For once, Vinnie had to agree with the Charizard. Neither of them wanted to make a big deal of this. There was really no way out of it, so the whole affair might as well be as quick and painless as possible. Easy, no point in making it more complicated than it needed to be by shoving the clusterfuck of their conflicted emotions into the mix.

With a huff, the Venusaur took a quick swig of his tea - he wanted to at least enjoy it for a second before getting this kiss over with - before briskly walking over and planting a quick peck on Char's cheek. He was fully intending to be on his way the moment the curse was broken, but that brief contact transferred more than he'd intended.

Heartbeat pounding loud like drums in his ears, blood like iron on his tongue. Green's final Pokemon staggers, struggling to stay standing, before they too collapse. It's over. The trainer is breaking - where there was once that cocky pride, determination, the slow death of his dream transforms that joy into disbelief and despair.

Looking up at at Red, still quiet even in victory. His eyes are burning, his breathing fast, but somehow somber. The price of victory was his friend's defeat. He still feels.

Why bother? This whole time, they were nothing but an annoyance. Always an ambush ahead, obsessed with proving their superiority. Self-centered, pointless obstacle. Pain in the ass.

Good riddance. Never have to feel insecure around that dumb Bulbasaur again. Never want to deal with that pissy Charmeleon again. Finished with that whole team of stubborn jerks.

Red looks down at us, and his face softens. He's proud.