Across from our bench, Lucario sits crossed legged, meditating on previous battles, much like his trainer. Munchlax has already finished his portion of our lunch and has moved on to searching through his fur for any elements of his hoard he may have forgotten. For the miniature gourmand, a decent meal is all he needs to be happy. Winning or losing in a battle hardly means anything to him. I can’t help but wonder what that must be like, to have such a single driving concern one can find contentment in so easily.
My partner’s equivalent of a Wake-Up Slap is enough to shake me from my navel gazing.
“Hm? Oh. Well, you know me, Hilda. Man of few words and all.”
We’ve stopped here in Lacunosa town for a much needed break after the intense battles we’ve had on the way here. On the east coast of the region, the trainer’s here aren’t restricted by League regulations. They use plenty of Pokemon non-native to Unova, all of which are far stronger than any of the Pokemon I faced earning my badges. I knew the League was structured in a fashion to provide appropriate levels of challenge to help new trainers grow… but it finally hit me how much everyone was holding back. We’re going to need to get so much stronger before I even think of going back to challenge the Four again.
Of course, leave it to my effervescent partner here to take it all in stride.
“I’ve just… been thinking. These people we’ve been battling… they’ve shown just how far we still have to go as trainers, y’know?”
Already quick to grow worried about things, she knew that stare to drive some troubling thoughts into mind. HILDA felt they weren’t in danger when it comes to their previous battles but some proved a little difficult. Gazing forward her EMBOAR who munches the meal before him, a smile fades away to remember their journey together. Things were rough like any adventure should be...offering new challenges for every UNOVA trainer. Even she saw their path was going to become difficult along the way, making their partnership all the worthwhile. Reluctant to immediately step away, a gentle hand takes hold of his with blue hues softening up through an intent stare. She wanted to assure there isn’t anything to be kept secret between them.
❛ Sometimes it might be best to say what’s on your mind once in a while, HILBERT. ❜
A lesson the trainer needed to learn by heart where some things are best left untold to not worry someone else. Eventually it won’t take long for their concerns to overwhelm each other before questioning what may occur. HILDA allowed their hands connecting together until she listened to what truly was lingering around his mind. Quite frankly, those worries were justified...even letting the sentiment settle in for what happened lately. The previous battles were from trainers who didn’t hold anything back with their moves. She feared it wouldn’t be long until a defeat arises---------anything but that! No doubt her stubbornness was getting the best of the UNOVA trainer, striving to push through no matter what challenge. Already an optimistic attitude was prompting to send those vibes within her partner. It...pained her to witness HILBERT like this. ❛ And that’s why our journey as trainers won’t ever end the moment we realize this. We just have to show our own growth as trainers whenever we battle against others along the way, you know? ❜