“You’re the – excuse me?”

Percy’s jaw dropped. He could scarcely believe what he’d just heard; this woman wasn’t the kid’s older sister, but the kid’s mom? That was impossible; she looked so pretty! Or at least it seemed to be, but the kid confirmed that it was true immediately. “I’m sorry, miss. I had no idea…I’m sorry if I offended you.”

“I…well, okay, then.” Percy cleared his throat, then shook the pretty mom’s hand. “I think your son just had some sort of monkey Pokémon steal his own. I’m looking for wherever said monkey Pokémon is, and if you could give me some pointers…”

Calpurnia Kubrick

“The pleasure’s all mine, ma’am! I mean…Princess Elise!” said Percival, with a goofy smile. Despite all that had happened to Percival in eight years, the country bumpkin in him had never left, and it showed. His cousins probably would’ve fainted if they’d heard him address royalty that way…but who cared what those snooty jerks thought?

He just hoped that Torches would obey him this once. He didn’t mean to disrespect a lady!

“Go, Torches!” he said, pointing forward. Fortunately, Torches nodded and jumped forward onto the arena – then waited for Her Highness to let out her own Pokémon.

Elise Calcifet

“Hey, don’t worry – I’ve got no bad intentions. I’m with the League, remember?” said Percival, with a small laugh. Then he heard an apprehensive voice address him, and turned to the voice’s source and – whoa, he was not expecting all that.

Upon seeing the woman, Percival felt heat rise to his face. Wow, he knew he was on a beach, but he wasn’t prepared to see so many pretty women! But as soon as said blush appeared on his face, Percival bit it down. Good gentlemen didn’t make overtures like that, especially towards women that were probably older than them! “Oh, miss, I was just…”

“Oh, wait, you must be this little guy's older sister. We’re looking for your parents, if that’s okay?” Percival scratched his head. “They’re the ones we want to sort things out. I thought that was clear, but sorry for the mix-up in any case.”

Calpurnia Kubrick

“A stupid monkey…challenged…”

Percival cocked his head. What the heck was a monkey Pokémon doing, going around challenging other people with Pokémon of its own? This was the first he’d ever heard of something that unusual happening. In any case, though, he couldn’t just do nothing – he had to act, and fast.

“Well, could you point me to where it is?” Percy blinked, still trying to comprehend the situation despite how weird it was. “And anyway, where are your parents right now? Maybe they could help us sort this whole thing out.”

Calpurnia Kubrick

A…crying young boy?

When he heard crying, Percy looked around for where said sound was coming from. It didn’t take him long; up ahead on the beach was a crying child! As a League cadet, he had to do something. For all he knew, that kid could be lost!

Percy went up to the kid, trying his best to not look weird. “Hi there, youngster. Are you lost?” he said. He put his best smile on; it was his job to put on a brave face in these sorts of situations. “I’m with the League. We can get you help if you need it!”

Calpurnia Kubrick

Once he heard the princess’s greeting to him, Percy felt relief wash over him. So far, so good – this princess didn’t seem like the arrogant type he’d been worried about. He straightened his back, then bowed slightly. “Hello, Your Highness,” he said; even if he wasn’t Galarians, he as a Berlitz felt the need to go the extra mile. “I understand your situation.”

Then his shoulders relaxed. “I do want a traditional battle! Is two against two okay?” Which, sure, was a bit of a big change in tone for him…but he felt as though she wasn’t the type to push the issue. Still, he’d continue calling her ‘Your Highness’ unless she said otherwise.

Elise Calcifet

“Alright, Torches. I know we don’t usually see eye to eye, but this next Trainer’s a princess from Galar. So mind your manners around her, okay?” said Percy, as Torches the Ceruledge stared up at the building. With a quick but silent cocking of his head, Torches appeared to acknowledge Percy’s request.

Percy wasn’t one for big, showy displays of wealth and status; Arceus knew that as a Berlitz, he had enough smoke blown up his keister. But he knew how royalty and nobility could have attitudes, and didn’t want to tick Elise off. So, with a sigh and a hope in his heart, Percy walked in – and Torches followed slightly behind, as though ashamed to be in Percy’s presence.

He just hoped that this princess wouldn’t be a chore to deal with.

Elise Calcifet