[Elise Bell]

Spring was slowly stepping into the spotlight. As the ground warmed and cracked, a dusty fog had settled onto the western half of Arciel. Elise actually loved this time of year all things considered. It was starting to warm up a little, and while she wouldn’t be wearing shorts and t-shirts any time soon, Elise could start to go out without her heaviest coat on. And go out she did.

She’d resolved to go in on the next contest and give everything she had! Which meant she and her Pokemon needed to practice! Wandering out just far enough from Bass City that she’d see less people on average, she’d found a nice clearing and then set up. Setting down the bag she’d been carrying, she fished out her phone, turned on some PNG music, and then grabbed her Pokeballs.

“Alright guys! It’s showtime!” Elise called. In a flash, a Ribombee took to the air while a Hattrem twirled and settled down on the ground. A Galarian Mr. Mime hopped forward, and a happy looking Sylveon came after.

“Shimmer! Spotlight! You’re both up first! Mix Fairy Wind and Life Dew!” she directed. The Ribombee twirled out and away from Elise before bursting with bright pink aura that spiraled out like wind. The Hattrem took in a breath and calmed her irritation some before raising up her tiny hands and forming a bright blue liquid there before causing it to burst. The Fairy Wind took it and twirled it around making a blueish pink spiral. “Focus you guys! Keep it together!”

They practiced that technique a couple of times. Mr. Mime and Sylveon sat and watched for a bit— until Sans the Mr. Mime noticed someone… or something… watching. Starting over, he tilted his head a little curiously.

Elliot Sunderland

[Elliot Sunderland]

Right. Without a water type that could swim him across the ocean, the only way to get out of Bass City was waiting on a rather infrequently-appearing ferry. That put the kibosh on Elliot's search for knowledge for a bit. He had missed the last ferry out for the day, and while Murex was great she was way too small to surf across the waves. So what else was he supposed to do but go exploring? He may've just passed through Route 2, but there were a lot of sights there Elliot'd hadn't had the chance to see. This'd be a good chance to get more familiar with the region around him, so there was no sense in being bummed.

Yet no amount of exploration could prepare Elliot for the giant, pink and blue spiral he saw surging up in the distance. Stranger still, the sound of one of the Pixie Nightmare Girls' most well known hits faintly danced across his eardrums. Sure, it was so distance that it was barely a whisper, but Elliot'd know that intro anywhere! When his first CD got scratched up, that was pretty much the only part that played intelligibly. It drove Isaac crazy, hearing the same intro over and over again as Elliot tried to get it fixed up.

Good times. Good times.

Like a moth to a flame, Elliot found himself drawn to the sight and sound. Who wouldn't be? It's not every day that the plains just explode into pinkness! The song playing became more unmistakable the closer he got, and soon he was able to see the source of the explosion. Four fairy type Pokemon were taking places on stage, kicking up dollops of shimmering dew and scattering them along a sparkling pink gale. And there, dancing in the middle, was none other than the Pixie Nightmare Girls' backup singer. Did Route 2 just attract cool, famous people? These last 48 hours were starting to give Elliot whiplash!

At first, he was too amazed by the performance to act. So, too, was Echo, who was perched on his shoulder and leaning forward in interest. Elliot had to lift a hand to prevent the poor Ralts from falling! However, after a second, he started to question what he was doing. If this was a private training, was he being rude by eavesdropping? On the other hand, the idol was just practicing in the middle of the route, and not very subtly either. Was this supposed to be something for people to watch? Would he be rude if he just saw it and ignored it? He started running the mental math in his head, practically spacing out as he tried to figure out which form of rudeness would be preferable here.

That spacing out did not save him from being poked in the face a few times by Echo. He looked at her, curiously, before looking past her and realizing what she was trying to point out. The Mr. Mime on stage had turned to face the duo.

Oh, no.

If Elliot was unsure which decision to make before, he was especially unsure now! He froze up like a deer in the headlights, looking around nervously as if hoping his answer would be written on the ground somewhere.

[Elise Bell]

“You’re doing great guys! That last one looked amazing!” Elise called happily. “Shimmer! Use Pollen Puff! Spotlight! Use Dazzling Gleam!” The Ribombee circled once and released a pink puff of power that shined brightly and beautifully with a light on it right after.

So focused was Elise on this routine and keeping her Pokemon together that she didn’t even realize anyone was watching— at first. As Sans’s motions caught her eye, Elise glanced back towards him and found where he was walking to. Another person with a… Ralts? On his shoulder was just staring there? Elise blinked looking back towards her practicing Pokemon and then to the boy there. “Keep it up you guys!” she called before turning and jogging the short distance over to Sans and the boy. “Hi there!” she smiled.

[Elliot Sunderland]

Elliot didn't expect the Mr. Mime to head over in the middle of a performance. But even moreso, he didn't expect the coordinator and idol herself to hop off stage and jog over! If Elliot was nervous before, now he was nervous and guilty! He'd just interrupted this poor woman's performance!

Except, her Pokemon were still moving on stage like a well-oiled machine. And she herself was all smiles as she headed over. Maybe it was okay after all? Elliot and Echo let out matching sighs of relief, a shy smile of his own returning to Elliot's face. "Oh, hello!" he said, a nervous stutter holding the word back for a second before it could come out. He was a little bit less star struck than expected, but relief from not being in trouble and a close encounter with another idol of his meant that he wasn't a complete mess for this time around. Thank goodness, too; he was still cringing from last time!

"Sorry for just kinda popping in out of nowhere," he explained. "I saw all these giant pink whirlwinds and went over to see what was going on. By the time I saw it was contest practice, I wasn't sure if it would've been ruder to stay or go.

My name's Elliot, by the way. Your team's doing a really good job!"

[Elise Bell]

Elise’s eyes flashed over Elliot taking in his form, stature, and disposition. He seemed a little too awkward to set off her insta-creep vibe, and his general explanation seemed reasonable enough. “It’s ok!” she answered his apology with a warm smile. “We’re just trying out different combos! Did you see any one in particular you liked?” Of course she had her preferences regarding which ones looked the best, but having an extra pair of eyes was nice!

As Elliot introduced himself, Elise giggled a little. “My name’s Elise! Nice to meet you Elliot,” she smiled before glancing sideways. “Oh! And this is Sans!” she gestured to the Mr. Mime who had been the first to notice this strange onlooker. “Does your Ralts have a name? She’s super cute!” Elise giggled a little at that.

Sans the Mr. Mime looked from Elise to Elliot and back again. Ellie seemed…. A little more forceful than usual. Not that he was going to judge any. Forcing a smile as well, he raised a hand in a wave both at the human and his Ralts.

[Elliot Sunderland]

Well, one of the Pixie Nightmare Girls just asked Elliot for his opinions on her moves. What? Seriously? For a second a nervous blush spread across Elliot's face at the idea, and he drummed his fingers on the edge of his walking stick to try and ground himself. Today was just presenting all sorts of dilemmas for the poor boy. Nevertheless, if she was asking him to answer this, than he owed it to her to be objective, right? Even if she was someone seriously famous and he was just a dork who made a wrong turn.

Then he heard that she named her Mr. Mime Sans. Sans! Okay, maybe he could do this after all.

"I think the wind was more immediately eye-catching," Elliot started. "The colors go together really well, and between the motion and the way the dew shines it keeps your focus even when the initial surprise wears off. I think that one's a really good centerpiece. The powder puff's really good too, don't get me wrong! But it's a lot more subtle, too. It'd be really good as a lead-in or cooldown. Or maybe even something in the background during some choreography, the kind of stuff the wind'd be too overwhelming for.

Though it's not like the wind's just gotta stand alone, too. Mr. Mimes are really good with barriers, right? Maybe Sans could whip one up and almost kinda "surf" along it, then pop out to do something really cool!"

Times like this, Elliot was thankful for the fact that he tended to overthink everything. While he didn't have a lot of experience on contests himself, a combination of that tendency and watching quite a few on TV meant he actually had some pertinent thoughts to kick up! He could only hope that they would be found helpful. Or, at the very least, that they could make a good icebreaker.

Echo had hidden herself behind her hood some, bashfully squirming at all of the fawning that Elise had been sending her way. It wasn't just her words, but the general intensity that crackled around her was a little bit much for the poor thing! Nevertheless, it shyly giggled in response to the compliment. "This right here's Echo. She's a bit quiet, but she only hatched a few days ago, so I think she's still getting used to all of this," Elliot said, returning Sans' wave. "But, trust me. She's happy to meet you, too.

Is there a contest coming up soon? Or are you guys just practicing?"

[Elise Bell]

Hmmmmmm…. Elise nodded along with Elliot’s words. She really liked the winds! That was one of her favorites too! She committed the rest to memory as well and gave a small nod at that. Maybe there was some way to glamorize the Pollen Puff more? Maybe with another supporting attack. She’d have to think on it. Her eyes flicked sideways to Sans. The Mr. Mime immediately blushed and rubbed the back of his head. “That would be so cool! I bet you’d look awesome in it, Sans!” she encouraged. The Mr. Mime only blushed more. A giggle came from Elise thereafter. He’d look awesome. She was sure of it.

Elise’s eyes fell to Echo thereafter. What a cute name for a cute Ralts! “Oh wow! That’s so new! Welcome to earth!” she smiled a little softer as she looked over the Ralts. How cute! At the question, Elise looked back at Elliot and smiled. “Yep! It’s happening in Birch! They’re calling it the Spring Fling!” she giggled. “It’s to celebrate spring finally coming! It woud be great to see you there!”

[Elliot Sunderland]

"Exactly! You'd look awesome!" Elliot encouraged. "And imagine the look on the judges' faces when you pop out of the whirlwind, and then use a . . . hum, let's see . . ." He opened his phone to the Pokedex app, flicking through in search of common moves for Galarian Mr. Mime. "A big, explosive Blizzard, right in the air! And then after you land, and the snow from the blizzard's falling down around you guys, you could get all set up for the last act." He could already kind of envision it, but he hoped the visual would carry over just as well for Elise. Times like this, he wished he had better ways of demonstrating!

Echo couldn't help but smile brightly at what Elise had to say. That was exactly what her human had said to her! She stopped her shy squirming, instead sitting on straighter on Elliot's shoulder. She looked over the group in interest, amazed at how the air around them felt completely different from that around Elliot. Was this the difference between a novice and a relative expert? It was fascinating.

And sure enough, as a trainer with more expertise Elise knew exactly what she had been practicing for. As she mentioned it being great to see Elliot there, a shy blush spread across his face. What did she mean? Did she think he was a fellow competitor? That had to be it, surely. After all, it's not like she knew him well enough to want to see him there. Heck, they literally just met! Nevertheless, he worked up a shy smile back. "I've never actually been to a contest in person before," he admitted. "I've seen a few on TV, but really, this is the closest I've come to actually seeing one for real. But I'll be sure to try and check it out. When is it, and is there anywhere I need to go to get tickets?"

[Elise Bell]

“Blizzard?” Elise looked at Sans. Sans looked at Elise… and shook his head. He didn’t know that one! “Maybe Icy Wind would work….” Or maybe they could see what it would take to use Blizzard. Hmmmmm. It was a thought, though! And she could definitely see how it could come together! “We should definitely try it, Sans!” Elise said all the same pumping up just a bit. The Mr. Mime sweat dropped and then gave a small salute. Sure…. Sure… he could try yeah.

As Elliot spoke, Elise blinked before grinning. “You should totally come watch then!” she answered. Fishing out her phone, she immediately started flipping through her settings. “Tell me your number, and I’ll forward it to you! That way you have the date and location and times for all the different stuff leading up to it and after!” And where and how to order tickets, of course.

[Elliot Sunderland]

Elliot nodded, perking up a little in surprise. He didn't even realize there were so many different things to take into account here, that he'd need an entire schedule texted to him! But it made sense that the Pokemon Contest circuit would have a lot of different events scheduled, most likely all across the region. Maybe now, he'd be able to keep track of where all of this was happening. "I'll be sure to be there," he said, his soft, shy smile firming up ever so slightly. He quickly read off his number, although upon remembering that he was telling someone so they could write it down he made sure to slow down his usual ramble speed. Even if he had some nerves, he knew the basics of decorum!

"Thanks again!" he chirped. However, while the smile on his face was ironclad, the look in his eyes started to shift. They seemed almost wistful, and between that and the way his fingers drummed on the handle of his walking stick it was clear that the gears in Elliot's head were turning. For a second he fell quiet, as if weighing whether to speak or not. Then he threw caution to the wind, his eyes sparking a little as he finally framed what he wanted to say.

"What's it like? You know, performing up on stage like that?"

[Elise Bell]

Elise was quick to punch in the number Elliot gave her and then quick to send him a message with her name. After that, though, she tabbed over and got the information before sending it in individual pieces to Elliot. “There! That should be everything,” Elise smiled looking up from her phone again. At the thanks, she smiled a little more. “You’re welcome!”

Turning briefly, Elise watched as her Pokemon continued to practice. A different song ahd come on, and they’d all roughly changed to the beat of it again. “Sans, can you go support Serene? She’s about to use Swift….” she commented. Sans was quick to stand upright and then turn again. A two fingered salute was given before he went charging in and throwing an Icy Wind upwards. The stars from the swift rushed upwards with the change in direction and exploded into tiny little frozen stars that fell down in micro chunks back to the earth. Phew, ok they were good.

She startled somewhat when Elliot spoke again and quickly turned around once more. “Huh? Wanna come up and see for yourself?” she offered instead, grinning just a little. “C’mon!”

[Elliot Sunderland]

The clockwork efficiency that Elise and her team moved at was like nothing else. With just a second's glance away from the conversation, Elise had sent Sans away to move into the next technique. And despite being a good distance from the stage, Sans was able to get there in record time to get the ball rolling on the next technique. Elliot watched, wide-eyed, as the Swift flew up, higher and higher, before exploding into twinkling, frozen stars. "So cool . . ." he caught himself muttering, before blushing as he snapped out of it. "You guys trained really well. I'm amazed you were all able to snap into action that quickly," he clarified, hoping to sound more constructive and less like an awed fanboy.

Even if right now he was kinda both.

At the invitation to watch, Elliot's reserved smile finally gave way to an ear to ear grin. At this point, it wasn't even about who he was talking to. The action on the stage was as beautiful as it was intense, and he just got offered a front seat view of it. Who wouldn't be excited by that? "That sounds great!" he said, eagerly moving to get closer to the stage. "Thank you so much!"

Echo perked up at this new excitement, moving from her perch on Elliot's shoulder to a better vantage spot atop his head. She let out a coo and waved over to the Pokemon performing on stage, as if wishing them good luck. However, before she did so, she looked down and tapped Elliot on the head. "Oh! Right," he said, smiling as he took two other Pokeballs from his belt. His Dedenne and Shellder popped out in two streams of light, the Dedenne shooting Elise an easy smile and the Shellder hesitantly peering out of her closed shell. "These are Joule and Murex. Can't let them miss this chance to watch too, right?"

[Elise Bell]

The compliments had Elise giggling. “Thanks! We worked really hard to get everything together,” she answered. She’d… only really had time to work quite that hard due to some… unfortunate circumstances, but she’d focus on the good before the bad!

Elise turned ready to head back to the stage and fully command her Pokemon again— only to stop upon seeing the Shellder and Dedenee appear. One of those Pokemon, a certain cute mouse type Pokemon, she was very very familiar with. “Oh my Gosh! Aren’t you so cute???” She squeaked stepping forward to the Dedenee her eyes practically hearts. “One of my besties has a Dedenne! And she’s so sweet and good and perfect and— Oh I bet you are too…” Elise fawned a little.

[Elliot Sunderland]

With all of the squealing and emotions spiking out from Elise, Echo needed to retreat. She slipped back down to Elliot's neck, ducking behind his head until the excitement was over. In contrast, Joule smiled back, her features shy yet gentle. Compared to her bestie's Dedenne, Elise would likely find this one to be a good bit less energetic. However, there was a certain wisdom behind her cloudy eyes as well. For such a small Pokemon, it was a rather unique circumstance. "Yeah, Joule's really something," Elliot said, sighing fondly. "When Echo first hatched, Joule helped get her out of her shell. Literally. If it wasn't for dropping us those Pecha Berries to lure her out with, I'm pretty sure she would've stayed in that shell until it started crumbling away." Echo shyly rubbed the back of her neck, a guilty smile on her face.

Noticing the obvious interest in Elise's eyes as she stepped towards the Dedenne, Elliot looked down at her. "If she wanted to hold you she could, right Joule?" he asked, the Dedenne turning to him and giving a nod. She then turned back to Elise, smiling patiently. She was larger than most of her species, but being older than most as well this wasn't really much of a surprise. And even then, she was probably smaller than your average Pikachu.

All the while, Murex started slowly shuffling over to the stage. Once she got there she pushed herself off of the ground, "standing" on the prongs of her shell so she could better reach it. It took a little bit of wiggling and wobbling, but soon she was able to grab onto the lip of the stage with her tongue. She pulled herself up to check out the Pokemon preparing to perform there, prying open her shell to watch them up close. Granted, if any of them came near her she'd bashfully lower her shell again. But how could she pass up this chance to go people watching?

[Elise Bell]

A softer giggle escaped from Elise thereafter as she bent down and reached to pat the Dedenne. Hearing the story of how she’d assisted in hatching the Ralts in one form or another had Elise beaming. How cute. So very, very cute! “You’re so helpful! Yes you are… yes you areeee….” Elise beamed. At the assurance that she could hold her, Elise slowly reached forward and gently picked up the mouse Pokemon. Oh gosh. She was much bigger than Aumia but just as soft and warm and good and pure and AAAAAEEEEEEEEE.

As Murex pulled herself up to watch, she would see a beautiful sight! Shimmer had released another Pollen Puff, but this time they were thrown upwards in bright spectacle and then shot upwards even higher by a Psybeam from Spotlight and another Psybeam from Sans. Exploding into some make-shift fireworks, they came to the end of their immediate performance. Right after, they started talking quickly amongst themselves each applauding the work of the other but also giving advice. It was Serenity the Sylveon this time who would notice Murex. Skipping over and staring down at the shellfish, she raised a ribbon and pat her gently.

[Elliot Sunderland]

Elliot was trying so, so hard not to audibly awww as Elise fawned over Joule. However, her gushing also brought a lot of warmth and even a touch of nostalgia to Elliot's smile. "She really is, isn't she?" he asked, a bit of a blush dusting the Dedenne's grey-speckled fur. "Arceus, how long has it been since I've even been on the road? Has to have been less than a week at this point, right? So there's still a lot I'm trying to figure out. But Joule's been essential for helping me figure out what I'm doing along the way. I'm so lucky she agreed to come along with us."

Joule rolled her eyes, turning to Elliot and chattering towards him almost sarcastically. Echo, picking up the emotion she was sending out, perked up and responded with a few humming sounds of her own. Elliot couldn't help but laugh, especially as Echo tugged on her hoodie to make her point more clear. "I know, I know, I've been helping in my own way, too," he said. "But, c'mon, that's cooking and sewing and stuff, y'know? Team support. I don't even know if I'd be off Route 1 by now if it wasn't for you guys." They both stared, Echo putting her hands on her hips for emphasis. How could Elliot not find himself laughing a little at that? "Okay, okay, I get it. We make a pretty good team," he admitted, having a hard time not smiling at their insistence.

As all this went on, Murex watched the fireworks with awe in her beady eyes. She couldn't actually react in any way; her tongue was clinging to the wall, for crying out loud! Yet she still let out muffled noises of appreciation as she watched the big purple explosion. Those muffled noises apparently attracted someone's attention, because the Sylveon of the group had bounded over to check on her. At the pats Murex prepared to hide under her shell like usual, but with her tongue already lolled out like this she couldn't exactly do that. Instead, she accepted the pats, looking up at the Sylveon curiously.

Elliot, too, had found his attention stolen by the puffy fireworks. He glanced upwards to watch then, then looked back at Elise with excitement in his eyes. "Okay, that? That was a showstopper!" he said, his voice plainly and obviously impressed. "Oh! One second, please." He quickly darted away to help Murex onto the stage, the poor Shellder sighing in relief now that she was no longer clinging on for dear life. He gave the Shellder a few gentle pets on the shell, then headed back over to Elise. "And that's Murex. She's really shy, but loves people watching. Give her time, though, and she'll usually warm up to you pretty quickly. You wouldn't believe how we met her, either."

[Elise Bell]

“Huh?” Elise looked up to Elliot again as he spoke -er reminisced perhaps? Er? Could you say that when you’d only been on the road a wee? Either way, Elise listened. Purple eyes dropped down to the little mouse again, and a softer smile came to Elise’s features as she pet the Dedenne. “That’s wonderful….” For someone who had presumably only had his Pomkemon a week or so, he was really in synch with them huh? That was great.

Her eyes flicked back to her own Pokemon wherein the last act had finished. “Nice work, guys!” she called before looking back to Elliot again. “We’re getting there…” she nodded only to pause and blink as he asked for a second. “Huh?”

Serenity smiled down at the Shellder. She might have done more to help the Pokemon had not a cry caught her attention right before. Looking back and seeing Sans waving at her, the Sylveon giggled and skipped back over to him reayd to chat up as she pleased.

“Oh… hehe…” Elise smiled back down at the Dedenne again. “Let’s go see them…” And with that, she walked with the small mouse over to the makeshift stage again. “How’d you meet?” she asked following up on the clearly posed statement. Her eyes flicked forward again to her own Pokemon. “Take a break guys! Thanks for working so hard!” she beamed.

The Ribombee twirled about and buzzed one way and then the next before finally settling down atop the head of the Mr. Mime. The Hattrem sighed and shifted away looking for somewhere quiet to hole up. The Sylveon, meanwhile, was quick to walk over to her trainer and raise up a tendril to clasp her hand. Elise smiled and held it back.

[Elliot Sunderland]

"Yeah, you guys did great!" Elliot added. Even if this was just a rehearsal, a few practiced moves on a makeshift stage, it was still the most up close and personal look at Pokemon Contests he had ever seen. A few days ago, the Pokemon Rider who saved him from near-disaster had asked him if he was the type to participate in these. Having been wowed by today, the thought surfaced back into his head.

Maybe at the Spring Fling, he'd make up his mind.

At mention of the Shellder's meeting, Echo hopped on stage and puffed her chest up proudly. "She was doing some people watching," Elliot started. "Took interest in our group. Echo was quick to go and befriend her, and the two actually got along really well. They were both pretty shy, but I think that was a good point of bonding for them. Let them open up to each other at a nice, easy pace, you know?

Anyway, once they were getting acquainted, they started playing catch with each other. And, well . . . Echo kinda missed. With the Poke Ball they were playing catch with." Yes. The Ralts had caught a Pokemon. By complete accident. "Honestly? Might've been the funniest thing I've seen on my journey so far. But, hey, at least the two've become fast friends."

Joule looked up Elise's grip, smiling warmly towards the Pokemon that all headed over to join her. She chittered happily at them, occasionally using hand motions that vaguely corresponded to the techniques used by the performers. Was she giving input onto the routines they were performing? Murex simply remained where she sat, watching the group socialize somewhat self-consciously. Noticing the center of the makeshift stage was now empty, she slowly yet surely started wobbling over to the vacated spot.

As all this went on, Echo hopped off of Elliot's head and moved over towards where the Hattrem had retreated. Being a little bit on the timid side, she was happy to leave the hustle and bustle on stage behind in time to meet a kindred spirit. She waved towards the fellow psychic-type, letting out a happy sounding cry as she toddled over to her.

[Elise Bell]

A soft giggle escaped from Elise as she listened to Elliot’s tale. “That’s one way to do it,” she answered softly shaking her head right after. Looking down at the Sylveon whose ribbon clasped her own, Elise smiled.

“Sere here was a gift from my mom. I got her as an egg and had no idea what she would be!” she explained smiling warmly. “I got Shimmer over there from the lab as my starter.” The Ribombee who had turned her attention down to the Dedenne talking to her and Mr. Mime looked up again and gave a wave. “I caught Sans during the recent Mime swarm.”

Huh, where did Spotlight go off to? Elise’s eyes flashed about but couldn’t see her immediately. Shaking her head, she looked back towards Elliot again. “So what are you training to be?” she asked. He kinda looked like he could challenge a gym or two or maybe even be a breeder depending.

Spotlight had found a place to hide and was personally offended that someone had come looking for her. Staring at the happy Ralts, she huffed softly and folded both arms. Couldn’t you see here she was trying to get some peace and quiet?

[Elliot Sunderland]

Elliot returned the warm smile at the mention of Elise's Pokemon. However, there was a tinge of sadness settled behind it. "It's so awesome that you had that kind of support heading into your journey," Elliot said, voice softening a little. "I know it can be kinda scary for some people, seeing someone they love going on a journey like that. So its really awesome she went out of her way to give you a little reminder of home, you know?" Best not to get too bogged down in sad things like that. There were way more amusing things to think about, anyway. Like a swarm of Mr. Mimes! That sounded hilarious!

Yeah, that helped do the trick.

At mention of what he was training for, Elliot hummed. "Honestly? I don't even know yet," he said, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "I didn't really have a goal heading into all of this. I guess I just . . ." He looked around, finding it a little difficult to look Elise in the eye while dancing around the truth like this. What was he supposed to say? That he ran away from home on a whim and now had no idea what he was doing? That he had committed to a journey before even considering what he might stand to gain or lose as a result? "Needed a change of scenery, you know? So I guess right now, I'm still shopping around for ideas.

How about you? I know you've got the whole contest thing going on-" And the idol thing. But Elliot figured it'd be better to wait for Elise to prompt it instead of bring it up out of nowhere. Better safe than sorry, right? "But what made you want to start your journey? And how long've you been at it for?"

All the while, Echo looked up at Spotlight. Taking on the exact wrong lesson from this, she folded her arms and tried to match Spotlight's huff. It lasted for about five seconds before she was all smiles again, giggling softly. She just couldn't keep up with that face, no matter how hard she tried to mimic it! But at least she wasn't making too much noise. She tilted her head curiously, as if trying to figure out just what the other Psychic type's deal was.