An Awkward Encounter

One day, Gordie challenged the Pasio Subway.

(So they split us up from our tag battle partners, huh? I certainly didn't expect this.)

(I've got to hurry and regroup with Raihan before I run into other competitors.)

Hmm?

...?!

... ... ...

... ... ...

Interesting. I didn't expect to see you join the competition.

It shouldn't come as a surprise.

Hey, have you seen Nessa? She's my tag battle partner.

Nessa? No, I haven't.

What about you? Have you seen Raihan? He's my partner.

Raihan? I'm afraid not.

I see.

It wouldn't make sense for us to battle without our tag battle partners here.

(The world of battling is severe...)

(I wouldn't feel sorry for Raihan if I took down Gordie right here and now...)

(...But since we have to compete as a team, I can't tire myself out for no reason.)

I suppose you're right.

In that case, let's pretend we never ran into each other.

We can settle this once we've regrouped with our partners.

Fine by me. I'm looking forward to it.

After that, Melony continued alone for a while. But soon enough...

(Oh dear.)

(I could probably make do if I were only up against Eldegoss...)

(But Centiskorch is tough for Frosmoth to handle.)

(Sorry, Nessa. Looks like this is the end of the road for me.)

Wow, holding your ground even against two? You really are impressive, Melony!

I feel kinda bad, but a battle is a battle!

As long as we've run into each other, we might as well take the win!

...?

Gordie?!

Barbaracle will deal with Centiskorch! You handle Eldegoss!

You've got some nerve giving your own parent orders.

But I'll rely on you just this once!

Phew...

We managed to drive them off.

It's been a long time since I've fought by your side...

But it looks like your Ice-type moves are still just as reliable.

Why state the obvious?

Looks like you're getting the hang of Rock-type moves, too.

Well, I do work on them every day.

Why did you decide to help me?

I can't abandon my very first fan club member.

But you're one to talk.

I thought for sure you wouldn't accept any help from me.

The world of battling is severe, after all.

If there's a way to stay in the competition, I'll take it.

Well then, this marks the end of our temporary alliance.

Yeah. Let's go find our tag battle partners.

I wonder what sort of trials await us.

All we can do is keep moving forward, even if we can't see what's ahead.

But we can't stumble into any more pitfalls like that battle earlier.

Yeah. You take care too.