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"Welcome, both of you!" Radomus' voice echoes off the high ceiling, starling Fern. "As Luna has already said, I never have challengers anymore, so it's always nice to see some bright new trainer claw their way here."
"And," Gardevoir cuts in, sweeping gracefully towards Euphie, "it's nice to see Reborn's Ghost-Type leader exploring the region! You know-"
"I'm not giving you an interview, Gardevior."
Gardevoir jerks back like she was stabbed, before sighing and moving to stand next to Radomus again, much more sulkily than before.
"So, challenger, what is your name?" Radomus ignores the plight of his Pokemon, only focused on Fern. "You look quite familiar, though I cannot place why."
"My name's Fern." He tries not to fold under Radomus' bright gaze, which ironically seems familiar to Fern for some reason he's not sure of, "Uh, my sister is the Grass-Type gym leader, so that might be why."
"Ah yes!" Radomus raises his cane, smiling brightly as though he figured it out on his own. "Florinia Sevilla, teacher at the Onyx Trainer School and second gym leader of Reborn!"
Yeah, I know, Fern bites back from saying, I've known for years, actually.
"I have a question, if I may, father." Luna speaks up, surprising Fern. "I am confused on why Euphie is here with Fern."
"I will second that," Gardevoir interjects, her exaggerated tone holding a note of bitterness, "you'll hole up in your factory when I want an interview, but you'll run around Reborn with some random challenger? There has to be some story there, and I want the details!"
Fern doesn't take kindly to being called 'some challenger', but as he's about to speak up, Euphie shoots him a glare that makes him stay quiet.
However, apparently, Radomus will say it for him. "Ah, but Gardevoir, I find it rude to call Fern 'some challenger', especially when you've been obsessed with his escapades for days now."
Gardevoir looks both stunned and offended, scoffing before speaking. "I am not 'obsessed' with his adventures; I am simply doing my job as a reporter! Fern is the first gym challenger to have gotten more than four badges in recent history, so of course I must note everything he does!" Gardevior's indignant gaze lands on Fern. "and, If I might say, you could do with a attitude change."
"Gardevoir, dear," Radomus speaks before Fern gets a chance to, "could you please go set up the gym floor for our challenger?"
Gadevoir stares at him with shock, before sighing heavily. "I see how it is, banishing me to the ends of the castle for speaking my opinion." She makes a show of turning away to the doors, sweeping them open with Psychic. "Fine! But just so you know, I will let both the mass media and Pokemon Protective Services know about this!"
Fern watches her leave, looking back at Luna and Radomus to see them both laughing.
"Apologies for her," Radomus says as he regains his composure, "she hasn't gotten to make a show like that for someone new in a long time."
