Edward lived with his father in one of the nicer communities on Golden Island. In a two-story house set right up against the beach, it had a lovely view of the setting sun. He didn’t come around here very often. It wasn’t that he was forbidden or anything like that, but the people who lived there preferred that their neighborhood be free of poor delinquents. It helped that they lived on the beach, it meant that he could just sail up with Tor and avoid the other people. The problem was the beach that was normally empty was full of people partying. Several large bonfires and tiki torches backlit large tables full of delicious smelling food.

The trainer turned to Audino and said, “Did Edward mention this when he came by?”

A cheeky smirk was his only reply.

Groaning, he briefly considered just going home, but looking at the feast that had been prepared finally convinced him. ‘I’ll just go, stuff my face, and avoid talking to anyone but Edward.’

Beaching Tor, he searched his pockets for the right pokeball before Audino handed it to him.

“Thanks.”

Pressing the button, Tor momentarily glowed red before being zapped back into the ball. Tucking the ball in his pocket and telling himself not to forget it again, the trainer faced the many stares the crowd had leveled at him. A man he recognized as Henderson, an owner of a delightful Clampearl farm he had frequented on more than occasion, stepped out from the crowd and addressed him.

“What are you doing around here, Loser?”

In the past, the trainer might have been hurt by a reminder of his failures, but that would require him to care first. Pulling the note from his pocket and holding it up casually, he announced.

“I heard there would be food.”

As the crowd was deciding how to react to that statement, a head full of bright red hair popped up and pushed his way through the mass of people.

“You’re finally here! I was worried that you weren’t coming! When I got to your house, only Audino was home and she said she would make sure you came!”

The enthusiastic voice belonged to none other than Edward himself who stepped forward and grabbed his hand.

“Come on! We’ve been waiting so we can start the exhibition match!”

The trainer’s heart dropped.

“Hey Henderson, don’t call him a loser! You don’t know how strong he is!”

Henderson snorted.

“Now this is interesting. I can’t wait to see how this match turns out.”

Edward continued chattering excitedly as he dragged the trainer to a cleared ring between the bonfires.

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“I didn’t want to ruin the surprise, so I just asked you down here for a normal battle, but you’re gonna love this! My dad came back, and I told him all about how I met a former champion and he’s dying to meet you! He brought one of his friends back, and they wanted to have a battle with you!”

His eyes darted around, searching for an escape route.

“Edward, I told you I’m trying to lay low here. I told you not to tell anyone I was here.”

The ring was getting closer and closer and he could see two middle-aged men standing in the middle waiting for him. Dressed in lab coat and slacks and a flower print shirt and shorts respectively, they made an odd duo. Catching sight of him and Edward, the lab coat wearing one waved to them.

“That’s my dad! He’s always wearing that coat no matter how hot it is! Come on, let’s say hi!”

The trainer could feel the sweat rolling down the back of his ragged shirt.

“You know what, I think I should go. I’m not great with crowds. Besides, I am really not dressed for the occasion.”

Edward shook his head frantically.

“No way! You’ve gotta meet them! Besides, you’re the champion, you can wear whatever you want! Anyways, you guys introduce yourselves! I’m gonna go get us some food. Don’t start without me!”

Edward pushed him forward and slipped away into the crowd, leaving the trainer standing alone nervously.

“It’s nice to meet you, Champion.” The lab coat man extended his hand, and he shook it numbly. “My name is Arthur, and this is my friend Cedric.” Gesturing to the man next to him, Cedric stepped forward and shook the trainer’s hand as well. “As Arthur said, my name is Cedric, we work together at the Pokemon research facility in Nuevma town. And you are?”

The trainer put his hand into his pocket to hide the shaking and responded with as much confidence as he could muster. It would take all his bullshitting skills to get himself out of this one.

“Hello,” he started with what he hoped was a warm smile, “My name is Alexandre,” his name was not Alexandre. “I’m the former champion of the Johto region.” Not. “I decided to quietly retire here on Golden Island.” Partially true. “I met Edward a few months ago and have been giving him some pointers.” Totally true, even if his pointers weren’t the best. “It is a pleasure to meet you gentlemen.” Another lie.

“Alexandre, how interesting! I must admit I’m a little surprised you came over dressed as you are, did we catch you in the middle of something?”

Arthur jumped in with an awkward observation.

“No, no I don’t dress like this all the time.” The trainer responded with a laugh. ‘I only have two sets of clothes…’ “I was out fishing when I heard that Edward was looking for me to have a battle.”

He looked down at himself with some more forced laughter.

“Unfortunately, he wanted to surprise me with this party, so I didn’t dress up properly.”

Cedric chimed in now.

“Yes, actually I was the one who asked Edward to invite you over here. I was listening in when he was telling Arthur all about what was going on and I just had to meet you. I am a researcher of dragon-type Pokemon and I had heard that every Champion had at least one or two dragons tucked away. If you wouldn’t mind,” He looked at the trainer with a predatory gaze, “Would you have a battle with me?”

The fake Alexandre gulped, before replying.

“I’m sorry Cedric, I didn’t bring any of my dragon Pokemon with me here tonight.”

Cedric replied harder.

“I don’t mind, at the very least it would be an unforgettable experience to battle a former Champion.”

“Well, are you sure? I only have my healing team with me here today.”

He tried to talk Cedric down, but he felt a hand pulling at his side. Glancing down, he saw Audino placing a pokeball into his hand.

“What’s this…”

As he looked through the glass at the Pokemon inside he stiffened.

“Why did you bring this, did you know this was going to happen?”

Audino smirked proudly as Ella scarfed down food from a paper plate behind her.

“So, Champion, are you ready for a battle?”

He glanced down at the old partner in his hand before he clenched his fist.

“Yeah. Let’s do this.”