Candle and Flame: Part 1

Oooh, but why, Blaine? Why?!

Just when I need him the most, he has to go and throw out his back!

I made it so far, and now I don't have a team...

But just when you think my fire's gonna go out, it starts to burn even brighter!

"The grand tournament had begun at last, but for the girl, a great challenge remained..."

Huh? Who talks like that? Sounds like somebody reading a book.

Phew... We finally made it to Centra City, Chandelure.

Now we just need to hunt for a team... I hope we can find some nice people to join us!

Shauntal!

Oh! Hello there, Flint! I had no idea you were here on Pasio, too.

Well, yeah, I'm here. Anyway...

You weren't thinking of competing in the PML, were you?

What? Oh, yes! I AM planning on competing in the tournament, as a matter of fact.

... ...

What is it? Is something the matter, Flint?

Whooooaaa! I just found the best possible teammate!

Wha, ?! Huh? Am I missing something?!

C'mon, Shauntal! You gotta team up with me so we can burn up the PML together!

Me?! Form a team with you?

I know good and well how fiery your spirit is! You and I together would be the strongest team out there!

I'm flattered that you think so highly of me...

but if I compete in this tournament, I'm going to be competing to win. I intend to take this seriously.

Yeah? Well, I will, too! As long as we both give it our all, nothing is impossible.

Just look at your Chandelure!

My Chandelure? What about her?

Can't you see how she's burning up with excitement?

Hm? I suppose so...

Now have a look at my Infernape.

You can see it, right? That same fiery passion?

Sure... But I don't understand what any of this has to do with winning the tournament.

Don't you see? Pokémon battles are all about how hot your spirit burns!

Just like our fiery hearts, our Pokémon's bodies and minds are flaming hot!

I don't think anybody can stop us if we team up. We can definitely win this whole thing!

You really think...we can win this together?

... ... ...

How about it, Shauntal?

... ... ... ... ... ...

... ... ... ... ... ...

I'm still not sure I understand your logic, Flint...

but I do think we have a chance at victory! With your fiery spirit and my keen observation, I believe we can win!

Yes! Let's form a team, Flint, a team of flames, igniting our passion for Pokémon battling!

That's what I'm talkin' about, Shauntal!

Let's burn the competition down to cinders!

Oh, so we're up against you, huh? I've heard a lot about you, and how you're supposedly the new up-and-comer!

Let's give it all we've got and have a burning-hot battle! With Shauntal and me together, you're up against two fiery Elite Four members!

"A fervent, hot-blooded pro, ready to charge... and a fresh, young talent, poised for battle... Flames of determination danced in their eyes."

"The teams were well matched in power and skill...but only one could claim victory in the end."

Oh, I do hope it's our team that triumphs at the end of this story!

No need to hope for anything, Shauntal. We've definitely got this!

Let's show 'em just how hot we can get!

Right! We'll give it everything we've got!

All right, Scottie! Let's see how fiery your passion for battles is!