That afternoon had been intense. Although Reina had a good team with her, she still struggled to focus. It wasn't easy, her mind trying not to think about the disappointment Chuck would have if she failed to at least qualify for the quarter finals. In the end though, her team managed to push through and allowed her to move on to the next round. With the nerve wrecking experience behind her, the young trainer searched for a good place to grab a bite to eat. Her diet had been only onion and banana juice lately and the thought of something else made her mind wonder with the possibilities.
While walking around the outsides of the stadium, walking by all the trainers who had also won or those unfortunate to lose, her green eyes set on a food stand. Boneless. Now, she was hoping to get an imitation of her home region's food, but boneless were just as good!
Reina took a seat at the empty food stand, smiling as the cook handed the menu to her. Her eyes scanned the most delicious combo she could think of. She swung her feet playfully as her finger traced the different options of delicious goods.
Reggie had scraped by, even going against that stupid Zane guy with the now evolved Z-Splash Gyarados. He wanted to die, but he managed. He even was able to handle seeing a Zoroark in the next preliminary, even though it was absolutely terrifying. He even put on a show, his Pokémon and he, and he was going to continue that. This isn’t a contest, but hearing the crowd’s positive reactions to the way his Pokémon moved or executed attacks was thrilling.
Getting hungry, he walked around until he found the food vendor, his Gengar giving him a spine chill as he disappeared in his shadow. Walking a bit further, he noticed a familiar someone sitting down, kicking her legs as she looked at the food on the menu.
Feeling mischievous, he quietly stepped up to the table she sat at, sitting across from her and resting his head on his hand with a huge grin. “Hiya, Reina!” He greeted exuberantly, his Gengar partially appearing from his shadow beside Reggie and waved at her, getting a chuckle from Reggie as he patted the exposed ear. “Emeric, moving around like that tickles.” His hair looked a bit disheveled. Instead of combed back, bits at the front were sticking up or dangling over his forehead. Seemed he had a couple intense bouts.
“Verga!” Reina called out in astonishment as the ghost specialist was suddenly sitting across from her. She grabbed on to the table as if she was going to fall off while one hand instinctively reached for a Poke Ball. “Reggie?” Reina's frightened green eyes changed to those of delight.
“Alola! I mean, Hola, no, Hello!” She scrambled for the proper greeting as she tried to regain her composure. “What a nice surprise. I didn't know you had a Gengar, that scared me a bit. I thought it was a demon or something.” She cleared her throat, sliding the menu towards the blue eyed blonde. “In case you want to join me for dinner. Unless you're busy, which I understand. Probably not a good time for a date, huh? Well, this isn't a date, it was just a terrible example. More like, bad choice of words. So, anyways, is your girlfriend joining us?”
Reina’s continued stumbling had Reggie trying to contain himself. He hid his smile behind his hand, chuckling slightly at her expense, even snorting when she said she thought the Gengar was a demon. When she mentioned his ‘girlfriend’, his eyes blinked rapidly and he chuckled, shaking his head. “Nah, Adrianne’s like a sister to me. If she were my girlfriend, I’d have kissed her and I wouldn’t bother flirting with you to begin with.” He winked at her, then put his hand on hers that she used to give him the menu. “Also, it’s okay. Relax a little. Take a deep breath.” He took his hand back to grab the menu, looking at the food that was available. “Hmm… I don’t know anything here. This really is different from the cuisine I usually have.” Sighing, he looked up at her apologetically. “Uh… what would you recommend?”
He didn't have a girlfriend? That new information actually surprised the Metztlian, it took her a moment to shake off the astonishment. “Oh really? That's nice.” She pushed her hair behind her right ear and sat up straight. “I just thought because you're really good looking, you would obviously have a girlfriend. Um, we could get boneless of different flavors each and share? If you don't mind eating from the same plate of course. We don't have to, just an idea.”
Reina tried to relax, to keep calm but the situation was so uncommon to her, she was struggling. But, she had been training for this! She took a deep breath and looked at his hand over hers. “So, do you normally flirt so much with girls?”
He noticed she was suddenly interested again. She really was wanting him, wasn’t she? Well, he wasn’t about to fuck this up. Being complimented though was stealing his air, and his cheeks turned rather rosy, a dopey smile on his face. Boneless of each flavor- huh? What was that question?
Reggie chuckled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head as he answered that pressing question first. “I normally flirt with girls when I’m interested in them and around my age. Of course, I’m no womanizer. If it’s obvious a girl isn’t into it, then I will make sure she leaves the experience with a smile and won’t push any further. All I’m looking for is good chemistry whether short or long-term, not to fish for a specific event just because they happen to be nice.” He rolled his eyes. “I’m a gentleman, not an incel.” He chuckled again, then looked back down at the menu. “Well, if we get anything spicy, you’ll have it. I’m not much for spicy stuff, but anything else I’m down for. Oh, and… Thank you for the compliment.” He looked shyly away, apparent that not many have flirted with him back. He was usually unlucky in the romance department. Maybe he finally got his chance?
Well, no, she said she had a girlfriend earlier. He should honestly ask about that, but a part of him was afraid to. He focused on something else instead. “But yes, we can share a sample dish. I don’t mind.”
“Nothing spicy?” Reina covered her mouth as she laughed. “Why are people so afraid of spicy food? I don't get it. But sure, choose something sweet or salty, maybe BBQ for you? I like buffalo flavor but I'm leaning towards mango habanero.”
Reina was looking down at the menu, but her eyes wandered to Reggie as she pointed at the flavors. “So, you only flirt with girls you're interested in? Does that mean…?”
Reina’s last question went unanswered. He just gave her a wink and a charming smirk, then went about with the food topic. “Oh, I’ve had spicy stuff before. I just can’t handle it very well. My nose starts running, tears start flowing, and my stomach starts to churn. Not to mention my tongue absolutely dies. But I do prefer sweet and sour. BBQ is a good one. I do like a bit of buffalo, just a smidgen of it.” He laughed. “I do like the taste spicy brings, I just wish it didn’t try to sabotage all my taste buds at the same time.”
“Well then you might have to choose another Metztlian, cuz I love spicy things!” Reina had a gleam in her eyes as she started listing the spicy food she usually ate back home. “Enchiladas, Tacos with green or red salsa, menudo, pozole with a lot of red salsa, burritos with the spiciest cuisine, agua chile, even the candy I eat is spicy.” She sighed, thinking of the delicacies from her region. “Sorry, I get carried away. You can have some of my mango boneless if you want. Um, should we order then?”
The Unovan listened as Reina prattled off about the many spicy foods they had back at her home, and his eyes widened. New kinds of food? Well, it probably wasn’t ‘new’ in the broad sense, but to his mind, it was. “No no, I’m quite interested in this cuisine your home has. I’m- Oh, yeah, we should order.” He chuckled, getting up so they could get to ordering. “But yes, I may not look it, but I’m an aspiring chef. A bit more of the casual kind though, don’t wanna hype myself up that much.” He sheepishly smiled. “But, I haven’t seen those kinds of food before, so you’ll definitely have to show me later. Oh, and don’t worry about the bill.” He tacked on, already fishing out his wallet to pay.
Reina tried not to let the blush rush to her cheeks. Her momma had always said, make sure he's a gentleman, handsome and has ambitions in life. Reggie was quickly filling up the application for the perfect man to bring home. “My mami would love you.” She thought out loud, quickly realizing her mistake and standing up to change the subject. “Right! Okay, thank you. I um, let's order.”
A nervous chuckle escaped Reina as she walked past Reggie to the front counter. “Half order of buffalo and mango habanero please and a coke.” She didn't wait for Reggie, not ready to face him yet while hurrying back to her seat.
Once the Unovian arrived, Reina tried to remain calm. “Chefs are nice.” She had no idea what to say.
Reggie gave Reina a surprised look as she said something about her… Mami? Probably her mom. He chuckled, scratching the back of his head before paying for their food and ordering himself some Mango smoothie and a half order of BBQ and sweet and sour. After getting his card back, he returned to his seat and chuckled at Reina's attempt at starting a conversation.
He laughed though, finding it endearing. “They are, aren't they? Though, then you got people expecting you to make food all the time. The responsibility is nice until they start demanding it of you. So,” he clapped his hands, then laid his arms at the table as he gazed at her. “What kind of Ghost-Types does your region have? Any new species I likely haven't seen before? Is there any culture surrounding the dead or the afterlife? … As tactful as I could make that question sound.” He chuckled, realizing how weird that was and likely slightly offensive.
“About the dead?” Reina pressed her lips together for a bit, her mind wondering where to begin. “Depends who you ask I guess. We have two versions of the afterlife. The original one was made by our ancestors, who believe that during autumn, the world of the dead and the living align or are close to each other. During the first three days of November we give offerings to those family and friends we have lost. Duskull and Dusknoir help their spirits cross to our world where they can visit us and enjoy the offerings we left at their tombs or shrines. Although our Duskull are different, they're a lot more colorful than the ones in Hoenn definitely.”
Reina rested her eyes on the night sky as she spoke. Memories of her home flashing by. “Then there's the new way, which is heaven and hell. If you're overall a good person and stay away from sin, you go to heaven. A paradise where you will be eternally happy. Of course if you're bad, it's the complete opposite. I sorta believe in both? We were colonized by Paldea a few hundred years ago so half the population holds the old traditions and half the new ones. My family follows the new one I guess.” She cleared her throat as she realized she was going off topic.
“Oh, we also have a rare evolution of Sudowoodo. Oh and Shuppet. Special in this cursed island, they possess bodies of dolls and attack intruders. People go missing there.” She shivered at the thought.
Reggie listened with rapt attention, finding their religion fascinating as well, and he didn't mind that they were on a slightly tangential subject. It all was important to him, and the history was interesting. His eyes flew up when she said there was a new evolution and the Shuppet there is different. He didn't look afraid, but excited.
“Fascinating… Well, not the people getting lost part. If you have a picture with you of these Pokemon, can you show me what they look like? Now as for religion…” He chuckled. “My parents worship Ho-Oh, I worship Giratina, but we both believe in reincarnation and the spirit realm that sits adjacent to the realm of the living. I just also wonder what other religions have and what they say is true, and if there is more to it than just a spirit realm or purgatory. As for ghosts… I'm interested to see this cursed island myself.” He smiled, trying to hide his excitement but was finding it very difficult to control himself.
“Y'see, my parents are paranormal investigators. They go in to scope a place, determine if it's by a ghost or not, and it branches from there. Dealing with a ghost, whether a lost spirit, a vengeful one, or just a Ghost Pokémon, we use great reverence and some tools. We want to be as hospitable and kind to them as possible, including what you would consider evil ones. My father can help a spirit move on by sharing in their pain, being an excellent spirit empath. I have the same ability, but uh…” He looked at the shadow beside him, his tone turning sheepish. “It also lets me see ghosts trying to hide or that are otherwise invisible, so I sometimes mistake living people for dead roaming ones.” He then waved his hand nonchalantly, as if it didn't bother him even though his trepidation on the matter showed on his face.
“Ah, listen to me ramble. I also don't mean to scare you with the topic, so I apologize if I seem laissez-faire, I have just seen a lot.” He chuckled sheepishly. “What I mean to say is, I would like to see this cursed island. I am sure the stories are real, so I won't be checking its validity, but for how truly dangerous it is and why the Shuppet is doing this. And if I can find the missing people along the way and give the families some closure, I'll do that, too.” He smiled, though it was tempered by his reverence on the subject, his tone throughout it showing his respect towards it, as well.
“Wow, that sounds really exciting and really scary at the same time. You're free to go anytime.” She shook her head slowly. “But I'm not going there, wait, you worship Giratina?!” Reina's eyes widened.
While her family faithfully followed Arceus, those who worshiped its dark counterpart were considered evil. Reina leaned back trying to decide if she was actually safe around such individual. “Isn't that bad?” She finally spoke up, avoiding eye contact. “He's supposed to be evil.”
Reggie always got those looks, and he sighed, bowing his head in disappointment aimed towards himself. He was starting to realize that Girarina was pretty much an end to conversations and potential friendships. He chuckled and shook his head, lifting it up to look at her. “Depends on your religion's interpretation of him. I just see his presence as a sign of the unknown in some spiritual void. I don't know if he's evil or not. That's the part of the mystery I want to find out. But I can't just take anyone's word for it. I have to find the answer myself if I were to truly believe in that. So, I'm sorry if I don't take your word or your religion's word for it. If he was truly evil though…” He held his arms out. “Wouldn't we be constantly at war? Wouldn't he be always fighting back at the punishment he was given?” He then shook his head. “If he was evil back then, it's likely his tune changed and he’s a lot more mellow now, but that's a theory. I won't get you to change your idea of him though. I still do worship Ho-Oh, as well, just that Giratina has this enigmatic feel I want to study. So me worshipping him is more for study purposes.” He explained, giving her an apologetic smile. “I'm sorry if I've soured your mood at all… I didn't mean anything by it…” His tone shifted to be quieter and shameful.
Reina felt bad at his reaction, which quickly had her waving her hands. “No, it's my fault. I shouldn't assume things. There's a lot, like a lot, of things the world contradicts according to my religion. I've even been having doubts, which is also frowned upon, but that sounds suspicious to be honest. Like, why are people of the same gender together when that's supposed to be bad? Shouldn't they be unhappy?”
Oh, thank Giratina she was actually reasonable. This was already starting to turn up. When she explained her woes with the religion, he gave her a sympathetic smile. “Not going to lie, I was tempted to follow one of those Arceus religions until I heard they really didn't like bisexuals. Being one myself, I didn't want to put myself in a den of Pyroar, heh.” He sheepishly chuckled, though out of more the thought of discomfort. “But, being bisexual or gay is fine. You should be happy with the person you like, regardless of what they are. That's the whole reason for being in a relationship with someone, right? To make each other happy, make each others’ lives feel full, to show gratitude in having them be a part of your life.” He sighed, shaking his head.
“Some religions just like to control their people or maybe there really was a story back then that showed it wasn't good. Honestly, most of the Arceus religions I find focus on making a lineage, a family. Not for one's happiness, but to be closer to Arceus by creating life, but I have heard they mostly spin it as some grand path to happiness. If you go with someone of the same gender, you can't make a family unless you adopt, but at that point you aren't creating something from your own flesh and blood so it doesn't count.” He then shrugged. “Honestly, them disliking the fact that you have doubts concerns me. I really dislike it when groups - any group for that matter - feel the need to dictate on how others should think. It pushes people away, and doesn't let others express or discover themselves.”
Reina looked a bit disappointed for a second. She sighed and leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table and her head on her hands. “Can we change the subject please?” She showed her green eyes trying to sway the blonde. “I rather not keep talking about religion, not my favorite subject.”
Oh, did he just fuck up? He chuckled sheepishly, getting a chiding poke on the side from his Gengar which caused him to deadpan towards the invisible-to-Reina ghost at his side. “Oh, stop it.” He then focused back on Reina, giving her an apologetic smile. “S-sorry, I tend to ramble. It’s not the greatest subject to be on anyway. Oh, hey, our food is here.” His downtrodden tone immediately shifted to one of fulfilled anticipation as the food was set before them. Reina’s coke and boneless with mango habanero and buffalo sauce sat before her, while Reggie’s mango smoothie and boneless with sweet & sour and BBQ sauce scooted towards him. “So, regardless of what this WCS tournament brings us, I want to go to Metztli with you, if you’d like to take me. I could use a guide and someone who can speak the native tongue. A-and teach me.” His cheeks turned pink, and he didn’t fully know why.
Reina was chewing when she heard Reggie’s request. She felt a piece of spicy chicken hit the back of her throat, causing her to start coughing loudly. She tried her best to cover her mouth and keep her composure, but her body was trying to get rid of the spicy intruder in her throat. With an immense will power of refusing to spit something out in front of a handsome boy, Reina swallowed the piece ruining her life and quickly reached for her soda, drinking down until she felt she could talk again. She cleared her throat several times, her eyes watery from the near death experience until she could speak with a hoarse voice.
“Yes, we could visit sometime.” She looked down at her plate, afraid to meet his gaze. “I can give you my number if you want and when you plan on going let me know and we can figure it out.”
Reggie was more concerned about her health from an assassination attempt from her food than he was concerned about her pride. Maybe he should’ve been, but once she was done coughing and trying to keep any last shred of dignity still intact, he couldn’t blame her for not meeting his gaze. He smiled, nodding. “Sure thing, we can do that. You okay though? That chicken was fighting back, was wondering if I’d have to do some CPR.” He teased, pulling out his phone and setting it off to the side with his phone number displayed on the screen. His Gengar chortled, having decided to announce his presence once more as he chuckled at his human making friends.
“Yeah…” A nervous laugh escaped her lips as she adjusted her hair and took out her phone. She placed it in front of his phone, allowing the Rotom to take charge of the situation and exchanging contact information. Once that was done, she left it there, looking at her food wondering if she should try and attempt eating in front of him. “CPR?”.
Reina’s eyes lit up at the mention and the image of their lips touching sent a shiver down her spine, her blush burning hot on her face as one embarrassment after another kept creeping up on her. She shook her head and waved at him playfully. “That’s okay, I’m fine.” A loud sigh allowed her to cool down a bit, assisted by a drink from her beverage. “So, do you like music?”
Apparently, the mere mention of their lips touching had the poor girl in flustered shock, and Reggie couldn’t help but chuckle at her embarrassing predicament. He didn’t think he was that hot. When she brought up music though, his attention immediately shifted. “Hell yeah, I do. I’m a performer and I’m all for that spotlight~.” He raised his hand and flicked it out outward by the wrist in a flair, chuckling to himself before relaxing and grabbing some more food. “In fact, I am so glad the Kalos Pokémon Showcases are going to allow men to enter, so I can perform alongside my Pokémon!” He giggled gleefully, giving his Gengar a high five as he took a bite of his food, his ghost partner already feeling just as pumped as Reggie was.
“A dancer?” Reina couldn't help but smile. Dancing ran in her veins. She wasn't by all means a professional, but she could follow a good lead. One of the many skills she learned in her all girl's school. “Me too! I mean I am out of practice, but I learned a few steps growing up. I rarely put them to practice.”
Handsome, artistic, passionate? Reggie was the ideal man she grew up thinking about, down to the last detail. They would have beautiful children!
Reina shook her head and quickly popped food into her mouth to distract her thoughts. Still, she couldn't help but look at him and wonder if he was too perfect to be true.
Reggie grinned, waving his hand nonchalantly as he winked. “Just as long as you’re feelin’ the beat in your body and ready to groove, then you’ll be fiiiine. Besides, I do it for fun. I don’t know if I’m anything special about it, but apparently the times I have done it with my Pokémon during a contest, the crowd seemed to love it. Though, it’s been a while since I’ve done a contest like that, so I am a biiiiit rusty.” He then narrowed his eyes as he got playful. “But with a body like that, I don’t think you could ever move wrong. Well, unless I fluster you too much, but then it’s even better.” He chuckled, teasing her further because he found it funny.
If Reggie had good hearing, he would be able to hear Reina's heart trying to escape out of her chest. As much as she tried to be calm, he kept hitting those smooth words perfectly. Reina was speechless, putting more food into her mouth to have an excuse not to talk. It was until she finally stopped chewing she was able to speak once more.
“You're really charming.” Was all she could say, her heart giving her a hard time breathing as she started eating again, hoping Giratina would come and swallow her to avoid the embarrassing situation she had placed herself in.
Fortunately for Reina, he did not have super hearing. But he could see that she was starting to shut down from all this teasing and while it was fun while it lasted, he didn't want to completely destroy her. He just ate his food silently until he finished, looking proud. When she finally got out a compliment, he felt his heart warm.
Ironically, as someone who loved the spotlight and attention, getting compliments from a hot girl had him clearing his throat, his cheeks burning pink. His flustered expression made him want to change the topic quickly without being rude. “Aww, thank you. Now.” He clapped softly, a sparkle in his eyes. “I don't want to keep you for too long. I bet your Fairy ‘mon would like your company, too.” He smiled, graciously giving her an out and remembering Diva's sour expression earlier in the day when he appeared out of nowhere and took her attention away from her Pokémon.
“We should probably get warmed up with some light training and get a good night's rest for the fights tomorrow. Wouldn't want you getting too flustered and ruining your performance.” He winked. “Oh.” He then offered her a fist, for a fist bump. “Awesome battling out there in those prelims. Watching you and your Pokémon fight was a pleasure and an honor. If I do become your opponent, it would be an even greater honor.”
Reina looked up, a bit confused at first but her eyes ignited at the mention of battling. She nodded with a cocky smirk and returned the fist bump. “I hope I get to battle your Gengar. He looks powerful. But, I did manage to survive against Morty, so don't think we aren't prepared.”
She stood up, letting out a sigh of relief after what she thought was a disaster of a dinner on her part. “So, light training? What do you have in mind?”
Reggie practically beamed when she returned the fist bump, already getting giddy. But when she asked about training, he pressed his lips in a tight line, trying not to smile too hard. “Oh, just a little performance. It’s to keep the muscles relaxed, strong, and our minds focused for what we’ll be doing the next time we battle. Helps really get in the game, and so I don’t end up doing something embarrassing like… Forgetting Pokémon types.” He chuckled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head.
“A performance?” Reina looked a bit skeptical. Was it like the Pokémon Contests she had seen on TV? “I mean, that sounds interesting? But contests aren't my thing. I'm a fighter, I prefer physical training rather than dancing or singing.”
Reina crossed her arms over her chest, waiting for an explanation to what he wanted them to do. She usually did get nervous during battles, that was true. But her latest training had helped out with that. Still, maybe Reggie had some sort of technique she didn't know about? Either way, she wouldn't mind spending more time with him.
Seeing that Reina was still hooked on him, Reggie chuckled, setting away his empty plate and standing up. “Ohhh, just you wait. It’s for fighters, too~. I’m not just a coordinator after all.” He was excited, a light in his eyes as he felt the energy rush through him, unable to contain himself. “I train alongside my Pokémon, too. But in a different way. Yes, we train to fight, but we also train to have fun and let loose any excess energies.” Hopping out of the bench, he grabbed his Gengar’s hands and dragged his ghost out of the shadows and spun about with a laugh, the Gengar chortling before letting go of Reggie’s hand and twirling up in the air, spraying sparkling light with Dazzling Gleam from his hands as if they were pom-poms.
Slipping over to Reina’s side, he held out his hand for her to take so she may stand up, as well. “Come on, I’ll show you something I think is cool.” He was practically glowing with vibrant energy - not literally, but he was definitely looking much more alive than he was before their dinner date.
“Wow!” Reina couldn't help but admire the sight of the Gengar using Dazzling Gleam. Somehow her mind also couldn't help but make a mental note of the move in case they fought.
The Metztlian stood up and took his hand, a bit nervous, but willing to face the upcoming challenge with confidence. The only thing in her mind was wondering if others who were passing by were looking at them. Yet, Reggie’s energy was a bit addictive.
Uncaring if there were people watching but wanting to give Reina some help in keeping eyes away from her, he helped her up, letting his hand hold hers a bit longer as he pulled her along to a spot away from the tournament and towards the back where there was a pond. Letting go of her hand, he twirled about and released his entire team. A Runerigus deeply groaned as he spun his many earthen body parts, a Musharna rolled into the air, a Shedinja popped up above Reggie’s head and stayed there, a Drakloak shot into the air in a blur, a Basculegion splashed into the pond, and an Annihilape appeared behind Reggie to lift him up, making him laugh. “H-hey, put me down! W-w-wa-wait-!”
Instead of putting him down, the Annihilape chuckled darkly before throwing his trainer up in the air, the Drakloak grabbing his torso and lightly tossing him towards the Runerigus, whose ghostly serpentine body was used to catch him, then lightly toss him into the water. He whooped until he realized where he was going, yelling and getting splashed into the water, his Shedinja echoing in laughter as it slipped to the pond’s edge, the Basculegion giving Reggie a ride to the shore. “Aww, maaaaan, I’m sopping wet. At least this suit’s water proof…” Reggie sighed, shaking his head, then laughing. “But that was fun!”
Reina watched as the man got thrown into the pond of water. She gave him a sympathetic smile, not imagining having any of her Pokémon throw her around like that. She did play occasionally with them, but it was mostly training.
“Careful not to get sick.” She said in a low tone as she watched him get out of the water. It was hard for her not to admire his new look. Her heart pounding loudly once again, a feeling she didn't feel often. “So you have your Pokémon throw you into water? That's your technique?”
Reggie laughed, shaking his head. “Ohh, no no, that’s not the technique. They’re just playing around. C’mere.” His hand went over to his Shedinja, holding the sweet, possessed shell in his hands as he nuzzled his nose on the Shedinja’s forehead, getting a chilling, affectionate coo in return. “Time for you to shine, little buddy.” He then tossed the Shedinja into the air. “Catch the Shedinja! Whoever gets to hold him the longest in five minutes will win! Don’t let him land on the ground!”
The Shedinja had an almost playful giggle as it was tossed in the air, the Drakloak zooming by to try and grab it, only for the Shedinja to use Protect. The barrier formed around it, and the Drakloak narrowly avoided it, using its tail to bash the Shedinja towards the water, where the Basculegion began floating above the water with ghostly energy and then cloaked itself in water, using Aqua Jet to get to the shell quickly. The water dispersed as the fish gently put its mouth around the Shedinja, then quickly disappeared into the ground with Phantom Force’s shadowy portal to appear back in the water, where the five other Pokémon descended onto Basculegion to try and steal the Shedinja from him.
Chuckling, Reggie shook his head as he watched the seven Pokémon play with each other in the pond, the Runerigus attempting to stay away from the water while still trying to get in there himself. “It may look like they’re playing, but they’re training with restraint. You know how to get faster, you run with a parachute attached to you or weighted gear on you, so when you take them off you’re much faster and can run for longer?” He asked, then gestured towards the group. “That is what they are doing, but for fighting. Whether in a performance or a battle, they must show immense control over themselves and their attacks: using attacks then canceling them, then quickly switching to other moves. Fighting is like a dance. They must adapt to an unknown, so to do that they must be on their guard and change tune quickly. For me, whoever controls the battlefield is the lead in dance, and we must go with the flow and usurp that control at the right moment so we can win.” He smiled, looking over at Reina. “I know it might not look serious, or you might be concerned for my sweet bug, but Shedinja can’t feel pain unless they use a move that’s going to legitimately harm it, but he’s got Protect. He’s fine.” He chuckled, showing utmost trust in all of his Pokémon.
“I see.” She watched the Pokémon playing around in the pond, her green eyes darting from side to side to try and keep up with the location of the Shedinja. “That's an interesting way of training, I love it!”
Reina walked closer to Reggie, to get a better look at the playing Pokémon. “You have a really amazing team. I thought they would be scary but now I think they're a little funny.”
The young man chuckled, nodding as he looked over at his watch to keep track of the time. “Haha, yeah, I get that a lot from people after I tell them or show them I’m a Ghost-Type specialist. They’re just big ol’ playful sweethearts. Huh?” He held out his hands instinctively as he saw something fly towards him, and he caught… His Shedinja.
“Oh no.”
The Shedinja giggled, its little pointy arms covering where its lips would be as if to playfully say ‘oops’. All the Pokémon looked at Reggie, and he paled. “Haha, hang on there, oh fuck-” He held his Shedinja in the crook of his arm like a football while he ducked an incoming Drakloak and then sped off, running around in a circle trying to avoid getting caught by his Pokémon. It was plainly obvious the Pokémon were just playing, as they were not going as fast as they could and any attacks they did plan on using barely coated their body with any visually discernible aura. Reggie was pretty fast though, probably because they had done this before. When he finally ducked, dodged, and slid across the ground and appeared beside Reina, he gave a really cheeky grin. “Alright, your turn, haha!” He tossed the Shedinja over to her, the little bug wanting to be snug in her hands so the other Pokémon could chase her.
“What?!” Reina caught the bug ghost, treating it like some sort of antique, cradling it in her arms.
Reina's panicked face slowly switched to a competitive one. They had never faced a pro wrestler before and she wasn't a slacker when it came to agile moves. She took off running towards them, sliding under and then leaping to the right. She headed for the nearest tree. Back home she could run up to the third rope like nothing, the tree was no exception. She ran the first three steps up the bark, defying gravity and then leaping to the nearest branch.
“If this is what I might battle tomorrow, then I don't have much to worry about.”
That was when the Annihilape blasted towards the tree in an impressive feat of speed, catching up to her quickly and chortling as he stood on the branch she was supposed to grab. He reached down with his hand to grab her by the outstretched wrist surprisingly gently and used his other hand to pop the Shedinja out of her grasp, the Drakloak’s Dreepy shooting forth to grab the Shedinja.
“Well that's unfair.” Reina dropped down from the tree and landed on her feet. She dusted her hands and placed them behind her back, walking back to Reggie. “If I didn't know what was going on, this would be really crazy.”
Reina stood next to Reggie, facing the spectacle and stealing glances at him every second she could. “It's a nice night.” She felt her cheeks blushing again, trying to shake away thoughts involving Reggie.
Reggie chuckled, shaking his head as she came over. “Well, you did say you didn’t have much to worry about tomorrow. They’re still holding back. I guess you hit Gordon’s pride a bit.” He looked back over at Reina as she said it was a nice night, his expression softening as he stole a glance of her. “It’s definitely more than nice.” He chuckled, hearing his Pokémon’s movements start to die down. They were getting tired. “Seems like they’re ready for some rest. Five minutes over!” He announced, his Pokémon returning with Shedinja, who hovered in front of Reggie and fit himself in his breast pocket, his little pointy arms peeking out of the pocket like some cute pocket protector. Carefully, the Annihilape came over and ignited his fist on fire, helping Reggie’s clothes get dry as he hovered the flaming fist over his body, snorting a bit here and there as he did his work and making Reggie chuckle. “Thanks, Gordon.”
The Drakloak had won - apparently. The other Pokémon were paying more attention than Reggie was and they had congratulated the newest member of their team, the dragon chirping sweetly at all the praise, making him blush. “Good job, Crolm.” Reggie joined in, then looking back at Reina with a mischievous grin. “Wanna see something?” His suit was progressively getting dryer, only looking damp now.
“Like what?” She couldn't really imagine something more interesting than ghost Pokémon chasing after each other. Still, so far her night out with Reggie had been fun, embarrassing and interesting. The man had his charms, which she was trying to fight back. “Do you have Giratina with you or something?” She chuckled a bit, joking but a bit afraid of a yes in the back.
Reggie laughed at her joke, and he shook his head. “Gods, no. I don’t think I’m gonna get that lucky. Here.” He looked over at his Musharna, who softly floated over to the two humans. Reggie then looked over at Reina. “I know this is kinda sudden, but I want you to trust me on this. Close your eyes. You’re about to see something really pretty.”
Reina looked a bit nervous at first but after a loud sigh she nodded. “Okay.” Her mind raced with curiosity as to what he could possibly be preparing for both of them. Hopefully the psychic Pokemon wouldn't read her thoughts though, it would be really embarrassing. Especially the image of her and Reggie kissing. She would just die on the spot, Arceus would understand.
Reggie smiled, wrapping an arm around her waist and nodding to his Musharna. When he spoke, his voice was quieter and a lot closer. “You’re gonna feel weightless for a bit and like you’re hovering, and you’ll feel quite a bit of wind. Don’t worry, my Musharna and I have you.” The Musharna lifted the two humans up with her psychic abilities, then the Musharna floated over until she was underneath the two. “Now, bend your legs as if you’re sitting.” Reggie said softly, so that the Musharna could be their seat as the two humans were lifted up and over Viridian City.
Once they were high enough to see the pretty festival lights, the nearby Pewter City, the Indigo League gate, and the forest surrounding them, the entire side of Kanto was alight with the soft glow of the orange and pink sunset. Reggie spoke softly again. “Now, open your eyes.”
“Padre nuestro que estas en el cielo, santificado sea tu nombre… “ Reina held on to her prayers as she felt her body be lifted into nothingness. From excitement to fear as she tried to focus on Reggie’s voice only. Even the fact that he was grabbing her waist escaped her thoughts as the wind became stronger and colder around her. Finally, she was allowed to open her eyes.
“A la madre…” Her eyes filled with surprise at first and followed up with delight. The view was breathtaking and for someone who wanted to see the world, this was a memorable moment. Instinctively she grabbed Reggie’s hand, as if that would stop her from falling. “Do you do this often?”
Reggie tried not to laugh at her prayer. This was very spooky, especially if your eyes were closed and were trusting a complete stranger you just met on the same day. But, that’s why Reggie took her trust in stride and didn’t let it scare him off. He felt proud that a warrior like her would even let him do this, and he definitely wasn’t about to take it for granted or abuse it. This was special.
He was oh-so glad that she enjoyed the view, as well. He had forgotten to ask if she had a fear of heights, but this was a surprise, so he didn’t want to scare her off before he got a chance to show the splendid view. His Gengar had left to grab their phones because Reggie forgot his, and the Ghost/Poison-type appeared beside them to hand his phone to Reggie. He thanked his buddy and returned to Reina.
“Yes. Well, rather recently. When I was playing with my Pokémon one day, I was sent off into the sky by my Musharna and I saw just how breathtaking the world was from above. I then began doing this more and more often, enjoying the view so I can remember the times I had here far easier. It’s easy to forget where we are and get wrapped up in all of our events and frustrations and problems, so seeing a new perspective on how the world looks and realizing that our problems are smaller than the insurmountable mountains we believe they are makes living a lot easier. Seeing the world like this puts me at ease and I can relax a little, helps with my insomnia, too. And also, it makes perfect pictures.” He chuckled, waving his phone in hand as he opened up his camera app and took a picture of Viridian City below them, then another picture of the city at an angle with the sunset, and then he turned the camera on them both.
“Smile~.” He chuckled, taking a picture of the two of them sitting atop his Musharna, his Gengar even picture bombing them from behind with a gleeful chortle.
“Tequila!” Reina grinned at the camera and waited for the picture to be taken. She then turned her attention back to the city view. She had been to Kanto before, but it looked like a completely different place.
A snap was taken, and then another as Reina looked off towards the rest of Kanto, this second picture having Reggie winking and peeking his tongue out like a goofball before he pocketed his phone, setting it in the same pocket as his Shedinja, who hummed softly. “Wanna get down now?” He asked, his Musharna cooing to question, as well.
“I really don't.” Reina kept looking around despite the cool air on her face. “I could stay here all night.” She sighed and leaned over the edge. “I wonder if this is what Pokémon feel when they fly? I become a high flier for the same sensation. But jumping off the top rope is nothing compared to this.”
Reggie wasn’t expecting Reina to stay up here. It left his cheeks burning pink, and he chuckled sheepishly, unsure of why he was feeling this way, but he did nonetheless. “Oh, uh… Yeah, I’m sure. Right, Elvira?” The Musharna sensed Reina’s emotions and cooed, giving a short nod of her head in agreement. When Reina leaned over, she could feel a strange sensation of a force pushing against her shoulders, as if there were invisible hands lightly nudging against her shoulders to keep her staying atop the Musharna, the weightless psychic hold around her getting slightly more pronounced so as to make sure she didn’t fall.
Figuring they’ll be up here for a bit longer, Reggie kept a good grip around her waist and looked out over Kanto with a soft sigh. “Well, whenever you wanna get down, let us know. Elvira can keep us up here for hours.” He chuckled, resting beside her comfortably and not minding how long she wanted to take.
This was the most peace he felt in ages.
Reina sat back up straight. She moved her hair behind her ear and turned to face Reggie. She had a big smile on her face, under her red cheeks. She looked at him for a few moments until finally she broke the silence.
“I'm not an expert or anything, but isn't this the part where you kiss the girl?”
The poor man was not expecting such a forward question. His cheeks burned an even darker shade and he looked at her with an amused, sheepish expression. “Hah, so forward~. I didn’t think you wanted a kiss so soon~.” He cooed, teasing her to get the embarrassment off of him. “Would you like one on the day we met, or should we at least wait for a bit? Maybe give you one after we fight?” He was trying to be the gentleman here, but it was getting rather difficult now that his heart was beating out of his chest and this woman wanted to go forward a bit quickly. Which, he didn’t mind of course, but he wasn’t sure if there had to be a process for these things. He certainly didn’t want her to regret anything. “To be honest, this is something I’ve never had the chance to do with anyone because they were all too scared of heights, and I have never gotten this close with anyone, let alone so quickly. So anything with you after our dinner has been and will be just as new and wonderful for the both of us. Your pace, you choose.”
They were all too scared of heights… they were all… They. Reina's mind sank back to a defensive set. Maybe she wasn't thinking right or he just said he had done this with others before? So it wasn't something too unique, at least not for him. The romance seemed to fade away as Reina now felt she was in some sort of routine Reggie had played with others.
She laughed nervously and backed away from him a bit, turning back to the city. “Right, too soon. Sorry, we should get down now.”
Reggie was confused. Was it something he said? He suddenly felt like she didn’t want any part of this little romantic thing and he was unsure of why. “Alright.” He said, his grip on her waist slack as the Musharna descended slowly but surely. Once they were on the ground, Reggie got off and smiled as he went to extend his hand for her to take. “Well, regardless, that was my first time sharing the scenery with anyone. I’m glad I got to spend it with you.” She must have had doubts or regrets or something, so he wanted to make sure she knew he didn’t regret anything on this little excursion.
Reina took his hand and got off swiftly, adjusting her uniform. She listened to him and raised an eyebrow at his words. “You mentioned you had others before?”
Now to those who've never treated a Metztlian girl before, jealousy ran in their veins. It was like breathing to them. Of course, she had no right to feel such a thing, but it was sadly in her DNA. Still, there was one more factor about the women in her region that she hadn't applied yet.
Reina looked down at the ground and closed her eyes. At that moment it was like the waterfall that Chuck had forced her to meditate under was on her shoulders. Her master rambled on about how being able to focus properly allowed him to ignore the crushing pressure and focus on the real goal. For that split second, Reina understood it.
She cupped his face in her hands and pulled him down for a kiss. The second factor from her region, marking territory.
Reggie was just about to answer that question. In fact, he was in the process of it. “Oh, I heard about their fears even before they got to-” He pulled into a kiss, and for a moment it was as if the lights turned off in his mind. What happened?
That surprise didn’t last long as he smiled into the kiss and kissed back, hands slowly moving to wrap around her waist in a sort of hug. He chuckled into the kiss, enjoying this immensely. Even his Pokémon decided to look away so as to not intrude on their moment. Of course, his Gengar still stole his phone and took a picture of the kiss, but that's besides the point. Reggie wasn’t so sure if he was supposed to break away from the kiss or if it was seen as rude, so he let the initiator do that herself when she wanted to.
Reina pressed her hands against his shoulders lightly and pushed herself away. Her blushing face looked down as she took a step back. “There.” Her mission for now was complete. “We should, call it a night?” Her heart was fluttering out of control, but in a way she wanted to leave with a victory… And call her mom and Esther as soon as possible.
Reggie felt like the breath was taken from him, and he was loving every second of it. He stood there, slightly breathless before letting out a chuckle. “You sure you don’t want me walking you back to your hotel? Or would you prefer I give your heart a break from my selfish desire to be around you?” He smirked, teasing her again and looking like she needed at least some confirmation that he appreciated that kiss and was willing to continue whatever this was.
Something Reina didn’t know was that as soon as he sets his eyes on someone and they reciprocate his advances, the more devoted he gets for them. She wouldn’t have to worry about her genetically strong jealousy.
Reina cleared her throat and shook her head. “I'm fine. I'm pretty sure I'm stronger than you anyways.” She finally looked up with a challenging look. “See you in the finals tomorrow.” She reached up for a quick peck on his cheek before turning to leave. “Send me a text!”
Reina walked away, her confidence through the sky and her heart the happiest it had been in a long time. Was he an unexpected distraction? Yeah, Chuck would be mad, but she didn't care.
Reggie chuckled, his cheeks warm. “Good night, Reina. And I will.” He let her walk off, and he sighed happily, having to put a hand on his chest to calm his ever-fluttering heart. Taking a moment, he returned his Pokémon and began walking back to his hotel room, wanting to give Reina some space in her pace as they walked back.
Tonight was a good night, and he hoped that tomorrow would be even better.
