BossCar
Pokémon Trainer
- Pronouns
- He/His
Chapter 12: Loveth Thee, Sweet Ladies
Tick tock.
Tick tock.
Tick tock.
Tick tock.
That antique clock is the most prominent noise in the master bedroom. The domestic tranquility would normally be pleasant for Valen, even though the rays of sunshine aren't present. Alas, working on the presentation has been akin to taming a Gyarados. He could really use those two angels right about now, but they've got their own tasks at hand.
All he's certain about is that the presentation is going to be about a painting housed at the Calvanian Museum of Art. Assuming he's proficient enough to pull this first one off, he'll consider presenting a few of his essays down the line. Maybe even one on an ancient artifact or a sculpture.
He hopes to compile the essays into books, but he's holding off on sending anything to the publisher. He's proud of his essays, he's proud of his two completed books on the art history field and significant art history literature, but the clouds need to float away. He'll admit that he wrote those books little by little to test himself in a fun manner.
Anyways, back to the...multiple presentations he's made due to indecisiveness. They were also fun...really fun…why does making this decision have to be so hard?
"Should I go with or Elias Greco or Sir Patrick Peter Rubens?" Valen stares at his laptop's screen, his finger rubbing on the touchpad as he scrolls through his essays and presentations. "But there's also Caravaggio, Vermeer, Constable, Munch, Gainsborough, Hokusai…it's a tough crowd."
The 1/4th scale replica of Gianluigi Bernini's Salamence Atop a Rock seems to be calling out to him. The smooth, drapery like finish and the battle pose brings the mighty dragon to life. Sculpture would be much easier—he'd go with Bernini. He'd still want to do a presentation on painting, though.
Next to him is a book on Titian and the painting school in Altomare City during the 1400s and 1500s. He needs a break from this draft, so he'll casually flip through this.
His fingers rub against the textured surface of the pages, his eyes locking onto each photograph. This detailed analysis is one that everybody can read will equal enjoyment. It was his introduction to Altomarian Renaissance painting many years ago, courtesy of a late family friend who was an expert on the subject.
Titian is another good choice…but will the audience be a tough crowd too? He's not worried about the scholars—they've shown him nothing but respect. They've even praised his knowledge. But will others speak ill of him in secret? What if he flops and becomes a laughingstock? These aren't the loyal fans of-
"Are you okay, Val-Val?"
When did Hilda get here? Not that it really matters—look at her gentle eyes. It's like a blanket's been thrown on top of him, and the feeling gets stronger as she approaches him.
Hilda loosely holds her hands behind her back. "I saw that you looked stressed, can I come in?"
"Of course, you don't need to ask." He pats the bed and points towards the desk. "That's why there's three chairs now."
"I can see that, silly." Hilda cradles his head in her arms and presses her lips up against the top. "More importantly, I have to get that big precious smile back onto your face."
His hands rest on her back and his body goes limp. The soothing contentment evicts the tension from his mind. This weightless tranquility could make him fall asleep in her arms but he probably shouldn't when it's past noon.
"Don't forget to picture your dreams when the going gets rough." She caresses his right cheek. "And leave each day to the fullest."
That's always been solid advice but he hopes that Hilda's following it too. He's starting to suspect that her ambitious nature might have gone a little too far with such a big project. Not only that...is she really thinking about stepping away from the BW Agency for good? He trusts her but adjustment after such a drastic change can be difficult.
A second set of arms are now wrapped around his midsection. The soft tingle of Rosa's lips on his lips increases the endothermic atmosphere that blankets him.
"Hi sweetie," Rosa whispers in a lullaby-like tone. "Please try to relax, kay?"
"…Alright…I'm just really…uncertain…what if it goes poorly?" His voice slightly cracks. "I don't even understand why doubt keeps afflicting me."
"Don't forget what Ragnar said—you can always use your platform to spread more of your art and history knowledge." Hilda caresses his right cheek. "That way, you don't have to stress over the scholarly field." She kisses the back of his head. "Melanie, Rosa, and I are worried about you, so we had a video call with Ragnar prior."
"Hilda's got a point—it'd be a good combination of smarts and style." Rosa winks and caresses his forehead. "I think it would also contribute to your desire to set a good example."
"That she does," Valen remarks. "The best historians can be in museums, in academia, or people who simply have strong passion for a subject."
"Or both!" Rosa jumps up with a fist raised above her head. "Anybody can be a historian with lots and lots and lots and lots of knowledge!"
"Become an Eeveetuber like us, Val-Val!" Hilda folds her palms next to her right cheek. "You could have people within the field as guests and you could do book talk!"
Rosa rests her left fingertips on her forehead and places her right hand on her hip. "And you can tell everybody how amazing of am artist I am." she giggles. "Which you've done a thousand times over!"
"…Heh, you two never cease to brighten up my day."
Gardevoir has let herself into the room to check up on him. She floats towards him and gives him a peck on the top of his head. Luxray strolls into the room and sits by his feet, purring when the pets are delivered. He nods to Rosa and Hilda, who join Valen in petting him.
Hilda's Umbreon and Rosa's Serperior enters the room, desiring to repay Valen on behalf of their respective teammates. Umbreon closes her eyes and kisses Luxray's cheek, making him blush while she begins to lick Valen's hand. Serperior nuzzles her face against his chest, but quickly makes room for Valen's Typhlosion. She licks his face and receives her pets.
Gengar pops in from the walls and waddles halfway towards Valen, but then he vanishes for a brief moment. He flops onto the ground on his back, rolls back up, and lets out a nonchalant cry. Yay, he made everybody laugh!
Satisfied with the outcome, the Pokémon make their way out of the room. Gardevoir's the last to leave, and she closes the door behind her.
Not even a minute later, Rosa and Hilda yank Valen back. All he can do is stare in confusion, for they are too powerful.
"Noooow, let's help him out!"
"Hehe, we'll use Helping Hand!"
Rosa narrows her eyes as she scrolls through the thumbnail list. "Which one is your most evocative essay, sweetie?" She points with her right index finger and sticks her thumb sticking out. "Interesting, very interesting." Silly her, she's called all of his essays evocative.
"Heeeeey, how about this one?!" Hilda high fives Rosa with both hands. "Focus your presentation on this painting!"
"A fine suggestion from two fine ladies." He blocks their double bop attempt. "I'm just stating the facts."
Commissioned at a time when classical antiquity witnessed a rebirth like a Talonflame phoenix in Kasmenestian mythology, Titian's Ceasefire is a Renaissance classic that can strike anybody in the feels.
The philosopher Critias urges the armies of Syramos and Cyralia to ponder the folly of their actions, resulting in a Pangoro and an Obstagoon embracing each other. Their trainers, both generals, have put down their weapons. They command their respective squadrons to do the same, to which they comply.
A few soldiers and their Pokémon glare at the great philosopher with hostility, but Critias is under the protection of Champion Kratos and a squadron of his most elite warriors. Two Cyralian soldiers make the mistake of trying to find the champion, but his Machamp and him kick them into the river. It wasn't the ideal method for Critias, but he was determined to stop the Pelennessian War for good.
His admiration for Titian Vercelli can never be understated—his beauteous application of color and his vivid, lifelike drama has left entire crowds in silent awe. All of the Titian paintings in the museum are photographed in that book, each one having called the museum home since the early 1800s. A presentation on one could allow him to talk about the museum's history and his family's history—the great-grandfather of Claude Beauchêne was the purchaser.
"Hehe, Val-Val's deep in thought!"
"Alright, I'm going with this Titian painting for the presentation." He gives them a thumbs up. "I'm feeling a lot better now."
Rosa and Hilda happily gasp. "We successfully helped him!" They lock hands and jump around. "We did it! We did it! We did it! We did it!"
"Balls of fluff." he laughs. "I'm gonna get this done today, watch me."
"Heeeeey, that's the spirit!"
"You can even squeeze in Jaeger Zoffany's Gathering at the Museum!" Rosa's eyes sparkle like the emerald attached to her necklace. "And A Shared Home, the Raphael painting with the vibe that Titian was trying to channel!" Her elbows bent and her fists tightened. "I'm going to pull one up!"
"Good idea!" Hilda jumps with her palms folded in front of her right shoulder. "I wanna analyze too!"
Rosa sneaks in-between the laptop and him to pull up the essay on Raphael. Well, the one containing a photo of A Shared Home He always puts high-resolution photos in these essays.
Kyogre and Groudon are staring at each other with sorrowful expressions. Kyogre's mouth is open, as if it's asking Groudon why they're fighting in the first place. Rayquaza observes them in the distance, confused by their sudden ceasefire. Trees have toppled over and pulled out into the raging ocean, which nearly swallowed up a landmass. Another landmass has a river clinging for dear life.
He expected her to pull up both of the paintings she just mentioned—the work she's dubbed "painting inception" is her favorite painting from a Zieglerian artist. Well, her favorite alongside the works of Friedrich, Dürer, and Altdorfer.
Oh, she did pull that one up. It's a truly impressive work, for the artist had to try and replicate paintings by Raphael, Titian, Botticelli, and other artists for for this piece. Not to mention the sculptures. There's a crowd of fancy men and woman chatting and eyeing the works.
"The more you analyze, the more you'll realize that you're so awesomeeee!" Rosa twirls. "I'm going out for a walk and I want to see if any of my works have sold!" She high fives Hilda and blows a kiss at Valen. "I'm sure that I'm in for a treat!" She waves and trots out of the room.
Did…he…just…did Rosa's smile falter for a brief second? Did she shake it off? Or is he just seeing things?
"Please don't worry about me, kay sweetie?" Rosa's rich voice is a soothing orchestra. "We want you to be happy."
She blows another kiss at him, then she reaches the stairs in the blink of an eye.
Rosa did make a good point about analyzing, but he'll get back to that. Hilda directing's a worried look his way. They don't need to say what's on their synchronized minds—Rosa's been having trouble with attracting buyers for her own works. She's managed to maintain her usual personality, but how long will it last?
"Worrying won't help—we have to be optimistic, Val-Val."
"I agree…sorry for-"
"Don't apologize when you make us feel like the most special people on the planet."
Hilda wraps her arms around his neck, while he plays with her hair and rubs her back. It's not long before they began kissing at a slow and steady pace.
Val-Val's a very lucky boy. After Rosa agreed to a vee, Valen dropped line like on her. His rough patch from not that long ago meant that it took longer to make it official, but it had a happy ending.
Rosa scrolls through her emails via her phone, but she's having trouble keeping a smile on her face. The paintings she sent to Sinnoh and Hoenn…haven't sold…how can she consider prints if originals won't sell? This can't keep happening…she worked hard to get where she is.
The last thing she wants is for her usual self to be absent, but the doubt that was eating Valen's mind has started to rear its ugly head again. Come on, at least one of her paintings had to have sold in Kalos by now. Come on…come on…nothing.…so much for her excitement. Now she know how Victor van Gogh felt when nobody was buying his paintings.
"Guess I didn't have it all figured out after all."
Rosa lets out a heavy sigh and slouches on one of the three sofas. Her melancholic gaze unable to move away from her phone, which rests on the a rosewood table with floral and Vileplume marquetry. She would be elated about this new addition but...this is the fourth time she's lucked out.
Why does nobody seem to be interested them? Is she painting the wrong subjects? Is she not as good as she thinks she is? Is she losing popularity? She'll always be a trainer, but do people prefer that a lot more?
When should something remain solely a hobby? At what point should somebody reconsider their ambitions? She loves painting and won't stop, but maybe it's better left as a pastime. Maybe it would be better if she sticks to an emphasis on being a trainer…and an actress. She might have better luck as an actress.
Her attention turns towards the vases she painted. She should be proud that they're displayed next to a beautiful replica of ancient ceramics and Bernini's The Anguish of King AZ...but maybe she should move them. ...No...she can't hurt him too...he put those vases there because he's proud of her.
If only she had come to her senses a bit earlier, then maybe this wouldn't have-
"It's my turn to help you."
Rosa jerks her head upwards, her surprised gaze fixated upon Valen. She was so preoccupied that she didn't even notice him, but he's got his arms wrapped around her. She closes her eyes and rests her head on her chest. The stroking of her bangs assists in the mission to stop the train of tension, as does the warm emitting from his body.
"Rosa, my sweet Rosa.~" His tone's smooth and pleasant. "Tell me, what are you fretting for? Isn't life worth so much more?~" He kisses her on the lips. "We'll always have each other.~"
His sonorous voice is a piano melody to Rosa's mind and heart. He's truly something else.
Serperior appears and nuzzles Rosa's left side, while Luxray swoops in rubs his body against Rosa's right leg. Gardevoir pops up behind the sofa and caresses the top of her head.
Valen rubs Rosa's head and takes a seat next to her. She strokes her Serperior's back and the placid serpentine rests her head on her trainer's lap. After a few minutes, the three Pokémon exit the living room. Not before they nod in encouragement.
"Rosa, talk to me." He takes off his Team Skull jacket. "I've got all the time in the world." He drapes his jacket over the sofa's headrest.
"Well…the most recent paintings I intended for sale went to Sinnoh, Hoenn and Kalos…but they aren't selling." She sighs and her posture sags. "I guess I haven't had a huge break abroad yet…despite the frescos in Johto and here."
"Don't give up, I know you'll reach the top of the mountain." Valen rubs her head again, feeling fuzzy upon seeing a smile on her face. "We'll be right there every step of the way."
She rests her head on his exposed right shoulder, her hands pressing in his gunmetal black shirt. "Thanks…it's not like I didn't expect this…but I underestimated how hard it can be." Rosa rocks her feet back and forth. "It's just super frustrating, you know?" Her left hand's slumped against the sofa's cushion. "I put my heart and soul into my work…and yet this keeps happening outside of Unova, Calvana, and Johto."
"Think about what you've accomplished instead of dwelling about where you're falling short in." He holds her hand and kisses it. "Never forget that you've positively impacted countless lives."
"I needed that." Rosa kisses him on the lips. "I'll bounce back soon enough."
She can't carry a defeatist attitude—that's not who she is. Raphael, Leonardo, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Holbein, name the Old Master and you'll find that they all had to start somewhere.
Rosa's eyes follow the ornante, pearly white patterns on the black walls. She isn't sure about what to talk about now, but maybe they don't need to. Sometimes, she just want to sit there in silence and bask in love of her special someone.
"Hey…uh…I have a question." Valen's still a bit irresolute—he's rarely seen her down in relation to painting. "Have you considered painting in a style akin to Monet?" he asks. "You haven't experimented with Impressionism in a while."
"I'll have to practice more if I want to paint like the Impressionists," she admits with a tight-lipped smile. "I've made a few attempts but they came out…less than stellar."
…Less than stellar? The overall style of her attempts wasn't that far off from the quick, thick strokes of the Impressionists. Should he say anything, though? What if he makes a second blunder?
He truly means what he says…but is it really the same if he praises her? As opposed to a total stranger praising her?
Rosa's seen enough—she's not going to let him beat himself up. "It's okay, sweetie." She places a hand on the back of his head. "I promise that I won't get upset or mad—I know you're trying to change the subject for my sake."
"…Heh, read me like a book." Valen takes a hard, deep breath. "I don't think your attempts were bad at all." He caresses her left shoulder. "You're a great painter—not many people can replicate the raw power of a Caravaggio," he reassures. "You've got a natural gift for art."
Rosa's eyes light up like the sparkling ocean under the moon's illumination. "You're still sweet." She caresses his cheeks. "I'd love to try my hand at Impressionist art again—you know I've loved trying my hand at new medium and styles for years."
"How about Jean-Jacques David or Émile Delacroix?" he asks. "I recall you having an unfinished work in the former's style."
"Ooooh, my favorite Kalosian painters alongside Poussin!" Rosa clasps her hand near her right cheek. "And you're right, I need to finish that! Thankies!"
"…Thankies?"
"Thankies thankies thankies!" She gets up and does a twirl. "Roooosa's back!" She sits down on his lap. "Grrrr, feel Rosa's power!" She taps both of his cheeks. "Roar, Fury Attack!"
"Ball of fluff."
"Wherever Rosa goes, smiles follow!"
Valey tends to have great suggestions, but he still has issues with remembering that she wants to hear his two cents. He'll keep improving, there's no doubt about it. He's on the right track with those two artists—Classicism and Romanticism are among her main painting styles. No disrespect to the Impressionists intended—Caldre Monet's paintings of Unova are among her favorites depicting her home region.
She can't match the Old Masters, but she studied everybody from Caravaggio to Holbein extensively to hone her own skills. And like many lovers of art, she's been left in awe of their talent numerous times.
"I've got one more thing to say." Valen rubs the back of his head. "I…uh…know it's kinda moot to say this…but you'll always have me as a fan—"
"Moot?" Rosa closes her eyes and giggles. "Were you not paying attention to your own words?"
"I'm not that big of an idiot," Valen quips and taps her forehead. "It's just that…isn't that something you expect from me?"
Rosa wags a finger. "Tsk tsk tsk, don't underestimate yourself." Her eyes gleam and she leans closer with a teasing smile. "Since when is being my most loyal fan moot?"
This just got even more awkward for him. "Uh…but…I always say-"
"Moot!" Rosa's cheeks puff out as she tries to contain her laughter, but it's to no avail. "The praise I cherish the most in this world is now moot?!" She kneels down, clenching her ribs. "This is too funny, I can't wait to tell Hilda about this!"
Valen hides his face his hands, but Rosa wraps an arm arounds his neck and pulls him down with her. It doesn't help that Gardevoir, Serperior, and Luxray have erupted into laughter too.
"You're such a lovable idiot!"
Valen sighs and rubs a hand down his face. Gardevoir and Serperior's cackling doesn't help out one bit, but he can't argue with the idiot part. At least he's their idiot, plus the extra hugs and kisses are worth it. Not that he's cute or anything like that, that's still a false hypothesis.
"Nooooow, I'll get lucky this time!"
Rosa grabs her phone like a space shuttle taking off. Ooooh, she's got new emails. Open the app, hurry hurry hurry!
She happily gasps, her eyes gleaming and her grin growing as she reads the emails.
"Valey! Valey Valey Valey Valey!" She jumps up and down. "Prints of my Kalosian landscape paintings are selling!" She yanks him off of the sofa and makes him twirl with her. "Go, go, go, go Roooosa!"
Valen rapidly blinks, his dumbfounded expression becoming more apparent by the second. He's proud of her but why does he have to twirl too?
"This dream will last forever, this dream will never die!" Another twirl with her sweetie. "We'll rise to the challenge every time!"
"Why do I-"
"We'll be the best that the world's ever seen, cuz we'll always follow our dreams!"
"Rosa-"
His lips tingle from the soft, soothing touch of her kiss. He rapidly blinks again, but then he shrugs. This causes Rosa playfully bring him down onto the sofa with her. He places his hands on the back of her head and the middle of her back. He brings her closer, so close that her nose bops his cheek. The living room's filled up with their shared chortle.
They resume kissing and the world around them seems to halt itself. They savor each one like a precious treasure. It's a treasure more valuable than lapis lazuli—ultramarine was more valuable than gold during the Renaissance.
"Thank you for always being there." Rosa interweaves her fingers with Valen's fingers. "You kept your promise."
He pulls her back in for a tight embrace. "I'm still a man of my word."
Rosa wraps her arms around his neck. "You truly are." Her smile grows wider as he caresses her back.
Said promise to her is something that's been engraved within her heart for years: "I'll do anything to show you you're special."
She didn't know what to do about romance after that unfaithful grifter. Her heart had been shattered and she felt herself falling into the abyss. All was dark…until she felt the warmth she's feeling right now. He kneeled down and put her heart back together. He pulled her out of that abyss and held her as she cried her eyes out. He dropped everything to be by her side at her lowest point.
Valen thought she'd be angry at him for suspecting that she was seeing someone unfaithful, but how could she ever be mad at him? He's not the one who hurt her—he literally wanted to wait for her due to her confused state.
She fully trusted him since they were kids—that's why she was okay with a vee. Why would she hurt them by saying no?
"I still theorize that Arceus sent you from the sky." He winks and clicks a tooth. "You're a goddess in my eyes."
"Must you always steal my heart ten times over?"
"You knew what you were getting yourself into."
"Fine, I'll concede this one."
Unbeknownst to them, Hilda's been listening in from the hallway. Val-Val does what he can to show her that she's special too. Rosa was very understanding when she disclosed her own feelings—it was bound to happen. So much he's done for her, so sweet he's been to her from the start.
"Hilda, get your butt in here."
"What Rosa said, I want both my goddesses here."
Hehe, they got her! She leaps towards the and sits on Valen's right side. Time to relax with her beloved boy and bestest bestie!
Finding a good location hasn't been easy, much less trying to figure out who to have as Frontier Brains, but the tender moment going on behind this wall is soothing her mind too. The park and Battle Frontier could go either way but at least she can say that he tried. More importantly, the outcome will factor into her decision to step away from the agency.
"When you need me, I'll be there for my sweet ladies!~"
"And we'll be there for our special boy!" Rosa and Hilda raise their fists. "Go go go, smiling Valen!"
There are times where one needs a change of scenery—that's why Valen's in the backyard. The Pokémon go about their business while he relaxes in one of the patio's contour chair.
He fist bumps Golisopod and follows it up with a handshake. Satisfied, the arthropod makes room for the flying puppy. Salamence's grinning open hangs open as he nudges Valen. When he gets his pets, Salamence also closes his eyes.
Back to reading Pietro Vasari's Lives of the Great Artists, the forefather of all art history literature.
It is said that Xerneas gifts artists the ability to depict the beauty of life through art. On the other end of this vast sea is Yveltal, who guides artists in presenting the horrors of the world through art. Perhaps, then, Raphael Sadoletto da Urbina is a perfect representation of these Pokémon. For it is he, that I believe, is most proficient at presenting the beauty of this world and the calamities that have ravaged it. Perhaps his greatest triumph iss narrowing the distance between us and the mighty Legendary Pokémon by applying a humanistic approach. This is why in his paintings, these beings present a multitude of emotions that we experience ourselves.
Rosa and Hilda strut into the backward with ample amounts of lively grandeur. Rosa's a rocket ship taking off, which isn't uncommon but there's something different about this one. It's like the merciless twirling she made him do earlier.
"Valey sweetie, two more paintings sold!" Rosa tilts her head back. "Now I've had words sold in both Kalos and Hoenn!" She closes her eyes and positions her palms under her chin. "Kyaaaaaaaaa, this is so awesomeeeee!"
"Hehe, Lisia has a way with words!"
Rosa repeatedly moves from side to side while extending her arms in and out. "Go, go go, go Rosa! You're the winner! You're awesome and you're the winner!"
Acting on his fanboy instincts, Valen jumps out of the chair. He slaps his mouth shut before he can blurt anything out. Rosa and Hilda laugh and pull his cheeks, but they halt when they notice that he's gotten them presents.
"Oooooh, what'd you-"
Silence. That's all Rosa can muster. Her hands tremble as she gently picks up her gift off of the table. It's a print of Sir Arnold van Dyck's Portrait of Champion Rosalina Vervloet.
The smirking lady's staring deep into her soul with her commanding eyes. Underneath her black coat is an elegant gown with a gold bodice over it. She's sitting upright on a lavishly decorated chair with twisted columns, her Sylveon and Talonflame sitting to the right and left respectively.
She places it back on the table, planning to display it in her studio. There wasn't any rush to get this one—a large scale photo of it lies within a giant monograph on the artist. Of course, Valey can't help himself when it comes to being a sweetheart.
"No way, it's the new Eevee Rangers video game!" Hilda hops up and down with her palms folded. "This has been sold out everywhere I checked!"
"Apparently not in Alola."
They kiss his cheeks. "Thank you!"
"Anytime, my queens."
"We've got presents for you too, courtesy of Kris!" One by one, Rosa rapidly places the Hiroshige prints on the table. She got everybody gifts from Little Johto!"
The trio check up on the Pokémon, the first sight being Gengar and Starmie poking each other. Volcarona, Eelektross, Serperior, and Golisopod are taking a nap close by.
Hilda's Emboar and Beartic thank Valen's Gengar for letting them watch Unovan football on his portable television. Emboar adds that Beartic's a fool because his team's going to win, but Beartic brushes this off as Grimer talk.
Umbreon tucks her blushing face in-between her front legs, using the weird bickering between her teammate as cover. She shouldn't be so shy when she's gotten to kiss her crush, but Luxray's so majestic and handsome. Upon seeing Luxray pushing of box of cupcakes in her direction, Umbreon flips the script and begins to jump around. Luxray wants to feed her cupcakes again, it's a dream come too! Kyaaaaa!
Luxray picks up a cupcake and brings it to her. She happily munches on it, desiring more of these yummy treats.
Salamence tilts his head back, wishing he had the sunglasses and fedora from the musical. Him and his dragon bros got to bring them home as presents but he forget to wear them to look fancy for Milotic- BALL! Valen threw ball! BALL! Milotic's cheering him on! And ball! BALL!
Salamence flies around in a circle, nearly knocking down Hilda's Braviary and Rosa's Aerodactyl. Salamence's eyes are closed and mouth's fully open but where is ball?! WHERE IS BALL?! VALEN THREW BALL! WHERE IS BALL? WHERE IS BALL?!
After further engaging in the behavior that earned him the nickname "flying puppy," Salamence finally finds the elusive bouncy ball and rushes to bring it back to Valen.
He gets his pets and Valen throws two balls, causing Typhlosion and Luxray to go equally berserk. Typhlosion runs on all fours in random directions, while Luxray apparently thinks his tail is the ball. Eventually, they grab the bouncy balls with their mouths. They runs towards Valen as Salamence congratulates them, but Luxray's blushing over the tail fighting.
Since Valen's trying to pet three Pokémon at once, it's Rosa and Hilda's turn. They twirl and throw the bouncy balls, resulting in Hydreigon and Garchomp having the same expression as Salamence. Hydreigon even does his happy dance, wildly swinging his heads around. Garchomp tries to do his own happy dance, but he trips and faceplants the lush grass.
Garchomp jumps back up because one does not simply ignore the ball. Hydreigon and Garchomp grab the bouncy balls with their mouths and bring them back. Their rewards are pets and congrats from Salamence.
Milotic whispers "like trainer, like Pokémon" and Salamence nods in response. She snuggles up to Salamence and plops a kiss on his cheek. There's more to this dashing dragon than meets the eye—he once told her that he'll always be there for his sweet lady.
Luxray simply shuts his eyes and broods, for he is a proud feline who acted on instinct. Yeah yeah yeah, Eelektross is a Trubbish at puns and Volcarona is delusional. He's not a cute kitten anymore, so get with the times. Good, the Pokémon are now roasting Garchomp for tripping. Valen just placed a radio near him and gave him some pets. Now he can brood to a cool instrumental. His pride got cut into pieces, he's not a kitten anymore.
Hilda's Braviary sits and nudges Hilda with his head. He happily cries when the pets are given. Determined to not be bested in the petting battle, Rosa's Aerodactyl does the same thing. By this point, the other Pokémon have gathered around Luxray and are roasting him for chasing his tail.
"They're all Growlithe puppies and Shinx kittens." Valen laughs. "Luxray's no exception."
"They're all cuties like our favorite boy!" Rosa pats Valen's head. "Cutie cutie cutie!"
"Hehe, Hilda told me about earlier!" Hilda drums on Valen's head. "Silly Val-Val!"
The notion that he's cute remains a false hypothesis, but he'll let it slide. It's something that makes them even more cheery than they already are, which makes the Pokémon happier. It's the most wholesome cycle ever.
As for earlier, he'll just have to try his best. …No, he's got this in the bag. He'll hit a home run with that presentation.
Tick tock.
Tick tock.
Tick tock.
Tick tock.
That antique clock is the most prominent noise in the master bedroom. The domestic tranquility would normally be pleasant for Valen, even though the rays of sunshine aren't present. Alas, working on the presentation has been akin to taming a Gyarados. He could really use those two angels right about now, but they've got their own tasks at hand.
All he's certain about is that the presentation is going to be about a painting housed at the Calvanian Museum of Art. Assuming he's proficient enough to pull this first one off, he'll consider presenting a few of his essays down the line. Maybe even one on an ancient artifact or a sculpture.
He hopes to compile the essays into books, but he's holding off on sending anything to the publisher. He's proud of his essays, he's proud of his two completed books on the art history field and significant art history literature, but the clouds need to float away. He'll admit that he wrote those books little by little to test himself in a fun manner.
Anyways, back to the...multiple presentations he's made due to indecisiveness. They were also fun...really fun…why does making this decision have to be so hard?
"Should I go with or Elias Greco or Sir Patrick Peter Rubens?" Valen stares at his laptop's screen, his finger rubbing on the touchpad as he scrolls through his essays and presentations. "But there's also Caravaggio, Vermeer, Constable, Munch, Gainsborough, Hokusai…it's a tough crowd."
The 1/4th scale replica of Gianluigi Bernini's Salamence Atop a Rock seems to be calling out to him. The smooth, drapery like finish and the battle pose brings the mighty dragon to life. Sculpture would be much easier—he'd go with Bernini. He'd still want to do a presentation on painting, though.
Next to him is a book on Titian and the painting school in Altomare City during the 1400s and 1500s. He needs a break from this draft, so he'll casually flip through this.
His fingers rub against the textured surface of the pages, his eyes locking onto each photograph. This detailed analysis is one that everybody can read will equal enjoyment. It was his introduction to Altomarian Renaissance painting many years ago, courtesy of a late family friend who was an expert on the subject.
Titian is another good choice…but will the audience be a tough crowd too? He's not worried about the scholars—they've shown him nothing but respect. They've even praised his knowledge. But will others speak ill of him in secret? What if he flops and becomes a laughingstock? These aren't the loyal fans of-
"Are you okay, Val-Val?"
When did Hilda get here? Not that it really matters—look at her gentle eyes. It's like a blanket's been thrown on top of him, and the feeling gets stronger as she approaches him.
Hilda loosely holds her hands behind her back. "I saw that you looked stressed, can I come in?"
"Of course, you don't need to ask." He pats the bed and points towards the desk. "That's why there's three chairs now."
"I can see that, silly." Hilda cradles his head in her arms and presses her lips up against the top. "More importantly, I have to get that big precious smile back onto your face."
His hands rest on her back and his body goes limp. The soothing contentment evicts the tension from his mind. This weightless tranquility could make him fall asleep in her arms but he probably shouldn't when it's past noon.
"Don't forget to picture your dreams when the going gets rough." She caresses his right cheek. "And leave each day to the fullest."
That's always been solid advice but he hopes that Hilda's following it too. He's starting to suspect that her ambitious nature might have gone a little too far with such a big project. Not only that...is she really thinking about stepping away from the BW Agency for good? He trusts her but adjustment after such a drastic change can be difficult.
A second set of arms are now wrapped around his midsection. The soft tingle of Rosa's lips on his lips increases the endothermic atmosphere that blankets him.
"Hi sweetie," Rosa whispers in a lullaby-like tone. "Please try to relax, kay?"
"…Alright…I'm just really…uncertain…what if it goes poorly?" His voice slightly cracks. "I don't even understand why doubt keeps afflicting me."
"Don't forget what Ragnar said—you can always use your platform to spread more of your art and history knowledge." Hilda caresses his right cheek. "That way, you don't have to stress over the scholarly field." She kisses the back of his head. "Melanie, Rosa, and I are worried about you, so we had a video call with Ragnar prior."
"Hilda's got a point—it'd be a good combination of smarts and style." Rosa winks and caresses his forehead. "I think it would also contribute to your desire to set a good example."
"That she does," Valen remarks. "The best historians can be in museums, in academia, or people who simply have strong passion for a subject."
"Or both!" Rosa jumps up with a fist raised above her head. "Anybody can be a historian with lots and lots and lots and lots of knowledge!"
"Become an Eeveetuber like us, Val-Val!" Hilda folds her palms next to her right cheek. "You could have people within the field as guests and you could do book talk!"
Rosa rests her left fingertips on her forehead and places her right hand on her hip. "And you can tell everybody how amazing of am artist I am." she giggles. "Which you've done a thousand times over!"
"…Heh, you two never cease to brighten up my day."
Gardevoir has let herself into the room to check up on him. She floats towards him and gives him a peck on the top of his head. Luxray strolls into the room and sits by his feet, purring when the pets are delivered. He nods to Rosa and Hilda, who join Valen in petting him.
Hilda's Umbreon and Rosa's Serperior enters the room, desiring to repay Valen on behalf of their respective teammates. Umbreon closes her eyes and kisses Luxray's cheek, making him blush while she begins to lick Valen's hand. Serperior nuzzles her face against his chest, but quickly makes room for Valen's Typhlosion. She licks his face and receives her pets.
Gengar pops in from the walls and waddles halfway towards Valen, but then he vanishes for a brief moment. He flops onto the ground on his back, rolls back up, and lets out a nonchalant cry. Yay, he made everybody laugh!
Satisfied with the outcome, the Pokémon make their way out of the room. Gardevoir's the last to leave, and she closes the door behind her.
Not even a minute later, Rosa and Hilda yank Valen back. All he can do is stare in confusion, for they are too powerful.
"Noooow, let's help him out!"
"Hehe, we'll use Helping Hand!"
Rosa narrows her eyes as she scrolls through the thumbnail list. "Which one is your most evocative essay, sweetie?" She points with her right index finger and sticks her thumb sticking out. "Interesting, very interesting." Silly her, she's called all of his essays evocative.
"Heeeeey, how about this one?!" Hilda high fives Rosa with both hands. "Focus your presentation on this painting!"
"A fine suggestion from two fine ladies." He blocks their double bop attempt. "I'm just stating the facts."
Commissioned at a time when classical antiquity witnessed a rebirth like a Talonflame phoenix in Kasmenestian mythology, Titian's Ceasefire is a Renaissance classic that can strike anybody in the feels.
The philosopher Critias urges the armies of Syramos and Cyralia to ponder the folly of their actions, resulting in a Pangoro and an Obstagoon embracing each other. Their trainers, both generals, have put down their weapons. They command their respective squadrons to do the same, to which they comply.
A few soldiers and their Pokémon glare at the great philosopher with hostility, but Critias is under the protection of Champion Kratos and a squadron of his most elite warriors. Two Cyralian soldiers make the mistake of trying to find the champion, but his Machamp and him kick them into the river. It wasn't the ideal method for Critias, but he was determined to stop the Pelennessian War for good.
His admiration for Titian Vercelli can never be understated—his beauteous application of color and his vivid, lifelike drama has left entire crowds in silent awe. All of the Titian paintings in the museum are photographed in that book, each one having called the museum home since the early 1800s. A presentation on one could allow him to talk about the museum's history and his family's history—the great-grandfather of Claude Beauchêne was the purchaser.
"Hehe, Val-Val's deep in thought!"
"Alright, I'm going with this Titian painting for the presentation." He gives them a thumbs up. "I'm feeling a lot better now."
Rosa and Hilda happily gasp. "We successfully helped him!" They lock hands and jump around. "We did it! We did it! We did it! We did it!"
"Balls of fluff." he laughs. "I'm gonna get this done today, watch me."
"Heeeeey, that's the spirit!"
"You can even squeeze in Jaeger Zoffany's Gathering at the Museum!" Rosa's eyes sparkle like the emerald attached to her necklace. "And A Shared Home, the Raphael painting with the vibe that Titian was trying to channel!" Her elbows bent and her fists tightened. "I'm going to pull one up!"
"Good idea!" Hilda jumps with her palms folded in front of her right shoulder. "I wanna analyze too!"
Rosa sneaks in-between the laptop and him to pull up the essay on Raphael. Well, the one containing a photo of A Shared Home He always puts high-resolution photos in these essays.
Kyogre and Groudon are staring at each other with sorrowful expressions. Kyogre's mouth is open, as if it's asking Groudon why they're fighting in the first place. Rayquaza observes them in the distance, confused by their sudden ceasefire. Trees have toppled over and pulled out into the raging ocean, which nearly swallowed up a landmass. Another landmass has a river clinging for dear life.
He expected her to pull up both of the paintings she just mentioned—the work she's dubbed "painting inception" is her favorite painting from a Zieglerian artist. Well, her favorite alongside the works of Friedrich, Dürer, and Altdorfer.
Oh, she did pull that one up. It's a truly impressive work, for the artist had to try and replicate paintings by Raphael, Titian, Botticelli, and other artists for for this piece. Not to mention the sculptures. There's a crowd of fancy men and woman chatting and eyeing the works.
"The more you analyze, the more you'll realize that you're so awesomeeee!" Rosa twirls. "I'm going out for a walk and I want to see if any of my works have sold!" She high fives Hilda and blows a kiss at Valen. "I'm sure that I'm in for a treat!" She waves and trots out of the room.
Did…he…just…did Rosa's smile falter for a brief second? Did she shake it off? Or is he just seeing things?
"Please don't worry about me, kay sweetie?" Rosa's rich voice is a soothing orchestra. "We want you to be happy."
She blows another kiss at him, then she reaches the stairs in the blink of an eye.
Rosa did make a good point about analyzing, but he'll get back to that. Hilda directing's a worried look his way. They don't need to say what's on their synchronized minds—Rosa's been having trouble with attracting buyers for her own works. She's managed to maintain her usual personality, but how long will it last?
"Worrying won't help—we have to be optimistic, Val-Val."
"I agree…sorry for-"
"Don't apologize when you make us feel like the most special people on the planet."
Hilda wraps her arms around his neck, while he plays with her hair and rubs her back. It's not long before they began kissing at a slow and steady pace.
Val-Val's a very lucky boy. After Rosa agreed to a vee, Valen dropped line like on her. His rough patch from not that long ago meant that it took longer to make it official, but it had a happy ending.
Rosa scrolls through her emails via her phone, but she's having trouble keeping a smile on her face. The paintings she sent to Sinnoh and Hoenn…haven't sold…how can she consider prints if originals won't sell? This can't keep happening…she worked hard to get where she is.
The last thing she wants is for her usual self to be absent, but the doubt that was eating Valen's mind has started to rear its ugly head again. Come on, at least one of her paintings had to have sold in Kalos by now. Come on…come on…nothing.…so much for her excitement. Now she know how Victor van Gogh felt when nobody was buying his paintings.
"Guess I didn't have it all figured out after all."
Rosa lets out a heavy sigh and slouches on one of the three sofas. Her melancholic gaze unable to move away from her phone, which rests on the a rosewood table with floral and Vileplume marquetry. She would be elated about this new addition but...this is the fourth time she's lucked out.
Why does nobody seem to be interested them? Is she painting the wrong subjects? Is she not as good as she thinks she is? Is she losing popularity? She'll always be a trainer, but do people prefer that a lot more?
When should something remain solely a hobby? At what point should somebody reconsider their ambitions? She loves painting and won't stop, but maybe it's better left as a pastime. Maybe it would be better if she sticks to an emphasis on being a trainer…and an actress. She might have better luck as an actress.
Her attention turns towards the vases she painted. She should be proud that they're displayed next to a beautiful replica of ancient ceramics and Bernini's The Anguish of King AZ...but maybe she should move them. ...No...she can't hurt him too...he put those vases there because he's proud of her.
If only she had come to her senses a bit earlier, then maybe this wouldn't have-
"It's my turn to help you."
Rosa jerks her head upwards, her surprised gaze fixated upon Valen. She was so preoccupied that she didn't even notice him, but he's got his arms wrapped around her. She closes her eyes and rests her head on her chest. The stroking of her bangs assists in the mission to stop the train of tension, as does the warm emitting from his body.
"Rosa, my sweet Rosa.~" His tone's smooth and pleasant. "Tell me, what are you fretting for? Isn't life worth so much more?~" He kisses her on the lips. "We'll always have each other.~"
His sonorous voice is a piano melody to Rosa's mind and heart. He's truly something else.
Serperior appears and nuzzles Rosa's left side, while Luxray swoops in rubs his body against Rosa's right leg. Gardevoir pops up behind the sofa and caresses the top of her head.
Valen rubs Rosa's head and takes a seat next to her. She strokes her Serperior's back and the placid serpentine rests her head on her trainer's lap. After a few minutes, the three Pokémon exit the living room. Not before they nod in encouragement.
"Rosa, talk to me." He takes off his Team Skull jacket. "I've got all the time in the world." He drapes his jacket over the sofa's headrest.
"Well…the most recent paintings I intended for sale went to Sinnoh, Hoenn and Kalos…but they aren't selling." She sighs and her posture sags. "I guess I haven't had a huge break abroad yet…despite the frescos in Johto and here."
"Don't give up, I know you'll reach the top of the mountain." Valen rubs her head again, feeling fuzzy upon seeing a smile on her face. "We'll be right there every step of the way."
She rests her head on his exposed right shoulder, her hands pressing in his gunmetal black shirt. "Thanks…it's not like I didn't expect this…but I underestimated how hard it can be." Rosa rocks her feet back and forth. "It's just super frustrating, you know?" Her left hand's slumped against the sofa's cushion. "I put my heart and soul into my work…and yet this keeps happening outside of Unova, Calvana, and Johto."
"Think about what you've accomplished instead of dwelling about where you're falling short in." He holds her hand and kisses it. "Never forget that you've positively impacted countless lives."
"I needed that." Rosa kisses him on the lips. "I'll bounce back soon enough."
She can't carry a defeatist attitude—that's not who she is. Raphael, Leonardo, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Holbein, name the Old Master and you'll find that they all had to start somewhere.
Rosa's eyes follow the ornante, pearly white patterns on the black walls. She isn't sure about what to talk about now, but maybe they don't need to. Sometimes, she just want to sit there in silence and bask in love of her special someone.
"Hey…uh…I have a question." Valen's still a bit irresolute—he's rarely seen her down in relation to painting. "Have you considered painting in a style akin to Monet?" he asks. "You haven't experimented with Impressionism in a while."
"I'll have to practice more if I want to paint like the Impressionists," she admits with a tight-lipped smile. "I've made a few attempts but they came out…less than stellar."
…Less than stellar? The overall style of her attempts wasn't that far off from the quick, thick strokes of the Impressionists. Should he say anything, though? What if he makes a second blunder?
He truly means what he says…but is it really the same if he praises her? As opposed to a total stranger praising her?
Rosa's seen enough—she's not going to let him beat himself up. "It's okay, sweetie." She places a hand on the back of his head. "I promise that I won't get upset or mad—I know you're trying to change the subject for my sake."
"…Heh, read me like a book." Valen takes a hard, deep breath. "I don't think your attempts were bad at all." He caresses her left shoulder. "You're a great painter—not many people can replicate the raw power of a Caravaggio," he reassures. "You've got a natural gift for art."
Rosa's eyes light up like the sparkling ocean under the moon's illumination. "You're still sweet." She caresses his cheeks. "I'd love to try my hand at Impressionist art again—you know I've loved trying my hand at new medium and styles for years."
"How about Jean-Jacques David or Émile Delacroix?" he asks. "I recall you having an unfinished work in the former's style."
"Ooooh, my favorite Kalosian painters alongside Poussin!" Rosa clasps her hand near her right cheek. "And you're right, I need to finish that! Thankies!"
"…Thankies?"
"Thankies thankies thankies!" She gets up and does a twirl. "Roooosa's back!" She sits down on his lap. "Grrrr, feel Rosa's power!" She taps both of his cheeks. "Roar, Fury Attack!"
"Ball of fluff."
"Wherever Rosa goes, smiles follow!"
Valey tends to have great suggestions, but he still has issues with remembering that she wants to hear his two cents. He'll keep improving, there's no doubt about it. He's on the right track with those two artists—Classicism and Romanticism are among her main painting styles. No disrespect to the Impressionists intended—Caldre Monet's paintings of Unova are among her favorites depicting her home region.
She can't match the Old Masters, but she studied everybody from Caravaggio to Holbein extensively to hone her own skills. And like many lovers of art, she's been left in awe of their talent numerous times.
"I've got one more thing to say." Valen rubs the back of his head. "I…uh…know it's kinda moot to say this…but you'll always have me as a fan—"
"Moot?" Rosa closes her eyes and giggles. "Were you not paying attention to your own words?"
"I'm not that big of an idiot," Valen quips and taps her forehead. "It's just that…isn't that something you expect from me?"
Rosa wags a finger. "Tsk tsk tsk, don't underestimate yourself." Her eyes gleam and she leans closer with a teasing smile. "Since when is being my most loyal fan moot?"
This just got even more awkward for him. "Uh…but…I always say-"
"Moot!" Rosa's cheeks puff out as she tries to contain her laughter, but it's to no avail. "The praise I cherish the most in this world is now moot?!" She kneels down, clenching her ribs. "This is too funny, I can't wait to tell Hilda about this!"
Valen hides his face his hands, but Rosa wraps an arm arounds his neck and pulls him down with her. It doesn't help that Gardevoir, Serperior, and Luxray have erupted into laughter too.
"You're such a lovable idiot!"
Valen sighs and rubs a hand down his face. Gardevoir and Serperior's cackling doesn't help out one bit, but he can't argue with the idiot part. At least he's their idiot, plus the extra hugs and kisses are worth it. Not that he's cute or anything like that, that's still a false hypothesis.
"Nooooow, I'll get lucky this time!"
Rosa grabs her phone like a space shuttle taking off. Ooooh, she's got new emails. Open the app, hurry hurry hurry!
She happily gasps, her eyes gleaming and her grin growing as she reads the emails.
"Valey! Valey Valey Valey Valey!" She jumps up and down. "Prints of my Kalosian landscape paintings are selling!" She yanks him off of the sofa and makes him twirl with her. "Go, go, go, go Roooosa!"
Valen rapidly blinks, his dumbfounded expression becoming more apparent by the second. He's proud of her but why does he have to twirl too?
"This dream will last forever, this dream will never die!" Another twirl with her sweetie. "We'll rise to the challenge every time!"
"Why do I-"
"We'll be the best that the world's ever seen, cuz we'll always follow our dreams!"
"Rosa-"
His lips tingle from the soft, soothing touch of her kiss. He rapidly blinks again, but then he shrugs. This causes Rosa playfully bring him down onto the sofa with her. He places his hands on the back of her head and the middle of her back. He brings her closer, so close that her nose bops his cheek. The living room's filled up with their shared chortle.
They resume kissing and the world around them seems to halt itself. They savor each one like a precious treasure. It's a treasure more valuable than lapis lazuli—ultramarine was more valuable than gold during the Renaissance.
"Thank you for always being there." Rosa interweaves her fingers with Valen's fingers. "You kept your promise."
He pulls her back in for a tight embrace. "I'm still a man of my word."
Rosa wraps her arms around his neck. "You truly are." Her smile grows wider as he caresses her back.
Said promise to her is something that's been engraved within her heart for years: "I'll do anything to show you you're special."
She didn't know what to do about romance after that unfaithful grifter. Her heart had been shattered and she felt herself falling into the abyss. All was dark…until she felt the warmth she's feeling right now. He kneeled down and put her heart back together. He pulled her out of that abyss and held her as she cried her eyes out. He dropped everything to be by her side at her lowest point.
Valen thought she'd be angry at him for suspecting that she was seeing someone unfaithful, but how could she ever be mad at him? He's not the one who hurt her—he literally wanted to wait for her due to her confused state.
She fully trusted him since they were kids—that's why she was okay with a vee. Why would she hurt them by saying no?
"I still theorize that Arceus sent you from the sky." He winks and clicks a tooth. "You're a goddess in my eyes."
"Must you always steal my heart ten times over?"
"You knew what you were getting yourself into."
"Fine, I'll concede this one."
Unbeknownst to them, Hilda's been listening in from the hallway. Val-Val does what he can to show her that she's special too. Rosa was very understanding when she disclosed her own feelings—it was bound to happen. So much he's done for her, so sweet he's been to her from the start.
"Hilda, get your butt in here."
"What Rosa said, I want both my goddesses here."
Hehe, they got her! She leaps towards the and sits on Valen's right side. Time to relax with her beloved boy and bestest bestie!
Finding a good location hasn't been easy, much less trying to figure out who to have as Frontier Brains, but the tender moment going on behind this wall is soothing her mind too. The park and Battle Frontier could go either way but at least she can say that he tried. More importantly, the outcome will factor into her decision to step away from the agency.
"When you need me, I'll be there for my sweet ladies!~"
"And we'll be there for our special boy!" Rosa and Hilda raise their fists. "Go go go, smiling Valen!"
There are times where one needs a change of scenery—that's why Valen's in the backyard. The Pokémon go about their business while he relaxes in one of the patio's contour chair.
He fist bumps Golisopod and follows it up with a handshake. Satisfied, the arthropod makes room for the flying puppy. Salamence's grinning open hangs open as he nudges Valen. When he gets his pets, Salamence also closes his eyes.
Back to reading Pietro Vasari's Lives of the Great Artists, the forefather of all art history literature.
It is said that Xerneas gifts artists the ability to depict the beauty of life through art. On the other end of this vast sea is Yveltal, who guides artists in presenting the horrors of the world through art. Perhaps, then, Raphael Sadoletto da Urbina is a perfect representation of these Pokémon. For it is he, that I believe, is most proficient at presenting the beauty of this world and the calamities that have ravaged it. Perhaps his greatest triumph iss narrowing the distance between us and the mighty Legendary Pokémon by applying a humanistic approach. This is why in his paintings, these beings present a multitude of emotions that we experience ourselves.
Rosa and Hilda strut into the backward with ample amounts of lively grandeur. Rosa's a rocket ship taking off, which isn't uncommon but there's something different about this one. It's like the merciless twirling she made him do earlier.
"Valey sweetie, two more paintings sold!" Rosa tilts her head back. "Now I've had words sold in both Kalos and Hoenn!" She closes her eyes and positions her palms under her chin. "Kyaaaaaaaaa, this is so awesomeeeee!"
"Hehe, Lisia has a way with words!"
Rosa repeatedly moves from side to side while extending her arms in and out. "Go, go go, go Rosa! You're the winner! You're awesome and you're the winner!"
Acting on his fanboy instincts, Valen jumps out of the chair. He slaps his mouth shut before he can blurt anything out. Rosa and Hilda laugh and pull his cheeks, but they halt when they notice that he's gotten them presents.
"Oooooh, what'd you-"
Silence. That's all Rosa can muster. Her hands tremble as she gently picks up her gift off of the table. It's a print of Sir Arnold van Dyck's Portrait of Champion Rosalina Vervloet.
The smirking lady's staring deep into her soul with her commanding eyes. Underneath her black coat is an elegant gown with a gold bodice over it. She's sitting upright on a lavishly decorated chair with twisted columns, her Sylveon and Talonflame sitting to the right and left respectively.
She places it back on the table, planning to display it in her studio. There wasn't any rush to get this one—a large scale photo of it lies within a giant monograph on the artist. Of course, Valey can't help himself when it comes to being a sweetheart.
"No way, it's the new Eevee Rangers video game!" Hilda hops up and down with her palms folded. "This has been sold out everywhere I checked!"
"Apparently not in Alola."
They kiss his cheeks. "Thank you!"
"Anytime, my queens."
"We've got presents for you too, courtesy of Kris!" One by one, Rosa rapidly places the Hiroshige prints on the table. She got everybody gifts from Little Johto!"
The trio check up on the Pokémon, the first sight being Gengar and Starmie poking each other. Volcarona, Eelektross, Serperior, and Golisopod are taking a nap close by.
Hilda's Emboar and Beartic thank Valen's Gengar for letting them watch Unovan football on his portable television. Emboar adds that Beartic's a fool because his team's going to win, but Beartic brushes this off as Grimer talk.
Umbreon tucks her blushing face in-between her front legs, using the weird bickering between her teammate as cover. She shouldn't be so shy when she's gotten to kiss her crush, but Luxray's so majestic and handsome. Upon seeing Luxray pushing of box of cupcakes in her direction, Umbreon flips the script and begins to jump around. Luxray wants to feed her cupcakes again, it's a dream come too! Kyaaaaa!
Luxray picks up a cupcake and brings it to her. She happily munches on it, desiring more of these yummy treats.
Salamence tilts his head back, wishing he had the sunglasses and fedora from the musical. Him and his dragon bros got to bring them home as presents but he forget to wear them to look fancy for Milotic- BALL! Valen threw ball! BALL! Milotic's cheering him on! And ball! BALL!
Salamence flies around in a circle, nearly knocking down Hilda's Braviary and Rosa's Aerodactyl. Salamence's eyes are closed and mouth's fully open but where is ball?! WHERE IS BALL?! VALEN THREW BALL! WHERE IS BALL? WHERE IS BALL?!
After further engaging in the behavior that earned him the nickname "flying puppy," Salamence finally finds the elusive bouncy ball and rushes to bring it back to Valen.
He gets his pets and Valen throws two balls, causing Typhlosion and Luxray to go equally berserk. Typhlosion runs on all fours in random directions, while Luxray apparently thinks his tail is the ball. Eventually, they grab the bouncy balls with their mouths. They runs towards Valen as Salamence congratulates them, but Luxray's blushing over the tail fighting.
Since Valen's trying to pet three Pokémon at once, it's Rosa and Hilda's turn. They twirl and throw the bouncy balls, resulting in Hydreigon and Garchomp having the same expression as Salamence. Hydreigon even does his happy dance, wildly swinging his heads around. Garchomp tries to do his own happy dance, but he trips and faceplants the lush grass.
Garchomp jumps back up because one does not simply ignore the ball. Hydreigon and Garchomp grab the bouncy balls with their mouths and bring them back. Their rewards are pets and congrats from Salamence.
Milotic whispers "like trainer, like Pokémon" and Salamence nods in response. She snuggles up to Salamence and plops a kiss on his cheek. There's more to this dashing dragon than meets the eye—he once told her that he'll always be there for his sweet lady.
Luxray simply shuts his eyes and broods, for he is a proud feline who acted on instinct. Yeah yeah yeah, Eelektross is a Trubbish at puns and Volcarona is delusional. He's not a cute kitten anymore, so get with the times. Good, the Pokémon are now roasting Garchomp for tripping. Valen just placed a radio near him and gave him some pets. Now he can brood to a cool instrumental. His pride got cut into pieces, he's not a kitten anymore.
Hilda's Braviary sits and nudges Hilda with his head. He happily cries when the pets are given. Determined to not be bested in the petting battle, Rosa's Aerodactyl does the same thing. By this point, the other Pokémon have gathered around Luxray and are roasting him for chasing his tail.
"They're all Growlithe puppies and Shinx kittens." Valen laughs. "Luxray's no exception."
"They're all cuties like our favorite boy!" Rosa pats Valen's head. "Cutie cutie cutie!"
"Hehe, Hilda told me about earlier!" Hilda drums on Valen's head. "Silly Val-Val!"
The notion that he's cute remains a false hypothesis, but he'll let it slide. It's something that makes them even more cheery than they already are, which makes the Pokémon happier. It's the most wholesome cycle ever.
As for earlier, he'll just have to try his best. …No, he's got this in the bag. He'll hit a home run with that presentation.
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