[The pleased expression on her face coupled with that melodic giggle is usually all it takes to unleash butterflies in his stomach. Had he the opportunity he would have told her that she was a sight for sore eyes but if they were going to get out of this unscathed then it was going to have to come later.] Don't worry, Serenity, I'll protect you!

[How he would manage that was anybody's guess at this point. Sure, he called out to his unfortunately-yet-unnamed pokémon, but he had zero clue if it would understand him or leap to action. The only backup plan he could fall back on was his fists, and he had a bad feeling the offending monster likely came with a wicked set of teeth.]

[Not one to be honest about his skill level when it came to trying to impress his best friend's sister... Tristan continued to feign his proficiency. That exuberant cheer made it all worth it] Well, you know how it is.. I always like to be prepared for anything. [What is he, a boy scout?]

I guess I did, didn't I? [Grinning from ear to ear as he cupped his chin and nodded approvingly. The chimchar, to it's credit, didn't immediately try to light his trainer on fire with it's tail. It dutifully scurried back over to Tristan's side after the battle ended.] .. but wow! What are the odds that we'd both end up here at the same place and the same time, huh? It's almost like it was meant to be. [That as bold as he dared to be, forever leaving his emotions a tad ambiguous.]