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Diantha couldn't help but feel a little unnerved. The trainer sitting in front of her was perfectly placid, every word, every movement, every facial expression rehearsed and practiced to the point of seeming mechanical. She'd known him for years, yet She still couldn't fathom how truly separate and distinct his faces were—the image of a generous man he presented in public being nothing like the hardened expression he wore in battle, which itself was nothing like the collected presence he showed her now. If she was an actress only on screen, he performed for the whole world everyday.
"I've been considering stepping down as Champion to focus on my acting career," she says, keeping her eyes locked on his, "and I've been thinking of giving the position to you."
"I see."
Most people given the prospect of becoming champion, without an official battle no less, would be over the moon, but if he was excited , he was certainly masking it well.
"I see how much you do to make Kalos a better place for both people and Pokemon, and I admire how much you care about everyone. Your charisma, battle prowess, and loyalty have made you a natural fit to be Kalos's Champion."
He was definitely paying attention now.
"I know it's always been your dream, so I'm helping it come true for you. What do you say, Dashiell?"
His face reveals nothing, and his spoken response is short and to the point, exactly the way she's envisioned this moment just from knowing him for so long.
"I accept."