Trainers buzzed with excitement, their spirits soaring in anticipation of the upcoming event. The vibrant group of teenage trainers, mostly about Hilda's and even older, displayed an impressive knack for organization and teamwork.
Trainers specializing in Fighting-type Pokémon took charge, skillfully positioning poles around the battleground. With muscles rippling, Machoke, Hariyama, and Grapploct exerted their strength, anchoring the pillars firmly in place. Meanwhile, the sky was adorned with the graceful presence of Flying-type Pokémon like Unfezant and Mandibuzz, as they effortlessly supported a sprawling, dark tent, casting an air of mystery over the field, reminiscent of a clandestine circus.
As the atmosphere crackled with energy, other trainers delved into their creative sides, adorning blackboards with Pokémon-themed graffiti and wild designs. Some were assisted by the artistic strokes of Smeargle, its brush-like tail adding finesse to their artwork, while others found themselves accompanied by the eerie presence of Grafaiai, its long, ghostly fingers delicately guiding their creations from atop their shoulders. However, a daring few dared to push the boundaries further by painting directly onto the tent itself, transforming the protective canvas into a sprawling masterpiece of free expression crafted by these spirited teenagers.
The humble stands that had been offering basic items to the young trainers just an hour ago now underwent a remarkable transformation. Once stocked with standard supplies, they now brimmed with a cornucopia of colorful and peculiar products.
Gone were the mundane offerings; in their place stood Malamar-Brochette, tantalizing skewers of the delectable squid Pokémon, and spicy Lechonk-Snout, sizzling with flavor. But perhaps the most intriguing sight was the strange, azure concoction resembling the viscous remnants of Nihilego's tentacles, now bottled and touted as a popular drink glowing with neon tones. Despite its enigmatic origins, trainers clamored in a chaotic line, eager to lay hands on the limited edition beverage, their enthusiasm undeterred by its bizarre appearance.
Elysia and her friends followed Hilda, who acted as their guide as they roamed through the teenage carnival of freedom. They were mesmerized and curious, taking in the myriad expressions of their older peers. They couldn't help but notice the more impulsive and even promiscuous attitudes displayed by some of them, a stark contrast to their own youthful innocence, such as when Owen witnessed a couple kissing passionately in a corner, indifferent to the rest of the world’s stares. He blushed and turned his gaze back as if he had seen something that should have been kept in private.
As they continued, Adrian's keen eye caught something that unsettled him slightly. Amidst the vibrant canvas of graffiti, several individuals began meticulously painting numerous letter ‘R’s in various fonts and styles. Intrigued yet perturbed, he voiced his inquiry.
"Pardon my intrusion, Lady Hilda. But what's all of this?"
Hilda turned her gaze towards Adrian, a faint blush gracing her cheeks due the charming title. "It's just something we like to do," she explained with a shrug. "It doesn't have a particular name, but back in Unova we call it a 'Rumble'. Here in Galar, I think they refer to it as a 'Blitz'."
As the group progressed, they came upon a gathering of trainers accompanied by their formidable Pokémon. Among them stood imposing figures like Aggron, Druddigon, and a cantankerous Drapion. These trainers orchestrated a brief display of intimidation and strength, captivating the eager audience who awaited the imminent battles with bated breath.
"We sometimes seek out specific spots to create a space where we can chat, spar, and express ourselves freely, away from the ‘geezers’ watch’," Hilda explained, her voice tinged with a hint of rebellion.
Contrasting her demeanor with that of Owen and Adrian, Elysia felt a sense of comfort in the more mature atmosphere. Her experiences with Lei's parties had acquainted her with such environments despite her parents' concerns. With a smug grin, she added, "I'm actually quite familiar with this type of scene. Big Brother Lei used to bring me along to some of his gatherings."
"And that freedom justifies drawing those symbols, regardless of their meaning?" Adrian pondered, his tone laced with disapproval.
Elysia, who had been oblivious to the proliferation of 'R's now adorning nearly every item offered by the vendors, emitted a faint gasp as realization dawned upon her.
Hilda, however, laughed once more, brushing off any hint of concern. "Oh, don't be silly! It's not what you think!" she exclaimed. "Haven't you heard of 'Ren'?"
"'Ren'?" the trio echoed in unison, their expressions betraying their complete lack of awareness.
"Seriously, kids. You need to be a bit more aware of what's trending, or there could be some misunderstandings," Hilda admonished gently.
“I think I heard that name before,” said Owen, touching his chin as he recalled the first time he got in contact with such name. “During Elysia’s gym challenge streaming, there were like two people writing that. I thought they were just trolling.”
"So, you're saying that the fact this ‘Ren’ thing uses a symbol nearly identical to the nefarious Team Rocket is just a coincidence?" Adrian pressed.
"What are you implying?" Hilda retorted, her tone turning serious as if insulted by the mere suggestion. "For your information, Adrian. I'd sooner die than acknowledge something associated with the same ones who took the life of Unova’s greatest hero, Iris."
Elysia, whose father had also held his late friend Iris in high regard, could discern that Hilda's sudden shift in demeanor didn't waver her resolve or respect for the late Unova Champion.
Also noticing this, Adrian nodded and offered his sincere apologies, accompanied by a respectful bow towards Hilda.
"It's okay," she responded, her tone now more composed. "I understand the concern. The resemblance is striking, I know. But aside from the letter, there isn't anything else. Come on, let me set you an example."
As they continued their path, Elysia couldn't contain the curiosity that had been gnawing at her since Hilda's brief battle with Lopunny.
"So that's why you named your Haxorus after her?"
"That's right," Hilda confirmed with a nod. "Iris is my absolute hero and inspiration, so I wanted to honor her memory not only as I prove myself during my journey, but also by giving my Haxorus her name."
As they approached their destination, Hilda added, "Everyone in Unova admires and respects Iris. Though her life was tragically cut short and unfairly taken from her, what she accomplished during that battle against Team Rocket was remarkable. And let's not forget that she saved your father's life."
Elysia's expression fell, her thoughts swirling as she pondered the weight of Hilda's words. While her family had always held Iris in high regard, yearly visiting the memorial for her and the others who had lost their lives during that tragic event, it was the first time outside those visits where Elysia truly considered the impact of Iris's heroic actions on her own existence.
The realization hit her with a profound sense of gratitude and awe. Had it not been for Iris's selfless bravery in saving her father's life, Elysia and her brother Soren might never have been born.
As they walked, Elysia's mind buzzed with newfound appreciation for the legacy of heroism that Iris had left behind, shaping not only her father's life but other trainers like Hilda as well.
“Yo! Is that you, Hilda? We've been waiting for ages!" exclaimed a young man, his voice cutting through Elysia's inner reflection. “Hope you are ready to hit the battlefield!”
"I knew you'd come! Didn’t know you were into babysitting," a girl around Hilda's age greeted her with a playful grin.
Hilda chuckled, her demeanor shifting to one of camaraderie as she exchanged a unique salute with her friends. They bumped fists first and then formed a horns-like gesture with their fists, extending their pinky finger and thumb to mimic the shape of horns.
The group of teenagers, consisting of four guys and a girl, sported outfits that exuded a more mature and daring vibe. The young men adorned themselves with multiple facial piercings, while at least three of them had dyed their hair in vibrant neon colors ranging from green to orange. Their clothing, far from practical for travelers, consisted of denim jackets paired with heavy boots, reflecting a bold fashion statement.
The lone girl in the group was even more daring in her attire. Her crop top revealed a piercing on her belly button, adding to her edgy look. Neon makeup adorned her face, as well as vibrant blue highlights in her twin tails, glowing softly under the dim lights, accentuating her bold and confident demeanor.
"What about these kids?" asked one of them, casting a curious glance at Elysia and her friends. "Kinda young for them to be here."
"Just showing them around," Hilda responded casually. "They're interested in what Ren's all about."
Despite the lack of animosity from the group of teenagers, the trio still held their ground, feeling a sense of unease at the interaction.
"Hey! Isn't that cute girl Ash's daughter?" exclaimed another, recognizing Elysia.
"So we're having royalty visiting tonight! That's great!" chimed in a third, a note of excitement in their voice.
The girl with the belly button piercing sidled up to the trio while they were distracted, then enveloped Owen and Adrian in her arms.
"And the princess has her two royal bodyguards along with her! Ain't that adorable?!" she exclaimed with a mischievous grin. "My, and they're so handsome! Especially you, fancy boy!"
Owen's cheeks flushed a deep shade of red as he awkwardly tried to avert his gaze from the girl's belly in embarrassment. Adrian, on the other hand, remained stoic, though a hint of surprise flickered across his face at the unease interaction.
"H-Hey! Aren't you a bit bold?" Elysia complained, feeling a surge of irritation.
The girl, however, smirked as Elysia took the bait. "Sorry. Didn't intend to steal your suitors," she retorted, her tone laced with amusement that caused the rest of her friends to burst in laughter.
Elysia felt her frustration bubbling to the surface, on the verge of delivering a less-than-pleasant response to the girl. However, in that moment, a lingering memory surfaced in her mind, recalling the wisdom her Big brother Lei had imparted to her during their prank streak.
"Remember, Lil Sis. Outside Pokémon battles, when someone's taunting, you must look for any opening available, even if it is nasty. Turn it against them! So speaks the prankster's wisdom," echoed Lei's voice inside Elysia's thoughts.
"Lei! Stop giving Elysia weird ideas!" shouted the voice of Professor Burnett in Elysia's memory.
Drawing upon her Big Bro's advice, Elysia paused, her mind racing as she searched for a clever retort.
With a smug expression, she fired back at the girl's taunt. "Not at all. Though I'm not the least surprised, considering that you must have trouble finding suitors if you look like a vandalized street lamp."
“OOOOOHHHH!!!!!” The girl's friends erupted into dramatic laughter and awe at Elysia's savage retort, with one of them even falling to the ground in hysterics.
"That girl is wild!" exclaimed one of them, clearly impressed by Elysia's roasting skills. “Burned greater than Houndoom’s fire!”
The girl's previous smirk twisted into an expression of enduring anger as she closed the distance between herself and Elysia, her demeanor challenging. But Elysia stood her ground, refusing to back down.
"Shouldn't we intervene?" Owen asked Adrian, his concern evident regarding the potential repercussions of Elysia's sharp tongue.
Adrian observed the exchange, his gaze steady as he considered Owen's question. However, before they could act, they noticed a surprising shift in the girl's expression. What was once resentment quickly morphed into genuine amusement.
"Now, that's what Ren's all about! Good job!" the girl exclaimed, her tone now filled with genuine admiration as she offered Elysia a fist bump.
Elysia returned the gesture, though she still didn't fully grasp the concept.
"I don't get it yet. What is 'Ren'?" Owen asked.
"It's nothing, really! And people aren't even sure how it came to be," Hilda explained further. "Someone shouted it in Castelia City, and then it spread throughout the world, becoming the newest trending topic."
"So why follow it?" Adrian inquired next, seeking clarification for something that meant nothing, and yet seemed to englobe so many things.
"It's the meaning, little dude!" one of the teenagers chimed in enthusiastically. "Or lack thereof. Look, it can mean whatever you want. For us and many more, it's about freedom! Achieving your goals! Winning!"
"It's like something that unites us under a fresh banner," added the girl with the belly piercing, her expression earnest. “Just hold your breath and shout: We are Ren! We are Ren!!”
As the chanting began, Owen felt a sense of unease creeping over him.
The words echoed through the air, growing louder and more fervent as more people joined in. The chorus was accompanied by the primal sounds of Pokémon growls, roars, and snarls, adding to the intensity of the atmosphere.
We are Ren!
We are Ren!!
WE ARE REN!!!
Elysia and her friends remained skeptical amidst the fervor surrounding them. However, their doubts were momentarily set aside when one of Hilda's acquaintances approached them, each of them receiving a wristband in red, purple, and blue neon tones. The wristbands were plain and simple, yet they bore the rebellious 'R' engraving, symbolizing their connection to Ren.
"Come on! Put them on! They won't hurt you!" Hilda encouraged them with a grin. "If you're not comfortable, you can just toss them."
Elysia exchanged glances with her friends, still unsure of what to do, but the cheerful atmosphere eased some of her concerns. She decided to put the wristband on, matching the colors and tropical style of Lei's gift. Owen followed suit, feeling more secure after seeing Elysia's conviction. Adrian, however, remained skeptical and tucked his wristband into his pocket. He wasn't willing to bear the symbol of something so uncertain until he was sure of its meaning.
Hilda smiled at Adrian's cautious gesture. "Come on. Want to see how we battle when 'Ren' is guiding? I'm in the spotlight tonight!" With that, she grabbed Adrian's hand and led the group toward the battlefield, excitement evident in her step.
Hilda and the rest stealthily navigated through the crowd of enthusiastic teenagers until they reached the battlefield. Just like the rest of the Trainer's gathering point, it had undergone some modifications, now resembling a caged wrestling ring, with dozens of people and their Pokémon quickly taking their spots for the main event.
Hilda led Adrian and his friends to the front of the crowd, ensuring they had prime standing spots for the spectacle. "Here! The very best spots just for you! Cheer for me while I'm up there, okay?" she said with a wink before leaving them to make her way to the center stage.
Adrian, Elysia, and Owen positioned themselves in the crowd, surrounded by other excited spectators. Anticipation mounted as they waited for the battle to begin, eager to support their newfound friend from the sidelines.
As Hilda took her place on the battlefield, the crowd erupted in applause and cheered her name. Elysia and her friends exchanged surprised glances; while they were aware of Hilda's background as a Unova League winner, they hadn't expected her to be so popular among trainers outside her native region.
Hilda's opponent appeared determined, though he couldn't shake his nervousness at the prospect of battling someone of her caliber. He adjusted his beanie, wiping away the sweat to conceal his concern.
Amidst the choir of ‘We are Ren’ chants from the spectators, Hilda finally called for her Pokémon. "Iris, let's deliver a great show!" she shouted, her voice ringing out with confidence. Her mighty Haxorus emerged from its Poké Ball, roaring with determination.
"Go, Drakloak!" her opponent followed suit, releasing the spectral dragon-type Pokémon onto the battlefield. The little Dreepy carried atop its head also glared at Hilda's imposing Haxorus, ready to assist for the battle ahead.
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There was no judge or referee to officiate the match, nor any formal sign to commence the battle. If anyone had been distracted, they might have missed the moment when Hilda made the first move, commanding Iris to advance and seek direct confrontation with a Dragon Tail attack.
Drakloak's trainer swiftly responded, capitalizing on his Pokémon's remarkable speed and type advantage. He commanded a Phantom Force, and the dragon-type Pokémon created a purple portal beneath it, sinking into it and disappearing momentarily to evade Iris's attack.
Hilda and Iris remained focused, reading and analyzing the atmosphere of the battlefield, anticipating the moment and location where Drakloak would reappear to deliver its counterattack.
Despite the tension of the moment demanding silence from the spectators, they continued to shout and chant cheers for either of the Pokémon. Even Elysia and Owen found themselves swept up in the energy of the crowd, unable to resist the excitement of the battle unfolding before them.
Hilda counted in her mind, waiting for the opportune moment. '1, 2... there!' she thought, then shouted, "Iris, use Breaking Swipe!" just as Drakloak emerged from the portal to deliver its attack.
Haxorus's tail glowed with purple energy as she focused her power, swinging her entire body to create a massive blow that could counter and hit the opponent regardless of where it emerged.
Drakloak roared in pain as Iris's attack struck its head with force. The power unleashed was so brutal that the ghost dragon was launched towards the other side of the battlefield. The little Dreepy, unable to hold on to Drakloak's head any longer, was separated from its guardian as the draconic duo split apart.
The spectators erupted into even louder cheers and frenetic excitement. Hilda was unquestionably proving that her title was more than earned, and her reputation as a ruthless trainer was not to be taken lightly.
But she wasn't finished yet.
As Dreepy floated and attempted to hurry to rejoin its partner, who was still trying to recover from Haxorus's attack, the little dragon launched itself forward with all its speed. However, before it could reach Drakloak, Iris swiftly stomped down, trapping Dreepy under her feet with enough strength to prevent any chance of escape.
The absence of Dreepy had unmistakably taken its toll on Drakloak's demeanor. The ghost dragon, filled with unease and desperation to find its little partner, had now become more uncontrollable. Ignoring its trainer's commands to use Dragon Rush, it frantically searched for anything it could use as a substitute for Dreepy.
The situation held a certain ironic amusement, and the crowd responded by once again chanting the ‘We are Ren’ phrase, as if urging for a more thrilling battle. Elysia and Owen exchanged a grin and decided to join in the chant, feeling the infectious energy of the crowd.
"We are Ren! We are Ren!" they shouted enthusiastically.
"Come on, Adrian! It's fun!" Elysia urged, nudging her friend gently, but Adrian remained steadfast and unconvinced, his arms crossed and his expression unchanged. He seemed to be the only person in the entire venue who hadn't even cracked a smile since the battle began.
Unbeknownst to Elysia and her friends, two trainers only a couple of people away from them had their gaze fixed on Adrian, engaging in hushed conversation and occasionally glancing at their Rotom phones as if confirming something of importance.
Then, it finally happened.
An eerie, desperate cry for help emerged from beneath Iris's feet, its plaintive wail slicing through the air and abruptly halting Elysia and Owen's previous chant. Their excited expressions morphed into ones of confusion and unease as they exchanged bewildered glances.
Iris exerted immense pressure with her massive feet upon the small dragon beneath her, the forceful compression causing Dreepy to panic. With every ounce of its limited strength, Dreepy emitted a shrill, agonized cry, a desperate plea for assistance that reverberated across the battlefield.
Adrian, attuned to the sudden shift in atmosphere, abandoned his crossed-arms stance and turned his attention to Elysia and Owen. Their shared unease confirmed his own growing concern about the disturbing turn their older peers’ battle had taken.
Drakloak, stirred by the anguished cries of its little companion, redirected its primal fury toward Haxorus with renewed intensity.
Finally complying with a command from its trainer, Drakloak hovered over the battlefield, its form enveloped in a shimmering, light blue aura as it prepared to unleash its power against Iris with a Dragon Rush. Meanwhile, Iris continued her relentless torment of the sobbing Dreepy, her steely gaze fixed upon her opponent with chilling resolve, seemingly prepared to thwart any attempt at rescue.
Despite the brutality of the spectacle unfolding before them, the cheers and chants from the crowd showed no signs of abating. Elysia and Owen scanned the faces of their fellow trainers, searching desperately for any signs of disturbance or unease such as theirs, but there appeared to be none, as if everyone was captivated by the brutal spectacle.
Meanwhile, Adrian remained fixated on Hilda's vicious smile, so different from the fierce though kind girl they met earlier. Her expression mirrored that of her Pokémon – a self-absorbed and indifferent countenance that prioritized victory above all else, along with inflicting unnecessary suffering upon others. It was a disconcerting demeanor that unsettled and disappointed him deeply.
"Let Dreepy go and demolish Drakloak with Crunch, Iris!" Hilda's command pierced through the chaos of battle.
With a final, forceful command from Hilda, Iris finally released her vice-like grip on the small dragon. Dreepy, in a desperate rush, soared towards the safety of its guardian's protection. Drakloak, upon seeing the return of its cherished companion, momentarily halted its movements, allowing Dreepy to perch atop its triangular head once more. An overwhelming sense of tranquility and peace washed over both Pokémon, only to be abruptly shattered by Iris's final, devastating blow.
With her massive blade-like tusks, Iris executed the super-effective Dark attack, clamping down on Drakloak's neck with such intensity that the ghost dragon emitted one final, lamenting roar before succumbing to defeat.
The crowd erupted once more, consumed by the excitement of the brutal conclusion. Iris dropped Drakloak's unconscious body onto the battlefield, signaling the end of the violent match. Elysia and her friends breathed a collective sigh of relief, grateful that the ordeal was finally over.
Or so they thought.
Despite the chaos, Dreepy remained conscious, lingering by its defeated guardian's side in a display of unwavering loyalty and devotion. For a brief moment, there was a complete pause in the frenzied atmosphere. Then, slowly at first, someone in the crowd began to chant. The chant spread like wildfire, echoing through the arena as more and more voices joined in unison.
"We are Ren... We are Ren... WE ARE REN!" The crowd chanted fervently, as if demanding a final display of unnecessary violence and a punishment for the loser. Amidst them, Hilda’s friends, who had previously welcomed the trio, also joined in the chant for a vicious carnage.
Unlike any normal situation, Drakloak's trainer didn't rush to attend to his Pokémon immediately. There was something in the fervent cheers of the crowd that seemed to hold him back, preventing him from interrupting their enjoyment. Meanwhile, Hilda waved her hands as if encouraging the crowd to cheer even louder, urging them to indulge in their perverse desires.
"No... Don't! Stop this!" Elysia's voice rang out in despair as realization dawned upon her.
"What's wrong with you?! The battle's over! Stop chanting like fools!" Owen's demand echoed Elysia's, but like her, he too was completely ignored amidst the chaotic fervor of the crowd.
For Adrian, the blatant disregard for the well-being of the Pokémon was the final straw. In an unusual display of his typically composed demeanor, Adrian's entire body became surrounded by a swirling purple aura. Ever since Elysia and Owen had witnessed his extraordinary abilities back at the Slumbering Weald, they were keenly aware of what Adrian was capable of when it came to protecting others.
Had it only been a bit earlier.
"Draco Meteor!" Hilda finally commanded. A sphere of bright orange energy formed inside Iris's mouth, launching into the air before exploding and releasing several smaller spheres of energy that rained down upon the already defeated opponent. Dreepy watched in terror as the impact of the attack pummeled its small body.
The crowd erupted into frenzied cheers and jumps as the attack landed, a wave of dust enveloping the battlefield. It was a chaotic scene, with no one caring whether the Pokémon were now in critical condition or not.
Elysia couldn't help but close her mouth with her hand, her entire body shivering with a mix of horror and disgust. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes as she struggled to process what she had just witnessed. Owen, too, was deeply disturbed and in a state of disbelief. Not only had they essentially witnessed the torture of a Pokémon, but they had also seen so many people, not much older than themselves, cheering for such a cruel event.
The purple aura surrounding Adrian dissipated. He had arrived too late to intervene. Without a word, he turned his back on the scene and began to walk away. Though his voice remained composed, there was an unmistakable sense of defeat and disappointment in his demeanor.
"Let's go. We have nothing else to do here," Adrian said, his words heavy with resignation.
Elysia and Owen exchanged confused glances but ultimately followed Adrian's lead. As they made their way to the exit, they silently removed the Ren bands from their wrists, tossing them into the nearest trash can. That cruel spectacle was everything they needed to completely reject the twisted movement that had led to such cruelty and disregard for life.
Hilda waved her hand in appreciation of the crowd's adoration, basking in the cheers and applause. However, her joy was short-lived as she noticed Adrian and his friends making their way towards the exit. She had expected them to wait a bit and join her in a final celebration before their departure. With a quick command, she recalled Iris and left the battlefield, ignoring the attempts of trainers who wanted to halt her exit for pictures or handshakes. Her focus was solely on catching up to Adrian and his friends.
"Hey, kids! What's wrong? Why didn't you wait for me?!" Hilda called out, hoping to catch their attention.
Elysia and the rest didn't stop, nor did they want to look at her. The weight of their disappointment hung heavy in the air.
"How could you participate in such a cruel thing?" Elysia demanded, her voice tinged with both anger and disbelief.
"You had already won! Why torment poor Dreepy?" Owen chimed in, echoing Elysia's accusation.
Hilda rushed her step, moving ahead of the trio and blocking their advance. She attempted to justify her actions, brushing off the severity of the situation. "Okay, I admit it. I got a bit carried away with the battle, but it's not such a big deal," she said, her tone wavering slightly under the intense scrutiny of Elysia and her friends. Only Adrian remained composed, though Hilda could see the deep-seated disappointment etched in his expression.
"All right, all right. It was my fault for bringing you to something that was clearly more mature for you, kids. But if you let me explain..."
"This is what being mature means for you?" Adrian finally uttered his word, his upset tone now more than evident. "The wonderful lady I met earlier today would have slapped the girl who willingly joined in a depraved and violent display of cruelty and nonsense".
Hilda's heart sank as Adrian's words cut through her defenses with cold honesty. Elysia's addition only served to deepen the weight of guilt settling upon her shoulders.
"You know, Hilda, for a moment I believed that you had a genuine appreciation and respect for the one you consider your role model," Elysia spoke with a final statement. "But let me tell you this... Aunt Iris has always had a special place in my father's heart. He told me about their adventures together and how much she cared for her Pokémon partners. I never met her, but I know that if she were here, she would be devastated after witnessing what you are doing while invoking her name."
Hilda remained perplexed and conflicted. Unlike with many others, Adrian and Elysia's accusations seemed fair and direct, and she couldn't give a clever retort. Not halting their way anymore, the trio continued their exit.
The two male trainers who had checked on Adrian back at the sidelines now had the opportunity they were waiting for. Waiting for Hilda's retreat, they left their hiding spot.
Hilda came back to the battlefield, reflecting those words all the way back. They were already preparing the stage for the next battle. On the sidelines, Drakloak's trainer was waiting for his Pokémon's medical diagnosis at the first aid spot.
For some unknown force that pushed her to do something she was not used to, Hilda swallowed her pride for a moment, taking a deep breath as she prepared for what she was about to do.
"H-Hey, is your Pokémon okay?" she asked with awkward but genuine concern.
Drakloak's trainer turned his gaze in order to meet her. Hilda expected for him to ignore her due the gravity and previous humiliation but to her surprise, the trainer remained chill and welcoming.
"No need to worry about," he said with a comforting tone, but his next statement contrasted his previous kindness. "Weaklings either perish or grow. That's the way with Ren, remember? I'll make you pay for this eventually. Either in a rematch... or something else."
The trainer glanced at her, his eyes trailing down her figure with an unsettling lust that sent a shiver down her spine. It was not the gaze of admiration, but one tainted with a lecherous intent, leaving her feeling exposed and uneasy in his presence.
The uncomfortable interaction served as a wake-up call for Hilda. It was the first time she felt that way and didn’t know how to react. Without offering any response, she swiftly departed. Her stomach churned with discomfort and unease, and a wave of nausea threatened to rise within her. Suddenly, anything associated with Ren filled her with disgust and concern. "What's going on with these guys?" she pondered as she exited the venue, leaving behind the continuing chants of ‘We are Ren’.
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Elysia and her friends continued on their way to the main road leading to Hulbury, determined to reach the coastal town before nightfall despite the late hour. They had no intention of camping near the Ren gathering point.
"Hey, you! Weird Boy!" called out a teenage boy from behind, interrupting their journey.
Adrian halted immediately, his friends exchanging confused glances at the odd way the other boy addressed him.
"See? Told you it was him," came another voice, equally unfamiliar. "The son of those two weird women."
"They are hot, though!" added the first voice, dripping with mockery. “But be careful. He may fry your brains with a single thought, remember?”
Adrian struggled to maintain his composure, feeling a surge of inner conflict as he faced the prejudice directed at him.
"Leave us alone," Elysia commanded, her tone firm as she sensed the effect the boys' words were having on her friend.
"Or what?" one of the boys challenged.
"Or you'll have to deal with daddy Ash. Because she's terrible at battle," taunted the other, his laughter grating on Elysia's nerves. "Wouldn't mind her mom, though. 'Queenie' Serena can step on me anytime!"
Elysia felt a surge of anger at the insult towards both of her parents. Alongside Owen, she was ready to release one of her Pokémon and teach those jerks a lesson, but Adrian intervened, halting her actions.
"Ignore them," Adrian advised calmly as he continued walking, his gaze fixed ahead.
"Look at me while I'm talking to you, weird beast!" shouted one of the boys, threateningly brandishing his own poké ball.
"Why don't you unleash your prejudiced crap with someone who wants to put up a fight?" Hilda's voice rang out defiantly from behind. With a determined stride, she approached the boys, clenching her fist in an intimidating taunt and then removing her cap as she tossed her own Ren wristband to the ground with disdain.
The boys visibly bristled at her unexpected intervention, their expressions shifting from arrogance to begrudging respect. With clenched teeth, they complied with Hilda's unspoken command, turning away and heading back towards the Ren gathering point.
Elysia and Owen watched in awe at Hilda's swift and effective handling of the troublemakers without even having to call for her Pokémon.
Hilda hummed in response to the cowardly act of the previous troublemakers and their unwillingness to engage in a real confrontation.
"Too bad. I really wanted to kick their butts. You alright, Adrian?" she asked, adjusting her cap after her failed attempt at fierce retaliation.
Adrian nodded slowly, processing Hilda's selfless act to stand up for him despite their previous disagreement.
"Thanks," Elysia chimed in, her tone still skeptical but her appreciation for Hilda's support genuine.
"Look, I thought about what you said and..." Hilda paused, swallowing her pride before continuing. "You're right, okay? What they... what we do with our partners is not correct."
Elysia and Owen smiled in relief as Hilda expressed her regret and determination for quick redemption.
"I guess I got carried away with Ren due to the novelty, but... Screw it! I'm done with that. It's not what my heroine would have wanted," Hilda admitted.
"That was pretty cool!" Owen interjected, changing the topic, their previous disappointment now replaced with newfound admiration. "I bet those guys dirtied their pants after they just heard your voice!"
Adrian followed suit and offered a sincere bow. "I apologize for my previous misjudgment, Lady Hilda. You are indeed a girl of strong values, resolve, and..."
"Oh! Ain't you the sweetest and fanciest thing in the world!"
Hilda's sudden embrace caught Adrian off guard, causing him to blush intensely for the first time since reuniting with Elysia. With her arms wrapped around him, he could feel the warmth of her body, hear the accelerated rhythm of her heartbeat, and even catch a whiff of her sweet yet spicy fragrance. Despite his embarrassment, he found himself somewhat comforted by her abrupt yet affectionate gesture.
Elysia chuckled at the scene. "Meh. I'll allow it," she said with a playful grin.
But then, Adrian sensed it—the ethereal string of bonding fortuitously entangling another individual—. Startled, he instinctively recoiled from Hilda's embrace, his movements betraying a sense of urgency and concern. His abrupt withdrawal, coupled with the troubled expression on his face, struck Hilda as somewhat dramatic, but she chose to dismiss it for the moment.
"Sorry. I forgot you are not used to that kind of gesture".
Adrian's reaction seemed to perplex Elysia and Owen, who exchanged curious glances. The psychic boy tried to compose himself and nodded in acknowledgment, offering her a small smile to reassure her that everything was fine. Despite his composed demeanor, there was a lingering sense of concern in his eyes that Hilda couldn't quite ignore. She made a mental note to check in with him later, sensing that there might be more to his reaction than met the eye.
Changing the topic, and with Elysia's curiosity getting the better of her as they walked away from the gathering point, she decided to voice her question with caution. "Hilda, have you ever thought about traveling with someone else?"
Hilda's response was an immediate burst of laughter that echoed through the air. "You mean, like with you guys? Don’t get me wrong, you are cool and more mature than I thought but… traveling with kids younger than me would definitely tarnish my reputation."
Elysia's frown deepened at the dismissive response, but before she could protest, Hilda softened her words. "But hey," she added with a reassuring smile, "I'm sure our paths will cross again during our journeys. You are heading to Hulbury for your second gym challenge, right?"
“That’s correct,” Owen responded. “We hope we can arrive before it gets too late.
“You still can if you speed up your pace and leave immediately. The gym leader is no joke, but I’m sure you will be successful. Oh, I almost forgot!”
Before they prepared to part ways, Hilda took out her C-Gear and initiated an exchange of numbers with Adrian and the rest of the group. Appreciative of their gesture to keep in touch, and once they concluded, Hilda waved goodbye and then started to walk back toward the battlefield tent.
"Wait! Why are you going back there?" Elysia asked with intrigue.
Hilda turned back, adopting her fierce facet and grinned, her eyes glinting with determination. "There are still a few 'Ren morons' I need to deal with. Especially those who definitely must learn about respecting others’ families. Wish me luck!”
As the fierce Hilda disappeared into the tent, the group waited for a moment before resuming their journey. To their surprise, more trainers and spectators began to emerge, their tired and disturbed expressions speaking volumes about the effect of the brutal battles they had witnessed. Like Elysia and her friends, they didn't find the spectacle entertaining at all.
The sight was a relief for the group, a reassuring indication that they weren't alone in their discomfort. It provided the moral boost they needed to set out on their task of reaching Hulbury as they had planned. With renewed determination, they continued on their way, leaving behind the unsettling atmosphere and chants of the Ren’s gathering point.
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Adrian sat alone in the communal dining room of Hulbury’s Pokémon Center, the events of the day, especially the one that happened with Hilda, weighing heavily on his mind. Despite the exhaustion from their long nocturnal journey, sleep eluded him, and he found himself tapping the floor with his feet in anxiety. His expression was one of fear and regret, as if he had committed some terrible mistake.
Beside him, Sigilyph emitted a soft purple pulse from its three eyes, a silent plea for the person Adrian desperately wanted to reach. With each pulse, Adrian's anxiety seemed to heighten as he rushed to find the best words to use once the distressing call began.
Then, as suddenly as it had begun, the pulsing from Sigilyph's eyes ceased. Adrian immediately embraced his partner, his voice trembling with fear.
"Darach? It's me..." Adrian's voice wavered as he spoke, a tear slipping down his cheek and his heart heavy with the weight of his actions. "I'm sorry... I'm really sorry, but I did it again..."