Some Habits Die Hard...

Nate's uneasiness was well warranted apparently, and Yancy had never from the safety of PokeWood to the eeriness of N's Castle experienced a "real" problem like this before...

As soon as the couple dismounted the gondola, Nate was a bit too anxious, and ended up running into a trio of grunts – one female with quite possibly the most annoying laugh Yancy had ever heard – who challenged him in succession (meaning one at a time). Instinct told the hidden Idol to run, and run far, knowing that Nate would be fine, and natural thinking told her to faint and escape the intense scene now...except 1) Colress had blocked off any escape route available and 2) The Poke Ball containing her and Nate's Gallade was reverberating instructions into her normally weak-willed head.

"Trainer! You believe Pokemon and Humans co-exist and that those who are good do so to overcome the ideals of those who are not! Release me, and together we can show these wrongdoers and this power-obsessed man the power of truth and of that co-existence! Allow me the pleasure of assisting you!"

Eventually, Yancy, in the most feeble way possible released the Gallade, who was now able to communicate with her through her emotions in a relatable manner, rather than formally, as most of the Ralts evolution line could.

"I can currently use Pyscho Cut, Hypnosis, Dream Eater, and Close Combat...You ready for the battle of your life!?"

Yancy managed a nod, as a wordless Colress released a Magneton. The air around the combatants grew cold, and the girl could only shiver. She couldn't believe she was battling a Team Plasma Admin. As her thoughts of fear began to consume her, Colress began to speak with an experienced and expectant tone.

"It is only fitting that a trainer such as Nate would rub elbows with another trainer. While you lack in direct confidence, your Pokemon seems to carry in spades...but it means nothing unless the human offers twice that belief! Go on, reveal to me your "real" power!"

The question of Yancy's real identity spurred her to call out an attack.

"G-Gallade...Hypnosis!"

Gallade snarled, and began to focus a psychic beam at the opposing Magneton, which Colress was able to move out of the way.

"Thunder Wave!"

"...Oh NO!"

Yancy couldn't bring herself to ask Gallade to dodge the fast bolts of lightning that now had paralyzed her partner. However, Gallade continued to show courage and resolve.

"While this man is imposing, he is correct, we need to fight together! I will not let you down, but the question is, will you let I, and Nate? Let's do this!"

"Flash Cannon!"

"Psycho Cut the beam away!"

Gallade timed his parry perfectly, minimizing the damage and even directing some back at the offensive-minded Magneton, inflicting a small amount of damage. Colress applauded his opponent, and Gallade cheered mentally.

"Spark!"

"Trainer, I am about to be bull rushed, Orders?"

"Yes, wait for it to get close, then use Hypnosis!" Confidence and even rage began to exude from the previously modest and meek alias. Something in her heart yearned for Nate's safety, and now that her Pokemon was ready to assist her, she can help preserve it, as long as she believed she could. The Magneton was dropped into a coma, again barely grazing Gallade with it's electricity. Additionally, Gallade was charged and his paralysis was cured.

"Dream Eater!"

The Gallade absorbed the sleeping Magneton's inner thoughts, causing the Magnet Pokemon to stir violent in it's slumber. Colress was taken aback, and began calling to his partner to awaken. Yancy took advantage however, with one final command.

"Close Combat!" She squeaked, in a rather expectant tone.

"Yes, Trainer, this barrage is for your courage, and should reveal your true difficulty as an adversary!" the Gallade telegraphed, as he began a brutal assault, causing the Magneton to faint after three critical blows with his blades.

"YES! WE DID IT!" Yancy began to girlishly celebrate the small victory.

"Hey! I'm gonna unleash my rage!" a voice that belonged to Hugh reverberated through the amusement park. Again, he went able a well known crusade, chasing grunts. Colress bid Yancy farewell, declaring her a "worthy opponent" and followed the chase at a slow pace. Then she felt arms embrace her.

"I think Gallade would like to go with you back to PokeWood, Hon..." Nate's soothing voice crested over her ears, causing the all too familiar flushing to begin again. "Besides, He helped me obtain an Egg a few weeks ago, it isn't as if your trade was not totally non-beneficial to me. You battled like a champion just now...I don't think I could handle that courage you just displayed."

"Champion huh? Guess I learn from the best?" Yancy offered, before falling into his embrace on the verge of passing out from the heat she was releasing from her body. She then felt his lips to her hair, and once again, she was drowning in total bliss.

"So...Is it okay if Nancy interviews you next week?"

"Depends, can we kiss on set?" Nate inquired sheepishly.

"...We'll see...Christoph would be very let down by my inability to hide my stage identity."

"Oh, I am sure he won't mind. He probably loves someone too, and maybe you will encourage him to pursue that passion with confidence as well."

"Oh, He does... Hey, Nate? Can I still be Yancy too?"

"I would hope so.. I have taken a shine to her."

Yancy, of course, reddened again, causing her boyfriend to laugh and kiss her head again. Maybe someday, this habit will go away. If it didn't however, it wouldn't be too much of an issue.