Crystalline water laps the rocky shoreline of a park's small lake, caressing the back of a napping wild Vaporeon while a pair of Mudkip splash each other. Another Vaporeon trots along a cobblestone walkway, following the lead of two Vaporeon who've wandered into a diner's outdoor seating area. They approach table after table, standing up on their hind legs to greet both people and Pokémon with winsome grins. In return, they receive pets from the humans and food from the Pokémon.
Crossroads Park lives up to its name on all four sides. Head south and you'll enter Old Downtown, a district that looks plucked straight out if Victorian Galar. Head west and you'll hit Little Kalos, the oldest district in present day Angel City. Trekking north will eventually lead to Little Johto, a slice of the feudal era. Head west to frolic within the large beaches and munch on the malasadas of Alolatown. But the park itself shouldn't be ignored, for it's a place to relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle of megacity life.
Perhaps you enjoy the mellisonant chorus of Rookiedee occupies the air. Perhaps you're amused by the two Eevee who are entertaining a crowd via happily zooming around a young boy. Is that your stomach growling over scrumptious aroma of the garlic breadsticks and knots? You can find them being served at the aforementioned diner, it's drawing countless people and Pokémon towards this Orrean run establishment.
What if somebody is in the mood for something more exotic? The dumpling stand run by a family from the Gwangcho region will have then covered with their fine, traditional Mandu. One at a time, people and their Pokémon get their snacks and approach an ongoing battle.
A gentle breeze nudges Wes' blue trench coat, leaves crumpling under the feet of the growing number of people wanting to see his Naganadel in action. Even in a park this large, even in a city this vast and varied, an insectoid dragon that the vast majority have only read about, or seen on the big screen, will stand out.
Naganadel engaging in combat with an Onix, which has proven to be a formidable opponent. It's charging in with Iron Tail but Naganadel expertly weaves its way around the attempted strikes of the rock serpent's glowing tail.
"Use Dragon Pulse."
The beam evolves into a serpentine-like dragon formation with a pair of small wings protruding from the middle. The intimidating formation causes the air to howl in terror as it rockets towards Onix, slamming it into the battlefield.
"Finish this with Sludge Bomb."
A storm of brown blobs that glow purple take Onix out of the fight. Naganadel screeches to thank Onix for a good match, the dragon's eyes briefly catching a glimpse of a poster advertising an exhibition match between two humans named Dimitri Liniya and Siegfried Schroeder.
That's five wins in a row but it's not about winning for Wes—battling opened many doors for him. Doors he believed would always be closed, much like the door to Shadow Naganadel's heart. Look at Naganadel now, it's so happy that it's spinning around. It loves the attention it's getting. All of the former Shadow Pokémon deserve to live their best lives.
"Nobody else is stepping forward?" Wes' voice is barely audible among the chatter. "Feh, they know I'm nothing to play with."
Before Rui, all Wes knew was the dark underbelly of society. He never thought about what else the world has to offer him. Even a setting like this, a park where he can hang out in, was foreign to him. How about those gigantic skyscrapers in the distance? Nope, even the ones in Phenac City were once unknown to his eyes. Battling for leisure? Hardly had the time for that back in Pyrite Town, plus his Espeon and Umbreon were baby Eevee.
It's a stark contrast to his mindset when wrecking Team Snagem's base after jacking two Snag Machines. He saw em coming, he kept on running. If he went down, he'd take em with him. But that's all in the past, a past that he can close the book on. Both Rui and him have even made peace with the now reformed Eldes, Miror B. and Lovrina. Now, he can continue his journey into the next book.
Tell the doubters back in Orre to go on and get their refund because he's still around and kicking. The others must be enjoying their day so far and he'll do the same. He'll hang out with the squad more and more in due time—it's still surreal to him but he's getting used to it.
Another challenger has emerged and she's got a Noivern and a Donphan. He reaches inside of his trench coat and grabs another Poké Ball, calling upon his Froslass. His smirk screams "let's do this" as well as his voice could, if not better.
He wants this newfound euphoria to last forever. No, he's more than capable enough to make it last forever. He'll keep reminding himself that he's now a different man with a different life.
A flagbearer beckons all to come witness a spectacular play, giving both locals and tourists a taste of how theatre was advertised centuries ago. Grandeur presentation of architecture with windows that curve at the top, the purposes ranging from designer brand stores to luxury apartments. Many of the structures have small statues of Uxie, Azelf, and Mesprit on their roofs and walls. A few pockets of the area have even more extravagant buildings, boldly designed to grab your attention and refusing to let go.
Wes feels like Rui threw him into a time mixture but that's what you get when you're in Little Kalos. This is the second time he's been here and it's a double déjà vu. These buildings are very similar to historical buildings that Rui and him within Kalos itself. Valen once described this style as Baroque, the ones with extreme flamboyance being Rococo.
The passion Valen has for the arts is amazing, but there's something about him overall that makes people want to listen, even if they know next to nothing about art history and history in general. He's also a blast to watch in a contest, it's like watching a good movie hop out of the screen to ensnare you. That Bernini guy must have been amazing at performance battling to inspire somebody centuries later.
Valen was also the second person to directly call him "a good friend," something that still rings through his mind. It all began at The Outskirt Stand during a normal afternoon—Valen was exploring the historic Route 66 when he stopped by for a bite to eat.
One of the lavish restaurants on the block he's walking on has been booked by some very wealthy people. It seems to be a gathering of women and…potential suitors? Friends? Partners? Who knows, but it's a Renaissance party and the food's aroma has him wondering if he forgot to eat lunch. Much to his amusement, a woman about Rui's age ignores all of other rich guys and treks across the street with her Chesnaught, approaching a guy wearing a Gucci-Wataru cape and his Flygon.
How and why does Wes know about Lance's capes? It's because Rui made him wear one at Sunset Studios and PokéStar Studios. He'll admit to himself that he thought he looked badass in a cape. Only to himself, and his Pokémon. Assuming Rui hasn't told the squad every little thing he's trying to keep hidden. Since Rui's been a nightmare since the first minute he met her, she'd probably start by telling them about how red his face was after their first kiss.
…Oh…right…Rui's the reason why he came to Little Kalos. His team's now fully rested after their win streak, now he just needs to find Rui. She made it easy for him this time…or did she? He still can't help but wonder if he forgot something important. At least, that's what his gut is telling him. He didn't forget lunch again…right?
One of her two cars rests in a public parking zone. Makes sense, a city like this is much more enjoyable when exploring on foot. But Rui must've gotten really excited seeing those Kantonian and Johtoian sports cars, even though she's more into Zieglerian and Unovan cars.
There she is, listening to music in a café's outdoor seating area. Apparently, Rui got so distracted by rap music that she doesn't even know he's here. If she's squeezing her eyes shut, it means that the beat has dropped.
….Wait a sec, she's waving at him. Is she not going to pause it to address him verbally?
"Feh, I should've picked the day."
Rui pauses it and laughs. "Sorry sorry, felt like trolling!" She sticks her tongue out and makes two peace signs. "And you know I'm a 'Nac Town girl—Flygon Flex always gets me rocking!"
Crazy as always, but he likes her boldness. She's always been a walking nightmare but she's never been all talk, hence why he was getting in more battles at the last minute.
"So…why here?" Wes asks, his gaze bouncing around. "I don't see any place to—"
Wes' stomach growls like a Houndoom, making him sigh and Rui laugh. Great, just great. Out of everything Rui had to know, it just had to be him forgetting to eat lunch. Again.
He also…somewhat forgot about Rui's knack for deducing what he's thinking or feeling. Will he admit to that? Absolutely not.
"Join me, lover boy." Rui nudges him with her right elbow. "I know you better than you think." Her tongue is out again. "After lunch, you're coming with me on a long stroll."
Feh, if she says so. Not like he has a choice, he never-
"Wake up or I'll kick your butt," she quips. "I'm the Paldean Empire, you're the Barcarthaginian Empire."
Wes blinks. "Are you capable of saying something that actually makes sense?"
"Hahahahaha, I was the one told you that his passion rubs off on people!" Rui makes a double peace sign. "Get good, lover boy!"
Get good at what, asking their mutual friend for trivia? Doing random internet searches? Watching more docs than he already does?
Rui clears her throat. "'Concerning the honor and renown of our glorious state, it is not a surprise that you, the Senate, want to declare that a challenge to one's skills as a Pokémon Trainer shall not be ignored barring certain circumstances." She smirks over Wes' perplexed expression. "'I propose that it be amended to a meeting of the eyes, for it takes courage to stare a potent opponent with your eyes.'"
"Again?"
"That's one way an ancient guy named Cicero described battling in a speech," she says. "Caught Valen sharing Rosa's video about him on Glaliebook and got curious."
Fair enough, but why say that? …Feh, why ask when he knows he won't get an answer? And how come he just remembered that he forgot to accept Valen's friend request?
Moving on, he'll do a better job in remembering lunchtime. In this instance, forgetting to eat lunch has an upside. Let's see what this menu's got, Rui's told him good things about this place.
Lunala Road and Rembrandt Avenue, that's what the street signs say at this intersection. Vehicles zoom past them and delivery trucks scurry behind various shops. A flock of Staraptor has attracted the attention of local young trainers, but the birds are too powerful to be bested. One of them is massive, it must be an Alpha Pokémon.
Long walk was an massive overstatement, but it was worth it. The ocean's well within sight, the dance of the calm waves unobstructed by the massive skyscrapers. He's not much of a open romantic, that's more of Valen's shtick. Nevertheless, sharing a first kiss with Rui by the tranquil ocean was pretty neat. Not that'll he ever say that out loud…at least not in public.
Several small parks are scattered around here, it's quite the sight for a guy like him. The local park was a small luxury in his old neighborhood back in Pyrite Town. It was the only place where the local hustlers wouldn't do what they do in—the rule was enacted by the OG dudes who ran the neighborhood.
He was tasked to enforce that rule, but he did more than that. He refused to target the innocent, but the hustlers were fair game. He had to do what he had to so his neighborhood could get by. Fast forward to now, where Pyrite Town has gotten much better thanks to investments by that Guzma dude. From what he's heard, Po Town was once equally rough.
He's also come a long way and it feels nice, even Rui jabbing him with his elbow feels nice. It's the little things that he missed the most.
There's a large billboard displaying Lisia and her Altaria. Melanie and her Dragonite are also on it, he assumes Lisia's backing one of her biggest fans. Lisia and Altaria are also on a second billboard across the street, Valen and his Salamence having joined her for that photo. Isn't Valen a little camera shy, though?
Rosa and Hilda have their own billboard, which is promoting the Grimsley Lauren fashion brand. Rui and him never expected to end up hanging out with two of the bigger names on social media, but their energy can put a smile on even the grumpiest edgelord.
As for Rui, she's doing her usual thing. Can't teach an old Rockruff new tricks, now can you?
"I'm now the champ like I said I was gonna be, my Pokémon are living lavishly just like they deserve to be. I've become everything that people said that I wouldn't be, I can play acoustic then drop a freestyle or R&B."
The first time he caught Rui reciting a song, he was genuinely impressed. Did he show it? No? Did she figure it out? No is what he told himself. Same story when he learned that Rui can play pieces by Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and Chopin on the piano, courtesy of her grandparents. Eagun and Beluh are still at it at eighty.
"'I wanted to be the very best I could be, my journey was long but it was worth it to me .'"
Even though his background is vastly different when compared to Unova's champion, Hilbert Black, and yet his words hit home…kinda hard. It paints a vivid picture in his mind, one where he sees his old self resting peacefully and his new self taking command.
Rui pauses the song and takes her headphones out. "We're here, lover boy."
"Why do you still call me that?" Wes rolls his eyes. "It was one time."
"Because shut up, that's why." Rui winks, her grin lopsided. "Got a problem?"
"Feh," Wes scoffs, but a faint smile appears afterwards. "Not this time."
One thing Wes really enjoys about Angel City is the ample use of unused public space for battling, and this area located in-between Little Kalos and downtown is no exception. The street sign behind him identifies the intersection if Titian Street and Beethoven Boulevard. Not too busy, not too quiet. But he'd have thought that Rui would choose somewhere with more people around, like the gigantic structure called Barberini Stadium looming in the distance.
Then again, he feels like this battle should be private. Just the two of them and their friends, if any of them can make it. Rui may drag him along, he may seem unamused. but he enjoys their company.
Valen and the others are nowhere in sight, but Rui and him could just be early. He would like it if at least one of them was here. He understands if they don't show up, they also have their own—who's Rui waving at?
"Heeeeeey, you two need start the battle already!"
"And you two need go tell us all the fun moments you've shared, kay?"
"Hehe, we want the full story!"
Wes perks up, rapidly turning his body to face the owners of those easily deducible voices. The positive energy they radiate is so powerful that he can't help but smile a little. Hilda's Braviary and Rosa's Aerodactyl screech, presumably as a greeting.
It's not just them, it looks like everybody who could make it has shown up. Melanie and her Pyroar look proud, while Silver and his Zoroark seem a little grumpy but he's come to understand Silver always looks grumpy. Maybe it's because of Kris' presence. Silver's Zoroark and Kris' Liepard are smirking…they know too, don't they?
…Feh, what kind of question is that? Of course they know, he's been told that even the Pokémon tease the duo. What kind of jokes do they make, same as their trainers?
"Hehe, we were interacting with fans." Hilda places a hand in front of her silly grin. "I'm sure you figured out the backstory."
Indeed, he has. Rui tricked him into thinking they didn't have special guests. She got him good...this time.
Wait a minute. He looks to his left, then to his right. Did he not tag along with Rosa and Hilda? Rui looks equally perplexed by this absence. She turning towards the group, everybody looking a little bit mischievous. What did Rui and him miss?
"Humph." Silver briefly closes his eyes. "He's over there." He tilts his head to his left. "You know how he is."
"It's all because of me." Melanie oozes pride as she folds her arms. "I'm the one who made him cool, and I helped him be fashionable."
"I was always cool."
Right, Wes thinks while Rosa and Hilda laugh. Valen's the type who prefers to make his own entrance. That's why he's leaning against a street light with his Gardevoir, his Salamence demanding head pats and grinning when he obliges. One of them let themselves out of their Poké Ball, his hunch is that it was that unusually cocky Gardevoir.
"It's your boi." Valen gives a two-finger salute, his Gardevoir bowing and his Salamence softly roaring. "The rest of the squad said to give you two their best regards."
"You're decked out!" Rui eyes Valen's black jacket and gray shirt, both carrying Team Skull logos. "I watched the smaller contest you entered this morning and you rocked it!"
"Damn right I did." Valen saunters towards the others with his two Pokémon in tow, his hands resting in his pockets. "Remember, can't stop the river that connects all of us." He throws his arms around Rosa and Hilda, fist bumping Melanie, Silver, and Kris in the process. "These are some of the people thar reminded me of that when I was in the pit of despair."
Wes has felt his determination grow stronger each time he's hung out with Valen and the others, something Rui likely knew would happen. All his life, the world's been trying to keep him down. All this time, never thought he'd have friends around.
He now understands Rui's full game plan—she wanted to battle him to jolt more memories and to prove that he can still create the life he wants to live.
"Heeeeeey, call out your Pokémon already!"
Hilda's being Hilda and a crowd's taken notice. He takes out two Poke Balls out from inside his trench coat.
"Engage, Umbreon and Espeon."
Wes presses the buttons to let his duo of Eeveelutions out. Espeon holds her chin up high like she's strutting on a red carpet, making Umbreon roll his eyes. Hopefully, his teammate finally realizes that no amount of her normal tricks can make her replace Hilda's Umbreon as the true love of Valen's Luxray, especially when Luxray's chilling in his Poké Ball.
Rui takes out two Poké Balls from inside of her jacket. "Let's go, Leafeon and Glaceon!"
Rui chucks both Poké Balls into the air, and her Eeveelutions leap out and do a backflip. Espeon giggles with them but Umbreon's not amused in the slightest. They're all a bunch of pains.
In response to Umbreon's broodiness, Espeon bops him on the forehead and gives him a sisterly kiss. Umbreon wants to smile, but he just wants the affection and to hear her call him "little brother." The rest of it is pure Trubbish. Thankfully, he won't have to put up with said Trubbish anymore because playtime's…kinda over?
It's meant to a fun battle that can jog more of Wes' happy memories but it can be both fun and competitive. Or rather, it will be both. Wes might tease her about her boastful attitude but Rui doesn't play around in battle.
The four Eeveelutions howl like a clock's struck midnight and take up a "ready to pounce" position. The tension is like one of the many Old West films set in Orre…or maybe his trainer and and him have watched one too many westerns as of late. He's going with both, it's usually both
"Leafeon, Glaceon, use Calm Mind!"
"Umbreon, Espeon, follow suit."
The four Eeveelutions close their eyes like they're mediating, an evanescent light beaming from their bodies. They soon open their eyes, a stronger aura flowing through them. Memories flow too, for this is how their first ever battle started.
"Don't freeze up from Glaceon's Ice Beam!"
Glaceon leans forward on her front paws and launches a frost white beam from her mouth.
"Espeon, block it with Light Screen."
Espeon jumps in front of Umbreon, and her eyes glow violet. She creates an rectangular barrier that intercepts Glaceon's chilly beam.
"Gotcha already." Rui furrows her brow, her grin now smug and lopsided. "Make a ruckus with Leaf Blade."
The leaf protruding from Leafeon's head protrudes and shines with a vibrant lime. He howls and somersaults into the air but Umbreon's snickering instead of swerving. Wes is right, a better ruckus with Throat Chop.
Umbreon leaps to avoid Leafeon's attempt to strike, his front paws glow purple. Leafeon jumps and slides backwards, wasting no time in charging back in. Each attempt to strike the other is met with a precise block.
"Back your bro up, Glaceon!" Rui's right fist is in front of her chin. "Give em the chills with Blizzard!"
Glaceon lets out a high-pitched cry and fires off a torrent of snowballs at a rapid pace.
"Counter with Psychic."
"Hahahahaha, Leafeon's Quick Attack says otherwise!"
Espeon's eyes glow light blue but Leafeon slams into Espeon before she can launch a wave of energy. Leafeon backflips above the storm of snowballs that begin to pelt both Espeon and Umbreon.
"Leaf Blade!"
Leafeon charges in like a chariot, the leaf on his growing and glowing. He does a backflip and strikes both Pokémon. They stagger backwards, and he jumps back next to Glaceon.
Umbreon notes that he took that Leaf Blade better than Espeon did, but his concerned eyes end up rolling when Espeon sasses him about not focusing on their powerful opponents. Moving on, Wes just called for Dark Pulse and Psychic.
Circles finished with the same color as the ring on Umbreon's head bombard Leafeon and nearly push him into Glaceon. Umbreon knows Espeon is imagining herself on a red carpet, that massive wave of energy being her "fashion choice" because she's a weird Pokémon who wants to wear clothes.
Leafeon's leaping in with another Leaf Blade and Glaceon's charging in with Ice Fang. He's ready with a Reflect and his teammate's got a Zap Cannon ready for Glaceon.
Umbreon's circular barrier blocks Leafeon's seemingly endless strikes, while Espeon launches a crackling spherical beam like lightning from a ferocious cloud. The beam blasts Glaceon upwards before she can chomp down with her glowing, protruding teeth.
"Shadow Ball!"
Umbreon realizes he won't be able to intercept Glaceon's pitch black and frost white sphere. The impact sends his big sis onto the ground, but she's a champ. Look at her get back up in no time, launching another wave of energy that blows Glaceon and Leafeon away. His big sis rocks.
Leafeon manages to hang on by a Spidops' tread, but Glaceon's down for the count. Glaceon can still giggle with Espeon over Leafeon making an edgelord joke at Umbreon's expense, his groaning music to their ears. Glaceon teases "bye byeeee" before she's recalled by Rui.
Ugh, Umbreon grumbles to himself. What kind of battle has this much nonsense between the Pokémon? Why is Espeon asking if she looks good, why would Valen's Luxray come of his Poké Ball?
He hates to be the bearer of bad news, but fellow edgelord, will not fall head over paws for her. Hilda's Umbreon is the girl for Valen's Luxray. He smirks, she pouts, he rubs it in by saying "that shut you up, didn't it?"
"This next one's gonna rock your socks off, even though you're not wearing any!"
Rui's Midnight Lycanroc leaps out of his ball and onto his feet. Umbreon visualizes the first time Espeon and him met Lycanroc, back when Rui beat those two other humans in a battle. Umbreon dares Lycanroc to come and get him, but Rui calls for Stone Edge before Lycanroc can respond.
Rocks that glow gray form and encircle Lycanroc. He howls like there's a full moon above him, then he hurls the sets of glowing rocks. One after another, the rocks rain down upon Espeon and Umbreon like a hailstorm. Meanwhile, Leafeon's surrounded by the orange glow of Synthesis, which revitalizes him.
"Use Grass Knot and Fire Blast."
Espeon's eyes glow a magnificent emerald green. Giant vines sprout from the ground ensnare Lycanroc. She uses the vines to swing Lycanroc around, then she tosses him into Leafeon. Blaziken follows it up by spitting out a powerful formation shaped like the kanji for fire, scorching both Lycanroc and Leafeon. The former's enveloped by swirling flames that inflict additional damage.
Lycanroc manages to stand up and howl, determined to protect his hindered teammate. Two can play at that game, and Rui knows it.
"You're wide open for a Rock Blast attack!"
A giant brown boulder with a white glow appears in front of Lycanroc and he hurls it with all of his might. It shatters into shards upon impact. Umbreon manages to tank it but Espeon's down and out.
Wes recalls Espeon with a proud smile, swapping her Poké Ball with another. Up goes the Poké Ball, out comes a valiant warrior and his battle cry. Like Naganadel, Blaziken had his heart closed to. Look at him now.
Blaziken notices Valen and them Salamence and happily greets them, receiving a thumbs up and a happy roar in response. Blaziken felt bad about injuring Valen when he was a Shadow Pokémon but Valen never held it against him. He still wants a proper battle against one of Valen's Pokémon to atone for it.
Lycanroc's charging with Psychic Fangs, and Leafeon's Quick Attack strikes Umbreon before he can intercept. Not a problem, Umbreon doesn't have to worry.
Blaziken ducks each of Lycanroc's attempts to chomp down with his protruding fangs. After the last one, Blaziken does a handstand and wallops Lycanroc with a mean Double Kick, flinging the canine back like a boomerang.
Wes crosses his arms. "Giga Impact," he says. "Fire Punch."
A white oval with black streaks encases Umbreon and he hurls himself like a missile towards Leafeon and Lycanroc. The strike is swift and effective, sending both Pokémon flying behind Rand here comes Blaziken.
Blaziken smirks, wondering if Speed Boost makes him too fast for Rui's team. His fists are engulfed with raging flames and he strikes Leafeon and Lycanroc. He expected Lycanroc to take it but Leafeon's been defeated.
Thud.
Umbreon's finally gone down but he fought well, Blaziken thinks as Wes recalls his teammate. Here comes Froslass, who lets out a high-pitched battle cry.
Rui recalls her Leafeon, and here comes her Talonflame. Blaziken recalls being told by Espeon and Umbreon that Talonflame and Lycanroc were the two Pokémon Rui had when Wes first met her.
Talonflame soars majestically and chirps a greeting towards Froslass, who returns the favor with a happy cry. Talonflame smirks and screeches for Blaziken to "come at me, bro." He chuckles retorts with "how do you do, fellow human?"
"Use Thunder Punch."
"Catch him if you can!" Rui laughs with her tongue out. "Agility and Acrobatics!"
Talonflame flies in circles so rapidly that he appears to vanish, preventing Blaziken from landing a blow with fists covered in sparks. Talonflame slams his wings into Blaziken over and over again from different sides.
His Froslass teammate manages to keep Lycanroc at bay with Confuse Ray and Shadow Ball, the canine wobbling around in random direction. He's got to hang in there, he'll get a chance to strike.
Wait for it.
Wait for it.
Time to strike!
Blaziken strike Talonflame with his left fist, which is covered with crackling electricity. The movies sends the avian hurling back, and Blaziken swoops into land a barrage of punches.
"Thunder."
Alight yellow aura with crackling white sparks surrounds Froslass, and she launches a lightning bolt towards both Talonflame and Lycanroc. Both are enveloped in the sparks, the former forced to land as he lowers his head with his eyes shut. Lycanroc takes it better, but he's taken aback by it.
Rui seems taken aback by it too, Blaziken notes. She looks shocked for a brief moment, but a loving smile quickly takes its place. His own trainer's got a smirk.
"You're remembering, aren't you?" Rui beams a loving smile. "I can see it in your eyes."
"I am and it feels nice." Wes briefly closes his eyes. "Really nice."
It's daytime but it feels like the same stars that beamed down upon their first kiss have showed up earlier than normal. Win or lose, he's just glad that he got to battle her again. More of those memories are flooding back, such as Rui's shocked expression when he first defeated her in battle. It was amusing, but Rui soon blindsided him with her extreme excitement and…an awkward dance.
"Continue the battle, this is sick!"
The eyes of both Wes and Rui sightly widen, their Pokémon and them beaming perplexed expressions at Valen's sudden and somewhat awkward burst of excitement. His face is now burning up and he's slapped his mouth shut, whereas his Salamence has a big, puppy-like grin and his Gardevoir has a devious, lopsided grin.
"You heard nothing, that wasn't me!" Valen hides his face with his hands. "I swear it wasn't me!"
"Yes it was!" Rosa and Hilda clasp their hands and close their eyes. "Cutie cutie cutieeee!"
"I. Am. Not. Cute."
"Yes you areeeee!"
After a moment of awkward silence, Rui and all of the Pokémon laughs. Wes merely smirks, unable to remember this side of his friend. Valen sighs and his head droops in resignation. Salamence wants head pats again and Gardevoir plays with Valen's slightly messy hair.
"You heard him, Wes!" Rui sticks her tongue out and makes a peace sign with both hands. "Lycanroc, Mega Punch!"
"Show em a real Mega Punch, Blaziken."
A boxing match breaks out between the two Pokémon. The movements of their feet are precise, as is each blow and weave. Froslass and Lycanroc ensure that the other can't interfere via their own clash, this one being Ice Beam and Dark Pulse. Lycanroc's blood red stream of circles and Froslass' frost white beam keep missing their mark due to precise evasion on the other's part.
Eventually, both Pokémon are knocked backwards and Blaziken and Lycanroc clock each other, ending their boxing match. They want another go at each other, but Talonflame tells Lycanroc that he's got this.
Wes' inner flames of passion have ignited itself into a Fire Blast. Blaziken once had his heart closed by darkness, but now it's time for the phoenix to rise from the ashes.
"Playtime's now delayed." Wes grins and curls his hand into a fist. "Light up the sky with Flare Blitz!"
"Good call, time for Brave Bird!"
Surrounded by a veil of crimson flames, Blaziken leaps up into the sky with his arms extended sideways. The flames thrash about and morph into a screeching phoenix that envelops Blaziken.
Talonflame lets out a screech and soars higher, the mighty avian quickly. engulfed by an oval aura that burns a fiery red. Blaziken and Talonflame careen towards each other like meteorites in the atmosphere.
Their collision is like the explosion of an erupting volcano, smoke billowing everywhere like a raging gale. Wes and Rui wait with growing anticipation, as so the others.
Who will come out on top?