Skyla's first impression of Xia You was a very good one.
He was tall and handsome, with tasteful clothes. Most importantly, his eyes were bright; one look told her he was someone with substance, not a sinister sort. Above all, he gave off a gentle, refined air. Simply being around him put people at ease.
After discreetly looking Xia You over a few times, Skyla walked up to him.
"You're certainly early. My Gym doesn't open until nine. And how did you get past the staff? Oh, never mind. Since you're here, we might as well battle. You're really lucky, though. I was just about to go flying. I'd only just finished getting my equipment ready when you arrived. A few minutes later, and you wouldn't have seen me for another two hours."
"Then I really am lucky."
Xia You hadn't yet noticed anything amiss in Skyla's words, nor had he seen the staff she mentioned. He merely nodded slightly and, once Skyla drew near, likewise looked the girl over at close range.
Compared to before, she was even prettier this close up. Her features were delicate, the sort that rewarded a longer look. There was also a hint of playful cuteness about her, along with plenty of vitality and health.
"My name's Skyla," she said first. "As you can see, I'm the Gym Leader here. Judging by your accent just now, you don't seem to be from the Unova Region."
Xia You shook his head and answered with a double meaning. "I'm indeed not from the Unova Region. Strictly speaking... I'm not really from anywhere. Of course, if I had to name somewhere I belong, I suppose I'd count as someone from the Kalos Region."
A challenger from the Kalos Region?
Hearing that name surprised Skyla a little and