Chapter Text
Corbeau had always enjoyed a good puzzle. Whether it be jigsaw, a word game, or even a nice sudoku to do before bed, he would often find himself engaging with such frivolities. Of course, that meant it was only natural when a living, breathing puzzle landed directly in his lap, he had to try figuring it out.
Even from when he'd first encountered the stranger, during an otherwise uneventful night of competing in the Royale, and he'd received quite a battle from the well-dressed man. It was obvious that he was holding back; the light in his eyes just hadn't quite reached his brilliant smile. In addition, he left with a few short, curt words in a thick accent after winning, as though troubled by something, and yet, that smile stayed in its place.
How odd.
And then later, when they'd met again, when the mystery man had simply waltzed into the Rust Syndicate's base, gazing at the scenery like a tourist, and had challenged him to a battle again, unannounced. Corbeau wouldn't deny the spark of annoyance he'd felt, but the intrigue… It was not common for them to get visitors that did not want something more nefarious or less than legal from him. All this man wanted was a battle in a city designed for its inhabitants to battle? And he'd come all the way here to seek it out?
Corbeau found himself agreeing before he thought too hard about it which, in hind sight, might not have been the best idea. He'd cleared the room. If anything went wrong, he was the most likely one who would be able to handle the situation. If that little taste he’d gotten the night before meant anything, this might be a battle for him to remember. “This will be a test battle,” he'd told the stranger. “I merely want to see if you are worthy.”
He'd bobbed his head, his easy smile widening into a true one, his hands already quivering with excitement. A small yellow creature popped out of his collar and sat on his shoulder, observing the match. Corbeau paid it no mind.
He'd cracked his neck and sent in his beloved Arbok. “Let's see what you can do.” He could feel that smirk creeping up his face like it did anytime he battled, but he schooled his features. This was merely professional. This was a test.
And yet, the first piece of this new puzzle fell into place as the stranger's eyes lit up, his grin widening, a small, “Oh!” escaping him. He pointed directly at Corbeau, his other hand gripping the brim of his white hat, shading his eyes. “You look serious. That's good! Because if a battle is not serious, it is not fun.” The eel pokemon he'd used last night floated in the air in front of him, giving a soft snarl as it sized up Arbok.
“Enough chitchat. Are we doing this or not?” And so, the battle had begun.
And what a battle it was. Not only had the mystery man put up a real fight, he was winning. And oh, Corbeau just couldn't take it. Had he finally found an equal? Somebody he could truly go all-out with? Something was different about this battle than the ones in the Royale… perhaps it was the fact that there was less riding on this battle than the Royale ones, perhaps it was that they were clearly more closely matched, but whatever it was…
It was fun. He was having fun.
His face lifted into a maniacal grin as he'd barked, “That's enough of the test. You're plenty strong.” He flicked his wrist, summoning his dear Overqwil to the battle, who had roared in anticipation. It wasn't often he got to use anybody other than Arbok. But no, he didn't recall Arbok, not at all. If this stranger was as good as he hoped, he'd surely be able to take him in a doubles battle. He pushed up his glasses, unable to get rid of his wicked grin. “Why don't we battle f'real, huh? Whaddaya say?” Damn it, he wasn't able to hold back anymore. It was good that he cleared the room.
It seemed that the mysterious figure noticed, as his silver eyes widened to comical proportions and his grin, even more so, it was maniacal, he quivered, he was so taut like he might just snap all at once, and then the second piece had been gifted, “Full speed ahead!” He sent out a Durant.
Corbeau wouldn't think much of that odd phrase until later, not until long, long after the first battle was over. Corbeau didn't care who won, instead exhilarated by the fact that this stranger was matching him. He was able to double battle, and not only that, but he could do it well. Corbeau could truly go all-out. Where had he trained in this style? It wasn't the most common way to battle, even here in battle-crazed Lumiose, where most Trainers would only use one pokemon at a time. Oh, but that didn't matter, now did it? Overqwil had just taken an X-scissor to the face. He retaliated with a solid Poison Jab-
That night, laying in his bed, his serpentine partner curled up on the other side atop the blankets, sleeping soundly, he'd stared up at the ceiling, one arm under his head as he contemplated the newest member of the Rust Syndicate.
Mr. Emmet Gray. What an intriguing man.