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Untitled by Matthias

Though more for him than the other. Just what he wanted. He only wondered if the other would feel the same or brush the battle off as another predicted victory.

"Whenever you're ready." He glanced around the city and wondered if the Kanto region would ever consider installing solar panels. An earnest thought but one he set aside for now.

A battle against a gym leader who specialized in Rock types, no doubt, had the advantage but he never let that decide the outcome. Besides, he had long lost interest in winning or losing. He searched for battles that left him tense, heart pounding. He looked forward to the intensity and the spark in his opponent. From Brock's honest response, he hoped 

"On another note," He let his shoulders relax and open up to casual conversation. "Heard you're quite the cook." He rubbed his cheek, absentmindedly, in memory of the grandmother who told him that information...and a quick pinch.

“Nothing new.” That was an understatement. His time was loaded with nothing but upgrading the solar walkways with newer installments and giving it a more, modern look. It was tiring but nothing made him happier than creating.

“Whenever you have the time, you’re welcome to Sunyshore City. If you stopped by, I’d appreciate it…” He fixed his scarf so that covered his nose. He offered Candice a quick side glance in case she thought he was being sarcastic, and added with more warmth in his voice. “A lot.”

Blind.

But the more he observed, the more it made sense. It wasn’t his place to question the boy being in a crowded city nor did he want to pry why, but he couldn’t bring himself to walk away. He wasn’t that insensitive. Now he mused what was the best way to help without stating the obvious. Volkner didn’t want to make him feel…bad, for lack of a better term. Here in Unova, Volkner wasn’t sure if offering to help a stranger was considered rude.

However, as much as he wanted to help…his eyes flickered to the guarded Liepard. He understood why she was as protective as she was. He would be more worried if the Pokemon didn’t or wasn’t capable. It just meant he had to make sure he didn’t get on the Pokemon’s dark side and, hopefully, he’ll walk out in one piece.

“Here. She might be more calm if you take her back. I was about to head out, sort of had enough of the city. Maybe grab another Castelia cone on the way.“ That I dropped when the pup jumped into me. He thought it better not the voice the last part aloud. The boy was under enough stress and if anything added to that stress, Volkner worried he might not be able to function. He looked back at the shop and frowned at the growing line. “Maybe not. The lines’ too long.”

“I’m unfamiliar with Pewter City and got lost on the way to the gym. I didn’t expect to run into you. It’s my lucky day, I suppose.” He truly was glad but his expression, as always, remained neutral and his flat tone conveyed otherwise. 

A part of him wavered at the low sun and thought to put off his mission for tomorrow but thought against it. He knew as a gym leader, young trainers tend to demand battles at the crack of dawn, itching to earn their badge. He wasn’t sure how many trainers were waiting to pounce and Volkner preferred not to stay two nights in the enclosed city.