#wassili

That’s quite all right with me!  We’re glad to have Wallace back into the group.  I’m sure even Juan is happy, too.  I mean, just look at the guy.  Sootopolians gotta stick together, amirite?  Be sure to follow everyone on the Masterlist if you aren’t doing so already!

Sootopolis was a change of pace – whilst water was not unseen or unknown to Lysandre by any means, such a calm stretch of reflective waters were quite new. To even get from one part of the city to the other swiftly one had to ride on the back of Pokemon or the belly of a small ferry; and the Kalossian was quite happy to have his beloved Gyrados with him.

Cosme, too, was pleased with the water. Whether Lysandre rode upon his back or not, the large Pokemon drifted through the waters with a contented sort of laziness. Even now, while Lysandre stood by the great tree that claimed the center of the city, he could turn his head and look towards the Gym to spot his Pokemon drifting, lifting his head upon occasion to gaze at its Trainer – as though checking he were still alright.

They would not remain there for much longer; today Lysandre had finished his business and tomorrow he would be taking a small flight out of the crater city to Mossdeep, then a connecting flight away towards Kalos which would last for several hours. It would most certainly be exhausting  - neither he nor his Pokemon would be able to stretch for a long while. Which was particularly pitiable, considering how Cosme enjoyed the waters here.

There was something on his mind – someone, rather. He knew well of the existence of the man named Wallace – Gym leader and a contest star. Many times broadcasts of contests would feature the man, madeup and practically sparkling off the television camera. They played in the cafe upon occasion; Lysandre had to admit he appreciated contests, though they verged upon the overmuch at times. Professionals oft knew the proper balance between glamorous and gaudy, how to trim the fanciful into tastefully beautiful.

And that was something Lysadre always wished to be able to speak on.

Of course, the chances of meeting Wallace were slim. At the same time, karma seemed to grant Lysandre many things, as though to rub in his face the exact degree of his horrid selfishness. As he turned with a sigh from gazing towards the Gym, his eyes crossed over the sea-colored hair which denoted the Leader and contest star. Though his brows knitting together in an expression of surprise which could be mistaken at a glance for concern, Lysandre's lips moved into a pleasant smile as he moved forward, hands clasped before him.

Steven wasn’t good at surprises but he figured he’d try. Just this once.

Early that morning, well before dawn, Steven arrived back in Hoenn two days earlier than scheduled. It would be nice, he thought, to pay Wallace a surprise visit that morning. Catch up over some coffee or tea before their busy days began.

He started to have second thoughts about his plan while he weaved through Sootopolis’s quiet streets towards Wallace’s home, dragging his heavy luggage filled with samples from Chargestone Cave behind him. What if Wallace wasn’t home—out training, perhaps? What if he wasn’t awake yet and needed the sleep?

Feeling far too many knots in his stomach than he preferred at such an hour, Steven glanced at his watch. It was almost dawn now. The sun peeked over the jagged Sootopolitan horizon.

I am still “on vacation” so pretend I’m not here, okay?  Move over, Ripley, there’s a new unbelievable legend comin’ your way!  From Groudon to Kyogre to orbs and Primal Evolution… it’s not a story for the faint of heart!  We’re glad to have you, Wallace—welcome to the National Park!

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