[ it's not that! in fact, he thinks her floating mermaid ghost-ness is quite interesting. he just likes his personal space, and while this young lady seems nice, he'd like to keep an amicable distance.

but... well. if she's not here to battle, then he won't force her. ]

I see. [ he sighs, but it's not without a small smile. ] Well, we don't have to battle if you don't want to. But at the very least, I'd like to see the Pokémon you've partnered with.