TRADITION

ON THE SET OF A NEW YEAR

“TWO THEN.”

the excited shout from the cashier slips between the melody of wind chimes fluttering in the wind.

fresh, droopy batter is poured into cut-out molds on a grill. within moments, the crust solidifies, peeking out from the still wet mixture. they’re left to watch as the attendant slathers the exoised opening with a thick, white custard.

“two magiyaki up!"

fernando declines a receipt for his purchase as someone on the other end of the stall holds out two hot taiyaki. they’re wrapped up in napkins, steam still piping off the freshly cooked pastry.

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Stormy Silph

TRADITION

ON THE SET OF A NEW YEAR

SUCH JUBILATION is fitting for the occasion. stormy’s expression is right at home among the eager faces set to enjoy their last set of holidays. whereas others teem with white teeth and deep dimples, fernando can only stare back with silent judgement.

“indeed,” his voices trails off, the anti-thesis to her elation. the divide is clear and succinct; he who feels little is rarely troubled or exhilarated. and, on the opposite end of the spectrum is her: someone who feels so strongly, both the good and bad. high peaks and deep depths.

fernando keeps his food tight within the nook of his thumb and index finger. it’s still too hot to bite (by his standard) so he carries it around while his partner has something to sate her hunger.

“what next?”

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Stormy Silph

TRADITION

ON THE SET OF A NEW YEAR

“YOU CAN WIN YOUR OWN PRIZE.”

it’s a less than obvious refusal but one that brims with confidence in both him and her. in the same vein that fernando’s feelings about stormy are complex, the one truth he holds is his faith in her.

a shaky start in the region has blossomed into a short albeit esteemed portfolio of accomplishments. it’s a right she earns when his hand doesn’t waver from her hold. while he doesn’t reciprocate, a motionless acceptance of being held, that in itself is telling enough.

he expects from her because she can deliver. likewise, babying others has never been his forte. a necessary evil when applicable but one he avoids when he knows the other person can meet his expectations.

narrowed eyes gleam over the festival grounds. among several pitched tents are contests of different difficulties. a seviper ring toss boasts very few winners while a feebas scoop rewards plenty with small, cheap trinkets.

it’s a hard decision for him because they all seem juvenile. therefore, he leverages the choice onto her, only now taking the first bite of his snack.

“your pick.”

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Stormy Silph

TRADITION

ON THE SET OF A NEW YEAR

A DISMISSIVE SCOFF answers her question. when it comes to pitching, no one else comes close. among trainers, the physical aspect of battling is often neglected.

some trainers build their muscles for aesthetics. others look to hone their martial arts for self defense. fernando specializes in the two skills that he deems essential, ones that are also often overlooked: pitching and raw cardio.

the latter has no place here, but being able to have a pokeball manifest at a pinpoint location is irreplaceable. it’s integral to capture. it’s the x-factor that can bring out a pokemon in a tight situation.

here, at the ring toss, his skill is undeniable. every ring he tosses manages to hit the nozzle of the bottle. unfortunately, the game requires more than just being able to get the ring to appear where he wants. several of them bounce off the nozzle when it makes contact. others just don’t fit over, sliding off one side or another.

for all his confidence, fernando can only deliver a beautiful throw. finishing it off with one slipping over the oversized top proves much more difficult, if not impossible.

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Stormy Silph