Audino grumbled, but she eventually gave in and healed Adriano. The trainer still wasn’t back in top shape, but at least he could stand up. Looking in Edward’s direction, Adriano was reassured to notice that the kid hadn’t noticed his embarrassing defeat. It would be hard to maintain his cool appearance if that were to occur.

Glaring sourly at the peacefully snoring Ace, Adriano turned around and walked away in a huff. Maybe Edward needed his help with something. The talk between the two seemed to be mostly over, with Oshawott having renewed his fighting spirit and was shadowboxing sloppily as Edward cheered him on. Adriano was just about to open his mouth and greet him when someone else beat him to it.

“Could you quiet down, you’re disturbing the other people here.”

“Oh! Sorry about that, me and Oshy were just getting so pumped up.”

“You’re getting pumped up for nothing. Nobody can battle in the Dreamyard at night. It’s too dangerous.”

The girl flipped her lilac hair over her shoulder and looked down at him, daring him to respond. Edward briefly deflated before looking over at Adriano for confirmation. Adriano shrugged and nodded. The Dreamyard was dangerous, but even the most powerful Pokemon here capped out at about level thirty or forty. It would be no trouble for him but to newer trainers it was terrifying. If they had any common sense that was. Adriano mused as he watched the girl stalk off, Edward trailing behind like a lost puppy, chattering endlessly. ‘Young love. At least he won’t be talking my ear off tonight’. He let out an amused snort and turned back to his own campground when he bumped into something with his leg. Looking around for a second, Adriano was puzzled when he didn’t see anything he could have hit.

From behind his shoulder, a stick was raised slowly and quietly approached the unaware trainer. Wood met flesh with a resounding thwack and Adriano cried out as he felt something hit him across his back. Whipping around rapidly, he found Ace standing there quietly, resting on his makeshift cane with a big smile.

“Don’t scare me like that! Jeez, first Audino and now you. What’s a guy got to do for a little respect around here?”

Ace pondered the rhetorical question seriously for a few moments before shrugging and giving Adriano another good whack across his forearm. Gesturing for him to follow, the Mienshao clasped its hands behind its back and strolled off nonchalantly, Adriano followed nursing his smarting arm. ‘Why are you even carrying a cane if you aren’t going to use it?’ Adriano shouted at Mienshao mentally.

The two wandered off, human following Pokemon until they were a good way away from the campsite. Surrounded by the dilapidated building, Ace turned and stared down Adriano, waiting for him to speak.

“I guess you want an explanation for why it’s been so long.”

Adriano kicked his foot against the ground, knocking against an old splintery board. Ace waited patiently.

“The first time we failed the league challenge, I was devastated. I really wanted to win that year, and when I lost, I realized I had to get serious and put together a better team.”

Ace snorted, cane drawing circles in the dirt absentmindedly.

“I know you didn’t care about winning, but back then I did. I cared more about winning than about you or the rest of the team.”

Adriano drew in a shuddering breath, running his hands through his hair.

“That’s why I put you away. Since that year, I challenged the league five more times. Never won a single time.”

Ace’s eyes twinkled as he regard the trainer. ‘But you’re back again now’, the eyes seemed to say. Adriano fell silent. Making his mind up, Ace slowly walked towards the trainer, placing his paw out for a handshake. Eyes wide, Adriano reached out to take it only to feel a familiar force impact his cheek, knocking his head sideways and sending him to the ground. As he clutched his face and propped himself up, Ace reached out and hoisted him to his feet before turning and walking back towards the campgrounds. Unable to see the Mienshao’s face, Adriano could nonetheless feel the smugness radiating. But hidden amongst that was a willingness to put the past aside and get back into action. ‘And if all it takes is getting beaten a few times’, Adriano though, fingering his bruises, ‘That’s a small price to pay’.

---

When they had returned to the campsite, Edward and the mystery girl were sitting on a few discarded logs by a new campfire and talking loudly. Well, Edward was doing all the taking with his conversation partner mostly just nodding along disinterestedly. As Adriano and Ace approached the girl took the opportunity to cut Edward off and leave, marching back to her own campsite. Snagging the log she had vacated, Adriano sat down with Ace, surprisingly, choosing the seat next to him.

“So, who was she?”

Edward jumped, having been completely focused on watching her swaying form walk away.

“Morgana, she’s a trainer trying to complete the league challenge like me! We agreed to be rivals!”

Adriano raised an eyebrow.

“Don’t you already have Black as your rival!”

“Yep! But one rival isn’t enough to handle my awesomeness!”

‘Delusions of grandeur indeed’, Adriano pondered.

“So, what else do you know about her? Goals, dreams, battle tactics, team composition? Get any of that?”

Edward blushed deeply, avoiding eye contact, and played with Oshy who was sitting at his feet.

“I’ll take that as a no.”

Adriano sighed. He still has much to learn.

“It’s important to know your enemies’ strengths and weaknesses.”

“But she’s my rival, not my enemy!”

Edward shot back.

“You’d be surprised how quickly that can change. And regardless, it’s better to prepare now then be caught lacking down the line.”

Edward stewed on that thought for a moment, and Adriano decided to deliver the killing blow.

“Besides, it’s a good opportunity to get to know her better. I’m sure that if you two talk more you can deepen your relationship.”

Edward’s ears somehow flushed even deeper, and Adriano knew he had him.

“Well, whatever. I’m heading out tomorrow anyways.”

Edward’s head jerked up and he stared at Adriano.

“Not forever, I just have a few errands to run in Nacrene City. I’ll be back for your rematch with Cilan. In the meantime, why don’t you try to fill out your team a little more? You can catch Patrat and Munna here, either of which will be helpful for at least the next few gyms.”

Edward shook his head vigorously.

“Any Pokemon on my team is gonna stay with me forever!”

Not bothering to dignify that with a reply, Adriano just stood up, preparing to head over to the warm Altaria blanket waiting for him.

“Goodnight, Edward.”

“Night, Adriano. And you’ll see! I’ll definitely be able to make it!”

“Sure you will. Get some sleep.”