Being a Coordinator is often seen as the inferior choice to being a Gym Challenger. Indeed, not all regions even sanction the events. But it's difficult to gauge just how taxing it can be until you do it, yourself. Countless eyes on your every move under the spotlight, hours of training your moves for maximum impact, all while also balancing that with the same amount of battling aptitude for the Battle Stage? It's a lot of work, especially without the effectively unlimited chances the Gyms provide.

So a pair of friendly rivals are taking a brief moment of rest at a local cafe, treating themselves and their Pokemon to a well-deserved treat. Mac with his Lilligant, Daisy Chain, and Reuben with his Grimer, Olive. For this moment, they don't worry about the results of the previous Contest, and only focus on enjoying the company of a good friend who truly understands the effort they both put into this underrated pasttime.

This was a commission from my friend Snope, of our Pokemon Characters (Mac being his, Reuben being mine) in a wholesome scene. It was so much fun!