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[@Eveekitten] [@Crimson Flame]

The walk along the country lane would have been peaceful, if not for the fans who still crowded Andre. Of course, Andre didn't seem to mind, seizing the opportunity to put on a show in the form of a battle.

Grace folded her arms. She considered turning down his suggestion, but three things stopped her. One, this was the perfect opportunity to knock Andre down a peg or two in front of his fans. Two, battling alongside Ember would be fun. And three, she couldn't deny there was some appeal to acting out the games they used to play. Reliving older, happier times. [color=80FFAA]"If you insist... When you say the four of us, you mean a double battle, right?"[/color] She turned to Ember, the one she'd often times teamed up with during their imaginary battles. [color=80FFAA]"What do you say? You up for wiping the grin off of his face?"[/color]

Despite her outward confidence, the presence of so many people made her stomach flip over and over. She clenched her fists. She had no reason to be nervous. Sure, she had little experience of battles besides a few casual ones, but her book knowledge of Pokemon would make up for that, right? [color=80FFAA]"Hey Tex, want to do this?"[/color] By her side, Vertex gave an enthusiastic nod.

Stepping back, Grace faced Andre and Saint as Vertex floated in front of her, ready for battle. All too aware of the crowd's gazes, Grace tried to reassure herself she could do this, to think of something confidence-inspiring. The words that came back to her were, of all people, Andre's. Younger Andre, telling her she could be a great trainer some day.