It's been a while."
"Yep!" Leaf accepts his fist bump twice. "Saaaay, I've heard that your full first name's Valentinus." She winsomely smiles. "If we're going to be super besties, let's start with where that came from."
"Valentinus I, a famous Siscian emperor."
"Ooooh, that's cool!"
Ragnar strides toward Leaf and offers a handshake, to which she gladly accepts.
"You already know who I am."
"Hee hee, you're Chi Town's homegrown star!" Leaf's palms are on her hips. "I love your white suit and pants!"
"Thank you." Ragnar closes his eyes and rubs his silky black hair. "Wallace knows how to design clothes."
Melanie's eyes sparkle and she places her fists under her chin. "Wallace has an incredible sense of style!" She slaps her mouth shut and her face reddens. "I thought this side of me was long gone!"
Valen smirks. "Who's the dork now?" Melanie's attempted forehead flick can't phase him. "I didn't cause this."
Amidst the human group chat, Luxray struts like he's on a red carpet. He lifts his chin, roaring like he's the king of the jungle. His mind decides to take a vacation in the clouds.
Not really, all that occurred was Luxray accidentally face planting into the cloud-like wings of Lisia's Altaria. He shrugs it off, ignoring Lisia's giggling and Altaria's chuckling.
He's truly ascended past the "cute kitten" stage. He can see it now—the proud feline surrounded by berries, cupcakes, and cheese puffs. That cutie Umbreon's kissing him and a crew of alpha Lopunny are gawking at how majestic and stunning he is. His heart and soul belong to that beautiful Pokémon, but he doesn't mind if the Lopunny call him Big Poppa. Throw a roar out there if you're not a cute kitten!
Why'd he have to open his big mouth in front of everbody?! But Salamence's got a point—what if those Lopunny aren't nice like Umbreon? Salamence's had these daydreams too, expect he envisions Milotic kissing him and alpha Altaria gawking at him. He's had deep self-discussions as those Altaria—what if they're not as friendly as Milotic and Lisia's Altaria?
Upon hearing Valen saying how proud he is of the team, Salamence runs to get his head pats. Luxray follows suit, slightly brooding over the fact that he can't contain his purring. At least nobody's looking in this direction...right? Whatever, his trainer is more important than his pride.
Despite all of the commotion in this packed area, Leaf's ears pick up on the purring. There's a kitty nearby, the kitty must recieve pets and scratches. She rapidly sways, her eyes sparkling at the sight of Luxray sitting and being pet by his trainer.
Luxray shrieks, his light blue face becomes redder than Silver's hair. Every pspsps they say to Luxray takes him one step closer to max edge. Oh no, she's approaching! Step by step, his pride vanishes into the depths of the night!
The giant puppy duo, Salamence and Typhlosion, claim the unused pets for themselves. Golisopod cackles and waits for Gardevoir to make her move. The boss has been watching Luxray this entire time, and she's had enough of his nonsense.
Gardevoir folds her arms, her glare that of an angry mother. The attic better be clean when she checks later today. Once Gengar goes silent, she teleports herself in front of Luxray, but he shrugs it off. He hisses that he conveniently doesn't care anymore, but Gardevoir knows better. She backs up to allow Leaf to pat Luxray's head.
Just as she suspected. He's in a good mood, plus she was kind to his trainer. He deems Leaf worthy of petting, hence why he's allow this scratching him behind the ears
Valen's gesturing towards all six of them. It's time. Golisopod and Salamence better win this double battle.
The ground opens up, and a whirring sound emits as the previous battlefield is lowered. A grass and water battlefield rises up in its place.
The neon and fluorescent lights are focused on Valen and Jacques as they stride toward each other. They shake hands, then they walk towards opposite ends of the field. Both of their fanbases are out in force, holding up signs in the midst of all of the squealing.
Valen finds it fitting that while they're both wearing black suits, Jacques' suit has a glossier finish to it They're so similar that they've been mistaken as brothers in the past, but they have their differences. Both of them are also badasses, they'll prove it yet again.
Both Jacques and Valen yank two Poké Balls off of their belts. Both are ready to have a glorious performance battle, just like Gianluigi Bernini centuries ago.
"I shall use these two."
He tosses the Poke Balls like the kunai props he's used in ninja flicks. His Greninja lands in a kneeling position, while his Kingdra makes herself at home within the aquatic part of the battlefield.
"Give em a beatdown and ravage this battlefield with your fury!"
Up these Poké Ball go like hikers on a mountain, out comes the peak of power. Golisopod faintly cackles, waiting for Salamence to open his eyes.
Salamence sharply glares at his opponents, unleashing a thunderous roar that causes the ground and air to cower.
Lisia spins in a full circle. "Are you ready?" When they nod, she raises her left hand like she's about to use Karate Chop. "Ready, set-" She quickly brings her hand down. "Battle!"
The timer's ticking, let's get this show on the road. Valen places his hands in his pockets, a confident, lopsided smirk emerging.
"Use First Impression."
Golisopod dashes so rapidly that he appears to vanish. He re-appears right in front of Greninja, slamming his entire body into him.
"Good opening, but here comes Water Shuriken and Dragon Breath!"
Greninja dashes like a shinobi, flinging barrage after barrage of light blue shuriken, while Kingdra launches a crackling green stream that's covered in a bright blue aura.
"Here comes Kingdra's Ice Beam!"
"Sucker Punch says otherwise!"
A frost white beam is about to be launched from Kingdra's thin snout, but Golisopod's already right in front of her. His claws glow dark green and he slams them into Kingdra's midsection.
"Poison Jab and Air Slash!"
Both of Golisopod's claws glow purple. He slams both of them into Kingdra, following it up with multiple additional blows. Kingdra drops into the water, a swarm of purple bubbles occluding her body.
Greninja has his arms crossed, attempting to endure a windstorm of crescent-shaped blades caused by Salamence's red wings.
"Salamence, give Greninja a jolt with your Thunder Fang!"
Salamence swoops down, his teeth obscured by crackling bolts. He chomps down on Greninja's right arm, the bipedal shutting his eyes and bellowing.
Kingdra and Greninja recuperate, noting the proud smile on their trainer's face. They stare down Salamence and Golisopod, who want to know if that's all they got. The humans like to say be careful about wishes, that's what these two should practice too.
"Let's see which Pokémon is the greatest sword master!" Jacques raises his right hand up high. "Greninja, commence an honorable clash with your Night Slash attack!"
Pitch black, katana-like blades materialize in both of Greninja's hands. He leans backwards, then zooms in like a high-speed train. He dashes left and right, waiting for Golisopod to draw his own blade.
"Heed with honor, valiant knight Golisopod!" Valen tilts his eyes and leans forward with his fists clenched. "Strike Greninja down with the sword Liquidation!"
A large, crescent-shaped water sword appears in Golisopod's right hand. As per the norm, he's twirling it to show off. The crowd seems to enjoy it, as they should be.
Golisopod swings his water sword, but Greninja somersaults into the air to evade it. Greninja backflips to avoid a second blow, but Salamence dives down and slashes him twice. Salamence's blasted out of the sky by a frost white beam.
Greninja swings his katana-like blades, but Golisopod intercepts the attack with his armored arms crossed. Another pair of swings cause Golisopod to leap backwards, ducking to avoid Kingdra's attack. By now, Salamence's flown back into the action. He lets out an even more thunderous roar than before.
"The master of the skies will back up the valiant knight with Iron Tail!"
Salamence veers sideways and does a backflip, his glowing tail walloping Kingdra's backside. His claws glow royal blue, and he slashes Kingdra repeatedly. Another Iron Tail prevents Greninja from intercepting and sends the ninja-like Pokémon hurling backwards. Golisopod slams his water sword into Greninja, which goes through the bipedal amphibian's body.
Greninja plummets down, grunting when he makes hard contact. After a few moments of tense silence, Greninja's able to leap back onto his feet.
"Commence Night Slash again!"
The pitch black blades make an encore. Greninja dashes with the blades pointing behind him. He hurls himself into the sky, then dives down. Golisopod bobs and weaves to avoid the barrage of strikes. However, the arthropod isn't so lucky this time. Greninja manages to land a double blow, then follows it up with relentless swinging of the blades. Golisopod nearly tumbles forward, while Greninja hastily jumps back.
"Use Draco Meteor and Scald!"
A bright blue aura enshrouds Kingdra, who launches a boulder-like ball into the air. A loud bang echoes as it detonates, large chucks barreling downwards upon Salamence and Golisopod in fiery streaks.
Greninja fires off two streams of swirling, boiling water from its fin-like palms. As they pull themselves together, Salamence and Golisopod are singed, and thick clouds of steam surround the latter and inflict more damage.
Greninja's surrounded by a thundering oval of dark blue water, a pinch of black mixed into it. He slams into Golisopod, whose eyes are shut as he fends Greninja off. His Liquidation is way cooler than this one.
Salamence soars higher to evade Greninja, but Kingdra looks like she's going to score a hit.
Or so she thinks.
Golisopod sharply opens his eyes. He musters up enough strength to leap up, shielding Salamence from the green stream glowing bright blue.
Valen's calling for Iron Tail and Poison Jab. Salamence swings his glowing tail into Greninja's midsection, the bipedal careening into his teammate. Greninja breaks his backwards spiral by digging his feet into the grass. However, he's brought to his knees by a series of blows from Golisopod and his glowing claws.
"Make haste with Dark Pulse and Blizzard!"
Greninja launches a bluish-black stream of circles at the panting arthropod, who takes a blow to the center. Above him, Salamence weaves around a relentless hailstorm of snowballs. At first, a few of them dinging the dragon on his front legs. However, multiple score a direct hit, forcing him to land before he loses his balance.
"Greninja, soar like a Flying-type with Aerial Ace!"
Greninja crossed his arms, which become covered by a light blue aura. In the blink of an eye, Greninja dashes towards Golisopod and strikes him under his face.
After a few moments, a booming thud echoes as Golisopod crashes into the ground. The arthropod accepts his defeat with grace but he can't help but cackle. They may have taken him down, but the strongest member of the team's a different story.
"There goes a lot of points," Valen murmurs while eyeing the screen. "Heh, it wouldn't be fun if I won so easily."
By now, Salamence's brought himself back into the action. As he observes his trainer calling back Golisopod, the tri-colored dragon could care less that he's outnumbered, he'll win this with his ace in the hole. Or he'll win without it. Either way, Valen's not losing this match.
Here comes another Scald and Ice Beam. Salamence readies himself for the two streams of boiling water and the frost white beam. He veers right to left in rapid succession, both attacks narrowly missing their mark.
"Salamence has other plans." Valen snaps his fingers. "In his mind, two against one makes it a fair fight!"
Salamence roars for Greninja and Kingdra to come and get him. They oblige and relentlessly pursue Salamence with barrages of their respective attacks. A portion of the boiling water manages to singe the tri-colored dragon, but he veers and flips to evade the rest.
Within the roaring crowd, Leaf's mesmerized by what she's seeing. Her mouth hangs open, her eyes slightly widening as they fixate on Salamence slashing Kingdra and slamming his tail into Greninja. This Salamence is up against two powerful opponents, but he's weaving and doing backflips like it's the Pokémon Olympics. Not to mention that he's fighting back with awesome efficiency.
Her eyes began to gleam as Salamence veers sideways left and right to avoid a flurry of Ice Beams. One of the front white beams manages to strike the dragon, and it's followed by a Dark Pulse. However, Salamence counters the stream of circles with a powerful inferno shaped like the kanji of fire.
The battlefield's veiled in thick clouds of smoke, but Salamence's rocketing blows it to the side. He lands two direct strikes with Iron Tail, sending both Greninja and Kingdra reeling backwards. Another Ice Beam hits its mark, as does another Dark Pulse. Salamence's endured some serious blows, but a double Thunder Fang shows he's not going down so easily.
Salamence just used Iron Tail to wallop Greninja into Kingdra again, now he's slashing them with Dragon Claw. Greninja's now enveloped by a cerulean aura, meaning Torrent's been triggered. All three Pokémon are panting and the timer's in the red. Who's going to come out on top?! This is so exciting!
Valen whips out a black rose and holds it in front of his mouth. "It's time for la grande finale." He snaps his fingers "Fuse Dragon Pulse with Dragon Rush to unleash Neutron Blast attack!"
"Hydro Cannon, Blizzard!" Jacques shouts, his tone rapid. "Make haste!"
A white sphere materializes within Salamence's mouth. He launches the sphere, which morphs into a dragon-shaped beam. It quickly becomes a white dragon with blue eyes, a lengthy tail, and talon-shaped spikes running parallel on both sides of the head.
The same white dragon appears around Salamence, and he flies into the separate formation. The influx of energy explodes, the ensuing fusion being a three-headed dragon. A cyclone-like gale wails around it as Salamence launches himself and the three-headed dragon. Each of the three mouths fire off separate white beams of energy that quickly merge into one. It pierces through the energy surrounding Salamence, disintegrating the giant torrent of water and the barrage of snowballs.
The attack explodes into Kingdra and Greninja, a detonation occurring in the process. As the smoke clears out, the sound of water splashing can be heard Kingdra drops into it. Greninja topples face-first onto the grassy part of the terrain, a thud echoing upon contact.
"Le Moissonneur Noir's won the battle, plus he has the most points!" Lisia spins while pointing toward the screen. "He's advancing to the final round!"
The crowd breaks out in thunderous applause and cheering. It makes Salamence want to shoot a Flamethrower into the sky, but he can't do it here. Here comes his trainer, at least he gets to hear those words.
"That's my boy."
Valen rubs his Salamence's head, the dragon affectionately roaring. He recalls Salamence and He re-attaches the Poké Ball to his belt.
Jacques is strolling his way, there's no need to say anything. Valen knows that the cousin he looks up to as an older brother is more than proud of him. They fist bump each other and await he arrival of Rosa and Hilda. It'll be as fast as an Extreme Speed.
Scratch that, they're already here. Do they have to force him to bend forward with them? Eh, it's making them happy. That's always worth it. He can charm, he's got that class, but he'll always be the big bad trainer.
Valen's determined to claim that trophy and ribbon, he's going to silence any potential doubt about his skills. The rumbling of the final match and its audience is making its way through the lobby areas, and the lights seem brighter than before.
This opponent's been a potent one, but he expected nothing less from one of the Taizhou region's rapidly rising stars. Anyone living abroad in Calvana better get used to seeing strong trainers and marvelous coordinators from all over the world.
Typhlosion's just been struck by a giant boulder of mud, Gardevoir being forced to evade a flurry of stings. She's taken quite a bit of damage, so Valen's calling for Recover. It must be done, Gardevoir thinks as she's obstructed by a bright purple glow. She closes her eyes, her tune angelic as she twirls.
Here comes that Beedrill, time to give it a shock with Thunderbolt. Gardevoir's body glows a darker shade of purple. She launches a powerful lightning bolt from the top of the head. It strikes Beedrill in the face, a synchronization of crackling electricity enveloping the vespid within seconds.
Uh oh, the Mamoswine's just been commanded to use Earthquake. The ground ruptures with white shockwaves that bombard Typhlosion and her. She's fine, but her teammate's not so lucky. She wants to use Heal Pulse, but Valen's not calling for it. How come?
Ah, that's why. Typhlosion's panting, but her glare indicates that she wants Gardevoir to score a knockout instead of using Heal Pulse. It's risky, but Gardevoir and him will respect her wishes.
The arena's suddenly jolted by Typhlosion's menacing roar, shattering Gardevoir's thought process and making her cackle. Typhlosion's flames shoot up like a volcanic eruption, her eyes glowing fiery red. Blaze has activated, now it's time to win this.
Valen closes his eyes, murmuring, "The stage's ours." He clenches another rose in-between his teeth, then he sharply opens his eyes. "Like the fire that burns within your eyes, strike them down with Fire Blast!"
Typhlosion roars even louder, a powerful surge of red-orange flames being hurled out out of her mouth. It morphs into a shape resembling the kanji for fire. The attack's joined by a light green oval from her teamate, which strikes Mamoswine's face.
Beedrill tries to evade, but Blaze has made her Fire Blast so enormous that there's no escape. The Bug and Poison-type's singed, plummeting right next to the water and into Mamoswine.
Gardevoir folds her arms and grins, while she lets out a victory roar. It's like the crowd's roaring with her.
"That's all, folks!" Lisia announces, spinning in a full circle. "The winner of this contest is Le Noir!"
Valen's opponent is offering him a handshake. He gladly accepts it, while Lisia encourages the crowd to roar even louder. A certain duo doesn't need to be encouraged in that manner, not when they've already rocketed out of their seats.
Rosa and Hilda squeal, their eyes glittering. "He won! He won! He won! He won!" They grip hands and bounce around. "He woooooon!"
Their eyes are closed, giving Melanie the chance to approach Valen first. When they realize this, their jaws drop.
"Ha, I beat you two to it!" Melanie playfully winks, jumping on Valen's back. "Great job, big guy!"
Thank you, and nice jacket you've got there."
"Yes!" She blurts out, her grin ear-to-ear. "You noticed my second new one!" She leaps off of him and turns away with her hands on her hip. "I should rock copper more often!"
Today's been an amazing day. Not only did he get to show that he's got it, he actually won. He wasn't expecting that when it started.
Typhlosion happily pants and licks Valens's hand, while Gardevoir tenderly embraces him. Team Skull's the first to message him about his victory. All of those dings are music to his ears, and perhaps fate's giving him a heads up. After all, contests are a excellent combination of training and the arts.
Trophy and ribbon in hand, Valen strides alongside the others within the lobby. His entire team's out, they're acting like those sculptures are gawking over how awesome they are.
Melanie offers to hold his two awards, her head's tilted towards a group of kids who want to check out his team. Valen gives her a thumbs up and gestures the kids to come on over.
Wait, that trench coat...that was a trench coat, right? He quickly backtracks towards a corner that he just passed. He slowly blinks, his mouth halfway open. Is there somebody around that corner, right in-between the prints of Caravaggio's The Calling of Pokémon Battles and Poussin's The Reconciliation? His team is caught off guard, but it looks like Gardevoir's sensed what caused him to walk backwards.
"Don't worry, just have fun."
Gardevoir nods and resumes interacting with a young pair of Ralts.
Valen gestures to the group that he'll catch up with them later, to which they nod. If this mysterious visitor is who he thinks it is, at least one of them will be back. Yep, there's the trench coat again. The blue garment's peeking out in front of the cream-colored walls. It's definitely him.
"Been here the entire time?" Valen folds his arms and glances behind him. "Wes?"
Footsteps echo as Wes' familiar attire enters Valen's full line of sight. Wes scratches his short and shaggy platinum blond hair, then leans against the wall with his arms crossed.
"Feh." Wes bears his teeth, his gaze stern. "I saw you defeat Rexford Ryujin too."
"Really?"
"I wasn't going to miss out on seeing your comeback."
Valen pauses for a moment, a smile appearing afterwards. Now's his chance to keep the promise he made to Rui...now's the chance to try and retrieve the last piece. He wants his friend back, he wants to close the chapter of his low point for good.
"You're more than welcome to tag along with the group."
A jolt causes Wes' body to jerk. Did...did Valen just...offer him to join...a group? What does he say? How can Valen not hold anything against him in the first place? A group that accepts him would be a stark contrast to his upbringing, if it could even be called that.
"You alright?" Valen raises a brow, his right palm slightly raised. "Sorry if it's too soon."
"...Do you...mean it?" Wes's back is pressed against the wall, his eyes nearly watering up. "I'll...belong...somewhere?"
"Yes."
Wes deeply inhales, then exhales. He's got to stay composed, even if he doesn't feel ready. Still, they had some great moments together. He'd love for those moments to return.
"For now, can I ask you for a favor?" Wes straights out his posture. "In a few days, I'd like to battle you."
"Well, it has been a while." Valen shrugs. "Sure." She's right behind him.
"Thanks, that'll be a good start." Wes casually kicks at the floor. "I also need some practice with a powerhouse before I kick that walking nightmare's ass."
Looks like Wes has realized that she's lurking around the corner. That's why he's now smirking too.
"We both know that she's no match for me."
"Ha, in your dreams!"
Did Rui think that would work on Wes? He can spot her orange hair a mile away. Those two are glued together, a recurring theme in the squad.
"Wait a minute!" Rui yelps, flushing with embarrassment. "I wasn't supposed to reveal myself just yet!"
She ducks out of sight for a brief moment, but then she spots the others approaching. Can this visual message penetrate the doubt that clouds his confused mind?
"At first, I wanted you to approach him without me." Rui admits to Valen, her smile tender. "But that didn't feel right—both Wes and I are your friends." She extends her right palm towards the others. "And Wes, these are your friends."
"...A group of friends, huh?" Wes' smirk vanishes, his voice slightly monotone. "Would be nice."
From left to right, Wes slowly eyes each one. He already knows their names: Rosa, Hilda, Melanie, Jacques, Ragnar, and Leaf. Not just because they're known names—Valen can talk about those around him for hours. He didn't mention Leaf, so is she a new friend?
He can't remember ever coming close to having multiple friends. He joined that scummy Team Snagem because they duped him into thinking he'd belong there. All it was is more of the same crap he wanted to get far away from. Those pussies thought it was funny to steal Pokémon from children, that's why he jacked both of the Snag Machines.
A normal life was alien to him, it felt like the odds were infinitesimal...until Rui came into his life. It feels like it's been an eternity since the emotions ran so high that they snapped at each other.
After a few moments of silence, Wes cracks a faint smile. Maybe, just maybe, these are the signs that he's been looking for. Maybe he's found somewhere he belongs...and then there's Rui. She's being so patient with him...she's always been this way. From their first kiss by the ocean to his bucket prank, they've made some great memories together.
Next time around, it's going to be be different. She has his word. If he has to start from scratch, so be it.
Silver and Kris relax on the latter's bed, having spent the quaint evening together. She's gushing over how awesome the Battle Stage was, she's texting every person she can. That cluster of messages is probably filled to the brim with the acronym CMoA too.
He's never stayed in a house where a bedroom is right next to the living room, but it is a one-story. He can't believe the coincidence that has occurred—what are the chances that she's residing in this house? Rosa initially rented it upon returning to Calvana, but he's glad that the plan changed.
Kris is adjusting well to her new home, not that he was worried or anything like that. Pfffft, what fool would think he'd be worried to the point he's staying for the night? He was bored, so he said yes. He never worries, no siree.
Numerous unopened boxes are scattered throughout the bedroom and living room, but they'll get to them soon enough. The boxes she wanted to crack open first contains the ceramics she's brought over. Can't forget about the stained glass lamp, she adores that thing.
The centerpieces of the bedroom are the same as it was in New Bark Town. Surprisingly, it's never been the extra large posters of people like Lance, Wallace, and Valerie. One of them is the giant painting print he got her a few years ago as a birthday present. The original's by a Galarian artist named Jackson Matthew William Turner.
The more he thinks about it, Kris is just as pretty as a sunset. Both in real life and that depiction of one over Circhester. But he won't get flustered again, he's strong enough to resist the fake Silver.
It doesn't help that the spicy aroma of her perfume is using Wrap on his nose, but two can play at that game. That brand happens to make men's cologne too, and she's trying to hide her whiffs. It just so happens to be one of her favorite scents. Coincidences are weird.
"Thank you for letting me watch those contest battles with you, they were sooo cool!"
Don't blush. Whatever he does, he cannot blush. Not even if her cute smile's trying to massage away how big and tough he is. He will fi-he already lost.
"Silver, I said thank you."
"Humph, I just HAPPENED to be watching it."
"Sureeee you were." Kris folds her arms, her grin mischievous. "Like I've said in the past, you can't win against me."
Silver groans while she laughs. Pain in his ass, he accidentally said yes to having a sleepover with her after helping her with her luggage and to unpack. He can definitely say no to her if he wants to, he just doesn't want to.
His gaze darts away, only to meet the second large painting that lurks behind him. It just has to be that painting of Drifloon in a shady alleyway, doesn't it? Now he's imagining himself wandering into that alley. Why do all of the art people around him have to like these scary paintings by that Caravaggio guy?
"Snap out of it, you silly guy!"
Shit, she's staring into his eyes! Act cool, just act cool. Silver's big and tough, fake Silver isn't.
"Oh..err..um...you wanna read some classics?"
An awkward silence befalls the room. Silver grits his teeth, tugging his black and red shirt's collar. He didn't flinch upon learning that prehistoric Hydreigon were the size of houses, nor when he ran into an Alpha Hydreigon in the Arctic. Why can't he keep his cool here?
This is akin to what Valen describes one of his reactions upon seeing Rosa and/or Hilda with their hair down out of the blue. Silver would prefer if he shared a bit of that inconsistency.
"Sureeee, I'd love to read with yooou!"
"You...can pick." He does a hard swallow and clenches his teeth. "Yeah...um...go pick."
"Thanks, that's nice of you!"
She gets to read great examples of literature with her special someone! Imagine if he asked her own on a date right now! What if this is secretly a date?! Oooh, what if he wore that purple suit he won't admit to having! That would be so amazing!
Now she's in full daydream mode. There's Silver in a top hat and a Victorian-era coat, there's her in a long and graceful dress. They're kissing by the beautiful riverbed in Aquacorde Town, the imaginary and definitely realistic Silver calling it the second prettiest sight in front of him.
"It feels strange whenever you're quiet."
A wide-eyed Kris squeaks, rocketing her palms in-between them. Get a grip girl! Now's your chance! Ask him, ask him! At least ask him to make phaal curry or something!
"Quiet Kris is kinda terrifying."
"Ah...um...err...you saw nothing!"
Silver blinks, scratching his long red hair. What is she talking about? He wasn't even looking in her direction just now. She shuts her eyes, an obvious blush on full display. She fidgets with her fingers, her head tucked in.
"I'd appreciate if we read something before the year ends."
"S-Sorry...hahaha...ha...ha...ha...ha...ha."
Calm down, act normal, grab Crobatula and read it with him. Grab The Achiliad and The Pilgrimage too. That's her impromptu to-do list, disregard the mental image of Silver in a tuxedo giving her flowers. Nope nope nope, she's ignoring the image of Silver opening the door into a limousine.
She has the skills needed to obtain sixteen badges, yet her legs won't respect how good she is. They're using Quiver Dance as she reaches for the box containing her books.
Kris has a scale model of Wyndon Bridge in one of the adjacent boxes. The same box that Kris isn't aware she's about to run into. She realizes her mistake a bit too late, now she's falling down. It doesn't help that her Mismagius is snickering from within the walls.
If that wasn't bad enough, her lips make contact with Silver's lips. Are their heartbeats and pulse racing together as one? Why doesn't she want to stop? Why isn't this tough guy stopping?
What a silly question, it's because she's enjoying this tender moment with her-timeout! Timeout timeout timeout!
Silver and her blink with wide-eyed stares, their faces burning up. They rapidly back away from each other, with Kris tumbling onto the carpet. Her Mismagius's face materializes on the wall, enjoying every minute of this.
"Kris, what the hell was that?!" Silver's flushing with embarrassment and anger. "I didn't ask for a kissing session!"
"It was an accident, you idiot!" Kris wails as she sits up. "I don't know why I didn't stop right away!" She clenches her fists and shut her eyes. "As if I would ever kiss you!"
Silver realizes he's too close to the edge. He grunts and flails, desperately holding on to the wooden edge. Down onto the carpet he goes, sending Mismagius into hysterics. To his dismay, his Zoroark's also tearing up with laughter.
"Say something."
"It's not like I enjoyed it or anything, Queen Blabbermouth." Silver fakes a scowl, refusing to get up off the floor. "I'd never enjoy it!" He pretends that the ceiling's more interesting.
"Neither would I, we're just friends."
Silver's right cheek is planted on the carpet, his amused smile facing Kris. Laughter kicks the awkwardness out of the situation. But this is the most awkward sleepover they've had in years. It's probably going to be topped soon enough, but the worst one will always be the infamous Melemele Island sleepover. That's where Gladion started the false notion of him liking Kris. They're definitely just friends, what kind of idiot would think otherwise?
...King Edgethur is coming to Calvana soon, isn't he? Given his luck, that seems plausible.
For returning readers, isn't it nice to see Valen happier from the get-go?
For new readers, what are your overall thoughts so far?
For both, what did you think of the contest battle? Did you enjoy the accidental kiss scene? How about the Wes scene?
The airport scene in Chapter 2 got cut, so this marks Kris' debut now.