Hybrid: Topaz Edition

by LuxBeacon

Our story centers around Topaz Heart, nephew of Volkner. He has set his sights on becoming a gym trainer worthy of the Sinnoh League, but in order to do that he takes risks. So many risks. Assaulting smugglers, beating up gang members, infiltrating terrorist bases, actually crazy rivals, getting lost underground and being a huge nerd. And he wouldn't have it any other way.

32. Jaded Perspective (Ch32)

Author Note: Welcome back! Please review the story to motivate me to upload more than every 3 months. Also I graduated college, yay!

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Everyone loves a good show. Stimulating theater so authentic you forget it is fiction; an act. Those who fail to see the imaginary and reality as separate are those who find themselves most lost; blinded by falsehoods. Jade is a fellow who lives firmly in reality, yet he wishes to rule over the imaginary. He knows the power of wielding one's narrative and constructing the story as you see fit BECAUSE he is grounded in reality. As an actor he is on a journey to make his ideal image built on theatrics. No one shall ever say that Jade Forrest's ambitions are fables for the commonfolk.

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~x1x~

PoV: Jade Forrest

Location: Stark Mountain

Stark Mountain, an active volcano, the largest mountain in all of the Battle Zone, the home of the legendary Heatran. Then den of idiot trainers who risk life and limb to push themselves and their fellow pokemon here to hone their skills in the hellishly hot and inhospitable conditions.

Friendships are tested, injuries accrue and obscene body odor is obtained as they navigate the rugged terrain, intense lava flows, blinding sandstorms and powerful wild pokemon willing to test their own wills. It is one of the most unfit places for inexperienced children to be in.

"Hattrem, if they want to run away, let them. Shooting them down will suit us just fine!" The current antagonist of my life taunted me.

He had ivory, curly hair with deep purple eyes. He wore a long purple tech coat with a small pack attached to the back and the Rose Tower logo emblazoned on it.

As if he deserves it.

Underneath his coat you could see he wore black and white sport tights and shoes to complete the look. But none of that was as noteworthy as his shit eating grin and undignified sneer.

Shizu, my precious Houndour, bounded from pillar to pillar starkly avoiding the streaks of fairy light aimed at her. Leaping behind a boulder that tanked the hit well, she bellowed back flames. Deterring further sniping and forcing Hattrem to dispel the flames with a psychic pulse.

I swiftly scanned the arena for an avenue of victory. Their battle took place on the cliffside of Stark facing Route 227, supposedly a safer section of the volcano with proper guard rails and pathing. Nearby was a small town that had made itself comfortable with the rich farmland due to the ideal soil composition.

That doesn't help me.

The battle arena itself was rugged terrain filled with boulders and pires meant to be utilized by the pokemon to the best of their ability. Ranged attacks had difficulty connecting, while physical attacks had the promise of smashing your opponent into at least one spire for extra damage.

This has been helping generously.

On the sidelines, sat the audience in the bleachers. It was a junior tournament so mostly parents, friends and coaches, but most importantly: the news cameras. The blistering heat, the constant charge of battle and my own personal gripes with my every move being broadcasted live had been taking its toll on me. But as long as I obtained a victory worthy of the camera, then I'd have succeeded in my primary goal.

Amongst the crowd I spotted my mum, mentor and his partner pokemon. All watching with eager anticipation and I never aim to disappoint. Mum had a vice grip on her clutch, meanwhile Garland and Dijon were hype, but in a more casual way. They each had their own method of cheering me on and to be honest, it did motivate Shizu and I.

Although there was one member of the audience in particular I couldn't quite put a finger on. He had brown skin, sunglasses, a Macro Cosmos cap, a white sports jacket and the most offensive shorts I had ever seen: Turquoise with white polka dots. Yet he sat through every match with this level of poise that seemed… analytical. Of course, he would need to be confident to go outside wearing all of that.

I'm overthinking things, his horrendous outfit is distracting me. We need to diminish Hattrem's chance of shooting us even more.

I focused myself back in the present with everything I had gleaned in my quick scan of my surroundings. Wiping the sweat from my brow, I decided to rebound on older strategies. "Shroud yourself and close in," I ordered.

Shizu barked in affirmation as a thick smog billowed from her maw. She began her hunt. Charging into the fray, obfuscating her presence as a thick fog began to fill the field. Hattrem hopped back cautiously as it began to spread faster than she had anticipated. Her trainer, Bede, continued his confident sneer.

"A glorified smokescreen won't cut it. Hattrem, blow it back with Aromatherapy!"

The hat fairy glowed a bright green as she spun like a top, releasing sweet smelling fumes filled with aromatic pink petals right back at Shizu's smog. Even from my position I could smell it and it was only out of common decency I didn't gag right then and there.

They call this aromatherapy? This dollar store toilet water?

The two clouds collided. While Shizu's smog was thinned slightly it was nowhere near to the extent to reveal her position. Bede grit his teeth in annoyance as the smog continued to overwhelm the battlefield, long enough for Shizu to fire a decoy flamethrower at Hattrem. Forcing her to sidestep directly in front of a rock pillar.

It's like they want us to win.

Shizu, never one to let a chance go by, blitzed forwards and changed her position from where Hattrem was focused on and dashed towards her blind spot. Her fairy opponent just barely caught on to her tactics as she held up her hair to blow the full body tackle that smashed her into the exact pillar Shizu intended.

"And now the curtain call," I chuckled, mostly to myself.

Without giving her a moment to breathe, Shizu inhaled as deep as she could before bellowing a thick stream of concentrated fire directly onto Hattrem, pinning her against the pillar. She blocked with her hair at first, but the sheer heat and pressure was all consuming. Each second Shizu stepped closer and closer, continuing her onslaught. Her eyes and maw ready to score the finishing blow with glowing fangs…

But there was no need.

Bede recalled his pokemon before Shizu could end it. The dissatisfaction of weakened prey being snatched moments from the finishing bite was all too evident. She stamped the ground in annoyance, making the displeasure clear to everyone. Even after all these years the hunter's drive never truly left her. I could be happy at least. We had a relatively unproblematic victory and that's what's most important to me.

"Bede has recalled Hattrem, hence forfeiting the match! The winner is Shizu the Houndour and her trainer, Jade!" The announcer's voice blared out of the speakers. "That concludes the last of the semi-finals as Jade moves on to the final match against the Battle Zone's own Buck!"

The audience cheered for our victory as Shizu sauntered over to me, rather exhausted from having finished yet another fight. Kneeling down, I stroked her face, although she was hot to the touch.

"Since you didn't get a bite out of your opponent, how about some nice juicy steak later, hm?" I offered.

She eyed me with interest, giving me an affirmative bark as I recalled her to her pokeball. Bede and I stepped into the middle of the arena to give a sportsmanlike handshake. I put on a humble, innocent smile as I extended my hand first.

"You and Hattrem were skilled opponents. This battle truly pushed Shizu and I to greater heights," I lied. "I hope we may get another chance to battle in the near future?"

You have connections, Bede, and I will have them.

"Don't smile so pleasantly, it's unnatural on you," Bede sneered. He gave me a dirty look, but took my hand anyway, attempting to squeeze it. Unlike him though, I'm not a lil bitch.

I squeezed even harder and only released him when I decided. Naturally he didn't take too kindly to that. Whether he believed my act or just hated me on principle was unclear, but either way we were definitely not going to brunch anytime soon.

Hopefully his sponsors are looking for teenage replacements. I wonder how much he gets paid. Judging by his designer clothes, I'll take whatever he's getting and then some.

Once we finished our hostile pleasantries, Bede made his exit and reporters rushed me with a flurry of questions.

"Jade, this is your first televised tournament and you've made it to the finals using only two pokemon. What is the secret to your skill?" The first asked.

More like my opponents don't train hard enough. Bede was the only competent person we've faced and that's because he annoyed me the most.

"My team and I owe a lot of our progress to our mentor and everyone at the Sunyshore Gym. I always endeavor to nurture my pokemon to be the best individuals they can be. It's only the least I can do as their trainer," I answered. "They've guided us well and I'm glad our efforts weren't in vain, that's all."

No matter how much acting training or whatever I'm forced to do, I'll never fall behind Topaz and his team. And I certainly won't allow that purple muppet Topaz has adopted to ever say that I don't know how to raise my pokemon. Garland and I have spent far too long preparing for this tournament to not make it to the semi-finals.

"Your next opponent is Buck, last year's champion of the Mount Stark tournament and Elite Four's Flint younger brother. Are you confident you think you can win against the Battle Zone's upcoming battler?" Asked the second reporter.

What sort of stupid question- Ah, this must be bait. As if I'd show weakness, let's see how he likes this.

"I'm well acquainted with Buck and Flint myself, so I'm aware of their pokemon's abilities in battle. Yet I also know no one is indomitable. My team and I will do everything we can to Buck's defenses and go home winners," I declared proudly and the reporters ate. It. Up.

---

~x2x~

Location: Break Trailer

After a couple more quick interviews, I informed the reporters I needed to prepare for the finals. Closeby there were some trailers they had brought for all the contestants to rest up between matches. Since Buck and I were the last two, it was basically free for us to use and there was a nurse nearby who would look after pokemon.

Handing them Shizu's pokeball, I immediately made my way to the trailer bathroom and splashed an abundance of cold water on my face.

Neverending questions in this goddamn heat. Why the hell are we having a tournament on an active volcano?

I just stood in the bathroom, staring at the mirror wondering what choices I had made to land myself in this situation. Meanwhile, Topaz was off galavanting to Sandgem Town on another fucking whim. Without me of course.

Who the fuck puts these ideas in his head? For someone so smart, he sure likes getting distracted. He should be here, cheering me on. It'd make this nonsense a bit more bearable.

My primary solace is that Violet is on the opposite side of the country from him according to Volkner, so she couldn't poison his mind from there… as far as I know.

Taking out my phone, I checked my messages and saw another from Topaz, commending us on our skillful stratagem while going into excessive detail as to why our plan worked in this instance. I skimmed over most of that to read the TLDR he kindly knew I needed.

"TLDR: Since you prolly skimmed over the important details I left you, I'll just say great job down here! In that last fight you really burned out the competition, eh? Bring it home, will ya? Show them the sunny side of Sunyshore!"

"He's such a nerd," I mused giddily as I reread his texts over and over.

Okay so maybe this tournament was worth something.

Sadly, my daydreaming could only last for so long. I was parched. I departed the bathroom and the trailer to head over to the refreshment stand to drink some lemonade. Whilst I was quenching my thirst, I felt an all too familiar presence approach.

"You did well to get here, Jade, Shizu," Garland's serene voice said from behind.

I turned around to greet my mentor. "Thank you. I didn't come all the way here to be sweaty and a loser, so I'm grateful the team agrees."

Garland, my mentor and neighbor. One of the few people I truly respect. If not for him, I doubt we would've made it to the finals. Ever since I moved to Sunyshore he's been looking out for me. When we first met he was quiet and deeply injured from his time at Helheim, but he saw how lonely I was so he helped get me into gardening and art when my parents were busy.

When I was older and I told him Topaz had started training with weapons, he truly became my instructor. The kids in Helheim had to fight for their lives and got horrifically injured if they weren't prepared, even when he did everything he could to look out for them. So he's taken it upon himself to ensure that didn't happen to me with extensive martial arts and weapons training.

It was rough and I often didn't understand why I specifically had to go through with it when nothing like that has ever happened to me, but… The guilt he feels about that… it's suffocating at times. I can't quite explain, but when he felt something I could tell and vice versa.

I've never gotten used to that feeling, but it made him feel better when I took his lessons seriously so I just toughed it out. My pokemon got the same treatment from Dijon, his Sunflora partner.

Over time he and Dijon have recovered and seem to be more at peace. They're close friends with Volkner, Vika, Proton, Flint and everyone else at the gym. He runs a small gardening shop with some friends, but he and Dijon seem to manage it alone just fine.

I dunno everything that's going on in their lives much to my chagrin. He's rarely discussed family or much of his past, but they seem a lot more content than a few years back. So the fact he's still hovering over me implies his attentive personality is not a trauma quirk, but his core being.

"Don't dismiss losing quite so quickly," he smirked. "You can learn a lot from it."

Thinking on it, I nodded. The burn scars covering his body told enough of a story of what he had lost. Yet he lived to tell the tale.

"Fortunately so far I've not lost anything on camera. I've beaten one of Chairman Rose's proteges'. I know that name doesn't mean as much to most Sinnohans, but in show business that means something," I declared. "Now if I lose to Buck in the next round no one will mind. It's like Lance losing to Cynthia, basically. At the end of the day, you're still a champion."

He sat down, Dijon standing beside him. Giving me a more serious look. "Even if you do, it's alright. You should give it your all all the same, but just keep in mind. Whatever happens, in this battlefield and beyond it, you'll always have a place with me, alright?" The same smirk from before came back. "Maybe it's just jealousy of you wanting another mentor with a flowery name, but I want you to keep in mind what matters to you, not a dude in a suit. You hear?"

I contemplated his words. The sudden intensity of his emotions threw me for a loop. I didn't want to be here, not truly, but…

"You're the only mentor I need. What I need from the chairman are his endorsements, funding and publicity. Then… then my parents can use those to find a nice paying job so everything can go back to normal," I explained. "And so I never have to fight on another bloody volcano again."

"Normal, huh…" He took a moment before sighing. "Well, I can't give your parents the life they want. I don't even know if I can do that for you. But sometimes, even if it's tough, letting go of the normal of yesterday and embracing the normal of tomorrow is what's best. And our little shop's gonna be a port in the storm for you, no matter what happens. I know now's not the time to get into a whole thing, but who knows. Maybe it is. Don't wanna leave important stuff unsaid, you know?"

I wonder what he means by all that.

I didn't totally get it, but I could tell he just really wanted to get it off his chest. Maybe he was expecting something to change after this fight or perhaps I was reading too deep into this.

I nodded slowly. "Well… Since we're all the way at the end… I'll give it my all, just like you said. Thanks."

An awkward silence filled the air. I wanted to tell him one last thing, but it was always so embarrassing talking about this sorta stuff even though he's assured me countless times it's okay. Course in the end, whether I say something or not he figures it out anyway.

"Got a text from Topaz? You always get this smile on your face when you do," he surmised.

Oh thank Arceus, he said it first.

I nodded enthusiastically. "Even when he's galavanting across the region for whatever spur of the moment reason he's taken the time to watch all my matches. He texted a bunch of technical blabber and he's finally on the train to Sandgem, but overall he wished me luck!"

The smirk grew wider. "Technical blabber is his love language, embrace it."

Storing that tidbit into the mental locker.

"Yoohoo, Jade!" Said another familiar voice. My mother came running over, pulling me into a deathgrip hug.

"You did fantastic against that Bede boy! I was talking to some reporters and they said people all over were watching when they heard a pokemon rarely seen in Sinnoh was competing since as you know people love to see unique ones fight. Then you and Shizu came in and gave them what for and you're just amazing, sweetheart!" She cheered, squeezing me tighter.

"M-mum, it's too hot to be hugging like this!"

She immediately let me go, not before fixing my hair. "Yes yes, no need to make excuses, I know you're a big boy now. Anyway, I know that Buck will be tough, but you gotta show him what it truly means to be a thorn in someone's backside, ya hear?"

I laughed half heartedly. Since Flax, a Roselia, is my partner she's been pushing this rosy thorn aesthetic on me. Which is fine. I love flowers, but come on now. What if I preferred the devilish hound angle?

She took Garland by the arm. "Now we've got to get back to our seats, so you make Mummy proud, alright?"

Dijon gave a happy warble as Garland smiled at us. "You'll do us proud regardless. I know you will."

Mum dragged Garland away with jovial cheer with Dijon following behind with a clearly exasperated expression. While she was annoyingly clingy at times now, I hadn't seen her so happy since I started doing this nor have we really spent this much quality time together. It was… nice.

Well I wasn't planning on losing to Buck, but a bit of extra motivation never hurts. I think we can make this a grand showing.

---

~x3x~

Location: Stark Arena

After final preparations and discussions of strategies, we made our way back to the battleground. This time with Flint there to greet me.

"You know I'm biased, but I'll be rooting for ya too, Jade," Flint said as he gave me a cheeky smirk. "You've climbed your way to the top with a burning passion, but Buck might just be a bit more fire than you can handle."
I laughed at the notion. Buck may receive some training from his brother, but I go toe to toe with Topaz all the time, so I wasn't going to be impressed with just that. I also know he prefers to train on his own to create his own style.

I'll make him wish he emulated his brother.

"A weak final opponent wouldn't make for a good climax," I chuckled, turning my back. "See you at the winner's podium, mate."

Flint laughed good naturedly as I made my way back to the arena. It was the same one we'd been using all the while, they'd just fixed it up between each match. I took my spot across the field from my opponent, the reigning champion of the junior tournament, Buck.

"Long time no see, Jade," He greeted. I gave him a polite smile in return.

When we were kids, Topaz and I used to play with him whenever Flint brought him over. He was always rambunctious so I often found a way to make things more difficult for him whenever he took up too much of Topaz's attention. I much preferred his brother and while we did have fun, I was only a child. My standards for playmates were lower.

We haven't spoken in awhile, but this is the ideal reunion for each of us.

"I look forward to a grand battle, Buck," I commended good naturedly.

He gave me an auspicious look. "No sly comment? You've been talking different all tourney. The fifteen minutes of fame go to your head?" He asked, but all I heard was condescension. My politeness turned wry.

It'll be much longer than fifteen minutes after I win.

"And we are back! The final battle of the Mount Stark Junior tournament is about to begin!" The announcer boomed. "Jade Forrest of Sunyshore City challenges our reigning champ, Buck Lantern of Survival Area!"

The crowd gave a raucous cheer. I quickly glanced towards Garland, Dijon and my mum sitting together cheering me on. Their presence was enough to keep me on track.

The cameras, the heat, the tension, the fight. We can surmount it all.

"The rules are simple. A 1v1 and each trainer will release their pokemon at the same time. Whoever is unable to battle or forfeits first is the loser. Any questions?" The announcer eyed each of us as we readied our pokeballs in silence.

"Then let's get this show on the road!" The announcer declared, waving the flag.

"Flax, make a scene!"

"Blast them away, Claydol!"

My beloved Roselia appeared atop one of the countless pillars with a no nonsense glare, bowing slightly for the cameras. His eviolite necklace glistened in the sunlight. Opposite of him appeared a giant black clay figure with several glowing eyes and stubby limbs. The giant psychic towered over Flax ominously, but neither of us paid them any mind.

His ace, as expected. A bulky psychic ground does well against both my pokemon, but Flax was the best choice to handle this monolith. We'll have to cripple them in order to win.

I smirked, considering all the possible ways I could make them hurt.

If adversity builds character, Claydol is about to endure his villain arc.

"Careful Claydol, these two have got a passion for status ailments," Buck warned.

"This'll be a long battle. Pace yourself," I advised Flax.

Heeding my words, he nodded back at me. Brute strength would wear us down too quickly, so we've got to make him as uncomfortable as possible.

Fittingly enough, Flax leapt into the air firing a barrage of pin missiles simply to test Claydol's stratagem. Claydol skirted around the missiles with surprising agility. Any that made their mark were deflected with a swift gyro ball spin.

"As I thought, flimsy ranged attacks won't work on this one. Gotta get close," I muttered to myself. I wasn't keen on it, but it was expected.

Claydol's eyes shone with a pink aura as he swept a psychedelic beam across the battlefield. Flax, using his tiny frame, hid amongst the rock spires. Swinging on vines, closing distance with Claydol without getting shot.

"Keep your distance, this is our turf!" Buck called out.

Claydol's eyes glowed for a brief moment in recognition before they began to spin rapidly. The earth beneath them rippled like water, sending stones tumbling every which way and forcing rough terrain. Flax gracefully leaped onto a stable spire as the ground around him shifted.

Worse footing… no matter, Flax is too small for it to make a difference.

Unperturbed, the little flower began hopping from spire to spire to close the distance with the Claydol. The starry light surrounding them faded as three eyes locked onto Flax's position, then a purple glow engulfed Claydol as they teleported away.

Buck smiled, cracking his neck as he stretched. "I'm not gonna make this easy for ya, ya know? I've got a title to defend."

You're just going to make this as tedious as possible. I recognize that move though.

"He's shoring up his defenses with Cosmic Power!" I warned Flax. "Fire all missiles!"

Flax, heeding my command, jumped high into the air as he began to spin rapidly, sending pin missiles all over the battlefield. They still weren't powerful, but they were certainly innumerable. I scanned the field searching for any sign of impact until Claydol rose from behind a spire.

Instead of simply trying to attack Flax back, they were gyrating rapidly and sending out beams of psychic energy swirling everywhere. Incinerating the pins and forcing Flax down to ground level, before they warped away. At least we interrupted Cosmic Power.

I stroked my chin. It was clear how he'd gotten so far, his tactics were aggravating and this was just the start. You would think a hothead like himself would prefer more aggressive play styles, but he was a tank through and through.

"If they intend to fortify, it's time we steeled ourselves," I riddled.

Understanding my words, Flax brought his flowers together, focusing heat into them. Once he had collected enough he raised his flowers towards the sky, launching a red hot orb. Once it had reached its peak, it burst open releasing intense waves of heat across the battlefield. The sudden temperature increase belted my back, but Flax flourished.

Flax praised the artificial sun's rays as he raised his arms into the air and began to grow inch by inch. Sunny Day plus Growth was our way of dealing with opponents that we had difficulty handling our traditional ways. In the sunlight Flax will grow faster and stronger than usual, outpacing Claydol's buffing prowess.

In the corner of my eye I spotted a shimmer of light behind Flax, outside each of our immediate line of sight.

That's where they are hiding, hm?

"Flax, fire on your left behind you!" I commanded.

Without hesitation he turned around firing a set of Pin Missiles in the general direction I commanded. Claydol revealed themselves by knocking the missiles away with Gyro Ball, but was promptly smacked into a boulder by Flax's sudden Power Whip. Buck was undeterred though.

"Tu casa es mi casa, mi amigo."

Claydol's eyes glowed again, and where before the psychic energy was only fortifying their shell? Now it spread to their eyes and arms, faint pink trails from each belying the power they'd just copied.

I screwed my eyes in confusion. "Now what's this?"

He shrugged, grinning. "Well, we can't just let you have all the fun raising your strength, can we? So we've got a little something to match whatever you've got."

It took me a second to remember what that move even was, but when I realized. "Psych Up!? You copied our buffs?"

Buck did the finger guns. "You got it!"

Flax, now double in size, turned back to me in shock. When he turned back to the Claydol analyzing him he glared back at them with genuine anger, firing a missile in an attempt to disperse the move, but the damage had been done as they dodged.

"Fuck," I muttered, biting my lip. While neither side had increased their power level much, this now declared we could no longer boost ourselves without them catching up to us. We now had to deal with heightened offense and defense without any means of diminishing either.

Fuck… how do we deal with this?

"While you're processing that, we're just gonna…" Buck gestured to Claydol, who began to spread razor sharp rocks all across the battlefield before preparing a sandstorm.

My eyes ran across the field, trying to figure out an avenue to combat this. We had yet to do any damage and yet we were about to be destroyed and humiliated because I underestimated them. Even if we didn't necessarily need to win this battle to look good… I was struck with the incredible desire to make him look like an utter fool.

A smooth whistle refocused my attention. Flax stood tall before the oncoming sandstorm, his stance unwavering against the powerful winds. He was indignant, but not towards me. No, it was towards Claydol. It seemed we had both had enough of their dirty strategies. So it's about time we began to utilize our toxic tactics.

"You know I must say Buck, I'm quite glad. You and Claydol are even more worthy than I could've expected!" I boasted. "But the opening act is over, now is the time for violence! Flax, match their storm with your own!"

Nodding back at me Flax turned towards his opponent and began to spin like a top, releasing vine upon thorny vine with a storm of leaves to go along with it.. Several vines dug themselves into the ground, sapping nutrients out of the ground into him for a boost.

While our power had been magnified, Claydol had the terrain advantage with all the natural rocks and dirt around us. We needed every advantage possible.

Claydol sent the sandstorm howling towards Flax, blotting out the sun above and filling the air with dirt and debris. Claydol had no problem zeroing in on Flax despite the storm, sending a barrage of psychic blasts lancing through. After every couple, their trajectory would change as Claydol teleported to different positions. Making it even more of a pain in the ass to track them.

Flax's razor sharp leaves clashed against Claydol's rock barrage. While they could teleport anywhere, even they sometimes managed to get hit by a stray leaf due to their inflexibility.

All we could do was retaliate, whipping each psychic blast out of the sky before it could hit him. The battlefield bellowed with intense winds too loud to shout over, but all Flax had to do was wait for the right moment. He just needed to hold up until we could finally strike.

Suddenly, we heard an eruption. I looked over at the volcano, but no, it was just as it was before. Looking back at the battlefield, I could see glowing orange eruptions of earth beneath and around Flax. Sending hot dirt into the sandstorm and preventing him from even keeping footing.

And a Psybeam would blast in every so often. Flax had begun to dance around the battlefield, avoiding the plumes of hot mud from erupting right beneath him and landing on razor sharp rocks, too distracted to maintain the full strength of his vine storm. We had both lost sight of Claydol in the chaos as well.

Are we going about this the wrong way? No wait…

Cosmic Power, teleportation, the sandstorm… all of these had to be eating away at their stamina. If we just landed one definitive move their entire game plan becomes significantly worse. Just as I was about to tell Flax his next move he landed on a differently colored rock. Nothing of note, until it began to glow hot red as it exploded underfoot.

My poor Roselia was sent careening through the sky, his vines retracting back into him as the sudden shock sent way out of focus.

"Sorry about this, but we'll try and make it quick!" Buck called over the sandstorm as Flax was grabbed midair by Claydol's psychic hold and flung straight back into the storm, amidst the exploding earth.

Fuuuck.

I could only watch helplessly as Flax was endlessly pelted by countless rocks and sand within the storm, careening every which way. After a few disorientating knocks he enveloped himself in a leafy shield to take the brunt of the damage.

Fuck fuck fuck fuck, where is this doll? How many moves can they use at the same time?

And, as if things weren't bad enough, psychic explosions began to erupt against Flax. The brief pauses between Earth Power and Psybeam? Those weren't reprives. They were Claydol applying Future Sight.

Our only saving grace was that even with all the buffs they stole, Flax's special defense was above average because the few blows he took looked agonizing. Utilizing all the self preservation he had, he shot a vine out of the storm, hooking onto a spire and wrenching himself out. Yet even still, the rock began to fly up, moving towards the storm. Releasing more vines, Flax managed to pull himself to a rock too large for Claydol to move swiftly and fell to his knees panting, green liquid leaking from his wounds. As soon as the harsh sunlight touched his leafy skin he began to heal due to Synthesis. The gashes across his body began to seal within seconds, but he winced the entire time.

He managed to get away, thank Arceus we set up the sun earlier.

"Taking a snack break? Not a bad idea," Buck called again.

The constant barrage stopped, Flax only needing to tense himself for the occasional Future Sight that activated again. But eventually, those stopped too. The storm slowed, but didn't stop. Another eruption from the ground would burst beneath the rock, a Psybeam forcing Flax to leap away, but much less frequently. Almost… randomly.

I eyed Buck peculiarly, who was taking a swig from his canteen.

I've seen this before, from the other matches if Claydol ever took damage. They're not playing stupid, but perhaps… lazy.

"They're using Rest and Sleep Talk! Find them, now!" I commanded urgently. This was our last chance. We couldn't afford to repeat this all over again. Claydol's range, the ability to manipulate the battlefield, their nigh omnipotent vision. Absolutely not.

"You know our game well, Buck, but you shouldn't be so lax with your lead. We may not be able to see Claydol, but I'm sure we can feel something out," I smirked.

Despite the exhaustion and pain, I knew Flax wasn't done. He'd gotten a feel of the battleground already and now it was time to fully explore it. Flax exploded with vines from his flowers flowing all throughout the battlefield, digging through the ground and rubble sensing for wherever they could be.

To avoid attacks, Flax pulled himself along with the vines as they began to feel Claydol out. With each second they weren't unearthed my heart beat faster. Flax beelined across the battlefield, gradually veering towards the right corner of Buck's side of the field. Until several thorny vines sprouted from the ground, ripping the slumbering clay figure from their hiding place.

Genuine resentment fueling his actions, Flax's vines coiled themselves around the doll gently as they began planting their seeds. Despite their grand defenses, Flax's thorns were able to dig through the outer shell just enough for them to take root. I watched and relished as they immediately took effect with Flax draining the life from them as they slept.

Meanwhile, I took out my pokedex to check something. Buck raised an eyebrow. "Odd time to read up, but sure. Don't get too cozy though."

As he finished his sentence, the vines wrapping tighter and tighter around Claydol, we heard a click. A sudden alarm blared as Claydol was shot unceremoniously into the air with Flax pulled along with them, their eyes snapping open from the rude awakening.

What in the bloody hell? Was that an Eject Button!?

I began speed reading the Pokedex until I finally found what I needed. "Poison their face, make it extra watery!" I shouted as hard as I could.

They quickly registered the vines mid ascension, but not as quickly as Flax. Who doused them with a large glob of Toxic from his blue rose hand, right in the eyes.

Claydol winced, their head rotating quickly to regain vision before blasting Flax's vines away. With his hold lost, Flax fell, but not without firing a bolt of purple electricity upwards zapping his flying foe in retaliation.

Claydol's head shuddered as the Venoshock assaulted the envenomed parts of their body, several eyes closing in pain, before they flew back to ground level and renewed the sandstorm's vigor.

"Dispel it with Weather Ball!" I commanded. As Flax landed gracefully he lobbed a giant ball of fire at the forming sandstorm, breaking whatever control Claydol had on the nearby rocks.

"According to the Pokedex, (I just checked) Claydol are a ground type that lack actual blood to poison… conventionally." I gave Buck a vengeful look. "Although, becoming wet causes them to melt, hence why they avoid wet areas as much as possible. Any well raised Roselia is brimming with water, more than sufficient to douse any opponent with pure, liquid poison. Add in the leech seeds embedding themselves deeper into Claydol's body, you're running on our time now."

Buck smiled. "Glad you didn't give up. But don't count us out; Flax isn't doing too hot. Claydol, lay on the pressure!"

With an ominous hum, Claydol rose up again. Rocks began hurtling in from all sides as their twin cannons began firing relentlessly at Flax. Standing firm this time, Flax fired back his own onslaught of venomous bolts lighting up the sky with vines lashing about to whip the rocks from the sky.

I pulled up my Pokedex again. "Flax! Remember how Claydol copied your boosts? As if they are the actors? They believe they're gonna steal our show, our spotlight! I believe it's about time we matched their energy. Just like we've practiced, just go through the motions just like a rehearsal and copy them right back."

Flax glanced back at me a little confused, but nodded anyway. He stopped firing Venoshock and used a vine to pull himself out of Claydol's attacks. Seizing their chance, Claydol zoomed in closer to fire more psybeams as Flax poised himself. With grace befitting the finest Roselia, he danced between the attacks nimbly utilizing his tiny and acrobatic frame.

"Throw him off!" Buck called, as eruptions began to rumble beneath Flax's feet again. However, this time, without the sandstorm obscuring our vision? We could see that as he tore the earth upwards, the barrage of psybeams had to halt for precious seconds.

We were always visual learners.

Flax's body began to glow an ominous pink as he began to move in a vaguely robotic fashion, stiff, calculated movements before switching to nimble movements to dodge attacks. This went on for several more seconds until Claydol fired a thicker, psychedelic beam.

Rather than dodge, Flax's vines began to entwine, creating an object at his flowery hands. With a great heave he swung a thorny battleax, several times his regular size, directly into the beam. It cut right through, albeit with some effort. Buck's reaction was picturesque.

"What's a climax without drama? If you can Psych Up," I held up my pokedex, noting the entry where it's entirely possible for Roselia to learn said move with instruction on how to teach them. "Then so can we! Flax, show them a true roundabout!"

With heightened offense and defense Flax charged through the battlefield, dancing through attacks and enduring them when he could. With each blast Claydol's attacks and teleports grew slower as the poison ate away at them and the leech seeds grew even deeper.

Flax was exhausted, even with the healing the damage he'd sustained before had put him on the brink, yet he kept going. Swinging his ax until Claydol ran out of teleports to escape.

"We're down to the wire, but we're not giving in!"

Focusing all their energy, they pointed their lasers at Flax.

"There will be no more of that," I demanded. Flax fired pin missiles from his head thorns, forcing Claydol to dispel their move.

"Paint the picture of victory!" I raised my hand and crossed my throat as glee filled my every word. "To the ax with this one!"

While they could see all, they could not avoid all. Controlling the vines on Claydol's body, Flax hooked them onto his own body and reeled himself in as fast as possible. In the attempt to angle their arms in the appropriate direction to shoot, Flax raised his ax and sliced through the side of Claydol's abdomen, sand gushing right behind him. With his remaining strength, he gracefully spun through the air, landing on the ground with ax in hand.

The titan that had pained us the entire bout finally fell to the ground as all the accumulated damage finally caught up. Buck stared in shock at his fallen partner before hurriedly recalling them.

We had won.

"And they've done it folks! Our reigning champ Buck has finally been dethroned! With a phenomenal turnabout Flax has defeated the indestructible idol!" The announcer boomed.

Composing myself I jogged over to the field where Flax sat exhausted, his body shrinking to its regular size and his vines retreated back into his petals. As he turned towards me I knelt down in front of him, ignoring the cheers and the cameras.

"I loved that bit with the ax," I noted, smirking. "It was very serial killer-esque, like a scene from a slasher film."

Flax chuckled into his petals as I lifted him up for all the world to see as he bowed to the adoring crowd. My eyes fell upon my mum screaming above them all in adulation with Garland and Dijon right beside her clapping proudly.

My mind flashed back to when I had tied with Topaz at the Little Cup Tournament. Only Garland and Dijon were there for me that day and ultimately the victory wasn't definitive. It was a touching moment between Topaz and I, but… this… this is what I've always wanted.

"You were absolutely brilliant, Flax. Rest up for the award ceremony." I said as I recalled him back to his pokeball.

"I've gotta say Jade, you and Flax surprised me. Did you seriously look something up on your dex midfight?" Buck stated, sauntering over.

"I hadn't really looked at the move Psych Up before, but I remember seeing that Roselia could learn it. Really it's just getting in the right mindset or something, so I figured Flax being an actor would be able to catch on quick after witnessing it in action. As always he never disappoints," I smirked proudly.

He whistled in response. "Bold, I like it. You understand there'll be a rematch right? I'm already thinking of new strategies to beat you in next year's tournament."

"Are you kidding? I'm sweltering over here, you think I'm doing this all again after winning? You can have the title back next year, but if you want to battle you know where to find me," I retorted, turning serious a moment. "That was probably the most difficult battle I've ever had. Fortune played a bigger part than I would've liked. This victory easily could've been yours."

Buck's dumbstruck expression clearly suggested he had not expected sincerity from me. "Jade being candid? Is this because we're on camera or…?"

"Or perhaps I was just humoring you, I would assume a clown such as yourself would be able to tell. Just take the compliment," I suggested, patting him on the shoulder. "Now I dunno about you, but I'm getting a drink. Coming?"

"I guess a delicate flower such as yourself does need loads of water," He retorted as we made our way off the battlefield, waving to everyone in the crowd.

Oh please, I'm Galarian. I'm not drinking any water.

---

~x4x~

Location: Break Trailer

I took another hefty gulp of the refreshing iced tea my mum had imported from Galar. Flax and Shizu had been given a quick heal already, although still sore, but shared in the refreshments.

I had checked my phone in private to see Topaz had texted me another spiel congratulating me on the victory. I wanted to face call him so bad, but I wanted to freshen up first and finish everything here before that.

Buck had gone to the other trailer to talk to Flint, meanwhile mum and the others accompanied me to the trailer till the award ceremony was ready. It's a whole production that'd take awhile. There was gonna be fireworks, dancing, feasting, the whole works. I just wanted the trophy and to do a bit of sightseeing.

Although I've seen enough of this damn volcano.

"Flax, you were simply heavenly out there! Your vines traveling across the battlefield, spewing poison in midair and finally cutting down that idol from where they floated! A true David and Goliath story! You've come so far from when you were a wee Budew trailing behind Jade," Mum shrieked as she filled Flax's glass with more iced tea. Flax didn't seem to mind the attention at least. "You had me sitting at the edge of my seat though with how much damage you were taking. You sure you're alright sweetheart?"

He nodded, simply continuing to drink. I looked down on him, noting the tears in his leaves that had yet to heal. A visit to a proper Pokemon Center was needed later..

"You did well out there, all three of you." Garland gave us all a warm smile as Dijon put his leaves together, like he was clapping. "It wasn't easy- that much was clear- but you pulled through as a team. I'm proud of you."

I beamed under his kind words. I couldn't control whatever dopey expression had appeared upon myself, but in private who cares? We were the victors!

Shizu barked in affirmation, as Flax gave a small smile and verbally thanked Garland for the kind words. He was never one for fanfare, or smiling unless we were tending the garden.

Before I could respond Mum pulled me into the third deathgrip hug she'd given me since we had won. "Oh my baby, a pokemon training prodigy, an actor and now a TV celebrity! The accolades never end!"

"Don't forget I'm an artist, mum," I wheezed, patting her on the back. It was very strange for her to be so touchy feely. We weren't really a hugging family.

I could get used to it though… If she loosened up a bit.

"Sorry sorry, my bad, but I believe it's your artistic eye that makes you so brilliant in all your endeavors. Creativity is invaluable in our fields of work and this is just the start! The reporters are dying for interviews, but I told them you need a break. Course I've already started looking for new gigs that absolutely could not refuse you after this stellar performance!" Mum rattled on.

I laughed halfheartedly. We'd been training for this tournament awhile and going to gigs all over. Course winning was the best case scenario and with it new work, but… the prospect of actually doing it so soon…

"Resting on your laurels is one thing, but not being able to appreciate actually getting them is another," Garland interjected. "These three just came from a colder region to an active volcano, fought in the sun and had a ludicrously tough fight. And Jade's not a plant or a hell pup, the heat's not easy to take. They deserve a few weeks to just rest, enjoy what they've done, take it in." He gave me a knowing look. "Keep filling out that sketchbook with whatever and whoever catches your eye."

I returned his look with a thankful sigh of relief. His weirdly perceptive intuition came in handy once again. "I already have several landscapes in mind. Besides, if Topaz gets a break, so do I."

Mum reeled herself back in. "You're right, I'm sorry love. Got a bit overzealous after watching that fight. It felt like I was back in Wydon Stadium commentating a dynamax battle and I just wanted to keep that train of success going. But you're both right. The people of Sinnoh won't forget this, I'll just take this time to set up some new connections and we can start back up when you're ready."

She relaxed a bit after reasoning out a new plan. "I should make your father take us all out to dinner. I can't believe he couldn't make it, that rat bastard, ugh! I'll make sure he watches the entire tournament next time he's back from work, I swear it!"

Garland put a hand on her shoulder. "Let's not sour the moment." He nodded at me. "You made it through something big and came out on top. That's worth being proud of yourself, and the partners you made it here with."

Dijon gave an affirmative warble and put a leaf gently around Flax. He subconsciously leaned into Dijon's touch, still sipping his iced tea.

"It's a bit cliche to say, but without all the extra training you gave us specifically for this tournament we wouldn't have stood a chance. Shizu's fighting style is way more refined and efficient now. I've never seen Flax wield so much raw power either," I exclaimed. "I'm not dying to do this all over again, but I guess I never realized how far we've come as a team. Even if it got a bit dicey here and there."

"Hush now love, it can't always be a clean sweep. It's the struggle to the top that makes a good story," Mum shot back. "A little tension is good and it feels sooo much better when it's gone."

"To each their own," Garland sighed. "I'd prefer less struggle in mine and Dijon's stories, personally." Dijon warbled affirmingly while Garland looked right at me. "And don't count yourself out, either. I've seen folk who just let the Pokemon do everything and hope for the best. You were there with Flax and Shizu. That's important."

Dijon gave another warble that brought a small smile to Garland's face. "And we're both hoping that just because you don't need to win some fancy volcano cup you'll stop coming over."

"Never!" I shouted without hesitation. The thought never crossed my mind. "We still can't beat Amethyst in a fight and I cannot allow that wretch- I mean Violet… to continue being able to proclaim her partner is stronger than mine. Those two aside, I've barely even begun my training career. It would be shameful to stop when none of my team has reached even anywhere close to their full potential. Most importantly, I like coming over!"

Both Garland and Dijon were a bit surprised at the fervor I responded with, but glad for it all the same. Not so much my thoughts on Violet and Amethyst, but for my fondness of them. I'm a very particular individual with very high standards after all.

"The door's always open for you three." He suddenly glanced behind himself. "And now, unless someone wants to come along and be a spoil sport, your rest is long overdue."

As soon as he said that there was a knock at the trailer door. At this point I wasn't surprised and stopped asking questions about how he knows when people are close.

Likely a trauma response, survival instinct or both.

"Hello? I would like to speak to Jade Forrest and his company for a moment. I have a proposition," The voice from the other side beckoned.

Mum leaped out of her seat at the word 'proposition', but before she could open the door Garland placed a firm hand on her shoulder, pushing her right back down to her seat. While people being harried by media wasn't anything new to me, for some reason I was struck with the same feeling of caution Garland instilled into me long ago. I turned to him for guidance.

"Just my luck. Sorry about this." He sighed. "I'll turn him away if you like-" he gave a pointed look at mum, whose eyes already bugged out at the notion, "but if you want to talk with him? You can. But we're not leaving you alone with some stranger."

Dijon nodded firmly. His usually serene, content look was replaced with one of concern and defiance. Neither of them often showed that they'd survived Helheim blatantly. You might assume they'd just had a rough day at one point. But it was starkly clear right now. Whoever it was, they'd already decided they didn't like him.

I mulled it over quickly. Turning this stranger down would likely resolve everything here and now, but what's their aim? No one else was supposed to bother until after the ceremony.

Knowing Topaz, he couldn't resist opening the door just to satiate his curiosity with Lou ready to bind him. Violet would open the door with her knife at the guy's throat, Amethyst behind her ready to throw the trailer at him.

Feeling all too cautious I took out my phone and showed it to Garland, showing him I had Flint's number on speed dial just in case. He nodded as he went towards the door to open it.

Behind it was the same man I had spotted during my match with Bede and who'd been watching the entire tournament with complete calm. He was still dressed in that horrid outfit with the polka dot shorts. Up close I could see he had quite the beard and nice earrings, but he was clearly trying to hide most of his face.

A celebrity or a creep?

"Sorry to disturb you, I've been watching the tournament and was simply dazzled by your performance. I was hoping we could talk. Inside or outside, wherever you're most comfortable," The man spoke smoothly, his accent distinctly Galarian.

"Outside will do," I answered as we all left the trailer.

When Mum came out she squinted at him inquisitively. Garland and Dijon simply watched him, silently, Garland with his arms crossed. Flax and Shizu strolled beside me, at attention.

"I'm sorry, but you look extremely familiar. I know Jade hasn't worked with you before, but… I can't quite place where I know you," She inquired.

The man chuckled as he removed his sunglasses and baseball cap. He had neat black, wavy hair with a single strand falling onto his face, light green eyes and bushy eyebrows. He had a rather kind, settled face, but those eyes saw much. The realization immediately dawned on Mum and I as our eyes mutually bugged out.

That explains why I felt like my team and I were being studied earlier, but… this man…

"I would hope you know me, Lucrecia. You worked as one of my battle commentators for many years. We've missed your articulate examples of wordplay in the stadiums, you know," He replied whimsically.

Mum shimmied her way to the front of all of us until she was inches away from his face. "Chairman Rose!?"

Undeterred he smiled at her. "I'm glad you still remember my face. Or perhaps my disguise needs some work, hm."

Garland raised an eyebrow. "With all due respect, I would recognize a corporate head based in Sinnoh. There aren't all that many to remember, and they're scarcer by the day. I doubt you came all the way to an active volcano purely for leisure."

"Garland, come now! The Chairman travels all over the world for a number of reasons! We shan't accost him for coming to see Jade's performance in the tournament!" Mum berated Garland. He was unfazed.

"Now now, it's quite alright Lucrecia. He is correct, I did come here to Sinnoh for work, but I had some extra time and I was informed one of the Elites was hosting a tournament here and I simply had to come," Rose answered easily. "Once again Jade, fine work. Buck and his Claydol were exceptional opponents."

I was frankly awestruck. Every Galarian all over the world knew about Chairman Rose, the founder and president of Macro Cosmos, chairman of the Galar Pokemon League and one of the most successful men in the world. Only but a few of his many accolades.

And he sought me out.

"Tha- ahem, thank you, sir. We strive for the best outcome in all our battles." Anything but the utmost confidence wouldn't be enough for a man of his caliber.

Am I about to get a sponsorship? Haha, fuck you Bede!

He nodded, returning a serene smile back at me. Mr. Rose was clearly different from any other agent or producer fop Mum has made me speak to before. I'd grown accustomed to being around powerful trainers, each with their own air of power and mystery. While he wasn't a champion, he was absolutely trained.

So why does Garland feel so quietly upset with him?

"You see, Sinnoh and Galar would like to foster more relations between our regions as they once did in the past. At some point our paths diverged, but we've come together to bridge that gap once more. In this instance I was invited alongside several capable Galar trainers to participate in Battle Frontier and traverse the Battle Zone. Miss Argenta of the Battle Hall has been a wonderful host."

"Ooooh, you know I've always believed Galar and Sinnoh should have more of a connection. Both are filled with strong trainers wanting to battle so it only makes sense, right?" Mum answered in approval.

"Naturally. Do you believe the same Mr…," Mr. Rose turned to Garland and Dijon.

"Garland." He nodded to Dijon, who nodded in kind. "Dijon. Neither of us have anything against Galar and Sinnoh forging a relationship, but you must understand. As a Sinnohan, the fact our best minds have yet to crack the Macro Cosmos nut you've presented us with is concerning."

"You speak of our solution towards Galar's energy crisis?" Rose presumed.

"Precisely. And the… unfortunate, let's say, parallels promotional material has had to the late Galactic's rhetoric. I've more history with them than I'd like. So it's nothing personal, I assure you."

Oh that's a load of shit, but he's a good enough liar that I'll be surprised if even Chairman Rose picks up on it.

The Chairman fixed his full attention onto Garland. "Anything I say in Macro Cosmos' defense would be too biased. I own the company and most of Galar in some form. I could have inspectors bought or be hiding any number of secrets. Yes, the Sinnoh League has reminded me of all of this and I have been as transparent as my board of directors will allow. Unlike Cyrus Akagi, I genuinely do care about the well-being of my people. I would hope that much is clear."

You'd need a chainsaw to cut all this tension.

"My apologies Chairman, my friends have had horrible experiences with Galactic. It can be hard to trust men in a position such as yourself, but even Cyrus couldn't fake all the benevolence you've bestowed on Galar," Mum rose up to his defense. "My whole family comes together to watch every champion league match, every single year since we've moved to Sunyshore and that Leon is incredible."

"Thank you for your kind words as always, Lucrecia, but we cannot take anything or anyone at face value. I wouldn't have the standards I have today if I was never pushed back."

Garland nodded. "I would like to take everything you say at face value. I truly would. But I've had to make it a policy to be wary." He got a sly smirk. "Incidentally, if you are interested in tournaments, perhaps we can see if our own shining Valkyrie can break Leon's streak. I'm sure it would draw quite a bit of attention to both our regions, no?"

"I have considered it myself, but it must be a true spectacle of course," Mr. Rose said as he strummed his chin.

I on the other hand glanced at Garland. His feelings were clear to me in this instance. He truly wished he could live a life where he could take Mr. Rose's words at face value, but the life he's led… it no longer allows such innocence.

"I appreciate you coming all the way to speak with me, Mr. Rose, but you mentioned earlier you had a proposition," I reminded everyone. There was a lot of social maneuvering going on and Mum was totally oblivious to it. It was time to see what Mr. Rose's true intent was.

"My apologies, let us continue. As you know, I am always on the lookout for promising trainers. Bede, for example, is one I've sponsored myself and Leon I've helped hone him into the champion Galar loves. I will always endorse Galar excellence, but in Sinnoh I've none. But I've done my research on all the participants for this tournament and you caught my eye."

"Because I'm Galarian?"

"That was a fraction of my reasoning. I know you're an aspiring artist, a budding actor and have been stretching yourself thin to make a name for yourself. A young creative trying to make it big. An ambitious story worthy of investment," He noted. "But that was all hearsay, I needed to see you up close, alongside your pokemon and I must say Jade I approve. I believe it would be beneficial for both of us if we worked together."

Now this is what I wanted to hear from the most influential man of a nation.

"So my battling has impressed even Galar's Chairman?"

"Of course, although I have my criticisms. For the majority of the battle, Buck and Claydol held the majority of control overwhelming and outsmarting you. Their only mistake was giving you the time to breathe and while you adapted to the situation readily, I cannot fully say you were prepared for such a bout." Mr. Rose commented.

"Fair fair, I know what to do now and how to fix it," I relented.

"I'd like to help guide you," Mr. Rose offered. "You have a certain drive that I'd like to see finely honed in the right direction. I'm sure you'd like to quickly exit your Lumifrost commercial era, yes? If you tell me what you want to do, we can steer a course to make it happen. Then we can consider a full sponsorship down the line, perhaps?"

Tempting. Unbelievably tempting. Although judging by Garland's mannerisms and Mr. Rose's influence, I shouldn't dive right into his hands.

"Could I have a word with my boy before we agree… or sign anything, Mr. Chairman?" Mum asked.

"Actually I'd like to have a word right now." I interjected, realizing the fault in his word choice. "This all sounds spectacular, positively brilliant… but you still doubt my capabilities, don't you?"

Mr. Rose raised an eyebrow. "Hm?"

"I've heard Bede's story. An orphan you took under your wing and now he owes you everything, right? Much as he spites me, I'll admit his skill in battle isn't a farce. I'm sure you paid a lot of money for him to learn how to take his head out of his ass and fight. Course I beat him, so maybe you didn't spend enough? I even beat the tournament champion, yet you'll only consider giving me a full sponsorship?"

He was silent, awaiting me to continue. Somewhat aggravating, but he's prolly the type to find defiance amusing. Mum was likely mortified, but she'll get over it. Garland and Dijon, though, were both smiling.

"I'm sure you already know, but my best friend is Volkner's nephew. I am friends with Buck and his elite brother, Flint. I have holiday dinners with Elite Lucian and the Sinnoh Champion Cynthia. I can play this name dropping game, I can get connections. I just don't use them because I didn't earn them and I refuse to ask family friends for a handout. Not after they all made a life for themselves on their own merit."

"So it's an issue of pride?" Rose mused.

"Consider it one of my deadly sins. You're interested in me because I'm competent in a fight and a Galarian face in Sinnoh, let's be honest. Except, I have so much more to offer and can attain what I want with or without your means. So, I would prefer you cut me a deal based on what you believe me capable of on my own rather than what you think I can do with you holding my hand the whole way."

I folded my arms, awaiting his response. Shizu looked right smug next to me while Flax looked visibly proud. Garland and Dijon had the biggest smiles I'd seen on them in a while.

Mr. Rose began to strum his beard once again, a long silence filling the air till he finally exhaled.

"You're a well-spoken youth, Jade Forrest. I will admit, I have a bevy of other criticisms from today's battles including a whole series for Bede's performance. I wasn't quite sure you were what I was looking for until just now and now you have my complete interest." He smiled down upon. "So allow me to be a bit more candid."

"While you've done well to win this tournament, I can't say I am particularly astonished by your skill as a trainer for one your age. Above average, certainly. Groundbreaking? Doubtful. None of your past accomplishments seem to point towards you being anything but a boy who just worked a little harder than the rest."

I screwed my face, but didn't object.

Rose put his hands behind his back as he walked over to the guardrail by the cliff, surveying the ashen black hills of Stark Mountain. "In Galar you'd have the right mindset for success, but from what I've gathered your actions in Sinnoh will not have the same effect."

He turned around, smiling towards Garland. "Garland, you seem knowledgeable. Could you perhaps explain to your protege in more detail?"

Garland sighed deeply, pinching his nose and muttering something before he looked at me. "Jade, to put it simply? Galar and Sinnoh follow ideologies that fall on opposite ends of a spectrum. Galar is very individualist, while Sinnoh is very communal. We value our leaders for how they contribute to society, hence why even our elites can walk down the street in peace. They don't market themselves as idols, and we know not to treat them that way."

He glanced at Rose. "Feel free to correct me, but I believe almost any appearance from yourself, Leon, or anyone in a remotely significant position is always an event. Gym leaders are people who battle and promote themselves in some capacity, by and large. You live and breathe celebrity culture, in a way that would leave your elites gasping for breath in Sinnoh."

"You are absolutely correct. Inversely, any of your gym leaders who came to Galar would be choking on that same culture. Needless to say, what you're doing now will have Sinnohans look at you, but never in the exact way you want. Of course you could come to Galar-"

"So you believe I need to be more of an asset to the people? Should I start doing community service? Pick up trash? Volunteer at the local retirement home?" Leaving Sinnoh was out of the question. I was working to stay here.

Rose looked a smidgen confused. "If all you seek is fame Galar would be the best place, Jade. Unless there is more here?"

"If you would like my advice here…" Garland left a pause, so I could affirm or deny.

"Please," I almost begged.

"I believe what Chairman Rose is saying is less you need to do more typical community service, and more figure out what you truly want. If fame and hordes of fans are your dream, Galar would almost certainly make that happen for you. If a position where your actions impact those around you positively is your goal, then Sinnoh and its people will be there to help you become your best self. For you, and all those around you."

I grit my teeth. Was I just wasting my time? Working this hard just to get scraps? Should I be turning down this opportunity just to stay in Sinnoh? We needed the money and he could give it to us if I just gave a little bit…

Unless…

"Violet is an example of the Sinnoh system working in her favor…" I muttered aloud. "Topaz got more respect and influence after the whole 'incident' too. Now they're both gym trainers contributing every day to Sunyshore Gym, meanwhile I am… a tournament winner…"

"Those two have their own machinations, Jade. We've got this!" Mum tried to convince me. Rose watched silently, humming to himself.

"Clearly this isn't enough, Mum. If it were supplemented with actual work of substance, sure, but at this rate it's a waste of time and energy," I admitted.

"If I may, the art you work so tirelessly to create would be very valued if you showed it," Garland said calmly. "Certainly more here than in more capitalistic societies, at any rate."

"Yeah and this isn't one. Just being an artist or an actor isn't enough…" I muttered, annoyed. I turned towards Flax and Shizu who had been silent the entire time. I knelt down next to get closer to their eye level. "What do you two think we should do?"

Seemingly surprised by the sudden ask for input, Shizu gave a cursory glance towards Garland, barking a few times. He chuckled and looked at me. "I'd wager she'll be happy so long as she can keep living in comfort."

Befitting my mentor, he could understand my own team better than myself. Not that I'm complaining, it's helped out an innumerable amount of times.

"I assure you, we all do, Shizu," I concurred and she barked affirmingly. I then focused on Flax. "And you? What do you think we should do? Don't say you wanna do whatever I wanna do. I need your opinion."

Judging by his fidgeting, I could tell he'd rather do anything but give his opinion. In a fight, he was fine with a crowd. In a relaxed setting pointed questions were his enemy. But I needed to know his answer. I was surrounded by too many adults with too many opinions. Topaz wasn't here, so my best bet is Flax.

After a long consideration, he mumbled something in the direction of Dijon. He gave a thoughtful hum before warbling something to Garland, who nodded and looked at me.

"He's certainly not a fan of spinning your wheels endlessly. It sounds like a change is needed, so he figures working a bit more closely with Volkner would be good since we all already know him." He smirked at Flax. "I'm sure helping Jade be around Topaz is part of this, isn't it?"

Flax hid behind Dijon, checking all the way out of that question. Mum seemed a bit concerned though.

"I love Topaz, Jade, and I know you value him too, but he's done some risky things in the past. Didn't you tell me he decided to travel out of the blue? Is that really the example you want to follow?"

I sighed deeply, the doubts were becoming unending. "I dunno, Mum. I'm just a kid, so sometimes I just need someone to tell me what to do. Topaz is really smart and he does all of these insane things on a whim, living his best life. I've known him ever since we were kids and ever since he met Violet he's a freaking wild card. So, maybe I'll just go with whatever new flow he's on and see where that takes me?"

Her unconvinced grimace said otherwise. "Being a gym trainer isn't an easy or a safe job. You could get hurt or worse! I'm sure he's one because it's expected of him, it's practically in his blood."

"No one said anything about being a gym trainer," Garland noted. "There's quite a bit of work around a gym that's got nothing to do with being a trainer. Jade's seen that firsthand, after all." He paused for a moment, looking at me. "And, frankly, I never took the kid as one to just do as he was told. Maybe his family's got history with the gym, but I doubt that's the only or even main reason he's there. Doubly so after Violet came into the picture, what with her not giving a damn about what anyone else thinks of her."

Mum still looked nervous. "I'm just… not sure about all of this… you could get roped into something crazy or become a target or-"

"No need to decide in front of me, but it seems you've already found resolve in a new path," Mr. Rose interrupted. We all turned towards him. "You're a bit young to be deciding your endgame Jade, so do not feel pressured to have a confirmed final destination. Whether you decide to walk the path of a Galarian or Sinnohan has got me curious, but I must ask. Do you want my immediate assistance or not?"

I turned to my mother, Garland, Dijon and then my pokemon.

He said immediate assistance, so maybe he'll offer more down the line?

I looked up at Mr. Rose. "I'd like to keep in touch, but for now I want to work some things out while I take a vacation."

You could practically hear Mum whimper in protest, but fortunately she held it back. Not least because Garland gave her a look, I'm sure. Flax and Shizu gave no visible indication of discontent towards my answer either. Mr. Rose seemed completely fine as well.

"Hm. I can accept that, I too would like to speak with you again," He looked up from me to scan everyone else. "With all of you again."

"I'd like you to meet someone," Rose said as he walked over to me. He reached for his waist revealing a pokeball belt, removing a net ball by his right, holding it out to me. "This one was watching your battles from his pokeball. He was quite interested in seeing who would be the winner of the tournament today and he was quite satisfied with the results. I had to scout you out myself personally, but I think you two will have a connection."

Mr. Rose gestured for me to take the ball. A new team member was actually what I've been looking for for quite awhile. I've gone on nearby routes countless times scouting for worthwhile members, but none had ever clicked. To be handed one that I was just supposed to work with seemed… highly unlikely.

But we're already here, so let's try it out.

I took the ball and released the pokemon from within. The pokeball aura manifested as some giant net before it revealed a yellow geometric insect with purple dots. He had tiny purple feet, a small mustache and piercing blue eyes. Shizu squinted her eyes at the newcomer while Flax actually moved out from behind Dijon to get a better look.

"A Dottler? Oh I haven't seen one in ages!" Mum exclaimed in joy. She got this way every time she saw a Galarian pokemon.

"This one was trained in our Psychic type gym. Currently they're a minor league gym, so trainers don't even bother visiting it unless they have interest in psychic type pokemon. Naturally, a large number of dissatisfied battler pokemon reside there, so him and many others came along with me to Sinnoh to find suitable trainers."

"Oh? I would have expected there to be more trainers raring to challenge any gym they can in your region," Garland noted. Dijon, meanwhile, went to go say hello to the Dottler. Though it wasn't the same kind of hello he gave us. More… inquisitive. Concerned.

Is he… inspecting him?

"The smart do for extra training," Rose began, before glancing at Garland. He'd begun smiling, similarly to how he does when it's just him, Dijon and us, but just looking at the sky.

"Many do not consider them worth their time because they did not make it into the top eight bracket and cannot earn a valid badge. Gym order is determined by each gym's performance over the course of the tourney and the leader's performance in the Elite battles. Any who do not meet the cut are sentenced to the Minor League. Some languish while others utilize their free time for research and innovation. As long as all standards are met, I've no complaints," Mr. Rose answered simply. "Did that answer your question, Garland?"

"Hmm?" His eyes refocused as he looked back at us. "Ah, my apologies. I just happen to be close with a young girl who, I'm certain, would challenge them all without a second thought simply for the adventure and experience of it all."

"She sounds like a very smart girl," Mr. Rose mused.

"She certainly is," he replied more calmly than he had since Rose stepped close to the trailer door.

I knelt down in front of Dottler and Flax skipped right next to me. I hadn't seen a Dottler since I was a kid living in Galar, but I didn't remember them being terribly interesting or strong. Although the blinking purple dots were kind of cool.

"Mr. Rose says you're interested in my team. Is that because we won the tournament or do you like our style?" I questioned.

The blinking intensified a moment and all of a sudden I could feel someone attempting to communicate directly into my head, but it just felt like random blinking. I tolerated it for a second to see if it would smooth out like Amethyst's telepathy, but the skill wasn't there yet. I promptly pushed them right out. At the sudden shutdown Dottler looked visibly surprised.

"Okay enough of that. You clearly can't do telepathy… yet. How about we try using our words and physical cues instead?" I demanded.

Intrigued by me, he nodded. At the very least I proved that mental domination or whatever wasn't going to work. From what I could remember, that was their aptitude.

"Let's start again. What made you so keen on us? Our victory or our performance?"

This time they chittered a short response verbally. Flax seemed to approve.

"Both?" I guessed.

Dottler nodded.

Okay good start.

"Well I mean… I dunno what I want to do right now, so you might not get training immediately if that bothers you. Also my team has to be cool with you else it's a no go. Course we have to click as well, so… do you think we can manage that?" I asked. I wasn't super committed to this, honestly. It was a hoop I didn't expect to jump through today.

Dottler chittered again before waddling forward, adamant.

"Damn, were you that bored at your gym?"

"The psychic gym has been underperforming in recent years in battle and notoriety. I've had eyes on possible replacements, but knowing Dottler I believe he's become infatuated with your… violent, yet elegant fighting style. It's quite picturesque and stimulating for a pokemon that craves a decent fight," Rose supplemented.

Violent elegance… is that how it looks to other people?

Dottler nodded along with Rose's statement, confirming it. I sighed at the realization this psychic insect wanted to join us savages in our beautiful carnage, but Flax seemed even more interested. He garbled a couple questions at Dottler, who responded in kind.

That's extremely out of character, he rarely ever instigates conversations.

They sort of whispered so I couldn't even guess what they were saying until Flax turned to me, pointed at Dottler and practically said yes in human language.

Garland took a moment before giving me a bit of a strange smile. "Well… he's an artist in his own way, and I can only imagine him and Lou either becoming best friends or mortal enemies. Flax is happy to have him though."

That spells concern, but he's already receiving Dottler better than he's ever taken to Shizu.

"And you, Shizu?" I asked. By this point she was lying down, faintly bored and disinterested. She flicked an ear and yawned, the most energy I was going to get from her right now. "Another yes… guess that settles it?" I said with legitimate surprise.

"Hmmm, excellent. Congratulations Dottler," Rose praised him before addressing Garland. "You also seem to be clearly well versed in pokemon's intentions. Everything moved along without any misindication."

He just shrugged. "It was a matter of life or death before. Old habits die hard."

Rose looked like he really wanted to question that, but Garland looked like he really wasn't gonna answer anyway. Mum interrupted them too, kneeling down to greet Dottler herself.

Instead Rose checked his watch, putting on his cap and sunglasses once again. "I believe your award ceremony is about to begin and I would hate to miss the festivities. I've been told there will be fireworks."

He extended his hand and I returned it with my own, giving a firm shake. Contrary to his somewhat portly appearance, his grip potential was insane and yet he shook my hand gently, as though it were a flower.

Or perhaps a thorned rose.

"I would like for us to work together in the future, Jade. I'll be keeping an eye on your endeavors and I'm curious how you'll move onward from this."

"And I hope you fire your stylist," I blurted out. Rose looked genuinely surprised. "Fuck. I mean… your clothes. Sorry, that was a reflex, I couldn't not say anything."

"These clothes?" Rose looked at his outfit, slightly confused. "I picked these out myself."

He sounded a bit too proud of that statement for my liking. "I think your staff will appreciate you stopping that."

It appeared he had several words to say on the matter, but this conversation was too mortifying already. I had to check out. "Mum, maybe you could give Mr. Rose some advice? Catch up?"

"I was just thinking the same, love. Come now, Mr. Chairman, let's find a seat so we can peruse some fashion catalogs fit for middle aged men hiking on volcano trails!" She joyfully agreed as she took Rose's arm and began dragging him off. This time no one was stopping her from running rampant and Rose was her unfortunate new target.

I've never seen such an egregious misuse of polka dots.

As soon as they rounded a corner, Garland let out a loud sigh. "Arceus' sake." He looked at me out of the corner of her eye. "I dunno about you, but the only thing more taxing than that conversation was his fashion sense."

"I'm sure Mum will enlighten him whether he asks for it or not," I figured.

"The question is whether or not even her persistence can get through that thick fucking skull of his," he groaned.

Oh?

"Language Garland," I teased. "Mr. Rose really got under your skin, yeah? You didn't like him before you even saw him."

He nodded. "I don't need to have had my life experiences to know you can't trust that man as far as you can trust his fashion sense. He may not be quite as morally bereft as Cyrus, but no one speaks how he does unless they've got a whole graveyard in their closet."

I was about to respond when I realized my pokemon were still just standing there, waiting. "Okay Dottler, so you're like… loyal to the team now, right? You're not gonna secretly rat us out to Galar spies, right?"

He looked a bit confused by the accusation, but shook his head. "Great," I returned my attention to Garland. "Anyway, if he were a normal man I'd be surprised. His smiles and mannerisms seem genuine, but… Dad always told me everyone in business is a piece of shit. Or at least cross someone else's shit list regardless of intention."

Garland crossed his arms. "Not totally wrong. There's a couple good folk in a bad place, but a large majority are just wretched people. And you simply can't trust a man with as much influence as he has. No one should hold dominion over that many people's lives."

"But that's not the only reason you don't trust him, isn't it?" I inquired.

He shook his head. "It's a big one, but that's not all of it." He looked right at me. "You're a smart kid, I don't need to spell this one out for you. He says he's working on a new energy source, but refuses to tell anyone the specifics. Despite how many people it'd help, while he claims to care about everyone. No one's been able to work it out, across over a dozen different regions with differing cultures, people and approaches. There's something- or someone- who's producing that energy he won't say a word about. And that is far too close to Helheim for anyone's comfort."

All of this energy talk really ran over my head, politics admittedly was never a big deal for me. I know how Galar utilizes energy from Dynamax battles to accommodate for the high power output of the cities. Topaz and Volkner, the power source junkies, have talked my ear off about it enough as is. This could be explained as a renovation of that old system, but we all know that's unlikely.

"You think he's hiding something mega illegal and don't want me to get involved, right?" I guessed.

"Close," he admitted. "He's hiding something without a doubt. Most likely illegal and immoral. And no, I don't want you involved with that. But along with that, anyone who makes anyone else's care conditional is bad news. And I know you have enough trouble as it is working out how you want your life to take you where you want to go. The last thing you need is someone with as much power as he has and the sort of agenda he has breathing down your neck. Men like him usually don't take no for an answer."

I folded my arms. "What could he want from me? He basically said I was his diversity pick."

Garland's eyes narrowed. "And that's exactly the problem. It's a tactic as old as abuse itself. Make someone feel like they can't be anything without your assistance. Drip feed them the bare minimum and deny them anything else, or even knowledge of it. And to them, being a day away from dying of thirst is better than taking their chances outside of the bubble that's been built around them. Someone with a whole continent in his pocket? Wouldn't even have a hard time doing it."

"That's why I declined his offers, I don't need his assistance. I'll make a name for myself in Sinnoh on my own team's merit," I said adamantly.

He smiled. "And I'm proud of you for that. But mark my words, when you stumble- because everyone does- he'll be right back, dangling the prospect of your wildest dreams just out of reach. Until it's certain you won't ever take that offer."

Garland's words had a hefty amount of weight to them. Were they inspired from his past experiences before he was kidnapped by Galactic? Did he learn them during Helheim? Or did the realization come after it all ended? I've asked countless times when I was younger, but never got an answer so I stopped for his sake. But what happened to him?

"I see your point… but he was right about one thing. These barbaric tournaments won't pave the way to my happiness. Not in this region…" I muttered ruefully.

"And they don't need to. I can't tell you the path to your happiness, no one can. And anyone who says they can is full of it," he scoffed before giving me a small, warm smile. "But I've seen you around Topaz. How your face lights up when taking care of the flowers, how focused you'll get when drawing. Take those feelings to heart, and follow them wherever they may lead."

I turned away from him. "Those are just fleeting feelings of joy at this point, Garland. We're all growing up and ever since Topaz met Donut, he's been growing away. Changing. And I'm still…" I scoffed at myself. This feeling of pining made me want to retch. It wasn't fulfilling, it just ached more and more. I couldn't even define the starting moment. It just felt endless and I hated what it did to my head. How dependent I truly am.

"What used to make me happy doesn't work anymore… I don't want to go back to being the lonely kid who had one friend, who tended a garden in silence and painted for hours on end to fill the time."

I turned back to him, I could feel my general frustration starting to boil. He just stood there, listening. "Mum has never given a shit about me until we started doing this celebrity garbage and now she's all gung-ho about every bloody thing while people cheer me on and recognize me. And for some reason that feels good to me now. The photo shoots, the excessive training, dealing with producers, the feeling I get from the culmination of those efforts. This makes it worth it! I hate and love this all at the same time! I hate being around all these people in this suffocating hellscape, but if they cheer in my name it'll make my whole month!"

I gestured to the whole mountain. "That is what I want to keep striving for because that is what fulfills me! It coincides with my feelings and my team's wishes. Fame, fortune… and apparently fervent violence now." I gestured towards Flax, Shizu and Dottler in order. "Until I find something better… this is all I can do!"

Garland sighed, and took a long moment to respond. Dijon, meanwhile, gave me a concerned look and warbled softly. Eventually, Garland looked at me. "I won't burden you with my baggage. You don't need that. But I can tell you this; every single person I broke out of Helheim with is doing their damndest to be true to themselves. Most of 'em don't know who that is. Hell, I don't know all of who I am. But if you stay true to yourself, people recognize that. I can't speak for your mother, but Topaz values your friendship immensely. The same goes for myself and Dijon. And none of us are about to abandon you, now or in the future. Those relationships came from you being you."

He put a hand on my shoulder. "You've changed. I have too. We all do. It's part of life. And that's not something to fear. It just means we're always learning, always growing. You've got a safe place to figure things out now, because you did what you felt was right. Dijon always beams when he feels your footsteps coming to the house. And I smile when I see that."

He gave a small sigh. "Life's worth fighting for, Jade. It's how we both got here. Your garden, the one you're cultivating with me, Dijon, Topaz, Flax, Shizu? It'll grow as you do. And it might be hard to remember sometimes, but it's bigger- and fuller- than it was. And it'll keep growing, keep changing, right with you. Dottler here is another flower with us now, because you were true to yourself."

His words hit me hard. I was changing, slowly. In a way I felt like I was evolving even now, winning this tournament decided that. Garland helped me realize that, but…

Why can't his words just be enough?

"Volkner was there, right?" I asked quietly. Garland raised an eyebrow in confusion. "He was in the thick of it all, when you and the other survivors were escaping right? With Roland, Froberge and all of them?"

"At the end, yes. Why?"

"And you all respect them, right?"

He nodded. "Our lives depended on people coming to help. He and his team were some of the first in line. We'll never forget that."

"I see," I whispered, smiling at him. "I just had to make sure, thank you for telling me that."

He smiled in turn. "Of course. I know you asked me many times before, but then things were more… raw. And you were too young for… well, almost all of it, frankly. I can't tell you everything, since it's not all my story. But what I can answer, I will. You're older, and I've healed some since."

I shook my head. "Today has been a bit too heavy and we should prolly head over anyway. I just have a lot to think about now."

"Of course. But that offer doesn't expire. And we'll always be here to listen to you, or whatever else you need."

I smiled back at him. "I know."

I was a bit hesitant, but I rushed in quickly for a hug. It was hot as hell outside, but I just needed one. I could tell he was surprised, but he hugged me back just as quickly. Tightly.

Once we let go, he smirked. "And if you want more hugs, feel free. Just, once we're back in air conditioning. Or the mainland. Whichever comes first, and they can't come soon enough."

"I thought you loved the heat?" I questioned.

"I do. But the cold's a part of home. And just knowing you're comfortable makes whatever weather it is nicer." He nodded towards the plume of smoke from the caldera in the background. "That, and there's a difference between being warm and being on fire. Not a fan of that second one, speaking from experience."

I cringed in sympathy. "Noted, let's bounce. Mum said one of the tournament awards was an all expense paid trip to the Resort Area spa and honestly that's enough motivation to get me to do anything."

"Don't forget about the lack of people bugging you there. That'll be nice too," he chuckled. I laughed in turn as all five- no, six, of us began to make our way towards the crowd. I glanced at Garland as we began nearing the crowd, thinking on what he told me.

Garland and Dijon have been with me every step of the way, even when they were suffering. They wouldn't be here if Volkner and the others hadn't helped them out… it's time I returned the favor.

My focus then shifted to Dottler waddling beside me as I screwed my face. "So… Do you have a name or do I need to start googling?"

---

~x5x~

PoV: Topaz Heart

Location: Train to Sandgem Town

[I didn't expect Flax to win in the end,] Donut noted. [Had no idea he was capable of all that.]

"I get the feeling even he didn't know he could manage all that, but that just shows how far we've come. Even we can hardly believe it," I added.

After the delay at the Pokemon Center and Lucian had cleared us we were free to resume our journey to Sandgem Town and along the whole way I watched the tournament. I was a bit envious of all the intense battles, but I was mostly proud of Jade and his team's accomplishments.

[Seems we are all maturing. Do they still intend on utilizing their capabilities for theater and sport?] Lou questioned.

"Just because they've decided to not to work for the League doesn't mean their work doesn't serve a purpose. Whether we are a coordinator, trainer, ranger or more, as long as you enjoy it I think you should try and do it," I reminded him. "Personally, I think you'd do amazing in contests, Lou."

Lou huffed. [Excuse me, General. I did not mean to undermine those professions, they have my utmost respect. I was just surprised they continue to invest energy into these endeavors. I was under the impression they faked enjoyment for financial compensation, but I believe the battle against Claydol has changed my mind.]

"Hm? Why?" I asked.

[Jade and Flax each had this… look in their eyes,] Donut continued. [I dunno, it could be nothing, but… it looked like they were having the times of their lives. When they were winning anyway.]

"I see…" I muttered, as I looked out the window, watching the world pass us by. It was plain to see how much Violet had changed from since I had met her, but Jade was far more subtle. We had been spending less time together since December when we both got busy, so now we'd been seeing each other way less than ever.

I should've been there cheering him on.

I was poked in the side and turned around to see Lou looking up at me. [I am not as well versed in human maturity as I would like, but I have picked up that your current age is a pivotal age for change. Do not feel ashamed for figuring out where you want to go on your own.]

Donut hopped on top of him. [Besides, we all know after all this once you're both back in Sunyshore he's gonna glue himself back to you. You two are inseparable.]

I smiled at their comforting words. Holyn was a bit lost in the background since he had yet to meet Jade and the others, while Roland and Rogelio remained quiet.

I turned back to the window, contemplating deeper. This aching feeling filled my chest, yet also spurred me on. This desire to make sure that next time I saw Jade that I was truly proud of him and appreciated him for always being there.

As soon as we're done here, we'll get back to work.

In the distance I could see houses begin to appear over the horizon and a familiar laboratory.

We are almost at our answer.

~Chapter 32 Fin~

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Question: Favorite villain between Ghetsis, Lysandre, Lusamine and Rose?

Author's Note: So it looks like I've fallen into the beat of writing obscenely long chapters every couple of months. Anyway, Jade's PoV was fun! I hope you liked this dive into his character.

Jade is a great character because he's not the main character, even though he is a fan favorite. There's certain members of a cast better off in microdoses and others best for consistent viewing. Characters like Jade and Violet are a lot more… volatile than Topaz and Aurora.

Also a new party member… that I need to name. I actually meant to give him a different pokemon, but at the very last minute I switched up the order. So far that's happened to both Lou and Holyn. Who's next at this point, sheesh?

By the way, this story is also on AO3. Just in case something happens to FFN.

Also I'm gonna say this again PLEASE REVIEW! NO ONE HAS REVIEWED IN AGES, I WANT TO START A DIALOGUE SO WE CAN MUTUALLY GUSH OVER THE STORY!

-Co-author here. Lux asked me to write Claydol for his match with Flax. Turns out, Claydol with more than four moves are evil.

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Celebrity: Jade Forrest

Co-Actors: Flax, Shizu, Dottler (TBD).

X

Gardener: Garland

Family: Dijon

X

Trainer: Topaz Heart

Team: Donut, Lou, Holyn.