She had one more day, before it was time for her to step up and battle her heart out. As she fed her pokemon and got ready in the morning, Alysa mulled over which of the Elite Four she should start with. She had told Drayton that she was saving him for last, and meant it because not only did it give her more time to train Rubis and soon Zarea for this trial; she was sure the battle against him would be the most difficult by far. His team is mostly comprised by dragons, and half of her team is them.
Removed from her train of thought, Alysa called Zarea out after everyone else was finished eating. To her delight, the Ice-type was able to actually stand and even walk slightly. Alysa cooed praise at Zarea as she fed her, believing Nurse Joy would be happy about this progress. Prepped for the day, Alysa walked from her dorm an hour later, back to sorting through mental notes.
Drayton's pokemon, especially his Archaludon, have the means to adequately deal with Ice and Fairy-types as well. It wasn't going to be a cakewalk, but she did have one strategy idea on the board in that she can use against him...she'd dive into it more close to when she was actually going to battle him.
Lacey was the other member she was concerned about, as again, half of her team is made up of dragons. However, out of the four fairies Lacey has, two of them play more of a support role – thusly lacking a lot of firepower. One of those supports is her Alcremie however, and Alysa understands fully well how devasting Decorate can be if it's not shutdown right away. Luckily many of her pokemon can learn many moves, and she has access to dozens of TMs, along with Terastallization.
When presented with unfavorable type matchups, you had to put everything you know in general about battling to the test. Even if it has multiple obstructions and you may not reach the end, there's always a path to victory somewhere. Alysa was sure the elites all knew that, as one who has a direct weakness to the other is still higher ranked than them. More evidence that supported her worry that her battle with Drayton would be exceptionally hard...
As it'll likely be the smoothest route, Alysa decided she should face the elites in turns based on their own ranking. So, Crispin would be the first she would challenge, as he was the lowest ranked out of the elites. Then Amarys, followed by Lacey, and finally Drayton. Settling on that, Alysa spent the downtime in and between her classes to focus on a strategy she can use against Crispin.
During lunch, she pulled his team up from the League Club's database on her phone and examined it closely. She had the favorable type matchup, even with her fairies as she's always made sure they knew coverage moves of some sort. Fire is neutral to Fairy, and resisted by Dragon. She didn't necessarily have to think too outside the box as a result, and could thusly dedicate resources to a plan of utilizing her pokemon's strengths efficiently.
Crispin liked setting up sunny weather to empower his team, that much she knew for certain, and Alysa figured he'd try the same kind of strategy for their battle. Her team as it was lacked any kind of weather control, but frankly, she probably didn't need to worry about that. Alysa decided to put the matter away for now, and focus on immediate concerns.
Like, taking Zarea back to the Pokemon Center for her check up. Getting there, Nurse Joy greeted Alysa as she got out the Ice-type's ball, and waited patiently for her to run tests. Fortunately, it didn't take too long.
"Zarea's health has definitely improved! She should be able to eat solid pokemon food now, but if she has difficulty, continue giving her the liquid-based feed. It takes about five months to expire, even more if it's refrigerated."
"Great." Alysa accepted the pokemon's ball, having that weight at least off of her shoulders.
"When do you think Zarea will be ready for more physical activity?"
"Hm..." The nurse tapped her fingers against the desk's surface. "You may have to play that by ear. Most pokemon are adapted to be resilient and recover quickly, but Vulpix is a delicate species. If Zarea becomes more energetic and steadier on her feet, I believe you may introduce her into light training regimens at least, and build up from there. Doing so may help strengthen her body even more."
"Ok." Alysa nodded. "Thank you."
"No problem at all. As always, we hope to see you again if you're in need!"
Zarea was getting better, and that's what mattered. Alysa was still undecided on actually training her, or releasing her and finding some other Alolan Vulpix to maybe recruit, but she would continue monitoring her.
The Coastal Biome's temperatures were about normal, but the humidity felt higher today. Alysa wiped her brow as she walked through foliage alongside Rubis, who was carefully examining specific tree branches they came across. The warmth had gotten bad enough to where, for once, she had her wild locks up in a ponytail.
It was time to find him his very own stick wand to use. Braxien instinctively used them to more efficiently channel their fire abilities, and she knew hers would be no different. Problem is, Alysa wasn't expecting it to be a thorough process. Rubis was looking for a branch that wasn't too long, nor too short. Additionally, how he struck it against trunks or stones, he wanted one that was durable enough to his liking as well.
They had been out for almost two hours, with no luck. It got to the point that Alysa chose to expedite by gathering a collection of sticks and just bringing them to her companion. She sat down on a patch of grass and watched with a deadpan as Rubis chucked multiple sticks away back to back, not even giving some a glance. She understood that the stick had to be suitable enough to channel fire while not getting completely incinerated, but Alysa starting to believe the Braxien was being needlessly picky, until he finally stopped to take one long look at a roughly medium-sized branch.
He struck it against a nearby tree. It didn't shatter. He twirled it around while spinning on a foot. It seemed to have adequate weight, not heavy nor too light. Finally, the stick seemed to have been lucky enough to reach the final step. Rubis stared at it intently, and ever so slowly, a flame welled up at the tip of the wood. Alysa stood up, observing with much curiosity. Had they done it finally?
Rubis watched the small flame, then whirled around to spin with the stick. Alysa was truthfully amazed by the red streak of light that followed his movements. She could envision a professional dancer with a ribbon in his place, moving with such poise that he looked like he practiced it for years. But, that was impossible. As a Fennekin, he wouldn't be able to move like this. Ever since he evolved, she has never seen him practicing or the like, unless he was doing it in his pokeball...
Pokemon were mysterious creatures, so perhaps, this just came to the species naturally. When Rubis finished, striking a pose, Alysa applauded without thinking twice about it.
"Amazing, Rubis...! Your balance has improved so much." If he was the performer, she was the star-struck fan. He did a little laugh, resting the stick against one of his shoulders. Alysa stood up, brushing blades of grass off of her shorts and legs.
"Is that stick the one, then? You've picked it?"
He chirped, quite clearly pleased. Alysa sighed in relief. Now that the Braxien had his own wand, they could really go in with further training on his fire attacks. For now though, all she thought of was finding a cool place to relax...
"Alysa?"
"...Lacey?" Her head rose. The pink-haired elite was approaching them with her usual smile.
"Hello! What have you and Rubis been up too?"
"Nothing much. Just found him a stick wand he likes."
The Braxien inserted it into the plush fur of his tail, and walked towards the two girls. Lacey clapped.
"Wonderful! I trust it'll benefit his training in the long run. I don't think I've heard of a Braxien never using a wand...or a Delphox for that matter," she hummed, but then shook her head.
"But onto more pressing matters: you look like you're in desperate need of a fan and a cold drink."
Alysa chuckled, aware of the moisture stuck on her skin and seeped into embarrassing locations on her shirt. Humidity was a pesky thing; it made it more difficult for the body to cool off, even if the outside temperatures weren't even that high. She felt like she was in a sauna.
"I for sure wouldn't mind one. How do you manage to stay cool in this place?"
"Haha...who says I am?" Lacey jests. Squinting, Alysa took a closer look at the other girl, and was surprised to see that she was also sweating. She didn't look as uncomfortable as Alysa felt herself to be though.
"I am more or less used to it, having spent a lot of time here for the last year or so. But I have a nice gazebo set up near the plaza, one where we can relax. If you'd like to join me?"
"Yes." Alysa's acceptance was instant, widening Lacey's smile.
"Let's not delay then. Follow me!"
Rubis peered at them inquisitively, following closely behind his trainer as they went. It took no longer than a minute or two before they got to Lacey's personal spot, where the roof of the gazebo provided a solid amount of shade. Within its boundaries was a cooler, a wicker box, and an electric fan plugged into one of the pillar's imbedded outlets.
"Here we are. Have a seat." Lacey waved her on, and opened the box to pull out two coasters, followed by a small plate.
"What would you like? I have sodas, juices, and tea."
"Anything's fine really. I'll take whatever you pick." Alysa sat down on the flat seats circling the table. She pat the spot down next to her, encouraging for Rubis to sit too. She stifled a giggle as the long red fur of his nearest ear brushed against her arm.
"Ok...Pink Lemonade it is then." Lacey took out two cans from the cooler, though she also grabbed a baggie filled with small cookies. She handed one of the cans to Alysa, and opened the bag to pour the baked goods onto the platter.
"And not to leave Rubis out: some homemade butterscotch cookies! Pokemon-safe of course."
The Braxien crooned when Lacey pushed the plate in front of him, and had no qualms to immediately begin feasting. Both girls observed fondly, finding his glee endearing. Alysa cracked open her can and took a generous swig, feeling the chilled beverage rolling down her throat and already helping to cool her down.
"How has your training of your new little ones fared so far?" asked Lacey as she turned on the fan, selecting its medium setting. The circulating air provided more relief.
"Rubis has been doing great. Haven't really trained Zarea yet, but her health has shot up. She can walk again and kind of run, so I'll try to introduce her to easy things to start off."
"Wonderful. Hopefully she'll be ready when you take on Drayton's trial."
"Mhm..." The mention of the Dragon Tamer has Alysa growing more reserved in the moment. It was partly due to a drop in energy as well, feeling far more comfortable in the shade with a fan on. If she wasn't careful, she could start dozing off. An old memory flashed in her head, curiosity invoked enough to keep her engaged.
"I remember you said a long time ago that you've known Drayton since you both were kids. What's the story there?"
"To preface it: my daddy is Clay. The Gym Leader of Driftveil as you may know," she bubbled. Alysa hummed, aware of the girl's relation. She overheard some students gossiping about it, particularly about how Lacey liked bringing it up to anyone who flirted with her...
"He and Drayden have known each other for...about two decades, I believe? Through them, Drayton and I met. The only times we were in the other's company is when we were brought alongside Drayden and Daddy during League-sanctioned events. So, we weren't close or anything, living in two cities far from each other. We getting into childish quarrels here and there during our uncommon interactions surely didn't help."
Lacey closed her eyes in thought. "Drayton enrolled in Blueberry Academy before I did. Drayden mentioned it to Daddy, who then told me, and I just had to enroll too! My mama had already been looking at it as a potential school for me, so the timing was perfect. Sadly, I couldn't go to the academy right away as finances came first, so Drayton got a few years in before I attended."
Her brows creased. "That is the thing though...Drayton should have been farther along than he was, when I arrived. We soon encountered each other and caught up. I was shocked when he so casually told me that he was on a repeat of his second year! I could only imagine how upset Drayden was to learn that, but I guess he gave Drayton another chance."
Her expression worsened from her irritation.
"But then, this year, he's on another repeat. He should technically be on his fourth and final year, primed to graduate at the end of this semester, but that's definitely not the case! How he's even still enrolled at all, I have no clue. Drayden has to be reaching the limit of his patience..."
Alysa couldn't blame Lacey for finding Drayton's behavior unacceptable, but that wasn't what she herself focused on. It was the detail about Drayden. Because, yeah, the man had to have been losing his patience. There's only so many chances to give before they're all exhausted. Alysa wondered if he'd allow Drayton to repeat the year for a third time, and be stuck on his second-year status for the fourth year in total, because it looked like Drayton was heading down that path.
She felt nervousness rise. Would Drayton ever get removed by Drayden? Or expelled? How much time did he actually have left? It was worrying, but as she lacked much knowledge on how the academy handled cases like Drayton's or how Drayden truly felt, especially knowledge on Drayton's true reasonings for his self-sabotage, Alysa did her best to push it out of her mind.
"Anyway. To move onto a more positive subject..." Lacey's sourness disappeared. "You and Drayton certainly have gotten much closer, hm?"
"Uh-" Alysa's skin flushed. "Y-Yeah. You could say."
"Now now, there's no need to be shy," she giggled. "I have to say, it's remarkable that you two are that close. Drayton has always kept others at arm's length, at least by the time I attended. He wasn't the cheeriest boy when we were kids, but I was thrown off by the sheer amount of...aloof-ness he has now. He doesn't care much about anything outside of his pokemon, eating, and sleeping..."
She peered at Alysa, mischievousness emerging. "You though Alysa, you appear to be the exception. My hunch from back then did hold merit! The way I've seen Drayton look at you is like how someone would regard treasure. Or perhaps, how a dragon would."
Lacey got a lot of entertainment out of how Alysa's attention was awfully frozen on her can of lemonade. Rubis side-eyed his trainer whilst continuing to snack on the treats.
"Drayton makes his interest, deep interest, in you abundantly clear. It's no wonder there's so much gossip about you two around the school."
She knew people have been gossiping, the stares she gets on and off when she's going through the halls indicated as much, but hearing it still increased her self-consciousness. As did Lacey's other words. Her talk with the boy back in her dorm room was eye-opening, in many regards.
"I-I know. I know he's interested..." Alysa questioned if she should disclose the current situation between the two of them to Lacey. There was a chance Drayton would consider it a violation of privacy, but then again, he could just as easily not care. Plus, this was Lacey. She's the emotionally insightful type and could probably give her advice she needs. And she wasn't the type to mindlessly gossip...right?
"He told me he is, directly."
"Oh?" Lacey's eyes widened, and she leaned a bit closer in. "I thought you two weren't dating."
"We...aren't. Not yet."
"'Not yet'? Do tell."
"He asked me if I wanted to, but I didn't know at the time. I've never dated anyone before, so it was a lot to consider."
"I seeee. But, you said 'at the time', so has that changed? Have you made up your mind?"
"...I think so..." Alysa fidgeted in her seat.
"I haven't thought of any reason to decline. I do...like him a lot too..."
She's known this, but saying it out loud to someone who wasn't a pokemon caused it to hit her differently. The Dragon Tamer made her feel too many things, too many good or thrilling things, for her to feign ignorance.
"I, for one, think you two should absolutely date! And I'm not just saying that to say it." Lacey pressed a hand against her cheek, sighing dreamily.
"You two are absolutely so adorable together, that it makes me envious!"
Alysa's can crinkled as she gripped it tighter.
"What...?!"
"I mean it! Drayton, as aloof as he is, fawning over someone so demure like you is too cute. Words frankly can't do it true justice! I can easily envision him being so attentive and protective of you, like you bring out a totally different side of him... And I know you do."
Lacey was off in her own world, one Alysa was dumbfounded by. And mortified by.
"So, why not go for it? You haven't thought of a reason to say no, like you said. I can't say he's exactly MY type, but I can see the appeal in having a guy like Drayton as your boyfriend."
'Boyfriend'. The word being spoken makes her heart race.
"You..." Alysa manages to laugh with upturned brows, but it's half genuine. "You're more sure of this than I am."
"Think of it like this Alysa. Drayton makes you happy, yes? And you make him happy. Isn't that what matters?"
... ... ...
Yes, that is what matters. Tari conveyed a similar message to her even...
Lacey's question made it sound so simple. Alysa recognized that her own fears revolved around she doing something foolish and ruining what she and Drayton currently had, but allowing that fear to get in the way of their own happiness...she was ironically doing just that. Playing an unnecessary waiting game because she's too timid to leave her comfort zone.
Not putting in the effort to confront the matter was easier, because it was safer to not try. Not trying meant you had to deal with hardships less. Failure less. That was the reason why she rarely put herself out there, when it came to other people. She had been burned too many times for it to seem worth it anymore.
That didn't go for her friends. She's enjoyed seeing them almost every day, hanging out with them in the clubroom. Drayton went beyond that.
She actively craved his company. His touch. To spend more time with him. To talk to him more, to learn more about him. Why should she deprive herself of that? There really was no reason.
"...Yeah. You're right."
Lacey was resting her chin on her hand, viewing Alysa with a softer look. She did suddenly sit up straight, saying in a quieter and hurried tone of voice:
"Isn't this convenient timing?"
Alysa was confused, until she heard footsteps slowly getting louder from behind. She turned in her seat to see, her Braxien doing the same, and she bit the inside of her cheek.
The subject of their talk, and the person who's sat so heavily on her mind, was approaching the pair. In his arms was a small stack of documents, that he did not seem to enjoy holding. Alysa did catch how his dour expression lifted when he met her gaze.
"Here, Lacey. I finished the paperwork." Drayton grunted, putting the papers down on the table. Rubis shifted over to the side to allow him space on the gazebo, but did look towards the boy, then right at Alysa. She took a deep breath.
"Already? I'm surprised." Lacey exaggerated her amazement with a hand to her chest. He rolled his eyes.
"I just had to put my signature on most of them. You act like I can't even do that."
"Please forgive my assumption. You do like using paper stacks like they're pillows."
He disregarded her sass, instead giving Alysa a smile.
"Hey."
"Hi..." she softly said in return. There was a solid second of his eyes roaming her upper body, and Alysa knew she couldn't let this opportunity pass again.
"I'll leave you ladies to whatever you're doing."
He stepped off of the gazebo. Lacey's honey brown eyes were piercing, and she gestured with a hand wave.
"I'll keep Rubis here, don't worry."
That was what she needed. Alysa set her lemonade aside, sliding over off of the seat and leaving the fan's breeze. Stepping off of the gazebo, Alysa hadn't felt adrenaline like this since the first time she set foot in a Gym.
"D-Drayton! Wait up!"
He stopped dead in his tracks, turning slowly as she stopped her rush feet before him. He was neutral, but she could identify an expectant vibe to how he looked at her now.
"Yeah?"
"Can we...talk?" she panted, from exertion and anticipation. "Somewhere a little more private."
He tilted his head some, a little smile appearing.
"Sure. How about that spot over there?" He averted his gaze to point out a path going down towards the biome's further beach.
"That works."
The two followed the flattened grass, that changed to dirt, then into sand. The beach was largely empty, save for a few languid Galarian Slowpoke that lounged in scattered spots. The quiet air was augmented by the tide lapping at the shore. No other people being around did wonders for her nerves. The Dragon Tamer did one sweep of the area.
"So, what's up?" Drayton asked her, crossing his arms. He standing so close. Having his full, undivided attention was stressful...but she needed to take initiative. She couldn't make him wait forever; her mind saw the futility in it, and her heart didn't want it.
"It's about us. The p-proposal."
"Ah?" His brows arched. "You got an answer for me?"
No going back now. Alysa squeezed her fingers in the vain hope of alleviating some of the pressure in her gut, but was courteous enough to look the boy in his eyes. Either she was getting ahead of herself, or he was positively glowing.
"Yes." In the moment, suddenly, she felt extremely self-conscious. Vulnerable. But here he was, giving off the impression like he was in front of a candy store. It was embarrassing.
It was uplifting.
"My answer is...yes."
A weird way to put it, but it was to the point. Save for his head craning downwards, his immediate reaction was minuscule.
"Yes...to what, exactly?"
If it could, her hair would've puffed out. What did he mean 'to what'?! Alysa was incredulous, then she noticed the twinkle in his eyes. Of course he'd take the chance to mess with her even now, at a time like this. Assuming he wanted her to be more specific, because she was oh-so eloquent with words, Alysa resisted the urge to turn tail and flee.
"To dating you. I..." Nausea threatened her to take this next moment easy. She squeezed her eyes shut and her head diverted to the sand. "I do really like you. A lot. A lot a lot."
She couldn't emphasize it enough.
"I'm sorry for making you wait, but I want to g-give being your girlfriend a shot. I dunno how I'll do, but I'm hoping I won't...disappoint."
Her voice passed through the air, only met by the sounds of the sea. The environment returned to her vision, and she tentatively angled her head upwards, just in time to see Drayton's arms slowly uncross.
He was directing such a doting look her way, and her way only. There was no mistrust or anything flippant present in his demeanor. He saw what she was putting down, and he's accepted every amount of it.
"Sweetheart." He reached forward to gingerly hold one of her hands. Her body twitches at one of her fantasies coming to life, she getting to hear that term of endearment coming from him in person. He ushered her to come closer. She did so.
"There's nothing you could do that would disappoint me."
Her instantaneous reaction was to tear up. Whatever uncertainties she had surely felt pointless now. Drayton had never given the possibility of she being a subpar significant other any consideration. He believed she was someone who was worth his time. His effort. That meant more to her than she could've imagined.
He cupped a side of her face with his free hand. His thumb stroked her freckled skin, dark color rich and deeper in hue from her blush. He brought his face closer, and she could feel his breath fanning across her lips.
"I know you gave me permission before, but I'll ask anyway," he asked in a soft and lower tone.
"Can I kiss you?"
She knew just where he wanted to.
"Yes. Please."
His pupils dilated at her hushed plea. In a millisecond, he closed the gap, enveloping her lips with his own. Her eyelids automatically slid shut, and she fell deep into bliss. She knew not a single thing about kissing, but Drayton kept it wonderfully simple. It was so delicate. So sweet. But as his hand shifted back under her ear, fingers pressing between fluffy strands, she could sense there was something heavy lurking below his surface. Something more than what he was expressing now.
He pulled back, and she took in gold once more. Without a doubt, he was holding himself back. She could see it smoldering within him. He made no sudden movements, letting their foreheads rest against one another. Whatever he was feeling on the inside, he didn't let it show, and she could only guess as to why. It didn't matter right now. He looked far too happy for she to start being paranoid.
Disturbing the peace felt wrong, but she just had to know.
"...What now?"
They were together. It was for real. But what came next?
He chuckled.
"I've had a yearning to spend alone time with you again. How about we start things off by having a date? An official one."
"Ok." Like she would refuse that. "I don't have any ideas..."
He pulled further back. Alysa had to stop herself from using her free hand to grab at his leather jacket and pull him back, especially once she noticed how her lip balm had been smeared on his own lips, as they faintly shone in the light.
"We can rent a movie to watch in one of our dorms. Simple and easy enough."
This piqued her curiosity. She didn't know students could do that.
"Sounds fun. We can do it tomorrow evening...?"
"Perfect," the white-haired boy purred. It accompanied by his half-lidded stare made her toes clench. If she was being sent on cloud nine already, she would be getting flung over the moon before long.
"We can go through the rental list tomorrow at lunch." Drayton used his thumb to brush over her knuckles. "What dorm do you wanna be in? Whichever is fine for me."
"...How about yours? I haven't seen it yet."
"Hehe. Yeah, you haven't. Now's a good time for it."
He raised her hand up, kissing the back of it. Tingles ran down her arm, and she desperately wished for he to kiss her on the mouth again, but she did feel hesitant to ask. In time, she may grow more comfortable requesting such acts.
"Looking forward to it, honey~."
Another pet name. He'd be giving her a lot of those, wouldn't he? She'd freak out over that, and the lingering sensation of his lips on hers, tonight with another pillow-screaming session.
—
Alysa returned to Lacey to fetch Rubis, Drayton lagging behind to wait for her. As she walked up alone, the girl just took one long, knowing scan of her before smiling broadly.
"Do you need another cold drink Alysa? I can tell you're burning up again."
"Haha," the girl sarcastically laughed, wanting to fight the smile that was forming but failed miserably. "No thanks. I'm good now."
This new development between she and the League Club's Top Elite will draw a lot of attention, wouldn't it...