Punk and Neon Lights

Daedra made a little pout again as she recalled. It was bad enough people tended to treat her like a child simply from her size and appearance, but she found it even worse they made it like she was a tourist! As is someone who wasn't native would know about the rule bends!!

Either way, Daedra knew she was better at being the reasonable and responsible one in a given situation. Best to just stick with what you could handle. And--- she should probably -not- encourage visitors to be doing things to get them in trouble, she amended silently.

"I suppose while it is -technically- a tourist spot, you should absolutely make a few days to really see all Nimbasa has to offer! Aside from the theme park and sport stadiums, it has lots of places to eat and even a theater for Pokemon Musicals! My own Pokemon really liked going to those," she said excitedly. "They're similar to Contests but don't have so many rules or harsh judging! You can let your Pokemon wear cute costumes for pictures and everything!"

Once again, Piers anticipation was left to deflate as Daedra proved to be once again clueless to the rumors of foreign Pokemon.

"You have a Malamar?" she asked, clearly curious as her smiling expression didn't budge an inch. "That's the evolved form of Inkay, right? Those cute little squid Pokemon from Kalos?" the redhead asked for verification, though she found them hard to forget.

Piers hummed a bit in thought as she said that he should check out the sights around Nimbasa. Well, he had planned to stay a few days there regardless. It wasn't like he was set to a strict schedule after all. "Heh, sounds like a good plan. Plus, I know Skuntank and Goony here would love to dress up and Malamar would probably enjoy the shows the theater offered."

While immensely relieved that Daedra didn't recoil in disgust or fear at hearing about one of his beloved team members he still worried a bit. "Ah yeah, they're the evolved form of Inkay but they aren't as well liked by most people. Malamar are normally feared because if they aren't trained properly, feel threatened, or are in the wild they can hypnotize people to do whatever." Which could be a terrifying prospect but it was upsetting that most people had such a bad stigma against them as a whole.

"Sadly, most of the people as a whole are against Dark-type Pokemon... I know they are in Galar at least. Most of our bedtime stories and folktales put them and Ghost-types as the villains after all." Piers didn't really blame the populace of his region for their bias but it certainly didn't help his standing popularity. After all, he was a rather proud advocate for better understanding of his favorite typing.

Speaking of 'misbehaving', Daedra couldn't help but chuckle a bit awkwardly from Piers' accusation. "Well, it's more like: I always seem to be the one that gets caught," she said, fiddling with one of her hair ties.

"My friends could always have their Pokemon ride with them, and some of them were very big! All they did was fashion a bag on them like a cover or on their head, and they never got pulled aside or spoken to!"

From the redhead's little puffed frown, it was clear such instances never worked for her. Granted, while her friends' Pokemon were also well behaved, their trainers were much more casual in their rule breaking. Daedra wore her guilt like a lapel before she even decided to do anything. Some people were not meant for such treason~

When the rocker commented on wanting to find the more unconventional spots in Unova, Daedra was all the happy to perk up. While she didn't count herself a 'regional expert', she had spent much of her childhood trying to enjoy everything her home had to offer... namely in ways that costed little money; which meant being creative.

Instead of dwelling on that at the moment the rocker turned his focus back towards Daedra as she spoke up about her time trying to bend the rules. He couldn't help but chuckle good naturedly after she explained how she was always caught. "Hey, sometimes showing them kinds of emotions ain't always a bad thing. I can take it that the incident didn't result in a bad outcome just based off your recounting of the tale, yeh?"

Once she heard about him wanting to see less conventional sights in Unova and perked up he couldn't help but look more interested in the conversation. It was nice that Daedra seemed so invested in sharing the local attractions apparently and he couldn't help but match her smile with one of his own. Idly it occurred to him in the back of his mind that he'd been smiling much more on this trip than he normally ever did in Galar... Unless his sister was involved. After all, she was a ball of sunshine in her own unique and subdued way.

"Can't say I'm much for sports myself but I wouldn't mind checking it out all the same. Scrafty, Toxtricity, and Obstagoon here would probably enjoy playing though. Can't say the same for Malamar or Skuntank though. Especially Malamar actually... He's more into shows like concerts or movies on the telly." Piers braced himself for what Daedra might say in reaction to him having a Malamar on his team given the distrust, prejudice, and misconceptions over the Pokemon as a whole. Sure, they were more prone to deviousness but that was only the rarer wild ones and untrained ones that were cause for concern.

She gave an awkward little laugh at that, as if she were highly aware of that rule in particular, and how it was enforced. However, she offered nothing more and that and was happy to continue to the next topic.

"Unova's Subway only runs as it does because of all the work Mr. Emmet and Mr. Ingo put into it," there was a bit of pride in her tone. Unova had a lot to be known for, but their subway was one of the most unique in all the Pokemon world, she felt! "We're very happy to have them and to make such a wonderful subway for us; not even for battles but to get all over parts of the region with complete ease! If you can manage to best them, I'm pretty sure you get some type of trophy or award. I know for sure you get your name on the record plaque, you can see it in the main Nimbasa Station!"

Daedra might have been overselling the experience a touch, but she did count it as one of the more special things to do in Unova. They had their theme parks with the ferris wheel and the open market, but other regions had similar, too.

So, when Piers sarted gushing on his younger sister, Daedra was more than happy to listen to him. She could tell his sibling meant a great deal to him, just by how he complimented of her skill. Daedra was always soft for such family things, considering she had no experience with a sibling; a proper one.

"I can tell she must be working hard, if she didn't come with you," Daedra noticed. "Maybe you'll be able to bring here next time. You two can try the Battle Subway together, since you both sound like you really enjoy battling! Unlike gym battles, the Battle Subway does have double matches, but as expected that's even doubly hard!"

Or some might find it easier. Afterall, you had a partner to help you, outside of your Pokemon!

"Heh, that bit 'bout getting around them rules... You tried it yerself hm?" He grinned good naturedly and chuckles. However he doesn't press beyond that light tease and leans against his Pokemon as he listened to what she said about the Subway system of Unova. It was true that it was such a big pull for the region that it'd been one of the main things he'd wanted to see... He just didn't realize the battles happened on the actual trains. "Might have to try out the single battle line while I'm here, see if that sparks any inspiration. That is th' main purpose of my time here after all." New inspiration for his musical career.

"Yeah, it might be the off season in Galar for the gym leaders but she had business t' do that popped up suddenly, otherwise she'd have come too. I'm supposed ta take lots of pictures and bring back souvenirs." He chuckles and shakes his head. Honestly he'd almost canceled the whole trip until his little sister had all but threatened to kick him out of the apartment if he didn't go. Marnie knew that he needed to get away from Galar for a while and damn if it wasn't doing wonders for his mental health. "That sounds like a right good time there actually. I'm sure me and Marns would be a rockin' team."

When Daedra spoke about how unique his hometown sounded he couldn't help but look a bit sheepish as he rubbed the back of his head a bit. "It is a down right shame that Spikemuth isn't more popular... I love my town and did all I could as a gym leader to make it stand out positively but... It's hard to change a whole region's views alone." Piers sighed and gave a half hearted shrug. Thankfully though he doesn't let the melancholy feeling pull him down for too long as he gives a little smile and nods in agreement.

Unable to help herself, Daedra was happy to offer more details of one of Unova's star activities. Afterall, the region was known for their underground transport as well as their unique battle options, so it was always a happy talking point.

"If you really like battling, you should definitely give the Subway Battles a try," the redhead encouraged with a smile. "It's really tough- tougher than getting passed the Elite Four here! You have to battle through a long series of train cars without pause or a break, and if you beat all of them, you can have a chance to face the Subway Bosses, Mr. Ingo and Mr. Emmet. They're really tough, and even just getting to them is impressive itself!"

Of course, Daedra had never managed it herself, but wouldn't that be a feat to accomplish someday!

"Your little sister also used Dark types? I bet you were a bit inspiration for her then-- and to now be the Gym leader? That's very impressive," Daedra exclaimed with a smile. That sounded like a real wonderful way to bond, despite how it sounded like there was a lot more to the story than just the 'good parts'.

It was very clear that Galar seemed to do things very differently than other regions. There was always rumor, but it was different to get a first hand explanation from someone intimately familiar. Just how like other regions had public transit, but surely there was no other place that had a Battle Subway like theirs~

"Woah wait, this challenge is harder than yer actual Elite Four? Now that's pretty impressive actually. Do you get a medal or something for winning it?" The silly question is accompanied by a chuckle to show he wasn't serious. Normally challenging battle facilities did have some kind of reward system though. Or at least... That's what he read somewhere a while ago. Maybe it was just for prestige here. "The bosses must be right busy to run everything in that facility."

"Heh probably. I did catch her first Pokemon when she was five after all." When his sister was complimented Piers couldn't help but smile fully. It really was impressive for her to be so capable at her age to run it. Of course, he'd had to help her learn the ropes before he could fully retire but it'd been worth it. "She's a right natural at it all. Took to it better than I ever did too. I don't think I could be more proud o'her... Unless she'd actually become Champion I guess."

Piers chuckles quietly at that before Daedra asks about Spikemuth and he gives a little hum in thought. Where to start that didn't paint his hometown negatively. "You're right, Spikemuth is a small town that's near completely enclosed to help protect it from the elements. To keep it bright and lively we use a lot o' neon lights since it's also home to a lot of Dark-types too and it keeps from hurtin' their eyes. It's not viewed as positively by the rest of Galar for these reasons sadly so it doesn't get a lot of tourism but that's been changing due to Marns' popularity as a Gym Challenger and now Gym Leader. Despite that we still don't have a proper gym stadium so you won't really see a lot of matches on the tv like the other gyms."

It took some restraint to keep from saying how it was a dying town, that it's infrastructure was falling apart and that it was dirty from being unable to keep up with the decay of the buildings. Or how the rest of Galar seemed to think it home only to thieves and criminals when in reality it was a real close knit community that would look out for one another. Just a black mark upon the region according to the previous chairman that he couldn't help but hate.

Daedra wasn't sure if that was necessarily true, but it still felt impressive. Perhaps a factor of that was being from Unova, so of course she'd have affinity for her own region's ways, even if she'd never gotten to the Elite Four League here.

"Mega evolution does have it's benefits, but it's definitely something that varies Pokemon to Pokemon. It's a boon for some but an outright detriment for others, at the cost of power. It's been handy outside of strictly battling," Daedra offered with a bit of insight.

Despite her feelings on the abilities, she couldn't deny how power it made each and every Pokemon that could do it. Perhaps she'd feel different if her own Pokemon's didn't have such a double-edged sword of one. Or, maybe it was better she did know... it was hard for her to choose somedays.

"I may have my misgivings about it, but I can't deny I have and do still use it on occasion," the redhead fully admitted. "However, I only do so if my Pokemon wishes for it. Fortunately, she's a Lucario so she's absolutely aware enough of the repercussions. I trust her enough that she won't simply agree just to make me happy."

Daedra had to imagine that was the sentiment for most Pokemon. Most just simply wanted their trainer's approval and adoration and would do anything for it. Something that led to unfortunate things in this region in particular... but that was things of the past.

When Piers explained that his Toxtricity was not a gym battler, Daedra really set down to think now.

"Ah, so just a Pokemon friend... let's see then," she hummed, tapping a finger at her bottom lip.

So the two who knew were Obstagoon and his Scrafty. Daedra didn't know much of the Galarian specific Pokemon, but she had to imagine Scrafty were almost similar to the Unovan ones. Fighting was not it so... Then she realized.

Obstagoon was black and white. Looking to Piers, even he was mostly black and white. Scrafty was colorful but it's other type was...

-----Ah.

"Wait a moment, y'mean you have battles... In the subway system? I was there briefly earlier but I didn't know ya could battle in there! Now that sounds like a right good time actually!" A full grin formed on his face as he spoke about that. Sure, he may have hated being a gym leader but battling was still fun for him and his Pokemon outside of that setting. Perhaps he should go investigate the subway system of Nimbasa further. Obstagoon picked up on Piers' excitement and also gained a look of excitement to his already pleased expression. Any time his trainer was happy was always a good time.

However as Daedra discussed more about Mega evolution he began to mellow once more and sighed. It was true... Pokemon gained a huge boon when they Mega evolved, much like a Dynamax Pokemon did, but at the same time... He couldn't help but worry about the condition of the Pokemon that did it.

"Makes sense honestly... I can't rightly say I would ever Mega evolve my mates but I suppose if the Pokemon itself doesn't mind or even wants to go for it then it can't be that bad. See, all my mates dislike Dynamaxing much as I do which is one reason I don't force 'em to. I asked 'em all when I was doin' my own gym challenge after all and none wanted to. S'pose in the end it was a good thing we trained to battle without that boon since Spikemuth, my hometown, didn't have a power spot that let ya dynamax."

The rocker shrugged a bit to show it didn't bother him too much. Of course, not having the revenue coming in from tourists or gym challengers had been a huge hit to the small town, he tried to not think about that. Not now anyway. After a brief tug to his choker's charm to calm down Piers perked up a bit when the guessing game resumed.

For her anyway, but Daedra knew she had rather simple expectations. There was probably dozens of potential hunters who would refuse to give up after one attempt.

More surprising however, was when Piers explained his home regions idea of how to handle gym battles, specifically Dynamaxing. Daedra's eyes seemingly widened at the concept.

"You mean--- the Pokemon actually grow that big?!" she asked, perhaps maybe sounding a touch concerned. She atleast seemed familiar with it in some fashion, thankfully. "I see... I had heard and seen some of Galar's advertisements but everyone here assumed it was holograms or something with special effects," she admitted.

Once passed the shock, her face returned to a more toned down expression. Thoughtful and complacent almost. "I guess it's a bit like Mega stones, in how it changes a Pokemon for fighting. In that regard, I can understand why some people might feel strange about it, despite the excitement. Mega Stones are just as.... complicated."

From how she admitted it, it was clear she had some understanding of Pier's dislike for the method. To force a Pokemon to undergo something unnatural for them-- just for the sake of winning.

However, it was clear discussing such points were a bit moot. Afterall, they were both beloved and favorable in the sport of official Pokemon Leagues, and because of that, hard to criticize them without public scorn.

In her attempt to guess her new friend's specialty, it seemed Daedra picked incorrectly. Her once hopeful eyes immediately shifted to a sulk, puffed cheeks and a pout. It seemed it was more complicated, and perhaps not as obvious, given his Pokemon (from an unfamiliar Unovian perspective).

"Hmmph! Not fighting then... That's tricky," the redhead admitted sportingly, but clearly still willing to try. "All your Pokemon have different types! Are you sure you're not being sneaky and you're a mixed Champion?"

Daedra had to assume not, based on Piers demeanor and previous replies.

"There must be something obvious," she mused to herself. As if there wasn't a gym leader in stark toned clothing, standing beside a large, greyscale howler.

Piers then notes the look of genuine surprise on her face at the mention of Dynamaxing changing the Pokemon's appearance and size. He just nods at first to confirm that it was true. "Sadly yeah... It really happens and I was the only gym leader that never used it. Had t' think creatively to keep in the Majors and let alone the 7th badge in the gym season lineup 'cause of it." He kept quiet about how being in the Minor gym lineup had been hell. Honestly he wished that Galar treated gym challenges more like the rest of the world did and not a major sporting event.

"Never much liked the idea of Mega evolving either... Heard it can hurt the Pokemon that go through it and I could never do that to my mates." The punk rocker pet his Obstagoon as he said that which got an appreciative grumble from the big badger like Pokemon. Sounded like he and Daedra were alike in that mindset. Winning wasn't worth potentially harming your team. It was the only thing he disliked about his little sister's battling style but he wasn't going to try and control how she ran her gym. Marnie could Dynamax if she wanted to.

Thankfully though Daedra's failed attempt at correctly guessing his typing specialty was a good distraction for them both. He couldn't help but chuckle at her speculation of being a Champion in disguise. "Nah, definitely not a champion, too much work there. If it helps Toxtricity wasn't on my main gym team."

"I still think it's worth seeing just to visit the Relic Castle though! But-- you're kind of on your own there, too!"

Castelia had wanted to form some sort of officiated tour but... it was just proving so problematic all over. From conservationists to safety regulations. It was like Unova as a whole had no idea how to approach it... but atleast it was still open for daring individuals to explore on their own!

Though, as the topic shifted to his past work as a Gym Leader, Daedra noticed how... unenthused he seemed when speaking on it. How strange.... the redhead had always assumed Gym Leaders loved doing so, but... some did choose to retire. The petite woman supposed anyone could get disillusions with a job after long enough.

"That's all right," Daedra assured, offering him a big friendly smile. "I forgot as well~ My name's Daedra-- I'm glad we got to run into eachother, Piers! Oh, and Obstagoon, too!"

From how she acted, it seemed Daedra was relatively unaware of his past, or much about him in general. Though, she did seem just as excited earlier when he mentioned his current focus.

"Really--- a singer? That sounds so glamorous and exciting!! Though, if you were still a Gym Leader, you'd be just like Roxie! She's a Gym Leader over in Virbank City!" Though she hoped he didn't think she was trying to judge or compare them. Every leader was different, or ex-leader in Piers' case!

"Oh-- so if you were a Gym Leader, I suppose that means your specialized with a certain type of Pokemon," Daedra mused curiously. "Let me see if I can guess," she announced, giving him a cute look of scrutinization.

Hmmm... so Obstagoon was certainly one of his Pokemon, who was Normal and probably something else. Then he mentioned a Toxtricity... which she atleast knew was electric.... maybe poison based on the name! She'd never seen one unfortunately, much like Obstagoon. Oh--- but a Scrafty, too! They were all Pokemon who stood upright-- so maybe....

"Oh-- I know," Daedra declared. "I bet you use mixed Fighting Types," she declared with a small bounce on her heels. "The three you mentioned having are all upright! So did I guess correctly?"

As the conversation shifted to his former profession, Piers kept an eye on just how she reacted to the news of him being retired. Seeing that friendly smile helps him relax and he returns it with his own smaller smile when she introduces herself.

"Well met Daedra, it's nice chattin' with you honestly," he smiles as Obstagoon perks up at being included in the conversation. He reached over and scratched behind the furry Pokemon's ear. "Heh, bein' a singer definitely suits me more than bein' a gym leader ever did. See, Galar has a phenomenon called Dynamax that let Pokemon grow to the size o'buildings and I refused to use it. Always rubbed me the wrong way, makin' yer mates grow like that."

Piers frowns briefly as he explains that and then he smiles at the mention of Roxie and he nods, "I've heard of her. Her gym is one o'my stops actually while I'm here in Unova. I wanted to see how she handles bein' both."

When Daedra perks up and mentions wanting to guess his specialized typing he couldn't help but chuckle and nod. It was nice to meet someone that didn't know a lot about him and treated him like a normal person. Quite the breath of fresh air. "Alright then, go right ahead." Obstagoon speaks up too as if doing so would help her figure it out as well based off the few Pokemon Piers had mentioned to her.

When asked on Relic Castle, Daedra nodded in reply to his comment. "It can be, especially in the middle of summer!" she remarked, clearly from experience. "Though, I don't think it's nearly as warm as other deserts~ I think the main trouble is all the sand and wind, plus there's very little to offer shade," Daedra added in warning.

Piers would find no restful respites if he went that way! Well, maybe one---

"They're always doing construction out that way, too," she remarked with a dismissive wave of her hand. "Castelia wants to make a pathway for easier travel, and perhaps some tourist spots. However, the sand is proving a bit too difficult~ Atleast unless you drive a commercial truck - the highways go right over it!"

It was a design no one seemed to understand the point of, but than again, perhaps it was best Relic Resort just stayed as it was. The Scrafty and Sigilyph groups would definitely appreciate it!

"Oh, you have a Scrafty, too?" What were the odds! (as if she had any idea) "Do they look different when from Galar then? I forget they're in other places too; they just always seem so synonymous to Relic Resort~"

Maybe a Galarian Scrafty had a little shirt instead of pull-up pants! Cuuute~ (If only) Though, count her more surprised at his admission of being a Gym leader... or ex-one. Not that it wasn't uncommon to find them about their home town but... well, most people in a region never got to meet them unless they were doing the League Challenge!

"A real gym leader? Oh wow~" Her excitement fell a bit when she caught the part of him being 'retired'. "I see-- did something happen that made you retire? Only if you want to answer of course-- I know it's not any of my business! I just haven't met many before - certainly not ones from outside their home region!"

Piers for his part notes how if they were to go to this Relic Resort he was going to have to likely have a different Pokemon travel with him. Probably his own Scrafty but likely he'd just avoid the place as a whole. He didn't need to get either heat stroke or sun poisoning from being out in the heat and sun unprotected. "Thank ya fer the warning. Might pass that place by now that I hear all that. Don't think it and me would mix well."

He didn't want to think the mess his hair would be from the wind and sand either.

"Heh, I do. They look the same as their Unovan counterparts though, sorry t' disappoint." He was sure she'd been excited to see another variant but alas he didn't have any others. When she perks up at him mentioning his being a former gym leader he tenses a bit, almost worried she was going to ask for a battle. Sure, he could give one but honestly he didn't want to draw a lot of attention to himself for multiple reasons right then. Thankfully though she just seems more starstruck and curious than battle ready.

A finger hooks onto the charm of his choker out of habit as he speaks up, "ah, forgot to introduce myself, sorry, the name's Piers. I was the seventh gym leader for the town of Spikemuth. As fer why, mmm just didn't want t' do it anymore mostly. My other career is being a singer and I wanted t' focus more solely on that. Plus my little sister is doin' a better job at it than I ever did." Was that putting himself down too much? Perhaps but he felt it true, and the pride he had in his sister shone through in his voice. He may have been the seventh badge needed to complete the challenge but Arceus knows he was exhausted after fighting tooth and nail to get to that point. Especially after managing to climb his way out of the Minor Leagues.

Piers's insistence on the matter earned one of Emmet's signature confused head tilts as he tried and subsequently failed to understand the gravity of the situation. It was hard looking at things from someone else's point of view, especially when he couldn't postulate why their view might be different from his in the first place. Though Emmet still held the strong belief that Piers shouldn't feel so guilty over something so trivial, he wasn't going to dismiss the way he felt, either.

"Well. Everyone makes mistakes. Ingo and me too! It's frustrating, but nothing can go right all of the time. All you can do is move forward." A small pause as he wondered if there was anything that could be done to help rectify the other's bad mood. He wasn't sure, so he decided it was best to just ask.

Though, that might end up better or worse depending what was underneath. An Obstagoon might not be thrilled walking about with a completely bare-shaved torso! It would be amusing though~ Though, she wasn't going to say that aloud to a pretty tough looking customer!

"I'm surprised you two aren't in one of the cafes or restaurants! They would allow Obstagoon in, provided it wasn't too crowded, and lots of nice a.c.!" Though, being in a store did bring a lot of white-noise and lack of a pleasant breeze~ "I guess you would be committed to buying something inside," she added with a giggle.

"If you think it warm here, be careful passed Castelia," she warned. "Relic Resort is up that way, and it's warm and windy even in the winter! Though, your Obstagoon looks like he might fit in with all the Scrafty and little Scraggies there! Careful - they can be sneaky~"

Personally, Daedra thought the little kicking lizards were cute with their little droopy pants and frowny faces. She also knew they could make a lot of trouble if they wanted! She'd gotten something from her bag swiped once or twice by the hoodlum Pokemon before~ The redhead really didn't hold it against them though. They never really did anything of real harm unless they were threatened.

"You dress to match your Pokemon? Aww, that's sweet!" Daedra's face scrunched up happily at the notion. "I do the same-- or atleast try to! My other Pokemon, Lulu, loves wearing all sorts of things like ribbons and clips!" Daedra atleast matched to Pendra mostly on default. Pink was just her favorite color~

"Oh, Pendra and I weren't doing anything of real note," the petite woman admitted. "I was just restocking some things at a vending machine, they're much cheaper than buying from the PokeMarts! But wouldn't you know my luck?" She asked, not bothering to wait for an answer. "All the vending machines around Unova, and I usually manage to find the one with a line!"

Daedra chuckled again, showing it really didn't phase her. Lines were a given in much of Unova anyway!

"Thought about doin' that honestly but didn't want t' have to buy somethin' just to cool off. Might wind up doin' just that anyway to help him cool off though." While being in the shade and taking his coat off had helped him he wasn't too sure about his companion. After all, he was partly a Dark-type and they were never too fond of bright places either and he'd been in the sun for a while.

"Oh? I heard it can be pretty hot around Relic Resort so I was going to take care to try and take extra precautions if I had to go through the area." Namely with a ton of sunscreen and less leather. He then chuckles at the mention of the Scrafty and Scraggies. "Don't I know it. I have a Scrafty o' my own. He's a cheeky lil bugger but a good mate. Forgot Unova was home to 'em too actually." After all, he'd gotten his Scraggy from the Wild Area in Galar near the outskirts of Motostoke.

"Mm, it's just a recent thing since they've been bummed out since I retired as a gym leader since they don't get as many battles. Seems to have been helpin' out. I like that yer mate Lulu likes to accessorize, it's cute." Of course they also got to spend time with him when he was writing his music during certain segments of the process. However that wasn't quite the same as battling and he knew it. They'd loved it at first since their trainer was so much happier but now they were getting bored.