Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Stories

Dragon Princess Ch. 5

Battle Studies was a lot more fun than expected. Adalynn and her pokemon were getting to freely test their strength against other strong students. For once, she could prove herself and show everyone what she'd learned.

"Dragapult, use Dragon Darts!"

Dragapult took aim at the pair of opponents, an Oinkologne and a Cyclizar. The pair of Dreepy in her horns were launched like missiles. One hit Cyclizar, knocking it out. Oinkologne was hit as well, but still managed to stand.

"Finish it, Garchomp! Dragon Claw!"

Garchomp rushed in before the foe could avoid him. His glowing claws raked over the pig pokemon, causing it to faint as well. The trainer returned his pokemon with a disappointed frown. Adalynn, on the other hand, was nearly tackled by her dragons who happily celebrated their victory.

"Osu! Well done, Adalynn!" Dendra was grinning from the sidelines. "Your pokemon moved effectively as a team! I can tell you aren't new to this!"

The compliment made the girl smile. Upon hearing someone approach from behind, Garchomp jerked his head and growled out of instinct. Adalynn turned to see the opposing trainer coming over, so she placed a hand on Garchomp's arm to silence him. She was tense, almost expecting the guy to have some kind of angry remark or something.

"Good battle," the boy said. "You're really strong. And your pokemon were awesome."

"Oh, thank you." His words made her blush, and Dragapult swayed happily back and forth to show her joy. "You were great, too." She smiled, relieved that her fears were misplaced. There really weren't a bunch of bullies anymore. Her friends were right.

"Woohoo! Go, Addie!" The sudden shouts from Eri embarrassed her further. Returning her pokemon, Adalynn went over to her tall friend. "You have got to battle me! Your dragons have become so incredibly strong!"

"Thanks, Eri, but I can't right now." Adalynn glanced at the darkening sky and checked the time on her phone. "Battle Studies was a lot longer of a class than I expected. I've gotta get going."

"What for? Got plans?"

"I do, yeah." She grabbed her backpack, trying to act nonchalant. "I'm, uh, meeting up with Giacomo."

A big grin appeared on Eri's face. "Oooh, I see. It's about time." Adalynn felt her face heat up. She really hadn't noticed how obvious their feelings had been until now, and knowing that most, if not all, of their friends saw it made her feel extremely stupid. "Well, go on, then. Don't wanna keep him waiting."

With a quick nod, Adalynn hurried out of the schoolyard and to her dorm room. She still had plenty of time, but she also wanted to fix herself up a bit for the occasion. It was their first date, after all. She wanted it to be special.

~~~~

Giacomo sat quietly at a table in Barato's, staring down at his soda. There was a whole mix of emotions and thoughts making his head spin. What if she doesn't show up? What if my letter weirded her out? What if she doesn't like me? What if she doesn't wanna be friends anymore? The negative possibilities almost made him sick to his stomach. Slumped forward in his seat, he grimaced.

"This was stupid…" he mumbled. "She's not gonna show up. Why didn't I just keep my big mouth shut and tear up that letter?" His fingers pressed into his can of soda.

Lost in his thoughts, Giacomo didn't notice Adalynn enter the little restaurant, not until she was right at his table and standing over him. "Hi, Momo."

Giacomo stared up at her, mouth agape. She wasn't in her usual Noivern dress, nor was she in school uniform. Instead, she had on a pink Goomy print shirt with a white skater skirt and brown wedges. For once, her long hair was down, the turquoise streaks blending right in. She was smiling, and oh, how he could melt from that radiant expression alone.