ARE YOU A POKÉMON MASTER?

[shinsengumi]

Welcome to this year's Pokémon Festival! Here, you can participate in many different activities and events, including battles, musicals, triathlons, films, breeder shows, and the coveted CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT. Please enjoy your stay!

Comments

[contagion]

I'm not pouting, you. [But he still does give Kris a light shove at the shoulder, carefully restrained so as not to force Kris too far off-balance. He next words serve as a correction, while he glares off into the near distance.] We're always prepared to give it our best, and we always do. Today was just an off day, that's all. Our best wasn't as good as it could be.

[cordiality]

[That sounds a bit more cheered, at least. Kris relents, smiling once again.]

So what will you do now? You'll stay to support me, won't you?

[contagion]

Yeah, yeah... I want to see what the kids are getting up to as well, though.

[He cocks his head to one side, considering.] You've got a pretty good shot now, haven't you? No Leonel, no Shai, and no me. What else have you got to worry about?

[cordiality]

Mmhm! [Kris nods earnestly, before crossing his arms and frowning in a show of consideration. Quite the serious question, Drael!]

I should like to see Helene stay another round, if only for the sake of eliminating Oberin. Which would mean facing her in the final, of course. So perhaps she could face the new boy next. A team so strong against fire could be soundly defeated by ice, don't you think? It would be a nice bit of theatre. Then Odette could graciously defeat Hassan for me, and that would...

[And he clicks his fingers, only now reaching the happy conclusion.]

That would leave me free to avenge you, wouldn't it!

[contagion]

You don't need to avenge me, stupid, win for your own glory. You don't owe me any victories.

[His words can't hide the way he smiles in response to Kris's enthusiasm though, and he shakes his head fondly. Kris never fails to be lovely.]

[cordiality]

My own glory? That's not really what I fight for...

[Not untrue, but Kris still blushes at the words and twists his hands together in a moment of flustered embarrassment. Ahh, to be glorious in front of Drael, wouldn't that be just wonderful...

His musing is cut short by the notice of an approach. Kris quickly reaches to tug Drael's sleeve, nodding his head toward the one walking toward them. Somehow he doubts Hassan has anything positive to say.]

Ahh, Drael...

[costofpeace]

[Hassan affords Kristopher a nod, some simple sign of respect. He may be a weak-hearted fop, but he's still an Elite Four member and frankly an accomplished one at that. Certainly he isn't the one to have embarrassed himself today.]

Well, Drael, I hope that outcome didn't surprise you. Everyone else could see it coming from quite some distance.

[contagion]

[Dreal snorts.] Surprised you can see anything coming, given where your head spends most of its time.

[He swats away Kris's hand now, fixing an attentive glare on Hassan. If he wants a fight, he can have one, sanctioned or otherwise.]

[costofpeace]

[There, a typically ill-considered small-minded response. Hassan raises his hand before Drael in a gesture of presentation, turning his attention to the quickly sidelined Kristopher.]

There we are. It's exactly that sort of predictable behaviour that causes him to lose in the first place. Were you trying to explain that to him?

[Not likely. In this much, at least, they are both predictable.]

[cordiality]

[Oh dear oh dear oh dear. Why involve him?!]

Well, that's not exactly right. Um! No one can win every time. And I don't really think you should gloat when your match-up was so generous, Hassan. And Drael does perfectly well most of the time, I think. You should be more sporting, I think.

[contagion]

[Pff. Well, let them have their pissing argument about him like he isn't even here, as if Hassan isn't just as predictable as anyone else when you know him well enough.

Eugh, what a thought. That he knows Hassan somewhat well. How revolting. He spins on his heel and marches away without a further word.]

[cordiality]

Ahhh, Drael! Wait!

[Sparing Hassan one last frowning glance Kristopher hurries after Drael's retreating figure, catching up just where the crowds are beginning to thin out. Drael doesn't seem interested in stopping just yet, though, so Kris finds himself keeping nervous pace alongside, voice plaintive.]

I'm sorry, Drael. Don't let it bother you, please. You've beaten Hassan before, you know you're good enough. He's just in a bad mood I bet. It's okay.