ᏝᎧᏉᏋᏒ Ꭷℱ ᏇᎪᏖᏋᏒ ★·.·´

“Man, ya certainly do have your work cut out for ya. There’s few times I can get myself some peace to shred. I mean hostin’ contest’s an’ the League and basically the entire region… Jeez man, I can barely keep a surf team afloat!” As shallow as that sounds from Brawly’s standing point, it is a hobby he does like to keep and would like to practice in it more. The amount of respect Brawly has for Wallace is actually off the charts. I guess that’s why he’s champion!

“Ya are right about one thing though; after all the works done, when it pays off it’s as if you’re ridin’ the biggest wave of yer life.” …Brawly fails to realise that not everyone understands surfing similes.

Leaning back a little into his seat, he gazes around the center; it was still relatively empty. Normally in situations like this people would be flooding the building right now and seeking refuge. As stated before there are a few shelters too but the townsfolk wouldn’t all go to them. Could something have happened? It made him raise his brow with curiosity and concern.

“Somethin’ jus’ ain’t right here…” he muttered a little, taking a sip of his tea. He began trying to piece together some theories as to why there’s noone here; maybe they all went to the shelters? Maybe all of them weren’t in their houses or on holiday? It all made very little sense though. It also made Brawly rudely space off briefly as he tried to figure out a possible explanation.

“Brawly! There’s some trouble along the coast—” His eyes lit up with fear as he stood to attention, awaiting a briefing from the panicked nurse who came running to the two bluenettes. “the flooding came in too fast, there’s people stranded on their roofs! There’s also been reports of a ship colliding into the harbor.” 

Sweet Arceus is there any salvation?! This all happened so quickly too. But this didn’t stop the man from taking action; Brawly threw his towel off of him and stretched a little, as he knew he was going to swim. But that’s going to be so much for just him alone. 

“Wallace, hate t’ do this to ya but seein’ as you got more to the Water than me, I’m gonna need yer help. Ya in?”

So he understands the severity-- he's lived it before.

Expression serious, he shakes his head and turns back to Brawly.] I think I mentioned before that I'd be willing to help if you needed it. You don't even need to ask.

Let's go.

[Grabbing his cloak for only one reason, he's toward the door and already running for the lowlands.

Small crowds of citizens here and there, those trying to help or those scared in place, looking for family members or friends-- it explains why the Pokemon Center was so scarce. With the waters coming in so fast, it's not much of a wonder that everyone became so disoriented.

In an authoritative voice, surprisingly loud for a man of his stature, he tries to gather everyone's attention.]

Everyone, please! If you could grant me one minute of your time! It's too dangerous to wait any longer-- I understand that you're looking for your loved ones, but we have to ask you to report to the storm shelters!

Leave the rest of this to Brawly and I. Trust in your gym leader and hurry to safety! We'll find everyone and get them home safely!

[With Brawly's help, that crowd at least begins moving and Wallace leaves it to him for now. Brawly, who uses fighting type Pokemon, will have a much harder time in the surf than he and his own Pokemon would. With that in mind, he starts going for the beach and turns around to alert the other.]

Brawly! I'm going on ahead-- We can't waste time. I'll leave this to you for now! [There's no point in saying to meet up with him after things are done-- he won't insult the other man's intelligence like that. With a flourish of white - the Champion's cloak, brought solely for the purpose of recognition to help still the panic and calamity - he's off and running for the shore.

The scene's terrible. It's at least a dozen houses visible to his eye all in the middle of the tumult. Grimacing, he plucks two tinted PokeBalls from his belt and snaps them into the sea, releasing his trusted Milotic and sturdy Wailord. Milotic can support his weight even in weather like this, while Wailord can certainly hold his own and keep the citizens safe from the waves all the while.

Brendan, on the other hand, seemed like a natural. From the few times Steven crossed  paths with the boy, he could tell that he was above average in-terms of trainers. That’s goes without factoring in the kids involvement with the weather trio.]

Oh? I think since you are a  water specialist, I would have to be concerned about that by default. 

[Steven was curious as to who Wallace had to introduce to him. Though with how Wallace’s attention seemed to be focused more on concern for Steven, the introduction might be pushed back a few moments.

Shame really, as Steven would have gladly introduced his Archeops and Excadrill to Wallace to return the favor.]

Fool you? My eyes? [ Oh dear, this would take some skill to get out of gracefully.] Wallace, I think you might be a bit to stressed out. You have to be seeing things. Eyes changing colors? That’s just silly.

[Steven  wished he had remembered to take the mood contacts out before  meeting up with Wallace, but sadly he had forgotten he wore them. Clearly they worked if his friend was asking about his eyes.]

How about I treat you to lunch? Hopefully food will make you feel better.

His arms folded, Wallace fixes his eyes on the other's face, knowing the younger well enough to figure his plan out. Steven's dodged a topic once already, thinking about it, though this one was definitely less subtle.

Whatever it's about, his odd eyes are apparently something he doesn't feel like talking about. Or can't, whichever it might be. Wallace's sour expression eases to something more accepting, but not by much. He still doesn't accept that a secret still needs to be kept when he's found out what's going on, so he won't pretend that it's fine or let it go.

Because it's frankly bullshit.

But he does understand that he needs to let it go until it can be brought up in a more even-toned situation.]

Fine.

I'll give you this one for now. I'm not finished with it by a long show, but it can wait until you're less of a twitch.

If you want to leave now, I can drive us back into town. We can make a stop at the Pokemon Center as well and I can transfer over that friend to get things out of the way.

I see, well then that means next time this comes up, he should be nightmare to many opponents you face. Though that’s going with the idea you’ll still be Champion after all that time. Winona and Brendan might take your title and mantle if you’re not careful.

[Steven knew they’d likely ask Wallace to&nbsp participate in any case, since once you’re a champion, you’re always a champion in the Leagues books. Case and point, why Steven even got invited in the first place.]

Love to meet me? Well then how could I refuse? Hopefully they’ll be a bit more docile than Elizabeth. That luvdisc always did love ruining my white shirts with water gun for some reason. My hair as well.

[When Wallace stopped and asked Steven if anything happened, Steven looked at his friend confused. Why was he motioning to his eye like that-?

…Oh dear. Looks like Steven forgot that he had his mood contacts in AND forgot to tell Wallace about them. Wonderful. As if his mood change wasn’t enough, but now he had to think of a way to deal with this.]

Well you know, I was born and then stuff happened between then and where we are at the moment. So yes, technically many things happened. I’m sure you could say the same.

By the way, is that a new hat?

He'd actually be happy if Brendan wanted to take the title after all. And if Winona bested him-- he'd be so proud. No one could complain about being defeated by that sort of talent.]

Don't worry. This one's much more manageable. You won't need a raincoat handy to meet them. [He raises a hand, as though to say 'at ease.' He doesn't blink at the use of the nickname, because it's not an odd statement to him-- his Pokemon have nicknames! Most don't know about it, as the reports and magazines seem insistent on referring to them by their species, but as a Coordinator, Wallace has nicknames for all of his performers. Elizabeth started the naming convention years ago and it runs strong to today.

But the good mood doesn't last long, as Steven promptly tries to avoid the subject.

That man's humor sometimes honestly deserves a smack upside the coconut. Like now. His jokes and such are wry, and Wallace's expression doesn't hide how he feels about the torment-- a sarcastic smile.

Steven's definitely hiding something, so he's not crazy. Now for a change of approach.]

How witty. 'Technically, many things happened.' You'll have to do a little better than that if you honestly want to fool me, Steven Stone.

Your eyes. [He elaborates more insistently, poking roughly between the younger's as he says so.] Something happened to your eyes. The color? A few answers would be nice.

Though the bird was growing old, she was Winona’s first pokemon and also her most trusted one. It wasn’t like she didn’t trust her other pokemon, but there was just this really special bond between the two of them, like a mental link connected both of them.

Scratching under Swellow’s beak, the gym leader nodded at the car with her head. The pokemon turned her head, eyeing it curiously. She’d seen it before, obviously… And she wasn’t particularly fond of, something the bird and her trainer shared, but she knew that not everyone was like Winona and that not everyone enjoyed soaring through the skies like it was nothing.

“We are heading to Lavaridge in a bit, I hope you do not mind clearing the way for us?” The lavender haired woman asked, watching her friend for an answer. As expected, Swellow ruffled her feathers, shaking her head in reply. A smile tugged at the corner of her lips, it wasn’t like she was expecting the pokemon to reject her request, but it still made her happy. “Thank you, friend,” she murmured, petting the bird’s head once again, receiving another coo. “Just fly in front of us, alright?” This time Swellow nodded, spreading her wings to take off.

Turning back to the car, she was greeted with a an image that would be forever branded in her mind. To be honest, she really wanted to bleach her mind for even thinking the image was too stupidly cute in the first place. Making a face that definitely wouldn’t suit a lady of her status, she crossed her arms over her chest, looking very much so unimpressed.

There Wallace was, being silly like it’s the most normal thing in the world. She could feel her cheeks heat up ever so slightly. Curse him, curse Steven for putting all these weird thoughts in her head. He may have been in good humour, but Winona was going to scold that good humour back wherever it came from… If she somehow managed to do that.

Like her trainer, her Swellow stared at the man behind the steering wheel, Pokedoll in his hands, waving it’s little wing at her. Unlike the woman besides her, she was a little more amused, knowing fully well of what was going on between them. Shifting ever so slightly, she pushed against Winona’s back with her head, making her stumble towards the car, a yelp coming from the woman. The pokemon seemed to smile though, flapping her wings as if trying to tell her trainer to just give up and take the plush.

“Honestly, Wallace. You and your antics. Sometimes I wonder how we are even friends in the first place…” Winona knew very well why though. Sighing heavily, she climbed into the car, taking her seat. “Just because you think it’s cute, does not mean I will think it’s cute, and you know it.” The flying-type leader shook her head for the umpteenth time that day. Despite her words, she instantly contradicted them though, taking the plush before it made it’s way to the backseat, pulling it close to her chest and burying her face into it.

It was soft, and she actually did like it, not to mention that it was also a flying pokemon. With her face still buried in the doll, she took a deep breath, wondering if the words she was trying to search would be able to come out. “Hn… Thank you though, I do appreciate it…” Her speech was muffled, but at least it was out. Not like Wallace probably hadn’t heard it. Turning her head so she could look at the former leader, she watched him closely as he spoke.

“I know, you have said so many times before. It’s just that you know how I feel about receiving gifts like this, it’s too extravagant, even if you think it is not.” She may act like it didn’t mean much to her, and that she was oblivious to the other’s feelings, but she was very much so aware of how much he cared. The only problem was that she didn’t like the affection that much, mostly because Steven was constantly on their case. Though, probably more so because she felt the same thing, if not more, but denied every part of it. Almost like it was a foreign to her and she’d suddenly become a xenophobe.

Turning her gaze away, she stared out of the window, trying to fix her concentration on the pokemon flying out in front of them so she wouldn’t have to think of the things going on at that moment. The plush doll was still pressed against her, a small smile lighting up her features.

[Swellow's nudge startles him as much as it does Winona, throwing an arm out to catch her out of habit. It wasn't necessary, since she caught herself perfectly fine, so all that's honestly done is make them both look ridiculous.

Their Pokemon sometimes... Specifically hers, thinking about it. So far most of his haven't tried pranks like this. Which he's grateful for.

At least things start to revert to their normal state once Swellow starts off flying. He's quite content at first to smile at her as she holds onto that plush - confirming his earlier idea that it was cute. The plush looked nice with her. And hearing that sort thank-you was a reward in and of itself that he'd like to treasure for a while.

He doesn't let himself take in that pleasant visual for too long, though, as he they've reached a space in the tree cover. Slowing the vehicle to a stop, he flicks a few switches to change the car's mode. The hubcaps peel away to reveal the interior jets, while the tires tuck up beneath the vehicle. From that standstill they were in, they start rising up to clear the treetops, and when they do, Wallace is quick to catch up to Swellow.

And that's when he chances another glance, catching that smile. ...His own expression calms down considerably, and he's smiling comfortably himself while he keeps the bird in sight.]

Would you really like me to stop, then? Bringing you gifts.

[He brings it up after a moment of silence. Truly, he doesn't want to. But even if she's happy with the gift now, he doesn't want to force her to accept anything. And granted, they've probably gone through this conversation a dozen times before. But the thought that maybe she's uncomfortable with it after all does bug him.]

I could even limit it, if you'd like. Smaller presents, if PokeDolls and things like that are too grand.

...

[The little smile widens a little, and he chances a third glance at her.] So long as you still smile like that, I don't think I'd mind changing anything.

She worked extra hard with the occasion, greeting most of her fans and letting others know that with their help their help, the quicker this problem will be fixed…

Ever since the beginning of her career, she never thought she would be this exhausted again. She’s gotten used to long occasions, but this one was tiring. She waved a few fans that she was talking to farewell, also taking her leave unexpectantly along with the water champion she worked with today.

Hearing him speak, she turned her head and smiled.]

Thanks! You worked up quite a good sweat as well.

[Speaking of sweat, she hoped none of her make-up smeared. This jacket packed up too much heat, but the things you do for fashion.]

The water trainer puts a hand to his chest and bends at the waist, one foot behind the other.]

Well, thank you kindly. That's quite the compliment, especially from someone in your field. I'm flattered.

[Straightening and tucking his arms beneath his cloak out of habit, he fixes the younger - and... taller - performer with his full attention.]

I feel as though I should be saying those sorts of lines, though. I don't think you took a moment to breathe at all today.

[It's playful, and a compliment at that. She does look tired just by looking at her - then again, he probably does, too. It was so lively out there today, it'd be surprising if anyone had much energy left. But it's a rewarding sort of exhaustion, at least. For him, anyway. He can only assume the same's true for her.]

Honestly, I'm almost embarrassed. I'm not sure I worked half as hard. Can I treat you to anything? From one slacker to a professional. [He's being modest, of course, because he surely did his damnedest out there, but he does think she's given at least 100% of her effort today and that's very inspiring to him! The least he could do would be to offer a drink or a meal on him, as thanks for giving a hand when she likely has her own personal projects already to attend to. He can surely understand.]

So you have a Poiltoad now? If it has drizzle ability, you’re team would enjoy the boosts they revive from the rain. Though if I’m following correctly, you haven’t had the time to  make him ready for the big leagues quite yet, right?  

[Steven was pretty much in a similar situation himself. Skarmory and Claydol would have to sit out, since they didn’t work as well Steven would like in these kinds of battles. The Tyranitar he had could use sandstream to make things easier on his Archeops, Cradily and Armaldo. Though he wasn’t as experienced yet to compete in this kind of  tournament.]

This will certainly test everyone’s skills in handling pokemon in various battle styles. The using your signature pokemon clause, just makes an extra challenge for all of us to deal with. 

I’m sure a certain sky tamer will be training extra hard to prepare themselves for this tournament. 

[Steven smiled as Wallace fed Wishcash a treat. It was nice to see the catfish could lighten his friend mood with such ease. 

As Wallace told Steven about how the elite four doing, he wasn’t surprised at all that Drake felt that way. The man always did say they were more of a challenge than the Battle Frontier. Going from what Wallace told him, they seemed to be the same as he remembered them. Though he did rub the back of his head when Wallace mentioned visiting them.]

Oh, right. I should probably swing by there and see how they’re all doing.  [Once Wallace brought up Steven’s bust schedule, asking about what he had been up to, Steven let out a nervous laugh.]

Well I was busy with the usual Devon Corp. business, though I’m on a sabbatical now. So I have two months of free time. It’d odd since I haven’t had that much free time since we were in school. 

[Not that he choose to take this sabbatical, more like forced to take on by his father.]

So I’m free to have a sleepover at the League if you all miss me that much. Just think about it, we could watch movies, trade stories and practice those triple and rotation battles!

[Chuckling, he folds a hand to his mouth and muses back on that little adventure. He doesn't regret it, but it did give him a terrible time. At least they're all adapting well.]

Politoed's still very excitable. I'm not sure I can trust him in League battles yet, let alone a broad tournament. He does have Drizzle, though, which is particularly helpful. I just need him to calm down a bit first.

[What a bother. But he managed it with Ludicolo and Whiscash. One more can't be a problem. The man listens to Steven's little tease toward their friend and then his explanation, surprised that he's taken so much time off - he knows pretty well that getting Steven to take time off of anything is a Herculean effort, but he won't pry and instead goes along with the given explanation.]

Well, you could fit quite a bit into those two months. It'd be nice if I could introduce you to the flock some time, now that you're on leave. I'm sure they'd love you. [And actually, that reminds him--]

--Mm. Before I get much farther. Remind me later to visit a PC. I have someone for you to meet. Perhaps over that sle--

...?

[Originally intending to add onto the joke, he's stopped by the flicker in color. It's a good thing he watches expressions while he's talking to people, else he might have missed it. He's actually not sure what he even saw, but Steven's eyes certainly... changed colors?

Now hold on.]

Tell him No. Hydreigon growls at the fish pokemon, averting his glare from the trainer and curling himself protectively around the limp frame of  his own. 

'...Hnh! I don't honestly see why I should, but one of us needs to have manners. And it certainly won't be you.' So saying, she turns on her metaphorical heel and floats back over to her trainer to relay what the Hydreigon said in her own, more familiar chimes.]

... I see. That's a relief. [It really is - he was almost certain that she was in danger, and part of him is still hung on that idea. A place like this isn't safe to sleep, even with a guard. Glancing around at the headstones here, noting the little blue flames that pop up here and there, the man's expression tenses.]

I don't want to tell you or your trainer how to travel, by any means, but you may want to consider relocating to Mistralton City for the night.

[While his Luvdisc looks indignant at the idea of helping this dragon and his trainer, who is likely just as terrible, Wallace simply shakes his head at himself.]

Acorn: What would your character do if they lived forever?

Azalea: Who does your character wish would take better care of themselves?

Bay leaf: What gives your character strength?

Briony: What’s one time your character has helped a friend?

Cattail: Is your character at peace with themself? Why or why not?

Cyclamen: Who is someone your character has had to say good-bye to?

Daffodil: Has your character ever had unrequited love for someone? Have they ever loved someone but held it in for any reason?

Daisy: Four things that make your character happy.

Edelweiss: Describe a time your character has had to be brave.

Eglantine: Has your character ever had a wound or pain that didn’t heal?

Fern: Does your character have any magical abilities?

Foxglove: Has your character ever lied about something?

Geranium: What’s one mistake your character remembers making?

Gladiolus: What’s one time your character has stuck to their morals and convictions?

Honeysuckle: Who does your character love like family?

Heather: Who is someone your character wants to protect?

Ivy: Has your character ever thought about getting married? Would they like it?

Iris: If your character could send one person a message, who and what would it be?

Jonquil: Has your character ever confessed their love for someone? How did it go?

Jasmine: Whats one thing your character wants?

Kennedia: One thing your character admires in someone.

Kalanchoe: Is your character well-liked by their friends?

Laurel: If your character could be remembered for one thing, what would it be?

Love-lies-bleeding: Has your character ever done something even though they didn’t want to?

Marigold: Describe a time or reason your character felt jealousy.

Moonflower: What’s one dream your character has had?

Nightshade: What is a painful truth your character has had to face?

Nettle: What’s one person your character hates/dislikes and why?

Oak leaves: Describe a victory your character is proud of.

Oleander: What’s one thing your character should beware of?

Pine: What is something your character wishes they could move on from?

Poppy: What is something your character wants to forget?

Queen Anne’s Lace: If your character could pretend one thing, what would it be?

Quince: One temptation your character has had.

Rosemary: What is something your character will always remember?

Pink Roses: Who is someone your character has wanted to make happy?

Red Roses: Who is someone your character has truly loved?

White/Red Rose: Who is someone your character has found themselves cooperating with when they didn’t expect it?

Sage: What is one thing they have learnt?

Snowdrop: Describe a time they felt hope.

Tulip: Has your character ever been in romantic love with someone? Are they still?

Thistle: What’s one time your character has been angry and harsh with someone?

Utricularia: Five things your character likes.

Umbrella sage: Where does your character consider home?

Purple Violet: Are there any topics your character dodges?

White Violet: When’s the last time your character told the truth about something?

Wallflower: What’s one time your character has endured underdifficult circumstances?

Water-lily: What’s one quote from your character?

Xeranthum: If your character died right now but could have one wish for the world come true, what would it be?

Xanthoriza: What’s something your character has run away from?

Yew: What makes your character sad?

Yarrow: What would your character go to war over?

Zinnia: Does your character ever miss their friends?

Pink Zinnia: Who will your character always be friends with?

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Growling lightly at the sound of footsteps, the Hydreigon wrapped one of its heads around the sleeping veteran, another raised to search for the source of the movement, while the last hissed aggressively. 

What could it do, save to hope that whoever it was wasn’t a robber, or burglar that pillaged tombs in the middle of the night.. what kind of sick— Friend or foe?The Pokemon growled, catching sight of the Luvdisc as the pair made way down the steps. 

The little fish bristles in her own way at the affronted dragon and - once finding out where it is - floats up a little closer so it can see her, indignant. 'Well I don't very well know you, do I? That's a silly question.

Then again, I'm not the one huffing and puffing at nothing! We want nothing to do with you, so don't start any fights.' Over-confident? Yes. But it's mostly because she's affronted at his rude questioning. 'Friend or foe,' he said. Well, boo to him.

Wallace meanwhile takes note of why the thing's aggressive and immediately gets concerned. It first looks like she's gotten sick or something like that-- maybe she's hurt. It'd definitely explain the defensive aggression from her Pokémon.]

Is she hurt? Your trainer.

[Assuming that Luvdisc's chiming was in response to the Hydreigon - or a sort of 'this isn't a problem, please calm down' statement - his brow furrows. His words are definitely directed to the dragon, but he's looking at the woman-- for any signs of a scuffle, or if she's in pain.