Pokémon Identity
- Thread starter BossCar
- Start date
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- Tags
- angst art depression dirty talk established relationships experinced trainers fame fear flirting fluff friendship hilda history history references hugs humor hurt/comfort it'll get happier living together love mental health no sex scenes no smut non-sexual intimacy ocs opening up original pokemon region past violence personal growth platonic pokemon antics pokemon slice of life polyamory popularity references regaining identity regret revisions and additions romance rosa rui self-acceptance self-esteem issues silver slice of life some implications of sex teasing trauma vee
BossCar
Pokémon Trainer
- Pronouns
- He/His
Chapter 32: Thoughtfulness
It's a sunny mid-morning, and Valen's taking another step towards his brighter future. He relaxes on his bed, having just got off the phone with Dimitri. It's overdue that he resigned from that job. Now he gets why Dimitri had him take an indefinite vacation—he knew that this would happen.
Valen puts his phone on top of the round walnut table. Then, he takes the package that's been resting on one of the round carved walnut table for the last thirty minutes. Next to it are two softcover books which he had been reading, so what was he supposed to do? Put the book down? He looks around, making sure the coast is clear. He rips opens the package, feeling smug that he's in the clear yet again. His prideful grin grows the longer he stares at this Rosa and Hilda calendar. The crazy wholesome minds better become borderline A-list celebrities here, because these sell out fast in Unova.
Suddenly, Rosa's giggling can be heard from down the hallway, causing Valen to slap his mouth before he can yelp. His face reddens, frantically looking for a spot to hide the calendar. He had to get this calendar! He wants and needs to support them, but he also has to reprise his role as their self-proclaimed number one fanboy! they're so pretty! They're so badass! Their personalities are magnifique!
Gardevoir suddenly appears, playfully laughing. Then, she gestures to hand the calendar to her. Valen hands the calendar to Gardevoir, who teleports away to hide it. He breaths a sigh of relief, Rosa darting into the room seconds later.
"Hug! Hug!" Rosa repeatedly bops Valen on both cheeks. "Grrrr, feel Rosa's power!" She wraps her arms around Valen's neck. "Roar, Wrap!"
Valen places his right hand on Rosa's back and his left hand on the back of her head. "Valen used...uh...whatever this is."
Valen and Rosa share a laugh, the former resting the right side of her face on Valen's chest. This is so relaxing that it can make her fall asleep, which would cause this dork to evolve into an Exploud.
Rosa spots twelve more paintings on the wall. "W-Woah, you added soooo many, including works by both Salvatore Rosa and Rosalina Bonheur!" Her eyes glitter. "Titian, Turner, Rembrandt, Monet, Giotto, Finnegan Remington, Koen Friedrich Schinkel, a second work by Caravaggio, a second work by Hokusai, and a third work by Jack Constable!"
"Good job," Valen pats Rosa's head. "We'll have to save the geeking out for another time," he says. "Aright?"
"We should fill this house with lots and lots of paintings!" she cheers. "Gotta catch em all, or least as many as possible!"
"That's an awesome idea!" He blurts out, his face reddening seconds later.
"Tee-hee, you're soooo cute!" Rosa bops Valen on his forehead.
"I'm not cute." Valen bops Rosa twice on her forehead. "You're cute."
Rosa and Valen fake fierce glares at each other. They chortle, an intense bopping battle breaking out between them Neither of their foreheads receive any mercy.
"Roar, Tackle attack!" Rosa gently pins Valen onto the bed. "Roar, Headbutt!"
"Valen used Counter!" He stops Rosa by wrapping his arms around her midsection.
"Roar, Double Kick!" Rosa bops Valen's lower legs with both of her feet. "Roar, Triple Kick!" She bops three times with both feet.
"Charm!" Valen winks, clicking a tooth.
"Oh nooooooo!" Rosa giggles. "Roar, a hundred Mega Kicks!" Rosa bops Valen's lower legs over and over again with her feet.
Valen and Rosa begin to wrestle, wrapping their legs together. Valen quickly flips Rosa face down on the bed. She reaches behind her to try and push her silly boy away, but Valen puts and end to it via pinning her hands behind her back.
Rosa turns her head to give Valen a coy smile. They lock their lips together like they both used Quick Attack, their bodies heating up inside. Rosa brings Valen down on the bed next to her, the intensity of the kissing increasing seconds later. They wrap their arms around each other, holding each other as snugly as possible.
Within her large office at the BW Agency's headquarters, Hilda's jumping up and down in joy. Yes, yes, yes yes!" She clasps her hands next to her right cheek. "That's the tenth client in a row that's made it into the pro circuit!" She takes a page out of Rosa's playbook and does a twirl. "And I got several Pokémon actors some super awesome roles."
She sits downs at her desk. She realizes that her Pokémon are all staring at her, five of them having mischievous grins on their faces. Her face reddens, yelping, "H-Hey, d-don't look at me like that!"
Several seconds later, she shares a laugh with her Pokémon. Then, she resumes starting her her next task. Hmmmm, what to do...what to do? How big of an event should this be? The budget's enough for what she's got in mind, but the size. The size's harder to figure out than Silver's ability to eat the world's spiciest dishes. She ponders over how many people should witness the awesomeness of her besties, plus her own awesomeness. A hundred? Three hundred? Five hundred? A thousand? Five thousand? Ten thousand? Okay, the last three might be too much.
She hears footsteps heading her away. Garchomp's checking up on her on behalf of the team. "Hehe, you're a sweet boy. "She smiles and pets Garchomp's head. "Please go and have fun with your family. I'll be fine, okay?" She kisses the top of Garchomp's head
Garchomp lets out a soft and tender roar, then walks back towards the rest of the team. A silly grin decorates his face, his Umbreon teammate's cheeks becoming rosy in response. Garchomp warns that she can't hide her crush on Valen's Luxray forever, not when it's just as obvious as Silver's crush on Kris. Yep, even they know what a clown Silver can be. Garchomp's ears pick up on a male employee knocking on Hilda's open door. His teammates and him watch Hilda greet this Johnny human, with Braviary joking that Umbreon would swoon if Luxray had that slicked back hair. Umbreon squeals in panic, hiding behind Emboar and Beartic.
It seems that their trainer's got a present, as evident by the small black box Johnny's placing on the desk. Garchomp huddles up with his teammates, concocting theories about what it is and who it's from. If a present appears out of nowhere and with no name, it's likely from him. Sure enough, they overhear that there's no name on the box, other than Sophia Gucci's personal signature. That's followed by Johnny saying that he's got a meeting with an aspiring sculptor.
Hearing the word sculptor prompts Umbreon to imagine a sculpture of Luxray and her sharing a kiss. Despite being an Umbreon, her face now resembles that of a Flareon. The team decide to let her indulge in her fantasies for now. The keywords are for now, those mischievous smiles are present for a reason. Except for Starmie, Starmie can't smirk so it'll just poke everything.
Hilda's team approach her, curious about what it's the box. Impatiently waiting to see what's inside the box, Starmie begins poking Hilda. When Garchomp tries to intervene, Starmie decides to poke him instead. Suddenly entire team's startled by a loud gasp from their trainer, who's got her right hand on her mouth.
Hilda knows this box—it's the exact same box that Rosa's Serperior necklace came in. Sophia Gucci, Elesa's younger sister and the famous jewelry designer who made limited production necklaces of the fully evolved Unovan starters. That name and this box combined can only mean one thing.
With her team of Pokémon watching, Hilda carefully opens the black box, noting that it looks exactly like the box that contained Rosa's necklace. Upon opening it, she gasps. No, there's no way. She places her right hand over her gaping mouth. She can't believe it—it's that diamond-laced Emboar necklace. She's wanted one of these for a while.
The diamonds are finished in gold, a red circle in the enter of each one. Within each circle lies a gold diamond. Hilda's eyes are fixated on the flexing Emboar that's engraved on both sides of the sparkling ruby attached to the bottom. It's as pretty as she remember it to be, maybe even more. This extreme tidal wave of happiness feels like it's going to leave her body. But who was it? Who remembered something this specific about her?
Suddenly, it hits her like a Quick Attack within her mind, her eyes widening immensely. There's only one person that she know who'd do this in such a manner, because he's done it many times before. She flashes back to her sixteenth birthday, which was the first instance. There were numerous presents, but there were two that she didn't know whom the giver was. At least, they didn't say who they were. Within the first one was what she wanted most: Unovan Noire, the video game that was sold out everywhere she checked. The other one contained a highly articulated action figure of Crobatman, complete with his signature shiny Crobat.
Nobody knew who gifted these to her, but they were all happy for her. She remembers that she drummed on Valen's head, which he laughed about. She asked him if he knew, and he said that he didn't know. She asked him if he overheard anything, his response being that he didn't know what she talking about. She was surprised that he didn't know, and he said that she'll figure it out eventually. When it hit her later that day, it moved her to tears. It hadn't even been two months since their first meeting.
She returns her focus to her newest gift, tears streaming down her cheeks. This sensation of her thumping heart and racing pulse, the euphoria that comes from being valued. He remembers even the smallest details about Rosa and her. She carefully places the necklace back into the box, slowly shutting it. She takes a deep breath, then she darts out of the chair and out of her office. A male employee with spiky black hair happens to be walking towards her.
"Kevin, I'm gonna go out, but I'll be back," Hilda rapidly speaks, slowing down upon seeing her employee's perplex expression. "Sorry...I just really need to see somebody."
"If you're referring to him, he's in the lobby with Silver, Arthur and Jacques." he states. "I can go get him them if you want."
"Please do."
Hilda walks back into her office, heading towards the desk. She eyes the magnificent necklace for a few seconds before taking it out of the box. She puts it on, then places her right hand over her heart. She's going to wear this necklace as much as Rosa wears her necklace, Hehe, the goofball wonders why she'sstill single. She's taken, but it's got a twist. For now, that is. She trusts him, he'll come around eventually.
Valen takes a sit in the one of the two armchairs in the middle. Hilda's team stand on the other side of the room, wanting to avoid interrupting Hilda and Valen. All six of them are feeling thankful and grateful over how kind Valen is towards their trainer.
As Hilda walks back to the desk, she bops Valen on the top of his head. Her eyes can't be taken off of him, her face wants to break out blushing. She doesn't even know why he's here, but she won't ask. Let him be mysterious if he wants to, it makes him more alluring. Without hesitation, Hilda jumps onto Valen. She wraps her arms around his neck, kissing him on the top right side of his head several times. A tingling feeling erupts within her when she feels his lips pressed against her forehead.
"You're an absolute jewel of a person," she whispers. "Hug me." She plops herself onto his lap, tittering at his faint yelp. She rests the left side of her face on Valen's upper chest. There's that tingling feeling again, this time on her back.
"We're inseparable, and don't you ever forget that." She strokes his upper back, moving her chin onto his shoulder. "This is so relaxing," she whispers, holding him tighter. "I never want to let go."
"One of my most precious memories is when you comforted me with a hug." Valen holds her tighter too. "After you learned about my struggle with fitting in."
"That broke my heart, so I had to do something," Hilda whispers, her voice akin to Rosa's soothing lullaby like tone. "You were always sweet to me...it was painful to hear that."
"I've never picked female friends over male friends, but maybe...maybe it's easier for me to befriend the former-"
"You don't need to explain it," Hilda interjects. "Just keep being you, because we love you for who you are."
Not even that rough reunion could keep them apart. He's glad that he got a second chance to make things right, because he still reciprocates those deeper feelings.
"By the way, Melanie's on board with my idea of an event at Barberini Stadium-"
"Pres, someone named Rui's here to see you," a female employee informs from outside the office. "The paintings you've ordered have arrived too."
"We'll talk later." Hilda lets go of Valen and vice versa.
"Hey, please bring one of your board or trivia games over to the house at some point," Valen requests. "It's been a while since I've gotten to engage with your hobbies."
"You'll have to give me more platonic affection when I beat you."
"You'll have to come and get it yourself." Valen earns himself a double bop to the forehead. He bops her back, only to get bopped three times in return.
As Valen walks towards the door, Hilda turns away. She blushes, poking two fingers together. He's too much sweetness in one basket! Why did Rosa have to leave her alone with that sweetheart?! She know how it's hard to let go when he's hugging or cuddling them! She looks at her new necklace, clenching her teeth. He's Lillipup level of cute, he's a handsome charmer who wooed her with Kalosian, plus that smile. That precious smile!
"Come on, Slakoth."
Hilda takes a deep breath. She spins around to face her crush. She sports a tight-lipped smile, words deciding to stay in her mouth. She scratches the back of her head with her right hand, looking shy as she bends her head.
Valen deviously smirks. "Talk to Rosa." He walks out of the office. "She's willing to allow a vee."
Hilda's face reddens, waving her palms in front of her chin. "H-Hey, w-ha-what's the big id-idea?!" She shouts, shutting her eyes. "Y-o-ou've got it all w-wo-wrong!"
Valen closes his eyes, his smirk evolving into a proud smile. He's still got the magic touch of trolling.
A silly ear-to-ear grin materializes on her face. Screw it, fangirl Hilda is forcing her way out. "I love how cool you are!" She clasps her hands in front of her right shoulder, her cheeks vibrantly rosy. "There's a reason why I also became your Unovan fan club's president!" She sways from side to side, moving her fists in and out. "You're a mysterious alluring bad boy and the most charming gentlemen I've ever seen!" Her squealing drowns out her team's laughter. "Go, go, go Val-Val! It's your birthday!"
Upon realizing that her team saw the whole thing, she nervously laughs. All six of her Pokémon surround her, causing her to hide her face with her palms. Starmie pokes her, while the others are howling with hysterical laughter. Hilda's Garchomp roars that his Umbreon teammate needs to try asking Valen's Luxray out on a date again. Umbreon blushes, dashing behind her trainer's desk. Beartic snickers that some things really don't change.
Valen's the first to greet Rui, who's standing outside of the building instead of sitting in the lobby. Probably because a Suicune chilling in a lobby would cause more of those unnecessary reactions.
"Wazzup, Team Skull's Valen!" Rui exchanges a handshake and a high five with Valen.
"I'm still the big bad trainer who beats you down and beats you down without ever letting up!" Valen boasts, pointing to himself.
"If they battle you or me, us winning is how it supposed to be!" Rui moves her neck from right to left. "That's how it's supposed to be!" Her boisterous laugh fills the air around her. "We're kicking asses like we're supposed to be!" She sticks out her index and ring fingers. "Rui's getting money like she's supposed to be, ooooooh!"
They're both way too excited to be able to hang out with a fellow Team Skull member who isn't a professional brooder. Speaking of which, Silver's the furthest back among the approaching group.
"Pssssst, why do Guzma, Gladion, and Plumeria call Silver 'The Uniform Ripper?'" Rui whispers, her grin growing wider. "And what's the full story behind Kris and him?"
"You'll learn that in due time," he whispers back. "By the way, I need a trolling buddy to substitute for Rosa."
"Say no more." Rui winks, running towards Hilda and the others.
As everybody else chats, Valen decides to greet Rui's Suicune. He approaches Suicune, patting it on the head. Suicune closes his eyes and smiles, faintly howling to greet this human. He better remember that this Suicune's way too majestic and fabulous.
"Nice to meet you, Suicune." Valen takes out a ball from inside his black leather jacket. "Here, say hi to one of my Pokémon." He'd send out the whole team, but that might be a bit much within this space. The others probably agree with him.
Valen presses the button on the ball to let out his Gardevoir, who emerges with her arms forded. Suicune smiles at Gardevoir, who nods with a smile.
Hilda takes out a ball from her bag, pressing the bottom to let out her Starmie. The purple Water and Psychic-type approaches Suicune, the two greeting each other via soft cries. Much to everyone's amusement and Hilda's dismay, Starmie begins poking Suicune's right side. Suicune gives Starmie a flat-eyed expression. Why is this Starmie poking a majestic creature like him?
"I didn't mean poke Suicune!" Hilda's face reddens, realizing that she forgot how Starmie tends to greet.
Starmie turns to face Hilda. It approaches its trainer, and it begins to poke her right arm. Hilda rolls her eyes, folding her arms. Misty was right when she allowed Hilda to raise a certain Staryu—this one's a pain in the butt. Ah well, at least it's her pain in the butt. She rubs the top points of Starmie's body, who lets out an affectionate cry.
Silver, Arthur, and Jacques look at each other and nod. Silver sends out his Feraligatr, Arthur sends out his Raichu, and Jacques sends out his Metagross. The trio walk towards Suicune, Gardevoir, and Starmie. All of them began to chat, while their trainers chat with each other.
Rui bobs her head up and down, her eyes scanning the white building. It's so symmetrical and old school looking, that's really cool! There's even an equal amount of cylinders on the front of both floors!
"Heeey Rui, you wanna be a part of the event I'm planning?" Hilda clasps her hands over her right shoulder.
"Sure, Hilda!" Rui spots Hilda's sparkling necklace. "Woah, that's so nice!" Her eyes sparkle like the necklace's ruby with the flexing Emboar engraving.
Hilda wraps her left arm around Valen's neck, pulling him down with her. "That's what happens when you have a total sweetheart like this goofball around." A lightbulb flickers on in her mind. "Val-Val, I assume that the Samurott-"
"Yep." Valen sports a lopsided smirk. "I had to order that one from a shop in Aspertia City, but it'll be delivered to her address."
"Alright, now it's time for the paintings!" Hilda nudges Valens with her right elbow. "I love showing people how I spruce things up!"
As Valen and Hilda walk towards the cart that the paintings have been placed on, they notice that fans have nearly surrounded Jacques. Neither him nor his Metagross seem to mind.
Suicune follows Valen and Hilda, determined to figure out everything he can about the humans that he can. Suicune's seen colorful shapes like this before, but the people and Pokémon never respond to his howls. Maybe these people and Pokémon will respond.
Valen eyes the prints at the top of each of the three piles: The Raging Sea, The Rumbling Land, and The Roaring Sky. Painted by Marcantonio Matteo da Caravaggio in 1600, these are among the most famous of his works. Valen has seen these plenty of times, but he loves to study his favorite Baroque paintings over and over again. As he expects with Caravaggio's work, the bulk of the light used is centered around the three Pokémon, each giving off its own dramatic effect. The verisimilitude of Caravaggio's work is why he's considered to be an epoch within painting's history.
Kyogre's depiction uses the least amount of light, the aquatic behemoth appearing slightly cloaked by the ominous darkness of the deep ocean. The raging currents makes the ocean feel alive with chaotic nature. Kyogre's bearing its teeth while glaring, like it's about to attack. Its shadow protrudes into the murky depths that surrounds it, appearing on several of the bubbles.
Groudon's depiction uses the most light. The oozing lava illuminates the towering giant, its shadow appearing on the rocky floor and walls of the volcanic cavern. Groudon's intimidating glare is slightly angled downwards, its clenched teeth giving off a sensation of increasing anger. The giant's arms are extended left and right, its palms fully facing the viewer.
The use of light in Rayquaza's depiction lies in the middle. The scene's daytime, but the traffic jam of clouds obscure most of the sunlight from illuminating the sky. Rayquaza's lengthy body is stretched out, its shadow appears on several clouds that surround it. The dragon's menacing combination of narrowed eyes and gaping mouth can meet any grown adult's gaze head on.
While Valen continues to study these works, Rui's Suicune howls at Groudon, then Kyogre, then Rayquaza. Oh joy, these three are also rude to majestic and fabulous Pokemon He howls towards all three at once, but they still won't respond. He howls louder, but that won't work either. What's going on?
Valen carefully moves the Caravaggio paintings, realizing that he'd be standing here for at least one hour if he analyzed all of these. Not that he'd mind, but he can do that some other time. Underneath the Kyogre painting is Plowing in Aspertia Village. What's always impressed him was how realistic this painting is, but it's called the Realism movement for a reason. As they work towards a great harvest, the Tauros, the Bouffalant, and the farmers look like they're getting fatigued. The feet of the Pokemon sink into the ground, while several Braviary soar high in the clear sky.
Valen turns to eye another work, noting that the sky's finished in white instead of blue in this one. "I'm not surprised that you wanted a print of this," Valen tells Hilda. "Over Nimbasa On a Salamence by Marcus Chagall, 1918."
He recalls that Rosa wanted to paint her own version using Valen, his Salamence, and herself. The man and the woman embrace, while the Salamence sports a placid smile. Below them is Nimbasa City, which was more of a mid-sized city over a hundred ago. Valen instantly recognizes the old Nimbasa Theatre, which is now used for Hilda's brainchild. The Lemon Yellow dome-like stadium's the largest structure in the painting, and if one looks very closely to its northeast, they can see a battle between a male trainer's Scizor and a female trainer's Sneasel.
Suicune blinks several times. Why're these humans are flying over their habitat on a Salamence? Why don't all humans fly on a Salamence instead of entering these weird things called aircraft? What are aircraft? Are they Pokémon? And nope, not a single humans and Pokémon have responded to Suicune's howling. Suicune's never seen such rudeness before. Such insolence, such audacity. He learned these words from the glowing box, and they sound fabulous.
As Valen eyes more paintings, Suicune asks Valen's Gardevoir why these Pokémon are ignoring him. Gardevoir laughs that paintings are depictions by humans, not real life living beings that'll answer your howls. Suicune inches closer, asking Gardevoir to teach him about this painting she speaks of. He wants to know how the humans can create such a thing.
Suicune decides not to ask Gardevoir if mayonnaise is an instrument, remembering how his own teammates did this activity called roasting after he asked them.
Hilda's brought everyone to the BW Agency HQ's right side, which contains an outdoor lounge area. This way, the Pokémon can hang out too. While they could just recall the Pokémon, enter the building, then call the Pokémon out again, Hilda felt like having it this way. She's the boss, so what she says goes. Besides, the Pokémon are having a great time chatting amongst themselves.
As Hilda prepares the plans, Valen looks around at the furniture she's placed here. The Kalosian armchairs here are plush, just like the one inside. Instead of black, the upholstery of each is finished in light gray. The mahogany table everyone's sitting at, plus the other seven tables, have the same design. Each one has an extended oval surface with a support beam in the center underneath. Six legs provide additional support, all connected through the central support beam by smaller beams.
"Sooooo, here's the basic outline of the plan." Hilda unrolls a large map of Barberini Stadium's interior. She places various pieces from board and tabletop games, such as a pizza chef, a miniature Steelix, a miniature carnival game, and a miniature painting, in various areas of the map. "In addition to battles and people meeting my awesome besties, we're gonna have food, games, art, and more!"
"Sounds good to me, manager." Valen smirks. "Wait, how will they see all that hard work if they can't take their eyes off of the masterpiece that's Hilda White?" He earns himself five bops to the top of the head.
"Rosa and Melanie will come over tomorrow to discuss further," Hilda informs.
"Rosa can teach how to paint," Valen suggests. "Melanie can show creative writing."
"Good ideas, Val-Val!" Hilda cheers. "You can explain art!"
"We'll see, but that sounds awesome."
Hilda's mouth falls open, remembering something she wanted to show Valen. "Since you've got the most insider knowledge of the pro circuit here, can you check out the draft of the invite list?" She scratches the back of her head. "I...uh...I forgot to tell you...heh heh."
"Lemme see."
"Thanks, Val-Val!" She opens a note app on her phone. "I have it written down , but I also use this note app for a quick reference!"
Valen leans closer to take a peek, Hilda bopping him on the forehead for good measure. His eyes move up and down as he studies the list. Among the trainers listed is Ragnar Phoenix—he took third place this year and second place last year.
He pats Hilda's back several times. "Good start."
"I've still got it!" Hilda clasps her hands in front of her right shoulder. She inches closer to his left ear. "You remember Ragnar, don't you?"
"Yeah, he's still one of your clients." Valen's rewarded with a random forehead bop. "And my old friendly rival."
Rui's curious about their history with Ragnar, having heard his name. They're being awfully mysterious with their murmuring, but oh well. Wait, curious! She's been curious about Silver's relation with this Kris girl! A lightbulb flickers on within her head. She exchanges a devious grin with Valen and Hilda.
"Kris told me that Silver once dressed up as a shogun for a kabuki play!" she laughs. "Let's have him do that!"
"Rui, I'm not going to dress up like a shogun." Silver groans, smacking his face with his right palm.
"Rui, I'm not going to dress up like a shogun," Rui mimics in a deep gruff voice. She throws her hands up, faking a scowl. "Oh nooooo, I'm big baaaaad Silver and I'm too edgy to have fuuuuun and admit that I find Kris cute." Her grin widens upon hearing everybody but Silver himself burst out laughing, the Pokémon included.
"How many times do I have to tell you that we're just friends?" Silver retorts under his breath, his teeth clenched.
"Don't worry, Rui." Hilda smirks. "Rosa can just paint it." She glances northeast towards Valen, her smirk evolving into a grin. "Which painter's style do you think would best suit shogun Silver?"
Valen closes his eyes, folding his arms. "Arnold Van Dyck's a good choice ou can have Rosa paint Silver on his Arcanine, trying to get away from his destiny of being Kris' boyfriend."
"HEY!" Silver screams, rocketing out of his chair. "We're just friends!"
"That's what they all say!" Valen and Rui howl, exchanging a fist bump.
"I'll let her know that if I remember to!" Hilda cheers, clasping her hands in front of her left shoulder.
"Agh, no!" Silver blurts out. "Don't make me relieve the bet that I lost!" His jaw drops when he realizes that he just opened the door for extra roasting and trolling.
"Hahahahahaha, look at this big tough guy now!" Hilda places her hands over her ribs. "That's what you get for the Team Skull uniform incident!"
"How was I supposed to know that you were going to do that?!" Silver screams, his face becoming red.
"Hehe, you face was just as red as it is now." Hilda titters, closing her eyes.
"Guzma had just opened his Castelia City nightclub!" Silver's eyes bulge out, clenching his fists. "I didn't know it was you in disguise, you dolt! I was just doing my job as the bouncer!"
"I didn't realize you were that into me, but you could've bought me dinner first." Hilda playfully winks, inching closer to Silver. "I suppose that-" Her tone becomes more melodious and she wags her right index finger. "you want it thaaaat waaaaay."
"H-Hey, cut it out!" Silver hides his face with his hands, his palms facing towards him. "Don't look at me like that!"
"I get it now!" Rui tears up with laughter, nearly falling off of her chair. "His lack of common sense is so bad that's it's great!" She howls, clutching her ribs. "This is amazing!"
Silver looks towards the Pokémon, realizing that they're all looking at him with mischievous smiles, smirks, and grins. Except for Starmie, of course.
Valen's Gardevoir cackles that Silver can put on a good show without trying, while Jacques' Metagross adds that it rates Silver's performance a seven point eight out of ten due to too much brooding.
Arthur's Raichu tears up, laughing that someone's ignited a spark, while Hilda's Starmie begins poking Silver's right arm, causing him to groan while hiding his face with his hands.
Silver's Feraligatr softly roars into his trainer's right ear, giving him a teasing grin. Meanwhile, Rui's Suicune looks at everyone, wondering what the heck's going on this time. Why can't he ever figure anything out, yet they seem to be experts when it comes the humans? Tell him already. He's majestic, fool.
It's a girl readers' day out for Rosa and Melanie, the latter jumping up and down outside of a bookstore in another Gothic Revival neighborhood. Melanie clasps her hands behind her back, allowing Rosa to study the intricate details of the building.
Rosa's mouth falls open and she positions her right hand sideways. Stone bricks were used in its construction, as is the case with the rest of the neighborhood. Those coupled windows with the curved arch at the top are exactly like the one in the house she lives in. Her eyes go up like an elevator as her attention's drawn to the steep pyramidal spires on both ends of the roof. Actually, all four corners have spires.
Melanie snaps her fingers, tilting her head towards the front entrance. Rosa and her share a laugh, both striding into the bookstore. Melanie chuckles as Rosa twirls to look at the packed shelves and racks that surround her. She glances around herself, memories of her browsing the store over the years replaying like a film reel. Oak's Books, Games, and Collectibles is still the bookstore she visits the most.
Rosa's eyes are immediately drawn to a shelf within the nonfiction book section, noticing a book that Valen's got the first version of. She inches closer to eye the book, noting its thick spine. "The Art and Architecture of Taizhou," she reads off. "Valen doesn't have this updated version, and I want to gift it to him as a token of my appreciation." She spots another book that he'd like. "I want to get this historical city map book for him too." She can never repay him enough for everything he's done for her, but she knows how to make him happy.
Melanie walks up next to Rosa. "Good idea, I'll help too." She glances behind her, eyeing the books on that shelf. "He'd like this book on the ghost towns of Route 66, plus this one on race car driver Renard Dreyfus.
Then, Rosa spots the largest book present. "Ooooh, they've got the one thousand page Unovan history book!" Rosa's eyes glitter. "I need to get that!"
"I should get that book about plot and structure," Melanie comments, eyeing another section that's close by. "I keep forgetting to get it." Then, she eyes the games section, chuckling, "Hilda literally has every game sitting on those shelves."
"She pre-orders everything months in advance when possible." Rosa giggles. "Oh, she doesn't have that deluxe action figure of Captain Braviary!" she twirls. "Tee-hee, let's see if they have it!"
"Her drive's something." Melanie chuckles.
"Even when she gets tired, she reverts back the next day," Rosa remarks.
"That's why we love her," Melanie responds. "She's a big inspiration for girls and women everywhere, myself included." Guys love them too, and among the biggest male fans of Rosa and Hilda is her adorable doofus friend of seventeen years.
"Say, any luck with self-publishing?" Rosa asks, eyeing the historical fiction shelves.
Melanie sighs, placing her hands on her hips. "Not yet," she admits. "It's not easy."
"If it helps, I haven't painted in a little bit," Rosa responds. "We'll both get there."
Melanie smiles. "Yeah, we will." She rubs Rosa's left shoulder, briefly wrapping her right arm around Rosa's upper back. "Thanks, bestie."
"Anytime, bestie!"
As they browse the shelves and racks, Melanie's mother and father come to Rosa's mind. Arvid Olsen, a renowned novelist and nonfiction writer. Viveca Olsen, a book conservator and archivist. Of course, she's met them several times. That's how the squad rolls.
It's now late afternoon, and Melanie and Rosa are strolling down the concrete sidewalk towards the former's house. Both hold bags of items that they purchased at the bookstore.
"Four books for each of us three, plus the figure for Hilda." Melanie comments. "Great little haul."
"We share books too, silly!" Rosa giggles.
As they approach her bungalow , Melanie notices that somebody's left a parcel for her. She opens it, only to find a familiar black box waiting for her.
"Huh, what's this?" Melanie blinks. "It looks like the box that your Serperior necklace came in."
"It is the same box," Rosa says. "He gifted the Emboar one to Hilda."
Melanie carefully opens the box. Sure enough, it's the third necklace. A Samurott kneeling in an attack stance in engraved on both sides of the sapphire. The diamonds are finished in crystal, a blue triangle in the enter of each one. A crystal diamond lies within each triangle.
Melanie's mouth hangs open, the necklace gleaming like a starry night sky. "No way...he didn't...he got me the Samurott necklace…just like that?" She cracks a smile. "Ha, I should've expected this." she chuckles. "Repaying him for his kindness is difficult." He never wants anything in return, but she and the others still try.
"Lovable idiot didn't even tell me." Rosa smiles, glancing down at her own diamond-lace necklace. "But I love how he works in mysterious ways."
Melanie's got something else, the flatter packaging's a clear sign of what these are. She's used to posters coming in protective cases, but feeling around the package indicates that these needed several thicker cases.
"You want to come with me?" Rosa asks, placing her hand on Melanie's left shoulder. "I'm going back home."
"Of course," Melanie responds, turning to face the street. "I have to thank him, plus I want to gift what we got those two alongside you." She slowly walks to the sidewalk.
Rosa nods. untying her hair. "Let's go." She flips her long hair back, remarking, "I need to rock this look more, but I kept forgetting."
Melanie stops, looking behind her while grinning. "You look really good in that Guzmani jacket, and now this?" She places her hands on her hips, her gaze fixated on Rosa's very long hair. "We're all super-effective."
Rosa runs towards Melanie, eyeing her trademark Valerie Versace jean jacket. "Tee-hee, yeeeep!" She exchanges a high five with Melanie, the two of them striding down the sidewalk. "You still look great in blue!"
"Of course I do." Melanie runs her right hand through her elbow length black hair. "I'm the warrioress."
Valen, Hilda, and Jacques walk up the front steps, the orange glow of the setting sun illuminating the sky. Valen unlocks the door, opening it and stepping aside. Jacques and Hilda enter, the former immediately spotting Melanie and Rosa sitting in the living room.
"Bonjour, signorinas." Jacques waves, slightly bowing.
Hilda darts towards Jacques' left, waving at Rosa and Melanie. "Heeeeey!"
"Hiiii, we've got gifts for you!" Rosa twirls. "We would've gotten-"
"It's fine, signorina Rosa."
"Gifts, huh?" Valen cocks a brow, closing the front door behind him.
Rosa rapidly nods her head, then looks at her fellow Unovan. "Hilda-"
"I forgot to update my want list." Hilda scratches the back of the head. "I'm really forgetful at times."
"You don't say?" Valen ears himself a bop to the top of his head. Then, he feels Melanie wrapping her arms around his neck, her lips pressed against the back of his head.
"Thank you," Melanie whispers. "You didn't need to gift me the third necklace, but you did so anyway."
"It's the least I can do." Valen places his left hand on Melanie's back, running his right hand through her elbow length black hair. "Those posters are original Art Nouveau posters."
"That's awesome!" Melanie holds Valen even tighter, causing his eyes to bulge out. "Thank you so much!" She lets go, chuckling at his fake pouty face.
"By the way, you're the real doofus," Valen teases Hilda, earning himself another bop. "Look at what Rosa's holding."
Rosa takes out Hilda's gift from the back. Hilda's eyes light up at the masked superhero and Braviary figure.
"Heeeey, it's the new Captain Braviary action figureeee!" Hilda jumps, clasping her hands over her right shoulder. "Thanks!" She darts towards them, wrapping her arms around their embrace. "Thanks for thinking of me ," she whispers. "I want everyone to be happy."
Rosa and Melanie wrap their arms around Hilda's neck and upper back respectively. "We do too."
As the trio let go of each other, Rosa gives Hilda the boxed figure, then she darts towards Valen. She hands him the entity bag. "Valeeeey, check out your gifts too!" she twirls. "Tee-hee, we know you two soooo well!"
Valen peeks into the bag, his eyes lighting up when he sees the four books. "Now this is an awesome surprise!" He exclaims. "Thanks, Rosa." He kisses Rosa on the lips. He approaches Melanie, and kisses her on the forehead. "You too, Melanie."
"It's the least we could do for you, sweetie." Rosa caresses his right cheek.
"We want you to be happy." Melanie playfully flicks Valen on the forehead.
Hilda folds her arms, proudly smiling. "Let me guess—I have everything else that was available." Nods confirm the obvious for her. "I'm just that awesome." She runs her right hand through her dark brown hair. "With that said, the thought matters more than the quantity." She glances down at her necklace. "Besides, this couldn't have been cheap." She guesses that Valen's still got a bunch of that business deal money. The fact that he bought all three means that Valen had to have spent a combined total of at least three thousand dollars.
"I guess I'm too easygoing." Valen places the bags onto one of the walnut tables in the living room, next to the two books he was reading earlier today.
As their trainer checks out the four books Rosa and Melanie got him, Gardevoir, Gengar, and Luxray look on with placid smiles. Joining them is Rosa's Serperior, Hilda's Starmie, Melanie's Alakazam, and Jacques' Sylveon, their trainers having called them out without Valen and the trio realizing it.
Sylveon lets out a delighted cry when she spots Valen, and she dashes towards him. Valen bends to pet Sylveon's back, causing her to let out another delighted cry.
"Good girl," he whispers as Sylveon licks his hand. "Long time no see."
Sylveon looks directly at Valen, giving him a heart melting grin. She receives more pets, so Valen receives more licks.
At the same time, Hilda whips out her cell phone, causing Rosa to dash towards her. Hilda presses her back against Rosa's back.
Hilda presses play, announcing, "Today's motivational message is dedicated to Valen the Reaper!" She salutes, placing her other hand on her hip.
"Or The Black Reaper!" Rosa exclaims, emulating Hilda's pose. "Le Faucheur Noir is a cooler way to say that, so keep that in mind!" She uses her phone to play an upbeat instrumental.
Rosa and Hilda whistle along, with Gengar, Serperior, and Starmie rushing to join them.
"Yeah yeah yeah, besties forever!" Rosa and Hilda jubilantly shout, sticking up the index and ring fingers on their left hand and right hand respectively. Starmie dances via spinning, Gengar raises his right fist, and Serperior simply closes her eyes and smiles.
"He's been such a goooooood friend!" Hilda jumps, clasping her hands over her left shoulder. "We've known him since we don't know when!"
Rosa's eyes sparkle, clasping her hands next to her right cheek. "We've got lot of friends who won't come and gooooooo!"
"Even though we've never said it, there's something that the three of us both knoooow!" Rosa and Hilda wink at Valen. "Together forever, no matter how loooong! From now until the end of timeeeee!" They cheer, the trio of Pokémon joining in. "We'll be together, and he can be sure that forever and a day is how long we'll stay!" They wink again. "Together and forever moreeee!" They high five each other, Gengar and Serperior attempting to emulate this with their right hand and tail respectively. Hilda and Rosa laugh as Starmie begins poking Serperior, which causes the serpentine to groan.
After Hilda uploads and posts the video, Rosa wraps her left arm around her neck. Then, she wraps her right arm around Valen's neck. "Walking down this endless highway! Nothing but my friends beside me!" She makes both of them twirl several times with her, giggling at their wide-eyed expressions.
She lets them go, turning her attention to Melanie and Jacques. "Your turn!" Rosa narrows her eyes at them. "Grrrr, you two will also feel Rosa's power!" She darts towards them.
"H-Hey!" Melanie's face reddens, stepping backwards as Rosa approaches. "D-Don't you dare try that with me!"
"Ciao, signorina Rosa!" Jacques backs up even further, his mouth gaping open. "I've got...I've got a thing to do!"
Rosa wraps her arms around Melanie and Jacques' necks. "We'll never give in, we'll never rest!" She makes them twirl with her several times. "Advanced Rosa's the cutest and best!" Once again, she giggles at the wide-eyed expressions.
While Rosa does her goofy thing, Hilda spots something under the sofa. It looks like some sort of paper, but why's it there? She bends to take a closer look, smirking at Valen's perplexed expression. She lets out a loud squeal upon seeing a glimpse of herself on the object. She nearly tumbles onto her back when Valen lets out one of the loudest yelps she's ever heard. It doesn't take long for her usual self to return, while Valen hides his face with a small blanket.
"Rosa, check it out!" Hilda's eyes gleam, yanking the object out from the under the sofa. "He bought our new calendar!" She clasps her hands over her right shoulder. "He supported us yet again!"
"Tee-hee, he's still our number one fanboy!" Rosa darts towards Hilda, kissing Valen's right cheek on the way.
Valen's jaw drops, as does the blanket. "This is madness!" his eyes widening immensely. "This is chaos!"
Rosa and Hilda flip through the calendar, admiring the various poses they did. They did different poses for each of the twelve months, and their Pokémon appears within the background of the date boxes themselves.
Gardevoir shrugs, sporting a smirk. She can't help it if these two are good at finding out what he's trying to hide. Now, let's see how her loveable trainer reacts to Rosa and Hilda peering at him from mere inches away, their hands clasped behind their backs and their faces looking flirtatious. Humans are really peculiar in their mating rituals, aren't they?
"It...um...it magically appeared within the house," Valen folds his arms, poking two fingers together. "Um...that means I got it for free." He turns away to hide his reddened face. "Yep, definitely got it for free...definitely not a big fan...nope." He's not cute, nobody better say that stupid false remark.
Yes, saved by the doorbell's ring! "Ah, they're here." He smiles, breathing a sigh of relief. "Silver, Rui, and Arthur."
"Yaaaay, more friends!" Rosa darts towards the door like a Scyther using Agility.
"You actually invited more people over?" Hilda asks, placing her right thumb and index finger on her chin.
"Yep." Valen leans back on the sofa, grabbing the two paperback books off the table on his right.
Melanie blinks, placing her hands on her hips. "Wait, you're going to be reading while-"
"I'm still listening." Valen smirks. "Earlier, I was reading in the living room while waiting for Silver, Jacques and Arthur." He notices everybody's either looking at him in confusion or like he forgot to clean his room. "Come on, it's Sir Herbert Redington's books on modern painting and modern sculpture." He flips to the page he left off in the latter bool. "That guy was a big name in art history circles."
"Ooooh, lemme read too!" Rosa darts towards Valen. "I know that name!" Silver, Rui, and Arthur follow her at their own pace.
"As a kid, adults said that I had a gift for art, design, and history. However, I struggled with fitting in," Valen admits. "I don't want anyone else to go through that." He looks at Melanie, then Rosa, then Hilda. "That's why I started to show platonic affection to these three. They were the first three deeper connections I made outside of family, so I began showing them platonic affection. I wanted to show much I appreciate them for letting me be Valen."
"There's a good reason why we think so highly of him," Hilda adds. "We began to do the same thing to show how much we appreciate him."
"You managed to put up with me, even before I tried opening up more." Silver closes his eyes, faintly smiling. "That helped."
"Now it's your turn, Rui," Valen states. "I know you wish Wes was still by your side, but you'll always have me, plus all of these people too."
"Thanks, Valen." Rui's eyes water up. "That means a lot to me."
Arthur decides to remain quiet, the others following his lead. He knows that it applies to him too, but he can tell Rui needs to hear this more than he does. He shall check out his surroundings, curious about these marvelous examples of antique furniture. He especially likes the rug placed in the middle between the sofas. The red and gold are a nice touch, as are the depictions of Dialga, Palkia, and Arceus. While he doesn't know paintings as well as Valen and Rosa, Arthur knows what artwork this is. Just about everybody knows at least the names of the Old Masters. This is Raphael's Space, Time, and Creation.
Rosa darts towards Arthur. "I love that the has a rug with a Raphael painting on it!" She cheers, doing a twirl. "I like how Dialga's blue sphere has a clock in the background! Palkia's pink sphere has the night sky, which is also cool! Arceus has the clock too, while the sky is half blue and half black!"
"We need to get a print of this too," Valen comments, patting Rosa's head.
"Yeeeeep!" Rosa happily closes her eyes. "By the way-" She turns her back towards Rui, showing her the Team Skull logo on her white Guzmani leather jacket. "you like this?"
"You look great in that!" Rui's eyes glitter. "And I noticed that you have a Serperior necklace!" That emerald's magnificent, just like the ruby and the sapphire.
Rui and Rosa fist bump, the former checking out the black walls afterwards. Her eyes fixate on the pearly white ornate patterns. Valen, Rosa, Hilda, they're all getting more and more interesting to Rui. But one pertinent questions rings throughout her mind.
If Valen saw the light, why can't Wes see it?
It's a sunny mid-morning, and Valen's taking another step towards his brighter future. He relaxes on his bed, having just got off the phone with Dimitri. It's overdue that he resigned from that job. Now he gets why Dimitri had him take an indefinite vacation—he knew that this would happen.
Valen puts his phone on top of the round walnut table. Then, he takes the package that's been resting on one of the round carved walnut table for the last thirty minutes. Next to it are two softcover books which he had been reading, so what was he supposed to do? Put the book down? He looks around, making sure the coast is clear. He rips opens the package, feeling smug that he's in the clear yet again. His prideful grin grows the longer he stares at this Rosa and Hilda calendar. The crazy wholesome minds better become borderline A-list celebrities here, because these sell out fast in Unova.
Suddenly, Rosa's giggling can be heard from down the hallway, causing Valen to slap his mouth before he can yelp. His face reddens, frantically looking for a spot to hide the calendar. He had to get this calendar! He wants and needs to support them, but he also has to reprise his role as their self-proclaimed number one fanboy! they're so pretty! They're so badass! Their personalities are magnifique!
Gardevoir suddenly appears, playfully laughing. Then, she gestures to hand the calendar to her. Valen hands the calendar to Gardevoir, who teleports away to hide it. He breaths a sigh of relief, Rosa darting into the room seconds later.
"Hug! Hug!" Rosa repeatedly bops Valen on both cheeks. "Grrrr, feel Rosa's power!" She wraps her arms around Valen's neck. "Roar, Wrap!"
Valen places his right hand on Rosa's back and his left hand on the back of her head. "Valen used...uh...whatever this is."
Valen and Rosa share a laugh, the former resting the right side of her face on Valen's chest. This is so relaxing that it can make her fall asleep, which would cause this dork to evolve into an Exploud.
Rosa spots twelve more paintings on the wall. "W-Woah, you added soooo many, including works by both Salvatore Rosa and Rosalina Bonheur!" Her eyes glitter. "Titian, Turner, Rembrandt, Monet, Giotto, Finnegan Remington, Koen Friedrich Schinkel, a second work by Caravaggio, a second work by Hokusai, and a third work by Jack Constable!"
"Good job," Valen pats Rosa's head. "We'll have to save the geeking out for another time," he says. "Aright?"
"We should fill this house with lots and lots of paintings!" she cheers. "Gotta catch em all, or least as many as possible!"
"That's an awesome idea!" He blurts out, his face reddening seconds later.
"Tee-hee, you're soooo cute!" Rosa bops Valen on his forehead.
"I'm not cute." Valen bops Rosa twice on her forehead. "You're cute."
Rosa and Valen fake fierce glares at each other. They chortle, an intense bopping battle breaking out between them Neither of their foreheads receive any mercy.
"Roar, Tackle attack!" Rosa gently pins Valen onto the bed. "Roar, Headbutt!"
"Valen used Counter!" He stops Rosa by wrapping his arms around her midsection.
"Roar, Double Kick!" Rosa bops Valen's lower legs with both of her feet. "Roar, Triple Kick!" She bops three times with both feet.
"Charm!" Valen winks, clicking a tooth.
"Oh nooooooo!" Rosa giggles. "Roar, a hundred Mega Kicks!" Rosa bops Valen's lower legs over and over again with her feet.
Valen and Rosa begin to wrestle, wrapping their legs together. Valen quickly flips Rosa face down on the bed. She reaches behind her to try and push her silly boy away, but Valen puts and end to it via pinning her hands behind her back.
Rosa turns her head to give Valen a coy smile. They lock their lips together like they both used Quick Attack, their bodies heating up inside. Rosa brings Valen down on the bed next to her, the intensity of the kissing increasing seconds later. They wrap their arms around each other, holding each other as snugly as possible.
Within her large office at the BW Agency's headquarters, Hilda's jumping up and down in joy. Yes, yes, yes yes!" She clasps her hands next to her right cheek. "That's the tenth client in a row that's made it into the pro circuit!" She takes a page out of Rosa's playbook and does a twirl. "And I got several Pokémon actors some super awesome roles."
She sits downs at her desk. She realizes that her Pokémon are all staring at her, five of them having mischievous grins on their faces. Her face reddens, yelping, "H-Hey, d-don't look at me like that!"
Several seconds later, she shares a laugh with her Pokémon. Then, she resumes starting her her next task. Hmmmm, what to do...what to do? How big of an event should this be? The budget's enough for what she's got in mind, but the size. The size's harder to figure out than Silver's ability to eat the world's spiciest dishes. She ponders over how many people should witness the awesomeness of her besties, plus her own awesomeness. A hundred? Three hundred? Five hundred? A thousand? Five thousand? Ten thousand? Okay, the last three might be too much.
She hears footsteps heading her away. Garchomp's checking up on her on behalf of the team. "Hehe, you're a sweet boy. "She smiles and pets Garchomp's head. "Please go and have fun with your family. I'll be fine, okay?" She kisses the top of Garchomp's head
Garchomp lets out a soft and tender roar, then walks back towards the rest of the team. A silly grin decorates his face, his Umbreon teammate's cheeks becoming rosy in response. Garchomp warns that she can't hide her crush on Valen's Luxray forever, not when it's just as obvious as Silver's crush on Kris. Yep, even they know what a clown Silver can be. Garchomp's ears pick up on a male employee knocking on Hilda's open door. His teammates and him watch Hilda greet this Johnny human, with Braviary joking that Umbreon would swoon if Luxray had that slicked back hair. Umbreon squeals in panic, hiding behind Emboar and Beartic.
It seems that their trainer's got a present, as evident by the small black box Johnny's placing on the desk. Garchomp huddles up with his teammates, concocting theories about what it is and who it's from. If a present appears out of nowhere and with no name, it's likely from him. Sure enough, they overhear that there's no name on the box, other than Sophia Gucci's personal signature. That's followed by Johnny saying that he's got a meeting with an aspiring sculptor.
Hearing the word sculptor prompts Umbreon to imagine a sculpture of Luxray and her sharing a kiss. Despite being an Umbreon, her face now resembles that of a Flareon. The team decide to let her indulge in her fantasies for now. The keywords are for now, those mischievous smiles are present for a reason. Except for Starmie, Starmie can't smirk so it'll just poke everything.
Hilda's team approach her, curious about what it's the box. Impatiently waiting to see what's inside the box, Starmie begins poking Hilda. When Garchomp tries to intervene, Starmie decides to poke him instead. Suddenly entire team's startled by a loud gasp from their trainer, who's got her right hand on her mouth.
Hilda knows this box—it's the exact same box that Rosa's Serperior necklace came in. Sophia Gucci, Elesa's younger sister and the famous jewelry designer who made limited production necklaces of the fully evolved Unovan starters. That name and this box combined can only mean one thing.
With her team of Pokémon watching, Hilda carefully opens the black box, noting that it looks exactly like the box that contained Rosa's necklace. Upon opening it, she gasps. No, there's no way. She places her right hand over her gaping mouth. She can't believe it—it's that diamond-laced Emboar necklace. She's wanted one of these for a while.
The diamonds are finished in gold, a red circle in the enter of each one. Within each circle lies a gold diamond. Hilda's eyes are fixated on the flexing Emboar that's engraved on both sides of the sparkling ruby attached to the bottom. It's as pretty as she remember it to be, maybe even more. This extreme tidal wave of happiness feels like it's going to leave her body. But who was it? Who remembered something this specific about her?
Suddenly, it hits her like a Quick Attack within her mind, her eyes widening immensely. There's only one person that she know who'd do this in such a manner, because he's done it many times before. She flashes back to her sixteenth birthday, which was the first instance. There were numerous presents, but there were two that she didn't know whom the giver was. At least, they didn't say who they were. Within the first one was what she wanted most: Unovan Noire, the video game that was sold out everywhere she checked. The other one contained a highly articulated action figure of Crobatman, complete with his signature shiny Crobat.
Nobody knew who gifted these to her, but they were all happy for her. She remembers that she drummed on Valen's head, which he laughed about. She asked him if he knew, and he said that he didn't know. She asked him if he overheard anything, his response being that he didn't know what she talking about. She was surprised that he didn't know, and he said that she'll figure it out eventually. When it hit her later that day, it moved her to tears. It hadn't even been two months since their first meeting.
She returns her focus to her newest gift, tears streaming down her cheeks. This sensation of her thumping heart and racing pulse, the euphoria that comes from being valued. He remembers even the smallest details about Rosa and her. She carefully places the necklace back into the box, slowly shutting it. She takes a deep breath, then she darts out of the chair and out of her office. A male employee with spiky black hair happens to be walking towards her.
"Kevin, I'm gonna go out, but I'll be back," Hilda rapidly speaks, slowing down upon seeing her employee's perplex expression. "Sorry...I just really need to see somebody."
"If you're referring to him, he's in the lobby with Silver, Arthur and Jacques." he states. "I can go get him them if you want."
"Please do."
Hilda walks back into her office, heading towards the desk. She eyes the magnificent necklace for a few seconds before taking it out of the box. She puts it on, then places her right hand over her heart. She's going to wear this necklace as much as Rosa wears her necklace, Hehe, the goofball wonders why she'sstill single. She's taken, but it's got a twist. For now, that is. She trusts him, he'll come around eventually.
Valen takes a sit in the one of the two armchairs in the middle. Hilda's team stand on the other side of the room, wanting to avoid interrupting Hilda and Valen. All six of them are feeling thankful and grateful over how kind Valen is towards their trainer.
As Hilda walks back to the desk, she bops Valen on the top of his head. Her eyes can't be taken off of him, her face wants to break out blushing. She doesn't even know why he's here, but she won't ask. Let him be mysterious if he wants to, it makes him more alluring. Without hesitation, Hilda jumps onto Valen. She wraps her arms around his neck, kissing him on the top right side of his head several times. A tingling feeling erupts within her when she feels his lips pressed against her forehead.
"You're an absolute jewel of a person," she whispers. "Hug me." She plops herself onto his lap, tittering at his faint yelp. She rests the left side of her face on Valen's upper chest. There's that tingling feeling again, this time on her back.
"We're inseparable, and don't you ever forget that." She strokes his upper back, moving her chin onto his shoulder. "This is so relaxing," she whispers, holding him tighter. "I never want to let go."
"One of my most precious memories is when you comforted me with a hug." Valen holds her tighter too. "After you learned about my struggle with fitting in."
"That broke my heart, so I had to do something," Hilda whispers, her voice akin to Rosa's soothing lullaby like tone. "You were always sweet to me...it was painful to hear that."
"I've never picked female friends over male friends, but maybe...maybe it's easier for me to befriend the former-"
"You don't need to explain it," Hilda interjects. "Just keep being you, because we love you for who you are."
Not even that rough reunion could keep them apart. He's glad that he got a second chance to make things right, because he still reciprocates those deeper feelings.
"By the way, Melanie's on board with my idea of an event at Barberini Stadium-"
"Pres, someone named Rui's here to see you," a female employee informs from outside the office. "The paintings you've ordered have arrived too."
"We'll talk later." Hilda lets go of Valen and vice versa.
"Hey, please bring one of your board or trivia games over to the house at some point," Valen requests. "It's been a while since I've gotten to engage with your hobbies."
"You'll have to give me more platonic affection when I beat you."
"You'll have to come and get it yourself." Valen earns himself a double bop to the forehead. He bops her back, only to get bopped three times in return.
As Valen walks towards the door, Hilda turns away. She blushes, poking two fingers together. He's too much sweetness in one basket! Why did Rosa have to leave her alone with that sweetheart?! She know how it's hard to let go when he's hugging or cuddling them! She looks at her new necklace, clenching her teeth. He's Lillipup level of cute, he's a handsome charmer who wooed her with Kalosian, plus that smile. That precious smile!
"Come on, Slakoth."
Hilda takes a deep breath. She spins around to face her crush. She sports a tight-lipped smile, words deciding to stay in her mouth. She scratches the back of her head with her right hand, looking shy as she bends her head.
Valen deviously smirks. "Talk to Rosa." He walks out of the office. "She's willing to allow a vee."
Hilda's face reddens, waving her palms in front of her chin. "H-Hey, w-ha-what's the big id-idea?!" She shouts, shutting her eyes. "Y-o-ou've got it all w-wo-wrong!"
Valen closes his eyes, his smirk evolving into a proud smile. He's still got the magic touch of trolling.
A silly ear-to-ear grin materializes on her face. Screw it, fangirl Hilda is forcing her way out. "I love how cool you are!" She clasps her hands in front of her right shoulder, her cheeks vibrantly rosy. "There's a reason why I also became your Unovan fan club's president!" She sways from side to side, moving her fists in and out. "You're a mysterious alluring bad boy and the most charming gentlemen I've ever seen!" Her squealing drowns out her team's laughter. "Go, go, go Val-Val! It's your birthday!"
Upon realizing that her team saw the whole thing, she nervously laughs. All six of her Pokémon surround her, causing her to hide her face with her palms. Starmie pokes her, while the others are howling with hysterical laughter. Hilda's Garchomp roars that his Umbreon teammate needs to try asking Valen's Luxray out on a date again. Umbreon blushes, dashing behind her trainer's desk. Beartic snickers that some things really don't change.
Valen's the first to greet Rui, who's standing outside of the building instead of sitting in the lobby. Probably because a Suicune chilling in a lobby would cause more of those unnecessary reactions.
"Wazzup, Team Skull's Valen!" Rui exchanges a handshake and a high five with Valen.
"I'm still the big bad trainer who beats you down and beats you down without ever letting up!" Valen boasts, pointing to himself.
"If they battle you or me, us winning is how it supposed to be!" Rui moves her neck from right to left. "That's how it's supposed to be!" Her boisterous laugh fills the air around her. "We're kicking asses like we're supposed to be!" She sticks out her index and ring fingers. "Rui's getting money like she's supposed to be, ooooooh!"
They're both way too excited to be able to hang out with a fellow Team Skull member who isn't a professional brooder. Speaking of which, Silver's the furthest back among the approaching group.
"Pssssst, why do Guzma, Gladion, and Plumeria call Silver 'The Uniform Ripper?'" Rui whispers, her grin growing wider. "And what's the full story behind Kris and him?"
"You'll learn that in due time," he whispers back. "By the way, I need a trolling buddy to substitute for Rosa."
"Say no more." Rui winks, running towards Hilda and the others.
As everybody else chats, Valen decides to greet Rui's Suicune. He approaches Suicune, patting it on the head. Suicune closes his eyes and smiles, faintly howling to greet this human. He better remember that this Suicune's way too majestic and fabulous.
"Nice to meet you, Suicune." Valen takes out a ball from inside his black leather jacket. "Here, say hi to one of my Pokémon." He'd send out the whole team, but that might be a bit much within this space. The others probably agree with him.
Valen presses the button on the ball to let out his Gardevoir, who emerges with her arms forded. Suicune smiles at Gardevoir, who nods with a smile.
Hilda takes out a ball from her bag, pressing the bottom to let out her Starmie. The purple Water and Psychic-type approaches Suicune, the two greeting each other via soft cries. Much to everyone's amusement and Hilda's dismay, Starmie begins poking Suicune's right side. Suicune gives Starmie a flat-eyed expression. Why is this Starmie poking a majestic creature like him?
"I didn't mean poke Suicune!" Hilda's face reddens, realizing that she forgot how Starmie tends to greet.
Starmie turns to face Hilda. It approaches its trainer, and it begins to poke her right arm. Hilda rolls her eyes, folding her arms. Misty was right when she allowed Hilda to raise a certain Staryu—this one's a pain in the butt. Ah well, at least it's her pain in the butt. She rubs the top points of Starmie's body, who lets out an affectionate cry.
Silver, Arthur, and Jacques look at each other and nod. Silver sends out his Feraligatr, Arthur sends out his Raichu, and Jacques sends out his Metagross. The trio walk towards Suicune, Gardevoir, and Starmie. All of them began to chat, while their trainers chat with each other.
Rui bobs her head up and down, her eyes scanning the white building. It's so symmetrical and old school looking, that's really cool! There's even an equal amount of cylinders on the front of both floors!
"Heeey Rui, you wanna be a part of the event I'm planning?" Hilda clasps her hands over her right shoulder.
"Sure, Hilda!" Rui spots Hilda's sparkling necklace. "Woah, that's so nice!" Her eyes sparkle like the necklace's ruby with the flexing Emboar engraving.
Hilda wraps her left arm around Valen's neck, pulling him down with her. "That's what happens when you have a total sweetheart like this goofball around." A lightbulb flickers on in her mind. "Val-Val, I assume that the Samurott-"
"Yep." Valen sports a lopsided smirk. "I had to order that one from a shop in Aspertia City, but it'll be delivered to her address."
"Alright, now it's time for the paintings!" Hilda nudges Valens with her right elbow. "I love showing people how I spruce things up!"
As Valen and Hilda walk towards the cart that the paintings have been placed on, they notice that fans have nearly surrounded Jacques. Neither him nor his Metagross seem to mind.
Suicune follows Valen and Hilda, determined to figure out everything he can about the humans that he can. Suicune's seen colorful shapes like this before, but the people and Pokémon never respond to his howls. Maybe these people and Pokémon will respond.
Valen eyes the prints at the top of each of the three piles: The Raging Sea, The Rumbling Land, and The Roaring Sky. Painted by Marcantonio Matteo da Caravaggio in 1600, these are among the most famous of his works. Valen has seen these plenty of times, but he loves to study his favorite Baroque paintings over and over again. As he expects with Caravaggio's work, the bulk of the light used is centered around the three Pokémon, each giving off its own dramatic effect. The verisimilitude of Caravaggio's work is why he's considered to be an epoch within painting's history.
Kyogre's depiction uses the least amount of light, the aquatic behemoth appearing slightly cloaked by the ominous darkness of the deep ocean. The raging currents makes the ocean feel alive with chaotic nature. Kyogre's bearing its teeth while glaring, like it's about to attack. Its shadow protrudes into the murky depths that surrounds it, appearing on several of the bubbles.
Groudon's depiction uses the most light. The oozing lava illuminates the towering giant, its shadow appearing on the rocky floor and walls of the volcanic cavern. Groudon's intimidating glare is slightly angled downwards, its clenched teeth giving off a sensation of increasing anger. The giant's arms are extended left and right, its palms fully facing the viewer.
The use of light in Rayquaza's depiction lies in the middle. The scene's daytime, but the traffic jam of clouds obscure most of the sunlight from illuminating the sky. Rayquaza's lengthy body is stretched out, its shadow appears on several clouds that surround it. The dragon's menacing combination of narrowed eyes and gaping mouth can meet any grown adult's gaze head on.
While Valen continues to study these works, Rui's Suicune howls at Groudon, then Kyogre, then Rayquaza. Oh joy, these three are also rude to majestic and fabulous Pokemon He howls towards all three at once, but they still won't respond. He howls louder, but that won't work either. What's going on?
Valen carefully moves the Caravaggio paintings, realizing that he'd be standing here for at least one hour if he analyzed all of these. Not that he'd mind, but he can do that some other time. Underneath the Kyogre painting is Plowing in Aspertia Village. What's always impressed him was how realistic this painting is, but it's called the Realism movement for a reason. As they work towards a great harvest, the Tauros, the Bouffalant, and the farmers look like they're getting fatigued. The feet of the Pokemon sink into the ground, while several Braviary soar high in the clear sky.
Valen turns to eye another work, noting that the sky's finished in white instead of blue in this one. "I'm not surprised that you wanted a print of this," Valen tells Hilda. "Over Nimbasa On a Salamence by Marcus Chagall, 1918."
He recalls that Rosa wanted to paint her own version using Valen, his Salamence, and herself. The man and the woman embrace, while the Salamence sports a placid smile. Below them is Nimbasa City, which was more of a mid-sized city over a hundred ago. Valen instantly recognizes the old Nimbasa Theatre, which is now used for Hilda's brainchild. The Lemon Yellow dome-like stadium's the largest structure in the painting, and if one looks very closely to its northeast, they can see a battle between a male trainer's Scizor and a female trainer's Sneasel.
Suicune blinks several times. Why're these humans are flying over their habitat on a Salamence? Why don't all humans fly on a Salamence instead of entering these weird things called aircraft? What are aircraft? Are they Pokémon? And nope, not a single humans and Pokémon have responded to Suicune's howling. Suicune's never seen such rudeness before. Such insolence, such audacity. He learned these words from the glowing box, and they sound fabulous.
As Valen eyes more paintings, Suicune asks Valen's Gardevoir why these Pokémon are ignoring him. Gardevoir laughs that paintings are depictions by humans, not real life living beings that'll answer your howls. Suicune inches closer, asking Gardevoir to teach him about this painting she speaks of. He wants to know how the humans can create such a thing.
Suicune decides not to ask Gardevoir if mayonnaise is an instrument, remembering how his own teammates did this activity called roasting after he asked them.
Hilda's brought everyone to the BW Agency HQ's right side, which contains an outdoor lounge area. This way, the Pokémon can hang out too. While they could just recall the Pokémon, enter the building, then call the Pokémon out again, Hilda felt like having it this way. She's the boss, so what she says goes. Besides, the Pokémon are having a great time chatting amongst themselves.
As Hilda prepares the plans, Valen looks around at the furniture she's placed here. The Kalosian armchairs here are plush, just like the one inside. Instead of black, the upholstery of each is finished in light gray. The mahogany table everyone's sitting at, plus the other seven tables, have the same design. Each one has an extended oval surface with a support beam in the center underneath. Six legs provide additional support, all connected through the central support beam by smaller beams.
"Sooooo, here's the basic outline of the plan." Hilda unrolls a large map of Barberini Stadium's interior. She places various pieces from board and tabletop games, such as a pizza chef, a miniature Steelix, a miniature carnival game, and a miniature painting, in various areas of the map. "In addition to battles and people meeting my awesome besties, we're gonna have food, games, art, and more!"
"Sounds good to me, manager." Valen smirks. "Wait, how will they see all that hard work if they can't take their eyes off of the masterpiece that's Hilda White?" He earns himself five bops to the top of the head.
"Rosa and Melanie will come over tomorrow to discuss further," Hilda informs.
"Rosa can teach how to paint," Valen suggests. "Melanie can show creative writing."
"Good ideas, Val-Val!" Hilda cheers. "You can explain art!"
"We'll see, but that sounds awesome."
Hilda's mouth falls open, remembering something she wanted to show Valen. "Since you've got the most insider knowledge of the pro circuit here, can you check out the draft of the invite list?" She scratches the back of her head. "I...uh...I forgot to tell you...heh heh."
"Lemme see."
"Thanks, Val-Val!" She opens a note app on her phone. "I have it written down , but I also use this note app for a quick reference!"
Valen leans closer to take a peek, Hilda bopping him on the forehead for good measure. His eyes move up and down as he studies the list. Among the trainers listed is Ragnar Phoenix—he took third place this year and second place last year.
He pats Hilda's back several times. "Good start."
"I've still got it!" Hilda clasps her hands in front of her right shoulder. She inches closer to his left ear. "You remember Ragnar, don't you?"
"Yeah, he's still one of your clients." Valen's rewarded with a random forehead bop. "And my old friendly rival."
Rui's curious about their history with Ragnar, having heard his name. They're being awfully mysterious with their murmuring, but oh well. Wait, curious! She's been curious about Silver's relation with this Kris girl! A lightbulb flickers on within her head. She exchanges a devious grin with Valen and Hilda.
"Kris told me that Silver once dressed up as a shogun for a kabuki play!" she laughs. "Let's have him do that!"
"Rui, I'm not going to dress up like a shogun." Silver groans, smacking his face with his right palm.
"Rui, I'm not going to dress up like a shogun," Rui mimics in a deep gruff voice. She throws her hands up, faking a scowl. "Oh nooooo, I'm big baaaaad Silver and I'm too edgy to have fuuuuun and admit that I find Kris cute." Her grin widens upon hearing everybody but Silver himself burst out laughing, the Pokémon included.
"How many times do I have to tell you that we're just friends?" Silver retorts under his breath, his teeth clenched.
"Don't worry, Rui." Hilda smirks. "Rosa can just paint it." She glances northeast towards Valen, her smirk evolving into a grin. "Which painter's style do you think would best suit shogun Silver?"
Valen closes his eyes, folding his arms. "Arnold Van Dyck's a good choice ou can have Rosa paint Silver on his Arcanine, trying to get away from his destiny of being Kris' boyfriend."
"HEY!" Silver screams, rocketing out of his chair. "We're just friends!"
"That's what they all say!" Valen and Rui howl, exchanging a fist bump.
"I'll let her know that if I remember to!" Hilda cheers, clasping her hands in front of her left shoulder.
"Agh, no!" Silver blurts out. "Don't make me relieve the bet that I lost!" His jaw drops when he realizes that he just opened the door for extra roasting and trolling.
"Hahahahahaha, look at this big tough guy now!" Hilda places her hands over her ribs. "That's what you get for the Team Skull uniform incident!"
"How was I supposed to know that you were going to do that?!" Silver screams, his face becoming red.
"Hehe, you face was just as red as it is now." Hilda titters, closing her eyes.
"Guzma had just opened his Castelia City nightclub!" Silver's eyes bulge out, clenching his fists. "I didn't know it was you in disguise, you dolt! I was just doing my job as the bouncer!"
"I didn't realize you were that into me, but you could've bought me dinner first." Hilda playfully winks, inching closer to Silver. "I suppose that-" Her tone becomes more melodious and she wags her right index finger. "you want it thaaaat waaaaay."
"H-Hey, cut it out!" Silver hides his face with his hands, his palms facing towards him. "Don't look at me like that!"
"I get it now!" Rui tears up with laughter, nearly falling off of her chair. "His lack of common sense is so bad that's it's great!" She howls, clutching her ribs. "This is amazing!"
Silver looks towards the Pokémon, realizing that they're all looking at him with mischievous smiles, smirks, and grins. Except for Starmie, of course.
Valen's Gardevoir cackles that Silver can put on a good show without trying, while Jacques' Metagross adds that it rates Silver's performance a seven point eight out of ten due to too much brooding.
Arthur's Raichu tears up, laughing that someone's ignited a spark, while Hilda's Starmie begins poking Silver's right arm, causing him to groan while hiding his face with his hands.
Silver's Feraligatr softly roars into his trainer's right ear, giving him a teasing grin. Meanwhile, Rui's Suicune looks at everyone, wondering what the heck's going on this time. Why can't he ever figure anything out, yet they seem to be experts when it comes the humans? Tell him already. He's majestic, fool.
It's a girl readers' day out for Rosa and Melanie, the latter jumping up and down outside of a bookstore in another Gothic Revival neighborhood. Melanie clasps her hands behind her back, allowing Rosa to study the intricate details of the building.
Rosa's mouth falls open and she positions her right hand sideways. Stone bricks were used in its construction, as is the case with the rest of the neighborhood. Those coupled windows with the curved arch at the top are exactly like the one in the house she lives in. Her eyes go up like an elevator as her attention's drawn to the steep pyramidal spires on both ends of the roof. Actually, all four corners have spires.
Melanie snaps her fingers, tilting her head towards the front entrance. Rosa and her share a laugh, both striding into the bookstore. Melanie chuckles as Rosa twirls to look at the packed shelves and racks that surround her. She glances around herself, memories of her browsing the store over the years replaying like a film reel. Oak's Books, Games, and Collectibles is still the bookstore she visits the most.
Rosa's eyes are immediately drawn to a shelf within the nonfiction book section, noticing a book that Valen's got the first version of. She inches closer to eye the book, noting its thick spine. "The Art and Architecture of Taizhou," she reads off. "Valen doesn't have this updated version, and I want to gift it to him as a token of my appreciation." She spots another book that he'd like. "I want to get this historical city map book for him too." She can never repay him enough for everything he's done for her, but she knows how to make him happy.
Melanie walks up next to Rosa. "Good idea, I'll help too." She glances behind her, eyeing the books on that shelf. "He'd like this book on the ghost towns of Route 66, plus this one on race car driver Renard Dreyfus.
Then, Rosa spots the largest book present. "Ooooh, they've got the one thousand page Unovan history book!" Rosa's eyes glitter. "I need to get that!"
"I should get that book about plot and structure," Melanie comments, eyeing another section that's close by. "I keep forgetting to get it." Then, she eyes the games section, chuckling, "Hilda literally has every game sitting on those shelves."
"She pre-orders everything months in advance when possible." Rosa giggles. "Oh, she doesn't have that deluxe action figure of Captain Braviary!" she twirls. "Tee-hee, let's see if they have it!"
"Her drive's something." Melanie chuckles.
"Even when she gets tired, she reverts back the next day," Rosa remarks.
"That's why we love her," Melanie responds. "She's a big inspiration for girls and women everywhere, myself included." Guys love them too, and among the biggest male fans of Rosa and Hilda is her adorable doofus friend of seventeen years.
"Say, any luck with self-publishing?" Rosa asks, eyeing the historical fiction shelves.
Melanie sighs, placing her hands on her hips. "Not yet," she admits. "It's not easy."
"If it helps, I haven't painted in a little bit," Rosa responds. "We'll both get there."
Melanie smiles. "Yeah, we will." She rubs Rosa's left shoulder, briefly wrapping her right arm around Rosa's upper back. "Thanks, bestie."
"Anytime, bestie!"
As they browse the shelves and racks, Melanie's mother and father come to Rosa's mind. Arvid Olsen, a renowned novelist and nonfiction writer. Viveca Olsen, a book conservator and archivist. Of course, she's met them several times. That's how the squad rolls.
It's now late afternoon, and Melanie and Rosa are strolling down the concrete sidewalk towards the former's house. Both hold bags of items that they purchased at the bookstore.
"Four books for each of us three, plus the figure for Hilda." Melanie comments. "Great little haul."
"We share books too, silly!" Rosa giggles.
As they approach her bungalow , Melanie notices that somebody's left a parcel for her. She opens it, only to find a familiar black box waiting for her.
"Huh, what's this?" Melanie blinks. "It looks like the box that your Serperior necklace came in."
"It is the same box," Rosa says. "He gifted the Emboar one to Hilda."
Melanie carefully opens the box. Sure enough, it's the third necklace. A Samurott kneeling in an attack stance in engraved on both sides of the sapphire. The diamonds are finished in crystal, a blue triangle in the enter of each one. A crystal diamond lies within each triangle.
Melanie's mouth hangs open, the necklace gleaming like a starry night sky. "No way...he didn't...he got me the Samurott necklace…just like that?" She cracks a smile. "Ha, I should've expected this." she chuckles. "Repaying him for his kindness is difficult." He never wants anything in return, but she and the others still try.
"Lovable idiot didn't even tell me." Rosa smiles, glancing down at her own diamond-lace necklace. "But I love how he works in mysterious ways."
Melanie's got something else, the flatter packaging's a clear sign of what these are. She's used to posters coming in protective cases, but feeling around the package indicates that these needed several thicker cases.
"You want to come with me?" Rosa asks, placing her hand on Melanie's left shoulder. "I'm going back home."
"Of course," Melanie responds, turning to face the street. "I have to thank him, plus I want to gift what we got those two alongside you." She slowly walks to the sidewalk.
Rosa nods. untying her hair. "Let's go." She flips her long hair back, remarking, "I need to rock this look more, but I kept forgetting."
Melanie stops, looking behind her while grinning. "You look really good in that Guzmani jacket, and now this?" She places her hands on her hips, her gaze fixated on Rosa's very long hair. "We're all super-effective."
Rosa runs towards Melanie, eyeing her trademark Valerie Versace jean jacket. "Tee-hee, yeeeep!" She exchanges a high five with Melanie, the two of them striding down the sidewalk. "You still look great in blue!"
"Of course I do." Melanie runs her right hand through her elbow length black hair. "I'm the warrioress."
Valen, Hilda, and Jacques walk up the front steps, the orange glow of the setting sun illuminating the sky. Valen unlocks the door, opening it and stepping aside. Jacques and Hilda enter, the former immediately spotting Melanie and Rosa sitting in the living room.
"Bonjour, signorinas." Jacques waves, slightly bowing.
Hilda darts towards Jacques' left, waving at Rosa and Melanie. "Heeeeey!"
"Hiiii, we've got gifts for you!" Rosa twirls. "We would've gotten-"
"It's fine, signorina Rosa."
"Gifts, huh?" Valen cocks a brow, closing the front door behind him.
Rosa rapidly nods her head, then looks at her fellow Unovan. "Hilda-"
"I forgot to update my want list." Hilda scratches the back of the head. "I'm really forgetful at times."
"You don't say?" Valen ears himself a bop to the top of his head. Then, he feels Melanie wrapping her arms around his neck, her lips pressed against the back of his head.
"Thank you," Melanie whispers. "You didn't need to gift me the third necklace, but you did so anyway."
"It's the least I can do." Valen places his left hand on Melanie's back, running his right hand through her elbow length black hair. "Those posters are original Art Nouveau posters."
"That's awesome!" Melanie holds Valen even tighter, causing his eyes to bulge out. "Thank you so much!" She lets go, chuckling at his fake pouty face.
"By the way, you're the real doofus," Valen teases Hilda, earning himself another bop. "Look at what Rosa's holding."
Rosa takes out Hilda's gift from the back. Hilda's eyes light up at the masked superhero and Braviary figure.
"Heeeey, it's the new Captain Braviary action figureeee!" Hilda jumps, clasping her hands over her right shoulder. "Thanks!" She darts towards them, wrapping her arms around their embrace. "Thanks for thinking of me ," she whispers. "I want everyone to be happy."
Rosa and Melanie wrap their arms around Hilda's neck and upper back respectively. "We do too."
As the trio let go of each other, Rosa gives Hilda the boxed figure, then she darts towards Valen. She hands him the entity bag. "Valeeeey, check out your gifts too!" she twirls. "Tee-hee, we know you two soooo well!"
Valen peeks into the bag, his eyes lighting up when he sees the four books. "Now this is an awesome surprise!" He exclaims. "Thanks, Rosa." He kisses Rosa on the lips. He approaches Melanie, and kisses her on the forehead. "You too, Melanie."
"It's the least we could do for you, sweetie." Rosa caresses his right cheek.
"We want you to be happy." Melanie playfully flicks Valen on the forehead.
Hilda folds her arms, proudly smiling. "Let me guess—I have everything else that was available." Nods confirm the obvious for her. "I'm just that awesome." She runs her right hand through her dark brown hair. "With that said, the thought matters more than the quantity." She glances down at her necklace. "Besides, this couldn't have been cheap." She guesses that Valen's still got a bunch of that business deal money. The fact that he bought all three means that Valen had to have spent a combined total of at least three thousand dollars.
"I guess I'm too easygoing." Valen places the bags onto one of the walnut tables in the living room, next to the two books he was reading earlier today.
As their trainer checks out the four books Rosa and Melanie got him, Gardevoir, Gengar, and Luxray look on with placid smiles. Joining them is Rosa's Serperior, Hilda's Starmie, Melanie's Alakazam, and Jacques' Sylveon, their trainers having called them out without Valen and the trio realizing it.
Sylveon lets out a delighted cry when she spots Valen, and she dashes towards him. Valen bends to pet Sylveon's back, causing her to let out another delighted cry.
"Good girl," he whispers as Sylveon licks his hand. "Long time no see."
Sylveon looks directly at Valen, giving him a heart melting grin. She receives more pets, so Valen receives more licks.
At the same time, Hilda whips out her cell phone, causing Rosa to dash towards her. Hilda presses her back against Rosa's back.
Hilda presses play, announcing, "Today's motivational message is dedicated to Valen the Reaper!" She salutes, placing her other hand on her hip.
"Or The Black Reaper!" Rosa exclaims, emulating Hilda's pose. "Le Faucheur Noir is a cooler way to say that, so keep that in mind!" She uses her phone to play an upbeat instrumental.
Rosa and Hilda whistle along, with Gengar, Serperior, and Starmie rushing to join them.
"Yeah yeah yeah, besties forever!" Rosa and Hilda jubilantly shout, sticking up the index and ring fingers on their left hand and right hand respectively. Starmie dances via spinning, Gengar raises his right fist, and Serperior simply closes her eyes and smiles.
"He's been such a goooooood friend!" Hilda jumps, clasping her hands over her left shoulder. "We've known him since we don't know when!"
Rosa's eyes sparkle, clasping her hands next to her right cheek. "We've got lot of friends who won't come and gooooooo!"
"Even though we've never said it, there's something that the three of us both knoooow!" Rosa and Hilda wink at Valen. "Together forever, no matter how loooong! From now until the end of timeeeee!" They cheer, the trio of Pokémon joining in. "We'll be together, and he can be sure that forever and a day is how long we'll stay!" They wink again. "Together and forever moreeee!" They high five each other, Gengar and Serperior attempting to emulate this with their right hand and tail respectively. Hilda and Rosa laugh as Starmie begins poking Serperior, which causes the serpentine to groan.
After Hilda uploads and posts the video, Rosa wraps her left arm around her neck. Then, she wraps her right arm around Valen's neck. "Walking down this endless highway! Nothing but my friends beside me!" She makes both of them twirl several times with her, giggling at their wide-eyed expressions.
She lets them go, turning her attention to Melanie and Jacques. "Your turn!" Rosa narrows her eyes at them. "Grrrr, you two will also feel Rosa's power!" She darts towards them.
"H-Hey!" Melanie's face reddens, stepping backwards as Rosa approaches. "D-Don't you dare try that with me!"
"Ciao, signorina Rosa!" Jacques backs up even further, his mouth gaping open. "I've got...I've got a thing to do!"
Rosa wraps her arms around Melanie and Jacques' necks. "We'll never give in, we'll never rest!" She makes them twirl with her several times. "Advanced Rosa's the cutest and best!" Once again, she giggles at the wide-eyed expressions.
While Rosa does her goofy thing, Hilda spots something under the sofa. It looks like some sort of paper, but why's it there? She bends to take a closer look, smirking at Valen's perplexed expression. She lets out a loud squeal upon seeing a glimpse of herself on the object. She nearly tumbles onto her back when Valen lets out one of the loudest yelps she's ever heard. It doesn't take long for her usual self to return, while Valen hides his face with a small blanket.
"Rosa, check it out!" Hilda's eyes gleam, yanking the object out from the under the sofa. "He bought our new calendar!" She clasps her hands over her right shoulder. "He supported us yet again!"
"Tee-hee, he's still our number one fanboy!" Rosa darts towards Hilda, kissing Valen's right cheek on the way.
Valen's jaw drops, as does the blanket. "This is madness!" his eyes widening immensely. "This is chaos!"
Rosa and Hilda flip through the calendar, admiring the various poses they did. They did different poses for each of the twelve months, and their Pokémon appears within the background of the date boxes themselves.
Gardevoir shrugs, sporting a smirk. She can't help it if these two are good at finding out what he's trying to hide. Now, let's see how her loveable trainer reacts to Rosa and Hilda peering at him from mere inches away, their hands clasped behind their backs and their faces looking flirtatious. Humans are really peculiar in their mating rituals, aren't they?
"It...um...it magically appeared within the house," Valen folds his arms, poking two fingers together. "Um...that means I got it for free." He turns away to hide his reddened face. "Yep, definitely got it for free...definitely not a big fan...nope." He's not cute, nobody better say that stupid false remark.
Yes, saved by the doorbell's ring! "Ah, they're here." He smiles, breathing a sigh of relief. "Silver, Rui, and Arthur."
"Yaaaay, more friends!" Rosa darts towards the door like a Scyther using Agility.
"You actually invited more people over?" Hilda asks, placing her right thumb and index finger on her chin.
"Yep." Valen leans back on the sofa, grabbing the two paperback books off the table on his right.
Melanie blinks, placing her hands on her hips. "Wait, you're going to be reading while-"
"I'm still listening." Valen smirks. "Earlier, I was reading in the living room while waiting for Silver, Jacques and Arthur." He notices everybody's either looking at him in confusion or like he forgot to clean his room. "Come on, it's Sir Herbert Redington's books on modern painting and modern sculpture." He flips to the page he left off in the latter bool. "That guy was a big name in art history circles."
"Ooooh, lemme read too!" Rosa darts towards Valen. "I know that name!" Silver, Rui, and Arthur follow her at their own pace.
"As a kid, adults said that I had a gift for art, design, and history. However, I struggled with fitting in," Valen admits. "I don't want anyone else to go through that." He looks at Melanie, then Rosa, then Hilda. "That's why I started to show platonic affection to these three. They were the first three deeper connections I made outside of family, so I began showing them platonic affection. I wanted to show much I appreciate them for letting me be Valen."
"There's a good reason why we think so highly of him," Hilda adds. "We began to do the same thing to show how much we appreciate him."
"You managed to put up with me, even before I tried opening up more." Silver closes his eyes, faintly smiling. "That helped."
"Now it's your turn, Rui," Valen states. "I know you wish Wes was still by your side, but you'll always have me, plus all of these people too."
"Thanks, Valen." Rui's eyes water up. "That means a lot to me."
Arthur decides to remain quiet, the others following his lead. He knows that it applies to him too, but he can tell Rui needs to hear this more than he does. He shall check out his surroundings, curious about these marvelous examples of antique furniture. He especially likes the rug placed in the middle between the sofas. The red and gold are a nice touch, as are the depictions of Dialga, Palkia, and Arceus. While he doesn't know paintings as well as Valen and Rosa, Arthur knows what artwork this is. Just about everybody knows at least the names of the Old Masters. This is Raphael's Space, Time, and Creation.
Rosa darts towards Arthur. "I love that the has a rug with a Raphael painting on it!" She cheers, doing a twirl. "I like how Dialga's blue sphere has a clock in the background! Palkia's pink sphere has the night sky, which is also cool! Arceus has the clock too, while the sky is half blue and half black!"
"We need to get a print of this too," Valen comments, patting Rosa's head.
"Yeeeeep!" Rosa happily closes her eyes. "By the way-" She turns her back towards Rui, showing her the Team Skull logo on her white Guzmani leather jacket. "you like this?"
"You look great in that!" Rui's eyes glitter. "And I noticed that you have a Serperior necklace!" That emerald's magnificent, just like the ruby and the sapphire.
Rui and Rosa fist bump, the former checking out the black walls afterwards. Her eyes fixate on the pearly white ornate patterns. Valen, Rosa, Hilda, they're all getting more and more interesting to Rui. But one pertinent questions rings throughout her mind.
If Valen saw the light, why can't Wes see it?
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BossCar
Pokémon Trainer
- Pronouns
- He/His
Chapter 33: We're All Winners
Arthur, Hilda, and Rosa are in the BW Agency's lounge area, sitting in four Kalosian armchairs that encircle one of the large tables. All of the chairs present are finished in black leather upholstery, while each table is finished in dense black ebony wood.
Hilda gaze ping-pongs across the room, smiling over the fact that several other sets of chairs and tables are occupied by her staff and the agency's clients. She could look around a hundred times and she still wouldn't get tired of the chorus of chatting and laughing. She's wanted to move to Angel City for years, and it's been a boon for them after she officially opened this new main headquarters. She's got friends by her side. Even the one who seemingly got away is now back in her life. What more could she ask for?
She overhears Rosa and Arthur engaging in a conversation. She takes one last look around, then signals that a wild Hilda appeared by tapping Rosa's right shoulder.
"Oh?" Arthur leans forward. "May I learn more about it?"
"Tee-hee, of course you can!" Rosa cheers, winsomely grinning. "It's a 1/4th scale replica of Salamence Atop A Rock by Valen's favorite sculptor, Gianluigi Bernini!"
"Marvelous, the bloke has proper taste." Arthur smiles. "Bernini was the Michelangelo of his day."
"By the way, Gloria's very happy that the reaper's coming back!" Hilda clasps her hands above her right shoulder.
Arthur's mouth falls open upon hearing the name Gloria. "You two know her?" He cocks a brow. "Gloria?"
"Hilda and I know her," Rosa answers, noting that Arthur seems a little disheartened. Did they do something wrong?
Hilda folds her arms, asking, "Are you friends with her, Arthur?"
"It's complicated." Arthur sighs, his arms dangling on his sides. "I secretly felt that it was not a wise idea to hang around an individual whom the GCA were looking into."
"GCA?" Hilda looks up, cocking a brow. "Why would the Galarian Crime Agency-" Her mouth falls open. "Chairman Rose." she scowls. "it's because of that bastard Rose."
"That's why it doesn't surprise me," she says. "Champion Leon stood up for her, which was a noble thing to do."
Should Hilda talk to Gloria about this? She wants to help, and she senses that Rosa does too. However, it may not be a good idea to butt in like that.
"Arthur, are you worried that she won't forgive you?"
Valen leans back against the jet black wall in the hallway. Rosa, Hilda, and Arthur glance towards him, just as Silver appears within their line of sight.
"...To an extent," Arthur replies, his eyebrows drooping. "I should have thought about my decision more thoroughly."
"I thought the same thing years ago, because I was easily the worst of the worst." Silver faintly smiles. "But they forgave me."
Valen's hands rest in the pockets of his black Guzmani pants. "I screwed up on the day I reunited with Hilda, but she forgave me on the same day," he adds. "If we can be forgiven, so can you."
Arthur's smile lights up his face. "Much appreciated." He wonders if Gloria's since come to understand where he was coming from.
Suddenly, Melanie wraps her arms around Valen's neck. "Good thing I went looking for you, right?"
Valen pulls Melanie in for an embrace. "Thank you for giving me a glimmer of light." He places his right hand on her back, running his left hand through her elbow length black hair. "Even if I struggled to see it."
Melanie glances down at her diamond-lace sapphire necklace. "You can bet I'm wearing this everywhere," she remarks. "We're inseparable besties."
Rui appears next to Valen, Melanie, and Silver. "The pain from Wes and I splitting may never go away, but I've got to live life," Rui states. "We've all got to live life."
"Let's go do that right now!" Hilda announces, pointing to her northwest. "To the lounge!"
Hilda's brought everyone to the outside lounge area, with all of them sitting around one of the mahogany tables with an extended oval surface. Rosa gives herself a tour right, starting with the medium height rectangular walls. To her lies the gate to the battlefields, while the left is where they entrance to this outdoor lounge and plaza combination is. This means anyone who comes through here would see a cool fresco mural on the wall. This could be her big break in Calvana, but she's not in a big rush. Time for Rosa to see what the Pokémon are up to! Ooooh, Valen's Salamence, Rosa's Milotic, Hilda's Emboar, Melanie's Alakazam, Rui's Suicune, Silver's Feraligatr, and Arthur's Duraludon engaging in their own little cha! Yay for Pokémon being besties and having fun! Tee-hee, Salamence's looking at his trainer with his teeth clenched. He wants to hide behind Valen if he blushes again, but he's too big for that!
Seemingly right on cue, her Milotic bops the dragon with her tail. Salamence frantically backs up, wanting to fly away from everybody. Milotic laughs that Salamence's adorable, but Salamence groans that he's not adorable. A back and forth between "is too" and "is not" ensues between the tri-colored dragon and the aquatic serpent. Both are thinking about what will happen if he get shipped with Milotic by Melanie. Wait, how would a Salamence and a Milotic on what the humans call a ship? Both laugh at how silly that thought was. Humans are so weird and intriguing!
At the same time, Emboar, Feraligatr and Duraludon have puzzled look on their faces. The humans are discussing what carnival games to have at the event, which they have attempted to try in the past. How do the humans figure these strange things out? At least they aren't Suicune, who's asking Alakazam some weird questions. Does Suicune not know how the humans work? Just watch and listen, you giant dunce.
Alakazam rolls his eyes, telling Suicune that the water doesn't vanish into thin air within a human toilet. Now that the weird bowl things are out of the way, Suicune wants to about that human food called mayonnaise. He once heard Rui tapping a jar of this mayonnaise thing, so he asks Alakazam if mayonnaise is an instrument. Alakazam groans that mayonnaise isn't a instrument. Suicune's about to ask another question, but Alakazam says that the humans don't use cupcakes as instruments either.
Alakazam scolds Suicune that he needs watch and listen to what the humans say and do, but Suicune doesn't want to. Suicune mimics something he saw on that glowing box called television. He flips his mane back, howling that he's majestic. Alakazam wants to know what he did to deserve this.
While the Pokémon converse among themselves, they attempt to observe what their trainers are doing at the same time. Rosa, Melanie, and Jacques are reading what is presumably Hilda's idea for that event. If the carnival games really do appear at the event, it's payback time. They laugh when Rosa and Hilda rocket out of their seats to exchange a hard high five. Those two can make anyone smile, person or Pokémon/
"Tee-hee, I can also do film and theatre!" Rosa closes her eyes, placing the tip of her right hand on the bottom of her neck. "To twirl, or not to twirl?" She states in a booming tone. "That is the question!"
"I've got a question for you, Rosa." Hilda folds her arms, a confident smile debouching. "How does a painting gig sound?"
Rosa rockets out of her seat like a Raichu using Agility. "Tee-hee, it sounds awesome!"
"Awesomeeeeeee!" Hilda jumps, clasping her hands in front of her left shoulder. "As your manager, I'll make you super ultra famous as a trainer and painter, just like you want to be!" She exchanges a high five with Rosa.
Valen slowly stands up, a grin appearing on his face. "Rosa's gonna paint something awesome!" He blurts out. "The only people who don't like Rosa and Hilda have never seen or heard them!" Then, he backs up, his face reddening. "Errr...sorry...got really excited there."
"You're so bad at hiding this side of you that it's adorable." Melanie chuckles.
"No, I'm not adorable." Valen folds his arms, closing his eyes. "Also, I still stand by that sign." He proudly smirks. "Y'all are stupid if you hate on Rosa and Hilda." He shrieks like a petrified Loudred, his face reddening again. "Err...um...ah...I misspoke!" He sheepishly grins. "Y-Yep, defitenly m-misspoke!"
"Big boy's got to come with me!" She winks at Valen. "But right now, I have an urge to have a battle!"
Valen lets go of Rosa, exclaiming, "You're on, ball of fluff!" He exchanges a fist bump with Rosa.
"The boss orders you two to have a fun and awesome battle!" Hilda cheers. "Remember, no frowning around meeeee!"
Rosa darts towards the battlefields, while Valen saunters. This causes Rosa to dart back towards Valen. She jumps onto his back, wrapping her arms around her neck. She begins bopping his lefts with her feet over and over again, causing him to smirk. Melanie and the others stand up, following behind them.
Hilda starts walking as well, noting that Silver's not with the others. "What's up?"
"Hilda, I have a request for you. It's about this event." Silver faintly smiles. "You remember that full battle I mentioned?"
"Say no more, that'll be the big surprise."
"Thanks." Silver exchanges a fist bump with Hilda. "He's almost ready in my book, but I don't wanna rush it." He begins walking to the arena.
Hilda slightly increases her pace to catch up to him. "Like I said over the phone, I think seeing a crowd will make him remember who he really is," she remarks. "He needs to feel what he felt back then."
"Good call," Silver compliments. "He'll be back to full power one day." His smile evolves into a grin. "I want to be there when it happens."
Hehe, silly Silver should know that they all want to be there. No bestie left behind! Maybe she'll finally get to be with Valen too. Rosa's given the green light for a vee a while ago, but the two of them don't want to make Valen uncomfortable by pushing him. They'll take it one step at a time.
From the between the trio of battlefields and the back entrance. Melanie watches Valen and Rosa stand on opposite ends with a twinkle in her eyes. These two dorks are having a banter match over who's buying dinner. If Valen wins, he buys dinner. if Rosa wins, she buys dinner. Only her OTP would be so adorable. One day, it'll be an OT3! That'll be so totally awesome! She's written several OT3 fanfics within the Innistradia and Ravinica fandoms!
Oh, she's got a battle to witness! Fanfic gushing will have to wait. She winks at Valen, the latter taking out a Poké Ball from inside of his black leather jacket. She gives a thumbs up to his biggest weakness, observing Rosa retrieve a Poké Ball from her pink Wallace Kors purse.
"Aerodactyl, take the stage!" Rosa tosses the Poké Ball into the air to let him out.
"I'll use her." Valen presses the button on the front of his Poké Ball to let his Gardevoir out.
Aerodactyl lets out a booming screech, while Gardevoir folds her arms and smirks. She tilts her head to her right, then left.
Suddenly, Valen eyes slightly widen. He can feel the paranoia trying to control him again. It's trying to make him think that if he doesn't lose, he'll hurt Rosa. He clenches his fists, determined not to let it ruin the fun. No, never again, never again will the unseen enemy control his life. He's done running away.
"Feel the power of Battle Queen Rosa!" Rosa her body sideways while pointing at Valen and Gardevoir. "Aerodactyl, use Hone Claws!" Don't think she didn't notice Valen fighting back against his doubt. She's beyond proud of him.
Aerodactyl's claws glow orange, and an orange aura envelops his body. Aerodactyl screeches as the aura vanishes, feeling stronger.
"Use Crunch!"
"Reflect."
Right when Aerodactyl's about to chomp down on her left arm with teeth that's glowing black. Gardevoir's eyes glow light blue as she creates a circular barrier. Gardevoir folds her arms, Aerodactyl biting down on her left arm. She shuts her eyes, but remains smirking.
"Thunderbolt."
Gardevoir cackles, her body becoming enveloped by purple electricity. She unleashes powerful lighting bolt that strikes Aerodactyl in his right wing, the electricity quickly enveloping his body.
"Fire Fang!"
Aerodactyl's fangs glow red-orange, and flames engulf the inside of his mouth. He chomps down on Gardevoir's right arm, causing her to yelp.
"Now Use Aerial Ace!"
Aerodactyl falls back and flies higher. Then, a white outline surrounding his entire body. He flies downwards so fast that he looks like a blur, crashing into Gardevoir. Gardevoir stumbles, but remains standing.
"Swift!"
Aerodactyl fires off a flurry of glowing white stars from his mouth. Gardevoir crosses her arms, enduring the pelt with her usual cocky smirk.
"Stone Edge!"
Glowing gray rocks began to form and encircle Aerodactyl. Aerodactyl fires them off at Gardevoir, who crosses her arms again. She clenches his teeth, this attack being just as strong as she remembers.
Then, both Aerodactyl and Rosa realize that the former's within Gardevoir's direct range. Gardevoir realizes this too, causing her to burst out in a maniacal laugh.
"Time to give ya a jolt," Valen remarks. "Use Thunderbolt!"
Gardevoir's body becomes enveloped by purple electricity. She launches a powerful lighting bolt that strikes Aerodactyl in the lower jaw, the electricity quickly enveloping his body. However, Aerodactyl manages to remain in-flight.
While Valen and Rosa command their respective Pokémon, whom are relentlessly duking it out, Rui can't help but stare at Valen's Gardevoir. She's seen her a few times, but Rui doesn't remember this side of her. Nevertheless, she's been told that Gardevoir's a sweet
"Moonblast!"
Gardevoir's eyes glow pink. A glowing moon-like orb forms in-between her hands. She takes a page from Golisopod teammate and twirls the orb around with her right hand. Then, she hurls it at Aerodactyl, the orb striking him in the face.
"Stone Edge!"
Once again, glowing gray rocks began to form and encircle Aerodactyl. He launches all of the rocks at Gardevoir, who crosses her arms again to endure this pelting.
"Psychic!"
Gardevoir's eyes glows light blue. She unleashes an enormous wave of light blue energy, her flowing gown blowing backwards. The wave blasts into Aerodactyl, who shuts his eyes and tries his hardest to endure it.
"Use Thunderbolt!"
Gardevoir's body becomes enveloped by purple electricity once more. Gardevoir cackles, her body becoming enveloped by purple electricity. She unleashes powerful lighting bolt that strikes Aerodactyl in his right wing, the electricity quickly enveloping his body.
"Nooooooooo, bad Valey!" Rosa twirls. "Use Iron Head!"
Aerodactyl's entire head emits a metallic gray light. He charges downwards at Gardevoir, slamming into her at a high velocity. Gardevoir yelps, falling onto her knees.
"Hone Claws again!"
While Gardevoir stands upright, Aerodactyl's claws glow orange, an aura of the same color enveloping his body. Aerodactyl screeches as the aura vanishes seconds later, sporting a wide grin. Gardevoir sees this, her mouth curving into a lopsided smirk She uses her left hand to gesture, cackling for Aerodactyl to "come get her."
"Use Aerial Ace again!"
Aerodactyl shrieks, a white outline surrounding his entire body again. He crashes into Gardevoir, who stumbles backwards. She's able to get back up onto her feet, cackling if that's all Aerodactyl has got. In response, Aerodactyl smirks while he falls back.
"Psychic!"
Once again, Gardevoir's eyes glow light blue. She launches a second enormous wave of light blue energy, her gown blowing backwards. Aerodactyl's sent flying backwards, falling onto the ground parallels to Rosa's right.
"It's time for a rapid fire combo." Valen grins. "Use Teleport, then Thunderbolt."
Gardevoir's body is enveloped by purple electricity. She vanishes into thin air, re-appearing northwest of Aerodactyl. She fires off a powerful lightning bolt. Seconds later, Aerodactyl's entire body is covered by the electricity. He yelps, falling back onto the ground. She repeats this process two more times, preventing Aerodactyl from being able to get up.
"Uh oh!" Rosa yelps, her right hand over her gaping mouth.
"Psychic once more!"
Gardevoir's eyes glows light blue, unleashing a third enormous wave of light blue energy. As her gown blows backwards again, she uses Teleport to disappear and re-appear, now standing towards Aerodactyl's northeast. Before he can take flight again, the wave of energy sends Aerodactyl hurling backwards, the light blue-gray pterosaurian tumbling back onto the ground behind Rosa.
"Now Moonblast."
Gardevoir's eyes glow pink, a moon-like orb forms in-between her hands. She pulls her right arm back, then hurls the glowing orb at Aerodactyl.
As Aerodactyl tries to stand up, the orb crashes into his mouth. This sends him reeling backwards, his eyes shut.
"Aerial Ace, quick!"
Aerodactyl's able to pull himself together, sharply opening his eyes. A white outline surrounds Aerodactyl, who crashes into Gardevoir before she even realizes it.
"Swift!"
Aerodactyl unleashes flurry of glowing white stars from his mouth. Gardevoir crosses her arms, enduring the pelting of stars.
"Try using Moonblast again."
Gardevoir's eyes glow pink once more. A glowing moon-like orb forms in-between her hands. This time, she pulls her left arm back and hurls the orb. This time, the orb strikes Aerodactyl just under his jaw. He shuts his eyes, landing on the ground.
"Iron Head and Crunch!"
Aerodactyl re-opens his eyes, causing a gust of wind as he flaps his wishes as hard as he can. He leaps into the air, charging at Gardevoir as his head brims with a metallic gray glow. He collides with Gardevoir, causing her body to jerk backwards as she hurls behind Valen. Aerodactyl wastes no time in biting down with teeth that glows violet, causing Gardevoir to clench her teeth with her eyes closed. Eventually, Aerodactyl lets go and flies backwards.
Both Aerodactyl and Gardevoir are panting, but they know that it's now or never. Regardless of who wins, they're proud of their performances.
"Use Psychic!"
"Use Giga Impact!"
Aerodactyl's able to muster enough strength, his body being enveloped by a orange oval. Gardevoir's able to stand upright, but Aerodactyl's already lunging towards her at an high rate of speed. He crashes into Gardevoir, sending her flying behind her trainer. She's able to land on her feet, but falls to the ground seconds later. She's got her right eye closed, trying to get back up. However, she realizes that it's to no avail. Gardevoir smiles at Aerodactyl out of respect, then falls back onto the ground. Aerodactyl softly roars to commend Gardevoir on a battle well fought.
"Woo-hoo, I won! I won! I won!" Rosa jumps from side to side, her Aerodactyl letting out a victory cry. She gives Aerodactyl a kiss on the top of his head, causing him to screech in elation. She faintly giggles as she recalls Aerodactyl, placing the ball back in her pink purse.
"It is what it is." Valen shrugs. "Good fight, Gardevoir." He proudly smiles, slowly approaching his Gardevoir. "That's my girl." He massages her back, receiving a peck on the forehead in return.
Gardevoir's smile turns into a grin. Her teammates and her win when he's happy and proud of them, even if they lose the battle.
"Can't win em all." Valen recalls his Gardevoir, both chuckling. "She's already my biggest weakness." He places the ball back inside his jacket, then stands up. Uh oh, Rosa's charging at him like a Tauros.
"Come on, don't be like thaaaat!" Rosa jumps onto Valen, wrapping her arms around his neck. "You'd have won if Giga Impact wasn't able to hit!"
"Here's your trophy." Valen wraps his arms around Rosa's midsection, kissing her on the lips. He hoists her upwards, their foreheads connecting. "It's always a win for me you're happy. Remember that."
"I won twice." Rosa wraps her arms around Valen's beck, bopping his forehead with her forehead. "Because you're smiling too."
"Actually, Val-Val wins twice." Hilda chuckles, placing her right hand over her mouth. "But Rosa wins three times, since both are my clients." She mischievously smirks. "Or maybe Val-Val won four times due to an additional reason."
"What does that mean?" Valen blinks, putting Rosa back onto the ground.
"Hehe, you'll understand it in due time." Hilda playfully winks. She discreetly exchanges a high five with Rosa.
"That was a good battle." Silver states, then he turns towards Valen. "I think you're almost ready."
Valen narrows his eyes at Silver. "Bring it on!" He slams his right fist into his left palm. "You may be top dog tonight, but the bigger they come, they harder they fall!"
"They're more alike than they seem upon first glance," Rui comments, her hands clasped behind her back. "I like it."
Silver glances at Rosa, then glances at Hilda. "I dunno how he can keep up with these two."
"Probably because the bloke's not a knobhead like you," Arthur counters.
"Shut up, posh guy."
"Wanker," Arthur rapidly murmurs under his breath.
Silver turns his head rightwards. "What was that?"
Arthur shrugs, unsure what the wanker's talking about. He didn't say anything, Silver's just a grumpy muppet.
Valen relaxes in bed, reading a book on Kalosian painting and sculpture. Next to him is a book Galarian cathedrals written by Rosa's grandpa, plus his mom's book on the Delta Species abnormalities. He can feel the infinite amounts of energy emitting from the crazy wholesome minds. His door being opening certainly helps with that, as he can hear them. Or rather, he can hear Rosa arguing over pizza with Leaf, while Hilda's overcome with hysterical laughter.
He flips to the next page, reading about Armand Watteau. He also eyes color photographs of several paintings by Watteau. Then, he hears trotting on the staircase, and it's getting louder and louder. "Oh noooooo, whatever will I dooooo," he jokes, flipping to the next page. "Ahhhhhh, not the people who want everybody to smileeee."
"Tee-hee, you're soooo funny!" Rosa comes into Valen's line of sight, her eyes drawn to the large book he's reading. "Oooh, Painting and Sculpture in Kalos, 1700-1789!"
Hilda notices the Delta Species book. "Oh right, you've also got all the published books your family members have written," she comments. "That's one of your mom's best sellers."
Heeeey, she needs to check out those five bookshelves! She spins and darts, tittering over how many he's added since last time. She also needs to refresh her memory! There's a book on women artists and their contributions to culture and society, a book on Caravaggio, a book on Baroque sculpture from Ragulia, and lots more. Hehe, they've got their own private library in this house!
"Tee-hee, he found a spot for my new one thousand page Unovan history book, plus my other books!" Rosa cheers, twirling to face Valen. "Ooooh, he's got my grandpa's book on the bed!"
"Your areas of expertise overlaps with mine like Tentacool and Zubat in a cave with water," he tells Rosa.
"Oh right, the paintings!" Hilda exclaims. "I want to take a closer look, one print at a time!" Her eyes are drawn towards a close-up of a dragon. "Heeeey, this Hydreigon got a portrait!" She jumps, clasping her hands over her right shoulder.
Hilda notes that all three of Hydreigon's heads are bearing its fangs, looking like it's about to strike. Behind the dragons likes the cervices and slopes of Twist Mountain. Sunlight illuminates the dragon and the setting.
"Not quite," Valen says. "It's a realistic depiction of a wild Hydreigon." He glances towards Rosa. "Do your thing, my queen."
"Hydreigon by Rosalina Bonheur, 1855!" Rosa grins. "See how close Hydreigon is to the viewer?"
"Yeeeeeeep!"
"This close-up style depicting wild Pokémon was common for her!"
"It's awesomeeee!" Hilda jumps, holding her fists under her chin. "I love how passionate we all are about various subjects!" She looks at the panting below Hydreigon. "More dragons, plus a battle!"
Her eyes light up when she sees that the dragons are within the Colosseum of Roma City. There's even a Hydreigon and a Garchomp duking it out in a trainer battle, with various other dragons watching with their trainers. As she notes that everyone's wearing a tunic, she wonders what they're waiting for. Maybe they're waiting to battle each other? Maybe they want to face the eventual winner of the ongoing battle? What if it's a draw?
"Clash of The Dragons by Giotto di Buonacorsus, 1295." Valen faintly laughs. "See those horizon and diagonal lines?"
"They're where everything meets, like the sky meeting the ground!"
"Giotto used those to draw the viewer's attention where he wanted it to be."
"He wanted the viewer to see these awesome dragons in this awesome ancient arena!"
"That's my manager."
"Heeeey, I haven't heard that in a while!" Hilda's eyes gleam. She moves closer to Valen, her face inches away from his. "More, more! Tell me moreeee!"
Valen yelps, his face reddening. "Uh...um...well-"
Rosa giggles, explaining, "Giotto would go around and sketch battles between trainers, using them as a basis for his paintings later on."
"That's awesome too!"
Hilda spins to look at another painting depicting dragons. She loves how it depicts Salamence, Dragonite, Garchomp, Hydreigon, Haxorus, and Druddigon hanging out around Dragonspiral Tower, with Reshiram and Zekrom soaring high above within the cloudless sky. She notes that beyond the tower, there's nothing else made by humans. It's just nature around a well preserved survivor of Ancient Unova's architecture.
Valen sighs, knowing that he'll never live those moments down. He looks at Hilda, stating, "Dragonspiral Tower by Thomas H. Castelia, 1800."
"All three of us saw the original painting at the Aspertia Gallery," Rosa recalls, tilting her head back. "I know all of the gallery's paintings by heart and it should be obvious why."
"Because you're grandfather was the director from 1980 to 2010," Valen says.
"And because you're awesome," Hilda adds.
"Good job!" Rosa sticks her right index and ring fingers up.
Hilda spins to look directly at Valen. "Heeeey, can I take photos of this one and send it to my other besties in Unova?!" Her eyes glitter as she clasps her hands in front of her left shoulder. "Pleaseeeeeeeeeeee?!"
"Sure." Valen pats Hilda's back. "You can take as many photos as you'd like to."
"Thank you, Val-Val!" She kisses Valen on the top of his head. "You get one just like that!"
"Heh, crazy wholesome mind."
"Send the photos to Iris, Skyla, Hilbert, N, Nate, Bianca, Cheren, Roxie, everyone!" Rosa exclaims.
"Way ahead of you!" Hilda takes out her phone from the right pocket of her denim shorts.
"Make sure that the fine art you snap photos of isn't yourself," Valen teases, earning himself a bop to the top of the head. "It may be tricky to tell when there's two belles dames in the room." He earns himself five bops from Rosa and five bops from Hilda on his cheeks.
While Hilda takes photos of all of the other paintings and discusses them with Valen, Rosa recalls what her grandfather told her mom about Valen many years ago.
"Maureen, this boy's name will be listed among renowned historians of the arts. Right up there with the best of the best of all time, his mother and numerous relatives among them."
Returning her focus to the present, she closes her eyes. "We're all winners." she murmurs. "Because we've all got each other."
Arthur, Hilda, and Rosa are in the BW Agency's lounge area, sitting in four Kalosian armchairs that encircle one of the large tables. All of the chairs present are finished in black leather upholstery, while each table is finished in dense black ebony wood.
Hilda gaze ping-pongs across the room, smiling over the fact that several other sets of chairs and tables are occupied by her staff and the agency's clients. She could look around a hundred times and she still wouldn't get tired of the chorus of chatting and laughing. She's wanted to move to Angel City for years, and it's been a boon for them after she officially opened this new main headquarters. She's got friends by her side. Even the one who seemingly got away is now back in her life. What more could she ask for?
She overhears Rosa and Arthur engaging in a conversation. She takes one last look around, then signals that a wild Hilda appeared by tapping Rosa's right shoulder.
"Oh?" Arthur leans forward. "May I learn more about it?"
"Tee-hee, of course you can!" Rosa cheers, winsomely grinning. "It's a 1/4th scale replica of Salamence Atop A Rock by Valen's favorite sculptor, Gianluigi Bernini!"
"Marvelous, the bloke has proper taste." Arthur smiles. "Bernini was the Michelangelo of his day."
"By the way, Gloria's very happy that the reaper's coming back!" Hilda clasps her hands above her right shoulder.
Arthur's mouth falls open upon hearing the name Gloria. "You two know her?" He cocks a brow. "Gloria?"
"Hilda and I know her," Rosa answers, noting that Arthur seems a little disheartened. Did they do something wrong?
Hilda folds her arms, asking, "Are you friends with her, Arthur?"
"It's complicated." Arthur sighs, his arms dangling on his sides. "I secretly felt that it was not a wise idea to hang around an individual whom the GCA were looking into."
"GCA?" Hilda looks up, cocking a brow. "Why would the Galarian Crime Agency-" Her mouth falls open. "Chairman Rose." she scowls. "it's because of that bastard Rose."
"That's why it doesn't surprise me," she says. "Champion Leon stood up for her, which was a noble thing to do."
Should Hilda talk to Gloria about this? She wants to help, and she senses that Rosa does too. However, it may not be a good idea to butt in like that.
"Arthur, are you worried that she won't forgive you?"
Valen leans back against the jet black wall in the hallway. Rosa, Hilda, and Arthur glance towards him, just as Silver appears within their line of sight.
"...To an extent," Arthur replies, his eyebrows drooping. "I should have thought about my decision more thoroughly."
"I thought the same thing years ago, because I was easily the worst of the worst." Silver faintly smiles. "But they forgave me."
Valen's hands rest in the pockets of his black Guzmani pants. "I screwed up on the day I reunited with Hilda, but she forgave me on the same day," he adds. "If we can be forgiven, so can you."
Arthur's smile lights up his face. "Much appreciated." He wonders if Gloria's since come to understand where he was coming from.
Suddenly, Melanie wraps her arms around Valen's neck. "Good thing I went looking for you, right?"
Valen pulls Melanie in for an embrace. "Thank you for giving me a glimmer of light." He places his right hand on her back, running his left hand through her elbow length black hair. "Even if I struggled to see it."
Melanie glances down at her diamond-lace sapphire necklace. "You can bet I'm wearing this everywhere," she remarks. "We're inseparable besties."
Rui appears next to Valen, Melanie, and Silver. "The pain from Wes and I splitting may never go away, but I've got to live life," Rui states. "We've all got to live life."
"Let's go do that right now!" Hilda announces, pointing to her northwest. "To the lounge!"
Hilda's brought everyone to the outside lounge area, with all of them sitting around one of the mahogany tables with an extended oval surface. Rosa gives herself a tour right, starting with the medium height rectangular walls. To her lies the gate to the battlefields, while the left is where they entrance to this outdoor lounge and plaza combination is. This means anyone who comes through here would see a cool fresco mural on the wall. This could be her big break in Calvana, but she's not in a big rush. Time for Rosa to see what the Pokémon are up to! Ooooh, Valen's Salamence, Rosa's Milotic, Hilda's Emboar, Melanie's Alakazam, Rui's Suicune, Silver's Feraligatr, and Arthur's Duraludon engaging in their own little cha! Yay for Pokémon being besties and having fun! Tee-hee, Salamence's looking at his trainer with his teeth clenched. He wants to hide behind Valen if he blushes again, but he's too big for that!
Seemingly right on cue, her Milotic bops the dragon with her tail. Salamence frantically backs up, wanting to fly away from everybody. Milotic laughs that Salamence's adorable, but Salamence groans that he's not adorable. A back and forth between "is too" and "is not" ensues between the tri-colored dragon and the aquatic serpent. Both are thinking about what will happen if he get shipped with Milotic by Melanie. Wait, how would a Salamence and a Milotic on what the humans call a ship? Both laugh at how silly that thought was. Humans are so weird and intriguing!
At the same time, Emboar, Feraligatr and Duraludon have puzzled look on their faces. The humans are discussing what carnival games to have at the event, which they have attempted to try in the past. How do the humans figure these strange things out? At least they aren't Suicune, who's asking Alakazam some weird questions. Does Suicune not know how the humans work? Just watch and listen, you giant dunce.
Alakazam rolls his eyes, telling Suicune that the water doesn't vanish into thin air within a human toilet. Now that the weird bowl things are out of the way, Suicune wants to about that human food called mayonnaise. He once heard Rui tapping a jar of this mayonnaise thing, so he asks Alakazam if mayonnaise is an instrument. Alakazam groans that mayonnaise isn't a instrument. Suicune's about to ask another question, but Alakazam says that the humans don't use cupcakes as instruments either.
Alakazam scolds Suicune that he needs watch and listen to what the humans say and do, but Suicune doesn't want to. Suicune mimics something he saw on that glowing box called television. He flips his mane back, howling that he's majestic. Alakazam wants to know what he did to deserve this.
While the Pokémon converse among themselves, they attempt to observe what their trainers are doing at the same time. Rosa, Melanie, and Jacques are reading what is presumably Hilda's idea for that event. If the carnival games really do appear at the event, it's payback time. They laugh when Rosa and Hilda rocket out of their seats to exchange a hard high five. Those two can make anyone smile, person or Pokémon/
"Tee-hee, I can also do film and theatre!" Rosa closes her eyes, placing the tip of her right hand on the bottom of her neck. "To twirl, or not to twirl?" She states in a booming tone. "That is the question!"
"I've got a question for you, Rosa." Hilda folds her arms, a confident smile debouching. "How does a painting gig sound?"
Rosa rockets out of her seat like a Raichu using Agility. "Tee-hee, it sounds awesome!"
"Awesomeeeeeee!" Hilda jumps, clasping her hands in front of her left shoulder. "As your manager, I'll make you super ultra famous as a trainer and painter, just like you want to be!" She exchanges a high five with Rosa.
Valen slowly stands up, a grin appearing on his face. "Rosa's gonna paint something awesome!" He blurts out. "The only people who don't like Rosa and Hilda have never seen or heard them!" Then, he backs up, his face reddening. "Errr...sorry...got really excited there."
"You're so bad at hiding this side of you that it's adorable." Melanie chuckles.
"No, I'm not adorable." Valen folds his arms, closing his eyes. "Also, I still stand by that sign." He proudly smirks. "Y'all are stupid if you hate on Rosa and Hilda." He shrieks like a petrified Loudred, his face reddening again. "Err...um...ah...I misspoke!" He sheepishly grins. "Y-Yep, defitenly m-misspoke!"
"Big boy's got to come with me!" She winks at Valen. "But right now, I have an urge to have a battle!"
Valen lets go of Rosa, exclaiming, "You're on, ball of fluff!" He exchanges a fist bump with Rosa.
"The boss orders you two to have a fun and awesome battle!" Hilda cheers. "Remember, no frowning around meeeee!"
Rosa darts towards the battlefields, while Valen saunters. This causes Rosa to dart back towards Valen. She jumps onto his back, wrapping her arms around her neck. She begins bopping his lefts with her feet over and over again, causing him to smirk. Melanie and the others stand up, following behind them.
Hilda starts walking as well, noting that Silver's not with the others. "What's up?"
"Hilda, I have a request for you. It's about this event." Silver faintly smiles. "You remember that full battle I mentioned?"
"Say no more, that'll be the big surprise."
"Thanks." Silver exchanges a fist bump with Hilda. "He's almost ready in my book, but I don't wanna rush it." He begins walking to the arena.
Hilda slightly increases her pace to catch up to him. "Like I said over the phone, I think seeing a crowd will make him remember who he really is," she remarks. "He needs to feel what he felt back then."
"Good call," Silver compliments. "He'll be back to full power one day." His smile evolves into a grin. "I want to be there when it happens."
Hehe, silly Silver should know that they all want to be there. No bestie left behind! Maybe she'll finally get to be with Valen too. Rosa's given the green light for a vee a while ago, but the two of them don't want to make Valen uncomfortable by pushing him. They'll take it one step at a time.
From the between the trio of battlefields and the back entrance. Melanie watches Valen and Rosa stand on opposite ends with a twinkle in her eyes. These two dorks are having a banter match over who's buying dinner. If Valen wins, he buys dinner. if Rosa wins, she buys dinner. Only her OTP would be so adorable. One day, it'll be an OT3! That'll be so totally awesome! She's written several OT3 fanfics within the Innistradia and Ravinica fandoms!
Oh, she's got a battle to witness! Fanfic gushing will have to wait. She winks at Valen, the latter taking out a Poké Ball from inside of his black leather jacket. She gives a thumbs up to his biggest weakness, observing Rosa retrieve a Poké Ball from her pink Wallace Kors purse.
"Aerodactyl, take the stage!" Rosa tosses the Poké Ball into the air to let him out.
"I'll use her." Valen presses the button on the front of his Poké Ball to let his Gardevoir out.
Aerodactyl lets out a booming screech, while Gardevoir folds her arms and smirks. She tilts her head to her right, then left.
Suddenly, Valen eyes slightly widen. He can feel the paranoia trying to control him again. It's trying to make him think that if he doesn't lose, he'll hurt Rosa. He clenches his fists, determined not to let it ruin the fun. No, never again, never again will the unseen enemy control his life. He's done running away.
"Feel the power of Battle Queen Rosa!" Rosa her body sideways while pointing at Valen and Gardevoir. "Aerodactyl, use Hone Claws!" Don't think she didn't notice Valen fighting back against his doubt. She's beyond proud of him.
Aerodactyl's claws glow orange, and an orange aura envelops his body. Aerodactyl screeches as the aura vanishes, feeling stronger.
"Use Crunch!"
"Reflect."
Right when Aerodactyl's about to chomp down on her left arm with teeth that's glowing black. Gardevoir's eyes glow light blue as she creates a circular barrier. Gardevoir folds her arms, Aerodactyl biting down on her left arm. She shuts her eyes, but remains smirking.
"Thunderbolt."
Gardevoir cackles, her body becoming enveloped by purple electricity. She unleashes powerful lighting bolt that strikes Aerodactyl in his right wing, the electricity quickly enveloping his body.
"Fire Fang!"
Aerodactyl's fangs glow red-orange, and flames engulf the inside of his mouth. He chomps down on Gardevoir's right arm, causing her to yelp.
"Now Use Aerial Ace!"
Aerodactyl falls back and flies higher. Then, a white outline surrounding his entire body. He flies downwards so fast that he looks like a blur, crashing into Gardevoir. Gardevoir stumbles, but remains standing.
"Swift!"
Aerodactyl fires off a flurry of glowing white stars from his mouth. Gardevoir crosses her arms, enduring the pelt with her usual cocky smirk.
"Stone Edge!"
Glowing gray rocks began to form and encircle Aerodactyl. Aerodactyl fires them off at Gardevoir, who crosses her arms again. She clenches his teeth, this attack being just as strong as she remembers.
Then, both Aerodactyl and Rosa realize that the former's within Gardevoir's direct range. Gardevoir realizes this too, causing her to burst out in a maniacal laugh.
"Time to give ya a jolt," Valen remarks. "Use Thunderbolt!"
Gardevoir's body becomes enveloped by purple electricity. She launches a powerful lighting bolt that strikes Aerodactyl in the lower jaw, the electricity quickly enveloping his body. However, Aerodactyl manages to remain in-flight.
While Valen and Rosa command their respective Pokémon, whom are relentlessly duking it out, Rui can't help but stare at Valen's Gardevoir. She's seen her a few times, but Rui doesn't remember this side of her. Nevertheless, she's been told that Gardevoir's a sweet
"Moonblast!"
Gardevoir's eyes glow pink. A glowing moon-like orb forms in-between her hands. She takes a page from Golisopod teammate and twirls the orb around with her right hand. Then, she hurls it at Aerodactyl, the orb striking him in the face.
"Stone Edge!"
Once again, glowing gray rocks began to form and encircle Aerodactyl. He launches all of the rocks at Gardevoir, who crosses her arms again to endure this pelting.
"Psychic!"
Gardevoir's eyes glows light blue. She unleashes an enormous wave of light blue energy, her flowing gown blowing backwards. The wave blasts into Aerodactyl, who shuts his eyes and tries his hardest to endure it.
"Use Thunderbolt!"
Gardevoir's body becomes enveloped by purple electricity once more. Gardevoir cackles, her body becoming enveloped by purple electricity. She unleashes powerful lighting bolt that strikes Aerodactyl in his right wing, the electricity quickly enveloping his body.
"Nooooooooo, bad Valey!" Rosa twirls. "Use Iron Head!"
Aerodactyl's entire head emits a metallic gray light. He charges downwards at Gardevoir, slamming into her at a high velocity. Gardevoir yelps, falling onto her knees.
"Hone Claws again!"
While Gardevoir stands upright, Aerodactyl's claws glow orange, an aura of the same color enveloping his body. Aerodactyl screeches as the aura vanishes seconds later, sporting a wide grin. Gardevoir sees this, her mouth curving into a lopsided smirk She uses her left hand to gesture, cackling for Aerodactyl to "come get her."
"Use Aerial Ace again!"
Aerodactyl shrieks, a white outline surrounding his entire body again. He crashes into Gardevoir, who stumbles backwards. She's able to get back up onto her feet, cackling if that's all Aerodactyl has got. In response, Aerodactyl smirks while he falls back.
"Psychic!"
Once again, Gardevoir's eyes glow light blue. She launches a second enormous wave of light blue energy, her gown blowing backwards. Aerodactyl's sent flying backwards, falling onto the ground parallels to Rosa's right.
"It's time for a rapid fire combo." Valen grins. "Use Teleport, then Thunderbolt."
Gardevoir's body is enveloped by purple electricity. She vanishes into thin air, re-appearing northwest of Aerodactyl. She fires off a powerful lightning bolt. Seconds later, Aerodactyl's entire body is covered by the electricity. He yelps, falling back onto the ground. She repeats this process two more times, preventing Aerodactyl from being able to get up.
"Uh oh!" Rosa yelps, her right hand over her gaping mouth.
"Psychic once more!"
Gardevoir's eyes glows light blue, unleashing a third enormous wave of light blue energy. As her gown blows backwards again, she uses Teleport to disappear and re-appear, now standing towards Aerodactyl's northeast. Before he can take flight again, the wave of energy sends Aerodactyl hurling backwards, the light blue-gray pterosaurian tumbling back onto the ground behind Rosa.
"Now Moonblast."
Gardevoir's eyes glow pink, a moon-like orb forms in-between her hands. She pulls her right arm back, then hurls the glowing orb at Aerodactyl.
As Aerodactyl tries to stand up, the orb crashes into his mouth. This sends him reeling backwards, his eyes shut.
"Aerial Ace, quick!"
Aerodactyl's able to pull himself together, sharply opening his eyes. A white outline surrounds Aerodactyl, who crashes into Gardevoir before she even realizes it.
"Swift!"
Aerodactyl unleashes flurry of glowing white stars from his mouth. Gardevoir crosses her arms, enduring the pelting of stars.
"Try using Moonblast again."
Gardevoir's eyes glow pink once more. A glowing moon-like orb forms in-between her hands. This time, she pulls her left arm back and hurls the orb. This time, the orb strikes Aerodactyl just under his jaw. He shuts his eyes, landing on the ground.
"Iron Head and Crunch!"
Aerodactyl re-opens his eyes, causing a gust of wind as he flaps his wishes as hard as he can. He leaps into the air, charging at Gardevoir as his head brims with a metallic gray glow. He collides with Gardevoir, causing her body to jerk backwards as she hurls behind Valen. Aerodactyl wastes no time in biting down with teeth that glows violet, causing Gardevoir to clench her teeth with her eyes closed. Eventually, Aerodactyl lets go and flies backwards.
Both Aerodactyl and Gardevoir are panting, but they know that it's now or never. Regardless of who wins, they're proud of their performances.
"Use Psychic!"
"Use Giga Impact!"
Aerodactyl's able to muster enough strength, his body being enveloped by a orange oval. Gardevoir's able to stand upright, but Aerodactyl's already lunging towards her at an high rate of speed. He crashes into Gardevoir, sending her flying behind her trainer. She's able to land on her feet, but falls to the ground seconds later. She's got her right eye closed, trying to get back up. However, she realizes that it's to no avail. Gardevoir smiles at Aerodactyl out of respect, then falls back onto the ground. Aerodactyl softly roars to commend Gardevoir on a battle well fought.
"Woo-hoo, I won! I won! I won!" Rosa jumps from side to side, her Aerodactyl letting out a victory cry. She gives Aerodactyl a kiss on the top of his head, causing him to screech in elation. She faintly giggles as she recalls Aerodactyl, placing the ball back in her pink purse.
"It is what it is." Valen shrugs. "Good fight, Gardevoir." He proudly smiles, slowly approaching his Gardevoir. "That's my girl." He massages her back, receiving a peck on the forehead in return.
Gardevoir's smile turns into a grin. Her teammates and her win when he's happy and proud of them, even if they lose the battle.
"Can't win em all." Valen recalls his Gardevoir, both chuckling. "She's already my biggest weakness." He places the ball back inside his jacket, then stands up. Uh oh, Rosa's charging at him like a Tauros.
"Come on, don't be like thaaaat!" Rosa jumps onto Valen, wrapping her arms around his neck. "You'd have won if Giga Impact wasn't able to hit!"
"Here's your trophy." Valen wraps his arms around Rosa's midsection, kissing her on the lips. He hoists her upwards, their foreheads connecting. "It's always a win for me you're happy. Remember that."
"I won twice." Rosa wraps her arms around Valen's beck, bopping his forehead with her forehead. "Because you're smiling too."
"Actually, Val-Val wins twice." Hilda chuckles, placing her right hand over her mouth. "But Rosa wins three times, since both are my clients." She mischievously smirks. "Or maybe Val-Val won four times due to an additional reason."
"What does that mean?" Valen blinks, putting Rosa back onto the ground.
"Hehe, you'll understand it in due time." Hilda playfully winks. She discreetly exchanges a high five with Rosa.
"That was a good battle." Silver states, then he turns towards Valen. "I think you're almost ready."
Valen narrows his eyes at Silver. "Bring it on!" He slams his right fist into his left palm. "You may be top dog tonight, but the bigger they come, they harder they fall!"
"They're more alike than they seem upon first glance," Rui comments, her hands clasped behind her back. "I like it."
Silver glances at Rosa, then glances at Hilda. "I dunno how he can keep up with these two."
"Probably because the bloke's not a knobhead like you," Arthur counters.
"Shut up, posh guy."
"Wanker," Arthur rapidly murmurs under his breath.
Silver turns his head rightwards. "What was that?"
Arthur shrugs, unsure what the wanker's talking about. He didn't say anything, Silver's just a grumpy muppet.
Valen relaxes in bed, reading a book on Kalosian painting and sculpture. Next to him is a book Galarian cathedrals written by Rosa's grandpa, plus his mom's book on the Delta Species abnormalities. He can feel the infinite amounts of energy emitting from the crazy wholesome minds. His door being opening certainly helps with that, as he can hear them. Or rather, he can hear Rosa arguing over pizza with Leaf, while Hilda's overcome with hysterical laughter.
He flips to the next page, reading about Armand Watteau. He also eyes color photographs of several paintings by Watteau. Then, he hears trotting on the staircase, and it's getting louder and louder. "Oh noooooo, whatever will I dooooo," he jokes, flipping to the next page. "Ahhhhhh, not the people who want everybody to smileeee."
"Tee-hee, you're soooo funny!" Rosa comes into Valen's line of sight, her eyes drawn to the large book he's reading. "Oooh, Painting and Sculpture in Kalos, 1700-1789!"
Hilda notices the Delta Species book. "Oh right, you've also got all the published books your family members have written," she comments. "That's one of your mom's best sellers."
Heeeey, she needs to check out those five bookshelves! She spins and darts, tittering over how many he's added since last time. She also needs to refresh her memory! There's a book on women artists and their contributions to culture and society, a book on Caravaggio, a book on Baroque sculpture from Ragulia, and lots more. Hehe, they've got their own private library in this house!
"Tee-hee, he found a spot for my new one thousand page Unovan history book, plus my other books!" Rosa cheers, twirling to face Valen. "Ooooh, he's got my grandpa's book on the bed!"
"Your areas of expertise overlaps with mine like Tentacool and Zubat in a cave with water," he tells Rosa.
"Oh right, the paintings!" Hilda exclaims. "I want to take a closer look, one print at a time!" Her eyes are drawn towards a close-up of a dragon. "Heeeey, this Hydreigon got a portrait!" She jumps, clasping her hands over her right shoulder.
Hilda notes that all three of Hydreigon's heads are bearing its fangs, looking like it's about to strike. Behind the dragons likes the cervices and slopes of Twist Mountain. Sunlight illuminates the dragon and the setting.
"Not quite," Valen says. "It's a realistic depiction of a wild Hydreigon." He glances towards Rosa. "Do your thing, my queen."
"Hydreigon by Rosalina Bonheur, 1855!" Rosa grins. "See how close Hydreigon is to the viewer?"
"Yeeeeeeep!"
"This close-up style depicting wild Pokémon was common for her!"
"It's awesomeeee!" Hilda jumps, holding her fists under her chin. "I love how passionate we all are about various subjects!" She looks at the panting below Hydreigon. "More dragons, plus a battle!"
Her eyes light up when she sees that the dragons are within the Colosseum of Roma City. There's even a Hydreigon and a Garchomp duking it out in a trainer battle, with various other dragons watching with their trainers. As she notes that everyone's wearing a tunic, she wonders what they're waiting for. Maybe they're waiting to battle each other? Maybe they want to face the eventual winner of the ongoing battle? What if it's a draw?
"Clash of The Dragons by Giotto di Buonacorsus, 1295." Valen faintly laughs. "See those horizon and diagonal lines?"
"They're where everything meets, like the sky meeting the ground!"
"Giotto used those to draw the viewer's attention where he wanted it to be."
"He wanted the viewer to see these awesome dragons in this awesome ancient arena!"
"That's my manager."
"Heeeey, I haven't heard that in a while!" Hilda's eyes gleam. She moves closer to Valen, her face inches away from his. "More, more! Tell me moreeee!"
Valen yelps, his face reddening. "Uh...um...well-"
Rosa giggles, explaining, "Giotto would go around and sketch battles between trainers, using them as a basis for his paintings later on."
"That's awesome too!"
Hilda spins to look at another painting depicting dragons. She loves how it depicts Salamence, Dragonite, Garchomp, Hydreigon, Haxorus, and Druddigon hanging out around Dragonspiral Tower, with Reshiram and Zekrom soaring high above within the cloudless sky. She notes that beyond the tower, there's nothing else made by humans. It's just nature around a well preserved survivor of Ancient Unova's architecture.
Valen sighs, knowing that he'll never live those moments down. He looks at Hilda, stating, "Dragonspiral Tower by Thomas H. Castelia, 1800."
"All three of us saw the original painting at the Aspertia Gallery," Rosa recalls, tilting her head back. "I know all of the gallery's paintings by heart and it should be obvious why."
"Because you're grandfather was the director from 1980 to 2010," Valen says.
"And because you're awesome," Hilda adds.
"Good job!" Rosa sticks her right index and ring fingers up.
Hilda spins to look directly at Valen. "Heeeey, can I take photos of this one and send it to my other besties in Unova?!" Her eyes glitter as she clasps her hands in front of her left shoulder. "Pleaseeeeeeeeeeee?!"
"Sure." Valen pats Hilda's back. "You can take as many photos as you'd like to."
"Thank you, Val-Val!" She kisses Valen on the top of his head. "You get one just like that!"
"Heh, crazy wholesome mind."
"Send the photos to Iris, Skyla, Hilbert, N, Nate, Bianca, Cheren, Roxie, everyone!" Rosa exclaims.
"Way ahead of you!" Hilda takes out her phone from the right pocket of her denim shorts.
"Make sure that the fine art you snap photos of isn't yourself," Valen teases, earning himself a bop to the top of the head. "It may be tricky to tell when there's two belles dames in the room." He earns himself five bops from Rosa and five bops from Hilda on his cheeks.
While Hilda takes photos of all of the other paintings and discusses them with Valen, Rosa recalls what her grandfather told her mom about Valen many years ago.
"Maureen, this boy's name will be listed among renowned historians of the arts. Right up there with the best of the best of all time, his mother and numerous relatives among them."
Returning her focus to the present, she closes her eyes. "We're all winners." she murmurs. "Because we've all got each other."
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BossCar
Pokémon Trainer
- Pronouns
- He/His
Chapter 34: Disclosure
Valen leans back against one of his snowy white sofas, noting that Rosa's walk seems longer than usual. Good thing he closed the curtains last night and left it that way, otherwise sunlight would be beaming into the living room. As he rests, he thinks about everything that's happened. From meeting up with Melanie to working up the courage to call Rosa after being encouraged. From the mistakes he regrets to his desire to atone for his actions. The words of the crazy wholesome minds echo within his mind.
"Smile."
"When you truly love someone unconditionally, you want them to be happy."
"All we want from you is to see you happy."
If he had never pushed forward, he might be still in a rough spot. If he had never met up with Melanie or called Rosa, he'd get even worse. Even if that reunion with Hilda was rough, they've since reconciled. He now understands that he can't go at this alone, he needs a strong support system. Good thing he's got an unstoppable support system.
He once discussed a vee relationship with Rosa, but he remains the hesitant one. His self-esteem issues remain a nuisance on the road to a brighter future. Furthermore, he'd hate it if Melanie or somebody else felt neglected or left out. He doesn't want to do that to anybody, and neither do those two. They have more confidence about it than he does. Will he be able to recover his?
His thought process is interrupted by the sound of the the front door opening. He sits up, his eyes meeting Rosa's long ponytails before they veer towards her tender smile. The repetition of her feet tapping on the wooden floor rings within his mind, but it's not worry. No, his worries are being knocked down with each passing step, warmth from her presence alone taking its place.
"Hey sweetie, can we talk?" She caresses his left check. "I want...I think we need to have another serious conversation."
"Of course."
"Thanks." She takes a hard deep breath. "I went out for a walk because I need some time alone to think."
She slowly takes a seat on his right, feeling a sense of heaviness.
"I knew something was wrong with you the whole time." She slides her arms around his midsection. "Both of our moms confirmed it."
Valen sighs, staring at the rug with the Raphael painting print on it. She wants to be like this painter, she wants to be the contemporary spiritual successor of this Renaissance legend. Is he holding her back? Is he a burden to her? Why can't he shake this from his mind?
Rosa notices the uncertain look he's got, and she's not having any of it. "Hold on." She narrows her eyes, folding her arms. "I never lost hope, not one bit," she affirms. "Both our moms understood that you still loved me, but your mind was working against you."
"...Can I tell you something too?" Valen feels a knot in his stomach, his legs restless.
"Sure, sweetie." Stay strong.
Valen's shoulders slump, his gaze inwards. "The more think about it, I wonder if happier memories of Hilda were overshadowed...by that time she viciously lashed." It wasn't her fault—the pressure evolved into a Golem in the early days of the agency.
Rosa bites her lower lip, her head angled to her bottom left. "Your eyes were so red...you were crushed." He wouldn't talk to anybody but family, Melanie, and her.
Rosa's right, he thought he'd lost a friend. She tried to apologize, but he ram out. Hilda was so guilt-ridden that she felt like she didn't deserve to have her own successful agency. They were teenagers, this was well before they became so close.
The bonds of friendship proved to be a quadruple effective attack, but his messed up mind just had to bring that back, didn't it? The mind can be a best friend, but it can also be a worst enemy. It made him think that the unconditional love Rosa and others have for him is conditional. It made him think he was a bad boyfriend. It made him think there was no light at the end of the tunnel.
"I'm glad that she learned from it." Rosa's words bring Valen back into the present. "We all learned from our mistakes."
"I'm glad...I'm glad everything's looking brighter now. "
The loud dinging sound of the doorbell briefly fills up the house. Rosa's head turns towards Valen, who's already gotten up. Her eyes follow his saunter towards the front door, wondering who their guest is. He rarely, if ever, has a guest over without telling her advance. The door opens, Rui's familiar pigtails being the first thing her eyes lay upon. She waves at the orange-haired woman as Valen steps rightwards.
Rosa surprises Rui by sweeping her into an embrace. "Thank you so much, Rui." She sniffles, her arms resting around Rui's neck. "Thank you for treating my sweetie's wounds." Her voice emits a soft tone. "I can never repay you enough for that."
Rui wraps her arms around Rosa's upper back. "I'm glad I got to help people." She basks in her friend's warm hug. "I'm glad that you two had a happy ending."
Valen stands a short distance away, his smile faint as Rui and Rosa let go of each other. They sit next to each other on the snowy white sofas, while he leans up against his writing desk.
He a headache thumping. Why stay here when he'd just ruin everything? His body awakens, his arms hanging by his sides.
His footsteps ring through Rosa's mind. Absolutely not, she's not letting him act like this anymore. "Stay," she pleads, gritting her teeth. "Don't walk away, you're not a burden to anyone."
Why does she want him to stay? He'll just burden them. It's better that he doesn't stick around. With that said, it's even better if that frown on Rosa's face goes away. He' skeptical about this, but since Rosa's the one who's requesting, he should make an exception.
A peck on the right side of his head snaps him out of his thoughts.. Now feeling at ease, he knows who just teleported herself next to him. Valen turns his body, patting Gardevoir on her head.
"Alright, I'll hang out back here." He turns back to face the duo. "Sorry."
"I want you to value yourself more, that's all." She turns her body towards Rui. "I know you said that you've got to live life, but I'm still surprised that you can keep your spirits up like this."
"The pain may never go away, but I'm stronger now," she affirms. "I think the problems could've started when Wes got pissed that he didn't get to confront Evice." She takes a hard deep breath before continuing. "Evice was on the way to Realgam Tower when Orre's Cavalcante crime family got to him first."
"Evice, Greevil, Ardos and Ghetsis are the only people to be declared a Code 8, the region's highest threat level alert."
While Rui asks Valen more questions, hearing his name makes Rosa remember Team Plasma. Opelucid City comes to her mind. The whirring sounds of the helicopters and the rumble of the armored personnel carriers were a relieving sight to trainers like Rosa and him. She's glad that N realized that he was going to hurt Pokémon if he took them away from loving trainers.
"I forgot about our own domestic syndicate, Team Phantom."
Rui feels her shoulders becoming stiff. She hasn't heard that name in a little while. Cipher was originally their enforcement arm of, splitting when Team Phantom became a group of unscrupulous, ultranationalist trainers.
She tries to crack a smile, but it's faint and brief. "I feel like if Wes felt that others cared, he'd be hanging out with us right now." As annoyed as he was by his pranks, the fact remains that he opened up enough to be a prankster. Those little moments were so precious, now they're gone.
"That makes two of us." Valen glances past the duo at the black walls, focusing on the pearly white ornate patters. "He could've been saved."
Rui jerks her body forward, tightening her fists. "I'm my own person." Her tone's authoritative, her shoulders now firmly resting against the headrest. "But our paths will cross again one day."
"I'll let you two be." He saunters towards Rosa. "I actually do have something to take care of, so don't worry." He pats Rosa's head, "I want to talk to my mom regarding Kris. I really enjoyed the chat we had at the mall that day." His smile lights up his face. "I want to get her an apprenticeship position at the Angel City Museum of Art." His smile transforms into a grin. "I need to repay Leaf too, because I did notice what she did for me on the day I reunited with Hilda."
"You need to fill me in about this house of yours." Rui takes a look around the living room, liking all of the old furniture. "I'm sure you've got loads more."
"I'll save that for another time, but I'd be happy to tell you more info about the arts." Wait, now's the time to ask something he's been wondering. "Sorry to suddenly change the topic, but I gotta ask you something.
"Go ahead."
"Two of the three fully reformed ex-Cipher admins are signed onto Team Skull Records," he points out. "Guzma wouldn't have done that if they weren't fully reformed, but what's your take on that?"
"...It was really nerve racking for me, but Miror B and Lovrina weren't lying," Rui answers. "If they really did reform, then why hold resentment towards them?" Rui smiles, watching the clouds float through the vast blue road above. "Since they left that life behind, they deserved a second chance from me. Why hold onto that when it won't do me any good, you know?"
The ringing of Valen's phone briefly halts any further chatter. A peek reveals that it's the other crazy wholesome mind. Hard-Ass Hilda's found him, he better pick up pronto. "What did I do this time, manager?"
"You didn't call me, that's what you did," Hilda teases with a titter. "You haven't sent any of your smooth lines my way either."
""How's that my problem?" Valen smirks. "You're the one who overheats my phone with your selfies." The squealing means he's still the man.
As Valen chats with Hilda, Rosa and Rui chat amongst themselves. They silently agree that it's best not to dwell on the darker aspects. Not having control over everything doesn't make them bad. It means that they're human beings.
"Sooooo, you've won the Orre Conference?" Rosa asks, clasping her hands in front.
"Duh, I'm a kickass trainer." Rui snickers, tilting her head back. "I pulled out an imaginary sack and threw everyone's chances into the sack."
"I won the Unovan Conference three times." Rosa mimics Rui's posture. "Get on my level, noob."
"Your Hydreigon versus my Suicune."
"Bring it on, Rui." Rosa playfully gestures for Rui to come at her. "That was fun, but I need to tell you something serious." Her face carries a stern look. "Rui, Valen thought it was hopeless," she admits. "Don't give up, maybe there's still a chance that you can reconcile with Wes." She rubs Rui's upper left arm. "I've never met him, but maybe he's just lost."
Rui bites the lower right side of her upper lip, her chin touching the bottom of her neck. What does she say? What does she do? Is Rosa on the nose?
"Love's a mysterious feeling, but it's a great one." Rosa smiles as she subtly glances towards Valen. "We all have that special person we want to spend forever with."
She's got a point—a couple can still make up after a break up. She still loves Wes, she wants Wes back in his life. Please remember, Wes. Please remember those little moments that were so precious.
Within the kitchen of Melanie's bungalow, the slamming of faucet water and the clanging of porcelain plates can be heard. To the left lies the living room, where Melanie's Absol and her Umbreon are brooding for some unknown reason. However, they're also sporting the faintest of smiles.
Hilda sits in the dining room, her eyes closed in delight. Not only does Melanie make a mean pizza, but she's watching Eevee Rangers on her cell phone too! "Go go Eevee Rangers!" She cheers along with the theme song. "Super awesome Eevee Rangers!"
She marvels over the clash between the seven rangers and Dark Rust, one of their biggest foes. She raises her right fist when all seven raise their right paws to begin their ultimate combo attack. Hehe, bye bye baddie!
After checking to make sure everything's in order, she heads back towards the ebony table. She takes a seat in an adjacent ebony chair.
"I still feel like moving into that neighborhood," Hilda admits, folding her hands on the table. "Something tells me that I'm meant to live there."
"Do you still worry?" Melanie folds her arms. "You know, about that celebirtly couple's daughter image."
"Yeah, once in a while," she admits. "I just want to be seen as Hilda, not as a celebrity couple's daughter." She bows her head, a pained look appearing on her face. "That caused...me to lash out...I almost ruined everything...I wanted to shut down the agency out of guilt."
Melanie reaches across the table to rub Hilda's right shoulder. "You learned from it, and now you've become a big name," she encourages. "That's the important part."
Yeah...it had a happier ending." She looks up. "It only came to my mind because of what happened with him, but I'll be fine."
"That's great to hear."
"Do you ever think about then and now?" Hilda asks. "You came from the Nordica region to a faraway land."
"Hmph, I still managed to come out as a beautiful badass." Melanie folds her arms again, sporting a lopsided smirk. "Can't touch this."
"Hehe, you're something else."
"The climate's certintely different." Melanie chuckles. "We don't have to worry about below zero temperatures."
Hilda tugs her black waistcoat with her eyes shut. "Aieeeee, hearing those words alone makes me feel cold!"
Melanie smirk evolves into a soft smile. "I still want to be seen as Melanie, not just a strong and popular trainer," she affirms. "Like I've said in the past, there's more to life than just training and battling," she continues. "There are those who disagree, but it's not a healthy choice from my point of view."
"We're both winners in the talent, looks and personality department." Hilda playfully winks.
"You've got that right." Melanie exchanges a high five with Hilda. "Other current and former champs have more to them," she states. "Cynthia's an expert in mythology, Diantha's an actress, Zinnia likes to teach the history of the Draconids, and so on."
"Do you want to be a champ too?" Hilda asks. "Maybe Elite Four?"
"If the opportunity arises, I wouldn't mind." Melanie shrugs. "I'm more interested in becoming an established novelist at the moment."
"Any luck?" Hilda inquires.
"I'm not good at novel titles either." Melanie sighs, her palms over his face. "Or rather, I get too many title ideas for one novel. I really am a crazy woman."
"Maybe you're the one in need of a roasting." Hilda titters.
Melanie chuckles, retorting, "Girl please, I'll roast you so bad that you'll need Starmie to douse you with Hydro Pump."
As they chat, Hilda's glad to have a friend like her. Melanie thinks the same way, plus they've both got the same great besties.
Valen and Rosa hold hands as they take an evening stroll together, enjoying the tranquility that surrounds them. Typhlosion and Serperior walk and slither next to their respective trainers, chatting about how the humans can make some intriguing structures whenever they feel like it.
Rosa eyes all of the Gothic Revival houses, eyeing the maroon, green, and white colors that several houses are finished in. Pointy arched windows and steeply pitched roofs are present on all of the houses. She's thought that this neighborhood was super cool from day one. Aspertia City's got a lot of Gothic Revival buildings too, and she loves the number of times has Valen geeked out over them. Who could've known that even as he grew older, he could still be that adorable?
Both them and their Pokémon notice a classic red car pulling up alongside them. They halt, smiling at the occupants as the driver comes to a stop on the curb. Typhlosion and Serperior let out faint cries to say hello.
"Hey, Valen," the elderly man driving the car remarks.
"Hi, Mr. Williams," Valen responds, sporting a warm smile. "Happy belated 91st birthday."
"Thank you, but I'm actually 31, not 91." Mr. Williams smirks. "As this young man's great-grandfather likes to say, 'old age can kiss my ass.'"
All three, plus the Raichu in the passenger's seat, laugh.
"Hi, Raichu." Valen waves, receiving a hoarse cry from the elderly Pokemon in response.
"Hiiiii!" Rosa waves at Mr. Williams and Raichu. "I like this old and cool car!" She looks at his casual collar shirt. "Nice shirt too!"
"You remind me of my great-granddaughter." Mr. Williams chuckles. "1940 Lennington Continental," he continues. "Bought it in the mid-1960s, and that was before I knew who it belonged to."
Valen turns to face a grinning Rosa. "Said car's the exact same 1940 Continental that famed architect Frederic Lloyd Wright owned. Later on, he re-designed the body himself."
"Woooooow, that's awesomeeeeeee!" Rosa cheers.
"Dad was a Lennington man," Mr. Williams states. "Well, a Lennington, Fard, and Mercurius man."
"Hey, please tell her a couple of stories," Valen requests. "She loves hearing stories."
"One quiet afternoon back in spring of '49, I'd just come home from winning a battle tournament," Mr. Williams reminisces. "Dad was there trying to explain to mom why he bought a 1932 Lennington Model KB."
"Did she come around?" Rosa's eyes glitter.
"It could hold five people, so yes. My son's got it now, and I've got another goodie for you."
"Ooooh, tell us!" Rosa exclaims.
"Well, dad was sixty two back in '66, yet it didn't stop him from buying a muscle car," he explains. "Mercurius Comet Cyclone GT with the most powerful engine option. Did a burnout in front of the younger guys just to one up them, but mom was not amused by his antics."
"Those were cool stories," Rosa compliments. "Thank you."
"No problem." Mr. Williams sports a bright smile. "Valen, General Sebastian Barsotti was a real fighter," he states. "He's still watching you, so keep on fighting." He looks upwards, giving a salute. "Ten hut!"
"Will do, Mr. Williams." Valen also looks up into the sky, thinking about his great-grandpa. "Rest in peace, you great man."
"Take care, you two," Mr. Williams says, his Raichu waving as he starts up the car again. "Valen, tell your grandfather that Fard is still better than Cheveron." He chuckles, driving off.
"I'd rather not get yelled at," Valen responds, faintly laughing. "According to him, Fard stands for fix and repair daily."
"He should realize how wrong he is after all this time," Mr. William counters. "And sonny, you gotta take this young lady out in your dad's Shelbi Arbok or Umbreon XK140."
"Heh, in due time." Valen exchanges a fist bump with Rosa. "By the way, grandpa still like several Fards, but he won't admit it to you."
"Typical," Mr. Williams jokes. "Have a good day."
"You too." Valen and Rosa exchange a wave with him.
As they watch the elderly man drive out of sight, Valen and Rosa wrap their arms around each other's sides, continuing their walk. Today had a much more serious tone to it, but it was necessary in order to reach for the future. Typhlosion and Serperior exchange a proud smile, walking and slithering respectively.
"By the way, you forgot something." Rosa giggles, tapping Valen's right cheek. "You forgot you-know-what."
Valen comes to a stop, an amused grin appearing on his face. He forgot to call his mom about Kris apprenticing at the museum. She's now in a meeting with representatives of Galar's The Regional Gallery and Kalos' Louvre.
Rosa bops his forehead. "There's always tomorrow, plus Kris just went back to Johto." She can't wait to see one of her bestest besties from Johto jumping for joy.
Words aren't needed for their in-sync minds—there's more than one reason. He doesn't want Silver and Kris to be so far away from each other, plus both of them changed their ways. Besides, it doesn't take an Alakazam to realize that Silver and Kris have genuine feelings for each other.
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BossCar
Pokémon Trainer
- Pronouns
- He/His
Chapter 35: Passion Attraction
A chime echoes as Hilda rings the doorbell at Valen and Rosa's residence. Her limbs tingle, a few drops of sweat dripping down her face. She distracts herself by studying the brown door's split-like design. Her gaze moves upwards, fixating on the arch-like design. Then, she focuses on the tall and narrow rectangular window on the upper left and right portions.
She snaps back into focus when the front door is opened. She forces herself to smile, lovingly staring into the eyes of her favorite leather jacket wearing goofball. Such a precious smile, one that she's going to have to see fade away. Why him, why them?
"Too bad Melanie couldn't come, but she's out there kicking butt." His smile vanishes upon that Hilda looks troubled. "Is there something on your mind?" He rests his right hand on her right shoulder. "Wanna talk about it?"
Hilda nods, tugging her arms. "Please." Her eyebrows droop. "I...I need to ask you something."
"Alright." He fully opens the door. He steps back, looking worried as he watches Hilda slowly pace herself in.
"...Is it my fault?" Hilda winces, tugging her arms. "Did I...hurt you again?"
His eyes briefly widen. "...You mean my paranoia?" He shuts the front door. As he watches Hilda walk down the walkway and making a right turn into the living room, he feels a knot in his stomach.
"Yeah...is it my fault?" Hilda's voice becomes monotone. "What happened on the day...not being able to find you-" She looks down at her black waistcoat. "It made me think about how hotheaded I used to be."
Valen glances towards the ceiling. He didn't realize that this memory got stirred up within her mind too. How does he respond to this? He doesn't want to tell her, but he doesn't feel like he's got a choice.
"On the day we reunited...I was in the wrong again." Hilda's watery eyes fixate a pained gaze towards him. "I'm sorry...I should've known that you wouldn't hurt me on purpose."
So many tears that his eyes became red. Believing that she didn't like him after all. Her mind won't stop picturing it, that horrible day she lashed out at those around her due to pressure.
"...My issues likely stirred up that memory, and it was amplified by paranoia...I'm sorry."
Tears begin streaming down Hilda's cheeks. "So...tell me...did I cause this?" She crumples onto the sofa, her face resting in her hands. "Am I a horrible-"
"No." He rubs her right cheek "You couldn't have known this would befall me."
"...And if it happens again?" Hilda clenches her teeth. "If I...lash out at those I care about again...if I make you cry again?" She shuts her eyes. "Please...don't leave me...it felt like I lost you when I saw what happened to you."
Valen takes a deep breath. It's his turn to comfort her. He takes a seat next to her, rubbing her upper right arm. "One thousand dollars."
She glances upwards, slowly blinking. "One thousand-" She glances down at her Emboar necklace. She was right.
"That's how much each necklace was." Valen smiles. "Leftover business deal money versus making the three of you feel special. It was an easy choice."
He's too much, he's way too much. That soothing voice of his calms her nerves, that gentle expression so sincere. A static-like jolts her senses when his right hand rubs her middle back. She goes limp as he pulls her closer, feeling him stroke her dark brown hair. As she wraps her arms around Valen's neck, she wonders how anyone can be this much of a sweetheart. He was always like this to her, starting from the day he called her a friend.
"Shhhh, it's going to be okay," he lovingly whispers. "It'll be okay." He kisses her on the top of her head. "I'm right here and I'm not going anywhere ever again."
"Thank you...thank you for everything...Val-Val." Hilda wipes away her tears. "We both learned from our mistakes."
Both hear the trotting of footsteps heading towards them, knowing who's coming.
"Hiiii, Hilda!" Rosa twirls into the room.
"Where were you?" Hilda blinks, letting go of Valen and vice-versa.
"Tee-hee, I'm planning to paint looooots more! Sooooo, I was getting the materials ready before planning!" She scratches the back of her head. "I also...found an unopened box...the magazines...eh heh..heh."
"You come here." Valen gestures for her to come get him. "Hugging you is a great pastime." That forehead bop of Hilda was probably well deserved.
"Kaaaay, here I comeeeee!" She wraps her arms around Valen's midsection.
Valen keeps his right hand on Hilda's back, placing his left hand on Rosa's back. "My favorite kooks." He earns himself a quadruple bop from them, two to each cheek.
Rosa kisses him on the lips. "I overheard the price."
"Like I said, it was an easy choice." He notes that Rosa's got her hair down, plus she's wearing a white Guzmani leather jacket. "Someone's trying to make me blush again."
"Don't even start, you silly boy." Rosa wags her right index finger. "I'm irresistible to you." She rests the back of her right hand on his left cheek. "Do I have to force the admission out of you, hmmmmm?"
"Look who's talking."
He's got a point! He's charming, he's sweet, he's cute, he's hot, he really is irresistible to them! Phew, she's gotten her chance to hide her blushing face! She assess the furniture, paintings, and woodcuts that decorate the living room, whistling the Eevee Rangers opening theme.
Valen, Rosa and Hilda overhear Gengar trying out for opera with a eerie melodious shriek, followed by a flustered Luxray screaming in panic. Gengar's roaring laughter echoes throughout the house. All three of them laugh, which causes Gengar to appear in front of them. They all exchange a fist bump, and Gengar decides to hang out with them.
Valen relaxes in the patio, sitting in one of the five contour chairs that surround his mahogany table. He sees that his Luxray, Hilda's Umbreon, and Rosa's Serperior are having a chat, while the other Pokémon are scattered about the backyard. Serperior moves closer to Umbreon's left ear, telling her to ask Luxray out on a date. Then, Serperior winks at Luxray and Umbreon, which causes them to blush. Umbreon panics, hiding behind her confused Emboar teammate. How can she not have a crush on Luxray? He's such a handsome and prideful feline.
Valen glances towards his Salamence and Rosa's Milotic. Milotic's resting her head against his head, and the blushing dragon's got a wide-eyed expression. He laughs as he leans back, closing his eyes. Then, he hears the trotting of the crazy wholesome minds getting louder and louder. He opens his eyes, yelping when he sees that Rosa's face is inches away from his face.
"Can you record us?" Rosa gives Valen a winsome grin, extending her right hand out. "We want you to have a role sometimes so you don't feel left out!"
"A gentilhomme like me can't say no to a pair of belle dames, ma reine." They're also extremely wholesome, as per the norm.
"Woo-hoo!" Rosa plops her phone into Valen's hand. "Video time!"
"Let's goooo, Rosa!" Hilda's eyes dance with eagerness.
Valen presses play, his face slightly reddening. They look so good together with their backs pressed, and their winks can be dangerously cute.
"Picture us with our hair down, looking good in suits! We picture you making us swoon while wearing your tux!" They switch positions. "Picture us making all frowns go away! Picture us cuddling while reading every day!" They leap up. "Yeah yeah yeah yeah!"
Valen stops the recording, smirking seconds later. The stunner taking her phone back better watch her klutzy self. He's the man when it comes sassy and spunky ladies like Rosa and her. Good thing he managed to contain himself—The hair down and suit look from these two stunners is a one-hit knockout.
While she uploads the video, Hilda notices that Valen's got a big smile. Hehe, they did it! She high fives Rosa a with both hands.
Valen hits upon a idea. "You mind if I take Hilda out on a friend date?" He snickers at their gaping mouths.
Hilda yelps, turning away to hide her blushing face. Rosa's going to leave her with this charming sweetheart?! Look at him, Rosa! Look how hot and handsome he is! This is without the suit! They'll meet up at the museum, but is she even ready for this?!
"Tee-hee she can't hide the fact that she now crushes on you hard!"
"AIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!" Hilda hides her face with her palms. "R-Ro-sa, wh-a-at the's big id-idea?!"
Rosa inches closer to Valen's right ear, whispering, "Hold her hand, you've got my permission."
"Will do," Valen whispers back, subtly exchanging a high five with her.
"You've got it all wrong!" Hilda cries out, shutting her eyes. "We're just friends, I swear! I swear!" She widely flails her arms like she's using Agility.
Garchomp, Umbreon, Emboar, Salamence, Gardevoir, Typhlosion, Hydreigon, Milotic, and Serperior converge onto Hilda with devious grins. They egg Hilda on with low-pitched roars, cries, and laughter, causing Hilda to use her arms to hide her face.
Salamence roars, asking the other Pokémon if they can feel the romance tonight. Gardevoir cackles, stating that their trainer's Charm attack is what the humans call an OHKO move. Typhlosion roars that it's getting hot in here, and it's not because of Volcarona, Emboar, and her.
Garchomp and Umbreon snicker over Hilda's bright red face, recalling the first time this occurred, while Milotic gushes that it's like Salamence and her. Serperior chuckles that Milotic and Salamence need to exchange a kiss, causing Milotic to flutter her eyelids at Salamence. Salamence backs up, nearly stumbling. He runs behind Gardevoir and Typhlosion, who tease him with smirks and winks. In response, Salamence ducks his head.
All of this banter results in the Pokémon bursting into hysterics, while Hilda attempts to hide behind one of the chairs. Except Salamence, who understands Hilda's desire to hide. Stop implying that he's dating Rosa's Milotic already.
Outside of a public stadium, Valen watches Hilda scouting the local talent. A lot of people have gathered around her, but that's no surprise. She's chatting with everybody, signing autographs, taking pictures, and handing out business cards.
He takes a peak at a magazine stand, noting that the most recent issue of Trainer's Digest is focused on Rosa making a bigger splash in Calvana, as well as his return. He smiles, noting that the most recent issue of The Arts' Hub is focused on Rosa's love for painting and the performing arts. Then, he sees that Hilda's on the cover of a entertainment magazine.
"Heeeey, Rosa's making good progress!" Hilda cheers, her stride fast-paced as she approaches Valen. "I'm on yet another magazine cover too, just like her!"
"You two really are my biggest inspirations." Valen smiles, folding his arms. "I look up to you two."
"Really, Val-Val?" Hilda's eyes slightly widen. "You...look up to us?"
Valen nods. "Your energy's infectious," he states. "It drives Melanie and I to be the best that I can be."
Hilda kisses Valen on the forehead. "Hilda White's the antidote for dull days!"
Valen pats Hilda's head, Rosa and her always brighten up his day with their presence alone. He nearly blushes upon seeing a grin equal in cuteness to Rosa's grin. Wait, the sunlight's illuminating how pretty she is too.
"Kyaaaaaaa, I scouted numerous trainers!" Hilda holds her fists under her chin. "Including one who's a guitarist, one who's an aspiring actor, and more!" She sways from side to side. "And several promising trainers!"
"That's my manager." Phew, she didn't notice.
"Oh, by the way-' Hilda re-opens her eyes. "Is Rosa really okay with a vee relationship?" Her face slightly reddens. "I...um...am...just curious-"
"Did you forget that she was the first to relent?"
Um...y-yeah!" She sheepishly smiles. "I forgot! Definitely!"
Valen folds his arms. "It's me who'd be hesitant, but I'm not unreasonable."
Hilda feels a tingle in her stomach. "Sooooo, would you come around...eventually?" She fights with her hands. "Um...just wondering...that would be big-"
"That's what she said." Valen snickers, a mischievous grin making an entrance.
Hilda's face reddens for a few seconds, then she bursts out laughing. "Whoops, I fell for it again!" She slightly tilts her head leftwards, placing her right hand in front of her grinning mouth. "Hehe, I'm a silly one!" She re-opens her eyes, only to blink in confusion. Valen's exchanging a hug with Rosa, who just so happens to be in the exact same area and the exact same time.
"Sooooooooooooooooooooooo, how many times have we ended up in the same place at the same time?" Rosa asks, glancing behind as she walks towards her fans.
"Somewhere in the mid-hundreds," Valen responds, raising his right hand upwards. "See you at the museum."
"Right back at you." Rosa notes that Hilda's stopped walking, a perplexed expression plastered onto her face. "You should be used to this." She walks past Hilda, tapping her right shoulder.
Hilda yelps upon realizing that Valen's already multiple steps in front of her. "Aieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, don't leave me behind!" She runs to catch up with him.
She nearly trips, but Valen grabs ahold of her. This causes her to blush for several seconds.
"You want some Unovan pizza?"
Hilda jumps out of his arms, her eyes lighting up. "Yes, absolutely yes!" She raises her right fist into the air. "You know us so well!"
As they stroll, Valen and Hilda glance at each other. Despite his hesitation, he knows that even the smallest gestures can make a difference. He gently grasps Hilda's left hand, causing her to blush yet again.
"Hey, she gave me permission." Valen smiles. "Let's go."
Hilda's stomach flutters, her pulse evolving into a fast car. His grip's so warm, his smile beams how much of a sweetheart he is. Not to mention that he's so handsome, so cute, so cool.
As she signs posters for her fans, Rosa places her left hand over her heart. All they want from Valen is that precious smile of his.
Hilda and Valen are within a pizza restaurant, seated across from each other within dark red leather seats. The restaurant's packed with a conglomerate of sounds, such a made up of customers placing their orders, employees talking over the beeping of ovens, the pouring of drinks, the happy cries of Pokémon.
A whiff of the air makes Hilda nearly drool. That scrumptious aroma within a place can make a mean pizza slice is irresistible. Their breadsticks and stuffed cheesy bread rocks too, just like Val-Val and her!
"It's as popular as ever." Valen smiles, spotting Rui at a red light. "Huh, she's got a 500E." That car's loud idle noise is badass, but sleepers are badass to begin with.
Valen and Hilda wave at Rui, who waves back. Then, the light turns green. As she drives off, she sticks up her right index and ring fingers.
A male worker and a Machop approach the table, the latter carrying food in a tray. One by one, the male worker places the two pizza slices, the row of breadsticks, and the stuffed cheesy bread onto the dark red wooden table. Lastly, he places their medium sodas on the table. The food resting on the porcelain plates almost causes Hilda to become a Munchlax, the aroma forcing her to contain her drool again. Valen faintly laughs, but he's not one to talk. The aroma alone says it all.
"Enjoy," the male worker responds as he walks off. "Good to see you two again."
"Thank you!" Valen and Hilda grin. "Likewise!"
The worker's Machop grins, then turns around to follow him.
Both Valen and Hilda began chowing down on the pizza slices, the latter deciding that now is a good time to get him to express himself more.
"Sooooo, let's hear some art history," Hilda teases, taking a sip of her soda. "Unless you forgot." She winks, taking another bite of her slice.
"Don't test your luck." Valen smirks, taking another bite of his slice. He looks upwards, eyeing a still life painting of Oran Berries on the wall to his left. "The original of this one was one of many paintings in the collection of King Galahad I."
"Isn't King Galahad I the one who commissioned Sir Charles Wren to construct The Cathedral of Heroes?" Hilda asks, taking another sip. "You dropped this on me in a trivia game before, plus I recall you saying that his father was King Bedivere II."
"Yep." Valen pauses to begin eating his stuffed cheesy bread. "Good job."
"Tell me more!" Hilda's eyes gleam, inching her face closer. "Name every painter represented in his collection!"
Valen slowly blinks, taking another sip. "Seriously?"
"Seriously." Hilda places her hands over her cheeks. "Hearing you talk with such confidence and passion makes me swoo-" She slaps her gaping mouth with her right hand, her face reddening. She hurriedly grabs a breadstick and begins munching on it.
Valen decides to pretend that he didn't notice that. "Works by Titian, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo, were in the king's collection."
"I said every painter, goofball." Hilda wags her right finger. "I pay attention."
"Fine, you crazy wholesome mind." Valen smirks. "Works by Velazquez, Van Dyck, Rubens, and Poussin were also in his collection."
"Nope." Hilda winks, pointing her left index finger at him. "Don't make the Queen of Trivia Games bop it out of you."
"You really are crazy." Valen places his right over his forehead.
"Hehe, yeeeep!" Hilda places her right hand in front of her grinning mouth.
"Lorraine, Dürer, and Dobson," he continues. "Happy now, crazy wholesome mind?"
"Hehe, I remember all of those names because of Rosa and you, so there was no escape," Hilda teases, wagging the same finger again. "Don't forget that just about everybody knows Leonardo's Mona Gardevoir and The Supper Before Battle."
"Duh," he quips. "King Galahad I also had sculptures by Michelangelo, Donatello, Bernini, Algardi, and Stoss."
"I remember those names too!"
"You forgot Michelangelo already, Queen Klutz?" Valen teases. "I said his name twice."
"Shut up, goofball."
"'Art is the ultimate connector of civilization,'" Valen quotes. "King Galahad I, 1635."
"You're still the guy that I remember walking into my office eight years ago." Hilda winks. "And I'm still not letting you escape me." She wags her right index finger.
"And I still love sassy women," Valen playfully counters. "Rosa was always a lively and confident ball of fluff, but she evolved into a lively, confident, sassy, and beautiful ball of fluff."
"Hehe, my favorite goofball still won't admit to the crush."
Valen faintly blushes, feeling Butterfree in his stomach. "I don't know what the word crush means." He focuses solely on the rest of the bread, his face reddening even more upon hearing Hilda's playful laugh.
Both continue to eat and drink, stopping to briefly talk in-between. These little moments are the most precious of them all.
Hilda stands outside of the Angel City Museum of Art, exchanging a fist bump with Valen and Rosa because they felt like it. She eyes the magnificent museum, her gaze fixated on the giant dome atop the center roof. If she recalls, Valen said that there's a double drum located underneath it. Her favorite feature being sculptures of Mew decorate the front center, front left corner, and front right corner of the building.
Aieeeeeee, Valen and Rosa are beginning to walk inside without her! She dashes to catch up with them. She's glad that she didn't almost trip this time.
As Valen checks in with the front desk, Hilda eyes the ornate interior walls. "Do you think I'll get a chance to say hi to his mom?" Hilda asks, looking at the other guests as they stroll by.
"Hopefully," Rosa responds, also eyeing the walls. "I know you want to." She notice Valen approaching them.
"Sorry, mom's not in right now," he informs. "She'll be back soon."
"That's fine," Hilda tells him. "You lead the way around this museum." She clasps her hands in front. "Please?"
Valen goes silent for a few seconds. Then, a wide smile appears on his face. He points towards the Renaissance and Baroque sculptures, the crazy wholesome minds darting in front of him. Heh, they're waving at a docent and the visitors he's giving a tour to. Now they're waving at an elderly couple and their grandchildren. He runs to catch up with them, his reward for keeping pace being traditional cheek bops.
The trio stroll into the the second corridor on their right, passing numerous visitors going in and out. A large sign informs visitors that the museum is in the process of re-organizing the sculptures, so a few Renaissance sculptures have been moved out of their rooms.
Like with everything else within the museum, there's railing surrounding all of the sculptures. As they make their way down the isle and into the Bernini room, the largest sculpture in the collection draws Valen in. It's been a while since since he's seen the The Anguish of King AZ.
He admires the smooth drapery-like flow of the white marble used for this lifelike scene, which packs an ump from every angle. He starts with AZ's forehead, his gaze quickly moving to the incised eyes looking up. Tears are about drip from them, or so he feels. The king's anguished stare and circular gaping mouth's being met by the agonized stare of his frowning Floette. who hovers above his palms. Surrounding them is nothing but a barren wasteland where foliage once grew. Lifeless, desolate, all gone, all obliterated, all for what?
One look is enough to see why The Anguish of King AZ is considered to be Gianluigi Bernini's finest sculpture by many, him included. The firing of that weapon was most catastrophic calamity within the ancient world. AZ was a noble soul corrupted by hatred and despondency. It led him down a path that resulted in The Ultimate Weapon, which caused The Darkest Day and a near societal collapse. And yet, Valen's hit in the feels whenever he looks at photographs, let alone seeing it in person.
The dozens of visitors in awe of this beautiful work can feel the genuine sorrow of AZ, their faces evident of the sculpture's ump. Gianluigi Bernini made people feel sympathy for a man who fell into darkness and caused an apocalyptic calamity. Truly, he was the Michelangelo Bellincioni of his day.
Here comes Hilda and Rosa, standing on his right and left respectively. The former clasps her hands behind her back, her pupils moving up and down as she scans the sculpture. This work hits people right in the feels. It's like she traveled back in time, witnessing this moment with her own eyes.
Rosa's gaze is fixated on the faces of AZ and Floette. "Baroque sculpture's intended to be viewed from any angle," she remarks. "A trait of the Baroque was to make people feel a physical and psychological ump."
One of the sculptures that have been temporarily placed here catches Rosa's eye. Outside the room lies the Trainer by Michelangelo Bellincioni, his second one to be exact. The first was created in 1502. Aside from having a Sirfetch'd instead of a Bisharp, this one looks exactly the same, having been made at the request of Florentine City's champion.
Rosa and Hilda eye the Carrara marble sculpture of a heroic and muscular guy who's completely nude, a Sitrus Berry clenched in his right hand. Rosa notes his thick bushy hair, the back of it extending to the halfway point of his neck. The Sirfetch'd in front of him, and its swinging a leak like a knight charging into battle.
Hilda looks leftwards. "Hey, isn't this another version of Trainer?" She sports a big smile upon seeing a grinning Eevee resting on top of a mostly bald man's head. She's glad to see that the robed man has a content smile on his face. A Flygon's slightly off the ground in front of him, a confident yet content look on its face. She inches closer to the info plaque, clasping her hands over her right shoulder when she sees that she was correct. It is indeed a reproduction of Donatello's Trainer from the 1440s.
Valen chooses to check out what's else is in the room, starting with Bernini's Trainer. The depicted man's incised eyes emit a calm gaze that goes well with his placid smile. He wears a medieval robe as he files on a Charizard, seemingly charging into combat There's an Oran Berry in his left hand, a sword in his right hand. His stern expression is fitting for a powerful trainer and warrior.
He'll join Rosa and Hilda after he checks out Salamence Atop a Rock and a few others.
Hilda walks in front of Rosa and Valen as they enter the Baroque painting section. Rosa and Valen are looking at paintings by Sir Patrick Pierre Rubens and Neville Poussin, while she's further ahead where the Ragulian Baroque works are.
Her attention's directed toward a landscape painting. A Trainer on a Rocky Coast by Salvatore Rosa, 1660. She eyes the trainer's Haxorus and a Corviknight, all three on the left side of the rugged coastline. Both him and his Pokémon gaze out into the blue sky, the clouds a mix of gray and white. The rocky area slopes upwards, with it towering above everything else on the right side. Various areas of the coastline have foliage on them.
Then, Hilda's eyes are drawn towards the painting of two guys sitting and playing a card game, with a third guy standing. She darts into the room containing it and nine other works.
"Hoopa and The Cardsharp by Marcantonio Matteo da Caravaggio, and it's from 1594."
The guy closest to the viewer's facing away, and he's rocking a gold doublet and green shirt. A Hoopa's hovering close by, hiding from the other two guys. The Hoopa's sneaking two playing cards into his pocket. The younger guy and his Froakie study their cards, while the first man reaches into his pocket. A older bearded guy stands on the boy's left, cocking a brow while wrinkling his forehead.
Now for the Melotta painting. Three boys are playing a lute, a lyre, and a harp, her eyes drawn towards their calm smiles. The fourth boy's the closest to the viewer, but his back is turned. He's holding a paper with what she assumes is the song lyrics written on it. Two Meloetta, one Aria Forme and one Pirouette form, dance in-between the four.
Valen's outside of the room, eyeing the works across from the entrance. The one that catches his eye first is Still Life with Bowl of Sitrus Berries by Giorgia Garzoni. The five Sitrus Berries look ripe, like they've just been plucked from a tree. They rest within a porcelain bowl with a red ornate pattern.
Next to it is The Princess, Her Machamp, and Her Alakazam by Agostina Gentileschi. A female trainer's standing in between the aforementioned Machamp and Alakazam. She dons an elegant silk dress, and she looks stern and ready to engage the viewer in battle. The Machamp is slamming two fists into two palms, ready for a brawl. The Alakazam looks like it's trying to read the viewers mind.
"We recently got those two," a familiar voice calls out. "It's been quite a while, Hilda."
Hilda's eyes light up, rapidly turning to greet the middle-aged woman who called out to her. "Heeeey, long time no see!" She strolls up to Professor Beauchêne-Barsotti, exchanging a handshake with her.
Professor Beauchêne-Barsotti smiles, glancing at Rosa and her son. "Came back so soon?"
"Hilda wanted to come here to say hi," Rosa answers. "She also really wanted to visit the museum again."
Valen shrugs. "Hey, I'm joining the Beauchêne author's club one day, aren't I?" His mouth curves into a nostalgic smile. "Besides-" He glances towards Rosa and Hilda. "I have very fond memories of this place, and among them are fun times with two special people."
Since he's here, now's a good time to ask his mother for advice Not to mention he still has somebody to return the favor too, plus Silver and her shouldn't be so far apart.
Valen stands right of the door, leaning up against the wall. His mother's seated behind a mahogany desk, remaining quiet as Valen assesses the ornate patters. It's been a while since he's been here, and his mother's office allows for a better view of the intricate aesthetics. That way, he can enjoy the most important part of the museum while also enjoying the Baroque architectural style.
Valen takes a hard deep breath. "So, Silver's got a friend named Kris," he explains, folding his arms. "She aspires to be like you."
"That's flattering to hear." Professor Beauchêne-Barsotti once met a girl named Kris. Perhaps it's the same one?
"Thing is that-" His mouth curves into a soft smiles. "She showed me kindness like she already knew me."
"You want to know if she can get an apprenticeship here?"
"I'll see what I can do," she assures. "Also, she's not just Silver's friend." she chuckles. "It's not hard to tell that she's your friend too."
"Right, sorry." He scratches the back of his head. "Her full name's Kristýnka Tanaka."
"Mikulas Tanaka's daughter?" Professor Beauchêne-Barsotti asks in a surprised tone. "This took an interesting turn." Same Kris, thus making her son's request easier.
"Yep, his daughter." He scratches the back of his head again. "I got...a bit excited about that...heh heh."
Professor Beauchêne-Barsotti chuckles. "That makes things easier," she responds. "How about you, honey?" She raises her left brow. "What's your plan?"
"One neat thing about being famous and popular is that I get to promote a place like this." he grins. "Museums, art, design, history, the BW Agency, Melanie's novels, everything," he affirms. "I intend to promote everything as I regain my past glory."
"We raised you right."
"...One last thing," Valen informs, scratching the back of his head. "Uh…well…the topic of a vee got brought up again."
"Oh?" She looks a little bit surprised. "Are you still hesitant?"
"It's more than that," Valen laments, doing a hard swallow. "Mom, I'm scared."
"You don't trust yourself?"
"...No...not really." His voice emits a duller tone. "What if I hurt someone?"
"Rosa's still okay with it?"
"Yeah, but I don't want to risk neglecting Melanie...or break Hilda's heart."
"I think it's worth considering," she advises. "It can be hard to adjust, but I've seen you inch closer to polyamory at a very slow pace."
"I know...but-" He glances towards the ceiling. "This whole mess caused me to regress."
She slowly stands up. "Don't worry." She walks in front of her desk, beaming a gentle vibe. "They'll wait for you." She approaches her son, kissing the top of his head. "And your father and are I beyond proud of you."
"In your case, you're not just saying that because of Hilda's dad, are you?"
"No, but Connor White was the Unovan trainer from 1985 to 1998, then was champion from 2005 to 2010," she points out. "He acted similar to you when you don your moniker."
"Just like Cillian Rupert Doyle's the leading art historian within Unova?" Valen still finds it cool that Rosa's grandfather wrote his first book in 1964 at age twenty, albeit he had a co-author. "Rosa's grandaunt said he delved into it at age nine."
"You've got all of his books in your library, so you should know the answer to that."
"Heh, it was an honor to be praised by him," Valen admits. "Speaking of which, I think I kept them waiting long enough." He slowly opens the door, joking, "Better go grace them with my presence."
"Honey, I can hear the commotion outside of the building."
"Good point." he laughs. "See you around, mom. Love you."
"Love you too, honey." She kisses the top of his head. "Don't forget to get her grandpa's book on Orre's painting and sculpture."
"Way ahead of you." Valen's lopsided grin beams with pride. "Bookstore on Yellow Street and 17th Avenue's always getting old and new books.
He waves at his mom and vice versa, making his way back to the main entrance afterwards. While walking through the hallway, he hears a faint ding. He takes his cell phone out of his right pocket, his mouth falling open when he sees what the text says. Melanie...she says...don't worry? She's never felt neglected by him? He stands still for a few seconds. He remembers her words from the day after they met up at the park they hung out in as kids and teenagers.
"You and I are inseparable friends, so there's no escape."
That's what she said. That's literally what she said. She's always going to be a part of his life and vice versa. For everybody's sake, he hopes he can improve in trusting himself.
Returning his focus to the present, Valen strolls out of the museum's lobby and into the front plaza, noting that the sun's now partially obscured by puffy white clouds. Then, he, spots two guys trying to hit on Hilda and Rosa. Those two can sass someone to Galar and back, so that's not a very good idea. There are dozens of people surrounding the crazy wholesome minds, as per usual.
"I'm taken." Rosa smirks, her right hand on her him. "So no, I don't want your number." She moves her neck from right to left, wagging her left index finger.
"I'm also taken." Hilda mimics Rosa's facial expression and gestures. "So I don't wanna give you mine, oh no."
As they walk away, the two male trainers bicker with each other.
"I love it when belle dames sass people," Valen calls out, clicking a tooth. "Tu es extraordinaire."
"Speaking of which-" She twirls to face Valen. "Rosa Force, say hi to my boyfriend!" She glances at Hilda, giggling as her face reddens. "You know you can't hide it forever." She inches closer to Hilda's right ear, whispering, "He has two romantic soulmates."
"Bonjour, mesdames et messieurs." He sports a lopsided grin, his arms folded. "It's Le Moissonneur Noir in the flesh." He winks at Rosa and Hilda. "I see that these belle dames have been making this livelier, as per usual."
A small chorus of squeals among multiple female trainers echo throughout the area.
Rosa wraps her arms around Valen's neck, causing Valen wraps his arms around her midsection and hoists her up.
"Valen, what's your status with Hilda?" A male trainer asks.
"Are you two together?!" A female trainer gushes. "Are you three a romantic trio?!"
"Tee-hee, that's what she wants!" Rosa mischievously grins.
"AIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!" Hilda rapidly moves her head from side to side. "We aren't involved in that way, I s-s-s-sw-wear!" She places her palms over her reddened face. "I'm his agent and manager! We're just really close besties, I swear! I swear!"
"She's not wrong." Valen turns his back towards the crowd, showing the BW Agency logo plastered onto his jacket. "She made my glory days a reality, so this Team Skull jacket reps the agency too." He turns back around, folding his arms. "If you want to make it big, or if you want an event that's a lotta fun, call up the BW Agency." He wraps his right arm around Hilda's midsection, pulling her closer.
"Most handsome endorsement ever!" Several female trainers squeal!"
"If you're very lucky, you'll get the talented and lively president as your talent agent and/or manager," he states. "She's also as beautiful as Rosa." He earns himself a double bop to the forehead. "For me, it's like having two stunning Renaissance masterpieces coming alive and tagging along." He ears himself four more bops, this time on his cheeks.
"Shut up, you lovable dork." Rosa and Hilda press their backs together and wink. "You're absolutely correct, though."
Hilda opens her bag, taking out a wad of business cards. She closes her bag, the darts into the crowd to hand them out.
"You get a card!" She cheers, rotating in a full circle. "You get a card too!"
"By the way-" Valen points towards the museum. "This place is one that everyone should visit." He looks back at the crowd. "Trust me on this."
Hilda's eyes gleam when she remembers something that she wanted to tell Rosa and Valen. "In a few days, I'll be going to the stadium for event purposes," she informs, darting back towards them. "Wanna come?"
"Sure!" Valen and Rosa exclaim, their eyes gleaming.
"Thanks!" Hilda exchanges a fist bump with Rosa and Valen.
Hilda's been watching him face his fears, which gives her an idea. Maybe the best way to let him ease into a vee is to continue to spend lots of time together.
The trio stroll down the sidewalk together, their shoes joining the chorus of footwear tapping on the slightly heated concrete as dozens of others stroll around them. Valen grasps Rosa's left hand and Hilda's right hand, causing Rosa to giggle and Hilda to faintly yelp.
Hilda wants to know why, why's he so sweet? Why's he so good-looking? How does Rosa handle this without blushing nowadays?
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BossCar
Pokémon Trainer
- Pronouns
- He/His
Chapter 36: Encouragement and Kindness
The towering skyline of downtown looms large from within this large concrete plaza. The late morning sun illuminates the sparkling dew-drenched grass that surrounds the plaza, as well as Silver's Aggron and his opponent's Kabutops. He's been on a roll as of late, but that's to be expected within his mind.
"Aggron, use Iron Head."
The horns on Aggron's head glow metallic gray, and the glow quickly envelops the entire top of his head. Aggron lunges towards Kabutops, a thumping sound echoing from under his feet. He slams his head into Kabutops' chest.
"Hasta la vista." Silver grins, narrowing his eyes at his opponent. "Aggron, Thunder Punch."
As Kabutops wobbles, Aggron's right hand is enveloped by electricity. Aggron slugs Kabutops in the face, sending it hurling behind its trainer. Kabutops staggers, falling face down onto the ground seconds later.
"I got wrecked!" The male trainer bemoans, recalling his Kabutops.
Silver chuckles at the crowd's murmuring. They must be amazed by how strong he is. He's been on a win streak these past couple of days, nine wins under his belt within this morning alone.
A text message ding causes him to rummage through his right pocket, pulling his phone out seconds later. Guzma and Sindie's first anniversary is already approaching? Dialga must have pressed fast forwards. Yeah yeah yeah yeah, he'll say hi to their seven month old son too. He rolls his eyes. because Gladion is not one to talk about being edgy. Wait. he's not one to talk either. In his defense, he's also not the emo assclown who brooded over getting a medium fries instead of a large. Stupid Gladion also exposed him when he asked about a friend who wanted to ask
Humph, the next opponent's sent out a Palossand. Aggron can handle this. Humph, this guy's gonna need more than a Sand Tomb attack to have a chance of winning. That twisting and whirling sand wasn't enough to severely affect Aggron. Battle prowess means that Aggron's become resilient against even his quadruple weaknesses.
As Aggron dukes it out with the Palossand, Silver decides that after a few more battles, he'll head on over to Valen and Rosa's house.
Rosa and Rui enjoy a tranquil early afternoon as they relax within in the large patio. They've taken seats at the large mahogany table. Rosa loves how Valen's placed Pokémon gnomes at each corner of the backyard. Of course, it's gnomes of their combined twelve Pokémon, plus she notices that he's working on adding gnomes of Hilda's team to the outdoor display.
Rui's Leafeon and Glaceon decide to hang out with Rosa and Rui. Glaceon brushes up against Rosa's left leg, grinning as Rosa pets her. On the other end of the table, Leafeon closes his eyes as Rui pets him. The other Pokémon go about their business with the backyard, with Valen's team being present too.
Rui leans back in the chair, a relaxed grin on her face. These are comfy chairs, and it's cool Valen and Rosa has got a lot of old furniture.
"This house will become our personal library and gallery!" Rosa sticks her right index and ring fingers up.
Rui watches Rosa place a sketch on the table, right next to the camera. Looks like she's resuming painting.
Rosa nods as she puts on gloves. "I likes to challenge myself by painting in various styles," she explains. "Whether it's a movement or a painter, plus I like to paint my own variants."
Rui eyes Rosa's drawing of the Aron line, a male trainer with a cape standing behind the Lairon located in the front center. She watches Rosa put a palette, three tubes of paint, and a few brushes on the table. This is going to be interesting.
One by one, Rosa removes the caps of the tubes. "Before I start to paint, I sketch it out." She gently squeezes each paint into the palette's circular inserts. "Lots of artists do this."
Rui's seen a few of Rosa's paintings before—this woman's talented. She's also a strong battler and would make a good access. Rui takes a peek at the print resting left of the sketch. She likes how the trainer's wearing a cape in addition to a robe, but she wonders how many trainers wore capes back then. Hopefully, lots of them did.
"That's his latest purchase, but he said that he'd put it up at a later date!" Rosa clasps her hands next to her right cheek. "He's letting me use it for my live stream!"
"I'll record it," Rui offers, taking the camera off of the table.
"Thanks, Rui!" Rosa exchanges a high five with her.
Rosa rockets out of the chair, revealing a painting easel with a blank white canvas behind her. She twirls, happily gasping over the sight of Valen leaning against the rear wall with his arms folded. She notices that Silver's here too, causing her to giggle. She coyly smiles, winking and blowing a kiss at Valen. She waves at Silver's who calling out his team. She twirls back to face the camera, just as Rui presses play. Let's rock!
"Hiii, Rosa Force!" Rosa waves to the camera, her eyes gleaming with elation. "I'm finally starting a new painting!"
"You're gonna rock this!" Rui encourages, sticking her left index and ring fingers out. "Let's gooooooo!"
"You know how I roll!" Rosa grins, sticking up her right index and ring fingers. "Whether it's graphic design or painting, I try to do everything one hundred billion million trillion gazillion percent by hand!" She wags her right finger. "And don't think Rosa won't upload this live stream as a video!" Her grin becomes wider. "Wherever Rosa goes, smiles follow!"
"I'm going to paint like Titian, who's regarded as one of the greatest and most influential painters of all time!" Rosa grabs the print and holds it up towards the camera. "I'm going to paint Aron, Lairon, and Aggron!" "I was inspired by Titian's Three Stages of Evolution, featuring the same line!" She points towards the Aggron. "In fact, this was Titian's own Aggron!"
Upon hearing a human painted his kind, Silver's Aggron lets out a triumphant roar, banging his chest with his fists. Then, Aggron exchanges a smirk with Valen and Silver.
"Nooooow-" Rosa hums, twirling as she moves the large, long, and thick brush in all directions. "I started off this play with priming!" She moves her hand away, revealing a second shade of white. "I used a thingy called gesso, which is what Titian used too!" she exclaims. "Sooooooooo, I'm going to apply what's called underpainting!" She gently dips her brush into her palette. "I'm going to use light brown!"
She rests the tip of the brush onto her canvas. She moving her long brush up and down like a wavy current, the light brown outline of a mountain range emerging as she chugs along. She paints the outline of the trainer and the Aron line. Afterwards, she wipes her brush on the palette, then dips it into a lighter shade of blue. She proceeds to paint an outline of the partly cloudily sky. She repeats the wiping process, then dips the brush into white paint. She paints an underlayer on the trainer's clothing.
"Kaaaaay, done!" Rosa cheers. "I'm going to utilize a technique called glazing later on!" she announces. "Glazing's applying a thin layer of a transparent darker color over a transparent lighter color!"
"Go go gooooo!" Rui encourages, her face glowing. "Paint like the boss that you are!"
Rosa notices that the comments and chat are being filled up with the words Rui spoke. "Soooooooooo, I'm going to apply burnt umber to the ground area!" She holds the tube of paint up. "It's transparent, just like the light brown! And it dries pretty fast!" She places the tube back onto the table. "Both Titian Vercelli and Rembrandt van Remis are huge influences for me!" she cheers. "Rembrandt used dark browns that were glowing and rich in many works!"
As he watches from the sidelines, Valen's got a proud smile on his face. "That's my girl," he comments. "Titian influenced Rembrandt, and both influenced best girl."
Rosa notices that the fans in the live chat picked up on Valen's words, and they want to hear more from him. "Since the underpainting must dry first, so we'll come back to it tomorrow!" She wags her right finger. "But don't leave, kay?!"
Valen slowly blinks, curious as to what else Rosa's got planned. Wait, she's looking this way. Does that mean she wants him to join her? Why?
"I'm not doneeeee!" Her eyes gleam, feeling like a lightbulb turned on within her mind. "Since The Rosa Force's awesome, and since Rosa brings smiles to all faces-" She glances behind her. "This live stream is also an art history live stream!"
"What." Is she implying what he thinks she is?
"Tee-hee, you heard meeeee!" Rosa twirls to face Valen. "The painter and the historian must join forces!" She gestures for Valen to come join her. "Come on, join the fun!"
Valen's eyes slightly widen, his mouth falling open. "You want me to...speak about art on camera?" He points towards himself, feeling a sense of nervousness. "You want me to join you?"
Rosa narrows her eyes, her mouth falling open. "Everybody, please help me encourage him!" She bends her elbows in front of her, raising her fists. "Type 'join the fun, Valen' in the comments and chat, or type his monikers if you're a big fan of his battles and contest performances!" Upon seeing her fanbase doing what she requested, Rosa closes her eyes and grins. "I'll be back, gotta wash my hands!" She darts towards the back door.
She removes her gloves and carefully disposes them into the trash bin. Afterwards, she opens the back door and darts rightwards.
"Lots of comments," Rui remarks. "Come have fun with us."
"Come on, listen to the crazy girl." Silver pats his right shoulder. "Even I think you should express it more again."
Valen feels fluttery within his midsection. Did he forget about expressing his passion to the point where he has to re-learn it?
All of the Pokémon take note of the situation, encouraging Valen to join the other humans with roars, cries, and nods. While Rui's Suicune has no idea what's going on, this Valen human is nice to his trainer. That's good enough for him, just as long as he remembers that this Suicune's absolutely fabulous.
Rosa trots out of the house without the coveralls, asking, "How many more comments, Rui?"
"Lots more comments!" Rui sticks up her right index and ring fingers.
Valen swallows before speaking. "Well-"
"Rui, join me for a motivational message!" Rosa exclaims, inching closer. "I need a substitute for Hilda, since she's not present!"
"I'll be happy to join you!" Rui jumps off the chair.
Rui and Rosa dart towards Silver. "Hold the camera!" Their faces are inches away from Silver's face.
Silver blinks. "Uh, sure." He takes Rosa's camera. "Go ahead."
"Every challenge along the way, with courage I will face!" Rui closes her eyes, raising her right fist above her head. "Courage I will face, yeah!"
"I will battle everyday to claim my rightful place!" Rosa cheers.
"Come with me, the time is right!" Rui and Rosa press their backs together. "There's no better team!"
"There's no better team!" Rosa sticks up her right index and ring fingers.
"Arm and arm, we'll win the fight!" Rosa and Rui cheer. "Gonna live our dream!"
Valen remains quiet for a few seconds. Then, he closes his eyes, his mouth curving into a wide smile.
"It's your boy Valen," he jokes, sauntering towards Rosa and Rui. "Shoutout to my boy Guzma, since he gave me permission to use his lines."
"Our boy Guzma!" Rui cheers. "I'm Team Skull too!"
"Don't forget me." Silver smirks.
"First thing's first." Valen wraps his arms around Rosa's midsection. "Up you go."
"Woo-hoo!" Rosa wraps her arms around Valen's neck as he hoists her upwards.
"First, remind everyone whom your grandpa is."
"Cillian Doyle, a renowned art historian!" Rosa drums her feet on Valen's upper legs. "Your turn!"
"Rosa's on par with the Old Masters." Valen earns himself a double bop to his cheeks.
"Besides that."
While Valen and Rosa continue talking, Rui realizes that she forgot to take the camera from Silver. He doesn't seem to mind. Maybe it's because Valen's coming around? She gives a thumbs up to the thirty two Pokémon, all of whom are cheering over another victory for the humans. When their trainers win, they win too.
Valen's spending a quiet early afternoon relaxing on his bed, reading the historic city map book that Rosa got him very recently. His currently on the pages that show a map of Marselles City from 1754. The Kalosian city's long narrow harbor that extends into it like panhandle is filled with ships and Lapras. Of course, he's gotta have more books next to him on the bed. To his right rests his other historic map book, his massive book on art's world history, and his three books on the aforementioned schools from earlier.
Several pages later, and he's now studying a seventeenth century map that depicts Enju as it was between 900-1100. His gaze alternates between the large square grid in the center and the various other buildings scattered outside of it. He flips the glossy feeling page, landing on a map of Enju from 1863. By then, it was already given the name Ecruteak City The ruins of the Burned Tower, as well as the Bell Tower, indicates that this map depicts the city shortly after the infamous disaster.
Speaking of Rosa, Kris' voice is so loud that he can hear her conversation with Rosa and Silver from here. Kris' voice is rich with emotion, like she's about to cry out of joy. He wants Kris and Silver to be happy, he wants them to be together. This apprenticeship allows for that, plus he's since seen footage of her classical sculpture presentation. She's a boss at it, but how did Silver react to Kris in a Guzmani suit and high heels?
He briefly closes his eyes, his smirk morphing into a smile as he flips through pages. He'll find out soon enough, back to this book. He lands on a map of Berlinstadt from 1688, which has long since become the Ziegler region's largest city.
A ding from his phone makes him takes a peek. It's a notification from an online newsletter about a recent art sale, and the photos contain several examples of Rosa's paintings. They came up for sale, and he can't take his eyes off the screen. Has Rosa's popularity boosted her name in the art world by that much?
"Hiiii there, sweetie!" Rosa shouts. "It's time for another one of your required hugs!" she giggles. "I know you've been impatiently waiting!""
As Rosa darts towards him, Valen places the book next to the other books on the bed.
Rosa jumps, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Roar, Flying Press!" She gently makes Valen lie down on the bed.
"About time I got my third hug today." Valen places his right hand on her back and his left arm around her waist.
"Sooooooooooooooooo, whatcha looking up online?"
"Take a look." He nudges his phone closer to her.
Rosa gasps when she reads the the title of the article. She jumps back, doing an impromptu impression of a Loudred's facial expression. Her Rembrandt-like paintings of Dusclops, Chandelure and Golurk sold for eight hundred dollars each?! Her massive Titian-like painting that contains dozens of Bug-types sold for three thousand dollars?! Guzma's the one who brought them?! This has to mean that she's becoming more known!
Rui and Silver walk into the master bedroom, catching Valen and Rosa's attention. Rui gives Rosa a thumbs up, while Silver simply smirks.
"Let's celebrate by making Silver and Rui twirl!" Rosa rockets out of the bed like a Dragapult launching Dreepy.
Silver and Rui faintly yelp, backing up as Rosa darts towards them.
"You handle this!" Rui shouts, ducking behind Silver.
"H-Hey!" Silver turns his body towards Rui. "I'm not your shield!"
"Roar!" Rosa wraps her arms around Silver and Rui's necks. "We all live in a Pokémon world!" She giggles at their wide-eyed expressions, making them twirl with her several times. "We're going to be the greatest of them all!" She lets go, darting back towards the bed. She plops herself next to Valen, giving him an ear-to-ear grin.
"Hey, tell me more cool info about art," Rui requests, inching closer. "I've heard that both Rosa and you super knowledgeable." She glances around the master bedroom, eyeing the paintings, the small sculptures, the ceramics, and the furniture. "I know a bit about art thanks to my grandparents from my mom's side of the family." Agate Village was better for her than Fountain Town, that's why her aunt and uncle wanted her to live there.
Valen slowly blinks. "You're asking...a personal question?" What's going on today?
"Duh," Rui teases, her grinning mouth showing her teeth. "We're friends."
"Right, sorry." Valen closes his eyes, faintly smiling. "I'm a bit rusty."
"You'll get to used it again," Rui assures, rubbing his left shoulder.
Silver shrugs, choosing to keep quiet. It's not because he caught a glimpse of that Darkrai painting, no siree. Of course this would happen, of course this painting would be here. Whatever, they're friends and they like this Rembrandt guy's work. Wait, this means he can also get used to how freaking spooky this painting is. How many toilets got clogged upon that Rembrandt guy unveiling this? How impressed will Kris be as his friend?
Rosa lets go of Valen so he can sit upright, but they hold each other again afterwards. "Let's stick to the theme of painting." Rosa notes that Valen's organized all the paintings into three horizontal rows. "I'll chime in too." She's a boss at this, but he needs to re-learn how to express his passions to others again.
"I'm ready for my free art history lesson!" Rui catches a glimpse of something familiar within the first painting in the bottom row. "Hey, it's the Outskirt Stand!" Rui's eyes light up, her pupils darting up and down while studying the print.
"Cavalrymen At The Outskirt Stand by Finnegan Remington, 1892," he informs. "I'm sure you know whom these cavalrymen were."
"Yep, the Orre Calvary Patrol were like a volunteer police department in rural Orre." Rui eyes the dozens of men in tan ranger hats scattered about the area, the Outskirt Stand being in the center.
Some of the cavalrymen walk into the Outskirt Stand, others lean up against the stalls, and some are sitting in chairs. All of them are wearing black coats and brown pants. Almost all of them have got holstered revolvers, with several holding shotguns and bolt action rifles. Numerous Pokémon, such as a Blaziken, an Infernape, a Drapion, five Gabite, four Arbok, seven Poliwhirl, three Poliwrath, and a Garchomp are scattered about. A flock of Pidove and its evolutions soar in the clear skies above.
"There's a Giotto and a Titian painting on the wall." Rosa points to the middle of the top row. "Giotto di Buonacorsus and Titian Vercelli, the father and the founder of Pokémon painting and Western painting as we know it today."
"Giotto's Clash of the Dragons, 1295," Valen adds. "The original was commissioned by Ameriguccio di Vezzano, the legendary medieval Dragon-type master."
Rui notes that the setting's the Colosseum of Roma City. There's a Hydreigon and a Garchomp duking it out in a trainer battle, with various other dragons observing alongside their trainers. All of the trainers are wearing tunics.
"Those lines you see are what Giotto used to draw the viewer's attention to where he wanted it to be!" Rosa clasps her hands next to her right cheek.
"That's cool!" Rui shouts. "I'm gonna keep on going!" She's getting knowledge like she's supposed to be! She's chilling with the squad like's supposed to be, ooooooh!
"Me too!" Rosa points towards a painting left of the Giotto work, one that's all too familiar to her. "I want to check out that Titian painting, cuz it's been a while since I've seen it!"
Rui and Rosa note the severe and stern glare of the bearded man. Rui eyes the red and gold conical hat of the man depicted in the portrait, while Rosa eyes the man's red and gold brocade robe. Then, their eyes meet the eyes of a smugly smirking Dragonite, who's standing behind its trainer.
"Titian's The Duke and His Dragonite from 1545! This is the first painting that Valey and I geeked out over as kids! Alsooooo, Duke Giorgio Gritti founded the Venetian Battles after a visit to Kalos!"
Rui looks at the painting left of the Titian work. Ha, Silver's attempting to look away from the Darkrai painting. This must be the painting that he's spooked by, or so she's heard from the squad Or maybe not, because he's now looking directly at the print. Wait, he still looks a little spook. Make up your mind, Super Brooder.
Rui tries to make out the caliginous forest cloaked in a glowing and rich dark brown. The Darkrai itself hovers in the middle, the dark brown slightly cloaking its black body and puffy white plume. Darkrai's entire front side is visible, but its facing southwest. Nevertheless, its peering eyes meet Rui's eyes, making her think it's right in front of her. The eyes are bright blue, but the aforementioned brown makes the eyes look eerier. That's a neat touch.
Rosa's quiet this time, and Valen knows why. "'That ump you felt is one of the Baroque's elements." He understands it now, he understands what she's been trying to do. "Rembrandt's Darkrai Lurking, 1635,"
Woah, that Rayquaza painting at the end of the first row is a sick one! Her gaze lines up with Rayquaza's gaze, the background being darker than Rayquaza's center placement. The sunlight's being obscured by the giant stormy clouds, the enormous dragon swerving around the clouds like a race car.
"The Roaring Sky by Marcantonio Matteo da Caravaggio, 1600. It's another Baroque work, and Caravaggio's famous for his use of dramatic lighting."
That explains why the cloudy sky's darker, plus why Rui's eyes were drawn towards Rayquaza instantly. It feels like theatre to her, and her grandparents have described Caravaggio paintings as being theatre in painting form.
She high fives Rosa and Valen, then her eyes meet a trio of Galarian landscape paintings in the center row. She decides to eye them one by one, from left to right. Rosa told her that he loves the Galarian countryside. She's been to these places too, and it's really pleasant out there.
Rui feels a pleasant vibe from the third painting too. She notes the cottage, the large tree behind it and the smaller tree to its right. Her pupils move right, and she notes that there's a Boltund standing parallel to a pair of Meganium The Meganium are pulling a cart of hay through a river. Other humans and Pokémon go about their routine in the background, such as picking berries to loading hay onto another cart.
The second painting's got no people or Pokemon in it, but it's a pleasant scene of an avenue with lush trees lined up on both sides. Now for the third one, her eyes fixating on the mountains and the darker colors used for the sky. Her gaze moves downwards towards the lake, spotting two trainers, a Machamp, and a Scizor relaxing near it.
Rui clasps her hands in front of her, giving Valen a soft gaze. He already knows what her question is. She wishes Wes was here, he's a surprising studious guy. He was always trying to learn more just to one up her in their playful competitions.
"Empty Avenue of Trees and The Countryside by Jack Constable!" Rosa exclaims. "Mount Snowdon by Ronald Wilson! "Tee-hee, he swapped a couple so all the Constables are together and can be besties!" Her eyes sparkle as she places her fists under her chin. "I love it when paintings are grouped together with their friends!"
The painting right of the Wilson work depicts Aquacorda Town in Kalos, a nice place to relax in. While there aren't many specific details that she can make out, Rui likes the overall image that the scene portrays. Her gaze fixates upon the sparkling blue water that flows in a tranquil state under the brown pedestrian bridge. She notes that several people are strolling onto and off the bridge. As for Pokémon, there's a Greninja swimming down the vibrant river and several Butterfree hovering above the lush green grass. A flock of Taillow and Swellow soar within the clear skies.
"Riverfront in Aquacorde Town by Caldre Monet, 1884," Valen informs. "He loved to paint waterfronts," he tells her. "Monet was the leading figure within Impressionism."
Rui continues to look rightwards. "This painting looks very similar." She tilts her head, noting that both have a thicker finish to them. They're also a tad blurrier than the other paintings.
"Undella Town Beach, also by Caldre Monet." Valen assess the painting too. "Impressionists used short thick strokes, or impasto, to capture the overall essence of the scene."
Valen likes this one due to its depiction of Undella Town's Gothic Revival architecture, plus he likes how quaint the overall scene is. Rosa's favorite element is the depiction of the beach, the soft sand of the beach dancing as the gently ripping waves lurch inwards.
Rui spots the various large houses on the painting's left end, towering over the scenery. These look fancy, like really fancy. She wouldn't mind living in one of those. Those steep pointed roofs, the pointed arches used for windows and doors, those features are commonplace among buildings in Agate Village. Gothic Revival is what her grandparents told her.
"This is really super duper cool!" Rui bends her elbows in front of her, forming fists. "You two live in a historic house, and you've got all this cool deco!"
"Monet painted this one in 1880," he informs. "Once he visited Unova, more artists who were Impressionists like Emilie Manet, Pierre Cézanne, Madeline Cassatt, and Hector Matisse followed suit."
"Of course, artists weren't always just confined to one moment," Rosa adds. "Cézanne was also Post-Impressionism, Romanticism, Cubism, and Modern art."
"Cézanne's also considered the father of modern art." Valen exchanges a fist bump with Rosa. They're such a badass duo.
"Is there a difference between modern and contemporary?"
"Yeeeeep!" Rosa raises her right fist upwards. "You caught on quick!"
"I'm ya homegirl Rui, so of course I'd catch on quick." Rui places both hands in front of her cheeks, sticking up her index and ring fingers.
"People shouldn't be fooled by the word modern," Rosa continues. "Modernism started in the mid 19th century, whereas contemporary would be what you'd call the art from the late 20th century to today."
Rui continues looking rightwards, another fancy looking building catching her eye. The afternoon sun shines over the setting. Rui likes the fancy looking towers, the spires, the spiral staircase, and other details of this cathedral. Then, Rui sees that Ho-oh's depicted in this picture, and its soaring within the clear sky. She knows this one because a print's in her grandparents' living room. This work's Gothic Cathedral On A Riverfront by Koen Friedrich Schinkel, and it was painted in 1813.
Moving on to the next painting, Rui eyes a male trainer, his Haxorus and his Corviknight. All of them standing on the left side of the rugged coastline. Both him and his Pokémon gaze into the sky, the sunlight cloaked by clouds. The rocky area slopes up, towering above everything else at its end point on the right. Grass and plants dot areas of the coastline, especially at the highest point depicted.
"How about this one?"
"A Trainer on a Rocky Coast by Salvatore Rosa, 1660. His surname played a role in why my parents named me Rosa!"
Rui eyes the remaining paintings in the third row, giggling that the fact that Silver's eyeing the one with Mt. Silver depicted in it. Her gaze moves rightwards, and she sees a painting of a Johtoian temple, a painting of Lugia within a tidal wave, a painting of dragons around and above Dragonspiral Tower, and a painting of a Hydreigon.
Rui's eyes fixate on the painting before the Rayquaza one, realizing that she missed it. There are two guys playing a card game in this one. There's bearded man with a Slowking watching, a Hoopa and a Haunter being present as well. She notes that the guy closest to her view is a cheater, and the Hoopa's helping him. However, the second man looks like he's mocking his opponent with those wide grins, and that bearded man looks very suspicious too.
"Hokusai's Early Morning With Ho-oh Over Mt. Silver and Lugia's Great Wave," he informs. "Toju's Tōshō-ji, Bonheur's Hydreigon, and Caravaggio's Hoopa and The Cardsharp."
"I learned quite a bit today," Rui comments. "I'll ask about the books next time." She looks at the shelf with the cool bowls, vases, and figurines. "And those."
Seeing art brings back fond memories of her childhood and teenage years. The Regional Gallery of Orre and The Gaton Collection were among the many locations she got to visit with grandpa and grandpa.
"Your turn, Rui," he tells her. "What vehicles do you want and like the most?"
Rui gasps, steeping backwards. How did he remember that? They talked about that for a bit, but it was one time. He likes cars too, but they haven't known each other for long. Has he always been like this? When she was growing up, few cared about her. I She believed she lost that when Wes and I went our separate ways.
"...You guys are too much." Rui slowly walks forward. "And Valen, they were...right about you." She surprises him with a peck to the right cheek. "Thank you." Her mouth curves into a grin. "Sleeperd are my favorite!"
"What's a sleeper?" Rosa's mouth hangs open. "That's an interesting term to call an automobile." She points her right hand sideways and sticks her thumb out.
"Sleepers are vehicles that don't look fast, but can kick your ass!" Rui makes punching motions above her head.
"Ooooh, it's like how adorable me has a big bad Hydreigon!" Rosa closes her eyes, her palms under her chin as she leans back. "That's awesomeeeee!"
"As for the three-pointed star, there's too many to count." Rui shrugs. "Sleepers, rally cars, and Mersedes-Benz overlap, but you know that already."
"It's the 300SL Gullwing and the supercharged cars from the thirties in my case."
Rosa's eyes sparkle, her hands clasped above her right shoulder. Yaaaay, everybody's being besties! This calls for a celebratory twirl! She's about to twirl, only for Valen to hold her tighter. Oh nooooo, Valen's defeated her with his big muscles!
Late afternoon, chilling on the snowy white sofas in the living room, Rui causing Valen, Rosa, and Silver to look like she just used Confuse Ray on them. Okay, maybe that one isn't the norm for the three. Since when does Rui follow the norm, though?
"Two guys tried to put you in a sack outside of Phenac?" Rosa asks, leaning closer. "And you weren't afraid at all?" A slight tremor erupts within her, but it fades away. Battle Queen Rosa would easily kick their asses. She just wants to know if the sack part was really necessary.
"Pshaw." Rui waves her right hand dismissively. "My Midnight Lycanroc put THEM in the sack." Her fists are on her hips, her boisterous laugh filling up the room. "Their faces were priceless, but there's ain't nothing to it! Gangsta rap made me do it!"
This girl's a loony, they said! This girl kicked our asses, they said! Even Wes was flabbergasted, and that happened to be when they met! Hahahaha, look at those silly confused expressions! She made them even more confused by how awesome she is! She's gettin' money like she's supposed to be! She's kicking asses like she's supposed to be, ooooh!
The doorbell's loud ringing interrupts Rui's chaos. She watches Valen gets up and saunters towards the door. Seeing how much he's gotten better makes her wonder about Wes. She's starting to believe that this isn't the end of their romance. This is merely an obstacle that they will overcome in due time. Wes called her a walking nightmare, but she's his walking nightmare.
Right when he opens the door, Valen's blindsided by the other crazy wholesome mind, much to the amusement of Rui. Hilda darts into the house like a Ninjask using Agility, nearly sending Valen tumbling onto the floor. He clenches his teeth, only to feel Hilda wrap her arms around his midsection. The duo stare at each other, bursting out laughing seconds later.
"We're such dorks!" Hilda wraps her arms around Valen's neck. "You get daily hugs from me too, just like you get from Rosa!"
"Hmph, do what you want." Valen places his right hand on Hilda's back, running his left hand through her dark brown hair. "Yep, definitely indifferent." Just give him all of the Hilda hugs and cuddles, they're cozy.
Two soulmates, Rosa mentally giggles as her eyes glitter at this sight. Look at them, being adorable and discussing about the event! Silly Hilda, of course they want to tag along. Oooooh, his phone just dinged! It must be her Johto counterpart!
Hilda lets go, now cuddling with him. "Rosa told me," she informs. "You're a sweetheart."
Valen wraps his right arm around her. "Wanted to do something nice for her," he responds, picking up the phone. "It's your boy," he greets. "Sup?"
"You...did...you asked your mom for-" Kris' voice is rich with emotions. "We barely know each other."
"It's called kindness. That's what you showed me."
"...That's why you did it?" she asks. "Just...because I chatted with you?"
"You wanted to know me personally. Good enough of a reason for me."
"They were right about you." Kris' voice carries a tender tone. "You're really sweet," she compliments. "You've earned all of it."
"So did you," Valen points out. "Silver and you, to be exact."
Valen earns himself a forehead bop from Hilda, who pops with Rosa to say hi. Hehe, they made him blush! Inconsistent goofball and giant Lillipup! He's finally staring to realize it again. He's getting the message that he matters too. Both Rosa and her are proud of him. For Hilda herself, that means they're one step closer. She still wants to be more than friends with Val-Val, and she knows that the feeling's mutual.
The towering skyline of downtown looms large from within this large concrete plaza. The late morning sun illuminates the sparkling dew-drenched grass that surrounds the plaza, as well as Silver's Aggron and his opponent's Kabutops. He's been on a roll as of late, but that's to be expected within his mind.
"Aggron, use Iron Head."
The horns on Aggron's head glow metallic gray, and the glow quickly envelops the entire top of his head. Aggron lunges towards Kabutops, a thumping sound echoing from under his feet. He slams his head into Kabutops' chest.
"Hasta la vista." Silver grins, narrowing his eyes at his opponent. "Aggron, Thunder Punch."
As Kabutops wobbles, Aggron's right hand is enveloped by electricity. Aggron slugs Kabutops in the face, sending it hurling behind its trainer. Kabutops staggers, falling face down onto the ground seconds later.
"I got wrecked!" The male trainer bemoans, recalling his Kabutops.
Silver chuckles at the crowd's murmuring. They must be amazed by how strong he is. He's been on a win streak these past couple of days, nine wins under his belt within this morning alone.
A text message ding causes him to rummage through his right pocket, pulling his phone out seconds later. Guzma and Sindie's first anniversary is already approaching? Dialga must have pressed fast forwards. Yeah yeah yeah yeah, he'll say hi to their seven month old son too. He rolls his eyes. because Gladion is not one to talk about being edgy. Wait. he's not one to talk either. In his defense, he's also not the emo assclown who brooded over getting a medium fries instead of a large. Stupid Gladion also exposed him when he asked about a friend who wanted to ask
Humph, the next opponent's sent out a Palossand. Aggron can handle this. Humph, this guy's gonna need more than a Sand Tomb attack to have a chance of winning. That twisting and whirling sand wasn't enough to severely affect Aggron. Battle prowess means that Aggron's become resilient against even his quadruple weaknesses.
As Aggron dukes it out with the Palossand, Silver decides that after a few more battles, he'll head on over to Valen and Rosa's house.
Rosa and Rui enjoy a tranquil early afternoon as they relax within in the large patio. They've taken seats at the large mahogany table. Rosa loves how Valen's placed Pokémon gnomes at each corner of the backyard. Of course, it's gnomes of their combined twelve Pokémon, plus she notices that he's working on adding gnomes of Hilda's team to the outdoor display.
Rui's Leafeon and Glaceon decide to hang out with Rosa and Rui. Glaceon brushes up against Rosa's left leg, grinning as Rosa pets her. On the other end of the table, Leafeon closes his eyes as Rui pets him. The other Pokémon go about their business with the backyard, with Valen's team being present too.
Rui leans back in the chair, a relaxed grin on her face. These are comfy chairs, and it's cool Valen and Rosa has got a lot of old furniture.
"This house will become our personal library and gallery!" Rosa sticks her right index and ring fingers up.
Rui watches Rosa place a sketch on the table, right next to the camera. Looks like she's resuming painting.
Rosa nods as she puts on gloves. "I likes to challenge myself by painting in various styles," she explains. "Whether it's a movement or a painter, plus I like to paint my own variants."
Rui eyes Rosa's drawing of the Aron line, a male trainer with a cape standing behind the Lairon located in the front center. She watches Rosa put a palette, three tubes of paint, and a few brushes on the table. This is going to be interesting.
One by one, Rosa removes the caps of the tubes. "Before I start to paint, I sketch it out." She gently squeezes each paint into the palette's circular inserts. "Lots of artists do this."
Rui's seen a few of Rosa's paintings before—this woman's talented. She's also a strong battler and would make a good access. Rui takes a peek at the print resting left of the sketch. She likes how the trainer's wearing a cape in addition to a robe, but she wonders how many trainers wore capes back then. Hopefully, lots of them did.
"That's his latest purchase, but he said that he'd put it up at a later date!" Rosa clasps her hands next to her right cheek. "He's letting me use it for my live stream!"
"I'll record it," Rui offers, taking the camera off of the table.
"Thanks, Rui!" Rosa exchanges a high five with her.
Rosa rockets out of the chair, revealing a painting easel with a blank white canvas behind her. She twirls, happily gasping over the sight of Valen leaning against the rear wall with his arms folded. She notices that Silver's here too, causing her to giggle. She coyly smiles, winking and blowing a kiss at Valen. She waves at Silver's who calling out his team. She twirls back to face the camera, just as Rui presses play. Let's rock!
"Hiii, Rosa Force!" Rosa waves to the camera, her eyes gleaming with elation. "I'm finally starting a new painting!"
"You're gonna rock this!" Rui encourages, sticking her left index and ring fingers out. "Let's gooooooo!"
"You know how I roll!" Rosa grins, sticking up her right index and ring fingers. "Whether it's graphic design or painting, I try to do everything one hundred billion million trillion gazillion percent by hand!" She wags her right finger. "And don't think Rosa won't upload this live stream as a video!" Her grin becomes wider. "Wherever Rosa goes, smiles follow!"
"I'm going to paint like Titian, who's regarded as one of the greatest and most influential painters of all time!" Rosa grabs the print and holds it up towards the camera. "I'm going to paint Aron, Lairon, and Aggron!" "I was inspired by Titian's Three Stages of Evolution, featuring the same line!" She points towards the Aggron. "In fact, this was Titian's own Aggron!"
Upon hearing a human painted his kind, Silver's Aggron lets out a triumphant roar, banging his chest with his fists. Then, Aggron exchanges a smirk with Valen and Silver.
"Nooooow-" Rosa hums, twirling as she moves the large, long, and thick brush in all directions. "I started off this play with priming!" She moves her hand away, revealing a second shade of white. "I used a thingy called gesso, which is what Titian used too!" she exclaims. "Sooooooooo, I'm going to apply what's called underpainting!" She gently dips her brush into her palette. "I'm going to use light brown!"
She rests the tip of the brush onto her canvas. She moving her long brush up and down like a wavy current, the light brown outline of a mountain range emerging as she chugs along. She paints the outline of the trainer and the Aron line. Afterwards, she wipes her brush on the palette, then dips it into a lighter shade of blue. She proceeds to paint an outline of the partly cloudily sky. She repeats the wiping process, then dips the brush into white paint. She paints an underlayer on the trainer's clothing.
"Kaaaaay, done!" Rosa cheers. "I'm going to utilize a technique called glazing later on!" she announces. "Glazing's applying a thin layer of a transparent darker color over a transparent lighter color!"
"Go go gooooo!" Rui encourages, her face glowing. "Paint like the boss that you are!"
Rosa notices that the comments and chat are being filled up with the words Rui spoke. "Soooooooooo, I'm going to apply burnt umber to the ground area!" She holds the tube of paint up. "It's transparent, just like the light brown! And it dries pretty fast!" She places the tube back onto the table. "Both Titian Vercelli and Rembrandt van Remis are huge influences for me!" she cheers. "Rembrandt used dark browns that were glowing and rich in many works!"
As he watches from the sidelines, Valen's got a proud smile on his face. "That's my girl," he comments. "Titian influenced Rembrandt, and both influenced best girl."
Rosa notices that the fans in the live chat picked up on Valen's words, and they want to hear more from him. "Since the underpainting must dry first, so we'll come back to it tomorrow!" She wags her right finger. "But don't leave, kay?!"
Valen slowly blinks, curious as to what else Rosa's got planned. Wait, she's looking this way. Does that mean she wants him to join her? Why?
"I'm not doneeeee!" Her eyes gleam, feeling like a lightbulb turned on within her mind. "Since The Rosa Force's awesome, and since Rosa brings smiles to all faces-" She glances behind her. "This live stream is also an art history live stream!"
"What." Is she implying what he thinks she is?
"Tee-hee, you heard meeeee!" Rosa twirls to face Valen. "The painter and the historian must join forces!" She gestures for Valen to come join her. "Come on, join the fun!"
Valen's eyes slightly widen, his mouth falling open. "You want me to...speak about art on camera?" He points towards himself, feeling a sense of nervousness. "You want me to join you?"
Rosa narrows her eyes, her mouth falling open. "Everybody, please help me encourage him!" She bends her elbows in front of her, raising her fists. "Type 'join the fun, Valen' in the comments and chat, or type his monikers if you're a big fan of his battles and contest performances!" Upon seeing her fanbase doing what she requested, Rosa closes her eyes and grins. "I'll be back, gotta wash my hands!" She darts towards the back door.
She removes her gloves and carefully disposes them into the trash bin. Afterwards, she opens the back door and darts rightwards.
"Lots of comments," Rui remarks. "Come have fun with us."
"Come on, listen to the crazy girl." Silver pats his right shoulder. "Even I think you should express it more again."
Valen feels fluttery within his midsection. Did he forget about expressing his passion to the point where he has to re-learn it?
All of the Pokémon take note of the situation, encouraging Valen to join the other humans with roars, cries, and nods. While Rui's Suicune has no idea what's going on, this Valen human is nice to his trainer. That's good enough for him, just as long as he remembers that this Suicune's absolutely fabulous.
Rosa trots out of the house without the coveralls, asking, "How many more comments, Rui?"
"Lots more comments!" Rui sticks up her right index and ring fingers.
Valen swallows before speaking. "Well-"
"Rui, join me for a motivational message!" Rosa exclaims, inching closer. "I need a substitute for Hilda, since she's not present!"
"I'll be happy to join you!" Rui jumps off the chair.
Rui and Rosa dart towards Silver. "Hold the camera!" Their faces are inches away from Silver's face.
Silver blinks. "Uh, sure." He takes Rosa's camera. "Go ahead."
"Every challenge along the way, with courage I will face!" Rui closes her eyes, raising her right fist above her head. "Courage I will face, yeah!"
"I will battle everyday to claim my rightful place!" Rosa cheers.
"Come with me, the time is right!" Rui and Rosa press their backs together. "There's no better team!"
"There's no better team!" Rosa sticks up her right index and ring fingers.
"Arm and arm, we'll win the fight!" Rosa and Rui cheer. "Gonna live our dream!"
Valen remains quiet for a few seconds. Then, he closes his eyes, his mouth curving into a wide smile.
"It's your boy Valen," he jokes, sauntering towards Rosa and Rui. "Shoutout to my boy Guzma, since he gave me permission to use his lines."
"Our boy Guzma!" Rui cheers. "I'm Team Skull too!"
"Don't forget me." Silver smirks.
"First thing's first." Valen wraps his arms around Rosa's midsection. "Up you go."
"Woo-hoo!" Rosa wraps her arms around Valen's neck as he hoists her upwards.
"First, remind everyone whom your grandpa is."
"Cillian Doyle, a renowned art historian!" Rosa drums her feet on Valen's upper legs. "Your turn!"
"Rosa's on par with the Old Masters." Valen earns himself a double bop to his cheeks.
"Besides that."
While Valen and Rosa continue talking, Rui realizes that she forgot to take the camera from Silver. He doesn't seem to mind. Maybe it's because Valen's coming around? She gives a thumbs up to the thirty two Pokémon, all of whom are cheering over another victory for the humans. When their trainers win, they win too.
Valen's spending a quiet early afternoon relaxing on his bed, reading the historic city map book that Rosa got him very recently. His currently on the pages that show a map of Marselles City from 1754. The Kalosian city's long narrow harbor that extends into it like panhandle is filled with ships and Lapras. Of course, he's gotta have more books next to him on the bed. To his right rests his other historic map book, his massive book on art's world history, and his three books on the aforementioned schools from earlier.
Several pages later, and he's now studying a seventeenth century map that depicts Enju as it was between 900-1100. His gaze alternates between the large square grid in the center and the various other buildings scattered outside of it. He flips the glossy feeling page, landing on a map of Enju from 1863. By then, it was already given the name Ecruteak City The ruins of the Burned Tower, as well as the Bell Tower, indicates that this map depicts the city shortly after the infamous disaster.
Speaking of Rosa, Kris' voice is so loud that he can hear her conversation with Rosa and Silver from here. Kris' voice is rich with emotion, like she's about to cry out of joy. He wants Kris and Silver to be happy, he wants them to be together. This apprenticeship allows for that, plus he's since seen footage of her classical sculpture presentation. She's a boss at it, but how did Silver react to Kris in a Guzmani suit and high heels?
He briefly closes his eyes, his smirk morphing into a smile as he flips through pages. He'll find out soon enough, back to this book. He lands on a map of Berlinstadt from 1688, which has long since become the Ziegler region's largest city.
A ding from his phone makes him takes a peek. It's a notification from an online newsletter about a recent art sale, and the photos contain several examples of Rosa's paintings. They came up for sale, and he can't take his eyes off the screen. Has Rosa's popularity boosted her name in the art world by that much?
"Hiiii there, sweetie!" Rosa shouts. "It's time for another one of your required hugs!" she giggles. "I know you've been impatiently waiting!""
As Rosa darts towards him, Valen places the book next to the other books on the bed.
Rosa jumps, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Roar, Flying Press!" She gently makes Valen lie down on the bed.
"About time I got my third hug today." Valen places his right hand on her back and his left arm around her waist.
"Sooooooooooooooooo, whatcha looking up online?"
"Take a look." He nudges his phone closer to her.
Rosa gasps when she reads the the title of the article. She jumps back, doing an impromptu impression of a Loudred's facial expression. Her Rembrandt-like paintings of Dusclops, Chandelure and Golurk sold for eight hundred dollars each?! Her massive Titian-like painting that contains dozens of Bug-types sold for three thousand dollars?! Guzma's the one who brought them?! This has to mean that she's becoming more known!
Rui and Silver walk into the master bedroom, catching Valen and Rosa's attention. Rui gives Rosa a thumbs up, while Silver simply smirks.
"Let's celebrate by making Silver and Rui twirl!" Rosa rockets out of the bed like a Dragapult launching Dreepy.
Silver and Rui faintly yelp, backing up as Rosa darts towards them.
"You handle this!" Rui shouts, ducking behind Silver.
"H-Hey!" Silver turns his body towards Rui. "I'm not your shield!"
"Roar!" Rosa wraps her arms around Silver and Rui's necks. "We all live in a Pokémon world!" She giggles at their wide-eyed expressions, making them twirl with her several times. "We're going to be the greatest of them all!" She lets go, darting back towards the bed. She plops herself next to Valen, giving him an ear-to-ear grin.
"Hey, tell me more cool info about art," Rui requests, inching closer. "I've heard that both Rosa and you super knowledgeable." She glances around the master bedroom, eyeing the paintings, the small sculptures, the ceramics, and the furniture. "I know a bit about art thanks to my grandparents from my mom's side of the family." Agate Village was better for her than Fountain Town, that's why her aunt and uncle wanted her to live there.
Valen slowly blinks. "You're asking...a personal question?" What's going on today?
"Duh," Rui teases, her grinning mouth showing her teeth. "We're friends."
"Right, sorry." Valen closes his eyes, faintly smiling. "I'm a bit rusty."
"You'll get to used it again," Rui assures, rubbing his left shoulder.
Silver shrugs, choosing to keep quiet. It's not because he caught a glimpse of that Darkrai painting, no siree. Of course this would happen, of course this painting would be here. Whatever, they're friends and they like this Rembrandt guy's work. Wait, this means he can also get used to how freaking spooky this painting is. How many toilets got clogged upon that Rembrandt guy unveiling this? How impressed will Kris be as his friend?
Rosa lets go of Valen so he can sit upright, but they hold each other again afterwards. "Let's stick to the theme of painting." Rosa notes that Valen's organized all the paintings into three horizontal rows. "I'll chime in too." She's a boss at this, but he needs to re-learn how to express his passions to others again.
"I'm ready for my free art history lesson!" Rui catches a glimpse of something familiar within the first painting in the bottom row. "Hey, it's the Outskirt Stand!" Rui's eyes light up, her pupils darting up and down while studying the print.
"Cavalrymen At The Outskirt Stand by Finnegan Remington, 1892," he informs. "I'm sure you know whom these cavalrymen were."
"Yep, the Orre Calvary Patrol were like a volunteer police department in rural Orre." Rui eyes the dozens of men in tan ranger hats scattered about the area, the Outskirt Stand being in the center.
Some of the cavalrymen walk into the Outskirt Stand, others lean up against the stalls, and some are sitting in chairs. All of them are wearing black coats and brown pants. Almost all of them have got holstered revolvers, with several holding shotguns and bolt action rifles. Numerous Pokémon, such as a Blaziken, an Infernape, a Drapion, five Gabite, four Arbok, seven Poliwhirl, three Poliwrath, and a Garchomp are scattered about. A flock of Pidove and its evolutions soar in the clear skies above.
"There's a Giotto and a Titian painting on the wall." Rosa points to the middle of the top row. "Giotto di Buonacorsus and Titian Vercelli, the father and the founder of Pokémon painting and Western painting as we know it today."
"Giotto's Clash of the Dragons, 1295," Valen adds. "The original was commissioned by Ameriguccio di Vezzano, the legendary medieval Dragon-type master."
Rui notes that the setting's the Colosseum of Roma City. There's a Hydreigon and a Garchomp duking it out in a trainer battle, with various other dragons observing alongside their trainers. All of the trainers are wearing tunics.
"Those lines you see are what Giotto used to draw the viewer's attention to where he wanted it to be!" Rosa clasps her hands next to her right cheek.
"That's cool!" Rui shouts. "I'm gonna keep on going!" She's getting knowledge like she's supposed to be! She's chilling with the squad like's supposed to be, ooooooh!
"Me too!" Rosa points towards a painting left of the Giotto work, one that's all too familiar to her. "I want to check out that Titian painting, cuz it's been a while since I've seen it!"
Rui and Rosa note the severe and stern glare of the bearded man. Rui eyes the red and gold conical hat of the man depicted in the portrait, while Rosa eyes the man's red and gold brocade robe. Then, their eyes meet the eyes of a smugly smirking Dragonite, who's standing behind its trainer.
"Titian's The Duke and His Dragonite from 1545! This is the first painting that Valey and I geeked out over as kids! Alsooooo, Duke Giorgio Gritti founded the Venetian Battles after a visit to Kalos!"
Rui looks at the painting left of the Titian work. Ha, Silver's attempting to look away from the Darkrai painting. This must be the painting that he's spooked by, or so she's heard from the squad Or maybe not, because he's now looking directly at the print. Wait, he still looks a little spook. Make up your mind, Super Brooder.
Rui tries to make out the caliginous forest cloaked in a glowing and rich dark brown. The Darkrai itself hovers in the middle, the dark brown slightly cloaking its black body and puffy white plume. Darkrai's entire front side is visible, but its facing southwest. Nevertheless, its peering eyes meet Rui's eyes, making her think it's right in front of her. The eyes are bright blue, but the aforementioned brown makes the eyes look eerier. That's a neat touch.
Rosa's quiet this time, and Valen knows why. "'That ump you felt is one of the Baroque's elements." He understands it now, he understands what she's been trying to do. "Rembrandt's Darkrai Lurking, 1635,"
Woah, that Rayquaza painting at the end of the first row is a sick one! Her gaze lines up with Rayquaza's gaze, the background being darker than Rayquaza's center placement. The sunlight's being obscured by the giant stormy clouds, the enormous dragon swerving around the clouds like a race car.
"The Roaring Sky by Marcantonio Matteo da Caravaggio, 1600. It's another Baroque work, and Caravaggio's famous for his use of dramatic lighting."
That explains why the cloudy sky's darker, plus why Rui's eyes were drawn towards Rayquaza instantly. It feels like theatre to her, and her grandparents have described Caravaggio paintings as being theatre in painting form.
She high fives Rosa and Valen, then her eyes meet a trio of Galarian landscape paintings in the center row. She decides to eye them one by one, from left to right. Rosa told her that he loves the Galarian countryside. She's been to these places too, and it's really pleasant out there.
Rui feels a pleasant vibe from the third painting too. She notes the cottage, the large tree behind it and the smaller tree to its right. Her pupils move right, and she notes that there's a Boltund standing parallel to a pair of Meganium The Meganium are pulling a cart of hay through a river. Other humans and Pokémon go about their routine in the background, such as picking berries to loading hay onto another cart.
The second painting's got no people or Pokemon in it, but it's a pleasant scene of an avenue with lush trees lined up on both sides. Now for the third one, her eyes fixating on the mountains and the darker colors used for the sky. Her gaze moves downwards towards the lake, spotting two trainers, a Machamp, and a Scizor relaxing near it.
Rui clasps her hands in front of her, giving Valen a soft gaze. He already knows what her question is. She wishes Wes was here, he's a surprising studious guy. He was always trying to learn more just to one up her in their playful competitions.
"Empty Avenue of Trees and The Countryside by Jack Constable!" Rosa exclaims. "Mount Snowdon by Ronald Wilson! "Tee-hee, he swapped a couple so all the Constables are together and can be besties!" Her eyes sparkle as she places her fists under her chin. "I love it when paintings are grouped together with their friends!"
The painting right of the Wilson work depicts Aquacorda Town in Kalos, a nice place to relax in. While there aren't many specific details that she can make out, Rui likes the overall image that the scene portrays. Her gaze fixates upon the sparkling blue water that flows in a tranquil state under the brown pedestrian bridge. She notes that several people are strolling onto and off the bridge. As for Pokémon, there's a Greninja swimming down the vibrant river and several Butterfree hovering above the lush green grass. A flock of Taillow and Swellow soar within the clear skies.
"Riverfront in Aquacorde Town by Caldre Monet, 1884," Valen informs. "He loved to paint waterfronts," he tells her. "Monet was the leading figure within Impressionism."
Rui continues to look rightwards. "This painting looks very similar." She tilts her head, noting that both have a thicker finish to them. They're also a tad blurrier than the other paintings.
"Undella Town Beach, also by Caldre Monet." Valen assess the painting too. "Impressionists used short thick strokes, or impasto, to capture the overall essence of the scene."
Valen likes this one due to its depiction of Undella Town's Gothic Revival architecture, plus he likes how quaint the overall scene is. Rosa's favorite element is the depiction of the beach, the soft sand of the beach dancing as the gently ripping waves lurch inwards.
Rui spots the various large houses on the painting's left end, towering over the scenery. These look fancy, like really fancy. She wouldn't mind living in one of those. Those steep pointed roofs, the pointed arches used for windows and doors, those features are commonplace among buildings in Agate Village. Gothic Revival is what her grandparents told her.
"This is really super duper cool!" Rui bends her elbows in front of her, forming fists. "You two live in a historic house, and you've got all this cool deco!"
"Monet painted this one in 1880," he informs. "Once he visited Unova, more artists who were Impressionists like Emilie Manet, Pierre Cézanne, Madeline Cassatt, and Hector Matisse followed suit."
"Of course, artists weren't always just confined to one moment," Rosa adds. "Cézanne was also Post-Impressionism, Romanticism, Cubism, and Modern art."
"Cézanne's also considered the father of modern art." Valen exchanges a fist bump with Rosa. They're such a badass duo.
"Is there a difference between modern and contemporary?"
"Yeeeeep!" Rosa raises her right fist upwards. "You caught on quick!"
"I'm ya homegirl Rui, so of course I'd catch on quick." Rui places both hands in front of her cheeks, sticking up her index and ring fingers.
"People shouldn't be fooled by the word modern," Rosa continues. "Modernism started in the mid 19th century, whereas contemporary would be what you'd call the art from the late 20th century to today."
Rui continues looking rightwards, another fancy looking building catching her eye. The afternoon sun shines over the setting. Rui likes the fancy looking towers, the spires, the spiral staircase, and other details of this cathedral. Then, Rui sees that Ho-oh's depicted in this picture, and its soaring within the clear sky. She knows this one because a print's in her grandparents' living room. This work's Gothic Cathedral On A Riverfront by Koen Friedrich Schinkel, and it was painted in 1813.
Moving on to the next painting, Rui eyes a male trainer, his Haxorus and his Corviknight. All of them standing on the left side of the rugged coastline. Both him and his Pokémon gaze into the sky, the sunlight cloaked by clouds. The rocky area slopes up, towering above everything else at its end point on the right. Grass and plants dot areas of the coastline, especially at the highest point depicted.
"How about this one?"
"A Trainer on a Rocky Coast by Salvatore Rosa, 1660. His surname played a role in why my parents named me Rosa!"
Rui eyes the remaining paintings in the third row, giggling that the fact that Silver's eyeing the one with Mt. Silver depicted in it. Her gaze moves rightwards, and she sees a painting of a Johtoian temple, a painting of Lugia within a tidal wave, a painting of dragons around and above Dragonspiral Tower, and a painting of a Hydreigon.
Rui's eyes fixate on the painting before the Rayquaza one, realizing that she missed it. There are two guys playing a card game in this one. There's bearded man with a Slowking watching, a Hoopa and a Haunter being present as well. She notes that the guy closest to her view is a cheater, and the Hoopa's helping him. However, the second man looks like he's mocking his opponent with those wide grins, and that bearded man looks very suspicious too.
"Hokusai's Early Morning With Ho-oh Over Mt. Silver and Lugia's Great Wave," he informs. "Toju's Tōshō-ji, Bonheur's Hydreigon, and Caravaggio's Hoopa and The Cardsharp."
"I learned quite a bit today," Rui comments. "I'll ask about the books next time." She looks at the shelf with the cool bowls, vases, and figurines. "And those."
Seeing art brings back fond memories of her childhood and teenage years. The Regional Gallery of Orre and The Gaton Collection were among the many locations she got to visit with grandpa and grandpa.
"Your turn, Rui," he tells her. "What vehicles do you want and like the most?"
Rui gasps, steeping backwards. How did he remember that? They talked about that for a bit, but it was one time. He likes cars too, but they haven't known each other for long. Has he always been like this? When she was growing up, few cared about her. I She believed she lost that when Wes and I went our separate ways.
"...You guys are too much." Rui slowly walks forward. "And Valen, they were...right about you." She surprises him with a peck to the right cheek. "Thank you." Her mouth curves into a grin. "Sleeperd are my favorite!"
"What's a sleeper?" Rosa's mouth hangs open. "That's an interesting term to call an automobile." She points her right hand sideways and sticks her thumb out.
"Sleepers are vehicles that don't look fast, but can kick your ass!" Rui makes punching motions above her head.
"Ooooh, it's like how adorable me has a big bad Hydreigon!" Rosa closes her eyes, her palms under her chin as she leans back. "That's awesomeeeee!"
"As for the three-pointed star, there's too many to count." Rui shrugs. "Sleepers, rally cars, and Mersedes-Benz overlap, but you know that already."
"It's the 300SL Gullwing and the supercharged cars from the thirties in my case."
Rosa's eyes sparkle, her hands clasped above her right shoulder. Yaaaay, everybody's being besties! This calls for a celebratory twirl! She's about to twirl, only for Valen to hold her tighter. Oh nooooo, Valen's defeated her with his big muscles!
Late afternoon, chilling on the snowy white sofas in the living room, Rui causing Valen, Rosa, and Silver to look like she just used Confuse Ray on them. Okay, maybe that one isn't the norm for the three. Since when does Rui follow the norm, though?
"Two guys tried to put you in a sack outside of Phenac?" Rosa asks, leaning closer. "And you weren't afraid at all?" A slight tremor erupts within her, but it fades away. Battle Queen Rosa would easily kick their asses. She just wants to know if the sack part was really necessary.
"Pshaw." Rui waves her right hand dismissively. "My Midnight Lycanroc put THEM in the sack." Her fists are on her hips, her boisterous laugh filling up the room. "Their faces were priceless, but there's ain't nothing to it! Gangsta rap made me do it!"
This girl's a loony, they said! This girl kicked our asses, they said! Even Wes was flabbergasted, and that happened to be when they met! Hahahaha, look at those silly confused expressions! She made them even more confused by how awesome she is! She's gettin' money like she's supposed to be! She's kicking asses like she's supposed to be, ooooh!
The doorbell's loud ringing interrupts Rui's chaos. She watches Valen gets up and saunters towards the door. Seeing how much he's gotten better makes her wonder about Wes. She's starting to believe that this isn't the end of their romance. This is merely an obstacle that they will overcome in due time. Wes called her a walking nightmare, but she's his walking nightmare.
Right when he opens the door, Valen's blindsided by the other crazy wholesome mind, much to the amusement of Rui. Hilda darts into the house like a Ninjask using Agility, nearly sending Valen tumbling onto the floor. He clenches his teeth, only to feel Hilda wrap her arms around his midsection. The duo stare at each other, bursting out laughing seconds later.
"We're such dorks!" Hilda wraps her arms around Valen's neck. "You get daily hugs from me too, just like you get from Rosa!"
"Hmph, do what you want." Valen places his right hand on Hilda's back, running his left hand through her dark brown hair. "Yep, definitely indifferent." Just give him all of the Hilda hugs and cuddles, they're cozy.
Two soulmates, Rosa mentally giggles as her eyes glitter at this sight. Look at them, being adorable and discussing about the event! Silly Hilda, of course they want to tag along. Oooooh, his phone just dinged! It must be her Johto counterpart!
Hilda lets go, now cuddling with him. "Rosa told me," she informs. "You're a sweetheart."
Valen wraps his right arm around her. "Wanted to do something nice for her," he responds, picking up the phone. "It's your boy," he greets. "Sup?"
"You...did...you asked your mom for-" Kris' voice is rich with emotions. "We barely know each other."
"It's called kindness. That's what you showed me."
"...That's why you did it?" she asks. "Just...because I chatted with you?"
"You wanted to know me personally. Good enough of a reason for me."
"They were right about you." Kris' voice carries a tender tone. "You're really sweet," she compliments. "You've earned all of it."
"So did you," Valen points out. "Silver and you, to be exact."
Valen earns himself a forehead bop from Hilda, who pops with Rosa to say hi. Hehe, they made him blush! Inconsistent goofball and giant Lillipup! He's finally staring to realize it again. He's getting the message that he matters too. Both Rosa and her are proud of him. For Hilda herself, that means they're one step closer. She still wants to be more than friends with Val-Val, and she knows that the feeling's mutual.
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BossCar
Pokémon Trainer
- Pronouns
- He/His
Chapter 37: Planning
Within the patio, Rosa trots towards the camera and its stand, excited to record part two of her latest painting video series. She manages to put on her white coveralls while trotting. "Hiiiii, I'm back!" She waves to the camera. She steps backwards, revealing the canvas and easel. "Last time, we did the underpainting and additional funsies!" She twirls, her face glowing. "Nooooow, it's time for glazing!" she announces. "I'm going to apply both a thin coat of burnt umber!"
She gently dips her brush into the burnt umber within her oval palette, slightly twirling it. Placed next to them are the tubes containing ever color she plans to use, as well as different types of brushes. "Kaaaay, now I'll dip the paint in a medium!"
She carefully inserts her brush into the tin jar, then he rests the thin tip of the brush on the canvas. She performs gentle stroke after gentle stroke, the the darker brown pigment appears over the bottom half of light brown underpainting as she moves her right hand from left to right under the mountains. Then, she moves her hand upwards, zig zagging the brush over the mountains.
"In addition to Burnt Umber, I brought friends too." Rosa eyes each of the tubes. "They're waiting in line to be inserted into my Serperior themed palette." Her eyes gleam, showing how the depicted Serperior slithers around the circular indents. "My mom got me this palette for my fifteenth birthday, not too long after I made a Smeraglegram account."
Rosa grabs the tubes that contain a red lake pigment and ultramarine blue. She takes off the caps and gently squeezes both colors, making sure that too much doesn't come out. "I'm going to paint over the trainer's white clothing with a layer of red lake!" First, she moves her brush with precision as the red lake pigment merges with the white on the cape's underside. Afterwards, she rinses the brush so she can dip it in a medium, making sure that she varies between a thin layer for the cape's exterior and a thicker layer for the interior. As a result, the latter appears to have a shadow effect, while the former's highlighted as if light is illuminating it. She proceeds to apply a thin layer to the rest of the trainer's clothes, the thinner lays creating a pinkish appearance and the thicker layers finished with a darker shade of red, almost having a maroon-like appearance.
She wipes her brush on the palette, dipping it into the next color. "Nooooow, I shall glaze the the white underlayer with ultramarine!" She hums while dipping her brush into the tin jar again. In her mind, the tip of the brush is waving at the canvas as she moves the brush above the mountains with gentle strokes. Slowly but surely, the white shows through the darker shade of the deep blue pigment. "I'll make it more opaque using white again later on, which should turn it into a lighter shade of ultramarine blue!"
After she's done, she wipes her brush yet again, placing both the palette and the brush on the table afterwards. "It'll take about ten hours to dry, but you better stay tuned!" Rosa winks, wagging her right index finger. "I'll find additional ways to use art to make you smileeeee!" she twirls. "Wherever Rosa goes, smiles follow!" She holds up the tube labeled Ultramarine, stating, "This color was very popular during the Renaissance, and Titian used this pigment for the sky in Three Stages of Evolutions!" She puts the tube down, then picks up the tube labeled Mars Black. "Titian used this in Three Stages of Evolutions too, and I'm trying to use as many of the same colors as possible for the Rosa version!" She places the tube back on the table. "It's a more opaque shade of black, which is really good for Steel-types like Aron, Lairon and Aggron!"
As she continues to speak towards the camera, Rosa briefly glances up at the master bedroom's rear window. She hopes Valen will understand the important matter she'll bring up later today. Then, she notices that her fans want to know when Valen will be joining her again, having enjoyed hearing both of them discussing art history yesterday. She'll reply once she cleans up, but she hopes that yesterday helped him to further understand that his voice matters too.
Valen sits at his desk, relaxing in the golden chair Rosa and Hilda got him not that long ago. He holds his cell phone next to his right ear, wondering why Rosa hasn't darted into the room yet. After all, her mother's on the other end of the line.
"I see that the treatment plan's been working out well for you," Dr. Maureen Whitley remarks.
"It wasn't easy, but I couldn't allow myself to give up," Valen responds, feeling peaceful. "No matter how hopeless it felt."
"Rosa's been keeping me updated too."
Valen slightly rocks back and fourth. "Dr. Whitley, are you sure it was okay to-"
"You needed help, and my daughter loves you," Dr. Whitley interjects. "I couldn't turn a blind eye."
"Did Rosa tell you about that issue?" Valen feels a knot in his stomach.
"She did, and both her father and I still support it," Dr. Whitley answers. "As for your hesitation, I've been hearing good things about you facing your fears," she continues. "I'd try to keep doing that."
"Alright, thanks." Valen hears trotting louder and louder. "Heh, Rosa finally showed up."
"Can you give the phone to her?" she asks. "I'd like to say hi to her."
Valen watches Rosa twirl into the master room. "Sure, Dr. Whitley." Valen hands the phone to Rosa. "You already know."
"Yeeeeep!" Rosa's eyes light up as she takes the phone, holding it up to her right hear. "Hiii, mom!"
"Hi there, dear," Dr. Whitley greets. "How's your day doing?"
"Good good good!"
"I just wanted to say hi before I had to go," Dr. Whitley says. "Love you, dear."
"You too, mom!" Rosa hands the phone back to Valen.
"Take care, Valen," Dr. Whitley tells him.
"You too," he responds.
After the call ends, Valen places his phone on the round walnut table. He pats Rosa on the head, then picks up the open book resting next to his upper left leg.
Rosa smirks, folding her arms. "I request reminders of how cute and/or pretty I am." She closes her eyes, tilt her head back. "Come on, dish out the Kalosian talk towards me."
"You always rock, ma belle reine." Valen winks, clicking a tooth one time.
Rosa giggles, sitting next to Valen on the chair. "Hey, can you tell me more about why you're hesitant?" She requests, her soft voice soothing Valen's nerves. "It's been sometime since we discussed a vee."
Valen lets out a deep sigh, staring at the ceramics and figurines within his mahogany display cabinet. "I just...I don't trust myself," he confesses. "I don't want to hurt anybody or cause jealously." He smiles when he feels Rosa's tender touch on his cheeks.
"I trust you," Rosa comforts, caressing his cheeks.. "Hilda trusts you too."
Valen almost rocks back and forth, but he smiles when Rosa wraps her arms around his midsection. "I know...but it's hard...I'm not out of the woods yet."
"Nobody expects you too," she assures, kissing him on the lips. "We'll always be by your side, kay?"
"What if somebody gets mad?" Valen frowns, his head beginning to thump. "It feels like a-"
"No matter what, we can push forward." Rosa wraps her arms around his neck, causing his rocking to cease. "You can't keep neglecting yourself, sweetie," she tells him. "Don't forget that you hurt yourself more by not reaching out."
"...Yeah...you're right." Valen places his right hand on Rosa's back, his left hand resting on the back of her head.
"You keep saying that, but it's been really slow," she points out. "I know it's not your fault, but-" She does a hard swallow. "If you're hurt, we're hurt. I know it's vice versa too."
Valen's eyes slightly widen. "Rosa-"
"Do you know why we're being so gentle and patient with you?" Rosa asks, her eyes gleaming with adoration. "It's because we care so much about you. We know who you really are. We know how big your heart is." She kisses him on the forehead. "We could've scolded you a lot more on the day you reunited with Hilda, but it wouldn't have solved anything."
Valen knows that Rosa's right, but can he actually promise anything? If he promises and fails to keep it, she'll be hurt. Everybody will be hurt.
"Are you okay, sweetie?" Rosa's smile vanishes, staring at him with a worried expression on her face.
Valen snaps back into focus. "Yeah...it's so hard," he laments. "I'm in control again, but it's still so hard." He places his right hand over his upper face. "I still carry shame over what happened the day I reunited with Hilda," he admits. "How did I not realize that I was doing something wrong before I hurt her?"
"You told me that it was overriding your logical thinking," she recalls. "It's not your fault, even if you didn't handle it well," she reassures. "Hilda doesn't have the heart to hold resentment against most people, much less you."
"I'm grateful...very grateful that I got a second chance."
"I want you to have a heart to heart with Hilda," Rosa requests, caressing both of his cheeks. "We both know one thing you can confirm."
"...That her romantic feelings are still mutual." He rubs Rosa's head. "Plus, I'm starting to remember." The kisses, the poly dates, they were already on their way to a vee as the years went by.
"I'm happy to hear that, sweetie," she tells him. "So, will you?" She looks him in the eyes, her own eyes emitting a loving gaze. "Please?"
Valen nods. "I need a few days, but okay."
"Thank you," Rosa whispers into his right ear. "Never forget that you're invaluable to us all."
"Same with me." Valen smirks, stating, "I'm not out of the woods yet, but the unseen enemy should be very afraid." He slams his right fist into his left palm. "I'm the big bad trainer who beats it down and beats it down without every letting up."
Then, his phone dings. He leans towards his walnut table to take a peek. "Rui wants us to meet her before heading to the arena," he tells Rosa. "One hour, so-"
"Hug time!" Rosa wraps her arms around Valen's neck. "Rosa wants hug!' She repeatedly bops Valen with her feet. "Grrrr, feel Rosa's power!"
"As you wish." Valen places his right hand on Rosa's back, resting his left hand on the back of her head.
Rosa giggles. "Roar, Take Down!" She tackles Valen onto the bed. "Roar, Sweet Kiss!" She kisses him on the lips like she's fusing Sweet Kiss with Fury Attack.
As Valen and Rosa gently press their lips together, both feel a sense of tranquility. Their kissing grows in intensity, a stronger feeling of passion surging within them.
Within the gargantuan Barberini Stadium, Melanie, Arthur and Jacques are well into a triple battle, their Scizor, Duraludon, and Charizard duking it out with a male trainer's Tropius, a male trainer's Wigglytuff, and a female trainer's Empoleon
Hilda stands back and observes. "I came here to begin perpetrations, but the others aren't here yet," she muses. "Besides, this is still work, as Melanie's a client." She likes the size of the crowd watching, but she can't help but laugh at the attention Jacques is getting, especially from female fans. "The goofball defitenly got it from him." She returns her focus to the battles.
"Charizard, ignite their flames of passion with Flamethrower!" Jacques's voice emits a deep and proud tone.
Charizard roars, launching a powerful red-orange stream of fire from his mouth towards Tropius.
"Empoleon, Water Pulse!"'
A sphere of water forms in front of Empoleon mouth, but Charizard's Flamethrower strikes Tropius under its lower jaw before Water Pulse can be launched.
"Duraludon, use Dragon Pulse."
A gunmetal gray ball of energy forms in front of Duraludon's mouth.
Empoleon launches the water sphere towards the ground, which morphs into a torrent of water that careens towards all sides. At the same time, Duraludon launches his sphere. It transforms into a giant, robotic, gunmetal gray dragon with glowing red eyes, wings, talons, and a tail. Empoleon's Water Pulse is disintegrated, the dragon formation blasting both Tropius and it. Seconds later, both Tropius and Empoleon slam onto the ground.
"Dang it!" Empoleon's trainer shouts, recalling her Pokémon.
"They live up to the hype," Tropius' trainer remarks, recalling his Pokémon.
"Scizor, hit em with a Iron Head!"
The top of Scizor's head emits a metallic gray glow. He charges like a rocket towards Wigglytuff, slamming his head into its white chest. Wigglytuff stumbles backwards, falling to the ground seconds later.
"Aw man!" Wigglytuff's trainer recalls his Pokémon.
"You're quite strong, Monsieur Arthur," Jacques commends, folding his arms. "You're as strong as ever, Signorina Melanie."
"So are you." Melanie gives Arthur and Jacques a thumbs up.
"You're both awesome!" Several fans cheer.
"Thanks for the new jacket." Melanie turns her back towards Hilda, then she looks back and winks. "I can look good in a Guzmani leather jacket, kick ass as a trainer, and promote the BW Agency at the same time."
"You always look good, Melanie." Hilda places her right hand over her grinning mouth.
"Of course I do, Miss Obvious." Melanie runs her right hand through her hair.
Then, one of the BW Agency's employees approaches Hilda. "Pres, the others are waiting for you."
"Heeeey, that's awesome!" Hilda clasps her hands in front of her right shoulder. "Thanks for letting me know!"
Hilda, Melanie, and Jacques wave bye to their fans, while Arthur gets a head start. He walks towards one of the lavish seating arenas, only to stop when he sees Rui.
Hilda and Melanie follow suit, all three blank staring at Rui's clothes.
"Whatcha think of my Team Skull attire?" Rui raises her hands next to her cheeks, sticking her index and ring fingers out.
"It's her usual outfit, but at the same time, it's not her usual outfit," Hilda comments, eyeing Rui's gray jacket and pitch black top.
"She's a wild card." Melanie eyes Rui's gray sweatpants, then she eyes the gold Team Skull logo plastered in the center of her top.
"Quite the perplexing lass." Arthur places his left thumb and index finger on his chin.
Valen folds his arms, grumbling, "Y'all are stupid."
"I'm gonna have to agree, as I'm Team Skull too," Silver chimes in.
Jacques approaches Rosa, Silver, and Valen. "The sculpture's nearing completion," Jacques informs Valen. "Give me about another week or two and it'll be ready."
Valen nods. "Will do."
Rui eyes all of the paintings and ornamentation decorating the arena's interior. She looks up at the ceiling, eyeing the large painting that depicts Suicune, Raikou, and Entei running through a grassy field. "Out of all these paintings, this one might be my favorite."
"Fresco." Valen strolls towards Rui, standing to her right while eyeing the painting too. "Difficult method of painting."
"I've painted frescoes before." Rosa's confident smile and gleaming eyes light up her face. "I love the challenge."
"I like your style." Rui exchanges a high five with Rosa. Then, Rui exchanges a high five with Valen too, not wanting to leave him out.
It's amazing how one guy painted all of this, Valen muses as his eyes fixate on the buon fresco of Reshiram and Zekrom over Twist Mountain. Lorenzo Buonarroti was truly the Michelangelo Bellincioni of sixteenth and seventeenth century Calvana.
Hilda and Rosa trot in front of the others, their Umbreon and Serperior besides them They lead the way towards the largest of the fourteen outdoor battlefields, with the others following behind at a slower pace.
Valen and the others note the numerous employees and volunteers carrying boxes, crates, and other items. Pokémon such as Machop, Machoke, Machamp, Infernape, and Pangoro are aiding them. Then, they notice that Rosa and Hilda have exited and are now in the largest battlefield stadium.
Valen opens the door, allowing everyone else and their Pokémon to enter. Afterwards, Valen and his Gardevoir join them.
"This field will be where the big match is held!" Hilda announces. "I had to pick where the Calvanian Conference's quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals take place!"
Umbreon, Serperior, Gardevoir marvel at the sight, recalling that it's been a while since they've been here. Jacques' Greninja, Arthur's Raichu, Melanie's male Pyroar, Silver's Arcanine, and Rui's Midnight Lycanroc join them, and they too are marveling at the giant battlefield and its surroundings.
Valen's eyes brighten, his gaze darting around as he scans the field and the circular formation of the seating area. Despite being outdoors, the multi-floor seating arraignments are covered, a large opening between each pair of columns allow the spectators to witness the battle. If his memory serves him well, architect Olivier de La Ferrebouque wanted the seating arrangements to resemble those found in opera houses.
Then, his eyes fixate on the massive battlefield in front of him. He feels like he's just entered a trance, flashing back to the first time he won the Calvanian Conference. This was it, this was the exact same battlefield his Salamence took down the opposing Walrein in the finals. He remembers the tidal wave of cheering from the stands, Rosa and Hilda tackling him out of celebration, and hanging out with Team Skull within this very lobby.
Overcome with nostalgia, Valen can't help but shed a few tears. He quickly wipes his eyes, glancing left and right to make sure nobody saw that. "I don't want them to worry."
"Here's the painting and decorative arts booth," Hilda informs. "And the sculpture and performing arts booth," she continues. "And the creative writing booth."
"And here's the spicy food both." Hilda and Silver exchange a smirk. "The Tamato Chip Challenge is among them."
"Hey, did it help?" Valen asks. "Talking about what you were feeling?"
"It did, but-"
"It failed, Hilda." Valen grins, rubbing her shoulders. "The unseen enemy failed to tear us apart." He glances around him. "It kept failing and failing, and now I'm in control again."
"I'm beyond grateful for that, Val-Val," Hilda responds. "We all are."
"You've gotten quite a few carnival games," Melanie notes the parts that are either shaped like or themed after a Pokémon. "Comfey ring toss, Kingler claw grab, a Dragapult target game-" She silently notes the rest of the games, noting that there are stereoscopes and arcade games among them too.
"Hehe, that's an understatement!" Hilda's eyes gleam. "It's free for everyone too!"
"Is this really a good idea?" Silver cocks a brow, his gaze darting up and down at the crates with the carnival games. "Those things are infamous for being rigged."
"Not when I'm the one in charge!" Hilda jumps, clasping her hands in front of her left shoulder. "The Pokémon need to have fun too, and I always check em out first!"
"Leave it to Silver to forget that Hilda's got all sorts of people working for her." Valen closes his eyes, patting Hilda's right shoulder. "That's my manager."
"Yeeeeep, I always make sure the games aren't rigged!" Hilda closes her eyes, her face glowing. "All of the Pokémon gets a fair chance at winning!"
"Hilda's not just a stunner in appearance." Valen taps his head with his right index finger. "She's also a stunner when it comes to leadership and running big events." Much to his surprise, this earns him a kiss to the forehead. "No bop?"
"Hehe, plot twist." Hilda tilts her head leftwards, placing her right hand over her grinning mouth. "You're the one who gave me a platonic kiss first many years ago." She winks with her right eye. "Just returning the favor for the umpteenth time."
"Fair enough." Valen shrugs. "I'm just telling the truth." He earns himself a forehead bop.
"Alright sooooo-" Hilda moves her face to where it's inches away from everyone's faces. "I'll need you to tell me what you've got planned!"
Valen blinks. "What-"
"Sillies!" Hilda laughs. "Valen's going to handle art history and Melanie will handle creative writing!" she cheers. "Rosa's a painter, Jacques is a sculptor, and you're both into the performing arts! You'll handle how to paint, how to sculpt, and the performing arts!"
"Perhaps I can show woodcutting or engraving," Arthur adds. "My family also has a history of cartography."
"Hooray, more awesomeness!' Rosa and Hilda shout as they exchange a high five. "We're surrounded by super awesome people, plus we're also awesome!"
As their trainers converse, the Pokémon stare at the carnival games, having declared carnival games their arch rivals sometime ago. Pyroar roars that him and his comrades "will triumph over these weird boxes the next time they face each other in battle, Lycanroc and Arcanine joining him via howls.
Arthur's Raichu narrows his eyes at the boxes, his yellow cheeks sparking. He's only recently met all of these Pokémon and humans, but he's lost at that ball game one too many times. Umbreon and Serperior also narrow their eyes, but remain quiet. Meanwhile, Gardevoir and Greninja folds their arms and lean back against the wall, not saying anything because they're just way too cool for that.
Within the lavish lobby area, Hilda watches Melanie discuss her plans for the creative writing booth with Rui.
Rosa giggles at the sight of Silver's flat eyed expression over Rui writing a freestyle in the hopes she can show it off at the event. She likes how Melanie's trying to contain her own laughter. Then, Rosa sees that Arthur and Jacques are discussing sculpture. Then, she turns her attention towards her favorite idiot, who's deep in thought. She giggles over how he doesn't seem to notice anything going around him.
"Hilda, check it out." Rosa tilts her head towards Valen, who's sitting at a table. "He's trying to figure out what to do about the art booth, and I bet he'll list too much."
Hilda faintly laughs. "Hehe, he'd such a dork."
"I love this idiot so much." Rosa giggles. "Let's make sure he didn't get carried away."
Rosa and Hilda slowly make their way towards Valen, who's too focused on what he's doing.
"Let's see-" Valen begins writing down names. "Still need twentieth century paintings, plus paintings from the Far East," he continues. "As well as ceramics, detailed photos of furniture, detailed photos of architecture-" He hears Hilda's laughter and Rosa's giggling, causing him to drop the pen onto the paper. He looks up, seeing Hilda placing her right hand over her grinning mouth. "...I need to narrow this down, don't I?"
"Afraid so, Val-Val." Hilda bops him on both cheeks.
"Silly boy." Rosa mimics Hilda's cheek bopping.
Valen grumbles, remarking, "I'm usually good at being selective." He places his right hand over his face. "This is going to be difficult."
"No it won't, silly!" Rosa extends her elbows in front of her. "We'll be the greatest art duo of our generation!" She makes punching motions. "Wham! Bam! Pow!"
"Yes, yes we will." Valen smiles. "But you're great at art history, while I'm not that good of a painter."
"It's kaaaay, we all have our strengths!" Rosa clasps her hands next to her right cheek. "We've all got our strengths and weaknesses!"
"Good point, ball of fluff."
"Hehe, we'll leave you to it." Hilda winks, spinning around and strolling away with Rosa.
After several seconds, Rosa halts. Hilda walks a few more steps, stopping when she realizes that she's walking alone.
Hilda looks behind her, asking, "What's up, Rosa?"
"...I still remember that time...I was recording a video when I overheard him singing about how he felt about me." Rosa closes her eyes, placing her right hand over her heart. "He's known that I loved the performing arts since I was little, plus he has a good voice."
"Hehe, the goofball won't admit it, even though the video has nearly three million views."
"He's known that I loved the performing arts since I was little, plus he has a good voice."
"Recite it," Hilda teases, glancing towards Valen.
"Challenge accepted," Rosa responds, re-opening her eyes.
Valen yelps, dropping the pen on the table. "Woah woah woah woah woah woah woah woah, hold up a minute!" He looks at his favorite kooks with a sheepish smile. "I...err...um...w-well...see-" He repeatedly pokes two fingers together. "I...uh...might have learned how to sing to make her happier...even though she's already a ray of sunshine." He closes his eyes, scratching the back of his head. "Eh heh heh heh...heh...heh." He sighs, his head drooping and his arms dangling on his sides. "I'm such a dork."
"You're our dork, though." Rosa shares a laugh with Hilda, her lips parting as she gives him an adoring stare. "Don't get flustered over something so sweet, plus you've got a good voice."
"Absolutely not, Rui!" Silver's angry voice echoes throughout the lobby, catching everybody's attention. "I'm not going to do the Clefable Moonwalk again!" He folds his arms and looks away, his Arcanine egging him on with laughter.
Valen, Rosa, and Hilda share a laugh. They don't even need to say it—their synchronized minds are imagining Kris in Rui's place and Silver rapidly looking around for a spot to hide.
Within the same lobby area, Hilda darts towards Valen, Arthur, and Jacques, who are conversing about sculpture. However, she nearly loses focus when her eyes catches that several of the cool ornate sofas have Eevee on them. Go go Eevee Rangers, Epic Evolvin' Eevee Rangers! The first episode where three Eevee find evolution stones is a cartoon classic.
Wait, she's got to get those three! She can gush over her favorite show later! "Lunch time, artsy boys!" She calls out, clasping her hands in front of her right shoulder. "The others have already gone to the food court, your Pokémon included!"
Hilda, Valen, Jacques, and Arthur walk together towards the food court, located in the same part of the arena that they're currently in. Within the food court, Rosa's eyes glisten at the sight of the Unova pizza, breadsticks, garlic bread, cheese-stuffed bread, chocolate chip cookies, and soda on the large rectangular table. Everyone sits down at the large table and begins to eat and drink. They glance rightwards towards the Pokémon, who are enjoying their own lunch made up of berries and other food.
As everyone enjoys their lunch, Hilda looks directly at Valen. "Hey, how about we take a trip to the countryside?" She suggests, taking a bite out of her slice. "Rosa and I briefly discussed that not too long ago." She takes a sip out of her drink.
"Sure, but why not add a trip to of the best preserved ancient cities?" Valen takes a bite out of his cheesy bread. "You loved seeing Vulcan, remember?"
"Heeeeey, that's a good idea!" Hilda exclaims, her eyes glittering. "Of course I remember!"
"Wait, what about the event?" Silver asks, dipping a breadstick in sauce. "That's why you're here." He takes a bite.
"Hehe, I can plan the event from anywhere!" Hilda jumps, clasping her hands in front of her left shoulder. "And it's my own idea, so there's no rush!"
"It doesn't have to be now!" Rosa chomps down on her slice.
"I'll have to make arraignments first," Valen pauses to munch on a breadstick. "I think sooner than later is better."
"Either works!" Hilda and Rosa cheers.
"I've got contests, musicals, tournaments, art exhibits, and lots more in mind!" Hilda narrows her eyes at Rosa. "There's also someone I need to beat."
Rosa waves her left hand to dismiss Hilda's chances, her head turned rightwards. "As if that will ever happen."
"I'm going to be returning to have another go at the pro circuit, so you better watch out." Hilda playfully winks, pointing her right index finger at Rosa and Valen.
"Don't forget about me." Melanie chuckles, taking a bite out of her breadstick. "Or the rest of us."
"Oh, right!" She looks at Silver, then looks at Valen. "Can I have the battle televised?!"
"Sure," Valen responds, while Silver nods. "Say-" He glances at Jacques, then Rui. "No autograph request from her?"
Rui's eyes widen, and she drops her breadstick on the plate. "I forgot to ask about that!"
Jacques chuckles, looking in Rui's direction. "I will be happy to honor your request at anytime, signorina Rui."
Rui's mouth curves into a wide grin. "That's awesomeeeeeeee!" she squeals. "Hahahahaha, Team Skull's Rui won again!"
"Pardon the interruption, but-" Arthur takes a bite out of his slice. "Valen, who was the first sculptor you learned about?"
"One Saturday many years ago, I came across a Rodin documentary on television." Valen takes several sips of his cola.
"Marvelous," Arthur compliments. "You've got good taste."
"Thanks, you too." Valen would exchange a fist bump with Arthur, but they're kinda busy right now.
Everybody exchanges a smile, then they resume their lunch. Great day so far.
Within the patio, Rosa trots towards the camera and its stand, excited to record part two of her latest painting video series. She manages to put on her white coveralls while trotting. "Hiiiii, I'm back!" She waves to the camera. She steps backwards, revealing the canvas and easel. "Last time, we did the underpainting and additional funsies!" She twirls, her face glowing. "Nooooow, it's time for glazing!" she announces. "I'm going to apply both a thin coat of burnt umber!"
She gently dips her brush into the burnt umber within her oval palette, slightly twirling it. Placed next to them are the tubes containing ever color she plans to use, as well as different types of brushes. "Kaaaay, now I'll dip the paint in a medium!"
She carefully inserts her brush into the tin jar, then he rests the thin tip of the brush on the canvas. She performs gentle stroke after gentle stroke, the the darker brown pigment appears over the bottom half of light brown underpainting as she moves her right hand from left to right under the mountains. Then, she moves her hand upwards, zig zagging the brush over the mountains.
"In addition to Burnt Umber, I brought friends too." Rosa eyes each of the tubes. "They're waiting in line to be inserted into my Serperior themed palette." Her eyes gleam, showing how the depicted Serperior slithers around the circular indents. "My mom got me this palette for my fifteenth birthday, not too long after I made a Smeraglegram account."
Rosa grabs the tubes that contain a red lake pigment and ultramarine blue. She takes off the caps and gently squeezes both colors, making sure that too much doesn't come out. "I'm going to paint over the trainer's white clothing with a layer of red lake!" First, she moves her brush with precision as the red lake pigment merges with the white on the cape's underside. Afterwards, she rinses the brush so she can dip it in a medium, making sure that she varies between a thin layer for the cape's exterior and a thicker layer for the interior. As a result, the latter appears to have a shadow effect, while the former's highlighted as if light is illuminating it. She proceeds to apply a thin layer to the rest of the trainer's clothes, the thinner lays creating a pinkish appearance and the thicker layers finished with a darker shade of red, almost having a maroon-like appearance.
She wipes her brush on the palette, dipping it into the next color. "Nooooow, I shall glaze the the white underlayer with ultramarine!" She hums while dipping her brush into the tin jar again. In her mind, the tip of the brush is waving at the canvas as she moves the brush above the mountains with gentle strokes. Slowly but surely, the white shows through the darker shade of the deep blue pigment. "I'll make it more opaque using white again later on, which should turn it into a lighter shade of ultramarine blue!"
After she's done, she wipes her brush yet again, placing both the palette and the brush on the table afterwards. "It'll take about ten hours to dry, but you better stay tuned!" Rosa winks, wagging her right index finger. "I'll find additional ways to use art to make you smileeeee!" she twirls. "Wherever Rosa goes, smiles follow!" She holds up the tube labeled Ultramarine, stating, "This color was very popular during the Renaissance, and Titian used this pigment for the sky in Three Stages of Evolutions!" She puts the tube down, then picks up the tube labeled Mars Black. "Titian used this in Three Stages of Evolutions too, and I'm trying to use as many of the same colors as possible for the Rosa version!" She places the tube back on the table. "It's a more opaque shade of black, which is really good for Steel-types like Aron, Lairon and Aggron!"
As she continues to speak towards the camera, Rosa briefly glances up at the master bedroom's rear window. She hopes Valen will understand the important matter she'll bring up later today. Then, she notices that her fans want to know when Valen will be joining her again, having enjoyed hearing both of them discussing art history yesterday. She'll reply once she cleans up, but she hopes that yesterday helped him to further understand that his voice matters too.
Valen sits at his desk, relaxing in the golden chair Rosa and Hilda got him not that long ago. He holds his cell phone next to his right ear, wondering why Rosa hasn't darted into the room yet. After all, her mother's on the other end of the line.
"I see that the treatment plan's been working out well for you," Dr. Maureen Whitley remarks.
"It wasn't easy, but I couldn't allow myself to give up," Valen responds, feeling peaceful. "No matter how hopeless it felt."
"Rosa's been keeping me updated too."
Valen slightly rocks back and fourth. "Dr. Whitley, are you sure it was okay to-"
"You needed help, and my daughter loves you," Dr. Whitley interjects. "I couldn't turn a blind eye."
"Did Rosa tell you about that issue?" Valen feels a knot in his stomach.
"She did, and both her father and I still support it," Dr. Whitley answers. "As for your hesitation, I've been hearing good things about you facing your fears," she continues. "I'd try to keep doing that."
"Alright, thanks." Valen hears trotting louder and louder. "Heh, Rosa finally showed up."
"Can you give the phone to her?" she asks. "I'd like to say hi to her."
Valen watches Rosa twirl into the master room. "Sure, Dr. Whitley." Valen hands the phone to Rosa. "You already know."
"Yeeeeep!" Rosa's eyes light up as she takes the phone, holding it up to her right hear. "Hiii, mom!"
"Hi there, dear," Dr. Whitley greets. "How's your day doing?"
"Good good good!"
"I just wanted to say hi before I had to go," Dr. Whitley says. "Love you, dear."
"You too, mom!" Rosa hands the phone back to Valen.
"Take care, Valen," Dr. Whitley tells him.
"You too," he responds.
After the call ends, Valen places his phone on the round walnut table. He pats Rosa on the head, then picks up the open book resting next to his upper left leg.
Rosa smirks, folding her arms. "I request reminders of how cute and/or pretty I am." She closes her eyes, tilt her head back. "Come on, dish out the Kalosian talk towards me."
"You always rock, ma belle reine." Valen winks, clicking a tooth one time.
Rosa giggles, sitting next to Valen on the chair. "Hey, can you tell me more about why you're hesitant?" She requests, her soft voice soothing Valen's nerves. "It's been sometime since we discussed a vee."
Valen lets out a deep sigh, staring at the ceramics and figurines within his mahogany display cabinet. "I just...I don't trust myself," he confesses. "I don't want to hurt anybody or cause jealously." He smiles when he feels Rosa's tender touch on his cheeks.
"I trust you," Rosa comforts, caressing his cheeks.. "Hilda trusts you too."
Valen almost rocks back and forth, but he smiles when Rosa wraps her arms around his midsection. "I know...but it's hard...I'm not out of the woods yet."
"Nobody expects you too," she assures, kissing him on the lips. "We'll always be by your side, kay?"
"What if somebody gets mad?" Valen frowns, his head beginning to thump. "It feels like a-"
"No matter what, we can push forward." Rosa wraps her arms around his neck, causing his rocking to cease. "You can't keep neglecting yourself, sweetie," she tells him. "Don't forget that you hurt yourself more by not reaching out."
"...Yeah...you're right." Valen places his right hand on Rosa's back, his left hand resting on the back of her head.
"You keep saying that, but it's been really slow," she points out. "I know it's not your fault, but-" She does a hard swallow. "If you're hurt, we're hurt. I know it's vice versa too."
Valen's eyes slightly widen. "Rosa-"
"Do you know why we're being so gentle and patient with you?" Rosa asks, her eyes gleaming with adoration. "It's because we care so much about you. We know who you really are. We know how big your heart is." She kisses him on the forehead. "We could've scolded you a lot more on the day you reunited with Hilda, but it wouldn't have solved anything."
Valen knows that Rosa's right, but can he actually promise anything? If he promises and fails to keep it, she'll be hurt. Everybody will be hurt.
"Are you okay, sweetie?" Rosa's smile vanishes, staring at him with a worried expression on her face.
Valen snaps back into focus. "Yeah...it's so hard," he laments. "I'm in control again, but it's still so hard." He places his right hand over his upper face. "I still carry shame over what happened the day I reunited with Hilda," he admits. "How did I not realize that I was doing something wrong before I hurt her?"
"You told me that it was overriding your logical thinking," she recalls. "It's not your fault, even if you didn't handle it well," she reassures. "Hilda doesn't have the heart to hold resentment against most people, much less you."
"I'm grateful...very grateful that I got a second chance."
"I want you to have a heart to heart with Hilda," Rosa requests, caressing both of his cheeks. "We both know one thing you can confirm."
"...That her romantic feelings are still mutual." He rubs Rosa's head. "Plus, I'm starting to remember." The kisses, the poly dates, they were already on their way to a vee as the years went by.
"I'm happy to hear that, sweetie," she tells him. "So, will you?" She looks him in the eyes, her own eyes emitting a loving gaze. "Please?"
Valen nods. "I need a few days, but okay."
"Thank you," Rosa whispers into his right ear. "Never forget that you're invaluable to us all."
"Same with me." Valen smirks, stating, "I'm not out of the woods yet, but the unseen enemy should be very afraid." He slams his right fist into his left palm. "I'm the big bad trainer who beats it down and beats it down without every letting up."
Then, his phone dings. He leans towards his walnut table to take a peek. "Rui wants us to meet her before heading to the arena," he tells Rosa. "One hour, so-"
"Hug time!" Rosa wraps her arms around Valen's neck. "Rosa wants hug!' She repeatedly bops Valen with her feet. "Grrrr, feel Rosa's power!"
"As you wish." Valen places his right hand on Rosa's back, resting his left hand on the back of her head.
Rosa giggles. "Roar, Take Down!" She tackles Valen onto the bed. "Roar, Sweet Kiss!" She kisses him on the lips like she's fusing Sweet Kiss with Fury Attack.
As Valen and Rosa gently press their lips together, both feel a sense of tranquility. Their kissing grows in intensity, a stronger feeling of passion surging within them.
Within the gargantuan Barberini Stadium, Melanie, Arthur and Jacques are well into a triple battle, their Scizor, Duraludon, and Charizard duking it out with a male trainer's Tropius, a male trainer's Wigglytuff, and a female trainer's Empoleon
Hilda stands back and observes. "I came here to begin perpetrations, but the others aren't here yet," she muses. "Besides, this is still work, as Melanie's a client." She likes the size of the crowd watching, but she can't help but laugh at the attention Jacques is getting, especially from female fans. "The goofball defitenly got it from him." She returns her focus to the battles.
"Charizard, ignite their flames of passion with Flamethrower!" Jacques's voice emits a deep and proud tone.
Charizard roars, launching a powerful red-orange stream of fire from his mouth towards Tropius.
"Empoleon, Water Pulse!"'
A sphere of water forms in front of Empoleon mouth, but Charizard's Flamethrower strikes Tropius under its lower jaw before Water Pulse can be launched.
"Duraludon, use Dragon Pulse."
A gunmetal gray ball of energy forms in front of Duraludon's mouth.
Empoleon launches the water sphere towards the ground, which morphs into a torrent of water that careens towards all sides. At the same time, Duraludon launches his sphere. It transforms into a giant, robotic, gunmetal gray dragon with glowing red eyes, wings, talons, and a tail. Empoleon's Water Pulse is disintegrated, the dragon formation blasting both Tropius and it. Seconds later, both Tropius and Empoleon slam onto the ground.
"Dang it!" Empoleon's trainer shouts, recalling her Pokémon.
"They live up to the hype," Tropius' trainer remarks, recalling his Pokémon.
"Scizor, hit em with a Iron Head!"
The top of Scizor's head emits a metallic gray glow. He charges like a rocket towards Wigglytuff, slamming his head into its white chest. Wigglytuff stumbles backwards, falling to the ground seconds later.
"Aw man!" Wigglytuff's trainer recalls his Pokémon.
"You're quite strong, Monsieur Arthur," Jacques commends, folding his arms. "You're as strong as ever, Signorina Melanie."
"So are you." Melanie gives Arthur and Jacques a thumbs up.
"You're both awesome!" Several fans cheer.
"Thanks for the new jacket." Melanie turns her back towards Hilda, then she looks back and winks. "I can look good in a Guzmani leather jacket, kick ass as a trainer, and promote the BW Agency at the same time."
"You always look good, Melanie." Hilda places her right hand over her grinning mouth.
"Of course I do, Miss Obvious." Melanie runs her right hand through her hair.
Then, one of the BW Agency's employees approaches Hilda. "Pres, the others are waiting for you."
"Heeeey, that's awesome!" Hilda clasps her hands in front of her right shoulder. "Thanks for letting me know!"
Hilda, Melanie, and Jacques wave bye to their fans, while Arthur gets a head start. He walks towards one of the lavish seating arenas, only to stop when he sees Rui.
Hilda and Melanie follow suit, all three blank staring at Rui's clothes.
"Whatcha think of my Team Skull attire?" Rui raises her hands next to her cheeks, sticking her index and ring fingers out.
"It's her usual outfit, but at the same time, it's not her usual outfit," Hilda comments, eyeing Rui's gray jacket and pitch black top.
"She's a wild card." Melanie eyes Rui's gray sweatpants, then she eyes the gold Team Skull logo plastered in the center of her top.
"Quite the perplexing lass." Arthur places his left thumb and index finger on his chin.
Valen folds his arms, grumbling, "Y'all are stupid."
"I'm gonna have to agree, as I'm Team Skull too," Silver chimes in.
Jacques approaches Rosa, Silver, and Valen. "The sculpture's nearing completion," Jacques informs Valen. "Give me about another week or two and it'll be ready."
Valen nods. "Will do."
Rui eyes all of the paintings and ornamentation decorating the arena's interior. She looks up at the ceiling, eyeing the large painting that depicts Suicune, Raikou, and Entei running through a grassy field. "Out of all these paintings, this one might be my favorite."
"Fresco." Valen strolls towards Rui, standing to her right while eyeing the painting too. "Difficult method of painting."
"I've painted frescoes before." Rosa's confident smile and gleaming eyes light up her face. "I love the challenge."
"I like your style." Rui exchanges a high five with Rosa. Then, Rui exchanges a high five with Valen too, not wanting to leave him out.
It's amazing how one guy painted all of this, Valen muses as his eyes fixate on the buon fresco of Reshiram and Zekrom over Twist Mountain. Lorenzo Buonarroti was truly the Michelangelo Bellincioni of sixteenth and seventeenth century Calvana.
Hilda and Rosa trot in front of the others, their Umbreon and Serperior besides them They lead the way towards the largest of the fourteen outdoor battlefields, with the others following behind at a slower pace.
Valen and the others note the numerous employees and volunteers carrying boxes, crates, and other items. Pokémon such as Machop, Machoke, Machamp, Infernape, and Pangoro are aiding them. Then, they notice that Rosa and Hilda have exited and are now in the largest battlefield stadium.
Valen opens the door, allowing everyone else and their Pokémon to enter. Afterwards, Valen and his Gardevoir join them.
"This field will be where the big match is held!" Hilda announces. "I had to pick where the Calvanian Conference's quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals take place!"
Umbreon, Serperior, Gardevoir marvel at the sight, recalling that it's been a while since they've been here. Jacques' Greninja, Arthur's Raichu, Melanie's male Pyroar, Silver's Arcanine, and Rui's Midnight Lycanroc join them, and they too are marveling at the giant battlefield and its surroundings.
Valen's eyes brighten, his gaze darting around as he scans the field and the circular formation of the seating area. Despite being outdoors, the multi-floor seating arraignments are covered, a large opening between each pair of columns allow the spectators to witness the battle. If his memory serves him well, architect Olivier de La Ferrebouque wanted the seating arrangements to resemble those found in opera houses.
Then, his eyes fixate on the massive battlefield in front of him. He feels like he's just entered a trance, flashing back to the first time he won the Calvanian Conference. This was it, this was the exact same battlefield his Salamence took down the opposing Walrein in the finals. He remembers the tidal wave of cheering from the stands, Rosa and Hilda tackling him out of celebration, and hanging out with Team Skull within this very lobby.
Overcome with nostalgia, Valen can't help but shed a few tears. He quickly wipes his eyes, glancing left and right to make sure nobody saw that. "I don't want them to worry."
"Here's the painting and decorative arts booth," Hilda informs. "And the sculpture and performing arts booth," she continues. "And the creative writing booth."
"And here's the spicy food both." Hilda and Silver exchange a smirk. "The Tamato Chip Challenge is among them."
"Hey, did it help?" Valen asks. "Talking about what you were feeling?"
"It did, but-"
"It failed, Hilda." Valen grins, rubbing her shoulders. "The unseen enemy failed to tear us apart." He glances around him. "It kept failing and failing, and now I'm in control again."
"I'm beyond grateful for that, Val-Val," Hilda responds. "We all are."
"You've gotten quite a few carnival games," Melanie notes the parts that are either shaped like or themed after a Pokémon. "Comfey ring toss, Kingler claw grab, a Dragapult target game-" She silently notes the rest of the games, noting that there are stereoscopes and arcade games among them too.
"Hehe, that's an understatement!" Hilda's eyes gleam. "It's free for everyone too!"
"Is this really a good idea?" Silver cocks a brow, his gaze darting up and down at the crates with the carnival games. "Those things are infamous for being rigged."
"Not when I'm the one in charge!" Hilda jumps, clasping her hands in front of her left shoulder. "The Pokémon need to have fun too, and I always check em out first!"
"Leave it to Silver to forget that Hilda's got all sorts of people working for her." Valen closes his eyes, patting Hilda's right shoulder. "That's my manager."
"Yeeeeep, I always make sure the games aren't rigged!" Hilda closes her eyes, her face glowing. "All of the Pokémon gets a fair chance at winning!"
"Hilda's not just a stunner in appearance." Valen taps his head with his right index finger. "She's also a stunner when it comes to leadership and running big events." Much to his surprise, this earns him a kiss to the forehead. "No bop?"
"Hehe, plot twist." Hilda tilts her head leftwards, placing her right hand over her grinning mouth. "You're the one who gave me a platonic kiss first many years ago." She winks with her right eye. "Just returning the favor for the umpteenth time."
"Fair enough." Valen shrugs. "I'm just telling the truth." He earns himself a forehead bop.
"Alright sooooo-" Hilda moves her face to where it's inches away from everyone's faces. "I'll need you to tell me what you've got planned!"
Valen blinks. "What-"
"Sillies!" Hilda laughs. "Valen's going to handle art history and Melanie will handle creative writing!" she cheers. "Rosa's a painter, Jacques is a sculptor, and you're both into the performing arts! You'll handle how to paint, how to sculpt, and the performing arts!"
"Perhaps I can show woodcutting or engraving," Arthur adds. "My family also has a history of cartography."
"Hooray, more awesomeness!' Rosa and Hilda shout as they exchange a high five. "We're surrounded by super awesome people, plus we're also awesome!"
As their trainers converse, the Pokémon stare at the carnival games, having declared carnival games their arch rivals sometime ago. Pyroar roars that him and his comrades "will triumph over these weird boxes the next time they face each other in battle, Lycanroc and Arcanine joining him via howls.
Arthur's Raichu narrows his eyes at the boxes, his yellow cheeks sparking. He's only recently met all of these Pokémon and humans, but he's lost at that ball game one too many times. Umbreon and Serperior also narrow their eyes, but remain quiet. Meanwhile, Gardevoir and Greninja folds their arms and lean back against the wall, not saying anything because they're just way too cool for that.
Within the lavish lobby area, Hilda watches Melanie discuss her plans for the creative writing booth with Rui.
Rosa giggles at the sight of Silver's flat eyed expression over Rui writing a freestyle in the hopes she can show it off at the event. She likes how Melanie's trying to contain her own laughter. Then, Rosa sees that Arthur and Jacques are discussing sculpture. Then, she turns her attention towards her favorite idiot, who's deep in thought. She giggles over how he doesn't seem to notice anything going around him.
"Hilda, check it out." Rosa tilts her head towards Valen, who's sitting at a table. "He's trying to figure out what to do about the art booth, and I bet he'll list too much."
Hilda faintly laughs. "Hehe, he'd such a dork."
"I love this idiot so much." Rosa giggles. "Let's make sure he didn't get carried away."
Rosa and Hilda slowly make their way towards Valen, who's too focused on what he's doing.
"Let's see-" Valen begins writing down names. "Still need twentieth century paintings, plus paintings from the Far East," he continues. "As well as ceramics, detailed photos of furniture, detailed photos of architecture-" He hears Hilda's laughter and Rosa's giggling, causing him to drop the pen onto the paper. He looks up, seeing Hilda placing her right hand over her grinning mouth. "...I need to narrow this down, don't I?"
"Afraid so, Val-Val." Hilda bops him on both cheeks.
"Silly boy." Rosa mimics Hilda's cheek bopping.
Valen grumbles, remarking, "I'm usually good at being selective." He places his right hand over his face. "This is going to be difficult."
"No it won't, silly!" Rosa extends her elbows in front of her. "We'll be the greatest art duo of our generation!" She makes punching motions. "Wham! Bam! Pow!"
"Yes, yes we will." Valen smiles. "But you're great at art history, while I'm not that good of a painter."
"It's kaaaay, we all have our strengths!" Rosa clasps her hands next to her right cheek. "We've all got our strengths and weaknesses!"
"Good point, ball of fluff."
"Hehe, we'll leave you to it." Hilda winks, spinning around and strolling away with Rosa.
After several seconds, Rosa halts. Hilda walks a few more steps, stopping when she realizes that she's walking alone.
Hilda looks behind her, asking, "What's up, Rosa?"
"...I still remember that time...I was recording a video when I overheard him singing about how he felt about me." Rosa closes her eyes, placing her right hand over her heart. "He's known that I loved the performing arts since I was little, plus he has a good voice."
"Hehe, the goofball won't admit it, even though the video has nearly three million views."
"He's known that I loved the performing arts since I was little, plus he has a good voice."
"Recite it," Hilda teases, glancing towards Valen.
"Challenge accepted," Rosa responds, re-opening her eyes.
Valen yelps, dropping the pen on the table. "Woah woah woah woah woah woah woah woah, hold up a minute!" He looks at his favorite kooks with a sheepish smile. "I...err...um...w-well...see-" He repeatedly pokes two fingers together. "I...uh...might have learned how to sing to make her happier...even though she's already a ray of sunshine." He closes his eyes, scratching the back of his head. "Eh heh heh heh...heh...heh." He sighs, his head drooping and his arms dangling on his sides. "I'm such a dork."
"You're our dork, though." Rosa shares a laugh with Hilda, her lips parting as she gives him an adoring stare. "Don't get flustered over something so sweet, plus you've got a good voice."
"Absolutely not, Rui!" Silver's angry voice echoes throughout the lobby, catching everybody's attention. "I'm not going to do the Clefable Moonwalk again!" He folds his arms and looks away, his Arcanine egging him on with laughter.
Valen, Rosa, and Hilda share a laugh. They don't even need to say it—their synchronized minds are imagining Kris in Rui's place and Silver rapidly looking around for a spot to hide.
Within the same lobby area, Hilda darts towards Valen, Arthur, and Jacques, who are conversing about sculpture. However, she nearly loses focus when her eyes catches that several of the cool ornate sofas have Eevee on them. Go go Eevee Rangers, Epic Evolvin' Eevee Rangers! The first episode where three Eevee find evolution stones is a cartoon classic.
Wait, she's got to get those three! She can gush over her favorite show later! "Lunch time, artsy boys!" She calls out, clasping her hands in front of her right shoulder. "The others have already gone to the food court, your Pokémon included!"
Hilda, Valen, Jacques, and Arthur walk together towards the food court, located in the same part of the arena that they're currently in. Within the food court, Rosa's eyes glisten at the sight of the Unova pizza, breadsticks, garlic bread, cheese-stuffed bread, chocolate chip cookies, and soda on the large rectangular table. Everyone sits down at the large table and begins to eat and drink. They glance rightwards towards the Pokémon, who are enjoying their own lunch made up of berries and other food.
As everyone enjoys their lunch, Hilda looks directly at Valen. "Hey, how about we take a trip to the countryside?" She suggests, taking a bite out of her slice. "Rosa and I briefly discussed that not too long ago." She takes a sip out of her drink.
"Sure, but why not add a trip to of the best preserved ancient cities?" Valen takes a bite out of his cheesy bread. "You loved seeing Vulcan, remember?"
"Heeeeey, that's a good idea!" Hilda exclaims, her eyes glittering. "Of course I remember!"
"Wait, what about the event?" Silver asks, dipping a breadstick in sauce. "That's why you're here." He takes a bite.
"Hehe, I can plan the event from anywhere!" Hilda jumps, clasping her hands in front of her left shoulder. "And it's my own idea, so there's no rush!"
"It doesn't have to be now!" Rosa chomps down on her slice.
"I'll have to make arraignments first," Valen pauses to munch on a breadstick. "I think sooner than later is better."
"Either works!" Hilda and Rosa cheers.
"I've got contests, musicals, tournaments, art exhibits, and lots more in mind!" Hilda narrows her eyes at Rosa. "There's also someone I need to beat."
Rosa waves her left hand to dismiss Hilda's chances, her head turned rightwards. "As if that will ever happen."
"I'm going to be returning to have another go at the pro circuit, so you better watch out." Hilda playfully winks, pointing her right index finger at Rosa and Valen.
"Don't forget about me." Melanie chuckles, taking a bite out of her breadstick. "Or the rest of us."
"Oh, right!" She looks at Silver, then looks at Valen. "Can I have the battle televised?!"
"Sure," Valen responds, while Silver nods. "Say-" He glances at Jacques, then Rui. "No autograph request from her?"
Rui's eyes widen, and she drops her breadstick on the plate. "I forgot to ask about that!"
Jacques chuckles, looking in Rui's direction. "I will be happy to honor your request at anytime, signorina Rui."
Rui's mouth curves into a wide grin. "That's awesomeeeeeeee!" she squeals. "Hahahahaha, Team Skull's Rui won again!"
"Pardon the interruption, but-" Arthur takes a bite out of his slice. "Valen, who was the first sculptor you learned about?"
"One Saturday many years ago, I came across a Rodin documentary on television." Valen takes several sips of his cola.
"Marvelous," Arthur compliments. "You've got good taste."
"Thanks, you too." Valen would exchange a fist bump with Arthur, but they're kinda busy right now.
Everybody exchanges a smile, then they resume their lunch. Great day so far.
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Hey, Raeg, this is a review for catnip! I’ll be going over the first chapter as an introduction/taste of the fic.
Overall, this was an interesting first chapter. I was surprised by how little pokemon seem to be involved in this story. It reads to me a lot like something independent of pokemon that takes place in the vague setting, which makes me interested in why this is a pokemon fanfic instead of something original. I notice that there’ve been a lot of canon characters thrown around in mentioning in this chapter/story, so I wonder if it has to do with that?
I’ve noticed you seem to be big into art/architecture, and even though basically all of it is lost on me, I can tell that there’s a good amount of thought that went into things like the set dressing, the fashion, etc. I can appreciate a world that’s been fleshed out and carefully thought through!
Regarding the prose, it was pretty good overall. Prose is not my strong suite, so I don’t think I can really give intricate pointers or criticism. It did read to me as pretty melodramatic in places—lines like “epic clash of emojis” made me cringe—but I don’t know if the melodrama overall is the fault of the prose.
You’ve asked that people reading this story not give heavy crit, so I won’t really get deep into what I didn’t like about this chapter, but I will say that the impression I had from reading it reminded me a little of Zack Snyder’s work –where the visuals are top notch, but then I don’t really get a good sense of… what’s beneath? I don’t think any of the banter landed with me, or if I really understand who Valen is. It kind just feels ultimately in service of being idealized towards the writer’s view of the characters, but then as someone without that understanding/connection of being the writer I don’t really feel a deeper connection with them. Which is what I think made many of these moments read melodramatic to me.
But, overall, I’d say that’s about everything! This story seems to focus on the relationship between Valen and Hilda/Valen’s trauma, and it seems Valen has some sort of mental block in particular with Rosa, so going forward it’ll be interesting to see what develops from that and how they sort it out. Until next time!
Overall, this was an interesting first chapter. I was surprised by how little pokemon seem to be involved in this story. It reads to me a lot like something independent of pokemon that takes place in the vague setting, which makes me interested in why this is a pokemon fanfic instead of something original. I notice that there’ve been a lot of canon characters thrown around in mentioning in this chapter/story, so I wonder if it has to do with that?
I’ve noticed you seem to be big into art/architecture, and even though basically all of it is lost on me, I can tell that there’s a good amount of thought that went into things like the set dressing, the fashion, etc. I can appreciate a world that’s been fleshed out and carefully thought through!
Regarding the prose, it was pretty good overall. Prose is not my strong suite, so I don’t think I can really give intricate pointers or criticism. It did read to me as pretty melodramatic in places—lines like “epic clash of emojis” made me cringe—but I don’t know if the melodrama overall is the fault of the prose.
You’ve asked that people reading this story not give heavy crit, so I won’t really get deep into what I didn’t like about this chapter, but I will say that the impression I had from reading it reminded me a little of Zack Snyder’s work –where the visuals are top notch, but then I don’t really get a good sense of… what’s beneath? I don’t think any of the banter landed with me, or if I really understand who Valen is. It kind just feels ultimately in service of being idealized towards the writer’s view of the characters, but then as someone without that understanding/connection of being the writer I don’t really feel a deeper connection with them. Which is what I think made many of these moments read melodramatic to me.
But, overall, I’d say that’s about everything! This story seems to focus on the relationship between Valen and Hilda/Valen’s trauma, and it seems Valen has some sort of mental block in particular with Rosa, so going forward it’ll be interesting to see what develops from that and how they sort it out. Until next time!
BossCar
Pokémon Trainer
- Pronouns
- He/His
Ah, not too surprised here. I've had that Pokemon and melodrama issue before. But I also had an info dumping problem/hard to follow problem. Finding that balance hasn't been easy.
I will say that Pokemon do get more involved as the story goes on. I add them to the background to some semblance of the Pokemon world too.
In any case, thanks for the review.
BossCar
Pokémon Trainer
- Pronouns
- He/His
Chapter 38: Two Romantic Soulmates
Hilda's eyes gleam at the sight of the written ideas onto her portable table, each paper stacked on top of each other. Now that she's had a scrumptious lunch with seven of her besties, it's time to resume the task at hand.
Melanie, Silver, Jacques, Arthur, and Rui glance towards their respective Pokemon, who are glaring at the crate of carnival games. This is not something that they'd have thought was a common trait among their Pokémon, but it's kinda adorable.
"Awesome ideas, everyone," Hilda compliments, catching their attention. "I'll see to it that I get as close to these as possible." Her smile suddenly vanishes, her mouth falling open and her eyes slightly widening. "Wait a minute, where'd those two go?!"
Melanie chuckles, tilting her head northeast. "Chill out, they're over in that battlefield." Leave it to them to battle as a tag team on a whim.
Hilda turns her body towards said direction, tittering at what she sees. While she was looking at the ideas, Valen and Rosa had gotten themselves into a double battle within this outdoor battlefield. Fittingly, the artificial desert-like field is finished with a rough, rocky aesthetic. It's like those prints of Orre desert and mountain landscape paintings she recently added to her office at the agency.
As Valen's Salamence and Rosa's Eelektross duke it out with a male trainer's Cloyster and a second male trainer's Hitmontop. Hilda notes that a big grin is plastered across Rosa's face, her elbows are extended out in front of her, and she's clenching her fists. As for Valen, he's standing here with his arms folded, looking all cool and mysterious.
Upon seeing the white dragon with blue eyes that appears whenever Salamence uses Dragon Pulse merging with the yellow lightning bolt that Eelektross launched, Hilda's eyes sparkle like the ruby attached to her diamond-lace necklace. "White Lighting!" She jumps around, her grin stretching out like a rubber band. "White Lightning, White Lightning, it's White Laughing!" She clasps her hands in front of her right shoulder. "Kyaaaaaaaa, they merged the attacks to form White Lightning!" She blurts out, slapping her mouth with her right hand. "Aieeeeeeeeeeee, why can't I control myself?!"
Hilda watches as the opposing Cloyster and Hitmontop get blasted onto the ground, the crowd roaring with excitement afterwards. She watches as Valen and Rosa shake hands with their opponents, then proceed to walk back towards her and the others. They're about to get a surprise visitor, she mentally titters as she hears somebody approaching the pair and her.
"It's just like I thought," a male voice calls out. "You can't hide from destiny, Valen."
Valen comes to a sudden halt, with Rosa looking back at him from a few steps ahead. That voice, that proud and cool voice. Is it who he thinks he is? He feels a little shaky as he turns around to face the voice's owner.
His eyes fixate on a male trainer with tidy black hair that extends down to his forehead and neck. He's leaning back against one of the arena's massive pillars, His smile's one of pride as he points his right index and ring fingers at Valen. His Roserade walking in front of her trainer to greet Valen and his team with a cry.
Yep, it's Ragnar Phoenix. Valen met this guy at the BW Agency a couple of years ago, and he was wearing that same gray shirt. He still wears his trademark white suit and dress pants he's long since gotten, both tailored made by Wallace.
"Been a while, my guy." Ragnar glances behind him, noting that his fans have started to gather.
Valen strolls up to Ragnar, his face sunny. "How've you been?" He wraps his arms around Ragnar's upper back and vice versa, both patting each other.
"I should be asking you that," Ragnar counters, letting go of Valen and vice-versa. "We know what happened." A placid smile appears on his face. "Glad you're doing better."
"Thanks man." Valen exchanges a fist bump with him. Then, she feels Jacques patting him on his upper back and Melanie flicking the back of his head.
Ragnar spots Melanie and Jacques, remarking, "Nice to see you two again."
"Likewise." Melanie places her hands on her hips.
"Still salty about that loss?" Jacques teases, folding his arms.
"You got lucky." Ragnar watches Hilda and Rosa trot closer to him. They've got company.
"Heeeeey, you came too!" Hilda jumps, clasping her hands in front of her left shoulder.
"Hiiiiiii, Ragnar!" Rosa's eyes gleam, waving her right hand as fast as she can.
Rui's eyes widen. It finally hit her. "Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!" Rui backs up, nearly tripping over herself. She fixates a glare at Valen. "Your cousin's an awesome actor, and you're buddies with Ragnar Phoenix?!"
"He's one of my clients!" Hilda proudly exclaims. "One of my first clients after I set up shop in Calvana!"
"Hilda loves it when her clients are besties!" Rosa clasps her hands next to her right cheek. "She makes being there sooo much fun, whether you're a client, an employee, or just stopping by!"
Silver watches everyone converse with a smirk, his gaze focused on Ragnar. Humph, Ragnar's another one for him to beat.
Ragnar wave goodbye to Silver and the others. Silver figures that it's got something to do with the squealing fangirls, not to mention that the guy's got a pen and a cell phone in his hand. He spots a crowd of both male and female surrounding Melanie, and she's also having a great time snapping photos and signing items. Rosa and Hilda are being swamped by their fans too, while Valen makes a female fan squeal when she catches a rose he hurled into the crowd.
Salamence's got his eyes closed and is proudly smiling at his trainer. Gardevoir's got her arms folded, and she's giving Valen a gentle smile. It's nice to see them smiling more.
As the others relax within the sofas in the lounge area, Hilda and Rosa discuss something that's causing them to slightly jump around. They can't wait to show off how good they look in their new clothes.
"We'll be back!" Rosa and Hilda dart off, causing the others to stare in confusion. "It's a surprise!"
Melanie overhears Valen mentioning the event to another close friend he's speaking to via video chat. She also hears him mention that Hilda and Rosa are absent at the moment. She turns her body leftwards, grinning when she sees who he's speaking to.
As the others relax within the sofas in the lounge area, Hilda and Rosa discuss something that's causing them to slightly jump around. They can't wait to show off how good they look in their new clothes.
"We'll be back!" Rosa and Hilda dart off, causing the others to stare in confusion. "It's a surprise!"
Melanie overhears Valen mentioning the event to another close friend he's speaking to via video chat. She also hears him mention that Hilda and Rosa are absent at the moment. She turns her body leftwards, grinning when she sees who he's speaking to.
"Nooooo fair!" Skyla bemoans, folding her arms. "I really want to take a vacation in Angel City, but nooooooooooo!" She closes her eyes, turning away from the camera. "Hmph, they're just scared!" She places the tips of her right fingers on her forehead, and she rests her left hand on her hip. "I'm one of the hottest and liveliest Gym Leaders of all time, so they want to keep me here."
Valen pauses, then smirks. "I guess that Unova also doesn't want to risk the CEO of their hottest airline spending too much time here." He closes his eyes, feeling proud of himself. "See what I did there?"
"I see that someone's still got their their confidence and charm." Skyla winks with her right eye. "I want more of it, bestie."
"Whenever you come on over here, I'll cook up one of your favorite dishes to celebrate."
"You don't have to do thaaaat!" Skyla closes her eyes, waving her hand at him.
"Ah, but monsieur Valen insists." He pretends to hold a rose. "A gentleman won't take no for an answer."
Skyla giggles again "I really missed you." She tenderly smiles, clasping her hands on her lap. "I'm glad that you're okay."
"I had it rough, but I'm getting better now." Valen gestures for Melanie to come over.
Her eyes brighten like a lightbulb upon seeing Melanie. "Hey there!" She exclaims while waving. "You still look great as usual!"
"Thank you, but I already know that," Melanie teases, running her hand through her elbow length black hair.
"I've gotta go now," Skyla smiles, rubbing the back of her head. "They're still considering me for the Unovan Elite Four."
"Best of luck." Valen and Melanie exchange a wave with Skyla and vice versa.
"I've heard that you had some worries about a vee." Melanie inches closer, her gentle gaze meeting his eyes. "I've never felt neglected by you." she reassures. "And that rule still replies." She shows him the shimmering sapphire attached to her diamond-lace necklace, a Samurott engraved on both sides. "Just like Rosa and Hilda, I wear mine everywhere."
"It made you three happy, so it was worth it." Valen smiles. "It was a very easy choice."
"Any romantic partner will have to to accept that you're always going to be a big part of my life," she states. "My exes couldn't, so I became less and less interested in romance."
"I got lucky," Valen comments. "I had the same rule."
"Platonic partners forever, just like I promised."
"Even though many guys will fall over upon seeing how good you look?"
"Oh shut up." Melanie flicks his forehead. "You're still right about me being out of their league." She runs her right hand through her elbow length black hair. "By the way, do you think you can come over to my house this week?" she asks. "It's been a while."
"Sure, I can come," he says. "Or rather, we can come."
"Sounds good to me!"
"Sooooo...where did the crazy wholesome minds go?" He asks as his gaze darts around. "I... kinda overheard them, but why'd they run off?"
"It's a surprise." Melanie places her hands on her hips. She looks forward to seeing his adorkable side surface yet again.
Both Melanie and Valen can hear their trotting, which gets louder and louder. Rosa and Hilda appear in their light of sight. They laugh while spinning around, their hair dancing in a wavy motion.
Valen jerks his body back so much that he nearly falls off of the sofa, barely managing to break his fall. He frantically looks for a place to hide, but there's nowhere to hide. Not only do both Rosa and Hilda have their hair down, but they're both wearing white suit jackets, complete with matching pants, matching shoes, and their usual tops. Then, he realizes that Rosa and Hilda are now standing right in front of him. So damn gorgeous they are in suits and with their hair down! Why must they tease him so?! Why are they so unstoppable?!
"Um…ah…err-" He repeatedly pokes two fingers together, his face as red as a Tamato pepper. "W-Well, y-you two l-loo-look g-gr-great….you two always l-loo-look g-great...um-" He yelps again upon hearing Rosa, Hilda, and Melanie faintly laughing.
Melanie bends foreword to make eye contact with Valen, flicking him on the forehead. "You're still adorable, whether you like it or not."
Nobody's looking, meaning Silver can slap himself across the face for thinking about Kris in that obviously false manner. You're such a buffoon, he chastises himself. he was not picturing Kris cheering for him. No, he was not picturing himself getting a good luck hug and kiss. No, he was not picturing Kris in that beautiful Valerie Versace gown she wore while entering Pokémon Musicals in Unova. He also didn't picture Kris wearing that Guzmani suit she wore when giving a presentation on that Rubens guy. That's all hogwash by the fake Silver.
"Oh right, we're not supposed to be wearing these for the whole day!" Hilda tilts her head rightwards, placing her right hand over her grinning mouth. "Hehe, we're so silly!"
Hilda's bubbly voice makes Silver leave his train of denial. He would study his surroundings to ignore any hogwash directed his way, but a certain someone needs to know something first.
"Valen, my win streak continued today." he smirks "Within this past week, I've won twenty eight battles in a row."
Valen narrows his eyes, a prideful smirk debouching. Was that supposed to scare him? He hopes not, because it had the same effect as using Mega Punch on a Ghost-type would have.
"You may be top dog tonight, but the bigger they come, the harder they fall. He slams his right fist into his left palm. "I'm ready to cause mayhem and kick your grumpy butt."
"Can your actions live up to your words?"
"Of course it can!" Valen booms with laughter, pointing towards himself. "I'm the big bad trainer who beats you down and beats you down without ever letting up!"
Rosa relaxes on one of the snowy white sofas within the living room. Her legs are crossed as she reads a one thousand page Unovan history book, quickly peeking at her grandfather's name among the listed contributors behind the title page. She's on the page that talks about Albrecht Opelucid, the forefather of Unova's Founding Five. She's glad that the Van Dyck portrait of him was recovered quickly, but she hopes that the other paintings stolen by Team Plasma will turn up eventually.
She decides that book selfies are needed, so she takes her phone out and enters the camera app. "I'm reading knowledge like I'm supposed to be!" Rosa winks, the bright light of the camera flashing. "Rosa's spreading knowledge like she's supposed to be, ooooh!" Rui rubbed off on her, she's such a fun person to be around.
She decides to switch it up, placing her Serperior-shaped bookmark within the massive hardcover and closing it. She places it on the round walnut table on her left, then picks up the second book she brought downstairs. There's no his and her books, because they're a team. She eyes the cover, which is Professor Beauchêne-Barsotti's book on the Delta Species abnormalities within various islands, and not all of them are uninhabited. Among them is the Prince Tristan Islands, the most remote inhabited region on the planet. That's a region that intrigues her to no end.
She's downstairs for another reason, one that requires those two to have some alone time. They need to have a talk, she muses while placing her right hand over her heart. She love him so much, and Hilda does too. She's okay with a vee because she fully trust them, and she wants all of them to be happy together. Free smiles for everybody around her and for everyone in the vicinity! This special offer never expires!
Oh, she's brought other books with her! She can't forget to check those out too! Kaaay, a book on the study of the ideal nude form will be the next one she flips open! Books on Ancient Osiris' art and architecture and Johto's art and architecture are next to it! Hooray for books, hooray for knowledge, hooray for free smiles, hooray just because!
Valen relaxes in the gold polychrome chair, looking out the master bedroom's large coupled windows. His eyes scan the orange glow blankets the sky while speaks to his dad over the phone. He feels more at ease, having explained what's going on.
"Like your mother told you, you have our full support," Mr. Barsotti reassures. "You can do it, you can overcome your fears. Don't forget what your great-grandpa told you." His voice is gentle but stern. "Face your fears, son."
"Oh?" Valen scoffs in amusement, a smile appearing on his face. "You didn't face your fear when you forgot to tell mom about restoring the Umbreon XK140 in the garage."
"Not one of my brightest hours, but the car's been fully restored for years." Mr. Barsotti chuckles. "I've gotta head out to work, so I'll talk to you again soon."
"See ya around, dad." Valen ends the call, a content smile lighting up his face. He places his phone on his desk, right of the open laptop. Dwelling isn't going to do him any favors. Up he goes, sauntering towards the bookshelves. He grabs a book from the middle bookshelf among his five. He pauses, then decides to grab two more books at random. He lays out the books side by side on the desk.
He eyes the cover of each book as he places them on his bed. Out of the corner of his eye, he spots Hilda's black waistcoat. Reading will have to wait. "You don't need to stand in the hallway."
"Um...can we talk?" She slowly paces herself into the room. "Please?" She tugs her arms.
"Sure," he answers. "I want to talk to you too."
One of these books, The Seed of Civilization's Collapse by Steven Stone, was was sold out everywhere he went. It had him feeling down, he was stoked for that book's release. That same day, he received this copy as a gift from Hilda.
Hilda takes a hard deep breath, then approaches him. "Listen, you can't hide your true feelings from people who've known you for many years." She places her left hand over her heart. "Neither can I."
Valen's eyes widen, nearly dropping the book. "But Hilda, I-"
She grabs his right arm to cease his fumbling. "You need to stop neglecting what you want, Val-Val," she states, kissing his forehead. "You'll continue to hurt everybody, yourself included, if you don't take yourself into account too."
"But...what if we...argue?" Valen's eyes moisten up. "I don't want us to argue...and I'm scared." He sighs, rocking back and forth. Suddenly, the warm feeling of Hilda's arms wrapped around his neck puts him at ease.
"Come closer." She softly smiles, resting her right palm on the back of his head. She pushes his head towards her left shoulder. "It's my turn to do this to you."
Valen kisses Hilda's left cheek. "I still carry shame about how I acted the day we reunited, and I don't want to hurt you again."
"It wasn't your fault then, and it still isn't your fault," she whispers. "And you've already been forgiven, just like I told you that day in Old Downtown. We'll get through this as a trio, with Melanie and the others by our side."
Valen looks into her eyes with surprise, but adoration quickly takes over. "I may be hesitant, but-" He kisses Hilda on the lips. "That doesn't mean I'm against a vee," he whispers. "I remember it all...the good times...the poly dates...everything," he continues. "I felt like I took a risk when calling Rosa, but the reward was more than worth it. I think the reward here's also more than worth it."
"...Val-Val-" He's coming around, just like Hilda believed he would. I-" She grits her teeth, the tears of joy streaming down her cheeks increasing. "I love you so much!" she shouts. "I was so afraid of losing you, but you're still by my side!" Her crying becomes louder. "I love you! I love you! I love you! I want to be more than just friends with you!"
"I love you too." Valen runs his right hand through Hilda's dark brown hair, stroking it with each finger. "I'm not going anywhere this time." He rest his left hand on her back, inching closer to her right ear. "I remember that I have two romantic soulmates."
"Take your time," she whispers back. "I'll be right here, waiting for the day you're ready to make the vee official." She lets go of Valen and vice versa.
"There's something else we can do in the meantime," he remarks. "I remembered another thing."
"W-What w-ou-would that b-be?" Hilda shily smiles, closing her eyes. "Um...is it...a-about-"
"I asked Rosa if she was okay with that type of kissing, and she said yes."
Hilda blushes, poking two fingers together. "Um...c-can we...k-i-ss for l-log-longer?"
"Obviously, ma seconde belle reine." Valen winks. "Come and get me."
Hilda's eyes gleam with joy. She jumps at Valen, pinning him down on to the bed. She wraps her arms around his neck, feeling him wrapping his arms around her midsection.
Like two Pokemon using Agility, they begin kissing at a faster pace than before. This time, they don't want to stop, an intense surge of passion and warmth flowing through their bodies. Valen and Hilda feel completely at ease. For the former it's the same feeling that he gets during his kissing sessions with Rosa.
Hilda can't help but feel this is surreal. Rosa's long since been okay with a vee, and now the person she wants to be with is easing up, allowing them to resume what was going to happen before things went south. After several minutes have passed, Valen and Hilda have decided to cease kissing for now, the latter having mischief on her mind.
"I've been waiting for this moment," Hilda whispers into his left ear. Then, her smile becomes more coy. "I can finally do this again." She grabs his shirt's collar, looking into his eyes. "I know that you're sweet and spicy, cutie." She titters, looking into his eyes with a sultry gaze. "You want to dethrone both Unovan Queens, don't you?"
"First of all, I'm not cute!" Valen's eyes bulge out, his face reddening like he drank hot sauce straight from the bottle. "Stop saying things that aren't true!"
"Stop proving us right every single time." Hilda winks. "And admit that-" She moves closer to Valen's right ear, whispering, "You're a bad boy who wants two lovely Unovans." she titters. "You've won the lottery, classy boy."
"H-Hey, t-this isn't f-fair!" Valen yelps, realizing the wall's behind him. "How am I supposed to fight back when you're as lively and gorgeous as Rosa?!"
"Like I told you on the day we met, I'm relentless." Hilda winks, her eyelids fluttering. "I know you're relentless too." She rests the tip of her right index finger on his mouth. "And I hear that you can still cook a mean alfredo, which means you crossed the finish line."
Valen pauses, the smirks. "I see." His voice brims with pride. "Friendship-wise, I'm the ladies' man." His smirk transforms into a lopsided grin. "But it seems like you need a reminder of who you're dealing with, ma belle dame."
Hilda's face reddens. "Wait, hold up!" Her mouth gapes open, feeling Butterfree in her stomach. "Too soon, too soon! Too soon and too strong!" she yelps. "That smile and the Kalosian are two of my weaknesses!" She flails her arms. "I give! I give! I give!"
"Busted!" Valen laughs. "I won!" He gently holds Hilda's left hand. "I also won on the day I ran into the prettiest talent agent I've ever seen."
"Kyaaaaaaa, he's still super effective against meeeee!"
Before Valen can respond, he hears trotting on the staircase, which quickly moves into the hallway.
"Hahahahahaha, that'll never get old!" Rosa's laughter grows louder as she nears the room.
"Ah, both of my magnifique reines are here." Valen's dark blue eyes meet Hilda's blue eyes, both feeling the other's unconditional love from each other's gaze. Rosa appears within sight, a meeting between Valen's eyes and Rosa's blue eyes emitting the same feeling. "So, what do you two kooks wanna do?" He watches Hilda run towards Rosa.
"We challenge you to a battle!" Rosa and Hilda exclaim, pressing their backs together. "You can't defeat the Unovan Queens!" They point their right index fingers at him, playfully winking. "Unovan Girls, we're unbeatable!" they cheer. "Unovan Girls, we're undeniable!"
Valen smirks. "Bring it!" he yells, pointing to the Team Skull logo on his gunmetal gray shirt. "You can't defeat Team Skull's Valen!" He gestures them to come and get him.
"Double Wrap attack!" Rosa and Hilda attempt wrap their arms around him.
"Not good enough, my favorite kooks!" Valen booms, his smirk now a grin. "Counter!" He blocks them via wrapping his arms around their waists. "Take this, Rosa!" He pins Rosa down onto the bed. "Take Down!"
"Tee-hee, I've got Cute Charm!" A heart melting grin appears on Rosa's face, giggling when Valen manages to fight back his blushing. "Oh noooooooooo, it failed!" Rosa wraps her arms around Valen's neck. "Roar, Draining Kiss!" Valen and her kiss for several intense seconds, while Hilda prepares to pin Valen down.
"Here I comeeeee!" Hilda titters, wrapping her arms around Valen's neck, Rosa letting go as she does so. "Hehe, Lock-On!"
Valen rapidly turns his head. "Charm!" He winks, clicking a tooth one time.
"Whatever will we dooooo?!" Hilda titters, playfully covering her face. "This is super effective against us!" She looks in-between her fingers to look at him. "I'm soooo scared of the goofball!"
"Mirror Move to copy Rosa's Draining Kiss!" Valen and Hilda kiss for several seconds, the former feeling the same intensity.
"We've been defeated!" Rosa and Hilda howl with laughter, then they surprise Valen by kissing his cheeks.
Valen pauses, then decides that he may as well read. His beloved kooks are pointing towards Gianluigi Bernini: The Baroque Titan. He reaches to grab the huge square-shaped book, the definitive monograph on Bernini for decades. He flips the book open and lays it flat on the bed. The trio scan the text and large photographs of the large catalogue that detail each work by the legendary sculptor.
As he reads with them, Valen doesn't think delaying it any further will benefit them. He'll need a few days, but it's finally time to relent.
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BossCar
Pokémon Trainer
- Pronouns
- He/His
Chapter 39: Tranquility, Tenderness, and Trolling
Hilda stands by while Rosa record herself finishing up her latest oil painting, the duo within the patio in Valen's backward. Hilda loves seeing her bestie brimming with confidence over her work. The plot twist of is this play is Rosa's already started planning more paintings. In fact, Rosa took a break from this painting to paint a fresco for her, her first one within Calvana. It'll take time to dry, but the fun and fetching Unovan Queens have won yet again.
Rosa's not the only one who's been busy. In the week that's followed since everyone joined her at that awesome arena, Expert Planner Hilda been finishing up event preparations and curing dull days. Valen's been trying to finish his book before the week ends. Her mind flashes his precious smile, causing her to place her left hand over her heart. It's coming, her wish is coming true. Her gut's been telling her that, plus she fully trusts him.
Hilda clasps her hands behind her back, watching Rosa hum while spinning the paintbrush. Her eyes follow the paintbrush as her bestie dips it into the black paint seconds later. She watches Rosa move the brush with precision as she finishes up painting the Aggron within her oil painting.
Hilda sees that Rosa's finished with the painting, so she steps closer for a better look. Her eyes meet the eyes of the proudly roaring Aggron depicted in the middle, the male trainer with the cool looking cape standing in front of it. Aron and Lairon are on the trainer's left and right respectively.
"It'll take a few days to dry, but all of you will see it in detail once it does!" Rosa raises her right index and ring fingers. "Until next time!" she waves. "Wherever Rosa goes, smiles follow!" She darts towards the camera to end the recording.
"You rock!" Hilda grabs Rosa's hand, both bouncing around like pogo sticks.
"Nooooo, we rock!" Rosa makes Hilda twirl twice with her. "Nooooow, I think it's about time we hand out more free smiles!"
"Let's gooooooooooo!" Hilda throws her Fantina Vuitton bag into the air, only for everything but her cell phone to fall on top of her. "I didn't think this through!" Her Trainer ID, her pocket-sized book on all things board gaming, her pocket photo album of adorable Valda moments, her trainer trading cards of Rosa and herself, even her Eevee Rangers medallion! All just came crashing down on her like Gladion onto the sofa! Failing to win tickets to Oblivion Wing's concert in Alola made him even edgier, if that's even possible.
"Hahahahahahaha, we're soooooo similar!" Rosa clutches her ribs, nearly toppling as she tears up.
Now that the klutz put everything back inside of her back, it's time for a motivational message from the Unovan Queens. Out come Rosa's cell phone, because even she's not kooky enough to try teaching a bag how to fly. Their standard back-to-back pose is set, each holding up two fingers in front of their foreheads. It's time to hit the play button and rock social media for the gazillionth time.
"We will be heroes!" Rosa and Hilda wink, running into the house. "We can make the whole world smile if we try!" They raise their right fists. "Besties forever, that's you and I!" Both envision the floor as a stage as they drop onto their knees. "We will be heroes, yeah yeah yeah yeah!"
Hilda and Rosa trot up the staircase, the latter discussing a matter over the phone.
"Awesomeeeeeeee!" Hilda's eyes gleam, her grinning mouth exposing her teeth. "You won't be disappointed by him!" Hilda hangs up the phone, then exchanges a high five with Rosa.
"You've gotten him an art history gig!" Rosa clasps her hands next to her right cheek. "Woo-hoo!"
"I'm not just the founder and president of the BW Agency." Hilda's smile turns into an ear-to-ear grin. "I'm also eager to take on the Calvanian pro circuit again!"
"In that case, have fun losing to me again." Rosa giggles, patting Hilda's back. "Don't worry, I'll hug you afterwards.
"Girl please." Hilda playfully scoffs, waving her left hand. "You know you'll never be on my level." she titters. "We all know I'm the real queen."
"Come back to reality." Rosa folds her arms, tilting her head back. "You need to accept that I'm the real queen."
"I guess we'll see what happens if we end up facing each other in battle." Hilda places her right hand in front of her grinning mouth.
Both realize that they nearly walked past the master bedroom, but something doesn't feel right. Why isn't Valen being his silly self?
A peek inside the room reveals that awful sight-Valen looking distressed. He's got a face devoid of joy as he stares blankly at the black ceiling.
"...Sweetie?" Rosa takes a few steps into the room, the halts. "Are you...okay?"
Hilda peeks above Rosa's right shoulder. "Val-Val, please talk to us."
"I have something to confess to you, Rosa." He stops himself from rocking back and forth.
"...What is it?" She's got a bad feeling about this.
Valen feels a knot in his stomach, but he can't back away from this. "I was afraid that you'd leave me behind and return to Unova." He wipes his eyes, feeling them becoming moist. "That's another reason why I was scared to call."
Rosa gasps, a silence befalling the room afterwards. No, that can't be right. He knows she'd never do that to him. She takes a deep breath, slowly approaching him. No more pain, no more tears, no more agony. She was beating herself up for not being there when he really needed her. That's not the case anymore, not when a river of strength's flowing within her.
"I was disgusted at myself for thinking such a selfish thought." The soothing sensation of Rosa's gentle touch on his right cheek makes him feel calmer.
"You know that I would never leave you behind like that," she whispers into his right ear. "You were confused, but you've managed to pushed through."
Valen's sorrowful gaze meets the tenderness of Rosa's eyes. "Rosa….you…I'm sorry-"
"I have something to confess too," she tells him. "I strongly believe that you struggled to change because you never changed in the first place." She gently grasps his left hand with her right hand. "The real you went dormant, but he never left."
He's been wrong multiple times, but this one may've caused the biggest Shock Wave of them all. Is this really happening? Is this true, has he really been the same this entire time?
"There was one voice I missed dearly, but I always had faith that I'd hear it again." Rosa rests her right hand on his left hand. "I did."
Hilda glances down at her diamond-lace necklace, her glittering eyes fixated on the ruby engraved with a flexing Emboar. Rosa's right, he never changed at all. He wouldn't have gotten her such a lovely gift if he had. All Rosa and her want from him is a smile, yet this is how far he's willing to go to make them happy.
Rosa glances down at her necklace too, gently grasping the emerald engraved with a coiled up Serperior. Hilda and her don't need to state that they view their necklaces as an extension of how much he loves them. He's always with them in their hearts, no matter where they are within this vast world.
Valen gets off of his bed, wrapping his right arm around Rosa's midsection. He kisses the top of her head, then he saunters towards the large coupled window. "The sun rose on my future, and I have to grab it with both hands." He gives Rosa and Hilda a tender smile. "I realized that I've been going at this all wrong." He closes his eyes. "Everybody's different." His smile becomes a grin. "For me, I don't think I can ease into a vee without it being official first."
Hilda lets out the loudest happy gasp she can, tears of joy filling up her eyes. "Val-Val, you came around!" she squeals. "I knew you would!" She darts towards Valen, tackling him onto the bed.
Valen attempts to get back up, but Hilda pins him down with her elbows and knees. He blushes as she gives him a sultry smile and wink. Oh no, she's so pretty, she's so easy on the eyes! Rosa and Hilda are living embodiments of perfection, and Rosa's approaching him like a prowling Pyroar! Why does these two have to be so pretty and cute and perfect and everything?!
Hilda's smile becomes tender. "When the going gets tough, picture your dreams." She rests her forehead on his forehead, staring deep into his eyes with adoration. "Picture what makes you Valen." Her voice emits a soothing, almost lullaby-like tone. "Live each day to the fullest extent." She kisses him on the lips. "I had to keep going, I had to carry on. I did it for everybody's sake, mine included."
Valen goes quiet, wondering if she's also trying to jog his memory. Two teenagers, two seats, him asking Hilda to tell her about herself, that was their first of many deep conversations.
"I still want everybody to see me as Hilda, and my dreams and goals haven't changed." Hilda's words snap him back into focus. "But I had another wish too, a wish that meant the world to me." She rests her left palm on the top of his right hand. "That wish came true."
"…..I'm proud." Rosa smiles, her eyes watering up. "I'm so proud of both of you." she sniffles. "You made sure that nothing could tear you two apart." She wraps her arms around their necks. "'Friendship and love are not a magic wand, but the most powerful of bonds are stronger than diamond,'" she quotes. "One of my favorite lines from any play ever."
"Oh, right." Valen grabs his phone. "I forgot that Melanie asked if we can come over later today."
"Of course we can!" They cheer, giving Valen the widest grins possible. "Make sure you keep a smile on your face!"
He laughs as he enters his text messages. After he replies to Melanie, he places his phone next to his upper right leg. He reaches towards the round carved walnut table and grabs the two books he was reading earlier.
"Thy queen's finished the oil painting!" Rosa clasps her hands next to her right cheek, slightly lifting up her left foot. "Tee-hee, I'm gonna start another as soon as possible!"
"Good job." Valen rubs her head. "What do you have in mind?"
"Uh uh uh." Rosa clicks her teeth three times, wagging her right index finger. "It's a surprise." She playfully winks. "Big boy."
Hilda titters, then she notices the cover of the large paperback Valen's reading. "Rosa, that art and psychology book still your mom's favorite?"
"You better believe it is." She closes her eyes, a beaming smile appearing on her face. "Valey, I still remember when she caught you reading Art, Illusion, and Psychology." she giggles. "She made my face so red by telling me that you're boyfriend material." She clasps her hands next to her right cheek. "She was kidding, but she was also something!"
"Indeed, because she was right." He proudly smirks upon hearing Rosa and Hilda laugh. "Besides, my mom did the same thing by calling you girlfriend material."
Hilda spots his open laptop, noting that he was typing something prior. "I forgot that you started a second book just for fun." She places her right thumb and index finger on her chin. "Looks like you're pretty far into it."
"I started to compile the research into writing, it." he shrugs. "With the first one nearing completion, why not resume the second one?"
Rosa inches closer, causing Valen to nearly blush. "Ooooooh, I remember this one," she says. "It's an art history book on art history books."
"Heeeeey!" Hilda blurts out, having realized that Valen's got a folder opened. "He finished that first book!"
"That's awesomeeeeeeeeee!" Rosa cheers, closing her eyes. "Good job, sweetie!"
Valen's face reddens when he realizes that Hilda's now behind him, her arms wrapped around his midsection and the right side of her head resting on his upper back. Rosa's kneeling on his right, her arms wrapped about his neck.
Hilda does the Eelektross Slide with her arms. As her arms snuggle around Valen's neck, she plops her lips on his, Hehe, she can finally do this more often again. Another win for Unova's liveliest and prettiest entrepreneur! Make that two, his gentle touch on her back is always a win.
"Hey now, I never said-"
Another kiss from Hilda silences his dissent. She goes into free fall mode, tittering as he catches her. He may as well have an impromptu kissing session with his second queen. Their lips meet, the intensity increasing.
Not even a minute has passed when Rosa feels Valen's hands on her back, his lips massaging hers. She wastes no time in sliding her arms around his neck, using Mirror Move to return his Sweet Kiss attack. Wait, is her sweetie blushing again? Of course he is, but he should know that he's a lucky booooy.
The front steps creak as Valen walks down them, Rosa and Hilda trotting out seconds later. As Rosa closes the door and locks it with her key, both Hilda and her give Valen beaming grins. The real him always kept his word, and that phone call is proof of that
"Thanks for keeping in touch!" Serena's gleeful tone can be heard by Rosa and Hilda. "I really love talking to you!"
"Same here, but where's Calem?" Valen asks. "He's our friend too."
"I'm not here!" Calem's voice can be heard in the background. "She wants me to enter a musical again!"
"He lost to me in a battle," Serena explains. "If I won, he had to enter a musical." she chuckles. "If he won, I'd go with him to the Lumiose Aerospace Museum."
As he waits for Calem and Serena to either stop bickering and/or kiss, he sees the young mother and her son who live down the street waving at him. He returns the wave, musing that the red Toyoda Supra the mom's driving is still a sweet looking car.
Serena finally returns to the call, her running emitting through the speaker. "I'm applying for a fashion designer apprenticeship with Guzmani, and Calvana's one of the regions I'm applying to." Her tone increases in pitch. "Don't forget your promise, alright?"
"Yeah yeah yeah, I'll wear a tux that you designed for a contest." What gentleman say no to a belle amie?
"Sweetness, thanks bestie!"
"Wait, what about Calem?" Valen raises his right eyebrow. "Pro circuit and the Sennington Institute?"
"You got it right!" she cheers. "I gotta go eat lunch, so talk to you soon!"
"See you, Serena." The call ends afterwards, and Valen places his phone within the right pocket of his black Guzmani pants.
Rosa and Hilda deviously stare at each other, their minds in-sync. Calem and Serena are similar to Kris and Silver, but are better at concealing it. Or are they? They'll find out soon enough.
"We're picking up where left off, so get ready for Expert Manager Hilda's full power!" She raises her right fist above her head. "We're gonna show the world that we're born to be winners!"
"Well, both of you do put the fine in fine arts." Valen winks, clicking a tooth. "Let's start with the cutest, hottest, and liveliest contemporary painter."
"Oh stop it." Rosa giggles, her voice high-pitched. "Must you always try to make me blush?" She waving her hand in a playful and dismissive manner.
"Yes." He turns his body towards Hilda, picturing her in the rolling chair she was sitting in when he met her in her office. "If your skills are on par with how beautiful you are, then you're definitely the best person for the job."
"Kyaaaaa, he said it!" Hilda jumps up and down. "He said it! He said it! He said it!"
She knew he was something from when she saw him partaking in one of those acting courses hosted by her mom and her. For a thirteen year old boy, he already had the charm of a dashing actor.
"By the way, Unova and Calvana are easy to hop back and forth between." Rosa wags her left index finger. "That means double the smiles!" Her eyes sparkle as she twirls five times. "I would twirl fifteen times to celebrate fifteen years of being besties, but Rosa might hurt herself in her confusion afterwards!"
"I got the point, you kooky ball of fluff." Out of the corner of his eye, Valen notices his elderly neighbor is taking a walk.
"Morning, Valen." Mr. William smiles. "Rosa, Hilda." He pats his Raichu's head as the elderly Pokemon lets out a hoarse cry to say hi himself. "Have a great day, you three!"
Rosa, Hilda, and Valen wave at the duo, watching them resume their early afternoon walk.
"Oh, don't forget that we need to turn this house into our own humongous art exhibit and library!" Rosa shoves her cell phone closer to Valen's face, the Notes app already open. "The queen wants to add lots and lots and lots and lots of additional pieces to her castle's interior!"
"Let's see-" Valen keenly studies her giant list. "More Art Nouveau ceramics, more vintage furniture, a print of any Taizhou landscape painting, a Tobias Cole painting, a Wesley Homer painting, an Arnold Van Dyck-" Valen wraps his arms around Rosa's midsection, hoisting her up. "Heh." His forehead touches her forehead. "Van Dyck's Portrait of Champion Rosalina Vervloet, right?"
"Yeeeep!" Rosa drums her toes on Valen's legs.
The trio make their way onto the sidewalk, with Rosa deciding to jump onto Valen's back. Good ol' ball of fluff, he muses as he faintly blushes. Speaking of Taizhou landscape painting, he'd love to see her dabble in ink painting again.
Valen wraps his arms around Hilda and Rosa's waists, holding them tightly as they bask in the congratulatory reactions from Melanie and the others. They can't help but wonder if Melanie had a sixth sense about this, but Valen did promise that they'd come over four days ago.
Rui fist bumps each of them at a time. "Ya girl's got ya back." She holds up her index and ring fingers, sticking her tongue out. "That's how it's supposed to be!" Her boastful voice carries a catchy melodious tone. "This vee's kicking ass like it's supposed to be, ooooh!"
"This is so totally awesome!" Melanie's gleaming eyes fixate on the trio. "It's now an OT3, I love writing OT3s within my fandoms!"
Arthur taps his chin, his eyebrows squishing together. "What's an OT3?" Why must she keep using these peculiar terms?
Melanie groans, her unamused glare meeting Arthur's perplexed stare. "Arthur, I told you to get with the times." Melanie places her hands on her hips. "This is getting old, like really old."
Silver fist bumps with all three at once, then he places his right thumb and index finger on his chin. Valen's really smooth with the ladies, and he hit it off with Kris from the start when they chatted in the mall. He's a troll, but would he be willing to be his wingman-get a grip! Kris is your friend, not your girlfriend. Pffft, as if that will ever happen.
"The sculpture's done." Jacques folds his arms, brimming with pride. "It'll be at your house within a day or two, so consider it a vee present." Has his cugino already seen that he refunded the payment earlier today? Valen should know that doesn't want money when a family member's the patron.
"Come on, everybody needs to take a seat!" Hilda slaps her hands repeatedly. "Melanie won't do this, so I'm doing it for her!" Her grin grows wider as she watches everybody take a seat, trotting to join Rosa and Valen.
Valen's always loved the fact that Melanie's living room is set up like a lounge area, one that's fitting for an aspiring writer and avid reader. The upholstery of her four three-seater sofas bear the same intriguing two-tone color scheme: a rosewood frame finished in darker brown vinyl combined with vibrant orange fabric. She wanted to arrange them in a rectangular formation, plus there's a lone chair for her that she used to call her throne.
Her six walnut bookcases are jam packed with numerous fiction and nonfiction titles. Her wall's decorated with posters, including the original Art Nouveau posters he got her alongside the necklace. He signed them under the moniker of Le Faucher Noir for extra happiness.
"It's trivia game time!" Hilda claps her hands several times, her eyes glittering. "We're going to combine this trivia game with truth or dare!"
"I'll go first!" Hilda directs her gaze towards Silver. "Truth or dare?"
"Both." Silver smugly smirks. "I can handle a truth and a dare." He's tough, he can handle anything.
"Tell me about a dream you once had." Hilda wags her right index finger. "Don't try to hide any details, silly."
"I once dreamt that a Cresselia told me that I must seek out Lyra to discover the true meaning of power." That was the last time he drank hot sauce straight from the bottle before bedtime.
"Wait a minute, this loosely sounds like the play Explorers of Time, Darkness, and Sky." Rosa points her right hand sideways, sticking her thumb out. "I think you cried during one of its film adaptations."
"Valen, Calem, and Gladion cried too," Melanie points out, playfully tapping the top of Valen's head.
"I have no comment." Silver closes his eyes and turns his head away from everyone. "It's not like I needed a hug afterwards." He was obviously indifferent to Kris hugging him.
"Truth or dare," Melanie teases Valen. "You already know what I'm going to ask."
Valen attempts to hide his reddened face with his palms. "It was really heart-wrenching, okay?!" His face reddens even more when Melanie inches closer to him. "I know what you're going to say, and it's not true!"
"Yes it is." Melanie chuckles. "I dare you to hug me." she winks. "My house, my rules." She wraps her arms around her neck.
Valen rests his left on Melanie's back, running his right hand through her hair. At least got a nice hug out of this, this warmth being a soothing massage of sorts. That's the silver lining of enduring the clearly false notion that he's cute.
"Hilda, I dare you to tell me what your starter was." Rui's heard that Hilda didn't start with any of the main trio within Unova.
"That would be Eevee!" Hilda folds her hands in front of her right shoulder. "Go go Eevee Rangers!" She raises her right fist upwards. "Super awesome Eevee Rangers!" Still the catchiest cartoon opening.
"Truth or dare?" Rui asks Valen, just as Melanie and him release each other.
"I'll go with truth," Valen answers. "Gimme what you got."
"Tell me how long you've known Rosa, Hilda, and Melanie." They're all twenty two, she wants to see how long they've been a rad team.
"Well, Melanie and I have been friends for seventeen years," he explains. "Rosa and I have over fifteen years of friendship under our belt." He gives Hilda a noogie, making her titter. "Her and I are pushing nine years." A forehead bop isn't enough to stop the noogie.
Rosa compares her response to what Melanie told her to the determination she's got now. She also compares Melanie's pained expression from that moment to the teasing smile she's currently giving Valen. Push forward, they all need to keep pushing forward.
"What about Silver?" Rui's question for Valen brings Rosa back into the present.
"Eight years." Two more bops ends his noogie session.
"It's so rad that you've known them since childhood and teens!" Rui glances northwest towards Rosa. "Truth or dare?"
"I know where this is going." Rosa blows a kiss at Valen. "Five and a half years of romance." Just staring at each other is making her sweetie and her have big adorable grin. Hilda's in the same boat, and now they can all be together under one roof! They'll have loads more fun every single day!
Rui waves her left hand in Rosa's face, both giggling. "You didn't pick, so you have to answer the second one." Rui places her palms in front of her cheeks, extending both pairs of index and ring fingers. "I dare you to make me jealous." She sticks her tongue out. "Come on, bring it."
Rosa wags her right index finger. "Tsk tsk tsk, be careful what you wish for." she giggles. "My sweetie's a good cook."
Rui uses her Glare attack on the red-haired brooder sitting across from her. Now she gets it, now she gets why Kris gets both happy and annoyed whenever she sees Rosa share home cooking on Glaliebook and Smearglegram. Learn to be a gentleman, tomato noodle hair ass.
Silver smacks his face with both palms. For the love of Lugia, why's it always him who has to put up with this trash? At least make him face Koga's Garbodor so he can battle a strong opponent.
"Silver, look at me this instant." Rui places her hands on her hips. "Do not make me come over there and use Close Combat on your brooding ass."
Forgot Rui, why can't these smarty science people reach a conclusion about how Trubbish and Garbodor came to be? Make up your minds already, you bunch of Slakoths.
"What do you have to say for yourself, Super Brooder?" Rui uses Mean Look, but it doesn't affect Silver.
"Sorry, I'm now too busy staring at this Johto poster on the wall," he answers. "But two's enough."
This Art Nouveau poster depicting Lugia and Ho-oh is a hundred times more interesting than Rui's nonsense. Silver knows about the Johtoian Art Exhibition in Kalos, he knows all about the year 1877. He knows about artists like Sesshū Toju, Akizuki Hiroshige and Kamakura Hokusai. Mhm, he definitely knows about all of this. Not trying to hide anything, no siree.
"Two?" Valen rapidly blinks. "Who's the second?" Silver's definitely not answering that question.
Rosa leans closer to his right ear, whispering, "There's this woman named Lyra who acts very similar to Kris."
Valen deviously grins, his favorite kooks already knowing what he's plotting. First, Rosa and him want to move onto the art and history questions.
Rosa faintly giggles, then turns her attention towards the others. "Grrrr, feel Rosa's power!" She roars with a daffily smile. "Hilda, Melanie, name three of the oldest structures within the Hoenn region!"
"Aieeeeeeeeeeee, she's onto us!" Hilda jerks backwards into the sofa's headrest. "I don't remember that one!"
"Onto you, because I study for these more than you do." Melanie chuckles, her confident gaze moving towards Rosa. "A ziggurat for Kyogre, a ziggurat for Groudon, and a ziggurat for Rayquaza." She runs her right hand through her elbow length black hair. "They're in northwest Hoenn, within the ruins of the Draconids' main city."
"Good job!" A high five from Panting Queen Rosa has been earned!
"Val-Val, ask something!" Hilda folds her palms together. "You have to participate too!"
"Alright, you win." He eyes everybody from left to right. "Who's the architect behind the Hearthome Cathedral?"
"Jaxon Loughborough Rowan." Hilda winks, wagging her right ring finger. "I warned you that I'm still the queen of trivia games, didn't I?
"Actually, I am." Melanie chuckles, receiving an elbow jab to her side.
Valen wants to see Melanie kick more butt. "Tell me who's credited for paving the way for Orre's domestic art."
"James Gaton and his kids," she answers. "Thomas, Harold, and Mary." She runs her left hand through her hair. "Painter, sculptor, and architect respectively." A high five with Valen follows.
"Name four Impressionists, including one from Unova."
"Not a problem, cugino." Jacques holds up four left fingers. "Isaac Whitley, one of your predecessors who migrated to Unova from the Ériu region, was the figurehead of Unovan Impressionism," he states as he brings his index finger down. "He trained under Caldre Monet, Paul Renoir, and Carlo Pissarro."
"Humph, guess I'll join in." Silver shrugs, flashing an amused grin. "Which car I want at least eight of?"
"Cheveron Corvette, at least one of each from C1 to C8," Valen answers. "Gimme another one."
Silver notices two books on dialogue placed on Melanie's writing desk. "Valen, I dare you to state how many books you own as of right now." Silver forgot that this is actually kinda fun.
"One hundred and seventy seven." Pats from Rosa and Melanie is all he needs in response. More books would be awesome too.
"Plus an extra fifty eight thanks to Roooosa!" It's their books, because team.
"SERIOUSLY?!" Everybody else blurts out, minus Silver and his gaping mouth.
"No such thing as too many books!" Rosa, Melanie, and Valen fist bump.
"Hehe, I bet none of you can't tell me what movie Lance played Crobatman in!" Hilda tilts her head leftwards, her face glowing.
"The Salamence & Crobat Knight, as per his requirement before making the deal." Rosa folds her arms, tilting her head back.
Silver realizes that Valen and his two girlfriends are looking at him. He jerks his body backwards when realizes what's about to happen. They better not go down that road again.
"Do you like Lyra more now?" Hilda's amused voice increases in pitch. "Last I checked, she's into muscle cars too."
Silver takes a heavy deep breath, his refusal to answer making Rosa giggle. The good news is that instead of lame ass fashion and shopping talk, Lyra's been blabbing about how her dad gave her the keys to the family's 1969 Fard Ponyta Mach 1. He was in the passenger's seat when Lyra decided to rev up the beast of a big block V8. Gotta love that sweet 428 Arbok Jet lurking under the hood. He loves it even more now because it made those two tumble into each other.
"Or do you still crush on Kris?" Hilda titters, scooting towards Silver's right as he snaps back into focus. She titters again upon since his face faintly redden. "You do." She inches her mouth closer to his right ear, whispering, "You once used the classic 'I have a friend' cover story so you could learn how to ask a girl out."
No, not that one! Silver wants to hide behind the sofa, just like he did after he got sold out by Gladion over trying to ask Kris out. Stupid Gladion and his stupid peripheral vision and his stupid edginess and his stupid everything!
"Soooooo, we're going down that road?" Rosa opens her mouth, pointing her right hand sideways under her chin and sticking her thumb out. "I seem to recall you attempting a dance called the Clefable Moonwalk to try and impress Kris."
Silver's eyes widen immensely, his face redder than his Arcanine's Fire Blast attack. No more bets, absolutely no more bets. That dance, that damn dancing he had to do because Kris had the most heart melting smile when she requested him to dance with her. Even worse, The Gladion Menace was present.
"Didn't you once ask Rosa and I about art in a half-assed attempt to woo her? Valen asks, snickering with Rosa. "That led to Rembrandt's Darkrai Lurking spooking you."
Silver grumbles like Gladion forgot to return his Papa Pinsir CD again. Why do they do this to him? Kris loves the artwork of this Rembrandt guy, yet he had to sleep with a nightlight on upon trying to study his work. How many toilets got clogged within the Alkmaardam region during the seventeenth century? Not to mention he was stumped by this Jacob Pollock guy's work, but at least that first kiss from Kris was nice. He was obviously indifferent to it, but that was nice of her.
"I'm all ears." Rui's grinning mouth bears her teeth. "Time to fess up, Super Brooder."
Silver shakes any notion of romance from his mind. "What part of 'Kris and I are just friends' do you two not understand?!" He rockets out of the sofa, nearly tumbling face first onto the carpet.
"We all know you find Kris cute and have a crush on her." Valen shrugs with a lopsided grin. "You act the same way I acted around Rosa."
"KRIS AND I ARE JUST FRIENDS, DAMMIT!" Silver shouts like a Loudred, his face redder than his hair. This time, he's not so lucky. He clenches his teeth as he goes tumbling onto the carpet, his loud grunt echoing within the living room.
Valen's Gengar, Rosa's Serperior, Melanie's Swampert, Hilda's Umbreon, Rui's Lycanroc, Arthur's Raichu, and Jacques' Greninja converge onto Silver, ready to roast him to Groudon's lair and back. Much to Silver's dismay, his Crobat joins the seven.
Greninja wonder if this is that the humans mean by falling head over heels, while Serperior chuckles at the sight of big tough Silver being taken down a notch. Raichu tells Lycanroc that Silver just got quite the shock, sharing a laugh with the red-eyed canine.
Umbreon silently snickers that Grumpy Dumpty had a big fall. Gengar's seen this on television, but it looks like Kris will have to wake up Silver with a kiss instead of vice versa. Swampert believes that is a sign that Silver's weak to Ground-types like him, while Crobat wants to know about the weather down there.
"Noooooow-" Rosa spins while sitting, leaning towards Valen. "I dare you to summarize the origins of Impressionism and its relation to Unova!"
"The Impressionists liked Unova because of the respect and praise they got." Valen leans back with his chest out. "The movement was a rebellion against the Kalosian art establishment that scorned them."
Silver raises his head with a wide-open stare. These Impressionist people are cool as hell! Does Kris like Impressionism? Will he get to kiss her-shut up already, fake Silver! You're supposed to the big bad Mightyena!
It's a good thing nobody's focusing on him right now, because he feels fluttery-no no no no no! He doesn't have a crush on Kris! That first kiss did not turn into a make out session! Why's he having an inner argument with himself?! Stupid Kris and her stupid...ly cute smile and her good looks and her lively-SHUT UP FAKE SILVER!
"One more question, then onto more funsies!" Hilda announces, snapping Silver out of his impromptu trance. "Arthur, you go!"
"As you wish." Arthur bows with the faintest of mischievous smirks. "Rosa, truth or dare?"
"Dareeeeeee!" Rosa drums her hands and feet on Valen, making him faintly yep.
"I shall dare you to paint a portrait of Silver in seventeenth-century garments." Take that, you grumpy wanker.
"Kaaaay, I'll paint it for Kris!" Rosa leaps up, causing Valen to fall onto his back. "I'll paint it in the style of Van Dyck!" At least her sweetie's still on the sofa, unlike Silver.
"NO!" Silver clenches his fists with his elbows bent, his eyes bulging out. "NO! NO! NO!"
"Oi, don't scream into my bloody ear like that." Arthur's smile is neutral, his tone stern as places his left hand in between Silver and him. "Furthermore, you're way too obvious about your affection for that lass."
Silver grumbles with his teeth clenched, shutting his eyes. "I would never date somebody so annoying-"
"Don't forget shogun Silver!" Hilda and Rui high five each other. "In fact, Rosa should paint a series of portraits depicting Silver in various historical fashion styles!
"And then I'll send them all to Kris." Rosa bends to look Silver in the eyes, clasping her hands behind her back. "I'll do it in front of yoooou."
Silver startles everybody with an absurd screech. It's not that he doesn't want to look cool in a portrait, he just doesn't want to dress up. Kris will likely ask him to dress up, and how he's supposed to say no to that face-get it together already!
Arthur smiles at the sight of Valen and Hilda having a laugh. He saw how rough their reunion was, and look at them now. He can feel his motivation rising. If this bloke can reconcile with those closest to him, he can patch things up with Gloria. He's been texting in secret as of late, and she's become more understanding of his reasoning. However, he still isn't sure whether to live in Galar or Calvana.
A quiet evening alone on one of the sofas, words unnecessary as Melanie holds her platonic life partner in an embrace. Her arms are wrapped around his neck, warmth flowing through her from the gentle touch of his hands on her back and under her hair.
"I love that Rosa and Hilda are so kind-hearted," she whispers. "They allowed us to maintain our close relationships." Her experience with romance proved to be less fruitful.
"I'm honored to be with them, and I'm honored to have you among my friends."
"I'm so proud of you, Valen." she sniffles. "I'm so proud to have you as my closest friend."
"You helped to show me that the wheels of fate turned in my favor."
"That's what friends do for each other." She flicks the top of his head. "So, which book did you bring?" Or rather, what his Gardevoir used Teleport to grab from the shelf.
"First, why don't show me what you've been working on?" It's about time he got caught up with her writing ventures.
She hops off of the sofa, her steps having a bounce to them. Suddenly, she startles Valen backwards by plopping a large antique box into the table. "These are all of my manuscripts." She loosely holds her hands behind her back, her face oozing with pride. "I keep them in the box you got me last Christmas."
"Hit me with your best shot." He tilts his head forward, his own confident expression meeting hers. "Fire away."
"Alright, you're gonna like this one." She rummages through her folders, pulling out the historical fiction one. "Check this out!" She flicks open the folder, laying it on the box.
Valen leans forward, his eyes scanning the text of the typed document. A trainer romance set in mid-nineteenth century Kalos, with art thrown in the mix. The plot's one of his favorites among her ideas: The woman's father and uncle are rigid and towering figures of the establishment, and they ridiculed her crush's paintings of her Pokemon. Of course, this male lead's one of the Impressionists. It just so happens that the book he's got next to him is on the story of how Impressionism came to be, the same one he lent her for research.
"So, I was checking out my writing books on how to build up this world, but I'd like to get your feedback on it." Melanie sits back down, sliding her left arm around his neck. "It's your turn to hit me with your best shot, future renowned historian."
"I never miss, future best-selling novelist." He taps his forehead, his grin widening. "I'm the world's smoothest living encyclopedia." He takes a peek at what she's got, silently reading it. "Great work describing the paintings—I can picture them as if they were right in front of me."
"How about the setting?" she winks. "On a scale from ten to ten, how well did I capture nineteenth century Lumiose City?"
"Eleven." The day after they were at the arena, she asked him about borrowing the city map book. The answer's always yes.
"I know, I know." she chuckles. "I'm too awesome."
Age five, a picnic table at a playground, a boy her age carrying two juice bottles. That's a childhood memory ingrained in her heart. Nothing has ever kept him from showing her affection, nothing has ever kept him from maintaining their close friendship.
This guy stole her heart a long time ago, but this novel's got a twist.
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BossCar
Pokémon Trainer
- Pronouns
- He/His
Chapter 40: Hilda Hits a Home Run
Rosa hums and jumps around, her long hair swaying as she gathers up the attire she's wearing for today's event. Today's the day of lots and lots and lots of fun, even though that's almost every day. What makes it more awesome is that looks like the cutest boss ever in that suit, on top of looking gorgeous! She should rock this more often when possible! Tee-hee, here comes the trademark twirling! Go, go, go Rosa! You're the cutest! Among Unovans, you're the cutest! All of these old and cool furniture pieces even made new friends! Within the two days since they all hung out at Melanie's place, they've moved the larger Victorian-era bed in here to account for Hilda!
Since Valen and Hilda are discussing something downstairs, that leaves a bit of time for Rosa to give Rosa a tour of the gallery right in front of her. First, a peek at the mahogany desk. Her mouth falls open and her eyes tilt. She points sideways with her right hand. As per usual, Valen squeezed in reading time—his Salamence bookmark's protruding out of his book on Adalbert Dürer.
Phew, the books has friends on the desk too! There's the book on what Dürer was part of, the Northern Renaissance! There's the on Impressionism's origins and the book on Michelangelo Bellincioni and the Sistine Hall's ceiling frescoes. Tee-hee, there's the book on the Alkmaardam region's art of the seventeenth century! There's the antiquity book filled with illustrations of Kasmenestian, Siscian, Etrusk, and Osirian art!
Rosa leaps towards one of the numerous friends that the other painting prints made within the last eight days. Chiefly, the two that are among the most famous works three Raphael Sadoletto da Urbina. The Ultimate Weapon is first, and this is her favorite depiction of it.
That crystalline weapon is tall enough to reach the blood red sky, a bright white beam of energy seemingly piercing it into two. Raphael captured the horror of the desolate rocky terrain in a way that still tugs hearts centuries later. Xerneas is too overcome by sorrow to lift its his head up. A minutiae that can be easily missed is the fact that the elegant gazelle's tears have left spots on what used to be lush area. Tiny splotches of foliage and the decaying remains of trees that once stood proudly is all that's left. Yveltal's up in the sky, looking horrified over what happened.
"Even the king wept at this."
Space, Time, and Creation is to the right. Dialga's blue sphere has a Renaissance-era gold clock with a dome on top. Palkia's pink sphere has a night sky with bright stars. Those dragons and their cool backgrounds take up the bottom half, with Arceus taking up the whole top half. A taller clock with a larger dome lies behind Arceus, while the sky is evenly split between blue, pink, and black. Among the minutiae here are the clocks having Siscian numerals and the two hands. The faint outlines of Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf can be seen below Arceus if one takes a closer look.
"Did Dialga ship Valey and me back then too? It does control time, sooooooooo it should fees up."
Last but definitely not least is The School of Artists & Scholars, which depicts a crowd within a large plaza-like area of a large classical building. One of the figures closest to her is a unamused man sitting at a table, an Absol lying near his feet. Not far to the left lies an older man who's sketching the anatomy of a Greninja on papyrus, his Gardevoir observing him. These figures are said to represent Michelangelo Bellincioni and Lorenzo Da Vinci, and she believes it. The sculptor Timaeus, the historian Critias, and the poet Hermos are among the famous people from antiquity scattered throughout. Raphael even snuck himself in between two classical sculptures of Zygarde's puppy form and Zygarde's complete form.
"Did he play with puppy Zygarde? The world may never know."
Tee-hee, she can take a peek at Dürer's Adoration of the Eevee too! Those seven Eeveelutions look absolutely fabulous, just like she does in a suit. Look at them strutting their stuff in-between the crowd, surrounded by a flock of cute Eevee! Even the brooding Eevee is cute! Jolteon is solely focused on the fruit basket, which contain lots of apples! Flareon's got a silly grin, its eyes closed!. The other five hold their heads up high as they show off their spunk to the people and other Pokémon. Vaporeon and Sylveon have their eyes closed too, but they have smug smirks instead of silly grins! Umbreon and Espeon trot like models on a catwalk! Leafeon and Glaceon look like they've got long hair that they're flipping backwards!
Farm Life by Sir Patrick Peter Rubens and The Feast at Ameriguccio's Palace by Pietro Veronese will have to wait in line. Super Doctor Rosa has to leave the office—here comes Valen and Hilda. Their footsteps are being drowned out by Valen feeding her more details about what happened. That means he's getting better at opening up about his struggles.
"It was a Shadow Blaziken's punch that wounded me." He rolls up his right pant sleeve, showing the mostly healed scar. "I don't blame the Blaziken, I never blamed the Blaziken." He'll fist bump with the Blaziken again if he runs into it. That requires running into Wes, something that hasn't happened since Rui and Wes went their separate ways.
Hilda winces, taking a hard deep breath. "Keep going, Val-Val." She'll be strong, just like Rosa. She owes it to herself, and she owes it to them.
"I thought things were looking up, then I saw two friends split up." Valen halts, closing his eyes. "But I still consider Wes a friend." His eyes sharply open, his mouth a flat line. "If I see him again, I'll tell him what I've learned." Re-paying Rui for helping him recover is overdue.
Rosa appears within the doorway, an ear-to-ear smile on the faces of both women. Upon the sensation of his tender touch from his arms, they feel more relaxed than they've felt while in any of the spas they've visited.
With his arms snugly around their midsections, Valen positions head in-between their heads, whispering, "Remember what I'm about to tell you." He kisses both of them on the top of their heads. "The densest of shadows can't vanquish the lights that flicker on whenever you two are around me."
Here comes his edgelord Luxray. Well, edgelord towards everybody but Rosa, Hilda, and him. Yes, the prideful feline has finally granted the crazy wholesome minds permission to pet him...even though he already did that a while ago...and then there's the fact that the kooks would be doing it regardless.
"Luxray, I can tell you want to even the score with Silver's Arcanine." Valen pets Luxray's back, the feline's purring music to his ears. "I'll call you out when that opportunity arises."
"Tee-hee, you're wearing a suit with Team Skull's logo on the back!" Her face is inches away from his, looking like she's going to kiss him. "Oooooh, BW Agency on the sleeves!" She plops one on his lips. "That's for good luck!"
Crazy wholesome minds, but they're his crazy wholesome minds. He wouldn't have it any other way. The kiss isn't his only good luck charm—it's part of the two mega good luck charms he's holding at the moment. Silver better be ready to get his ass handed to him.
The lobby's packed, the booths are bustling, lots of chatting and laughter fill the air around her! Hilda White's hit another home run! Everybody wins when she 's the one in charge! She rotates in a full circle to marvel at what she has accomplished, but her high heels nearly fell off as a result. Oh well, at least she made everybody's day fun within this awesome lobby!
She spared no expense with anything, the food being no exception. Unovan pizza, Casteliacones, cheesy bread, you name it! She'll grab a bite to eat once she performs Hilda's Happy Recon! Go go, Hilda Rangers! Super awesome Hilda Rangers! Heeeey, Hilda Rangers sounds like an awesome nickname for her great clients and employees!
Melanie's on a roll with her creative writing booth! Hehe, she's not struggling with setting decisions for once! Arthur's talking about plays and classical literature, Jacques is giving acting lessons, and Silver pretends to be disinterested in everything. You aren't subtle, Silver. Even Val-Val's more subtle than you, which says a lot.
Speaking of Val-Val and on a roll, how can Hilda not tear up with what she's seeing on her right? Look at Val-Val at his booth, talking about art, such charm, confidence, and passion exhibiting like he's the star of the museum! Rosa's passion is no different, the twirler showing how to paint in the booth right of his! Hehe, they're both talking about the same topic! Valen's showing how Caravaggio's dramatic lighting makes his work feel like theatre, while Rosa's teaching how to utilize dramatic lighting! Go go go, go Valen, go Rosa!
Yeah yeah yeah, go Rui! Drop that freestyle, flow to that beat like a boss! Hilbert and Rui need to collab at some point! Heeeeey, maybe she can get Rui, Hilbert, Brendan, and Hau on one song! Hehe, it'll definitely make it to the top of the charts!
It's time for Obvious Silver's sequel! Look at silly Silver subtly listening to Val-Val talking about classical sculpture! Hilda's aware of his own fondness for antiquity, that's a common interest he shares with Kris.
Hilda once organized a lecture on classical sculpture in Johto for Kris. She was an absolute stunner in that Guzmani suit and in those high heels! Silver was blushing so hard that he could dress up as a Charmeleon without the mask! Hehe, just like Val-Val when he saw how good Rosa and her look in suits!
Upon both Valen and Rosa catching him in the act, Silver pretends to have zoned out. He faintly screeches upon seeing Hilda's glowing face and silly smile.
"No, no, and no." He crosses his arms, pretending to brood. "I like antiquity and I like Kris, but I like Kris as a friend."
Mhm, he definitely knows about the art historian Keldon Clarke Clarke and his book on the nude in art. He knows all about the sculptors Timaeus and Phylades. He knows all about Timeaus' King Triton sculpture from 175 BCE, plus Phylades' Champion Apollo sculpture from 177 BCE. He totally isn't playing it cool, no siree.
At first, it looks like Rui's nodding in agreement with him. Finally, somebody who sees that-wait a minute. Upon closer inspection, Silver realizes that she's now listening to rap music, meaning her headphones are on. For some reason, she's whistling a Western tune that sounds like fun. He can also hear what sounds like smooth jazz, the whistling being on the same wavelength with.
"Huh…which style of rap uses that?"
"It's called Phenac Mobb Music!"
Good thing she's paying some attention, or that line in front of her booth would have caused an awkward moment for her.
Moving on, has Kris been trying to tell him something via her interest in these classical sculptures? Lotta these sculptures feature tough guys, and while he may not be as muscular as-shut up. Stupid fake Silver, stupid Kris, stupid Gladion, stupid flowers that Kris would-shut up means shut up.
Silver won't deny that Kris looked amazing in a suit and high heels. He'll even admit that she looked really freaking amazing, he's just that nice. All of that blushing nonsense is hogwash—he ingested too much hot sauce prior.
Hilda strides into the Pokémon Fun Room, clasping her hands behind her back. She waves at Jacques' Kingdra, who's relaxing in a pool.
"Hehe, those carnival games are going to lose to our awesome Pokémon besties!"
She wanted to pick this lounge area because because the paintings on the walls and ceilings depict hundreds of Pokémon. Trotting rings through her ears, causing her to titter.
"Uh oh, here comes three cuties!"
Hehe, look at Jacques' Sylveon playing a game of tag with Rui's Leafeon and Glaceon! They look so adorable and precious with those winsome grins, running around the tables like it's an obstacle course! Go go Eevee Rangers, get em Pink Ranger!
Oh nooooo, Sylveon caught both Leafeon and Glaceon, and now she's twirling like Rosa in celebration! Hehe, Leafeon and Glaceon are it now!
Hilda's daffily smile gives way to a puzzled facial expression. Why is Rui's Suicune wearing a Rayquaza costume? What's up with the weird dressing up game between Suicune, Rosa's Volcarona, Melanie's Absol, Silver's Arcanine, Rui's Talonflame, and her Beartic?
Come to think of it, the others are confusing her too! Suicune dressed as Rayquaza, Volcarona dressed up as Ho-oh, Absol dressed up as Darkrai? Those two don't even fit in those costumes! They look like they're wearing baggy clothes! At least Arcanine fits in that Gro-he doesn't fit in that Groudon costume. Her Beartic doesn't fit in that Kyogre costume.
She's about to warn that Beartic's about to trip over the giant rear fin, but Beartic trips before she can say one word. Like a bowling ball hitting pins, Beartic tumbles into everybody but Talonflame, who already wins for having picked a Moltres costume. That being said, Talonflame's struggling to stay up in the air due to hysterical laughter.
The others are lying atop each other in a disoriented pile, wondering what the Muk just happened. Especially Absol, who grumbles about how could this happen to her. She's made her mistakes, but she's got nowhere to run! Whatever, the night goes on. Even though it's daytime, it's still nighttime for her.
Jacques' Sirfetch'd, Arthur's Raichu and Rui's Midnight Lycanroc can't greet Hilda as she approaches—they're in an titanic showdown with the claw machine.
Both of them want those plushies of themselves. This vile three-fingered claw is a formidable opponent. It tricks them into thinking they've got the plushies when it's just going to drop them. Nevertheless, they will claim their rightful prizes from their foe!
Silver's Feraligatr and Aggron are competing to see who can best the other in a high striker, or a strength tester, competition. Valen's Golisopod, Jacques' Greninja, Hilda's Emboar, and Arthur's Grimmsnarl are are partaking in this competition too.
Speaking of Grimmsnarl, he whacks the lever with the hammer. He smugly grins while watching the lever go up and strike the dinging bell. First Golisopod, then Emboar, and now him! Feraligatr, Aggron, and need to step it up!
Not according to Emboar, who accuses Grimmsnarl of rigging the match in his favor. Before they can try anything else, Golisopod smacks both of them on the back of the head.
Make a right to get to the ball throwing game. Valen's Typhlosion and Melanie's Swampert have bested the latter's Scizor teammate and Silver's Zoroark. The starter evolutions fist bump, this wicked ball throwing game has finally been defeated!
As he observes this, Silver's Zoroark growls that they could've won at this human game. However, somebody tried throwing the balls with big metal claws. Melanie's Scizor picks up on this, daring Zoroark to open his big mouth again. In response, Zoroark repeats himself: "big. metal. claws."
Scizor makes a punching motion, daring Zoroark to "come at me bro." As they stare each other down, Zoroark howls if Scizor's "feeling lucky, punk?"
Valen's Gardevoir turns her head sideways, giving the bickering Pokemon her signature stare of doom. She warns them to behave, her zero tolerance policy for nonsense around her trainer still in effect. Once they return to behaving, she re-joins Silver's Crobat, Melanie's Alakazam, and Jacques' Metagross in studying the numerous paintings created by humans long ago.
Melanie's Pyroar and Jacques' Tsareena are taken by the size of the food court, deeming it a proper human establishment for a royal Pokémon like them. Poffins, cupcakes, rice balls labeled jelly doughnuts for amusing reasons, this variety of scrumptious edibles is most impressive.
As she munches on cupcakes and drink Berry Juice with Jacques' Charizard, Valen's Typhlosion snickers that Pyroar is the real ignoramus, because he can't even tell that Luxray likes Umbreon back. Charizard remarks that he's the most fabulous Charizard that any human or Pokémon will lay eyes upon. Suicune and Pyroar don't have anything on him.
Valen's Salamence and Rosa's Milotic share a berry in the food court as part of an impromptu lunch date. Salamence seems to be content with Milotic occasionally rubbing the right side of her face against his head. This causes Hilda's eyes to sparkle like the ruby attached to her diamond-lace necklace. Her Hilda senses tingle, and they "tell" her that things are about to take a turn for the adorable. For once, nobody will see it coming.
A misplaced step sends Salamence tumbling forward into Milotic, resulting in an accidental kiss. Both Salamence and Milotic now have faces that make them look like Fire-types. It doesn't help that her Garchomp, Rosa's Hydreigon, Melanie's Dragonite, and Silver's Kommo-o have formed a barrier around their dragon bro.
Garchomp and Hydreigon egg Salamence on with playful roars. Dragonite and Kommo-o attempt to push Salamence in for another kiss with Milotic. Milotic happily thanks the other dragons for helping Salamence to get used to their romance. Salamence cries out that they should do this to Umbreon and Luxray for once.
Speaking of Umbreon and her crush, Hilda's now hovering over her with a silly smile. "So, have you asked Luxray out on a date yet?" She titters, closing her eyes. "Do you need some advice?"
Umbreon apparently forgets that she's not a Flareon whenever the topic of her crush comes up. Unbeknownst to nobody, that blushing face lies an elated inner Umbreon who wants Luxray to accidentally kiss her.
Ask and Umbreon shall receive—Luxray's running this way in a panic. His attempt to avoid being pet causes him to run into Umbreon, accidentally kissing her right cheek. Both quadrupeds yelp, with Umbreon squealing in her mind.
Luxray's bluish face burns bright red, but that's not the problem. Rui's him cornered and are slowly reaching out to partake in the absolutely horrendous and appalling action known as...petting an edgelord feline. Whatever, he'd will allow his proud feline self to be petted. Only because of what Rui did for his trainer, who's more important than his pride.
Umbreon and Luxray overhear the former's Gengar teammate singing karaoke. Ha, they'll show him the edgelord side of rock music is superior to his Chandelure Song Song! Both run towards the stage, only for Umbreon to trip over herself. Luxray takes a peek behind him, only to have a second accidental kiss happens when their mouths connect.
Gengar watches this adorable sight, but he isn't grinning. He knows what Hilda's thinking—did he perform six jump scares, or only five? Now he grins, snickering that the answer is seven within the past two weeks.
Hilda takes a peek at the watch she's wearing today. It's almost time to get the main event going. Prepare yourself, you big world! A certain someone's officially returning today, and Raichu and Lycanroc won those plushies! She clasps her hands in front of her right shoulder, her eyes glittering at their adorable smiley faces. Hehe, Sirfetch'd is acting all cool!
The main arena's bleachers are packed and everybody's ready. It's time to rock. Rosa and Hilda wink and press their backs together. The duo's basking in how elegant and professional their appearences are. "Ladies and gentleman, are you ready for a battle that's awesomeeeeeeee?!" Rosa and Hilda beckon into their microphones. "We can't hear yoooou!" They've got the crowd's roaring like dragons!
It's for Rosa and Hilda to hand out more free smiles. "It's about you, it's about me!" Their bubbly voices carry melodious tones. "It's about hope, it's about dreams!" Peace signs in front of their foreheads for good measure. "It's about besties who work together to claim their destiny!" They switch positions. "It's about reaching for the sky, having the courage and willing to try!" They narrow their eyes, raising a fist each upwards. "It's about never giving up so hold your head up, and we will carry on!" A high-five amidst the applause is needed, because they rock!
"Nooooow!" Rosa spins, extending her right hand towards the left entrance. "In this corner, we have a trainer who happens to be our sweetie." she winks "This is the official return of Le Faucher Noooooir!" Tee-hee, her fellow fangirls are squealing already!
Out comes Valen in his Guzmani suit. The chorus, the cheering, they're even chanting his monikers. This is just like the tournaments, the contests, the Battle Dome in Hoenn's Battle Frontier, the Pokémon Masters League, it's all coming back to him. He wants to cry, he truly wants to cry. Of course, Rosa and Hilda just have to blow a kiss at him. Crazy wholesome minds.
Hilda mimics Rosa, but in the opposite direction. "In this corner, we have a trainer who's a good friend of all three of us!" She winks too. "Come on out, Silver The Punisher!"
Silver strolls onto the field wearing his usual attire, murmuring, "Glad this crowd's cheering for him more—I'm not the type to care about that to begin with."
Valen envisions all four of the final battles of the conferences that he won first place in. It's like he's there again, watching Salamence use Iron Tail to land the winning blow against Alexis' Walrein. Replays of his battles from his other three victories soon follow. Gardevoir using Psychic to claim victory to defeat Jeremey's Red Gyarados, Salamence using Dragon Pulse to triumph over Ragnar's Flygon, and Golisopod engaging in a sword battle with Jacques' Greninja via Liquidation and Night Slash respectively.
His eyes begin to water as he looks down at his attire. Now he gets it, now he gets why they wanted the battle to be part of the event. They want him to remember these days, they want him to succeed with them. The shadows took a massive loss when it tried to break his bonds. With their help, he broke the grip of darkness that corrupted his mind.
There they are, there's the Calvanian Elite Four. As expected, they're up in the VIP section. The unmistaken Drakkon tribal robe of Abeiku Akousa, the red suit of the classy fashion model Camilla Përmeti, the tough biker-looking posture and clothes of Hans Eriksen, leave it to Hilda to get even them to show up. Topping it off is the Elite Four's defacto leader. He's donning his red suit jacket, his long hair draped over his shoulders. The stern and fierce expression of Sir Maximus Jeremiah Pegasus Cubworth, usually just referred to as Pegasus Cubworth, paints a thousand words.
Wait, there's one more person with them! There's no wat, he's here too?! That long pink hair, that red suit, the rose clenched in-between his teeth, the pinkish-red vampire cape, it's Siegfried Schroeder! Valen didn't expect the region's flamboyant champ to come out to witness this battle. A knot forms within his stomach. What will happen if he screws up in front of the region's best-enough. Enough doubt, he's here to wow the crowd and to prove that he's still got it.
Of course, Hilda's got camera crews in here for live coverage. That means his parents are definitely going to witness at least some of this. Work kept them from showing up, but he knows mom and dad are always rooting for his success. A bunch of his relatives must be tuning it as well. Maybe Skyla's watching all the from Unova? Are Serena and Calem tuning in within Kalos? Could Team Skull doing their chant while witnessing this very moment?
Melanie, Arthur, Jacques, and Rui are near the camera crews, having been joined by Ragnar. He gives them two thumbs up, flashing a smug grin. Silver won't know what hit him.
Valen and Silver stare each other down like it's the Old West. The two of them grab a Poké Ball from their belts, the scene feeling like a slow-motion moment in a film.
"I'll use my Arcanine."
Silver throws the ball into the air to let the canine out, catching it as it comes back down. Arcanine lands in a sitting position, but quickly moves to standing on all fours. He lets out a proud howl, rubbing his hind paws backwards on the battlefield.
Valen doesn't say anything as he presses the button to let his choice of Pokémon out. Luxray's getting his rematch, just like his trainer promised. The feline decides to pull a Salamence, doing a mid-air back flip as he emerges onto the scene. He lands on all fours and hisses, electricity crackling all around him.
"Let's start things off with Extreme Speed."
A translucent crimson red aura envelopes Arcanine, his charge so that everybody sees a blur. When Arcanine becomes visible again, he crashes into Luxray. The feline staggers, but shakes it off. He hisses that there's way he's going down this time.
"Bulldoze."
Arcanine slams his paws onto the ground, a red aura of energy pulsating through the tremors. Luxray hisses, slamming all four paws into the ground. He barely has time to think when a crimson red stream of fire from his mouth scorches his face.
"Leap up and zap em with Thunderbolt!"
The prideful feline hisses that those attacks weren't good enough. He leaps into the air, the beaming sunlight giving the feline a majestic aesthetic. Here comes that yellow aura, and here comes the bolt from the top of his head Arcanine's enveloped by crackling electricity within seconds.
"Fire Blast!"
Arcanine shakes his head, holding it up high afterwards. Luxray leans on his front paws with the intent take the attack head on. The flames Arcanine spits out morphs into the kanji for fire, and it quickly envelops the feline's body. He shuts his eyes and grits his teeth, determined to show Arcanine that he's not going down a second time.
"Dragon Pulse, go."
Arcanine's mouth is filled up by a crimson red sphere with swirling flames. Launching the sphere causes it to transform into a dragon-shaped beam. The beam further transforms, expanding into an gigantic dragon with wings, talon and a tail. Its aesthetic is one of lava and molten rock, the ensuing screeching wind enveloping the battlefield.
The dragon's coming in hot at a rocket-like velocity, Valen's pun being intended. "Heh, let's do this." He snaps his fingers. "Charge into Dragon Pulse with Wild Charge!"
"Say what?!"
"I'm a loose cannon, Silver!" Valen smacks his fists together. "I'm the big bad trainer who beats you down and beats you down without ever letting up!"
A thunderstorm-like rumble engulfs the arena as Luxray leaps into the sky. It's a majestic sight for the crowd, albeit the view of his body is slightly obstructed by the massive congregation of electricity.
A ear-piercing detonation erupts upon impact, a wave of smoke enveloping the battlefield. Within the thick smoke, Luxray dives down like a missile, his full body colliding with Arcanine's back. Arcanine bellows, the ground cracking underneath as he's forced inwards.
As visibility becomes better, Luxray jumps backwards. Sparks surround his body, causing him to faintly yelp.
"Rapid fire combo with Agility and Night Slash!"
Now Arcanine sees Luxray, now Arcanine doesn't. As the canine frantically attempts to find an opening, he's slashed on the upper back by Luxray's front claws, which glow purple. Luxray vanishes, then re-appears to slash Arcanine's right. Luxray continues his assault of appearing, Night Slash, vanishing before Arcanine can strike back.
After several more strikes, Luxray jumps back and hisses at the kneeling canine. Electricity sparks around him again with more intensity, a loud crackling accompanying it.
Valen inserts his hands into his pockets, a frisson of adrenaline causing a wide grin to debouch.
"Light this battlefield up with Thunder!"
Luxray hisses with pride, his body being enveloped by a thick lighting yellow aura. Luxray launches a bolt from his back that's the size of his body. As Thunder strikes and overwhelms Arcanine, Luxray thanks him for a good fight.
The vanishing electricity reveals to Luxray that he's done it, he's defeated Silver's Arcanine. Forget hissing, feel the roar of the king, humans and other Pokémon! Hahahahaha, he just proved that he's not a cute kitten! A cute kitten who's obsessed with belly rubs couldn't have take down a big bad Arcanine!
Silver stands still, his eyes fixated on the downed canine. He smirks, recalling Arcanine. Back onto the belt his ball goes, Silver detaching another one afterwards.
"I'll use this."
He presses the button to let out Cro...nope. Valen isn't fooled by this. Crobat's not even making the usual screeching sound. Not to mention that Silver's Crobat is abnormally large.
Valen places his hands inside of his pockets. "Hmph, use Thunderbolt."
Luxray roars, a lightning yellow aura surrounding his body. A strong bolt is fired from the top of his head. The "Crobat" is quickly exposed for what it really is. Yep, it's just as Valen suspected. It's not Silver's Crobat, it's his Zoroark.
"Did you really think Illusion would work on me?"
"Nope, but it is what it is." Silver shrugs with a smirk, flashing a stern look afterwards. "Zoroark, use Nasty Plot."
A glowing orb resembling a full moon appears above Zoroark. Both the orb and Zoroark's eyes glow pitch black. Zoroark howls, pitch black aura enveloping his body. The aura resembles a current flowing upwards.
"Thunderbolt again!"
Just as the pitch black aura leaves Zoroark, Luxray's body glows lighting yellow. He hisses while firing a strong bolt from the top of his head. Zoroark stares directly at the approaching bolt, not worried in the slightest.
"Use Protect and Nasty Plot."
Zoroark blocks Luxray's Thunderbolt with a translucent light blue shield, his feet firmly planted as the feline tries to break through. The moon-like orb appears again, glowing pitch black with Zoroark's eyes and body. Zoroark hears Luxray hissing that he he'll going to go down sooner or later, so come towards him already. Zoroark cackles that Luxray should be care what he wishes for.
"Zoroark, Agility."
"Luxray, use your Agility!"
Both Zoroark and Luxray move so quickly that they appear to vanish and re-appear over and over again. Neither's able to find an opening for an attack, but neither's giving in.
"Swift!"
"Thunder Fang!"
As Zoroark pelts Luxray with a barrage of crimson stars, Luxray endures it to bite down on Zoroark's left leg, the former's teeth glowing lightning yellow.
"Use Night Daze."
Zoroark's eyes glow crimson, an aura of the same surrounding him. He raises his hands above the top o his head, a crackling black and crimson sphere appearing in-between them. Zoroark hurls the sphere at the ground, the ensuing collision causing an blast in all direction via a forcefield.
Luxray bellows as he's lifted off of the ground. He's sent flying behind Valen like a rock skipping on a pond. Luxray barely misses ramming into the wall, landing on his belly instead. The feline won't be defeated so easily. He wants to go all out, his trainer's aware of that.
"Wild Charge!"
Electricity surrounding Luxray's body, and it quickly becomes a massive congregation of lightning. Luxray rockets towards Zoroark, sending him into an impromptu meeting the back and the battlefield's wall. Luxray nearly falls from the sparkling recoil, but he fought hard. That's what matters, he's got no regrets.
"Use Dark Pulse."
Zoroark leaps onto his feet. He launches a stream of crimson circles from his mouth, which strike Luxray's face. Luxray wishes that he could fight on, but he's down for the count. He congratulates Zoroark, then onto the field he goes.
Did Valen forget about Protect earlier? Either way, his Luxray fought well. He's proud of him, and that smile Luxray's flashing means that knows it. Luxray's proud of him too, Valen affirms while calling the feline back into his ball. He swaps it with another ball from inside his jacket.
No amount of doubt is going to get in his way. "Golisopod, give em a beatdown!" He throws the ball into the air, the bulky Bug and Water-type slamming onto the ground on his feet.
Silver decides to stick with Zoroark, despite the type matchup. Zoroark seems to want to have a go at an opponent with the type advantage to begin with.
"Use First Impression."
Golisopod dashes at such great speed that he seems to vanish. He re-appears inches of Zoroark, and slams his whole body into the Dark-type. Zoroark's sent hurling behind Silver and into the wall, but he's able to remain on his feet.
"Use Swords Dance."
Golisopod crosses his arms and glows light blue. Swords of the same color materialize and encircle the armored arthropod. The swords rotate, then they vanish. Golisopod bangs his chest, ready to trade claws.
"Quick, Dark Pulse!"
Zoroark howls like a full moon's in the sky, a stream of crimson circles being fired from his mouth.
"Poison Jab!"
Golisopod's right claw glows purple, his left claw following suit. He's going all out this time. He maneuvers around the stream of circles, plus the ensuing attempts to land a blow. He begins striking Zoroark over and over again like a professional martial artist.
As Zoroark kneels, Valen sees a chance to increase offensive power. "Swords Dance again."
Golisopod crosses his arms once more, the glow and swords returning. Like before, the swords encircle rotate, and vanish.
"Zoroark, use Throat Chop."
"Sucker Punch!"
Purple mist-like energy surrounds Zoroark's arms, while Golisopod leaps forward like a high-speed train. Golisopod clocks Zoroark with his glowing dark green claws, sending the Dark-type spiraling around.
"Liquidation!" Valen's conation keeps climbing up the mountain.
"Night Slash." Silver's looking forward to this battle of the blades.
Small particles of energy collects above Zoroark's head as he raises his arms. A pitch black scythe-like blade, A crimson scythe-like weapon materializes within the Dark-type's hands, while a crescent- shaped water sword materializes in Golisopod's left hand. Zoroark grips the giant scythe with one hand, while Golisopod twirls his sword like a spinning top. Both Pokémon joust towards each other like fast cars, with Golisopod cackling that he's Excalipod.
Golisopod and Zoroark zigzag in parallel directions, envisioning the other in slow motion. A gleam is exchanged between their fierce glares, the two Pokémon colliding their weapons like they're in a movie with a sword battle. Water and energy splash and burst with each thwacking that occurs, neither one allowing the door to open for contact.
Eventually, both land a direct hit to each other's chests, both careening backwards. They pant, but remain standing.
A snap of the fingers is the signal for Golisopod to show off even more. Another large crescent-like water sword takes form within his other hand. He twirls both of them, then raises them above his head. He leaps up as high as he can, cackling that it's been a while since he's gotten to dual wield like a boss.
Zoroark's eyes widen immensely, his jaw dropping as Golisopod hovers down towards him. A swing of both water swords slams him face first into the ground. His hands grip the battlefield as he slowly gets back up, sensing that this battle could be over. He fought his hardest, he has no regrets.
"Use X-Scissor and Liquidation together!"
Golisopod crosses his arms, a water sword forming in his right hand. As he twirls the water sword, a light blue x appears in front his arms. He uses the full force of his body to leap towards Zoroark, slamming into the black and dark red bipedal. Golisopod backs up, swinging his water sword into Zoroark's right side. The water passes through the Dark-type, who tumbles onto the ground after the water sword evaporates. As his trainer calls him back, Golisopod thanks Zoroark for a good fight.
"Take flight, Crobat."
The purple four-winged back emerges from the ball, flying higher in preparation for this powerful adversary.
"Use Aerial Ace."
Crobat dives down like a missile, his body covered by a white oval-shaped sphere with purple streaks. The four-winged bat crashes into Golisopod like a meteor, nearly sending the arthropod careening towards the wall. A firm placement of his feet prevent that, but that attack did a number on him. That's not enough to bring him down-he's raring for more instead.
"Sludge Bomb."
A hailstorm of brown sludge that glow purple is fired upon Golisopod from Crobat's mouth. An bubbling purple aura envelops Golisopod's body.
Silver grins, leaning forward with a fist clenched. "Use Venoshock."
Crobat fires giant blobs of purple sludge from its mouth like a cannon. As they careen towards him, Golisopod waves bye. He goes back into his ball, Emergency Exit having kicked in. Another ball pops open at random, Gengar snickering while hovering over the rocky terrain.
"Gengar, Will-O-Wisp!'
Gengar's eyes glow spectral blue, a ghostly ball of blue flames encroaching on the purple four-winged bat. Crobat attempts to zoom past, but his wings are enveloped by larger blue flames. The rest of his body follows suit within milliseconds.
Silver motions his right hand backwards, then forwards. "Use Shadow Ball."
A violet sphere of energy appears in front of Crobat's mouth. The four-winged bat fires it off, the sphere striking Gengar in the face.
"Dark Pulse."
As Gengar wobbles, he's struck by a steam of black and purple circles. He topples onto his back, but he's not out.
"Use Hex!"
Gengar leaps back up, a laugh drowning out any noises near him. His red eyes ominously gleam, a giant pair of blood red eyes materializing above his aura envelops Crobat, who closes his eyes as it grows more intense.
"Use Shadow Ball and Ice Punch!"
Gengar extends his hands forward, a black and purple sphere of energy forming in the middle. The attack lands a direct hit on Crobat's face, sending him falling out of the sky. He lands face-first onto the grassy section of the battlefield, only to see Gengar leaping into the air. Both of Gengar's fist are covered in frost white ice. Crobat attempts to fly away, but Gengar leaps down and slugs him twice.
"Return."
Back into the ball Crobat goes, said ball being swapped for another. Out comes Feraligatr, who roars while banging his chest.
"Double Team and Shadow Claw."
Multiple clones surround Gengar, causing his trademark grin to turn into a scowl. He spins around in an attempt to find an opening, but no such luck greets him. Both of Feraligatr's claws glow pitch black. He leaps into the air, diving down and slashing Gengar on the top of his head.
"Giga Drain, then Sludge Bomb!"
The spikes on Gengar's back protrude, all of them releasing purple streaks of energy that latch onto Feraligatr. While that's occurring, Gengar opens his mouth to unleash a barrage of brown sludge that glows purple. The blizzard of sludge wallops Feraligatr in the lower jaw, the Water-type kneeling halfway as the purple streaks retract.
"Ice Beam."
Feraligatr's booming cry drowns out many other sounds. He launches a frost white beam of energy from his mouth. The ensuing hit results in large chunks of ice encasing Gengar.
"Hit em with Liquidation."
Feraligatr's body is surrounded by a thick sphere of water. The reptilian lunges face first into Gengar, shattering the ice and sending the Ghost-type flying into the wall. Feraligatr commends the Ghost-type for a battle well fought. Gengar drops onto his face, but his grin's still there. Him and his teammates want to win this battle, but they've already won a battle.
"Good battling."
Valen calls back his Gengar, swapping his ball out for another. Valen was hoping to use Phantom Force, but it may not have mattered in the long run.
They're almost three for three, and he can't contain it anymore. The cheering, the battling, his two kooks cheering him on, this conation within him, it's making him more and more excited with each passing second.
"This battle's awesome!" Valen screams into the sky, causing the crowd to erupt in cheering. "I'm having a blast!"
Now there's the Valen that Silver wanted to see, as evident by his satisfied smile. That's the Valen who triumphed over Hoenn's Battle Frontier, among other impressive feats. Sure, he's lost against several powerful trainers, but he went down with a fight. That's what matters.
Rosa hums and jumps around, her long hair swaying as she gathers up the attire she's wearing for today's event. Today's the day of lots and lots and lots of fun, even though that's almost every day. What makes it more awesome is that looks like the cutest boss ever in that suit, on top of looking gorgeous! She should rock this more often when possible! Tee-hee, here comes the trademark twirling! Go, go, go Rosa! You're the cutest! Among Unovans, you're the cutest! All of these old and cool furniture pieces even made new friends! Within the two days since they all hung out at Melanie's place, they've moved the larger Victorian-era bed in here to account for Hilda!
Since Valen and Hilda are discussing something downstairs, that leaves a bit of time for Rosa to give Rosa a tour of the gallery right in front of her. First, a peek at the mahogany desk. Her mouth falls open and her eyes tilt. She points sideways with her right hand. As per usual, Valen squeezed in reading time—his Salamence bookmark's protruding out of his book on Adalbert Dürer.
Phew, the books has friends on the desk too! There's the book on what Dürer was part of, the Northern Renaissance! There's the on Impressionism's origins and the book on Michelangelo Bellincioni and the Sistine Hall's ceiling frescoes. Tee-hee, there's the book on the Alkmaardam region's art of the seventeenth century! There's the antiquity book filled with illustrations of Kasmenestian, Siscian, Etrusk, and Osirian art!
Rosa leaps towards one of the numerous friends that the other painting prints made within the last eight days. Chiefly, the two that are among the most famous works three Raphael Sadoletto da Urbina. The Ultimate Weapon is first, and this is her favorite depiction of it.
That crystalline weapon is tall enough to reach the blood red sky, a bright white beam of energy seemingly piercing it into two. Raphael captured the horror of the desolate rocky terrain in a way that still tugs hearts centuries later. Xerneas is too overcome by sorrow to lift its his head up. A minutiae that can be easily missed is the fact that the elegant gazelle's tears have left spots on what used to be lush area. Tiny splotches of foliage and the decaying remains of trees that once stood proudly is all that's left. Yveltal's up in the sky, looking horrified over what happened.
"Even the king wept at this."
Space, Time, and Creation is to the right. Dialga's blue sphere has a Renaissance-era gold clock with a dome on top. Palkia's pink sphere has a night sky with bright stars. Those dragons and their cool backgrounds take up the bottom half, with Arceus taking up the whole top half. A taller clock with a larger dome lies behind Arceus, while the sky is evenly split between blue, pink, and black. Among the minutiae here are the clocks having Siscian numerals and the two hands. The faint outlines of Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf can be seen below Arceus if one takes a closer look.
"Did Dialga ship Valey and me back then too? It does control time, sooooooooo it should fees up."
Last but definitely not least is The School of Artists & Scholars, which depicts a crowd within a large plaza-like area of a large classical building. One of the figures closest to her is a unamused man sitting at a table, an Absol lying near his feet. Not far to the left lies an older man who's sketching the anatomy of a Greninja on papyrus, his Gardevoir observing him. These figures are said to represent Michelangelo Bellincioni and Lorenzo Da Vinci, and she believes it. The sculptor Timaeus, the historian Critias, and the poet Hermos are among the famous people from antiquity scattered throughout. Raphael even snuck himself in between two classical sculptures of Zygarde's puppy form and Zygarde's complete form.
"Did he play with puppy Zygarde? The world may never know."
Tee-hee, she can take a peek at Dürer's Adoration of the Eevee too! Those seven Eeveelutions look absolutely fabulous, just like she does in a suit. Look at them strutting their stuff in-between the crowd, surrounded by a flock of cute Eevee! Even the brooding Eevee is cute! Jolteon is solely focused on the fruit basket, which contain lots of apples! Flareon's got a silly grin, its eyes closed!. The other five hold their heads up high as they show off their spunk to the people and other Pokémon. Vaporeon and Sylveon have their eyes closed too, but they have smug smirks instead of silly grins! Umbreon and Espeon trot like models on a catwalk! Leafeon and Glaceon look like they've got long hair that they're flipping backwards!
Farm Life by Sir Patrick Peter Rubens and The Feast at Ameriguccio's Palace by Pietro Veronese will have to wait in line. Super Doctor Rosa has to leave the office—here comes Valen and Hilda. Their footsteps are being drowned out by Valen feeding her more details about what happened. That means he's getting better at opening up about his struggles.
"It was a Shadow Blaziken's punch that wounded me." He rolls up his right pant sleeve, showing the mostly healed scar. "I don't blame the Blaziken, I never blamed the Blaziken." He'll fist bump with the Blaziken again if he runs into it. That requires running into Wes, something that hasn't happened since Rui and Wes went their separate ways.
Hilda winces, taking a hard deep breath. "Keep going, Val-Val." She'll be strong, just like Rosa. She owes it to herself, and she owes it to them.
"I thought things were looking up, then I saw two friends split up." Valen halts, closing his eyes. "But I still consider Wes a friend." His eyes sharply open, his mouth a flat line. "If I see him again, I'll tell him what I've learned." Re-paying Rui for helping him recover is overdue.
Rosa appears within the doorway, an ear-to-ear smile on the faces of both women. Upon the sensation of his tender touch from his arms, they feel more relaxed than they've felt while in any of the spas they've visited.
With his arms snugly around their midsections, Valen positions head in-between their heads, whispering, "Remember what I'm about to tell you." He kisses both of them on the top of their heads. "The densest of shadows can't vanquish the lights that flicker on whenever you two are around me."
Here comes his edgelord Luxray. Well, edgelord towards everybody but Rosa, Hilda, and him. Yes, the prideful feline has finally granted the crazy wholesome minds permission to pet him...even though he already did that a while ago...and then there's the fact that the kooks would be doing it regardless.
"Luxray, I can tell you want to even the score with Silver's Arcanine." Valen pets Luxray's back, the feline's purring music to his ears. "I'll call you out when that opportunity arises."
"Tee-hee, you're wearing a suit with Team Skull's logo on the back!" Her face is inches away from his, looking like she's going to kiss him. "Oooooh, BW Agency on the sleeves!" She plops one on his lips. "That's for good luck!"
Crazy wholesome minds, but they're his crazy wholesome minds. He wouldn't have it any other way. The kiss isn't his only good luck charm—it's part of the two mega good luck charms he's holding at the moment. Silver better be ready to get his ass handed to him.
The lobby's packed, the booths are bustling, lots of chatting and laughter fill the air around her! Hilda White's hit another home run! Everybody wins when she 's the one in charge! She rotates in a full circle to marvel at what she has accomplished, but her high heels nearly fell off as a result. Oh well, at least she made everybody's day fun within this awesome lobby!
She spared no expense with anything, the food being no exception. Unovan pizza, Casteliacones, cheesy bread, you name it! She'll grab a bite to eat once she performs Hilda's Happy Recon! Go go, Hilda Rangers! Super awesome Hilda Rangers! Heeeey, Hilda Rangers sounds like an awesome nickname for her great clients and employees!
Melanie's on a roll with her creative writing booth! Hehe, she's not struggling with setting decisions for once! Arthur's talking about plays and classical literature, Jacques is giving acting lessons, and Silver pretends to be disinterested in everything. You aren't subtle, Silver. Even Val-Val's more subtle than you, which says a lot.
Speaking of Val-Val and on a roll, how can Hilda not tear up with what she's seeing on her right? Look at Val-Val at his booth, talking about art, such charm, confidence, and passion exhibiting like he's the star of the museum! Rosa's passion is no different, the twirler showing how to paint in the booth right of his! Hehe, they're both talking about the same topic! Valen's showing how Caravaggio's dramatic lighting makes his work feel like theatre, while Rosa's teaching how to utilize dramatic lighting! Go go go, go Valen, go Rosa!
Yeah yeah yeah, go Rui! Drop that freestyle, flow to that beat like a boss! Hilbert and Rui need to collab at some point! Heeeeey, maybe she can get Rui, Hilbert, Brendan, and Hau on one song! Hehe, it'll definitely make it to the top of the charts!
It's time for Obvious Silver's sequel! Look at silly Silver subtly listening to Val-Val talking about classical sculpture! Hilda's aware of his own fondness for antiquity, that's a common interest he shares with Kris.
Hilda once organized a lecture on classical sculpture in Johto for Kris. She was an absolute stunner in that Guzmani suit and in those high heels! Silver was blushing so hard that he could dress up as a Charmeleon without the mask! Hehe, just like Val-Val when he saw how good Rosa and her look in suits!
Upon both Valen and Rosa catching him in the act, Silver pretends to have zoned out. He faintly screeches upon seeing Hilda's glowing face and silly smile.
"No, no, and no." He crosses his arms, pretending to brood. "I like antiquity and I like Kris, but I like Kris as a friend."
Mhm, he definitely knows about the art historian Keldon Clarke Clarke and his book on the nude in art. He knows all about the sculptors Timaeus and Phylades. He knows all about Timeaus' King Triton sculpture from 175 BCE, plus Phylades' Champion Apollo sculpture from 177 BCE. He totally isn't playing it cool, no siree.
At first, it looks like Rui's nodding in agreement with him. Finally, somebody who sees that-wait a minute. Upon closer inspection, Silver realizes that she's now listening to rap music, meaning her headphones are on. For some reason, she's whistling a Western tune that sounds like fun. He can also hear what sounds like smooth jazz, the whistling being on the same wavelength with.
"Huh…which style of rap uses that?"
"It's called Phenac Mobb Music!"
Good thing she's paying some attention, or that line in front of her booth would have caused an awkward moment for her.
Moving on, has Kris been trying to tell him something via her interest in these classical sculptures? Lotta these sculptures feature tough guys, and while he may not be as muscular as-shut up. Stupid fake Silver, stupid Kris, stupid Gladion, stupid flowers that Kris would-shut up means shut up.
Silver won't deny that Kris looked amazing in a suit and high heels. He'll even admit that she looked really freaking amazing, he's just that nice. All of that blushing nonsense is hogwash—he ingested too much hot sauce prior.
Hilda strides into the Pokémon Fun Room, clasping her hands behind her back. She waves at Jacques' Kingdra, who's relaxing in a pool.
"Hehe, those carnival games are going to lose to our awesome Pokémon besties!"
She wanted to pick this lounge area because because the paintings on the walls and ceilings depict hundreds of Pokémon. Trotting rings through her ears, causing her to titter.
"Uh oh, here comes three cuties!"
Hehe, look at Jacques' Sylveon playing a game of tag with Rui's Leafeon and Glaceon! They look so adorable and precious with those winsome grins, running around the tables like it's an obstacle course! Go go Eevee Rangers, get em Pink Ranger!
Oh nooooo, Sylveon caught both Leafeon and Glaceon, and now she's twirling like Rosa in celebration! Hehe, Leafeon and Glaceon are it now!
Hilda's daffily smile gives way to a puzzled facial expression. Why is Rui's Suicune wearing a Rayquaza costume? What's up with the weird dressing up game between Suicune, Rosa's Volcarona, Melanie's Absol, Silver's Arcanine, Rui's Talonflame, and her Beartic?
Come to think of it, the others are confusing her too! Suicune dressed as Rayquaza, Volcarona dressed up as Ho-oh, Absol dressed up as Darkrai? Those two don't even fit in those costumes! They look like they're wearing baggy clothes! At least Arcanine fits in that Gro-he doesn't fit in that Groudon costume. Her Beartic doesn't fit in that Kyogre costume.
She's about to warn that Beartic's about to trip over the giant rear fin, but Beartic trips before she can say one word. Like a bowling ball hitting pins, Beartic tumbles into everybody but Talonflame, who already wins for having picked a Moltres costume. That being said, Talonflame's struggling to stay up in the air due to hysterical laughter.
The others are lying atop each other in a disoriented pile, wondering what the Muk just happened. Especially Absol, who grumbles about how could this happen to her. She's made her mistakes, but she's got nowhere to run! Whatever, the night goes on. Even though it's daytime, it's still nighttime for her.
Jacques' Sirfetch'd, Arthur's Raichu and Rui's Midnight Lycanroc can't greet Hilda as she approaches—they're in an titanic showdown with the claw machine.
Both of them want those plushies of themselves. This vile three-fingered claw is a formidable opponent. It tricks them into thinking they've got the plushies when it's just going to drop them. Nevertheless, they will claim their rightful prizes from their foe!
Silver's Feraligatr and Aggron are competing to see who can best the other in a high striker, or a strength tester, competition. Valen's Golisopod, Jacques' Greninja, Hilda's Emboar, and Arthur's Grimmsnarl are are partaking in this competition too.
Speaking of Grimmsnarl, he whacks the lever with the hammer. He smugly grins while watching the lever go up and strike the dinging bell. First Golisopod, then Emboar, and now him! Feraligatr, Aggron, and need to step it up!
Not according to Emboar, who accuses Grimmsnarl of rigging the match in his favor. Before they can try anything else, Golisopod smacks both of them on the back of the head.
Make a right to get to the ball throwing game. Valen's Typhlosion and Melanie's Swampert have bested the latter's Scizor teammate and Silver's Zoroark. The starter evolutions fist bump, this wicked ball throwing game has finally been defeated!
As he observes this, Silver's Zoroark growls that they could've won at this human game. However, somebody tried throwing the balls with big metal claws. Melanie's Scizor picks up on this, daring Zoroark to open his big mouth again. In response, Zoroark repeats himself: "big. metal. claws."
Scizor makes a punching motion, daring Zoroark to "come at me bro." As they stare each other down, Zoroark howls if Scizor's "feeling lucky, punk?"
Valen's Gardevoir turns her head sideways, giving the bickering Pokemon her signature stare of doom. She warns them to behave, her zero tolerance policy for nonsense around her trainer still in effect. Once they return to behaving, she re-joins Silver's Crobat, Melanie's Alakazam, and Jacques' Metagross in studying the numerous paintings created by humans long ago.
Melanie's Pyroar and Jacques' Tsareena are taken by the size of the food court, deeming it a proper human establishment for a royal Pokémon like them. Poffins, cupcakes, rice balls labeled jelly doughnuts for amusing reasons, this variety of scrumptious edibles is most impressive.
As she munches on cupcakes and drink Berry Juice with Jacques' Charizard, Valen's Typhlosion snickers that Pyroar is the real ignoramus, because he can't even tell that Luxray likes Umbreon back. Charizard remarks that he's the most fabulous Charizard that any human or Pokémon will lay eyes upon. Suicune and Pyroar don't have anything on him.
Valen's Salamence and Rosa's Milotic share a berry in the food court as part of an impromptu lunch date. Salamence seems to be content with Milotic occasionally rubbing the right side of her face against his head. This causes Hilda's eyes to sparkle like the ruby attached to her diamond-lace necklace. Her Hilda senses tingle, and they "tell" her that things are about to take a turn for the adorable. For once, nobody will see it coming.
A misplaced step sends Salamence tumbling forward into Milotic, resulting in an accidental kiss. Both Salamence and Milotic now have faces that make them look like Fire-types. It doesn't help that her Garchomp, Rosa's Hydreigon, Melanie's Dragonite, and Silver's Kommo-o have formed a barrier around their dragon bro.
Garchomp and Hydreigon egg Salamence on with playful roars. Dragonite and Kommo-o attempt to push Salamence in for another kiss with Milotic. Milotic happily thanks the other dragons for helping Salamence to get used to their romance. Salamence cries out that they should do this to Umbreon and Luxray for once.
Speaking of Umbreon and her crush, Hilda's now hovering over her with a silly smile. "So, have you asked Luxray out on a date yet?" She titters, closing her eyes. "Do you need some advice?"
Umbreon apparently forgets that she's not a Flareon whenever the topic of her crush comes up. Unbeknownst to nobody, that blushing face lies an elated inner Umbreon who wants Luxray to accidentally kiss her.
Ask and Umbreon shall receive—Luxray's running this way in a panic. His attempt to avoid being pet causes him to run into Umbreon, accidentally kissing her right cheek. Both quadrupeds yelp, with Umbreon squealing in her mind.
Luxray's bluish face burns bright red, but that's not the problem. Rui's him cornered and are slowly reaching out to partake in the absolutely horrendous and appalling action known as...petting an edgelord feline. Whatever, he'd will allow his proud feline self to be petted. Only because of what Rui did for his trainer, who's more important than his pride.
Umbreon and Luxray overhear the former's Gengar teammate singing karaoke. Ha, they'll show him the edgelord side of rock music is superior to his Chandelure Song Song! Both run towards the stage, only for Umbreon to trip over herself. Luxray takes a peek behind him, only to have a second accidental kiss happens when their mouths connect.
Gengar watches this adorable sight, but he isn't grinning. He knows what Hilda's thinking—did he perform six jump scares, or only five? Now he grins, snickering that the answer is seven within the past two weeks.
Hilda takes a peek at the watch she's wearing today. It's almost time to get the main event going. Prepare yourself, you big world! A certain someone's officially returning today, and Raichu and Lycanroc won those plushies! She clasps her hands in front of her right shoulder, her eyes glittering at their adorable smiley faces. Hehe, Sirfetch'd is acting all cool!
The main arena's bleachers are packed and everybody's ready. It's time to rock. Rosa and Hilda wink and press their backs together. The duo's basking in how elegant and professional their appearences are. "Ladies and gentleman, are you ready for a battle that's awesomeeeeeeee?!" Rosa and Hilda beckon into their microphones. "We can't hear yoooou!" They've got the crowd's roaring like dragons!
It's for Rosa and Hilda to hand out more free smiles. "It's about you, it's about me!" Their bubbly voices carry melodious tones. "It's about hope, it's about dreams!" Peace signs in front of their foreheads for good measure. "It's about besties who work together to claim their destiny!" They switch positions. "It's about reaching for the sky, having the courage and willing to try!" They narrow their eyes, raising a fist each upwards. "It's about never giving up so hold your head up, and we will carry on!" A high-five amidst the applause is needed, because they rock!
"Nooooow!" Rosa spins, extending her right hand towards the left entrance. "In this corner, we have a trainer who happens to be our sweetie." she winks "This is the official return of Le Faucher Noooooir!" Tee-hee, her fellow fangirls are squealing already!
Out comes Valen in his Guzmani suit. The chorus, the cheering, they're even chanting his monikers. This is just like the tournaments, the contests, the Battle Dome in Hoenn's Battle Frontier, the Pokémon Masters League, it's all coming back to him. He wants to cry, he truly wants to cry. Of course, Rosa and Hilda just have to blow a kiss at him. Crazy wholesome minds.
Hilda mimics Rosa, but in the opposite direction. "In this corner, we have a trainer who's a good friend of all three of us!" She winks too. "Come on out, Silver The Punisher!"
Silver strolls onto the field wearing his usual attire, murmuring, "Glad this crowd's cheering for him more—I'm not the type to care about that to begin with."
Valen envisions all four of the final battles of the conferences that he won first place in. It's like he's there again, watching Salamence use Iron Tail to land the winning blow against Alexis' Walrein. Replays of his battles from his other three victories soon follow. Gardevoir using Psychic to claim victory to defeat Jeremey's Red Gyarados, Salamence using Dragon Pulse to triumph over Ragnar's Flygon, and Golisopod engaging in a sword battle with Jacques' Greninja via Liquidation and Night Slash respectively.
His eyes begin to water as he looks down at his attire. Now he gets it, now he gets why they wanted the battle to be part of the event. They want him to remember these days, they want him to succeed with them. The shadows took a massive loss when it tried to break his bonds. With their help, he broke the grip of darkness that corrupted his mind.
There they are, there's the Calvanian Elite Four. As expected, they're up in the VIP section. The unmistaken Drakkon tribal robe of Abeiku Akousa, the red suit of the classy fashion model Camilla Përmeti, the tough biker-looking posture and clothes of Hans Eriksen, leave it to Hilda to get even them to show up. Topping it off is the Elite Four's defacto leader. He's donning his red suit jacket, his long hair draped over his shoulders. The stern and fierce expression of Sir Maximus Jeremiah Pegasus Cubworth, usually just referred to as Pegasus Cubworth, paints a thousand words.
Wait, there's one more person with them! There's no wat, he's here too?! That long pink hair, that red suit, the rose clenched in-between his teeth, the pinkish-red vampire cape, it's Siegfried Schroeder! Valen didn't expect the region's flamboyant champ to come out to witness this battle. A knot forms within his stomach. What will happen if he screws up in front of the region's best-enough. Enough doubt, he's here to wow the crowd and to prove that he's still got it.
Of course, Hilda's got camera crews in here for live coverage. That means his parents are definitely going to witness at least some of this. Work kept them from showing up, but he knows mom and dad are always rooting for his success. A bunch of his relatives must be tuning it as well. Maybe Skyla's watching all the from Unova? Are Serena and Calem tuning in within Kalos? Could Team Skull doing their chant while witnessing this very moment?
Melanie, Arthur, Jacques, and Rui are near the camera crews, having been joined by Ragnar. He gives them two thumbs up, flashing a smug grin. Silver won't know what hit him.
Valen and Silver stare each other down like it's the Old West. The two of them grab a Poké Ball from their belts, the scene feeling like a slow-motion moment in a film.
"I'll use my Arcanine."
Silver throws the ball into the air to let the canine out, catching it as it comes back down. Arcanine lands in a sitting position, but quickly moves to standing on all fours. He lets out a proud howl, rubbing his hind paws backwards on the battlefield.
Valen doesn't say anything as he presses the button to let his choice of Pokémon out. Luxray's getting his rematch, just like his trainer promised. The feline decides to pull a Salamence, doing a mid-air back flip as he emerges onto the scene. He lands on all fours and hisses, electricity crackling all around him.
"Let's start things off with Extreme Speed."
A translucent crimson red aura envelopes Arcanine, his charge so that everybody sees a blur. When Arcanine becomes visible again, he crashes into Luxray. The feline staggers, but shakes it off. He hisses that there's way he's going down this time.
"Bulldoze."
Arcanine slams his paws onto the ground, a red aura of energy pulsating through the tremors. Luxray hisses, slamming all four paws into the ground. He barely has time to think when a crimson red stream of fire from his mouth scorches his face.
"Leap up and zap em with Thunderbolt!"
The prideful feline hisses that those attacks weren't good enough. He leaps into the air, the beaming sunlight giving the feline a majestic aesthetic. Here comes that yellow aura, and here comes the bolt from the top of his head Arcanine's enveloped by crackling electricity within seconds.
"Fire Blast!"
Arcanine shakes his head, holding it up high afterwards. Luxray leans on his front paws with the intent take the attack head on. The flames Arcanine spits out morphs into the kanji for fire, and it quickly envelops the feline's body. He shuts his eyes and grits his teeth, determined to show Arcanine that he's not going down a second time.
"Dragon Pulse, go."
Arcanine's mouth is filled up by a crimson red sphere with swirling flames. Launching the sphere causes it to transform into a dragon-shaped beam. The beam further transforms, expanding into an gigantic dragon with wings, talon and a tail. Its aesthetic is one of lava and molten rock, the ensuing screeching wind enveloping the battlefield.
The dragon's coming in hot at a rocket-like velocity, Valen's pun being intended. "Heh, let's do this." He snaps his fingers. "Charge into Dragon Pulse with Wild Charge!"
"Say what?!"
"I'm a loose cannon, Silver!" Valen smacks his fists together. "I'm the big bad trainer who beats you down and beats you down without ever letting up!"
A thunderstorm-like rumble engulfs the arena as Luxray leaps into the sky. It's a majestic sight for the crowd, albeit the view of his body is slightly obstructed by the massive congregation of electricity.
A ear-piercing detonation erupts upon impact, a wave of smoke enveloping the battlefield. Within the thick smoke, Luxray dives down like a missile, his full body colliding with Arcanine's back. Arcanine bellows, the ground cracking underneath as he's forced inwards.
As visibility becomes better, Luxray jumps backwards. Sparks surround his body, causing him to faintly yelp.
"Rapid fire combo with Agility and Night Slash!"
Now Arcanine sees Luxray, now Arcanine doesn't. As the canine frantically attempts to find an opening, he's slashed on the upper back by Luxray's front claws, which glow purple. Luxray vanishes, then re-appears to slash Arcanine's right. Luxray continues his assault of appearing, Night Slash, vanishing before Arcanine can strike back.
After several more strikes, Luxray jumps back and hisses at the kneeling canine. Electricity sparks around him again with more intensity, a loud crackling accompanying it.
Valen inserts his hands into his pockets, a frisson of adrenaline causing a wide grin to debouch.
"Light this battlefield up with Thunder!"
Luxray hisses with pride, his body being enveloped by a thick lighting yellow aura. Luxray launches a bolt from his back that's the size of his body. As Thunder strikes and overwhelms Arcanine, Luxray thanks him for a good fight.
The vanishing electricity reveals to Luxray that he's done it, he's defeated Silver's Arcanine. Forget hissing, feel the roar of the king, humans and other Pokémon! Hahahahaha, he just proved that he's not a cute kitten! A cute kitten who's obsessed with belly rubs couldn't have take down a big bad Arcanine!
Silver stands still, his eyes fixated on the downed canine. He smirks, recalling Arcanine. Back onto the belt his ball goes, Silver detaching another one afterwards.
"I'll use this."
He presses the button to let out Cro...nope. Valen isn't fooled by this. Crobat's not even making the usual screeching sound. Not to mention that Silver's Crobat is abnormally large.
Valen places his hands inside of his pockets. "Hmph, use Thunderbolt."
Luxray roars, a lightning yellow aura surrounding his body. A strong bolt is fired from the top of his head. The "Crobat" is quickly exposed for what it really is. Yep, it's just as Valen suspected. It's not Silver's Crobat, it's his Zoroark.
"Did you really think Illusion would work on me?"
"Nope, but it is what it is." Silver shrugs with a smirk, flashing a stern look afterwards. "Zoroark, use Nasty Plot."
A glowing orb resembling a full moon appears above Zoroark. Both the orb and Zoroark's eyes glow pitch black. Zoroark howls, pitch black aura enveloping his body. The aura resembles a current flowing upwards.
"Thunderbolt again!"
Just as the pitch black aura leaves Zoroark, Luxray's body glows lighting yellow. He hisses while firing a strong bolt from the top of his head. Zoroark stares directly at the approaching bolt, not worried in the slightest.
"Use Protect and Nasty Plot."
Zoroark blocks Luxray's Thunderbolt with a translucent light blue shield, his feet firmly planted as the feline tries to break through. The moon-like orb appears again, glowing pitch black with Zoroark's eyes and body. Zoroark hears Luxray hissing that he he'll going to go down sooner or later, so come towards him already. Zoroark cackles that Luxray should be care what he wishes for.
"Zoroark, Agility."
"Luxray, use your Agility!"
Both Zoroark and Luxray move so quickly that they appear to vanish and re-appear over and over again. Neither's able to find an opening for an attack, but neither's giving in.
"Swift!"
"Thunder Fang!"
As Zoroark pelts Luxray with a barrage of crimson stars, Luxray endures it to bite down on Zoroark's left leg, the former's teeth glowing lightning yellow.
"Use Night Daze."
Zoroark's eyes glow crimson, an aura of the same surrounding him. He raises his hands above the top o his head, a crackling black and crimson sphere appearing in-between them. Zoroark hurls the sphere at the ground, the ensuing collision causing an blast in all direction via a forcefield.
Luxray bellows as he's lifted off of the ground. He's sent flying behind Valen like a rock skipping on a pond. Luxray barely misses ramming into the wall, landing on his belly instead. The feline won't be defeated so easily. He wants to go all out, his trainer's aware of that.
"Wild Charge!"
Electricity surrounding Luxray's body, and it quickly becomes a massive congregation of lightning. Luxray rockets towards Zoroark, sending him into an impromptu meeting the back and the battlefield's wall. Luxray nearly falls from the sparkling recoil, but he fought hard. That's what matters, he's got no regrets.
"Use Dark Pulse."
Zoroark leaps onto his feet. He launches a stream of crimson circles from his mouth, which strike Luxray's face. Luxray wishes that he could fight on, but he's down for the count. He congratulates Zoroark, then onto the field he goes.
Did Valen forget about Protect earlier? Either way, his Luxray fought well. He's proud of him, and that smile Luxray's flashing means that knows it. Luxray's proud of him too, Valen affirms while calling the feline back into his ball. He swaps it with another ball from inside his jacket.
No amount of doubt is going to get in his way. "Golisopod, give em a beatdown!" He throws the ball into the air, the bulky Bug and Water-type slamming onto the ground on his feet.
Silver decides to stick with Zoroark, despite the type matchup. Zoroark seems to want to have a go at an opponent with the type advantage to begin with.
"Use First Impression."
Golisopod dashes at such great speed that he seems to vanish. He re-appears inches of Zoroark, and slams his whole body into the Dark-type. Zoroark's sent hurling behind Silver and into the wall, but he's able to remain on his feet.
"Use Swords Dance."
Golisopod crosses his arms and glows light blue. Swords of the same color materialize and encircle the armored arthropod. The swords rotate, then they vanish. Golisopod bangs his chest, ready to trade claws.
"Quick, Dark Pulse!"
Zoroark howls like a full moon's in the sky, a stream of crimson circles being fired from his mouth.
"Poison Jab!"
Golisopod's right claw glows purple, his left claw following suit. He's going all out this time. He maneuvers around the stream of circles, plus the ensuing attempts to land a blow. He begins striking Zoroark over and over again like a professional martial artist.
As Zoroark kneels, Valen sees a chance to increase offensive power. "Swords Dance again."
Golisopod crosses his arms once more, the glow and swords returning. Like before, the swords encircle rotate, and vanish.
"Zoroark, use Throat Chop."
"Sucker Punch!"
Purple mist-like energy surrounds Zoroark's arms, while Golisopod leaps forward like a high-speed train. Golisopod clocks Zoroark with his glowing dark green claws, sending the Dark-type spiraling around.
"Liquidation!" Valen's conation keeps climbing up the mountain.
"Night Slash." Silver's looking forward to this battle of the blades.
Small particles of energy collects above Zoroark's head as he raises his arms. A pitch black scythe-like blade, A crimson scythe-like weapon materializes within the Dark-type's hands, while a crescent- shaped water sword materializes in Golisopod's left hand. Zoroark grips the giant scythe with one hand, while Golisopod twirls his sword like a spinning top. Both Pokémon joust towards each other like fast cars, with Golisopod cackling that he's Excalipod.
Golisopod and Zoroark zigzag in parallel directions, envisioning the other in slow motion. A gleam is exchanged between their fierce glares, the two Pokémon colliding their weapons like they're in a movie with a sword battle. Water and energy splash and burst with each thwacking that occurs, neither one allowing the door to open for contact.
Eventually, both land a direct hit to each other's chests, both careening backwards. They pant, but remain standing.
A snap of the fingers is the signal for Golisopod to show off even more. Another large crescent-like water sword takes form within his other hand. He twirls both of them, then raises them above his head. He leaps up as high as he can, cackling that it's been a while since he's gotten to dual wield like a boss.
Zoroark's eyes widen immensely, his jaw dropping as Golisopod hovers down towards him. A swing of both water swords slams him face first into the ground. His hands grip the battlefield as he slowly gets back up, sensing that this battle could be over. He fought his hardest, he has no regrets.
"Use X-Scissor and Liquidation together!"
Golisopod crosses his arms, a water sword forming in his right hand. As he twirls the water sword, a light blue x appears in front his arms. He uses the full force of his body to leap towards Zoroark, slamming into the black and dark red bipedal. Golisopod backs up, swinging his water sword into Zoroark's right side. The water passes through the Dark-type, who tumbles onto the ground after the water sword evaporates. As his trainer calls him back, Golisopod thanks Zoroark for a good fight.
"Take flight, Crobat."
The purple four-winged back emerges from the ball, flying higher in preparation for this powerful adversary.
"Use Aerial Ace."
Crobat dives down like a missile, his body covered by a white oval-shaped sphere with purple streaks. The four-winged bat crashes into Golisopod like a meteor, nearly sending the arthropod careening towards the wall. A firm placement of his feet prevent that, but that attack did a number on him. That's not enough to bring him down-he's raring for more instead.
"Sludge Bomb."
A hailstorm of brown sludge that glow purple is fired upon Golisopod from Crobat's mouth. An bubbling purple aura envelops Golisopod's body.
Silver grins, leaning forward with a fist clenched. "Use Venoshock."
Crobat fires giant blobs of purple sludge from its mouth like a cannon. As they careen towards him, Golisopod waves bye. He goes back into his ball, Emergency Exit having kicked in. Another ball pops open at random, Gengar snickering while hovering over the rocky terrain.
"Gengar, Will-O-Wisp!'
Gengar's eyes glow spectral blue, a ghostly ball of blue flames encroaching on the purple four-winged bat. Crobat attempts to zoom past, but his wings are enveloped by larger blue flames. The rest of his body follows suit within milliseconds.
Silver motions his right hand backwards, then forwards. "Use Shadow Ball."
A violet sphere of energy appears in front of Crobat's mouth. The four-winged bat fires it off, the sphere striking Gengar in the face.
"Dark Pulse."
As Gengar wobbles, he's struck by a steam of black and purple circles. He topples onto his back, but he's not out.
"Use Hex!"
Gengar leaps back up, a laugh drowning out any noises near him. His red eyes ominously gleam, a giant pair of blood red eyes materializing above his aura envelops Crobat, who closes his eyes as it grows more intense.
"Use Shadow Ball and Ice Punch!"
Gengar extends his hands forward, a black and purple sphere of energy forming in the middle. The attack lands a direct hit on Crobat's face, sending him falling out of the sky. He lands face-first onto the grassy section of the battlefield, only to see Gengar leaping into the air. Both of Gengar's fist are covered in frost white ice. Crobat attempts to fly away, but Gengar leaps down and slugs him twice.
"Return."
Back into the ball Crobat goes, said ball being swapped for another. Out comes Feraligatr, who roars while banging his chest.
"Double Team and Shadow Claw."
Multiple clones surround Gengar, causing his trademark grin to turn into a scowl. He spins around in an attempt to find an opening, but no such luck greets him. Both of Feraligatr's claws glow pitch black. He leaps into the air, diving down and slashing Gengar on the top of his head.
"Giga Drain, then Sludge Bomb!"
The spikes on Gengar's back protrude, all of them releasing purple streaks of energy that latch onto Feraligatr. While that's occurring, Gengar opens his mouth to unleash a barrage of brown sludge that glows purple. The blizzard of sludge wallops Feraligatr in the lower jaw, the Water-type kneeling halfway as the purple streaks retract.
"Ice Beam."
Feraligatr's booming cry drowns out many other sounds. He launches a frost white beam of energy from his mouth. The ensuing hit results in large chunks of ice encasing Gengar.
"Hit em with Liquidation."
Feraligatr's body is surrounded by a thick sphere of water. The reptilian lunges face first into Gengar, shattering the ice and sending the Ghost-type flying into the wall. Feraligatr commends the Ghost-type for a battle well fought. Gengar drops onto his face, but his grin's still there. Him and his teammates want to win this battle, but they've already won a battle.
"Good battling."
Valen calls back his Gengar, swapping his ball out for another. Valen was hoping to use Phantom Force, but it may not have mattered in the long run.
They're almost three for three, and he can't contain it anymore. The cheering, the battling, his two kooks cheering him on, this conation within him, it's making him more and more excited with each passing second.
"This battle's awesome!" Valen screams into the sky, causing the crowd to erupt in cheering. "I'm having a blast!"
Now there's the Valen that Silver wanted to see, as evident by his satisfied smile. That's the Valen who triumphed over Hoenn's Battle Frontier, among other impressive feats. Sure, he's lost against several powerful trainers, but he went down with a fight. That's what matters.
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BossCar
Pokémon Trainer
- Pronouns
- He/His
Chapter 41: Accepting One's Strengths
The sun sinks into a sea of clouds, the singing of cheers continuing to fill the air. Many chanting one or both of Valen's monikers.
Silver isn't just indifferent to whether they cheer him on—he wants every ounce of that cheering to go towards his longtime friend. Rosa, Hilda, and the others didn't need to be told that. It's obvious that Valen's the outgoing one between the two of them He's the one who needs to regain self-esteem. He's the one...who needs to remember how valued he is. He'll always remember the moment Valen said these words: "I'm not going to judge you."
"Let's continue."
Silver slightly jerks his head back. "My bad, got lost in my train of thought." He flashes a smile. "Great battle so far."
Valen grabs a ball off of his belt, a big grin on his face. "I agree." Silver's a nice person, no matter how grumpy he can be. "Golisopod's coming back!"
Valen chucks the ball into the air. Golisopod leaps out, landing on the battlefield while leaning forward. He hopes that at least one human or Pokémon is in awe over how cool he is.
Silver calls Feraligatr back into his ball, swapping it with another. "So is Crobat."
Silver presses the button, the four-winged back soaring out. Crobat and Golisopod glare at each other like they're in an Old West movie.
"First Impression, then use Swords Dance!"
Now Crobat sees Golisopod, now Crobat sees him inches away. He jabs the four-winged bat with his entire body, which sends the bat into a downwards spiral. Golisopod crosses his arms, his body glowing light blue. Swords materialize and encircle him. The swords rotate, then dissipate.
"Aerial Ace."
A white oval-shaped sphere with purple streaks surrounds Crobat as he dives downwards. Crobat collides with Golisopod, sending the arthropod careening backwards. His faint cackle leaves Crobat perplexed.
"Gotcha." Valen snickers. "Ground Crobat with Liquidation, then use Swords Dance!"
He slams the water sword on the top of Crobat's head. A rock pillar shatters are Crobat crashes into it, the field itself cracking underneath.
"Agh!" Silver scowls, leaning forward with his right fist clenched. "Sludge Bomb."
"Sucker Punch!"
Golisopod dashes, his claws glowing dark green. He clocks Crobat's in the wings.
Silver grits his teeth. "Confuse Ray!"
Crobat's eyes glow violet, Golisopod's eyes following suit. The arthropod begins wobbling around, but not for long.
"Liquidation!"
Golisopod swings his right arm upwards, the wobbling ceasing. Another crescent-shaped water sword appears within that hand. He spins it, then he swings it. The water goes through Crobat's body, the bat's eyes shut.
"Confuse Ray didn't do a thing!" Silver grunts, then realizes that that Golisopod's on his last legs. "Use Hyper Beam!"
Crobat uses the rest of his strength to launch a massive orange beam of energy from his mouth.
Golisopod topples face-first onto the rocky terrain, Crobat crash landing into a large pillar across from him seconds later.
Valen calls Golisopod back, swapping his ball for another. Whenever they're about to be defeated, Silver and his team try to go down with a bang. Speaking of which, Crobat's being called back. Which Pokémon will Silver call out next?
"Feraligatr's coming back."
Into the air the ball goes, out comes Feraligatr. Since Feraligatr knows Ice Beam, Silver did consider saving him for Valen's strongest Pokémon. However, Kommo-o wants to have a go at said Pokémon. Feraligatr and the rest of the team respect that, and their trainer isn't an exception. Type advantages only net a slight edge against an opponent with significant battle prowess to begin with.
"Get em, Gardevoir!"
Gardevoir doesn't make a sound, merely folding her arms. An ominous aura befalls the field, but Silver and his Feraligatr are accustomed to it.
"Use Shadow Claw!"
Both of Feraligatr's hands glow pitch black as he leaps towards Gardevoir. He slashes her with his claws a couple of times, her gown flattening out at the sides as she kneels.
"Keep at it!" Silver inches forward. "Don't take any chances with her!" Brandon's Regice learned that lesson the hard way.
"Counter with Reflect!"
Gardevoir leaps onto her feet, her eyes glowing light blue. A circular light blue barrier causes her gown to blow backwards. Feraligatr snarls as he keeps trying to break through the barrier. Slam after slam, but there's no dice. His seemingly endless attempts causes Gardevoir's smirk to become a grin.
"Jump and use Thunderbolt."
She launches a purple lightning bolt from the top of her head, crackling sparks enveloping Feraligatr within seconds.
"Use Shadow Claw before she can strike again!"
Feraligatr slams his glowing claws into Gardevoir. She careens into a rock pillar, but she cackles that it wasn't good enough.
"Rapid fire combo using Teleport and Thunderbolt."
She manically laughs as she vanishes. She re-appears, the purple bolt already being launched. She vanishes and re-appears to fire off another purple bolt. She repeats this process several times.
"Psychic!"
Gardevoir laughs, her eyes glistening light blue. A gigantic wave of energy is hurled at Feraligatr. He crosses his arms, the force crashing into him picking him up and throwing him like a frisbee.
"Use Thunderbolt one more time."
Feraligatr staggers onto his feet. The dark blue aura of Torrent envelops him, only for a purple bolt to strike him in the jaw. The electricity expands all around his body, causing his to grunt. Once it evaporates, Feraligatr slams onto the battlefield on his back.
"Aggron, go."
Silver chucks the ball upwards, the armored bipedal smashing two rock pillars on its way out. Aggron bangs his chest, roaring that this is Itia! Don't look at him like that, Gardevoir. Champion Leonidas had an Aggron, hasn't she watched the movie? Gardevoir crosses her arms, tilting her head from side to side. She cackles, wishing Aggron and his trainer luck.
"Use Bulk Up, then use Iron Head."
Aggron smugly grins, flexing his arms like a bodybuilder. A reddish-black glow envelops his body. The ground trembles as Aggron charges in like a tank, his head gleaming metallic gray. Gardevoir tries to jump out of the way, but she's sent slinging into the wall behind her trainer.
"Another Psychic!"
Gardevoir's eyes glow light blue, and she unleashes a giant wave of energy. Even though Aggron's type resistance is doing little to dampen how strong her attack is, she might go down within a move or two. However, her trainer's proud smile is always a victory for her and her teammates.
"Iron Tail."
Aggron swings his tail, which glows metallic gray, into Gardevoir's right side. She crumples onto the ground, but there's a devious grin on her face. This battle's already won, nothing can change her mind. That proud smile on her trainer's face is already a big win to begin with.
Valen recalls Gardevoir back into her ball, them re-attaches the ball onto his belt. He could've called for Recover and Aura Sphere, but the matchup wasn't in her favor. She fought her hardest, that's more than good enough.
It's time for his starter to take the stage.
"Typhlosion, turn up the heat!"
He hurls the ball above, Typhlosion's belligerent and volcanic roar making the ground tremble. Typhlosion bears her fangs at Aggron. Look at her trainer speaking with confidence and determination. Let's do this, Valen! The flames on her back thundering upwards like magma. Another roar makes the ground tremble at her feet again. Ha, Brandon's Registeel should've heeded her roars!
"Use Work Up!"
"Bulk Up."
The reddish-black glow returns to surround the flexing Steel and Rock-type again, while Typhlosion's body is briefly surrounded by a light orange aura. Another roar from her, with Aggron deciding to respond with a roar of his own.
"Earthquake."
Aggron slams his tail as hard as he can, white shockwaves rippling through the ground. Typhlosion shuts her eyes while letting out a low-pitched grumble.
"Stone Edge."
Rocks that glow metallic black materialize and encircle Aggron. A hailstorm of rocks is hurled towards Typhlosion.
"Smash them with Fire Punch!" Valen bends his elbows and clenches his fists. "Give em a Flamethrower too!"
Typhlosion opens her eyes, her belligerent roar an erupting volcano. Her hands are enveloped by flames. One by one, she shatters the rock with single punches. Wham, bam, pow! That's what Rosa likes to say, and that's what she's doing! A red-orange stream of swirling fire is launched afterwards. Flames burst out all over Aggron's body, the armor-plated bipedal letting out a deep cry.
"Use your Earthquake!"
Typhlosion's belligerent roar makes the ground tremble with shockwaves. Aggron digs into the terrain with his tail, his wobbling becoming heavier.
"Iron Defense and Focus Blast."
Aggron's body briefly gleams with a metallic black aura, the shockwaves ceasing. After the aura vanishes, a metallic light blue orb forms in-between Aggron's hands. He launches the orb like a pitcher launching a baseball.
"Big mistake!" Valen laughs. "Return to sender with Strength!" He angles his chest rightwards. "Throw in a second Fire Punch!"
"Say what?!" Silver blurts out.
She slams into Focus Blast with such force that it boomerangs. Aggron's own attack collides with his midsection, resulting in him bellowing. In the process, he's also pelted by rocks from several shattered pillars. He nearly topples over, using his tail for support. Before he can regain his composure, Typhlosion slugs him in the jaw with her right fist, which is surrounded by flames.
Silver's eyes widen, his Aggron having the same expression. How'd they forget about these tactics? Has it really be that long?
"No, don't lose focus!" Silver shouts. "Use Thunder Punch!"
"Looks like they wanna fist fight." Valen slides his hands into his pockets. "Slug em with Fire Punches."
Typhlosion's hands are enveloped by flames again, while Aggron's hands are surrounded by crackling electricity. Like boxers in a ring, Typhlosion and Aggron trade blows while trying to dodge the other's attack. An eruption of a roar spontaneously overwhelms all other sounds. Typhlosion's eyes glow blue, as do the flames on her back. Flames of the same color surround her as she slugs Aggron twice in the face. Blaze has been activated, but Typhlosion's on her last legs. One or two more attacks will knock her out, but she's smugly grinning. Silver better not get comfortable-the strongest member of the team's yet to come out.
"Earthquake."
Aggron slams his tail again, the ground trembling due to the ensuing white shockwaves. Typhlosion grits her teeth, trying her best to stay standing.
"Fire Blast, quick!"
Typhlosion drops on all fours. She spits out a powerful surge of red-orange flames, which morph into the kanji for fire. The attack blasts Aggron in his chest, his head forced to turn upwards as he lurches. Typhlosion pants, but she's got no regrets. She tried her best, and Valen's proud of her. As she tumbles onto the field, she flashes a smug grin. This battle's still in the bag. That's what the humans like to say at times, right?
Silver notes the chatting and murmuring within the crowd, plus the bellow of the light wind, are the only sounds keeping the battlefield from being completely silent. There's a degree of tension weighing down on the battlefield. Valen's recalling his Typhlosion with a sense of uncertainty. Valen's down to his last Pokémon while he's got one more left, but even Aggron's a bit nervous about going up against said last Pokémon.
"Come on...keep fighting," Silver mutters. "You're strong."
Rosa and Hilda gulp, their limbs beginning to tighten. Is Valen's going to fight on despite the odds? Would he really forfeit when this battle's being aired as far away as Kalos? Wait a minute, there's no need to worry this time—that smirk on Valen's face speaks volumes. Wide grins kick the worried frowns off of their faces. He's come so far, he can win this.
Valen yanks his sixth and final Poké Ball off of his belt. Dark blue eyes with a gleam narrowing at Silver, smirk morphing into a grin. It's time to win this battle.
"Go."
That one word, spoken in a voice brimming with confidence. Nothing more needs to be said as he throws the ball into the air. Out comes the dragon that some past opponents dreaded to face. A thud echoes as Salamence lands on his feet as hard as he can. His eyes are shut like he's in mediation.
"Salamence, fly and ravage this battlefield with your draconic fury!"
Salamence sharply opens eyes, a heavy wind moaning as he takes flight. The most thunderous and intimidating roar he's let out in a while results in intense shockwaves that overpowers the wind and terrify the ground.
Silver's red hair blows backwards, his arms crossed over his face. However, he's feeling a surge of excitement within him, one that makes him crack an ear-to-ear grin. His mind replays the moment Salamence took down Red's Charizard with his Dragon Pulse, followed by the defeat of Noland's Articuno through Iron Tail. The memory of the Hydro Pump that gave Salamence the win against Brandon's Regirock follows suit.
Back to business. "Use Stone Edge."
Rocks that glow metallic black materialize and encircle Aggron again. Salamence snarls that Aggron can't stop him. In response, Aggron snarls that Salamence shouldn't get overconfident. Aggron launches the rocks at the tri-colored dragon in a narrower formation.
"Do a dragon roll and throw in an Iron Tail."
Salamence evades the barrage of stones via a mid-air backflip, walloping Aggron's back with Iron Tail. Aggron manages to remain standing, but that attack was far from a gentle touch. He vividly remembers now—this Salamence can make any battle harder to win.
"Urgh...Flash Cannon!"
"Use Flamethrower."
Aggron unleashes a large metallic black beam, while Salamence launches a blue stream of swirling fire. The collision causes a detonation, smoke obstructing the view. This is what Valen wanted to happen.
"Hydro Pump."
Salamence wastes no time in launching a powerful jet stream of water, the attack piercing through the smoke. The torrential stream blasts Aggron in the face. Silver grits his teeth, his eyes tilting. It's been so long that he's forgot how tactical Valen can be on a whim.
"Another."
The second jet steam of water slams into Aggron's chest. Aggron topples face-first, while Salamence triumphantly roars. Salamence's roar increases in pitch as the his eyes glow royal blue.
From the sidelines, Melanie's got her elbows bent and her fist raised, her closest fangirl revealing herself. Rui giggles over this, while Arthur and Jacques mirthfully smile.
Silver recalls Aggron, then swaps the Poké Ball for his last one. He throws the ball into the air, Kommo-o coming out roaring.
Kommo-o's roar becomes softer, telling Salamence that he's proud. Salamence looks away, waving his front right claw dismissively. Nevertheless, his grin says it all. The grin quickly vanishes, the tri-colored dragon snarling that he's got this in the bag. Kommo-o chuckles that he's been waiting for this re-match, so bring it on.
Silver realizes that there's no opening for Dragon Dance, at least not one that doesn't leave Kommo-o vulnerable. Maybe an infliction could make it easier.
"Poison Jab!"
Kommo-o's left hand glows purple. A battle cry surrounds him as he lunges towards Salamence. Salamence's smugly grinning for some reason, but that's not important right now.
"Return to sender with Iron Tail!"
"What?!" Silver's eyes widen, his jaw gaping. "You're using that tactic against a move like this?!"
"I'm the big bad trainer who beats you down and beats you down without ever letting up!"
Salamence swings his glowing tail, forcing Kommo'o claw into the bipedal dragon's midsection. Iron Tail sends the shocked reptilian dragon kneeling halfway.
"Air Slash."
Salamence flaps his wings again, the flurry of disc-shaped blades causing Kommo-o to shield himself with his arms. However, the last two blows left their mark, this attack causing him to topple.
"Close Combat!"
Kommo-o rockets above Salamence, pummeling him with seemingly endless punches. The punches increase in velocity, a barrage of kicks joining it. Salamence falls out of the sky, a thud echoing upon impact with several rock pillars.
Now he can safely use it. "Dragon Dance, then Dragon Claw!"
An orange aura surrounds Kommo-o, and he spins four times. Kommo-o's claws glow royal yellow, and he slashes Salamence several times. Salamence digs his claws into the terrain, refusing to give in so easily.
"Use Hydro Pump, then use Flamethrower."
Salamence sharply opens his eyes, blasting Kommo-o in the face with a torrential jet stream. Kommo-o trips, a rock pillar breaking his fall. Salamence launches a stream of swirling blue flames, this attack striking Kommo-o's chest.
"Use Boomburst!"
Kommo-o's body glows light yellow, the bipedal dragon leaping back into action. He uses his mouth and hands to launch waves of giant circles that sound like a supersonic jet. Salamence's knocked backwards, being forced to land due to the intense pressure on his ears.
"Dragon Pulse!"
"We're also going with Dragon Pulse!"
A white sphere of energy forms within Salamence's mouth, Kommo-o's sphere being yellow. Salamence and Kommo-o launch their spheres, both morphing into a dragon-shaped beam. Salamence's beam evolves into an enormous white dragon with blue eyes, a lengthy tail, and talon-shaped spikes running parallel on both sides of the head. Kommo-s beam transforms into a giant dragon with yellow wings, dark red limbs, and gray running down from its midsection to the tip of its tail.
Powerful winds moan as the two dragon formations blast into each other. The influx of energy cancels each other out. A ear-piercing boom occurs, followed by a think blanket of smoke.
"Deja vu." Valen snickers. "Air Slash."
Another flurry of disc-shaped blades, the ensuing pelting sending Kommo-o lurching and piercing the smoke.
"Dragon Claw!"
The two knights on the battlefield engage in a close-quarter skirmish, their claws glowing royal blue and royal yellow respectively. Roar after roar, slam after slam, leap after leap, the dragons refuse to cease.
Eventually, Salamence realizes that now's his chance. He falls back, peeking behind him as his trainer. He knows what to do.
"...Silver...this battle's over," he snickers, his smirk lopsided. "for you." A gleam emits from his eyes. "Your Kommo-o's beaten my Salamence in the past, but that was before we came up with this badass finisher."
"Actions speak louder than words, Valen"
"Good point." He bends his elbows and raises his fists. "Salamence, Fuse Dragon Pulse and Dragon Rush!"
A white sphere of energy forms within Salamence's mouth. The sphere transforms into a dragon-shaped beam once it's launched. It further morphs into a white dragon with blue eyes, a lengthy tail, and talon-shaped spikes running parallel on both sides of the head. The same dragon appears and envelops Salamence, who rockets into Dragon Pulse. The massive influx of energy results in a three headed dragon, the ensuing wind like a storm.
"There's no escape!" Valen narrows his eyes, his grin fully showing his teeth. "This is the Ultimate Dragon Formation!"
"Bring it." Silver gestures to come get him. "Come on, bring it." He smirk evolves into a grin. He feels a surge of adrenaline flowing through him. "Bring it on!" He raises his left fist near his cheek. "Show me the trainer who held his own against Red! Show me who conquered Hoenn's Battle Frontier!"
"Ask and you shall receive!" Valen points two of his right fingers in Kommo-o and Silver's direction. "Salamence, Neutron Blast attack!"
Salamence lets out a thunderous roar, rocketing himself and the three-headed dragon towards Kommo-o. The formation's three heads launch separate white beams of energy. The beams merge into one, breaking through the aura surrounding Salamence.
"We won't go down like that!" Silver proudly shouts, his right fist aimed towards Valen. "Use Giga Impact!"
Kommo-o jousts towards the dragon formation, a thick red aura surrounding his body. Yellow streaks and a rocket-like sound follow suit. He blasts into the three-headed dragon and the beams, the biggest detonation yet occurring. The thick smoke doesn't last long, the energy piercing through it.
Kommo-o's overwhelmed by the influx of energy, his Giga Impact now aiming downwards due to the collision. Salamence lands behind Kommo-o, grinning as Kommo-o crashes into several rock pillars The training Salamence had to partake in to do was intense, but it finally paid off several months later. And even though he wouldn't be able to counter this attack fusion, Kommo-o went down with a bang. Salamence roars to tell Kommo-o that he's a true fighter, a worthy rival, and a good friend.
The crowd erupts like a volcano, chanting Valen's name and his monikers. Valen's got an ear-to-ear grin. He wastes no time, leaping onto the field and towards Salamence.
Salamence sheds tears of joy as he nuzzles his face into Valen's chest, his trainer's arms around his neck. He's beaten back his own struggle of feeling powerless to help Valen. No, not just him. The whole team...and Valen too...they've all managed to overcome that feeling.
Valen and Salamence stare deep into each other's eyes. Ultimate Burst, Draconic Disaster, Shining Nova, too many cool name choices that they came up with. Yep, that's their thought process after just winning a battle in front of tens of thousands of people. Behind him, Silver's complimenting his own team while recalling Kommo-o. At one point, Silver wouldn't have done that. Valen's heard all of the stories, but Silver saw the error of his ways. He deserves the best in life...he deserves...to be with the person he truly loves.
Here he comes, it's nice to see another grin on the grump's face. Valen exchanges a high five and a handshake with his longtime friend. And a bro hug, can't forget the bro hug. Salamence wants in on the bro hug too, which makes the trio laugh.
Melanie's the first to leap onto the arena, nearly tackling Valen to the floor with a hug. Both laugh it off, but here comes Rosa and Hilda!
"Wham, bam, pow!" Rosa makes punching motions.
"Go go Val-Val Rangers!" Hilda tilts her head leftwards, the tips of her left fingers hovering in front of her grin.
Rosa and Hilda wrap an arm each around his midsection, while Melanie wraps her arms around his neck from behind. They make him lean forward, both taking their phones out. Valen faintly yelps over the repetition bright flashing lights, but yelping turns into laughing once they switch to the video option. Melanie and Jacques hold up the mics for them.
"Go go go, go Valen!" Rosa and Hilda cheer. "It's your birthday, we're gonna party like it's your birthday! We're gonna eat pizza like it's your birthday, and we know that it's not your birthday!" They wink, the crowd's fervor increasing. "You can find us the club, after giving him a hug! We've got your free smiles, we've got more for your buds! We're both his girlfriend, no sweeping under rugs!"
"Heh, crazy wholesome minds." Valen fist bumps Jacques and the others. A quick peek upwards reveals that the champ and the Elite Four are pleased with his performance. He lifts his chin as a greeting.
Rosa's attempt to hide tears of joy falls flat, and Hilda's in the same boat. This is him, this is the trainer that they all remember. He may still have his struggles, but make no mistake: Team Skull's Valen is back with a vengeance.
In the midst of all that excitement, hardly anyone notes the male trainer standing indoors with his arms crossed over his chest. The back of his blue trench coat presses up against him as he leans against the wall. His Umbreon and Espeon sit near his right foot, smiling at each other.
"That was a good battle, wasn't it?" He bends down to pet his Pokémon, both licking his hand in response.
He catches a certain someone's play fighting with Valen. Her orange hair and pigtails are unmistakable, as is her habit of sticking up fingers and her tongue out. "Now's not the time to approach—I'm not ready to face them." Will he every be ready? Who knows, but it would be nice to reconcile if it's possible.
He rubs his short and shaggy platinum blond hair, silently marveling at the arena's interior. He's always wanted to come here, and it didn't disappoint. The person or people who painted the art that decorate the ceiling and walls must've been the best in their day. Art, that's a passion of his best friends...one he saw got injured. There he is now, having just won against a tough opponent. He better beat it before he gets noticed, his Umbreon and Espeon following behind him. His stern face morphs into a faint smile, this minute feeling of hope contradicting his doubt.
"Not going to say hello?"
He freezes in his tracks, unable to turn around. Her sass-filled voice's unmistakable! She's right behind him! There's no way this is happening! How'd she spot him?! How'd he not hear her coming?!
Rui folds her arms, tilting her head from right to left. "Whenever you're ready, come find me."
His arms dangle at his sides, his lower lip inward. "…It's not that easy," he retorts. "I-"
"Oh, don't you dare go mushy on me, mister." She's got a gleam in her eyes. "I meant whenever you're ready to lose to me again." yanks a Poké Ball off of her belt. "That was me challenging you to a Pokémon battle." She points the ball at him. "Six versus six."
"…Hmph." He briefly flashes a smirk, eyeing Umbreon and Espeon's grins. "I suppose a battle couldn't hurt." He resumes walking with his Pokémon, raising his right hand. "Nor would having a strong rival that I have beaten."
"We weren't rivals then, so it doesn't count." she laughs. "You must be scared of my skills."
"Why can't you make sense?" he grumbles. "Just once?"
"Because shut up." Rui sticks her tongue out, holding up four fingers. "Ya girl's still kicking ass like she's supposed to be."
He doesn't say anything else as he walks out of sight. One last peek behind him reveals Valen and other people approaching Rui. Another smile flashes, followed by an amused grunt. He doesn't know that tidy blond-hair guy, but the others must be Rosa, Hilda, and Melanie. Not that he isn't familiar with them already—they're known trainers.
Once the male trainer's out of sight, Valen rests his left hand on Rui's right shoulder. "I think I get what you're planning." He bends his right elbow, tightening his fist. "I want to repay you for helping me with my wounded leg—I'll help bring him back to you."
Rui backs up, her shaky elbows behind her. "You...you'll help me...help us get back together?" Her eyes become puddles, her heartbeat increasing. "...You know...that I still love him."
"I've learned a lot from my journey, and now my future's bright." Valen crosses his arms, flashing a beaming smile as he closes his eyes. "I think fate's got a happy ending for the two of you as well."
"You...you all are...real-" Rui takes a hard and long deep breath, her face beaming with confidence. "Make room for him!"
She's going tell them all of the stories, she's even starting to get comfortable enough to disclose those powers of hers. Not right now, she shouldn't drop info like so suddenly.
Rui rubs Valen's shoulders. "Those little moments you share with Rosa, Hilda, and Melanie...are the most precious moments of them all." Her smile becomes somber. "That's what I miss the most."
Arthur's moving closer to Valen, him and the others wondering what he's going to say.
"You've inspired me, mate." Arthur bows, his right hand on his upper chest. "I shall return to Galar and make amends." Next time he comes back to Calvana, he might not be alone.
"Keep in touch, don't make me come and find you," Valen jokes. "Team Skull's got members in Galar too."
Valen shares a laugh with Arthur. He wraps his arms around Arthur's upper back, his friend returning the gesture. Arthur's a good guy, he deserves the best too. They let go, exchanging a high five and a handshake. They felt like it, so they did it.
Salamence's shrieking and Milotic's giggling catches everyone's attention. Milotic's giving Salamence kisses on his right cheek, hence why he's crying out in embarrassment. As per usual, Rosa's Hydreigon and Hilda's Garchomp aren't helping. They're egging their dragon bro to ask Milotic out on a date, which causes Milotic to blush. She tucks her head behind her rear fin, stammering cries being the only response she can give.
In an effort to change the subject, the frontrunner for the dorkiest Salamence in history hits upon an idea. He points towards the items these humans are holding with their feet. Salamence roars that he wants to know what are thooooose?! Salamence, Hydreigon, Garchomp, and Milotic howl with laughter, delighting their trainers and the other humans.
Their respective trainers are gesturing for them to come. They follow the humans outside into one of the large plazas, and Salamence isn't bothered by Milotic getting as close to him as possible. They whisper that they love each other. Hydreigon and Garchomp overhear this, their grins turning tender.
Rows of cheering fans line up around Valen and the squad. Silver's already in the plaza, chatting with some of today's spectators. Jacques is conversing with his fans, while Rui's got her headphones on. All three approach the group upon noticing them.
"So, are you going to re-enter the pro circuit?" Silver smirks, his arms crossed as he taps his right index finger. "You've proven that your ready."
"Well-" Valen sheepishly smiles, scratching the back of his head. "I-"
"There he is!" A group of female trainers squeal. "He's sooooo classy!"
"Monsieur Valen will be there in a sec!" He waves towards his fans. "...You know what?" He folds his arms, his confident gaze making his crazy wholesome girlfriends high five each other. "I think I'm ready too." Battle competitions can be a dime a dozen within this region, which makes this easier.
"How about contests?" Melanie spontaneously pulls a Rosa and Hilda. "You were so totally cool in contests too!" She clenches her fists under her chin. "Don't forget that I led your domestic fan club!" She smacks the back of her head, her face a Cheri Berry. "I'm supposed to be the calm one!"
"Sure you are, Empress Bossy Butt." Huh, he got a forehead kiss instead of a flick this time. "I want to shamelessly plug the BW Agency." He gestures for Hilda to join him.
"Hehe, goofball!"
She darts in front of him, tittering at his nonchalant attitude. Hehe, he's tossing a rose into the crowd of fans. She can't believe she thought ten thousand plus was too much! Hehe, he's just as silly as he is! Heeeeey, the trainer who caught it has a Shelgon, a Seadra, and a Scyther! Hehe, her three besties have a Dragonair, a Larvesta, and a Rufflet respectively.
Val-Val's passion for art, history and reading is important to him, so it's important to her too. When the first copies of his the books are printed, all the early reviewers she's spoken to will evolve into an Electrode. That's how blown away they'll be by Val-Val's knowledge, passion, and talent.
The Hoothoot and Noctowl makes themselves known, their low-toned sounds echoing within the late evening. Luxray sneaks around the hallway, dashing under a table that he finds cool. He'll gawk at his own kind later—it's time Umbreon and him work up the courage to partake in a certain activity.
That dramatic music from the glowing box's playing within his mind. The coast's clear, here comes Umbreon. He's blushing, she's blushing. Her head's bowed, his head's turned. They want to get this over with before they get roasted. They shut their eyes, their mouths about to make contact.
Suddenly, trotting! Luxray pushes Umbreon under the table, both pretending that their brooding. Once Rosa's entered the master bedroom, they exchange a quick kiss. However, both of them become a flustered mess. Luxray broods again. In other news, water is wet.
Umbreon tucks her head in-between her front legs. She stammers with her low-pitched cries, her legs quaking. Three kisses from this handsome feline in one day? It's too much, she's squealing inside!
Luxray hisses that he don't know what they heard 'bout him, but they ain't getting cuteness outta him. Not kitten, proud feline, can't they see? He's a Mukin' edgy P.O.K.E.
Luxray frantically looks for a way out, but Gengar snickers that there's no place to hide. He saw everything. This time, Gengar's opera performance is more romantic. Not many people that he's a sophisticated Gengar.
Gengar's song, which he titles Luxray and Umbreon Sitting in a Tree, attracts the attention of Rosa's Serperior and Hilda's Starmie. Starmie dances via spinning while Serperior inches closer with a devious smirk. Gengar makes a kissy face, making Umbreon blurt out like a fangirl while Luxray cries out in panic.
How can anyone call Luxray cute when he's the type to stare upwards on a hill?! He's the majestic Luxray depicted on the table's surface! Get it right! Oh no, Rosa's listening in! Oh Muk, she's coming! Oh Muk Muk Muk! Why're the other Pokémon holding him in place for Rosa?
He's not a cute kitten, Rosa! Oh no, not the belly rub! Anything but the belly rub! Oh no, she's using both hands this time! His pride fell into pieces, he isn't a kitty! Proud feline, no petting, he doesn't give a Muk if they don't like his brooding! Please stop calling him cute!
Wait, why'd he do all that? Rosa has special privileges, plus it feels nice.
Super Painter Rosa's work will rest on the bed for now. Nighty night, painting! Noooow, super special awesome Rosa's returned for her super serious artistic analysis! Her mouth falls open, her eyes tilting. She points sideways, her right thumb sticking out. Hmmmmm, which painting should see be memzermized by first?
Kaaay, she's decided! She'll start with Pietro Veronese's The Feast at Ameriguccio's Palace! Her phone case is decorated with this Renaissance piece, because look how happy everybody looks! So many details in this work too!
The sky's finished in ultramarine, the clouds white with a pinch of yellow-orange. The setting' the gargantuan palace of Ameriguccio di Vezzano, who outlawed all alterations to its classical styling. The short-haired trainer's sitting at a round table in the the very center of the patterned floor, his Salamence and Hydreigon behind him. He's the closest figure to the viewer, his tailored-made robe and breeches finished in a darker shade of ultramarine blue and verdigris green respectively. Joining him is his wife, the ceramist Cavoneria di Buonacorsus. Her Alakazam and Metagross relax behind her.
A gigantic table's behind him, two smaller but still big tables on his right and left. Within the left table, numerous men and women in royal clothing feast on fruit and bread. Wine's being poured as well. An Aggron munches on a Sitrus Berry, while a Skarmory munches on an Oran Berry, Similar scenes are depicted at the other tables, the Pokémon ranging from a Vaporeon to several Talonflame.
Behind the tables, there's an elevated railing that's got columns in the middle. People and Pokémon have gathered there, the center containing a trio of people playing a late, a harps and a flute. A Meloetta sings, its grin as cute as her own grin. People are dancing amongst each other, but there's more fun present! Tee-hee, several of the Pokémon are dancing amongst each other too, such as Gardevoir and Gallade! A Froslass and a Gengar are dancing together too! Umbreon and Espeon! Tsareena and Greninja!
Footsteps echo in the hallway, Valen and Gardevoir appearing outside the open door.
"Hi, having fun?"
Rosa happily gasps, twirling to face her sweetie. She closes her eyes, cheering, "We can geek out together!" She tilts her head, her palms angled under her chin. "Woo-hoo!"
A trained swordsman who could tame powerful dragons, but he was also a charmingly flamboyant man with a fondness for art, feasts and festivals. His writings on Dragon-type Pokémon were later complied into a book called The Dragons. For centuries, it has served as a guide for many, including Clair, Lance, Drake, Iris and Cynthia. Valen, Melanie, Hilda, and herself have also consulted the work. He did have a Garchomp and Dragonite too, after all.
"Next up is Farm Life by Sir Patrick Peter Rubens!"
Painted in late 1617 into early 1618, Rubens painted several landscape pieces depicting the lives of everyday people. The composition of the sky are ultramarine, yellow lake, ivory black, and lead white. The ground's finished in burnt sienna, the foliage in terre verte green. A fleshy woman wearing vermillion clothing carries a basket of Pecha Berries above of her head, while another in cobalt clothing pours Moomoo Milk for the Tauros scattered on the bottom left! A man tends to a Boltund and a Galarian Rapidash in the distance. A Pokémon Center, a cathedral, and several other buildings within a small village lies in the far distance.
"I don't want to interrupt you, but-" Valen tilts his head towards the shelf where ceramics and other items are kept. "Top."
Rosa's mouth becomes an oval as she jump backwards. "Oh nooooo, I missed the sculpture!" Her arms are stretched and angled in opposite directions. "Rosa's dishonored Rosa! Rosa's being taken over by Bad Rosa! Rosa must fight back against Bad Rosa!" She makes punching motions. "Wham, bam, pow!"
"What." Valen rapidly blinks. "What is this, I don't even-"
Rosa giggles over her freak out and his funny face, twirling to see the art pieces' new bestie. Her mouth's open, she's pointing rightwards, and her thumb's sticking out.
This is an excellent mini replica of Bernini's Salamence's Atop a Rock. It's got the smooth finish and the ump that she expected it to have. The dragon's incised and tilting eyes and its opened jaw makes it look all proud and roar and grrr. Its left front claw's on a rock with foliage, its right front claw upward. It's proudly launching a Flamethrower into the sky!
"It looks like the original, but that's to be expected from Jacques." She clasps her hands behind her back." "Has your mom been able to acquire the original, life-size sculpture?" she asks. "Plus the Veronese and the Rubens I just looked at?"
"Not yet, negotiations between the museum and Count Bevilacqua are still ongoing," he answers. "He's in his eighties, and he wants the art to go to his favorite museum."
"I like how people use the title of Count for the Raguila's champion, plus their former champions." She's read and heard that it's been going on since the early years of post-unification.
"Looks like somebody forgot to show me the finished work." He eyes the canvas on the bed while rubbing her head. "I thought I was your favorite boy, so what's going on?" He fakes a pouty face. "I'm sad now."
Rosa's giggle takes up the entire room. "You'll always be my favorite boy, silly!" She grabs his hand, pulling him towards the bed. "I want to display this with the calendar and the portraits!"
Oh no, her adorableness is too powerful! Just look at that grin and her twirling habit! He hopes that he doesn't become dorky—he's seen those portraits before. They aren't even up yet, so chill out.
The trainer's clothes catches his eye first, the use of thin and thick layers giving off a pink and maroon finish respectively. Speaking of Titian, Rosa used the same or similar colors for the Aron, Lairon, and Aggron line, Mars Black being one of them. One difference with her variant is the use of dim lighting via a very thin fog that blankets the area. Rosa's hit another home run.
"That's my girl."
"Thank you, sweetie." Rosa kisses him on the lips. "We can't ever forget that art brought us together."
"Don't worry, that's never leaving my mind."
Footsteps on the staircase results in a worried expression on his face. Here comes Hilda. Should he ask that question on his mind?
"Is something wrong, sweetie?" Rosa caresses his left cheek. "Please tell me."
"Well...uh...I don't wanna dampen the mood-"
Hilda stops within the open door. "We need to know, Val-Val."
"Well…what happens if it doesn't work out?" He nervously smiles, rubbing the back of his head "Sorry…eh heh...I kinda wonder how well I can adjust to a vee...and I'm still worried about hurting somebody."
Hilda closes her eyes, an adoring grin appearing. "Silly Val-Val, I'll always love you." She slides her arms around his neck, kissing him on the lips. "Platonically, romantically, but I prefer both." Good, he didn't rock back and forth. "Just like Rosa." Even better, he's smiling!
"Heh." Valen kisses her back, sweeping her into an embrace. "Likewise." There's Rosa wrapping her arms around his midsection. "Thanks for everything."
"Noooo, thank you for everything!" they cheer. "Alsooooo, we call this a sandwich huuuug!"
"I like it." Give him all of the hugs.
Rosa and Hilda let go, shouting, "Feel our power!" They chortle and wink. "F is for fun that we have together! U is for us and yoooooou!" The twirl in opposite directions, their right hands extended diagonally. "N is for no frowning around Unova's Queens, that is our big decreeeeeee!" They leap up. "Yeah yeah yeah yeah!"
Rosa and Hilda's bubbly voices are music to his ears. Speaking of which, he's aware that he's too much of a dork to admit that he learned singing to impress Rosa.
"Wake up!" Rosa and Hilda wave their hands inches from his face. "Rise and shine, even though it's evening!"
"I'm disobeying the queens."
A bopping battle briefly breaks out, but two lip kisses later and Valen's triumphant. All three, plus Gardevoir, chortle over how silly that was.
Now's a good time to show Gardevoir and the crazy wholesome minds what he retrieved. "In due time," Valen begins, rolling up his right sleeve to reveal the Mega Ring to Gardevoir. "we'll take things to the next level again."
Gardevoir crosses her arms, leaning back against the wall. Her cocky grin is all that he needs to see. Rosa and Hilda's sparkling eyes are in the same boat.
Gardevoir uses her powers to lift up the books he left on the desk, placing them on the bed one by one. At the same time, Rosa and Hilda dart towards the furthest left bookshelf. They select two books at random, those being The Art and Architecture of the Ishtarian Empire: 1250-1800 and Siscian Art.
They yank him towards the bed, their cute grins negating any potential attempt to break free. Time for cuddling, reading, and discussions!
The name's Valen, Team Skull's Valen. He's a passionate coordinator, a strong trainer, and gifted in art history.
The sun sinks into a sea of clouds, the singing of cheers continuing to fill the air. Many chanting one or both of Valen's monikers.
Silver isn't just indifferent to whether they cheer him on—he wants every ounce of that cheering to go towards his longtime friend. Rosa, Hilda, and the others didn't need to be told that. It's obvious that Valen's the outgoing one between the two of them He's the one who needs to regain self-esteem. He's the one...who needs to remember how valued he is. He'll always remember the moment Valen said these words: "I'm not going to judge you."
"Let's continue."
Silver slightly jerks his head back. "My bad, got lost in my train of thought." He flashes a smile. "Great battle so far."
Valen grabs a ball off of his belt, a big grin on his face. "I agree." Silver's a nice person, no matter how grumpy he can be. "Golisopod's coming back!"
Valen chucks the ball into the air. Golisopod leaps out, landing on the battlefield while leaning forward. He hopes that at least one human or Pokémon is in awe over how cool he is.
Silver calls Feraligatr back into his ball, swapping it with another. "So is Crobat."
Silver presses the button, the four-winged back soaring out. Crobat and Golisopod glare at each other like they're in an Old West movie.
"First Impression, then use Swords Dance!"
Now Crobat sees Golisopod, now Crobat sees him inches away. He jabs the four-winged bat with his entire body, which sends the bat into a downwards spiral. Golisopod crosses his arms, his body glowing light blue. Swords materialize and encircle him. The swords rotate, then dissipate.
"Aerial Ace."
A white oval-shaped sphere with purple streaks surrounds Crobat as he dives downwards. Crobat collides with Golisopod, sending the arthropod careening backwards. His faint cackle leaves Crobat perplexed.
"Gotcha." Valen snickers. "Ground Crobat with Liquidation, then use Swords Dance!"
He slams the water sword on the top of Crobat's head. A rock pillar shatters are Crobat crashes into it, the field itself cracking underneath.
"Agh!" Silver scowls, leaning forward with his right fist clenched. "Sludge Bomb."
"Sucker Punch!"
Golisopod dashes, his claws glowing dark green. He clocks Crobat's in the wings.
Silver grits his teeth. "Confuse Ray!"
Crobat's eyes glow violet, Golisopod's eyes following suit. The arthropod begins wobbling around, but not for long.
"Liquidation!"
Golisopod swings his right arm upwards, the wobbling ceasing. Another crescent-shaped water sword appears within that hand. He spins it, then he swings it. The water goes through Crobat's body, the bat's eyes shut.
"Confuse Ray didn't do a thing!" Silver grunts, then realizes that that Golisopod's on his last legs. "Use Hyper Beam!"
Crobat uses the rest of his strength to launch a massive orange beam of energy from his mouth.
Golisopod topples face-first onto the rocky terrain, Crobat crash landing into a large pillar across from him seconds later.
Valen calls Golisopod back, swapping his ball for another. Whenever they're about to be defeated, Silver and his team try to go down with a bang. Speaking of which, Crobat's being called back. Which Pokémon will Silver call out next?
"Feraligatr's coming back."
Into the air the ball goes, out comes Feraligatr. Since Feraligatr knows Ice Beam, Silver did consider saving him for Valen's strongest Pokémon. However, Kommo-o wants to have a go at said Pokémon. Feraligatr and the rest of the team respect that, and their trainer isn't an exception. Type advantages only net a slight edge against an opponent with significant battle prowess to begin with.
"Get em, Gardevoir!"
Gardevoir doesn't make a sound, merely folding her arms. An ominous aura befalls the field, but Silver and his Feraligatr are accustomed to it.
"Use Shadow Claw!"
Both of Feraligatr's hands glow pitch black as he leaps towards Gardevoir. He slashes her with his claws a couple of times, her gown flattening out at the sides as she kneels.
"Keep at it!" Silver inches forward. "Don't take any chances with her!" Brandon's Regice learned that lesson the hard way.
"Counter with Reflect!"
Gardevoir leaps onto her feet, her eyes glowing light blue. A circular light blue barrier causes her gown to blow backwards. Feraligatr snarls as he keeps trying to break through the barrier. Slam after slam, but there's no dice. His seemingly endless attempts causes Gardevoir's smirk to become a grin.
"Jump and use Thunderbolt."
She launches a purple lightning bolt from the top of her head, crackling sparks enveloping Feraligatr within seconds.
"Use Shadow Claw before she can strike again!"
Feraligatr slams his glowing claws into Gardevoir. She careens into a rock pillar, but she cackles that it wasn't good enough.
"Rapid fire combo using Teleport and Thunderbolt."
She manically laughs as she vanishes. She re-appears, the purple bolt already being launched. She vanishes and re-appears to fire off another purple bolt. She repeats this process several times.
"Psychic!"
Gardevoir laughs, her eyes glistening light blue. A gigantic wave of energy is hurled at Feraligatr. He crosses his arms, the force crashing into him picking him up and throwing him like a frisbee.
"Use Thunderbolt one more time."
Feraligatr staggers onto his feet. The dark blue aura of Torrent envelops him, only for a purple bolt to strike him in the jaw. The electricity expands all around his body, causing his to grunt. Once it evaporates, Feraligatr slams onto the battlefield on his back.
"Aggron, go."
Silver chucks the ball upwards, the armored bipedal smashing two rock pillars on its way out. Aggron bangs his chest, roaring that this is Itia! Don't look at him like that, Gardevoir. Champion Leonidas had an Aggron, hasn't she watched the movie? Gardevoir crosses her arms, tilting her head from side to side. She cackles, wishing Aggron and his trainer luck.
"Use Bulk Up, then use Iron Head."
Aggron smugly grins, flexing his arms like a bodybuilder. A reddish-black glow envelops his body. The ground trembles as Aggron charges in like a tank, his head gleaming metallic gray. Gardevoir tries to jump out of the way, but she's sent slinging into the wall behind her trainer.
"Another Psychic!"
Gardevoir's eyes glow light blue, and she unleashes a giant wave of energy. Even though Aggron's type resistance is doing little to dampen how strong her attack is, she might go down within a move or two. However, her trainer's proud smile is always a victory for her and her teammates.
"Iron Tail."
Aggron swings his tail, which glows metallic gray, into Gardevoir's right side. She crumples onto the ground, but there's a devious grin on her face. This battle's already won, nothing can change her mind. That proud smile on her trainer's face is already a big win to begin with.
Valen recalls Gardevoir back into her ball, them re-attaches the ball onto his belt. He could've called for Recover and Aura Sphere, but the matchup wasn't in her favor. She fought her hardest, that's more than good enough.
It's time for his starter to take the stage.
"Typhlosion, turn up the heat!"
He hurls the ball above, Typhlosion's belligerent and volcanic roar making the ground tremble. Typhlosion bears her fangs at Aggron. Look at her trainer speaking with confidence and determination. Let's do this, Valen! The flames on her back thundering upwards like magma. Another roar makes the ground tremble at her feet again. Ha, Brandon's Registeel should've heeded her roars!
"Use Work Up!"
"Bulk Up."
The reddish-black glow returns to surround the flexing Steel and Rock-type again, while Typhlosion's body is briefly surrounded by a light orange aura. Another roar from her, with Aggron deciding to respond with a roar of his own.
"Earthquake."
Aggron slams his tail as hard as he can, white shockwaves rippling through the ground. Typhlosion shuts her eyes while letting out a low-pitched grumble.
"Stone Edge."
Rocks that glow metallic black materialize and encircle Aggron. A hailstorm of rocks is hurled towards Typhlosion.
"Smash them with Fire Punch!" Valen bends his elbows and clenches his fists. "Give em a Flamethrower too!"
Typhlosion opens her eyes, her belligerent roar an erupting volcano. Her hands are enveloped by flames. One by one, she shatters the rock with single punches. Wham, bam, pow! That's what Rosa likes to say, and that's what she's doing! A red-orange stream of swirling fire is launched afterwards. Flames burst out all over Aggron's body, the armor-plated bipedal letting out a deep cry.
"Use your Earthquake!"
Typhlosion's belligerent roar makes the ground tremble with shockwaves. Aggron digs into the terrain with his tail, his wobbling becoming heavier.
"Iron Defense and Focus Blast."
Aggron's body briefly gleams with a metallic black aura, the shockwaves ceasing. After the aura vanishes, a metallic light blue orb forms in-between Aggron's hands. He launches the orb like a pitcher launching a baseball.
"Big mistake!" Valen laughs. "Return to sender with Strength!" He angles his chest rightwards. "Throw in a second Fire Punch!"
"Say what?!" Silver blurts out.
She slams into Focus Blast with such force that it boomerangs. Aggron's own attack collides with his midsection, resulting in him bellowing. In the process, he's also pelted by rocks from several shattered pillars. He nearly topples over, using his tail for support. Before he can regain his composure, Typhlosion slugs him in the jaw with her right fist, which is surrounded by flames.
Silver's eyes widen, his Aggron having the same expression. How'd they forget about these tactics? Has it really be that long?
"No, don't lose focus!" Silver shouts. "Use Thunder Punch!"
"Looks like they wanna fist fight." Valen slides his hands into his pockets. "Slug em with Fire Punches."
Typhlosion's hands are enveloped by flames again, while Aggron's hands are surrounded by crackling electricity. Like boxers in a ring, Typhlosion and Aggron trade blows while trying to dodge the other's attack. An eruption of a roar spontaneously overwhelms all other sounds. Typhlosion's eyes glow blue, as do the flames on her back. Flames of the same color surround her as she slugs Aggron twice in the face. Blaze has been activated, but Typhlosion's on her last legs. One or two more attacks will knock her out, but she's smugly grinning. Silver better not get comfortable-the strongest member of the team's yet to come out.
"Earthquake."
Aggron slams his tail again, the ground trembling due to the ensuing white shockwaves. Typhlosion grits her teeth, trying her best to stay standing.
"Fire Blast, quick!"
Typhlosion drops on all fours. She spits out a powerful surge of red-orange flames, which morph into the kanji for fire. The attack blasts Aggron in his chest, his head forced to turn upwards as he lurches. Typhlosion pants, but she's got no regrets. She tried her best, and Valen's proud of her. As she tumbles onto the field, she flashes a smug grin. This battle's still in the bag. That's what the humans like to say at times, right?
Silver notes the chatting and murmuring within the crowd, plus the bellow of the light wind, are the only sounds keeping the battlefield from being completely silent. There's a degree of tension weighing down on the battlefield. Valen's recalling his Typhlosion with a sense of uncertainty. Valen's down to his last Pokémon while he's got one more left, but even Aggron's a bit nervous about going up against said last Pokémon.
"Come on...keep fighting," Silver mutters. "You're strong."
Rosa and Hilda gulp, their limbs beginning to tighten. Is Valen's going to fight on despite the odds? Would he really forfeit when this battle's being aired as far away as Kalos? Wait a minute, there's no need to worry this time—that smirk on Valen's face speaks volumes. Wide grins kick the worried frowns off of their faces. He's come so far, he can win this.
Valen yanks his sixth and final Poké Ball off of his belt. Dark blue eyes with a gleam narrowing at Silver, smirk morphing into a grin. It's time to win this battle.
"Go."
That one word, spoken in a voice brimming with confidence. Nothing more needs to be said as he throws the ball into the air. Out comes the dragon that some past opponents dreaded to face. A thud echoes as Salamence lands on his feet as hard as he can. His eyes are shut like he's in mediation.
"Salamence, fly and ravage this battlefield with your draconic fury!"
Salamence sharply opens eyes, a heavy wind moaning as he takes flight. The most thunderous and intimidating roar he's let out in a while results in intense shockwaves that overpowers the wind and terrify the ground.
Silver's red hair blows backwards, his arms crossed over his face. However, he's feeling a surge of excitement within him, one that makes him crack an ear-to-ear grin. His mind replays the moment Salamence took down Red's Charizard with his Dragon Pulse, followed by the defeat of Noland's Articuno through Iron Tail. The memory of the Hydro Pump that gave Salamence the win against Brandon's Regirock follows suit.
Back to business. "Use Stone Edge."
Rocks that glow metallic black materialize and encircle Aggron again. Salamence snarls that Aggron can't stop him. In response, Aggron snarls that Salamence shouldn't get overconfident. Aggron launches the rocks at the tri-colored dragon in a narrower formation.
"Do a dragon roll and throw in an Iron Tail."
Salamence evades the barrage of stones via a mid-air backflip, walloping Aggron's back with Iron Tail. Aggron manages to remain standing, but that attack was far from a gentle touch. He vividly remembers now—this Salamence can make any battle harder to win.
"Urgh...Flash Cannon!"
"Use Flamethrower."
Aggron unleashes a large metallic black beam, while Salamence launches a blue stream of swirling fire. The collision causes a detonation, smoke obstructing the view. This is what Valen wanted to happen.
"Hydro Pump."
Salamence wastes no time in launching a powerful jet stream of water, the attack piercing through the smoke. The torrential stream blasts Aggron in the face. Silver grits his teeth, his eyes tilting. It's been so long that he's forgot how tactical Valen can be on a whim.
"Another."
The second jet steam of water slams into Aggron's chest. Aggron topples face-first, while Salamence triumphantly roars. Salamence's roar increases in pitch as the his eyes glow royal blue.
From the sidelines, Melanie's got her elbows bent and her fist raised, her closest fangirl revealing herself. Rui giggles over this, while Arthur and Jacques mirthfully smile.
Silver recalls Aggron, then swaps the Poké Ball for his last one. He throws the ball into the air, Kommo-o coming out roaring.
Kommo-o's roar becomes softer, telling Salamence that he's proud. Salamence looks away, waving his front right claw dismissively. Nevertheless, his grin says it all. The grin quickly vanishes, the tri-colored dragon snarling that he's got this in the bag. Kommo-o chuckles that he's been waiting for this re-match, so bring it on.
Silver realizes that there's no opening for Dragon Dance, at least not one that doesn't leave Kommo-o vulnerable. Maybe an infliction could make it easier.
"Poison Jab!"
Kommo-o's left hand glows purple. A battle cry surrounds him as he lunges towards Salamence. Salamence's smugly grinning for some reason, but that's not important right now.
"Return to sender with Iron Tail!"
"What?!" Silver's eyes widen, his jaw gaping. "You're using that tactic against a move like this?!"
"I'm the big bad trainer who beats you down and beats you down without ever letting up!"
Salamence swings his glowing tail, forcing Kommo'o claw into the bipedal dragon's midsection. Iron Tail sends the shocked reptilian dragon kneeling halfway.
"Air Slash."
Salamence flaps his wings again, the flurry of disc-shaped blades causing Kommo-o to shield himself with his arms. However, the last two blows left their mark, this attack causing him to topple.
"Close Combat!"
Kommo-o rockets above Salamence, pummeling him with seemingly endless punches. The punches increase in velocity, a barrage of kicks joining it. Salamence falls out of the sky, a thud echoing upon impact with several rock pillars.
Now he can safely use it. "Dragon Dance, then Dragon Claw!"
An orange aura surrounds Kommo-o, and he spins four times. Kommo-o's claws glow royal yellow, and he slashes Salamence several times. Salamence digs his claws into the terrain, refusing to give in so easily.
"Use Hydro Pump, then use Flamethrower."
Salamence sharply opens his eyes, blasting Kommo-o in the face with a torrential jet stream. Kommo-o trips, a rock pillar breaking his fall. Salamence launches a stream of swirling blue flames, this attack striking Kommo-o's chest.
"Use Boomburst!"
Kommo-o's body glows light yellow, the bipedal dragon leaping back into action. He uses his mouth and hands to launch waves of giant circles that sound like a supersonic jet. Salamence's knocked backwards, being forced to land due to the intense pressure on his ears.
"Dragon Pulse!"
"We're also going with Dragon Pulse!"
A white sphere of energy forms within Salamence's mouth, Kommo-o's sphere being yellow. Salamence and Kommo-o launch their spheres, both morphing into a dragon-shaped beam. Salamence's beam evolves into an enormous white dragon with blue eyes, a lengthy tail, and talon-shaped spikes running parallel on both sides of the head. Kommo-s beam transforms into a giant dragon with yellow wings, dark red limbs, and gray running down from its midsection to the tip of its tail.
Powerful winds moan as the two dragon formations blast into each other. The influx of energy cancels each other out. A ear-piercing boom occurs, followed by a think blanket of smoke.
"Deja vu." Valen snickers. "Air Slash."
Another flurry of disc-shaped blades, the ensuing pelting sending Kommo-o lurching and piercing the smoke.
"Dragon Claw!"
The two knights on the battlefield engage in a close-quarter skirmish, their claws glowing royal blue and royal yellow respectively. Roar after roar, slam after slam, leap after leap, the dragons refuse to cease.
Eventually, Salamence realizes that now's his chance. He falls back, peeking behind him as his trainer. He knows what to do.
"...Silver...this battle's over," he snickers, his smirk lopsided. "for you." A gleam emits from his eyes. "Your Kommo-o's beaten my Salamence in the past, but that was before we came up with this badass finisher."
"Actions speak louder than words, Valen"
"Good point." He bends his elbows and raises his fists. "Salamence, Fuse Dragon Pulse and Dragon Rush!"
A white sphere of energy forms within Salamence's mouth. The sphere transforms into a dragon-shaped beam once it's launched. It further morphs into a white dragon with blue eyes, a lengthy tail, and talon-shaped spikes running parallel on both sides of the head. The same dragon appears and envelops Salamence, who rockets into Dragon Pulse. The massive influx of energy results in a three headed dragon, the ensuing wind like a storm.
"There's no escape!" Valen narrows his eyes, his grin fully showing his teeth. "This is the Ultimate Dragon Formation!"
"Bring it." Silver gestures to come get him. "Come on, bring it." He smirk evolves into a grin. He feels a surge of adrenaline flowing through him. "Bring it on!" He raises his left fist near his cheek. "Show me the trainer who held his own against Red! Show me who conquered Hoenn's Battle Frontier!"
"Ask and you shall receive!" Valen points two of his right fingers in Kommo-o and Silver's direction. "Salamence, Neutron Blast attack!"
Salamence lets out a thunderous roar, rocketing himself and the three-headed dragon towards Kommo-o. The formation's three heads launch separate white beams of energy. The beams merge into one, breaking through the aura surrounding Salamence.
"We won't go down like that!" Silver proudly shouts, his right fist aimed towards Valen. "Use Giga Impact!"
Kommo-o jousts towards the dragon formation, a thick red aura surrounding his body. Yellow streaks and a rocket-like sound follow suit. He blasts into the three-headed dragon and the beams, the biggest detonation yet occurring. The thick smoke doesn't last long, the energy piercing through it.
Kommo-o's overwhelmed by the influx of energy, his Giga Impact now aiming downwards due to the collision. Salamence lands behind Kommo-o, grinning as Kommo-o crashes into several rock pillars The training Salamence had to partake in to do was intense, but it finally paid off several months later. And even though he wouldn't be able to counter this attack fusion, Kommo-o went down with a bang. Salamence roars to tell Kommo-o that he's a true fighter, a worthy rival, and a good friend.
The crowd erupts like a volcano, chanting Valen's name and his monikers. Valen's got an ear-to-ear grin. He wastes no time, leaping onto the field and towards Salamence.
Salamence sheds tears of joy as he nuzzles his face into Valen's chest, his trainer's arms around his neck. He's beaten back his own struggle of feeling powerless to help Valen. No, not just him. The whole team...and Valen too...they've all managed to overcome that feeling.
Valen and Salamence stare deep into each other's eyes. Ultimate Burst, Draconic Disaster, Shining Nova, too many cool name choices that they came up with. Yep, that's their thought process after just winning a battle in front of tens of thousands of people. Behind him, Silver's complimenting his own team while recalling Kommo-o. At one point, Silver wouldn't have done that. Valen's heard all of the stories, but Silver saw the error of his ways. He deserves the best in life...he deserves...to be with the person he truly loves.
Here he comes, it's nice to see another grin on the grump's face. Valen exchanges a high five and a handshake with his longtime friend. And a bro hug, can't forget the bro hug. Salamence wants in on the bro hug too, which makes the trio laugh.
Melanie's the first to leap onto the arena, nearly tackling Valen to the floor with a hug. Both laugh it off, but here comes Rosa and Hilda!
"Wham, bam, pow!" Rosa makes punching motions.
"Go go Val-Val Rangers!" Hilda tilts her head leftwards, the tips of her left fingers hovering in front of her grin.
Rosa and Hilda wrap an arm each around his midsection, while Melanie wraps her arms around his neck from behind. They make him lean forward, both taking their phones out. Valen faintly yelps over the repetition bright flashing lights, but yelping turns into laughing once they switch to the video option. Melanie and Jacques hold up the mics for them.
"Go go go, go Valen!" Rosa and Hilda cheer. "It's your birthday, we're gonna party like it's your birthday! We're gonna eat pizza like it's your birthday, and we know that it's not your birthday!" They wink, the crowd's fervor increasing. "You can find us the club, after giving him a hug! We've got your free smiles, we've got more for your buds! We're both his girlfriend, no sweeping under rugs!"
"Heh, crazy wholesome minds." Valen fist bumps Jacques and the others. A quick peek upwards reveals that the champ and the Elite Four are pleased with his performance. He lifts his chin as a greeting.
Rosa's attempt to hide tears of joy falls flat, and Hilda's in the same boat. This is him, this is the trainer that they all remember. He may still have his struggles, but make no mistake: Team Skull's Valen is back with a vengeance.
In the midst of all that excitement, hardly anyone notes the male trainer standing indoors with his arms crossed over his chest. The back of his blue trench coat presses up against him as he leans against the wall. His Umbreon and Espeon sit near his right foot, smiling at each other.
"That was a good battle, wasn't it?" He bends down to pet his Pokémon, both licking his hand in response.
He catches a certain someone's play fighting with Valen. Her orange hair and pigtails are unmistakable, as is her habit of sticking up fingers and her tongue out. "Now's not the time to approach—I'm not ready to face them." Will he every be ready? Who knows, but it would be nice to reconcile if it's possible.
He rubs his short and shaggy platinum blond hair, silently marveling at the arena's interior. He's always wanted to come here, and it didn't disappoint. The person or people who painted the art that decorate the ceiling and walls must've been the best in their day. Art, that's a passion of his best friends...one he saw got injured. There he is now, having just won against a tough opponent. He better beat it before he gets noticed, his Umbreon and Espeon following behind him. His stern face morphs into a faint smile, this minute feeling of hope contradicting his doubt.
"Not going to say hello?"
He freezes in his tracks, unable to turn around. Her sass-filled voice's unmistakable! She's right behind him! There's no way this is happening! How'd she spot him?! How'd he not hear her coming?!
Rui folds her arms, tilting her head from right to left. "Whenever you're ready, come find me."
His arms dangle at his sides, his lower lip inward. "…It's not that easy," he retorts. "I-"
"Oh, don't you dare go mushy on me, mister." She's got a gleam in her eyes. "I meant whenever you're ready to lose to me again." yanks a Poké Ball off of her belt. "That was me challenging you to a Pokémon battle." She points the ball at him. "Six versus six."
"…Hmph." He briefly flashes a smirk, eyeing Umbreon and Espeon's grins. "I suppose a battle couldn't hurt." He resumes walking with his Pokémon, raising his right hand. "Nor would having a strong rival that I have beaten."
"We weren't rivals then, so it doesn't count." she laughs. "You must be scared of my skills."
"Why can't you make sense?" he grumbles. "Just once?"
"Because shut up." Rui sticks her tongue out, holding up four fingers. "Ya girl's still kicking ass like she's supposed to be."
He doesn't say anything else as he walks out of sight. One last peek behind him reveals Valen and other people approaching Rui. Another smile flashes, followed by an amused grunt. He doesn't know that tidy blond-hair guy, but the others must be Rosa, Hilda, and Melanie. Not that he isn't familiar with them already—they're known trainers.
Once the male trainer's out of sight, Valen rests his left hand on Rui's right shoulder. "I think I get what you're planning." He bends his right elbow, tightening his fist. "I want to repay you for helping me with my wounded leg—I'll help bring him back to you."
Rui backs up, her shaky elbows behind her. "You...you'll help me...help us get back together?" Her eyes become puddles, her heartbeat increasing. "...You know...that I still love him."
"I've learned a lot from my journey, and now my future's bright." Valen crosses his arms, flashing a beaming smile as he closes his eyes. "I think fate's got a happy ending for the two of you as well."
"You...you all are...real-" Rui takes a hard and long deep breath, her face beaming with confidence. "Make room for him!"
She's going tell them all of the stories, she's even starting to get comfortable enough to disclose those powers of hers. Not right now, she shouldn't drop info like so suddenly.
Rui rubs Valen's shoulders. "Those little moments you share with Rosa, Hilda, and Melanie...are the most precious moments of them all." Her smile becomes somber. "That's what I miss the most."
Arthur's moving closer to Valen, him and the others wondering what he's going to say.
"You've inspired me, mate." Arthur bows, his right hand on his upper chest. "I shall return to Galar and make amends." Next time he comes back to Calvana, he might not be alone.
"Keep in touch, don't make me come and find you," Valen jokes. "Team Skull's got members in Galar too."
Valen shares a laugh with Arthur. He wraps his arms around Arthur's upper back, his friend returning the gesture. Arthur's a good guy, he deserves the best too. They let go, exchanging a high five and a handshake. They felt like it, so they did it.
Salamence's shrieking and Milotic's giggling catches everyone's attention. Milotic's giving Salamence kisses on his right cheek, hence why he's crying out in embarrassment. As per usual, Rosa's Hydreigon and Hilda's Garchomp aren't helping. They're egging their dragon bro to ask Milotic out on a date, which causes Milotic to blush. She tucks her head behind her rear fin, stammering cries being the only response she can give.
In an effort to change the subject, the frontrunner for the dorkiest Salamence in history hits upon an idea. He points towards the items these humans are holding with their feet. Salamence roars that he wants to know what are thooooose?! Salamence, Hydreigon, Garchomp, and Milotic howl with laughter, delighting their trainers and the other humans.
Their respective trainers are gesturing for them to come. They follow the humans outside into one of the large plazas, and Salamence isn't bothered by Milotic getting as close to him as possible. They whisper that they love each other. Hydreigon and Garchomp overhear this, their grins turning tender.
Rows of cheering fans line up around Valen and the squad. Silver's already in the plaza, chatting with some of today's spectators. Jacques is conversing with his fans, while Rui's got her headphones on. All three approach the group upon noticing them.
"So, are you going to re-enter the pro circuit?" Silver smirks, his arms crossed as he taps his right index finger. "You've proven that your ready."
"Well-" Valen sheepishly smiles, scratching the back of his head. "I-"
"There he is!" A group of female trainers squeal. "He's sooooo classy!"
"Monsieur Valen will be there in a sec!" He waves towards his fans. "...You know what?" He folds his arms, his confident gaze making his crazy wholesome girlfriends high five each other. "I think I'm ready too." Battle competitions can be a dime a dozen within this region, which makes this easier.
"How about contests?" Melanie spontaneously pulls a Rosa and Hilda. "You were so totally cool in contests too!" She clenches her fists under her chin. "Don't forget that I led your domestic fan club!" She smacks the back of her head, her face a Cheri Berry. "I'm supposed to be the calm one!"
"Sure you are, Empress Bossy Butt." Huh, he got a forehead kiss instead of a flick this time. "I want to shamelessly plug the BW Agency." He gestures for Hilda to join him.
"Hehe, goofball!"
She darts in front of him, tittering at his nonchalant attitude. Hehe, he's tossing a rose into the crowd of fans. She can't believe she thought ten thousand plus was too much! Hehe, he's just as silly as he is! Heeeeey, the trainer who caught it has a Shelgon, a Seadra, and a Scyther! Hehe, her three besties have a Dragonair, a Larvesta, and a Rufflet respectively.
Val-Val's passion for art, history and reading is important to him, so it's important to her too. When the first copies of his the books are printed, all the early reviewers she's spoken to will evolve into an Electrode. That's how blown away they'll be by Val-Val's knowledge, passion, and talent.
The Hoothoot and Noctowl makes themselves known, their low-toned sounds echoing within the late evening. Luxray sneaks around the hallway, dashing under a table that he finds cool. He'll gawk at his own kind later—it's time Umbreon and him work up the courage to partake in a certain activity.
That dramatic music from the glowing box's playing within his mind. The coast's clear, here comes Umbreon. He's blushing, she's blushing. Her head's bowed, his head's turned. They want to get this over with before they get roasted. They shut their eyes, their mouths about to make contact.
Suddenly, trotting! Luxray pushes Umbreon under the table, both pretending that their brooding. Once Rosa's entered the master bedroom, they exchange a quick kiss. However, both of them become a flustered mess. Luxray broods again. In other news, water is wet.
Umbreon tucks her head in-between her front legs. She stammers with her low-pitched cries, her legs quaking. Three kisses from this handsome feline in one day? It's too much, she's squealing inside!
Luxray hisses that he don't know what they heard 'bout him, but they ain't getting cuteness outta him. Not kitten, proud feline, can't they see? He's a Mukin' edgy P.O.K.E.
Luxray frantically looks for a way out, but Gengar snickers that there's no place to hide. He saw everything. This time, Gengar's opera performance is more romantic. Not many people that he's a sophisticated Gengar.
Gengar's song, which he titles Luxray and Umbreon Sitting in a Tree, attracts the attention of Rosa's Serperior and Hilda's Starmie. Starmie dances via spinning while Serperior inches closer with a devious smirk. Gengar makes a kissy face, making Umbreon blurt out like a fangirl while Luxray cries out in panic.
How can anyone call Luxray cute when he's the type to stare upwards on a hill?! He's the majestic Luxray depicted on the table's surface! Get it right! Oh no, Rosa's listening in! Oh Muk, she's coming! Oh Muk Muk Muk! Why're the other Pokémon holding him in place for Rosa?
He's not a cute kitten, Rosa! Oh no, not the belly rub! Anything but the belly rub! Oh no, she's using both hands this time! His pride fell into pieces, he isn't a kitty! Proud feline, no petting, he doesn't give a Muk if they don't like his brooding! Please stop calling him cute!
Wait, why'd he do all that? Rosa has special privileges, plus it feels nice.
Super Painter Rosa's work will rest on the bed for now. Nighty night, painting! Noooow, super special awesome Rosa's returned for her super serious artistic analysis! Her mouth falls open, her eyes tilting. She points sideways, her right thumb sticking out. Hmmmmm, which painting should see be memzermized by first?
Kaaay, she's decided! She'll start with Pietro Veronese's The Feast at Ameriguccio's Palace! Her phone case is decorated with this Renaissance piece, because look how happy everybody looks! So many details in this work too!
The sky's finished in ultramarine, the clouds white with a pinch of yellow-orange. The setting' the gargantuan palace of Ameriguccio di Vezzano, who outlawed all alterations to its classical styling. The short-haired trainer's sitting at a round table in the the very center of the patterned floor, his Salamence and Hydreigon behind him. He's the closest figure to the viewer, his tailored-made robe and breeches finished in a darker shade of ultramarine blue and verdigris green respectively. Joining him is his wife, the ceramist Cavoneria di Buonacorsus. Her Alakazam and Metagross relax behind her.
A gigantic table's behind him, two smaller but still big tables on his right and left. Within the left table, numerous men and women in royal clothing feast on fruit and bread. Wine's being poured as well. An Aggron munches on a Sitrus Berry, while a Skarmory munches on an Oran Berry, Similar scenes are depicted at the other tables, the Pokémon ranging from a Vaporeon to several Talonflame.
Behind the tables, there's an elevated railing that's got columns in the middle. People and Pokémon have gathered there, the center containing a trio of people playing a late, a harps and a flute. A Meloetta sings, its grin as cute as her own grin. People are dancing amongst each other, but there's more fun present! Tee-hee, several of the Pokémon are dancing amongst each other too, such as Gardevoir and Gallade! A Froslass and a Gengar are dancing together too! Umbreon and Espeon! Tsareena and Greninja!
Footsteps echo in the hallway, Valen and Gardevoir appearing outside the open door.
"Hi, having fun?"
Rosa happily gasps, twirling to face her sweetie. She closes her eyes, cheering, "We can geek out together!" She tilts her head, her palms angled under her chin. "Woo-hoo!"
A trained swordsman who could tame powerful dragons, but he was also a charmingly flamboyant man with a fondness for art, feasts and festivals. His writings on Dragon-type Pokémon were later complied into a book called The Dragons. For centuries, it has served as a guide for many, including Clair, Lance, Drake, Iris and Cynthia. Valen, Melanie, Hilda, and herself have also consulted the work. He did have a Garchomp and Dragonite too, after all.
"Next up is Farm Life by Sir Patrick Peter Rubens!"
Painted in late 1617 into early 1618, Rubens painted several landscape pieces depicting the lives of everyday people. The composition of the sky are ultramarine, yellow lake, ivory black, and lead white. The ground's finished in burnt sienna, the foliage in terre verte green. A fleshy woman wearing vermillion clothing carries a basket of Pecha Berries above of her head, while another in cobalt clothing pours Moomoo Milk for the Tauros scattered on the bottom left! A man tends to a Boltund and a Galarian Rapidash in the distance. A Pokémon Center, a cathedral, and several other buildings within a small village lies in the far distance.
"I don't want to interrupt you, but-" Valen tilts his head towards the shelf where ceramics and other items are kept. "Top."
Rosa's mouth becomes an oval as she jump backwards. "Oh nooooo, I missed the sculpture!" Her arms are stretched and angled in opposite directions. "Rosa's dishonored Rosa! Rosa's being taken over by Bad Rosa! Rosa must fight back against Bad Rosa!" She makes punching motions. "Wham, bam, pow!"
"What." Valen rapidly blinks. "What is this, I don't even-"
Rosa giggles over her freak out and his funny face, twirling to see the art pieces' new bestie. Her mouth's open, she's pointing rightwards, and her thumb's sticking out.
This is an excellent mini replica of Bernini's Salamence's Atop a Rock. It's got the smooth finish and the ump that she expected it to have. The dragon's incised and tilting eyes and its opened jaw makes it look all proud and roar and grrr. Its left front claw's on a rock with foliage, its right front claw upward. It's proudly launching a Flamethrower into the sky!
"It looks like the original, but that's to be expected from Jacques." She clasps her hands behind her back." "Has your mom been able to acquire the original, life-size sculpture?" she asks. "Plus the Veronese and the Rubens I just looked at?"
"Not yet, negotiations between the museum and Count Bevilacqua are still ongoing," he answers. "He's in his eighties, and he wants the art to go to his favorite museum."
"I like how people use the title of Count for the Raguila's champion, plus their former champions." She's read and heard that it's been going on since the early years of post-unification.
"Looks like somebody forgot to show me the finished work." He eyes the canvas on the bed while rubbing her head. "I thought I was your favorite boy, so what's going on?" He fakes a pouty face. "I'm sad now."
Rosa's giggle takes up the entire room. "You'll always be my favorite boy, silly!" She grabs his hand, pulling him towards the bed. "I want to display this with the calendar and the portraits!"
Oh no, her adorableness is too powerful! Just look at that grin and her twirling habit! He hopes that he doesn't become dorky—he's seen those portraits before. They aren't even up yet, so chill out.
The trainer's clothes catches his eye first, the use of thin and thick layers giving off a pink and maroon finish respectively. Speaking of Titian, Rosa used the same or similar colors for the Aron, Lairon, and Aggron line, Mars Black being one of them. One difference with her variant is the use of dim lighting via a very thin fog that blankets the area. Rosa's hit another home run.
"That's my girl."
"Thank you, sweetie." Rosa kisses him on the lips. "We can't ever forget that art brought us together."
"Don't worry, that's never leaving my mind."
Footsteps on the staircase results in a worried expression on his face. Here comes Hilda. Should he ask that question on his mind?
"Is something wrong, sweetie?" Rosa caresses his left cheek. "Please tell me."
"Well...uh...I don't wanna dampen the mood-"
Hilda stops within the open door. "We need to know, Val-Val."
"Well…what happens if it doesn't work out?" He nervously smiles, rubbing the back of his head "Sorry…eh heh...I kinda wonder how well I can adjust to a vee...and I'm still worried about hurting somebody."
Hilda closes her eyes, an adoring grin appearing. "Silly Val-Val, I'll always love you." She slides her arms around his neck, kissing him on the lips. "Platonically, romantically, but I prefer both." Good, he didn't rock back and forth. "Just like Rosa." Even better, he's smiling!
"Heh." Valen kisses her back, sweeping her into an embrace. "Likewise." There's Rosa wrapping her arms around his midsection. "Thanks for everything."
"Noooo, thank you for everything!" they cheer. "Alsooooo, we call this a sandwich huuuug!"
"I like it." Give him all of the hugs.
Rosa and Hilda let go, shouting, "Feel our power!" They chortle and wink. "F is for fun that we have together! U is for us and yoooooou!" The twirl in opposite directions, their right hands extended diagonally. "N is for no frowning around Unova's Queens, that is our big decreeeeeee!" They leap up. "Yeah yeah yeah yeah!"
Rosa and Hilda's bubbly voices are music to his ears. Speaking of which, he's aware that he's too much of a dork to admit that he learned singing to impress Rosa.
"Wake up!" Rosa and Hilda wave their hands inches from his face. "Rise and shine, even though it's evening!"
"I'm disobeying the queens."
A bopping battle briefly breaks out, but two lip kisses later and Valen's triumphant. All three, plus Gardevoir, chortle over how silly that was.
Now's a good time to show Gardevoir and the crazy wholesome minds what he retrieved. "In due time," Valen begins, rolling up his right sleeve to reveal the Mega Ring to Gardevoir. "we'll take things to the next level again."
Gardevoir crosses her arms, leaning back against the wall. Her cocky grin is all that he needs to see. Rosa and Hilda's sparkling eyes are in the same boat.
Gardevoir uses her powers to lift up the books he left on the desk, placing them on the bed one by one. At the same time, Rosa and Hilda dart towards the furthest left bookshelf. They select two books at random, those being The Art and Architecture of the Ishtarian Empire: 1250-1800 and Siscian Art.
They yank him towards the bed, their cute grins negating any potential attempt to break free. Time for cuddling, reading, and discussions!
The name's Valen, Team Skull's Valen. He's a passionate coordinator, a strong trainer, and gifted in art history.
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BossCar
Pokémon Trainer
- Pronouns
- He/His
Chapter 42: The Wheels Keep Spinning
A quiet late morning, a classic within the art history field, and the finals of a double tournament this afternoon. A great day for Valen, plus he finished typing up the second book within the past week.
The quiet part is a bit abnormal. Hilda's out and about for agency business, but where's the other crazy wholesome mind? Eh, she'll show up eventually. There's also a surprise for him later today, that's what the crazy wholesome minds said.
Back to casually reading Art History's Fundamentals at the desk. The section he's analyzing for the umpteenth time contains one of his favorite topics. He's had more than few discussions with Rosa and others on how Classical and Renaissance art fundamentally differ from Baroque art. Hilda's always eagerly listened—she loves to learn about everything.
Art History's Fundamentals was the second art book he read, back when he was seven years old. His first was The Lives of Artists, and his third was The Artistic Story. Those two are near his right arm, several new painting prints resting parallel to them.
Tilting his head back results in him noticing recent additions to the wall. The crazy wholesome minds have put up the-oh no! Valen frantically grabs his blanket from the bed. He drapes it over himself, pretending that he's not here. Why Rosa have to put her self-portrait front and center?! She also put the portrait of Hilda and herself above it! He's their number one fanboy and he's proud of it, but why are they decuple effective against him?!
Wait a sec, what was that all about? Why'd he act like such a dorky idiot just now? He's looked at these portraits before without becoming a dork. The Rosa and Hilda calendar's there too, yet he didn't become all dorky and flustered this time. Unlike a certain redhead grump, he's accepted it. Of course, his platonic life partner and his crazy wholesome girlfriends find dorky him to be a cutie. Yeah right, as if he was ever a cutie.
Rosa's self-portrait depicts her with her back turned. One hand on a hip, a cute smile, and a proud wink at the viewer. It's a masterpiece's depiction of herself in the style of Raphael Sadoletto da Urbina, a High Renaissance master. The portrait of Hilda and herself is finished in the same style. This one depicts them with their backs pressed together. Rosa's got her left hand sideways, sticking up her index and ring fingers. Hilda's doing the same, but she's using her opposite hand. Both wink with their left and right eyes respectively, both have their other hand on a hip. Can't forget about cute smiles too. They're the cute ones, not him.
He resumes reading, tossing the blanket back on the bed. He takes a peek at his phone, reading that Arthur's landed in Wyndon. He wishes that he could've gotten to know him more, but he has amends to make. Besides, friendship doesn't end due to distance.
Wait, why did that trotting just stop right before the hallway? What's she up to?
"Alas, poor me!"
Rosa's overdramatic shouting echoes throughout the hallway. He gets on his feet, book still in hand. Why did Rosa shout like that? Why's she lying at the edge of the staircase?
Rosa rests her lower right arm on the forehead. "Thy queen hast fallen ill!" She points to the red splotched onto her face. "Thee has't to carryeth thy queen!"
He can still can see red paint on the paintbrush she's still holding. Why's she speaking in Shakespearean Galarish? Did she binge read Whitelaw Shakespeare's word for the millionth time?
"Oh, woe is me!" She yelps, pretending to faint. "Thy queen hast fallen in her quest!"
Valen shrugs as he opens the door to the hallway's bathroom. He pops in, then pops out while rolling up a towel. "Clean up, then I'll carry you." He throws it at her, ready for the retaliatory bop. "That's nes't pas bon for une belle reine."
Thy queen's succeeded, woo-hoo! She rockets onto onto her feet, startling Valen backwards. If that wasn't awkward enough, she nearly knocks Valen over as she darts into the bathroom.
He tries to play it off, only to yelp when he realizes how quickly Rosa's cleaned herself up. Her arms are already around his neck. Why didn't she just ask to be lifted up?
Valen shrugs, hoisting her upwards via her midsection. They waste no time in pressing their lips together, the warmth within their bodies connecting with every kiss. It's like time itself has come to a sudden halt.
Rosa caresses the back of Valen's head. She nudges his right cheek into her midsection, her white and ice blue top being pressed in. His soothing touch feels so good on her back.
"Ready for the finals, sweetie?" She kisses the top of his head. "I'm so happy that you entered this tournament." Hard to believe it's already been a week since Valen and Silver's battle.
"You better believe that I am." Valen proudly shows the Guzmani suit he's going to wear. "Do I need to say if I'm happy?"
"Nopeeeee!" Her gleaming eyes fixate on the BW Agency logos on the sleeves. Not to mention the Team Skull logo on the back. "You look so good in a suit!"
"Why thank you, ma belle reine." He kisses her right hand, making her giggle. " Le roi et chevalier is honored."
"Nooooo, thy queen's honored!" She bops his forehead with hers.
Rosa and Valen laugh, releasing each other. A quick peek at the desk reveals to Rosa that he's gotten new painting prints. She bends forward, her chin on Valen's right shoulder. Somehow, he avoids becoming a flustered dork. That's too bad, he's a cutie when he's dorky.
Rosa points sideways with her right hand. She narrows her eyes as her mouth falls open. First up is Twilight in Pinwheel Forest by Franklin Elliot Church. The scene's cloaked by the approaching night, the blazing sun setting over pinwheel forest. Skyarrow Bridge uses said approaching night to play hide-and-seek in the background. The dark crimson lake surrounded by twisted trees is a cool minutiae. Virizion's galloping within the forest floor, looking all majestic and cool. Lots of Pokemon are present, such as the Snivy line, Pinsir, Heracross, and the Poliwag line.
Noooow, Super Doctor's Rosa is going to check up on Our Trainer's Home by Wesley Homer! The sky's finished in bright blue, the ground in burnt sienna, and the sun in yellow ochre! Nooooow, she must look at all those happy Pokémon! Arcanine's licking the trainer's face, Tsareena's giving him a hug, Hydreigon's roaring in celebration, Gengar's making him laugh, Glaceon wants to play with its Poké Ball, and Ursaring is flexing for some unknown reason!
Oooooh, it's Göstav Klimt's Eevee Riding Dragons! Klimt was one most unorthodox painters in history. His style was to have motifs that seems like he pulled them out of a hat, which left people amazed or baffled. When asked why Rayquaza was in this one, Klimt said that he felt like including Rayquaza.
In this case, fifteen cheerful Eevee are riding three Salamence, three Dragonite, and Rayquaza above the historical architecture of Wienna City. The clear sky's illuminated by the shimmering sunlight that's finished with gold, a frequent color within Klimt's paintings.
Next up is a print of the world's most famous painting, Leonardo Da Vinti's Mona Gardevoir. Her gleaming eyes, smug smirk, and folded arms gives many viewers the vibe that she's just won a battle. It's fitting that Florentine Stadium's proudly towering in the furthest point of background, its massive rooftop dome poking into the ultramarine sky. Separating Gardevoir and the city in the distance are rolling hills and a tranquil river. Gardevoir's figure smoothly transitions into the aerial perspective landscape.
Leonardo wanted to paint a portrait of the first Pokémon he had obtained! That's the origin story and she adores it! Speaking of which, Valen's Gardevoir's going to-she's right there in the hallway. Exact same pose, except her face carries a lopsided grin!
Valen taps Rosa's right shoulder, nearly being knocked over again due to a twirl. She giggles while he shrugs it off.
"I'll catch you later, ma belle reine."
Valen kisses Rosa on the lips, his fancy Guzmani clothes in a gym bag. His Gardevoir and him waves at her as he enters the hallway, both laughing when her waving uses Agility. His footsteps can be heard as he makes his way down the stairs. Gardevoir cackles as she follows close behind.
For Super Doctor Rosa, it's time to resume her task of checking out the prints. He'll achieve success within the art history field, while she achieves success as a painter. She hasn't ruled out the performing arts completely either.
Melanie relaxes within a ornate sofa within a public arena, a river of chatter and laughter flowing past her. Her legs are crossed, her hands are tucked behind her head, and she's got a proud smile. This arena's a fitting place for the finals—it's where she brought Valen the day after they met at the park.
Le Faucher Noir's back. That's what a number of the chatter is about, not to mention that big fans have gathered around in an adjacent area of the lavish lounge. Ha, that biker woman's debating with a woman in a suit over which of his monikers are better. Close to them two male trainers chatting about how badass his battle and contest performances are.
Despite all the commotion, Rosa and Silver's video chat with Kris can be overheard from her location. It'll be an in person chat soon enough—Kris will be living abroad. Rosa's Hydreigon is attempting to join the chat too, but keeps getting blocked by Sliver's Kommo-o. Kommo-o's looking a bit devious. Did Silver try to hide the obvious yet again?
Melanie would be joining them, but they've already begun approaching her. She sits up, straightening out her posture. She waves at Kris and vice versa.
"My residence's the house that Rosa was renting at first," Kris informs. "Small world, huh?"
"Small world indeed." Melanie saw photos of the house, but she never got to see it in person. That being said, she believes that Rosa moving back in with Valen accelerated his improvements.
"I rented it because I didn't want to put too much on my place, plus I also was struggling to cope," Rosa discloses. "But he's back on track now."
In hindsight, she should've moved back in with him from the start. However, dwelling is a time waster. Everybody needs to keep pushing forward.
"I heard about the battle," Kris tells Silver. "I know what you did for him." She closes her eyes, her face glowing. "I'm beyond proud of you, bestie."
Silver clenches his teeth as he gives Kris a wide-eyed stare. Her words mean a lot to him, but does her smile have to be so damn cute?! Why'd his left hand place itself on his heart?! Humph, just forget it. Hearing those words from Kris is precious, just like Kris herself.
"I loved watching his contest and battles." Kris places her hands on her lap. "And if I didn't change, I'd never get to befriend him…nor would I get that apprenticeship."
"I'm not any different." Silver's grin partially shows his teeth. "We both saw the error of our ways."
Silver and Kris stare deep into each other's glistening eyes, the surrounding cluster of noises keeping them from zoning out. Who could've expected former bitter rivals becoming this close? As friends, of course.
Yep, they're definitely just friends! No blatantly obvious elements here. Imagine how scandalous it would be if people learned that big tough Silver finds Kris cute! Oh no, the horror! The absolute horror of people going "awwww" at Mr. I'm The Strongest!
Oh no, Silver needs to hide this instant! His face was visibly red, and he can't use the hot sauce excuse this time! This is bad, really bad! Even Kommo-o's laughing at him! Tingles on his skin, his pride will never heal! Why is Kris so cute?! Fake Silver needs to yield!
Silver rapidly shakes his head, straightening out his posture. Nobody saw anything, no siree.
Kris places the tip of her left fingers on her forehead. "Get ready." She closes her eyes. "You need to be ready for somebody as stylish as me."
"I'm never ready for your annoying butt," Silver grumbles, turning his head away. "At least you're a nice annoying person."
"I'm never ready for your grumpy butt, but you're a subtle softieeeeee," Kris retorts in a singsong tone. "But you know I'm always one step ahead of you." She wags her left index finger while playfully winking. "You know you like meeee!"
He ignores her second remark. "Don't remind me." Kommo-o just has to egg him on like Feraligatr, doesn't he?
She can remind him that he's han-that's he's strong. Fine, he'll reluctantly admit that she's fun to be around. She's also cute and pretty, but she's a cute and pretty friend. Fake Silver better stay dormant.
"This made me remember the time I ran into Leon while shopping in Wyndon." Melanie awkwardly smiles, briefly closing her eyes. She uses her right hand hand to brush the front ends of her long hair. "Uh...so he's a really nice person...but I think he might need a chaperone whenever clothes are nearby." Someone named Bluesette was with him, which is good because none of the outfits he tried on matched in any way.
"Leon's a grown ass guy, plus he's the champ of Galar," Silver retorts, his lower lip curling upwards. "That's too much." Leon likes to run off, so why doesn't he do that in those situations?
More importantly for Silver, Kris better not get any wise ideas from this. He's not wearing a damn suit...unless she gives him a k-absolutely not. I mean, he's not completely opposed-yes he is.
"By the way, shouldn't Valen and Hilda be here by now?" Melanie asks, tapping her red nails together. "I wonder who's getting more flustered." She chuckles, her left hand over her mouth. "Kidding, kidding!"
"My turn, my turn!" Rosa places her left palm just under her neck. "Valen, oh Valen!" Her right arm rests on her forehead. "Wherefore art thou, Valen? Thy queen hast requested thee."
A lightbulb flickers on within Silver's mind. "Kris, why can't you be like that?" He deviously smirks, his arms crossed. "Why don't you recite Shakespearean Galarish too, unless you're not cool enough for that."
"Excuse me?" Kris looks like she's using Glare. "Say that again, mister." Her Glare attack doesn't effect the opposing Silver.
"You constantly nag me, so I'm returning the favor." Silver leans back in the chair, his chest outwards. "When was the last time you read The Achiliad by Hómēros?" He smugly narrows his eyes. "How about Historia by Democedes, the father of history?"
Kris places her fist on her hips. "Oh, don't you even-"
"How about Comfort & Vengeance by Hómēros?" Silver's gaze moves towards Rosa and Melanie, snickering at the stern expressions. "Think you last read that couple months ago, right?"
Kris's jaw drops as she steps back. "No, I-"
"That's the one where Yveltal comforts and avenges Xerneas, who was crying after the weapon was fired," Rosa chastises, making punching motions. "You wanna go, Kris?"
"The implication is that you haven't you read the oldest known hurt and comfort story in a while." Melanie places her hands on her hips. "I don't like that."
Silver snickers while Kris tries to wriggle herself out of this. Take that, Queen Blabbermouth! Hahahaha, he's finally turned the tables on this annoying person who's absolutely and positively just a friend.
Silver's eyes widen when he hears Rosa and Melanie burst out laughing. His jaw drops as they high five each other. They were trolling him this entire time, now Kris just got invited to classical literature night on the day he's entered a phaal curry eating challenge! Dammit, he was so close to turning the tables on Kris!
Whatever, he's going to take a look around this interior. It's more interesting than anything Kris has to say...except for that he's han-no. Mhm, he knows all about the buon frescoes on the ceiling, he knows all about Neoclassical architecture. He knows all about the Calvanian Fresco School, he definitely isn't listening to Valen and Hilda talk-they're here? Yep, Valen and Hilda are finally here, their flustered and bubbly voices making Rosa and Kris giggle. Hilda's Garchomp is out of his ball, he's already running towards his Kommo-o and Rosa's Hydreigon.
Silver groans, relating Valen's attempt to deny the fact that he cried while reading Comfort & Vengeance. Hilda waving at him at the others, her right arm wrapped around Valen's neck.
Humph, Rosa and Hilda don't need to blush like that. They've seen him don a suit plenty of times-Kris shouldn't even be thinking about it. Kris needs to stop having that mischievous smile. It's not happening, sorry not sorry.
Valen rests his hands in his pockets. "So...what's the surprise?" His gaze darts around the area. "Is it something or someone?"
Rosa and Hilda giggle and titter, nudging each other with an elbow. They dart towards a large corridor, both looking back to give Valen a wink.
Melanie's got a teasing smile on her face as she flicks his forehead. She runs to join Rosa and Hilda, catching up with them right when a familiar female trainer comes into sight. Melanie's eyes twinkle, this bestie of theirs has always looked great in her long-sleeved crop top, her strap, and her boots. Those dark blue clothes contrast with her light blue shorts, and the white buckles at the end of her straps.
"It's great to see you again, Skyla!" One by one, Rosa, Hilda, and Melanie give Skyla a hard high five.
Skyla places the tips of her right fingers on her forehead. "Calvana's been enjoying their treat." She rests her left hand on her hip. "They've been graced by Skyla of the Elite Four." She gives Rosa and Hilda hard high-fives.
Upon hearing her name and her incredibly sassy voice, Valen'[s whole body jolts. "S-Sk-Skyla…Skyla's actually here…in person?!" He rockets out of the chair, his eyes meeting those of his cousin.
"I seem to have arrived just in time," Jacques remarks with a placid smile. "You should be the one to greet Signorina Skyla first." He chuckles, leaning back against the wall. He raises a brow when he spots Skyla approaching. "She decided to beat you to it." He pats Valen's upper back. "Go on, cugino."
Valen takes a deep breath, his pulse racing. He slowly turns around, that familiar dark red hair coming into his line of sight. His eyes are becoming puddles, but he can't help himself: which ding dong is chopping onions in here?
A warm sensation flows through him when Skyla wraps her arms around his neck. Yep, here it comes. Here comes the cozy feeling he gets from hugs. The attempt to squeeze him is unnecessary, but whatever. Neither is him being called cute, you crazy wholesome minds.
"Gimme a wider version of precious smile of yours, airhead," Skyla whispers, her tone sweet. "Don't hold out on me."
Heh, forget all of that. He needs to enjoy this platonic affection. "Is this smile big enough?" He rubs Skyla's back. "I was wrong...I do matter to people," he admits. "I was proven wrong multiple times."
"Of course you matter to me, airhead," Skyla pokes his nose, then points with the same finger. "You'll always matter to me, no matter how long the distance between us is."
"Congrats on the new gig." Valen high fives her. "Now you can actually travel more."
"I didn't just take them up on their for traveling." Skyla proudly grins, the tips of her left fingers on her forehead. "I was obviously the sassiest and hottest pick."
"There were picks?" Valen rapidly blinks. "I thought it was just-"
"Haha, you confused face is so funny!" Skyla waves her left hand in a playful manner "About the pick, not about my obvious strengths." She wraps her right arm around his neck, teasing, "I heard how lucky you are." she winks. "Congrats on the vee."
He kisses Skyla on her forehead, while she rests her right cheek on his upper left arm. His friends, plus, his pair of crazy wholesome girlfriends, helped him to beat back the darkness that corrupted his mind. His family, team included, stood by him as well.
Rui's boisterous laugh echoes, the wild card coming into sight. She's decked out in her Team Skull attire, a silly grin on her face. Rui halts when she sees Skyla, but a high five soon follows. Her PWT battle against Skyla was an epic one! It's hard to believe it's already been a year since then!
He gets a fist bump, she gets a fist bump, everybody gets a fist bump! "Sorry about being late!"
"You aren't late, silly." Hilda titters, her right fingertips hovering above her grin. "That being said, where were you?"
Rui sticks up both pairs of index and ring fingers. "I was calling up Team Skull!" She sticks her tongue out. "Wait for it, wait for it, waaaaaait for it-"
Suddenly, Valen's phone blares with notifications. Yep, direct messages from Team Skull members are the cause. Guzma, Plumeria, Gladion, they're all going to be watching the finals. They've been watching from the start to begin with.
"Well, I'm heading out." Melanie points and winks at Valen. "I'll be seeing you again really soon, so be prepared." She begins to stroll off, her steps wide and her arms swinging.
Valen's mom and dad just texted him, not even work can keep them from tuning in. Here comes the rest of the family. Heh, Serena's sharing photo of Calem and her in front of the television. Leaf's calling him Mr. Meanie, which is still an adorable nickname. He wants to respond to everybody's texts and direct messages, but that'll have to wait. He ready to leap into action...the battle the battle starts in just over an hour. That's why Rosa and Hilda just took their phones out, but they'd do that regardless. While they do their thing, he'll take a seat and answer the messages one at a time.
Rosa uses her phone to play a smooth upbeat instrumental, while Hilda presses play. Hydreigon and Garchomp join their respective trainers.
Hilda and Rosa press their backs together, shouting, "Yeah yeah yeah, let's do it!" The melodious roaring of the dragons make them giggle and titter respectively "You are one of the best, like no one ever was!" Hilda jumps, clasping her hands over her left shoulder. "Ever was, ever was!"
"To win battles is your real test!" Rosa's eyes sparkle, clasping her hands next to her right cheek. "To be cool is your cause!" Salamence and Hydreigon roar as if they're doing what the humans call karaoke.
"Your whole life's led to this, time to test your skills!" Rosa sticks both of her index and ring fingers. "We know that we just can miss, you're gonna show the world-"
"Born to be a winner!" Rosa and Hilda grab each other's hands and jump into the air. "Born to be a champion!" They rotate positions. "Born to be a winner, born to be the very best!" They point at Valen. "Born to be a winner, that's yoooou!" They exchange high fives with each other, the dragons emulating them.
Rosa's touch is all that Hilda needs to see. She clasps her hands behind her back, pacing herself towards Valen. Dreams really do come true. Now she can share hers with someone who's more than a bestie—this bestie is the love of her life.
She sits next to him and slides her arms around his neck. She plops her lips onto his. His warm touch flows through her dark brown hair and her back. Her black waistcoat and white top are pressed inwards when Valen rests his left cheek on her midsection. They hold each other as tightly as possible, the flow of time ceasing within their minds.
The buon fresco above Hilda and Valen depicts two trainers having a similar intimate moment, a Boltund and Espeon snuggling with each other by their respective trainer feet. To the left lies a piece that depicts a Serperior towering proudly within the dense canopy and lush foliage of Pinwheel Forest. To the right is a piece depicting male and female Pyroar hold their heads up high while atop a steeply sloped hill.
Is it a mere coincidence that they're having a moment under these?
Two columns sit on opposite sides of a giant entrance. On the other side of that entrance is the main arena of this stadium, the eager crowd's chatter entering through it. A lunette with a gorgeous fresco of Salamence and Dragonite soaring high rests above it.
Valen rubs his hands on the two columns as he passes them. His's smile radiating confidence, his stride's showing that he means business. The crazy wholesome minds have to keep themselves from trotting ahead of him.
Upon hearing the erupting crowd, Valen clenches a rose in-between his teeth. He points at the crowd, a lopsided grin on his face. Rosa and Hilda wave at everybody as they darting to join Skyla and the others in the front row.
Melanie rubs her eyes to prevent tears from dripping. Nothing can truly state how proud of him she is. She winks at him, taking two Poké Balls out of her blue jean jacket. Her posture's stiff, an air of readiness surrounding her. She wants to get this show on the road! She spins as she hurls the balls, her Dragonite and Absol leaping onto the ground. Dragonite flexes his arms, his facial expression competitive. Absol merely closes her eyes and smiles.
Valen tosses the rose towards Rosa and Hilda, the former catching it. He yanks two Poké Balls off of his Guzmani belt. He chucks the Poké Balls into the air, his Salamence and Typhlosion landing with their eyes closed. Salamence's red wings appear more of a crimson hue as they rise, while the flames on Typhlosion's back shoot up with more intensity. Both sharply open their eyes. They unleash the most thunderous roars that they can, the ground trembling beneath their feet. The four Pokémon greet each other, may the best duo win. Their trainers are leaning forward, their eyes emitting both determination and affection.
"I'll give you lots of hugs when you lose," Melanie teases, her hands on her hips. "Can't touch this." She runs her right hand through her long black hair.
"You'll be needing the hugs, ma belle amie." Valen points to himself, his eyes closed and his grin lopsided. "The big bad trainer who beats you down and beats you down without ever letting up." He sharply re-opens his eyes. "It's your boy, Valen!" Guzma's definitely going to be boasting about hearing that.
"Let's put on a show together!" Both shout, causing the crowd to roar with more fervor.
It's time for Team Skull's Valen to cause some mayhem, especially since Melanie's Dragonite is charging in with Dragon Claw. "Fend him off with your Dragon Claw." Absol's coming in fast, but not fast enough to evade. "Use Flamethrower."
Salamence takes off like a shuttle, his claws glowing royal blue. He uses his claws to intercept Dragonite's claws, which are glowing white.
While the dragons attempt to overpower each other, Typhlosion's stream of swirling fire strikes Absol in the face. She's not deterred, but that's to be expected. Here comes Absol's Shadow Ball, causing Valen to snap his fingers. The black and white sphere is flung like a boomerang thanks to Typhlosion's Strength attack.
While the battle rages on, Valen hopes that everybody's aware that he's back. In particular, madams should remember that he can be a baddie while he's being polite.
Fate has chosen to write a new book on him, and it's got a happy ending.
A quiet late morning, a classic within the art history field, and the finals of a double tournament this afternoon. A great day for Valen, plus he finished typing up the second book within the past week.
The quiet part is a bit abnormal. Hilda's out and about for agency business, but where's the other crazy wholesome mind? Eh, she'll show up eventually. There's also a surprise for him later today, that's what the crazy wholesome minds said.
Back to casually reading Art History's Fundamentals at the desk. The section he's analyzing for the umpteenth time contains one of his favorite topics. He's had more than few discussions with Rosa and others on how Classical and Renaissance art fundamentally differ from Baroque art. Hilda's always eagerly listened—she loves to learn about everything.
Art History's Fundamentals was the second art book he read, back when he was seven years old. His first was The Lives of Artists, and his third was The Artistic Story. Those two are near his right arm, several new painting prints resting parallel to them.
Tilting his head back results in him noticing recent additions to the wall. The crazy wholesome minds have put up the-oh no! Valen frantically grabs his blanket from the bed. He drapes it over himself, pretending that he's not here. Why Rosa have to put her self-portrait front and center?! She also put the portrait of Hilda and herself above it! He's their number one fanboy and he's proud of it, but why are they decuple effective against him?!
Wait a sec, what was that all about? Why'd he act like such a dorky idiot just now? He's looked at these portraits before without becoming a dork. The Rosa and Hilda calendar's there too, yet he didn't become all dorky and flustered this time. Unlike a certain redhead grump, he's accepted it. Of course, his platonic life partner and his crazy wholesome girlfriends find dorky him to be a cutie. Yeah right, as if he was ever a cutie.
Rosa's self-portrait depicts her with her back turned. One hand on a hip, a cute smile, and a proud wink at the viewer. It's a masterpiece's depiction of herself in the style of Raphael Sadoletto da Urbina, a High Renaissance master. The portrait of Hilda and herself is finished in the same style. This one depicts them with their backs pressed together. Rosa's got her left hand sideways, sticking up her index and ring fingers. Hilda's doing the same, but she's using her opposite hand. Both wink with their left and right eyes respectively, both have their other hand on a hip. Can't forget about cute smiles too. They're the cute ones, not him.
He resumes reading, tossing the blanket back on the bed. He takes a peek at his phone, reading that Arthur's landed in Wyndon. He wishes that he could've gotten to know him more, but he has amends to make. Besides, friendship doesn't end due to distance.
Wait, why did that trotting just stop right before the hallway? What's she up to?
"Alas, poor me!"
Rosa's overdramatic shouting echoes throughout the hallway. He gets on his feet, book still in hand. Why did Rosa shout like that? Why's she lying at the edge of the staircase?
Rosa rests her lower right arm on the forehead. "Thy queen hast fallen ill!" She points to the red splotched onto her face. "Thee has't to carryeth thy queen!"
He can still can see red paint on the paintbrush she's still holding. Why's she speaking in Shakespearean Galarish? Did she binge read Whitelaw Shakespeare's word for the millionth time?
"Oh, woe is me!" She yelps, pretending to faint. "Thy queen hast fallen in her quest!"
Valen shrugs as he opens the door to the hallway's bathroom. He pops in, then pops out while rolling up a towel. "Clean up, then I'll carry you." He throws it at her, ready for the retaliatory bop. "That's nes't pas bon for une belle reine."
Thy queen's succeeded, woo-hoo! She rockets onto onto her feet, startling Valen backwards. If that wasn't awkward enough, she nearly knocks Valen over as she darts into the bathroom.
He tries to play it off, only to yelp when he realizes how quickly Rosa's cleaned herself up. Her arms are already around his neck. Why didn't she just ask to be lifted up?
Valen shrugs, hoisting her upwards via her midsection. They waste no time in pressing their lips together, the warmth within their bodies connecting with every kiss. It's like time itself has come to a sudden halt.
Rosa caresses the back of Valen's head. She nudges his right cheek into her midsection, her white and ice blue top being pressed in. His soothing touch feels so good on her back.
"Ready for the finals, sweetie?" She kisses the top of his head. "I'm so happy that you entered this tournament." Hard to believe it's already been a week since Valen and Silver's battle.
"You better believe that I am." Valen proudly shows the Guzmani suit he's going to wear. "Do I need to say if I'm happy?"
"Nopeeeee!" Her gleaming eyes fixate on the BW Agency logos on the sleeves. Not to mention the Team Skull logo on the back. "You look so good in a suit!"
"Why thank you, ma belle reine." He kisses her right hand, making her giggle. " Le roi et chevalier is honored."
"Nooooo, thy queen's honored!" She bops his forehead with hers.
Rosa and Valen laugh, releasing each other. A quick peek at the desk reveals to Rosa that he's gotten new painting prints. She bends forward, her chin on Valen's right shoulder. Somehow, he avoids becoming a flustered dork. That's too bad, he's a cutie when he's dorky.
Rosa points sideways with her right hand. She narrows her eyes as her mouth falls open. First up is Twilight in Pinwheel Forest by Franklin Elliot Church. The scene's cloaked by the approaching night, the blazing sun setting over pinwheel forest. Skyarrow Bridge uses said approaching night to play hide-and-seek in the background. The dark crimson lake surrounded by twisted trees is a cool minutiae. Virizion's galloping within the forest floor, looking all majestic and cool. Lots of Pokemon are present, such as the Snivy line, Pinsir, Heracross, and the Poliwag line.
Noooow, Super Doctor's Rosa is going to check up on Our Trainer's Home by Wesley Homer! The sky's finished in bright blue, the ground in burnt sienna, and the sun in yellow ochre! Nooooow, she must look at all those happy Pokémon! Arcanine's licking the trainer's face, Tsareena's giving him a hug, Hydreigon's roaring in celebration, Gengar's making him laugh, Glaceon wants to play with its Poké Ball, and Ursaring is flexing for some unknown reason!
Oooooh, it's Göstav Klimt's Eevee Riding Dragons! Klimt was one most unorthodox painters in history. His style was to have motifs that seems like he pulled them out of a hat, which left people amazed or baffled. When asked why Rayquaza was in this one, Klimt said that he felt like including Rayquaza.
In this case, fifteen cheerful Eevee are riding three Salamence, three Dragonite, and Rayquaza above the historical architecture of Wienna City. The clear sky's illuminated by the shimmering sunlight that's finished with gold, a frequent color within Klimt's paintings.
Next up is a print of the world's most famous painting, Leonardo Da Vinti's Mona Gardevoir. Her gleaming eyes, smug smirk, and folded arms gives many viewers the vibe that she's just won a battle. It's fitting that Florentine Stadium's proudly towering in the furthest point of background, its massive rooftop dome poking into the ultramarine sky. Separating Gardevoir and the city in the distance are rolling hills and a tranquil river. Gardevoir's figure smoothly transitions into the aerial perspective landscape.
Leonardo wanted to paint a portrait of the first Pokémon he had obtained! That's the origin story and she adores it! Speaking of which, Valen's Gardevoir's going to-she's right there in the hallway. Exact same pose, except her face carries a lopsided grin!
Valen taps Rosa's right shoulder, nearly being knocked over again due to a twirl. She giggles while he shrugs it off.
"I'll catch you later, ma belle reine."
Valen kisses Rosa on the lips, his fancy Guzmani clothes in a gym bag. His Gardevoir and him waves at her as he enters the hallway, both laughing when her waving uses Agility. His footsteps can be heard as he makes his way down the stairs. Gardevoir cackles as she follows close behind.
For Super Doctor Rosa, it's time to resume her task of checking out the prints. He'll achieve success within the art history field, while she achieves success as a painter. She hasn't ruled out the performing arts completely either.
Melanie relaxes within a ornate sofa within a public arena, a river of chatter and laughter flowing past her. Her legs are crossed, her hands are tucked behind her head, and she's got a proud smile. This arena's a fitting place for the finals—it's where she brought Valen the day after they met at the park.
Le Faucher Noir's back. That's what a number of the chatter is about, not to mention that big fans have gathered around in an adjacent area of the lavish lounge. Ha, that biker woman's debating with a woman in a suit over which of his monikers are better. Close to them two male trainers chatting about how badass his battle and contest performances are.
Despite all the commotion, Rosa and Silver's video chat with Kris can be overheard from her location. It'll be an in person chat soon enough—Kris will be living abroad. Rosa's Hydreigon is attempting to join the chat too, but keeps getting blocked by Sliver's Kommo-o. Kommo-o's looking a bit devious. Did Silver try to hide the obvious yet again?
Melanie would be joining them, but they've already begun approaching her. She sits up, straightening out her posture. She waves at Kris and vice versa.
"My residence's the house that Rosa was renting at first," Kris informs. "Small world, huh?"
"Small world indeed." Melanie saw photos of the house, but she never got to see it in person. That being said, she believes that Rosa moving back in with Valen accelerated his improvements.
"I rented it because I didn't want to put too much on my place, plus I also was struggling to cope," Rosa discloses. "But he's back on track now."
In hindsight, she should've moved back in with him from the start. However, dwelling is a time waster. Everybody needs to keep pushing forward.
"I heard about the battle," Kris tells Silver. "I know what you did for him." She closes her eyes, her face glowing. "I'm beyond proud of you, bestie."
Silver clenches his teeth as he gives Kris a wide-eyed stare. Her words mean a lot to him, but does her smile have to be so damn cute?! Why'd his left hand place itself on his heart?! Humph, just forget it. Hearing those words from Kris is precious, just like Kris herself.
"I loved watching his contest and battles." Kris places her hands on her lap. "And if I didn't change, I'd never get to befriend him…nor would I get that apprenticeship."
"I'm not any different." Silver's grin partially shows his teeth. "We both saw the error of our ways."
Silver and Kris stare deep into each other's glistening eyes, the surrounding cluster of noises keeping them from zoning out. Who could've expected former bitter rivals becoming this close? As friends, of course.
Yep, they're definitely just friends! No blatantly obvious elements here. Imagine how scandalous it would be if people learned that big tough Silver finds Kris cute! Oh no, the horror! The absolute horror of people going "awwww" at Mr. I'm The Strongest!
Oh no, Silver needs to hide this instant! His face was visibly red, and he can't use the hot sauce excuse this time! This is bad, really bad! Even Kommo-o's laughing at him! Tingles on his skin, his pride will never heal! Why is Kris so cute?! Fake Silver needs to yield!
Silver rapidly shakes his head, straightening out his posture. Nobody saw anything, no siree.
Kris places the tip of her left fingers on her forehead. "Get ready." She closes her eyes. "You need to be ready for somebody as stylish as me."
"I'm never ready for your annoying butt," Silver grumbles, turning his head away. "At least you're a nice annoying person."
"I'm never ready for your grumpy butt, but you're a subtle softieeeeee," Kris retorts in a singsong tone. "But you know I'm always one step ahead of you." She wags her left index finger while playfully winking. "You know you like meeee!"
He ignores her second remark. "Don't remind me." Kommo-o just has to egg him on like Feraligatr, doesn't he?
She can remind him that he's han-that's he's strong. Fine, he'll reluctantly admit that she's fun to be around. She's also cute and pretty, but she's a cute and pretty friend. Fake Silver better stay dormant.
"This made me remember the time I ran into Leon while shopping in Wyndon." Melanie awkwardly smiles, briefly closing her eyes. She uses her right hand hand to brush the front ends of her long hair. "Uh...so he's a really nice person...but I think he might need a chaperone whenever clothes are nearby." Someone named Bluesette was with him, which is good because none of the outfits he tried on matched in any way.
"Leon's a grown ass guy, plus he's the champ of Galar," Silver retorts, his lower lip curling upwards. "That's too much." Leon likes to run off, so why doesn't he do that in those situations?
More importantly for Silver, Kris better not get any wise ideas from this. He's not wearing a damn suit...unless she gives him a k-absolutely not. I mean, he's not completely opposed-yes he is.
"By the way, shouldn't Valen and Hilda be here by now?" Melanie asks, tapping her red nails together. "I wonder who's getting more flustered." She chuckles, her left hand over her mouth. "Kidding, kidding!"
"My turn, my turn!" Rosa places her left palm just under her neck. "Valen, oh Valen!" Her right arm rests on her forehead. "Wherefore art thou, Valen? Thy queen hast requested thee."
A lightbulb flickers on within Silver's mind. "Kris, why can't you be like that?" He deviously smirks, his arms crossed. "Why don't you recite Shakespearean Galarish too, unless you're not cool enough for that."
"Excuse me?" Kris looks like she's using Glare. "Say that again, mister." Her Glare attack doesn't effect the opposing Silver.
"You constantly nag me, so I'm returning the favor." Silver leans back in the chair, his chest outwards. "When was the last time you read The Achiliad by Hómēros?" He smugly narrows his eyes. "How about Historia by Democedes, the father of history?"
Kris places her fist on her hips. "Oh, don't you even-"
"How about Comfort & Vengeance by Hómēros?" Silver's gaze moves towards Rosa and Melanie, snickering at the stern expressions. "Think you last read that couple months ago, right?"
Kris's jaw drops as she steps back. "No, I-"
"That's the one where Yveltal comforts and avenges Xerneas, who was crying after the weapon was fired," Rosa chastises, making punching motions. "You wanna go, Kris?"
"The implication is that you haven't you read the oldest known hurt and comfort story in a while." Melanie places her hands on her hips. "I don't like that."
Silver snickers while Kris tries to wriggle herself out of this. Take that, Queen Blabbermouth! Hahahaha, he's finally turned the tables on this annoying person who's absolutely and positively just a friend.
Silver's eyes widen when he hears Rosa and Melanie burst out laughing. His jaw drops as they high five each other. They were trolling him this entire time, now Kris just got invited to classical literature night on the day he's entered a phaal curry eating challenge! Dammit, he was so close to turning the tables on Kris!
Whatever, he's going to take a look around this interior. It's more interesting than anything Kris has to say...except for that he's han-no. Mhm, he knows all about the buon frescoes on the ceiling, he knows all about Neoclassical architecture. He knows all about the Calvanian Fresco School, he definitely isn't listening to Valen and Hilda talk-they're here? Yep, Valen and Hilda are finally here, their flustered and bubbly voices making Rosa and Kris giggle. Hilda's Garchomp is out of his ball, he's already running towards his Kommo-o and Rosa's Hydreigon.
Silver groans, relating Valen's attempt to deny the fact that he cried while reading Comfort & Vengeance. Hilda waving at him at the others, her right arm wrapped around Valen's neck.
Humph, Rosa and Hilda don't need to blush like that. They've seen him don a suit plenty of times-Kris shouldn't even be thinking about it. Kris needs to stop having that mischievous smile. It's not happening, sorry not sorry.
Valen rests his hands in his pockets. "So...what's the surprise?" His gaze darts around the area. "Is it something or someone?"
Rosa and Hilda giggle and titter, nudging each other with an elbow. They dart towards a large corridor, both looking back to give Valen a wink.
Melanie's got a teasing smile on her face as she flicks his forehead. She runs to join Rosa and Hilda, catching up with them right when a familiar female trainer comes into sight. Melanie's eyes twinkle, this bestie of theirs has always looked great in her long-sleeved crop top, her strap, and her boots. Those dark blue clothes contrast with her light blue shorts, and the white buckles at the end of her straps.
"It's great to see you again, Skyla!" One by one, Rosa, Hilda, and Melanie give Skyla a hard high five.
Skyla places the tips of her right fingers on her forehead. "Calvana's been enjoying their treat." She rests her left hand on her hip. "They've been graced by Skyla of the Elite Four." She gives Rosa and Hilda hard high-fives.
Upon hearing her name and her incredibly sassy voice, Valen'[s whole body jolts. "S-Sk-Skyla…Skyla's actually here…in person?!" He rockets out of the chair, his eyes meeting those of his cousin.
"I seem to have arrived just in time," Jacques remarks with a placid smile. "You should be the one to greet Signorina Skyla first." He chuckles, leaning back against the wall. He raises a brow when he spots Skyla approaching. "She decided to beat you to it." He pats Valen's upper back. "Go on, cugino."
Valen takes a deep breath, his pulse racing. He slowly turns around, that familiar dark red hair coming into his line of sight. His eyes are becoming puddles, but he can't help himself: which ding dong is chopping onions in here?
A warm sensation flows through him when Skyla wraps her arms around his neck. Yep, here it comes. Here comes the cozy feeling he gets from hugs. The attempt to squeeze him is unnecessary, but whatever. Neither is him being called cute, you crazy wholesome minds.
"Gimme a wider version of precious smile of yours, airhead," Skyla whispers, her tone sweet. "Don't hold out on me."
Heh, forget all of that. He needs to enjoy this platonic affection. "Is this smile big enough?" He rubs Skyla's back. "I was wrong...I do matter to people," he admits. "I was proven wrong multiple times."
"Of course you matter to me, airhead," Skyla pokes his nose, then points with the same finger. "You'll always matter to me, no matter how long the distance between us is."
"Congrats on the new gig." Valen high fives her. "Now you can actually travel more."
"I didn't just take them up on their for traveling." Skyla proudly grins, the tips of her left fingers on her forehead. "I was obviously the sassiest and hottest pick."
"There were picks?" Valen rapidly blinks. "I thought it was just-"
"Haha, you confused face is so funny!" Skyla waves her left hand in a playful manner "About the pick, not about my obvious strengths." She wraps her right arm around his neck, teasing, "I heard how lucky you are." she winks. "Congrats on the vee."
He kisses Skyla on her forehead, while she rests her right cheek on his upper left arm. His friends, plus, his pair of crazy wholesome girlfriends, helped him to beat back the darkness that corrupted his mind. His family, team included, stood by him as well.
Rui's boisterous laugh echoes, the wild card coming into sight. She's decked out in her Team Skull attire, a silly grin on her face. Rui halts when she sees Skyla, but a high five soon follows. Her PWT battle against Skyla was an epic one! It's hard to believe it's already been a year since then!
He gets a fist bump, she gets a fist bump, everybody gets a fist bump! "Sorry about being late!"
"You aren't late, silly." Hilda titters, her right fingertips hovering above her grin. "That being said, where were you?"
Rui sticks up both pairs of index and ring fingers. "I was calling up Team Skull!" She sticks her tongue out. "Wait for it, wait for it, waaaaaait for it-"
Suddenly, Valen's phone blares with notifications. Yep, direct messages from Team Skull members are the cause. Guzma, Plumeria, Gladion, they're all going to be watching the finals. They've been watching from the start to begin with.
"Well, I'm heading out." Melanie points and winks at Valen. "I'll be seeing you again really soon, so be prepared." She begins to stroll off, her steps wide and her arms swinging.
Valen's mom and dad just texted him, not even work can keep them from tuning in. Here comes the rest of the family. Heh, Serena's sharing photo of Calem and her in front of the television. Leaf's calling him Mr. Meanie, which is still an adorable nickname. He wants to respond to everybody's texts and direct messages, but that'll have to wait. He ready to leap into action...the battle the battle starts in just over an hour. That's why Rosa and Hilda just took their phones out, but they'd do that regardless. While they do their thing, he'll take a seat and answer the messages one at a time.
Rosa uses her phone to play a smooth upbeat instrumental, while Hilda presses play. Hydreigon and Garchomp join their respective trainers.
Hilda and Rosa press their backs together, shouting, "Yeah yeah yeah, let's do it!" The melodious roaring of the dragons make them giggle and titter respectively "You are one of the best, like no one ever was!" Hilda jumps, clasping her hands over her left shoulder. "Ever was, ever was!"
"To win battles is your real test!" Rosa's eyes sparkle, clasping her hands next to her right cheek. "To be cool is your cause!" Salamence and Hydreigon roar as if they're doing what the humans call karaoke.
"Your whole life's led to this, time to test your skills!" Rosa sticks both of her index and ring fingers. "We know that we just can miss, you're gonna show the world-"
"Born to be a winner!" Rosa and Hilda grab each other's hands and jump into the air. "Born to be a champion!" They rotate positions. "Born to be a winner, born to be the very best!" They point at Valen. "Born to be a winner, that's yoooou!" They exchange high fives with each other, the dragons emulating them.
Rosa's touch is all that Hilda needs to see. She clasps her hands behind her back, pacing herself towards Valen. Dreams really do come true. Now she can share hers with someone who's more than a bestie—this bestie is the love of her life.
She sits next to him and slides her arms around his neck. She plops her lips onto his. His warm touch flows through her dark brown hair and her back. Her black waistcoat and white top are pressed inwards when Valen rests his left cheek on her midsection. They hold each other as tightly as possible, the flow of time ceasing within their minds.
The buon fresco above Hilda and Valen depicts two trainers having a similar intimate moment, a Boltund and Espeon snuggling with each other by their respective trainer feet. To the left lies a piece that depicts a Serperior towering proudly within the dense canopy and lush foliage of Pinwheel Forest. To the right is a piece depicting male and female Pyroar hold their heads up high while atop a steeply sloped hill.
Is it a mere coincidence that they're having a moment under these?
Two columns sit on opposite sides of a giant entrance. On the other side of that entrance is the main arena of this stadium, the eager crowd's chatter entering through it. A lunette with a gorgeous fresco of Salamence and Dragonite soaring high rests above it.
Valen rubs his hands on the two columns as he passes them. His's smile radiating confidence, his stride's showing that he means business. The crazy wholesome minds have to keep themselves from trotting ahead of him.
Upon hearing the erupting crowd, Valen clenches a rose in-between his teeth. He points at the crowd, a lopsided grin on his face. Rosa and Hilda wave at everybody as they darting to join Skyla and the others in the front row.
Melanie rubs her eyes to prevent tears from dripping. Nothing can truly state how proud of him she is. She winks at him, taking two Poké Balls out of her blue jean jacket. Her posture's stiff, an air of readiness surrounding her. She wants to get this show on the road! She spins as she hurls the balls, her Dragonite and Absol leaping onto the ground. Dragonite flexes his arms, his facial expression competitive. Absol merely closes her eyes and smiles.
Valen tosses the rose towards Rosa and Hilda, the former catching it. He yanks two Poké Balls off of his Guzmani belt. He chucks the Poké Balls into the air, his Salamence and Typhlosion landing with their eyes closed. Salamence's red wings appear more of a crimson hue as they rise, while the flames on Typhlosion's back shoot up with more intensity. Both sharply open their eyes. They unleash the most thunderous roars that they can, the ground trembling beneath their feet. The four Pokémon greet each other, may the best duo win. Their trainers are leaning forward, their eyes emitting both determination and affection.
"I'll give you lots of hugs when you lose," Melanie teases, her hands on her hips. "Can't touch this." She runs her right hand through her long black hair.
"You'll be needing the hugs, ma belle amie." Valen points to himself, his eyes closed and his grin lopsided. "The big bad trainer who beats you down and beats you down without ever letting up." He sharply re-opens his eyes. "It's your boy, Valen!" Guzma's definitely going to be boasting about hearing that.
"Let's put on a show together!" Both shout, causing the crowd to roar with more fervor.
It's time for Team Skull's Valen to cause some mayhem, especially since Melanie's Dragonite is charging in with Dragon Claw. "Fend him off with your Dragon Claw." Absol's coming in fast, but not fast enough to evade. "Use Flamethrower."
Salamence takes off like a shuttle, his claws glowing royal blue. He uses his claws to intercept Dragonite's claws, which are glowing white.
While the dragons attempt to overpower each other, Typhlosion's stream of swirling fire strikes Absol in the face. She's not deterred, but that's to be expected. Here comes Absol's Shadow Ball, causing Valen to snap his fingers. The black and white sphere is flung like a boomerang thanks to Typhlosion's Strength attack.
While the battle rages on, Valen hopes that everybody's aware that he's back. In particular, madams should remember that he can be a baddie while he's being polite.
Fate has chosen to write a new book on him, and it's got a happy ending.
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BossCar
Pokémon Trainer
- Pronouns
- He/His
Thanks for your comment!
I'll make a few minor changes but this work's complete. Solid feedback, but I intentionally kept a couple of elements under wraps.