Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Stories

A Work of Art Ch. 1

Levincia was full of people and noise, as usual. All the bright, colorful lights that were illuminating the otherwise dusky evening were blinding. It was almost too much for Brassius's tired eyes. He'd been working on a project almost nonstop. And while Levincia wasn't his preferred destination for a break, he couldn't decline his old friend Hassel. The older man had a lot to do, after all.

"I'm glad you were able to make time to lend me a hand, Brassie. I know you're busy on your newest project and all." Hassel smiled at him, carrying a large bag of supplies.

Brassius carried one as well, and took a glance at the items within. There were lots of pencils, paint brushes, paints, and paper.

"I needed a break anyway. Besides, I'm always grateful for the chance to catch up with you, Hass." A slightly crooked smile graced his lips. "All these art supplies are for the new school year, aren't they?"

"Indeed they are. Need to be prepared for all the new students taking up art."

"Ah, so many young minds open to being shaped by the world of art. It is truly avant-garde."

Hassel suddenly stopped in his tracks, causing the Gym Leader to pause and give him an inquiring look. The blond's mouth hung open and his eyes were slightly wide, as if mesmerized by something. When Brassius followed his gaze, a gasp left his lips. One of the large electronic billboards was showing a new advertisement. It was a clip of a pair of pokemon standing together atop the observatory in Alfornada. One was a Persian with a pink ribbon around her neck. The other was a shiny Gardevoir with a silver, diamond-studded tiara on her head. A woman, with her back to the camera, approached the pokemon. She wore a long, flowing red dress and carried an elegant parasol that made her look like a princess straight out of a fairytale. Her brown locks were lightly curled and fell against her upper back. When she stopped in front of the pokemon, she turned her head just enough to peer over her shoulder at the camera with a lovely smile. The ad ended with the title "Amour: A Heather X Tulip Collaboration".

"Well I'll be a dragon's uncle," Hassel uttered. "It seems the famous Heather has come home to Paldea. I heard she'd gotten so popular in other regions, I'm surprised to even see her here." He turned his gaze to his friend when he didn't hear a peep from him. "Brassie?"

"A…Avant-garde!" Brassius nearly dropped his bag of supplies. "Such elegance! Such grace! Such beauty!"

Hassel gave a hearty laugh. "Ah, that's right. You and Heather were quite close back before your careers took off. It's been…what, six or seven years now? You must be thrilled."

The Gym Leader gave a nod, finally turning his attention to his friend. "'Thrilled' is an understatement. Heather was the reason I began my pursuits in the art world."

"Intriguing. I don't believe I've heard the humble beginnings of you and Heather."

Brassius turned his head away. "There's nothing to tell. When Heather's modeling took off, whatever began to blossom between us swiftly wilted." He began walking again, masking his feelings behind his focused facade. "Now, let us be off. I must return to my work before this new inspiration dulls."

Wearing a curious and knowing smile, Hassel followed after him. It was silent between them, at least until they called a Flying Taxi and were confined in the small, private space for the duration of the ride. Hassel leaned forward with great interest, staring over at the younger man who gazed absentmindedly out the window with his arms crossed.

"Are you thinking about her?" he daringly asked.

"Of course I am." Brassius sighed. "It has been…far too long."

"Care to talk about it?"

Brassius narrowed his eyes at the teacher, noting the interest in his expression. "You'll pester me like a bug if I don't, won't you?" The slight widening of Hassel's smile gave him a clear answer. "Then what do you wish to hear?"