"Wally, where did these two Ralts co from?"
Gary was trying to figure out how the pair were connected to the boy.
"They're my friends," Wally replied. "Whenever I'm stuck at ho and get bored, they co over to play with ."
"Do your parents know they visit?"
Wally shook his head. "I'm not sure. I've never said anything—I was afraid Mom and Dad would drive them away if they found out."
So Wally had known these Ralts for months, yet kept the friendship secret because of his family's objections to Pokémon training. Gary hadn't expected that.
"Don't they have a family of their own?" Gary asked.
"I'm not sure," Wally admitted. "One day—about three months ago—they just showed up in the backyard and started playing with ."
Gary knew that Ralts never wandered far from their parents. Wherever there were Ralts, at least one Gardevoir or Gallade—sotis even two Gardevoir, since male Ralts can also evolve that way—was usually nearby, keeping watch.
"Ralts, do you have a family?" Wally asked them directly.
"Ra!" "Ra!"
Both nodded at once.
"Really? Have I t them?" Wally asked.
"Ra!"
Another nod. Wally understood their feelings even without words: their parents had given them permission to visit.
Gary glanced out the window. If the adults were supervising, they were hiding well—no sign of Gardevoir or Gallade in sight.
"Well then, let's play!" Wally said, beaming.
"Ra!" "Ra!"
The two Psychic-types squealed with delight. They had been waiting in Wally's room ever since they realized he wasn't ho.
Wally set up his brand-new PlayStation 5, loaded Pokkén Tournant, and handed out controllers. The roster was heavy on humanoid fighters; naturally, the Ralts liked using Gardevoir and Gallade. Teams were quickly chosen: Gary and Wally versus the two Ralts.
A few matches later…
"Ra-ha-ha-ha!"
"Ra-ha-ha-ha-ha!"
The twins were having the ti of their lives—because Gary was terrible.
Wally, who spent most of his days indoors, was a seasoned gar, bordering on pro level. Under his tutelage, the Ralts had beco formidable opponents. They were used to being thrashed by Wally; finally getting to bully soone else was a joy.
Gary, anwhile, was mortified. He rarely gad in this life, and although he had been an avid player in his previous one, he had never touched Pokkén Tournant. Being wrecked repeatedly by two baby Pokémon was… humbling.
The happier the Ralts grew, the more Gary's frustration leaked through—making them laugh even harder.
After two solid hours of losses, Gary ca perilously close to snapping the controller.
"I'm done."
He tossed the pad onto the bed, stalked to the window, and took deep breaths while staring outside.
Wally cringed. He had invited Gary here to help persuade his parents—rage-quitting just before that conversation could only hurt his chances.
"Brother Gary, they didn't an any harm. They just wanted to show off their skills."
"I'm not mad," Gary said, forcing a smile. "Let's just give the ga a rest."
"Ra!" "Ra!"
The twins teleported onto the windowsill. Each held a plump, pink Pecha Berry—the size of a peach, sweet, crisp, and a natural antidote for poison.
"You picked these outside?" Gary asked.
"Ra!"
They nodded earnestly, all traces of earlier smugness gone. Now they looked like two obedient little angels.
"Thank you."
Gary accepted one berry and took a bite. It wasn't quite ripe, but the tart-sweet flavor was refreshing.
Just then, the bedroom door swung open.
"Sorry I'm late, Wally—"
It was Wanda, back from the hospital.
"Gary! …And Ralts?!"
She spotted the visitors at once. The twins squeaked and hid behind Gary's legs, startled—they'd been too busy gaming to sense her approach.
Wanda assud the Pokémon belonged to Gary and that he had released them so Wally could play. After all, her cousin had adored Pokémon since childhood.
"Miss Wanda, sorry to trouble you," Gary greeted politely.
"No trouble at all! I feel terrible we couldn't entertain you properly," Wanda said with an apologetic smile.
Gary laughed. "Actually, we've been thoroughly entertained."
The two Ralts peeked out, still clutching their berries, and Wanda's expression softened.
"Well, dinner will be ready soon. Wally, why don't you and your friends wash up? Mom and Dad will be ho any minute."
Wally nodded, carefully set his controller aside, and ushered the Ralts toward the bathroom. Gary followed, already planning how best to approach the upcoming negotiation with Wally's parents.
After the beating he'd just taken, he was determined to make sure it ended in a win.
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