James
For the record, his therapist was definitely not working on it. Wallace scoffed. "Everyone should have a therapist. I have to stay fabulous inside and out, you know." He offered some unenthusiastic jazz hands, but it seemed like Crystal wasn't buying it. "Besides, when else would I get an opportunity to talk about my problems while reclining decadently in a velvet *Chaise lounge?"*
Betty
"I think thats a bit of a stretch..." *Darcy knew that Crystal was saying all of the wrong things* "And... You've changed since we've last spoken... That indeed..."
James
Wallace's expression turned serious, and a little curious. "Wait, how so?" He's definitely been in his own little world the past couple months, but he didn't think that he'd *Changed* Much. In fact, he hasn't felt anything really *Change* In years.
Betty
"Well... Its just... Your EGO, its huger than Maxies! And that says a lot!" *Crystal didn't want to have to say it, but it was the cold truth* "Its like you've been in your own realm for months!"
James
He looked at Crystal quietly for a moment. He didn't really believe it when Winona had said it, but when Crystal said it, well... Two in one day? There *Must* Be something to it. Maybe everyone is Sootopolis really had just been pandering to him. Maybe there was more of a problem than he had realized. Steven and Juan propped him up on this pedestal, and maybe, just maybe, it wasn't great for him. He looked away from Crystal, a little fragile at the moment. "Is that really true?" He asked.
Betty
"Yes... It is..." *Darcy honestly expected a different outcome* "If your ego wasn't so huge... Maybe... Maybe... The situation wouldn't be so bad"
James
Wallace sighed and attempted a defeated smile, and Crystal's words made him wonder if she knew more than she was letting on. "You don't know how true that is." He shook his head and lowered his voice. "I don't really know how to be any other way, if I'm being completely honest." Whyyyy was he saying this to her? Vulnerability wasn't exactly his strong suit.
Betty
"Except i do... And if you can't learn how to be any other way... Just a tiny bit of isolation, then coming back to society works... I think thats what happened with Red as well..." *Crystal sighed* "I'm sorry.. But i have to tell you the truth"
James
Wallace actually rolled his eyes at that one. Like he was in the market for sociability strategies from Red of all people... But he looked back at Crystal like she was about to drop some kind of bomb on him. "The truth?" He asked.
Betty
"The truth is... With that Ego you've had... People have turned against you, a lot of people... Right before i left, there was a petition to see if the people could try and replace you..." *Crystals words were cold* "I believe that it barely failed... If you don't get better... Then you are dooming our region..."
James
Wallace put his hand over his chest dramatically. He looked aghast. *"What?*"' He shared a look with his Luvdisc, who looked as shocked as that tiny cute face could muster. At least his pokemon still loved him, even when no one else did. "Well that just can't be true. I mean, I get that what happened with my ex was a little dramatic but that's just one person! Who could turn against *Me?*" Honestly, he puts his heart and soul into his community. Why would Crystal say that?
Betty
"Well... With the ego you've had... I'm sorry... But people are starting to not tolerate it anymore... Its not just Winona anymore... Its not me, but most of this regions people..." *Crystal sighed again* "I'm going to give you some time to think about whats happening, let me know when we can talk again" *Crystal and Darcy headed to  , for no reason at all*
James
Wallace huffed indignantly as she walked away, but he couldn't exactly let himself get mad... It was just a little girl after all. He shook his head and crossed his arms tightly over his chest, feeling quite self-conscious. He looked at his Luvdisc. "Is it just me or was that little girl incredibly *Rude?"*
Edwin
*The young Olivine City native came to the entrance of the lavish Sigford Mansion, looking up at it in wonder. This is what she thought Jade's residence was like, never getting this luxury before. The Skarmory stopped in the air next to her, looking at the mansion was well. Then she noticed a figure on the steps, and recognized them. She called out to the figure, hoping they heard her.* "Wallace?"
James
Wallace was still reeling over what Crystal had said to him and wondered how any of it could be true. The sight of a Skarmory snapped him out of it, and he looked at the Pokemon fondly... Finally, a comfortable sight. Not that he's had the best experiences with Steven flying him in and out of Sootopolis (He much preferred to swim), but anything could be better than the day he's had so far. When Jasmine said his name, it took him a moment to recognize her. He put on a kind smile and greeted her happily. "Ah, Jasmine, hello. Glad to see you again, it's been some time." His tone was diplomatic, since they were hardly even acquaintances, but he did have a little soft spot for steel types.
Edwin
"Good to see you too, Wallace! I assume you were invited here like I was. I already saw Jade, and Skarmory here couldn't contain himself, right?" *She spoke to the Skarmory, who was already doing circles around Wallace, happy to see him too. Her tone was also diplomatic, but slightly little-sibling like, since she already saw two acquaintances on this island so far.*
James
Wallace was tickled by the attention. He adored this Skarmory's friendliness, especially since Steven's could be a little cold-hearted sometimes. "Oh, so you just recently arrived as well? I've yet to really see what the island has to offer. I haven't even seen any of the mansion yet," He chirped. "A shame. Something this grand is totally my style."
Edwin
"Yeah, just got here from Olivine. This place is huge though, not my kinda place... I like my little city by the sea, I already miss Amphy." *Of course, she'd always reference that Ampharos she healed a while back with a traveling trainer's help, showing her soft side to Wallace. The Skarmory enjoyed Wallace's company, still doing happy circles around Wallace.*
Betty
*Crystal comes back to the entrance from the cliff, seems she was crying a bit* "Time to head back- Oh! Hello there! You're Jasmine, yes? And... Wallace..." *It felt awkward as Crystal basically humiliated Wallace last time they spoke*
James
The way Jasmine spoke about Pokemon was awfully adorable in a little sister type way, and Wallace loved that. Before he could respond in kind, Crystal reappeared. He gave her a cordial smile, not wanting to create *Unpleasant* Drama in front of an acquaintance. "Hello again, Crystal," He spoke through gritted teeth.
Edwin
"Hm? Oh, yes, I am Jasmine! It's nice to meet you, whoever you are." *Upon first look, she seemed to be like everyone's little sister, so sweet and innocent, never wanting to hurt a fly. But she specialized in Steel Types, a type associated with toughness and perserverance. She head a steely determination inside, something Crystal couldn't see right away, or upon first meeting. She sensed Wallace's gritted teeth, and looked from Crystal to Wallace without saying a word.*
Betty
"Ah, also a pleasure to meet you.." *Crystal felt terrible about the things she said to Wallace... But it seems that Wallace wanted nothing to do with Crystal* "I'm Crystal, the Ice type gym leader for Hoenn, and this is my Alolan Ninetails, Darcy" *Darcy looked at Wallace, then nudged its trainer, signalling that chatting... May not be the best option*
Edwin
*She sensed the tenseness in Wallace's body language, but oddly enough, Crystal seemed calm to her. She was always that sibling-like personality, so she responded to Crystal in a cordial tone, smiling.* "Nice to meet you, Crystal! You know that I'm Jasmine, The Steel-Type Gym Leader from Johto. Skarmory stopped doing circles around Wallace, looking at Crystal in a slightly threatening way, knowing Wallace was tense, perhaps about to explode any second or minute.*
James
Wallace noticed Skarmory gain a protective stance, and it actually jarred him out of the tenseness that had seized his body. He shook himself out of it, it wasn't like him to show others a negative side of himself like that. Even though Crystal had not minced words when she lectured him about his ego, he was still a people-pleaser at heart, and couldn't stand the idea that she would dislike him... Or that *Anyone* Would dislike him, for that matter. He's neglected his fellow league members for a little too long, maybe his standoffishness was the problem. He brightened his smile and greeted her properly, hoping that she would start to like him. "Excellent! Now that we're all acquainted, maybe we can actually make something out of this little rendezvous? What is there to do around here?"
Edwin
*Jasmine's Skarmory loosened up just as Wallace did, going back into it's poke-ball. Jasmine smiled even wider, nodding. A faulty tendency of hers was to jump up and down when she was excited, like a little kid, which made her even more adorable. She began jumping up and down slightly.* "There's a clothing store and bakery in the city, among other places."
Betty
"We could go find team rocket and try and kick them off, i know they have bad intentions, i know where their base is as well. I'll fill you in more about why i want to take down Team Rocket later." *Darcy felt more of staying at this point in time, it was a better mood* "We could also check out the forest and stores, but any order is fine" *Yes, Crystal brought up destroying an evil organization like it was just an annoying chore*
James
Wallace didn't flinch at the mention of Team Rocket, but the juxtaposition of the two girls' answers did amuse him. "All of those things sound like a riotous good time. Crystal, I admire your bloodlust," He said cheerfully. A part of him did long for a challenge, but another part of him was too old for that stuff now. "...But those other things sound a little, ah, safer."
Betty
"Hmm... Thats fair i suppose" *Darcy wanted to just do something* "Its just... Well... The grudge i hold against team rocket... If you want to do something else though.. I suppose thats fine"
James
Wallace looked at her questioningly. "You have a grudge against Team Rocket?" He looked between the two girls. "Please say more, if I'm moved I might just be swayed." His voice was dramatic. She didn't even really need to try that hard to convince him, he was kind of itching for a distraction anyways.
Betty
"So... Near when i first came here.. I met a person named Akari... And i basically found out that A member of team rocket has been basically using Akari as a slave, and when Akari disobeyed.. She would get shocked by a shock collar, we kinda dealt with the person. But the leader of team rocket arrived. And they are basically trying to get Monika to be the new leader of team rocket... And... The efforts they go to... Its... I wouldn't just stand there and let all of this twisted stuff happen.." *Darcy nodded* "And both Monika and Akari are my friends... So i don't want them to suffer because of this evil organization any more"
Edwin
"Dramatic as always, huh Wallace?" *Jasmine teased, interjecting herself into the two's conversation. Then she listened to Crystal's explanation, nodding solemnly. Truth be told, she'd help them too, even if she didn't know the other trainers on the island.* "I'm in." *Jasmine said, her tone going from happy-go-lucky to determined and stoic.*
James
Wallace's eyes went wide as he listened. "Yep, yeah, thats a lot heavier than I was expecting! And this is just *Happening?* And no one is doing anything? That just won't do. I'm in as well." His words had a serious determination to them. "If you know the way, please, take us there Crystal."
Edwin
"Yeah, lead the way! We'll help you and your friends, no matter what." *Jasmine reciprocated the same determination, ready to fight with her Steel-Types by her side. After all, helping people is what a Gym Leader is all about.*
Betty
*Crystal nodded* "Last time i know.. They were in a hideout in the forest, then lets go, My pal should get us there quicker.. Kyurem! Please take us to that hideout from last time!" *Crystal sent out kyurem and Crystal got on* "You can trust me, Kyurem is friendly to my allys... And that includes you guys! Get on and we can head there to take them down!"
James
Wallace looked at Jasmine for a split second as his face brightened. Steven always held his interactions with the occasional legendary above his head, or maybe he didn't, and Wallace just saw it that way... But now he could ride on one too. *Ha!* He had to contain his excitement, since now wasn't exactly the time to party. He climbed up on Kyurem's back with a flourish of his cape and gave himself a cool pose. This was kinda sick.
Edwin
*She looked in awe at the Kyurem, her mouth agape for a moment. And this Crystal girl just threw out a legendary pokemon like it was no big deal! After her short episode of shock, she hopped onto the Ice/Dragon Type's back, holding on tightly to Wallace's torso. She's never flown on a pokemon before, and she was deathly afraid of falling off its back. Her eyes were shut tightly, and she was shaking slightly too. She was muttering under her breath, praying she'd come out of this alive.* "Please please please don't let me fall..."
Betty
"Alright! Kyurem! Take us to the hideout! And sorry Darcy, pokeball time for a bit" *Crystal withdrew Ninetails, Then the kyurem gets some speed and starts flying in the air, nobody falls off by the time they get to the hideout though*
Edison
*Iris stretched her arms and alongside her was her trusty Haxorus who seems to be holding two suitcases and she had one bag. She wasn't the type to over pack, but just in case there was any souvenirs she wanted to bring back she brought extra storage just in case.* "We better start unpacking" *The girl looked to her map that was given to her before she came.* "But before that I would love to meet the other trainers here. I heard they were all super strong!"