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The Kanto region has its own share of big cities, but the Unova region has its very own flair, much as when Blue visited Lumiose City in the Kalos region. And though the Pokémon World Tournament takes place right outside Driftveil City, what’s the point of a trip to such a far away region if you don’t take in more of the sights?
And so, he and Red are taking the time to at least visit the nearby Nimbasa City and Castelia City, though the plan is to see as much as they can before leaving back home after the tournament. Nimbasa City alone has much to offer, so it’s the perfect place to start.
“So, Red, where do you wanna start?” Blue asks, checking his travel guide.
“How about… Gear Station?”
“It has the train to Anville Town, and the Battle Subway,” Blue says. “Both are worth a visit. They have a line for Multi Battles, sounds like it would be fun to team up and kick some butt together.”
“I really wanna see the Pokémon Musical, too,” Red says.
“Not a bad idea, either.” Blue gives the guide another look before putting it away in his pocket. “Alright then, I’d say we start at Gear Station, then check the Musical Hall, maybe squeeze in a look at the sports stadiums and save the amusement park for last. Knowing us, we’ll get caught up in battles, but let’s see how much we can see in a single day!”
“Sounds like a fun challenge,” Red agrees. “Alright, let’s go!”
And indeed, they simply don’t stop their go at the Battle Subway until they have a match against the Subway Masters themselves – of course netting a win, with their might and experience combined. And as fun Pokémon battling is, they resist the temptation to keep going with the Super Multi Line; after all, they still have enough serious battling coming up with the PWT. Though, admittedly, a facility like the Battle Subway is more about the personal ambition compared to a tournament with live spectators and TV coverage and the public pressure coming with that.
The train to quiet Anville Town is a much needed change of pace after the thrill of the Multi Line. It’s much closer to the kind of dates Blue had in mind for their sightseeing — not that there’s anything wrong with battle-focused dates. And with less prying eyes around, it’s the perfect opportunity for him to sneak a kiss. Or two, or three… who cares about keeping count!
They both thoroughly enjoy themselves watching the Pokémon Musical and even getting a chance at participating with their own Pokémon. Watching Red dress his Pikachu up with all kinds of accessories, eyes shining the whole time, fills Blue’s heart with warmth. He has fun picking the best matching fit for his Eevee, too, and feels like a proud parent when they watch the performance.
Both the Small Court and Big Stadium don’t currently host an event, so instead, they battle some athletes and fellow visitors. No matter where you are in the world, everyone gets excited about casual Pokémon battles.
But finally, they make it to the main attraction: the amusement park. They pose for photos in front of the Pikachu and Pichu balloons and take a ride on the roller coaster, which sure is a fun idea for a Gym theme. And then, it’s time for the Rondez-view Ferris Wheel. Not only is it a ride intended for couples, but also offers a spectacular view of the area — an absolute must for a date, sightseeing tourist or not. They point to any landmarks they can recognise, and much like in Anville Town, sneak a kiss here and there during the ride.
Surprisingly, despite spending so much time at the Battle Subway before the other acitivities, it’s still before sundown when they step out of the cabin.
They sit down to have a bite of food, and Blue notices Red’s contemplative gaze.
Nudging him with his foot, he asks, “What’s on your mind?”
“We had a lot of action today, but what if we still go over to Castelia City? We could make it before sundown, right?”
“Uh, sure, but what exactly do you have in mind?” Blue asks, realisation hitting as his mind goes through everything he’s read in the travel guides ahead of time. “Wait, are you trying to take me on a romantic cruise on the Royal Unova?!”
“That’s exactly what I’m trying to do,” Red says. “Just to watch the sunset from the panorama deck. We’ve had enough battling ahead of the tournament.”
“Hey, you didn’t hear me complaining about that,” Blue says. “But just watching the sunset together sounds perfect.”
“And later, we can come back here for another round on the Ferris wheel before going back to the hotel?” Red suggests. “I bet the view feels different with the stars alight.”
Blue smiles. “Sure, I’d love that.”
Watching the setting sun paint the ocean in golden orange and red hues as night sets behind them is a fantastic sight, and it has them reminisce about when the S.S Anne made its stop in Vermilion City, all those years ago, when they were newbie trainers at the start of their journeys. On the way back to Nimbasa, they make a plan to find out the next time it stops there, to see if maybe they can actually be passengers — or just to drop by and check what it looks like these days. And though it’s harder to spot the landmarks after night fall, the Ferris wheel ride is no less romantic with the stars twinkling above.
When they get back to their shared hotel room, Blue is exhausted but content for having spent such a fun time with his partner, a day jampacked with small adventures and nostalgic moments.
As they get ready to tuck in for the night, Blue muses out loud, “Hey, wouldn’t it be fun to have our own Battle Facility?”
“You mean, the two of us as the bosses to test challengers?”
“Exactly that,” Blue says, grinning. “You know we’ve both proven more than capable to be battle facility bosses. It would be epic, don’t you think?”
Red smiles. “Sure. We can split double and single formats between the two of us, and face pairs of challengers together in multi battles.”
“You get it! And if it’s a place only accomplished trainers can reach, imagine the tough competition.”
“It would be perfect for us.”
They settle into the sheets.
Blue says into the dark room, “Well, that’s something to plan in detail for the near future. First, we gotta kick butt at the PWT.”
“Of course. We’ll fight hard to represent all of Kanto and the Indigo Plateau.”
They bid each other good night, and Blue falls asleep in Red’s arms, dreaming of epic, action-packed battles and slow hours just enjoying each other’s company.