for moments, he considers it. seriously considers it. thinks of all the possibilities and various outcomes that stem from his acceptance. after a while, he comes to a conclusion. the good outweighs the bad, that much is certain. but he's already sacrificed so much of himself for the region. perhaps this is a sacrifice too big even for him.

once again, what comes up must come down. heracross lies in wait, swift to meet azumarill's bounce with her own MEGAHORN, ramming skywards. seviper barely clings on after the LAST RESORT, her demeanor now shifting but the most recent COIL is what saves her. she can't wrap herself around a target that's not whole so she does what she thinks is best and POISON JABS into the water-formed vaporeon.

this is the first time she's said his name. her sultry smile does not go unnoticed but he doesn't react to it because he knows the game she's playing. it's a battle, a tug of war to see who comes out on top, and right now she's winning.

"he only cares about one sibling." just not the sibling he has. he pushes the thought straight out of his mind and steels himself because he does know the answer to that. fernando will never compromise himself, not when power is on the line. 

"war is inevitable." 

regardless of which side he chooses. the question for him to consider is: which is the winning side? for now, he buys himself time.

"and what do you want, olivia?"

Olivia Abbiati

he remains silent. no words escape him, no counter, no retaliation in any form because at the core of it, as much as he would like it to be false, they want the same thing. he wants his home to be safe. no matter the cost. or at least that's what he tells himself.

and now he's met with the very opportunity to accomplish it and yet he cannot bring himself forward. he cannot accept. or can he? uncertainty fills him for once.

his two pokemon fall to hers, succumbing to the pain. the outcome was expected and so it does little to affect him. he recalls them back into their pokeballs.

he steps forward, meeting her in the middle of it all. the pool of water ripples underneath his steps. the rain shifts to a light drizzle. he peers at her through uncertain eyes. they're close. too close.

"i do." 

breathing, he strongly meets her gaze. there's nothing left to separate them as they stand opposite each other. the drizzle does little to distract him. she has his attention. all of it.

"make it official."

a pause.

"ask me."

Olivia Abbiati

he's stranded in the middle of an ocean and yet he stays afloat despite the strong tides that look to overpower. her words are waves that crash into him, each stronger than the last.

"peace will come to hoenn." 

he's yet to say the words. their breaths mix, eyes linger, and he reaches a hand up to brush a strand of pale hair off to the side; his touch lingers. his gaze never breaks, not even then. he feigns a smile, then opens his mouth to speak.

"but not like this."

Olivia Abbiati

he feels her smooth silk-like touch brush over his hand, guiding it to his own chest. she sighs, then tiptoes and kisses him. the action is not uncalled for but it still surprises him. there is an involuntary return, a reaction he gives where he closes his eyes and leans slightly into it but it lasts no longer than a second.

he pulls away just as she does, eyes wide and mouth agape. he looks into her eyes and sees the tsunami of passion and determination, understands her undying desire to keep her people and home safe.

they are more similar than he cares to admit. she whispers into his ear and only when she's done does he take a step back, seperating.

"it has always been mine to bare."

but he hasn't said no. the subtle look of uncertainty that clouds his features is what gives him away. it tells her that he's thinking about it. but he needs more time to make a decision. there is too much on the line to risk it all in just one meeting.

he pulls out the gym badge and holds it in the palm of his hand. extending it out to her, he offers her the badge.

"the otella badge. so you do not leave empty-handed."

Olivia Abbiati