noah wipes the sweat off his brow. from his lips, he exhales a banner of hot breath. the heat of battle leaves on it. still, his skin seems to steam with the aftermath of the contest as cool droplets scatter from his squeezed water bottle.

he tosses the plastic bottle to the side. it clatters and rolls around as he pulls the knockout badge from his pocket.

"this! you've shown me you can handle yourself in close quarters combat," noah says, the emblem gleaming on his open palm, "so you've earned the knockout badge."

he extends the badge closer, but he pulls it back last minute. something halfway between a smirk and confusion grows across his face.

"you sure you've never done this before?" noah says. "most people with your level of skill have a few badges under their belt already."

hoenn may house many talents; however, it is unclear for who they will be used. eventually, the badge is given.

bryan delarosa

☉