Team Skull Represent!

Drat! They're too strong! At this rate, they're gonna completely wipe the floor with us!

W-we'll get you next time! C'mon, let's go!

What, done already? If that's all you got, you ain't even worth my time.

You dumb... Oh, Scottie. You see that just now?

Well, big bad Guzma's always training, after all.

Yeah. I'm in constant training mode for the PML.

Although those bozos just now got a long way to go if they wanna pose a challenge for Golisopod and me!

The battle wrapped up before Golisopod even got going full steam. Right, Golisopod?

He's normally pretty gentle, y'know.

But put him in battle, and he'll slice anything clean in half with his massive claws!

Come to think of it, he ain't too different from you in that sense.

I mean, just look how kind and gentle you are most of the time, and look how fierce you turn once a battle starts!

Heh. No? Well, ain't it just like you to say that.

When we get into battle, Golisopod deals out exactly the type of destruction I dream of.

That's why I brought him to be my partner here.

And I couldn't ask for a better partner! We're gonna smash the whole competition!

So you better get ready for us!

Well, if it isn't Scottie.

Guzma's not picking fights with you, is he?

Ever since he arrived on Pasio, he's been getting more and more zealous about training.

He's like an "on" switch with no "off." Once he's flipped, there's no stopping him.

Well, there's a reason he became the boss of Team Skull.

He's actually a pretty caring guy when it comes to that.

Is that how he seems to you? Well, I guess he can be pretty caring.

Same goes for my Salazzle, come to think of it. Well, not quite the same way as Guzma, but...

Salazzle tend to live with and command big groups of male Salandit in the wild.

Between that and the poisonous gas they give off, at first I thought I'd have a tough time connecting with this fine lady here.

But that hasn't been the case at all. We've been the best of partners.

Y'know, I've heard stories about Salazzle showing up suddenly at a gathering of people and Pokémon dancing together...

and even striking a big, dramatic pose at the end.

Hehe. Pretty bizarre, right?

You got that right. There's something so cute about how enthusiastic Salazzle can get.

You got that right. There's something so cute about how enthusiastic Salazzle can get.

There's a lot about 'em you'd never suspect unless you got to know 'em well.

Guess it just goes to show, you can't judge a book by its cover...be it a person or a Pokémon!

I never took you for the caring type, Guzma!

Huh? What're you talking about?

It seems like Liza's finally opened her eyes to the power she had all along, thanks to your teaching.

Seems like you understand what it is sync pairs truly need!

Hmph. Being the caring teacher ain't really my style.

But anyway, you're one to talk, Drake.

How do you mean?

Just look at you running around with these people you ain't got the slightest ties to. Leaning into that "meddling old man" image, huh?

Nonsense! It's only natural for an Elite Four member like me to offer my guidance to sync pairs I battle with!

Helping bring out the best in others helps bring out the best in oneself, too.

And I consider it one of my Elite Four duties to teach other Trainers about the meaning of battle.

Heh. You old geezers all read off the same script, don'tcha?

What do you mean by that?

Nothin'. Don't sweat it. Anyway, time for big bad Guzma to head out!

Man. He talks just like Master.

I swear! This is why I can't stand old people!

I'm gonna get...even stronger!

Training time, Liza? Looks like you're working hard.

Oh! Ms. Plumeria!

I appreciate you checking in on me!

Nah, I just happened to be passing through.

You know, I was thinking about how strong and cool Mr. Guzma is...and how nice, too!

I wonder what I should do to be more like him...

Hmm... Well, if you mean getting better at Pokémon battles, that's just a matter of practice. Anyone could probably do that.

Guzma definitely isn't perfect. He's had to get over a lot of obstacles to get where he is. There've been some he couldn't get over, too.

But all of that helped make him who he is.

So get out there, have all kinds of experiences, and keep on growing up. You'll come out the other side a stronger person.

Keep on growing up, huh? All right! I'll do my best!

On that note, let's battle, Ms. Plumeria!

Talking to you got me itching to get stronger as fast as I can!

Well, how am I supposed to say no to that?

Hmph! These so-called Trainers keep running away from me...

What's got everyone so scared of a little Pokémon battle?

What's up, Golisopod? Found an opponent?

Whoa! A Golisopod!

Amazing! I've never seen one of you up close... you're so cool!

What's your problem, kid? Think you can just stroll up and start chattering at my partner Pokémon?

Seems like you're normally pretty quiet, huh? Just like I've heard!

These sharp claws of yours are just amazing!

Hey, you! You better pry your eyes off Golisopod and quit ignoring me!

Whoa! S-sorry! I just love Bug-type Pokémon.

Your Pokémon is the greatest! He's so cool!

Ya think so? I guess he's pretty much the best partner Pokémon I could ask for.

Most people take one look at him and get freaked out by his energy. Not many react like you did.

But he's so quiet and calm when he's not on the attack, isn't he?

My Beedrill's the same way. You'd never know what a Pokémon's really like if you just judge it by its appearance, do you?

True. Y'know, you kinda weird me out, but you sure do like Bug types, huh?

Your Golisopod is everything I hoped for! Mind if I keep on looking?

Oh, uh...sure. Look all ya want.

All right, that's enough training for now! Things are going great today!

C'mon, Golisopod, let's head on back to town.

Waaahhh!

What are we gonna dooo?

... ... ...

Waaahhh! My Pokémonnn!

Ugh, all right already! Whaddaya want?!

My Pokémon climbed up that tree and can't get back down!

C'mon, mister, you're a grown-up! You gotta do something!

Oh, do I? You're a real brat, you know that?

This ain't got nothing to do with me. It's your partner Pokémon, you save it!

Let's go, Golisopod.

W-waaaaaahhh!

You're heartless, mister!

Gaaah! Fine! I'll get your Pokémon!

Go, Golisopod!

Whoa... It chopped the tree right down!

You saved my Pokémon! Thanks, mister!

Yeah, yeah. Keep your eyes on it next time, got it?

Nice work, Golisopod. Now let's go, for real this time!

Hey. Tate, right? What're you doing here?

Ms. Plumeria?! H-how'd you know I was here?

Uhhh, you weren't exactly hidden. You've been trying to keep an eye on Liza, right?

Y-yeah.

It makes sense that you'd be worried about her. What did you think from watching her?

Well, yeah, I was watching out of worry at first...

But then seeing her work so hard, and seeing all of you battle so passionately, I got caught up in the excitement and couldn't look away!

It lit a fire under me. I feel like I've got to work harder, too!

Sounds like you've got a good bond with your sister.

Remember how that feels and hold onto it, you hear me? Don't take it for granted.

I won't! Thanks, Ms. Plumeria.

But now I really want to try battling you and Mr. Guzma for myself!

Fine by me. I'm up for a battle anytime you want.

Not sure how Guzma will feel about it...but give him a try anyway.

Just don't be surprised if he's like, "Big bad Guzma's sick of babysitting little brats," or something like that.

Gah!

I-I'm so sorry! I should have looked where I was going.

No, no, it's my bad, Wait a second.

Aren't you Lorelei? From the Indigo Elite Four?

And that must be your Lapras...

Yes, that's us... Is something the matter?

... ... ...

What is it? Do you not see Lapras often?

Oh, kinda, I guess... I mean, I've got a stuffed toy one, but I've barely ever seen the real deal.

Ah, I see.

(I think I may have found a kindred spirit, a fellow appreciator of all that's cute!)

I know! Why don't we have a Pokémon battle?

Really? You and me?

Yes, let's do it! I'd like for you to have a chance to get to know Lapras better.

Get ready! Here we come!

Phew. Well, what did you think?

That was pretty fun. You've got yourself a good partner Pokémon.

Hehe. She's a cutie, isn't she?

Come find us anytime, even if you just want to look at her for a while! See you around, I hope!

Yo, Scottie! Got a second? Sure you do!

Sorry you got dragged into this.

Would you mind tagging along for this training of his?