3:49 p.m. November 3rd, Tuesday, 106 PH (Post Hoopa Event). Day 147.

  Events: Rhea and the girls are on a Badge Hunt, trying to get all the Kanto Encrusted Badges before time runs out! Our girl started her journey on the 9th of June, and the end of registration for the Winter Indigo Cup is December 5th (31 days away).

  Lori watched the screen overhead as Rhea’s battle came to its conclusion, her heart pounding not just for Rhea, but for herself. The cold bench of the locker room made her shiver, despite it being a Fire Gym, the faint hum of the stadium filtering through the thick walls.

  The air was heavy with tension and anticipation, the scent of sweat and damp tile blending into the muted environment. Amira had already left, her calm demeanor not betraying the stress Lori was sure she felt. She’d had a suspicion that the redhead was bottling things up, but poking the Rocket girl would only get her to shut down. Plus, she had her own battle to worry about.

  Lori clenched her fists, her knuckles white against her pale skin. She could feel her Pokémon following the battle as closely as she was. Terri was practically glued to one of the screens, showing Lulu’s dramatic battle.

  No way! Rhea’s so Mukin’ hot. I mean, literally! Are you seeing this? Roxie was bouncing around in her Poké Ball, barking up a storm to have her shot. Yeah, Ghostly Terrain? Shauntel would be flipping the Muk out right now. I’m getting shivers!

  Zyra responded with a determined nudge, the bond between them pulsing with a shared sense of excitement. We gotta represent, too! How? The Muk I know, but we can do it! And…then I see Rhea literally glowing with an aura of fire around her. Girl’s always stepping up her game! Wow… But we’re a team. We’re not a solo act. Am I right?

  Lori could feel her Pokémon’s readiness, but beneath it, a lingering tension. We’ve got to be smart, no mistakes, like Lil’ Red always says, she counseled, more to herself than her Pokémon while watching Geeta ascend from another replay. The commentators were going crazy. Viewership is practically at the levels of the finals of the Silver Cup! This is insane…

  The pressure of her past losses creeping in, Miky’s absence still leaving a hollow ache within her soul that brought her arm up to her chest. We’re climbing higher. Hah! What do you think the kids back at school would tell the ‘Toxic Torchic’ if she said she’d be shooting for Gold-tier her first session?

  Her smile became forced as needles crawled up her back, referencing the name the middle school girls would call her when they thought she wasn’t listening. We can do it. Hah! And I can feel you clawing to go, Roxie. Yeah, I don’t mind letting you lead… Gabs would be eaten alive by that heat anyway, and he had his time to shine in Vermilion. Yeah, Blaine will totally expect a Water pick.

  Her violet eyes snapped to Rhea as the blonde entered the locker room, a little flushed from her battle but smiling. Lori forced herself to relax her hands, her muscles stiff from sitting still for so long.

  “Rhea,” Lori called out, her lower-than-usual tone betraying the nerves she tried to hide from their rockstar of a performance. “Those were some Mukin’ sick plays out there! Ghostly Terrain? Girl, you’re something else. Here,” she said, tossing her a towel.

  The other women around the room mumbled and nodded to one another, offering their own words of amazement at Lulu and Nova’s performance.

  Rhea caught it and toweled off sweat from her forehead and armpits before glancing around the locker room. “Thanks,” she returned to some of the other Silver-tier girls and lingering Bronze-tier who were looking at the blonde like she was the sun itself. “We just try our best…”

  Defending herself from their questions, Lori glanced at the monitor, a frown tightening her lips as Amira took the stage. She’s wearing her shades… Wow. She hasn’t done that for battles in a while. I guess even she gets nervous when a Mukin’ Champion shows up to throw a curveball at us.

  Her focus returned to Rhea as the blonde sank into the seat beside her with a grunt, closing her pearly eyes and taking deep breaths to steady herself.

  “How bad’s the kickback?” Lori mumbled, trying to keep her voice down from the other women. Most of them were too focused on highlights and commentary, though. “You seriously went all out. I’m kind of worried here.”

  Rhea’s smile returned as Terri jumped down from the TV area to hop onto the Kanto girl’s lap, making the blonde smile return. Stroking the Kubfu’s head, she swallowed, and Lori realized she had a somewhat scratchy throat.

  “I’ll feel it hard a bit later… Probably be down until the funeral tomorrow. Umm. Hey, so, there’s something you should know.”

  Plucking at her lilac dress while crossing her legs, she shifted her posture to face the blonde. “Fire away. We’re in the perfect Gym for it,” she added with a grin, partially paying attention to the screens for when Amira’s battle started.

  Rhea’s voice lowered and she unfolded what Geeta and Blaine had insinuated about the United League regarding their rapid growth and Legendary Pokémon. It didn’t take long, but it left a lot of questions in Lori’s mind while observing her cross-armed Kubfu.

  Once the Kanto girl finished, she sank against the wall, the quiet murmurs of the other women in the locker room fading into the background. The thrum of excitement still buzzed in the air, but Lori’s thoughts were more tangled now, a knot of nerves tightening in her gut as she picked apart Rhea’s words.

  If everything you’re saying is true, Rhea, Lori internally whispered to her Pokémon, then it goes far deeper than what you’re painting. Of course, a cute, innocent mind like yours wouldn’t go there…but I bet our Ruby Queen’s did.

  Melon yawned and fell asleep, the Galarian Slowpoke rolling over in his Poké Ball and basically going comatose as her brain overloaded.

  The whole explanation about Legendary and Mythical Pokémon was the least of the concerns playing on a loop in her mind; that was just an internal argument on trust and safety policies: not all that interesting to her. No, it was the picture beneath that which sparked her paranoid brain to action.

  “Well? Oh! Look,” Rhea whispered, worry crossing her face as Amira sent out Mariah first. The graceful singer used the notes of her own voice to carry her into the arena in a stunning display of control and unique abilities. “I’m just saying… I know it’s scary sending them out for a real battle, and one with this high of stakes…but I feel like we have to.”

  “Oh, you adorable little ball of sunshine,” Lori softly giggled, scooting forward to wrap her nervous friend into a tight hug. “You don’t need to worry about Terri and me. Right, fluff butt?”

  “Kub! Fu-fu-fu!”

  Lori’s laugh devolved into a snicker when her Legendary hopped over to begin lightly punching her belly. “I get what you’re saying. I’m with you!”

  Rhea’s tight lips eased when Lori let go, allowing her to breathe out what sounded to be a stressful sigh of relief before her signature blinding smile returned. “I get I’m a little dense in the head sometimes. I still feel like that forest-living nobody that knows nothing sometimes, but Amira and you really do make me feel like I’m…doing good.”

  “ ‘Cause you are, dummy,” she said in return, flicking her thick ponytail behind her back and fixing her outfit a bit. “We’re hitting the home stretch. We’ll make sure to show everyone a great show and Ms. I’m Too Cool For Fire up there,” she said, motioning to the screen as Amira was shown from various angles, “is probably right. I’ll be last to clean things up. It makes sense based on entertainment logic. I learned a lot from Len’s mom. Elesa is the queen of presentation, after all.”

  “She really is.” Rhea fidgeted with her feet and looked away for a second, spotting all the crowds of women fawning over Mariah before saying, “Also…Amira wants to take a boat straight to Viridian after the funeral. That’s okay, right?”

  “Daww! Look at you, all worried about my feelings,” Lori mused, playfully hitting the blonde’s shoulder. “I bet that’s something our little Red needs, so I’m all for it. Now, you should get to the Center.”

  Glowing like honey in mid-day, Rhea nodded, almost looking as if she’d found an extra battery by the chime in her voice. “Great! I can’t wait to see Lyra again, and…I bet Giovanni will want to treat us if Amira’s back in his city.”

  “Oh, the tragedy!” Lori grinned in return. “Whatever will I do, eating five-star meals, going to some play or opera, most likely, and being catered to by Lyra’s super-attentive Wigglytuff? The horror!”

  Rhea giggled and scooted in to hug her again before bouncing away. “I’ll text your mom and little sis to join us!”

  “Ack!” Coughing and trying not to choke on the saliva that abruptly dropped down her windpipe, Lori called after the troublesome blonde. “Don’t you dare, Honeypot! I’ll message her—them!”

  “Not if I get to them first!” Rhea sang with an evil laugh that somehow suited the blonde. “Let the war begin!”

  “Oh, it’s on! Don’t think I don’t have your family’s numbers!” Lori shot back as the door closed and she saw quite a few glowing and giggling women around the locker room. “Mukin’ blondes…”

  Terri snickered, transferring from Rhea’s lap to hers, as Lori settled down and passively watched Amira’s intense battle rage on. Mariah was doing shockingly well, considering her uber-shy personality…which likely meant Amira was doing a lot worse than she initially thought.

  Life is always crazy with these girls, she affectionately mumbled to her Pokémon. And I thought I was the troubled kid, but maybe that’s just normal for teen girls… Rhea Mukin’ went on hunger strikes to protest her mom being away! That’s crazy… Yeah, maybe I’m not the screw-up and ugly duck I think I am… Rhea and Amira love me…probably more than I love myself. Sad.

  “Oof!” Terri’s decisive punch to her belly made her wince, a pained chuckle following as she pinched the pouty Legendary’s cheeks. Her other Pokémon were cheering their bratty teammate on. “You little Mankey!”

  “Kubfu,” she boldly declared, not even flinching while glaring up at her.

  Yeah, I know I’m hard on myself…but all of that with Rhea. Hmm…

  She sat back and drew into her thoughts with her Pokémon. They all knew the power Legendary and Mythical Pokémon wielded, the responsibility that came with them, but to have it pointed out so bluntly, and from someone as connected as Geeta? The implications were…unsettling on a world scale.

  So…we were chosen to be on Rhea’s team because of who we are? Our families set it up, Lori thought to herself, her eyes drifting to the screen showing Amira’s battle. It was starting to make a lot more sense now—the eyes constantly on them and the media coverage. We figured our family had a hand in putting us together. It’s not just because we’d mesh well together… This has been in the works for a while… A long while.

  Terri shifted in her lap, and Lori absently stroked the Kubfu’s head as she settled down, her fingers brushing against her soft fur. Her deep-pink eyes were closed, seemingly at peace, but Lori could feel the tension running beneath the surface, just like her own. The Legendary was trying to cool down her Victini Core, focusing on her training with Dawn and Ash’s Pokémon.

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  There’s a power struggle happening behind the scenes, Lori whispered through their bond. We may not be a core part of it, but our progression is playing a role. The Ultra Wormholes will open back up at some point, and Rainbow Rocket will return. Rhea’s family is deeply seeded in that world…and the United League knows it.

  Eyes narrowing, Lori let the shiver leave her while adjusting her posture on the bench, watching Mariah show off her potent and unique fighting style.

  It makes me think this is a Mukin’ conspiracy! For real, she mumbled to Gables, laying out her thoughts. The scary part is that…I’ve been questioning if I belong by Rhea’s side with how awesome, pure, and hopeful she is…but this was never random. It’s as if this path was paved for us for a reason behind closed doors… By our families.

  Her heartbeat quickened, feeling her Pokémon settle down and listen intently as she connected the dots. Paldea joining the United Leagues is a balance changer. Geeta and her league will shift opinions…which is why I bet she invited Rhea to come to her region so her league could get a better feel for us. It’s so much deeper, though. Rhea is a super weapon…who is supposed to belong to Rainbow Rocket.

  Roxie’s internal bark in protest hummed along their link, making Lori sigh.

  I’m not saying she is… I’m saying Rainbow Rocket believes that, and there’s a reason her mother has been so overprotective. There has to be a deeper reason. Her giving us all of you—once-in-a-millennium Pokémon—genetically enhanced to perfection… It’s for more than protecting her daughter, I’m starting to think.

  She gulped and glanced down at Terri, still trying to balance her Aura with hers. Giving us Legendaries and Mythicals isn’t just some cool thing her mother is doing. Something tells me she has a far grander plan and this has been in the works since… Well, probably since Rhea was born and her dad flipped sides.

  The paranoia began to fester, making her tighten up and huddle in a tad. It’s possible he became a triple agent, which isn’t something I want to think about. It’s not! It’s just…naturally, my mind goes there. Why not? But…let’s just shelve that for now with how uncomfortable that is.

  Refocusing, she held Terri tighter against her stomach. Christie definitely has trust issues, like Amira and I do… Cynthia is one of the most influential figures in the whole world. And the fact Ash came along to help Rhea with her Aura? That was something decided at a much higher level than we’d probably like to admit. There’s a war of two futures being fought…and we’re a part of it.

  Zyra and Gables were currently trying to explain what she meant wasn’t negative to Roxie, the girl mostly seeing the world in black and white. She leaned back further against the wall, feeling it press against her burned back, using it to keep herself from going down a darker Buneary hole.

  Her gaze returned to the screens. The bright lights and fire of the stadium clashed with the dark thoughts swirling in her mind. It’s not just me that probably has these kinds of thoughts… Amira should, too. Then again, she’s struggling with a lot of other things, so maybe it will take longer for her to let them sink in.

  She thought about her family: her father, mother, sister, all of them deeply entrenched in the Elite 4 of different regions. They were always respected, always influential.

  And then there were the connections to Dark and Ghost-type Grandmasters and High Masters: Agatha, Sidney, Phoebe, Acerola.

  Her family had friendships and bonds with some of the most powerful figures in the Pokémon world, and their influence extended even further, weaving into the Gym Leaders, and even the criminal underworld.

  Her thoughts flicked to the Rockets. Amira’s family alone could run a nation with the kind of financial power they hold, and let’s not forget Lyra: she’s a part of the Kanto Legends, they’re like blood to her. The amount of raw power she can summon at a moment’s notice could shake the whole world.

  Lori’s head tilted back against the wall, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. The pieces were starting to come together, a puzzle she hadn’t even realized she was putting together until now.

  It’s all connected—Rhea’s family, our families, the United League’s interest, and Rainbow Rocket. Her narrowed eyes opened. Lulu. It’s no coincidence a Legendary, feared for its power to open Ultra Wormholes, was given to Rhea. Our Pokémon weren’t chosen at random by Christie, not even close.

  Her gaze lifted to Mariah as the songstress Mythical was finally knocked unconscious by Paldea’s flaming bull Pokémon, but she couldn’t even give that the attention it warranted. Melon was now turning over in her Poké Ball asking the others what they were doing as Roxie’s brain overloaded, too, likely saying she had no idea.

  This is designed. Mom, Dad, did you join this giant coalition with Rocket and Rhea’s family…to find a cure for me, or is this for something bigger?

  She clenched her fists again, the weight of it all pressing down on her chest. We’re in the middle of a colossal game, played on a world scale. What the Muk do our parents know about this that we’ve been kept in the dark on?

  Terri stirred in her lap, sensing the turmoil bubbling under the surface. Her stabilizing Aura helped to ground her, even if it didn’t offer all the answers.

  We’ll figure it out, she assured herself. Maybe it would be good to ambush Mom about it when we go to Viridian. One step at a time. Maybe it’s all some elaborate scheme, maybe it’s something bigger than us…or maybe I’m just a Mukin’ cracked Exeggcute, but that’s not gonna stop us from doing our Mukin’ best here and now!

  A soft exhale escaped her lips as she pulled herself out of the spiraling thoughts. Terri nuzzled into her stomach, being supportive and cute now. Lori gave her a gentle scratch behind the ears, trying to calm her racing heart. Holding her loyal bonded friends was therapeutic.

  Still…this doesn’t feel like just a coincidence.

  Her gaze flicked to the screen, where Amira’s battle was concluding, and Amber was stealing the show with her moves. It was then she realized Gables was trying to micromanage the team, the brewing storm in her, and watch his foxy crush kick bull tail on the big screen.

  Giving her frog an apologetic chuckle, she shook her head. Sorry, Gabs! I know this is a big deal for her. Let’s cheer her on.

  Her Frogadier jumped out of his Poké Ball and jumped in front of one of the screens, looking less ‘cool’ than his typical self as he watched his girl get chased around by a wild bull. The other women in the locker room giggled at his tight muscles but they had no clue.

  Yeah…we really need to get you two in a Double Battle, Gabs. You two would have the best date… If you won! He shot a glare back at her for half a second which made her snicker. Of course, you’d win! Of course, you would. Just playing…

  Melon exited her capsule to sit down beside Gables, Roxie doing the same, studying the field intently. On the other hand, Terri remained in her lap, meditating, and Zyra settled in for a nap; she’d been doing some late-night training recently.

  The arena screen flared to life, showing Amira’s Braixen dancing around the Flaming Bull Pokémon. Amber’s control over her flames had always been impressive, but now, as the battle wore on, Lori could see how carefully Amira had helped her orchestrate every strategic move, from blinding him with flames to leading him into traps. Lori’s heart pounded as the tension in the battle reached its climax.

  Damn, Amber! Look at your girl finesse, Gabs!

  Her Rockruff barked in excitement in front of the screen, making Lori and a few of the nearby women smile. You see that, bro? She’s not flicking that tail or wand for him, my man!

  Gables gulped, big eyes watching every flair his foxy girl made or wink she subtly made at the screen. It wasn’t even a contest; the girl had hooded her Frogadier, hook, line, and sinker.

  With a final, graceful twirl, Amber delivered the finishing blow—a potent blast of Psychic Energy engulfed the bull Pokémon after a well-timed Hypnosis, bringing the battle to a decisive end.

  The crowd erupted in cheers, and Lori couldn’t help but join in with her own loud applause, spooking a few of the women in the locker room. Roxie barked enthusiastically again, and even Melon slow-clapped from beside the bouncing puppy.

  Meanwhile, Gables, as smug as ever, flicked his nose with a finger and glanced away, as if saying, ‘I knew she’d win the whole time.’ Of course, Lori had noticed him practically glued to the screen moments earlier, ready to leap out and Power-Up Punch the bull’s horns in, every time they got close to his girl’s flaming tail.

  Checking his bubbly scarf, Gables hopped off his perch and struck a pose, clearly pleased with the end results and wanting to look good for her victory march after Amber’s performance. The women in the locker room couldn’t resist giggling at his antics, even though they were likely clueless about the Frogadier’s reasons to be so puffed up: his girl was a firecracker.

  Blaine’s voice echoed through the speakers, offering parting remarks to Amira, though some were said in private. Lori’s eyes narrowed, curious about what was being said but not too concerned.

  As Amira exited the field and entered the locker room, she received praise for Mariah’s stunning performance and Amber’s elegance. Lori watched the redhead approach with measured steps. Amber, ever the proud lady she was, strutted behind her Trainer, basking in the admiration of the surrounding women. The shiny Braixen soon left her Trainer’s side, and it was clear she wanted to remain the center of attention to give Amira a break.

  Gables suavely stepped forward to fulfill that demand, moving to greet Amber, a confident smirk on his face that immediately drew the interested flock of women. It wasn’t long until they were gushing at their interaction, Amber’s proud posture only enhancing the spectacle. The fox playfully twirled her wand behind her back as Gables recounted his favorite moments from her match, adding dramatic flair with his froggy gestures.

  Lori shook her head, unable to suppress a grin. I swear, those two… They’re gonna end up running their own show one day.

  With the attention of the locker room focused on their Pokémon, Amira finally reached her, the redhead’s usually perfect composure slipping for a moment as she dropped into the seat Rhea had occupied before. Lori could see the slight tremor in her legs, the weariness clinging to her like a shadow. Amira took deep, controlled breaths, trying to regain her composure.

  “You good?” Lori asked, her voice softer than usual, noting the sweat glistening on Amira’s forehead. Without hesitation, she handed her a towel.

  Amira accepted it only half hiding her fatigue while wiping her brow, the elegant facade cracking just slightly as a small, relieved smile crept onto her lips. “Your antics always make me smile, Lori,” she said, her voice tinged with exhaustion upon observing the frog court the fox. “How are you holding up?”

  Lori grinned, raising her hand to Terri, who had been sitting patiently in her lap the whole time, settled down. “We’re ready. Terri’s been hyped all morning and now she’s got a real chance to shine. We’ll be fine.” The Kubfu leaped up to high-five Lori’s hand with a determined spark. Lori winked, leaning close to rub shoulders and adding, “We’ll keep our other pick a secret, though.”

  Amira chuckled; the sound was softer than usual. She brushed a few strands of red hair from her face and nodded, her exhaustion starting to show more openly now that the adrenaline had worn off. “You always know how to keep things interesting, so I’m looking forward to watching it.”

  Lori leaned back, resting her hands on her thighs. “I’m serious though, Amira. I know you’ve got a lot going on, but that was some next-level stuff. It’s not all Gabs hyping up his fire-tailed lady. Mariah’s song at the end there? You had everyone spellbound.” Her voice lowered as she glanced at Amber and Gables, who were now engaging in what could only be described as a Pokémon-style flirtation. “Plus, I think Gables is getting a bit more than a crush recently.”

  Amira smiled, the pride in her Pokémon breaking through the exhaustion. “Well, Gables isn’t alone then.”

  As Amber waved her wand with a flourish, the surrounding Trainers marveled at the shiny fox’s grace. Lori chuckled again, shaking her head at the frog’s attempts to impress her by how big he could blow up his neck.

  He’ll probably never live this down. Oh, I should record it! Yes! Here we go…

  She pulled out her phone to record and nudged the redhead next to her, whispering, “Go chill at the Center with Rhea. Gabs will keep your foxy lady busy.”

  Amira gave her a thankful nudge back before standing with a grunt—uncharacteristic for someone of her usual grace. Lori watched as she headed toward the door, somehow managing to keep herself poised through sheer willpower. Naturally, Amber stayed behind with Gables, who seemed utterly captivated by her playful tail flicks and now taking him through the motions on how to twirl her stick.

  Once Amira was gone, Lori leaned back and closed her eyes. The sounds of the locker room dimmed, and she mentally began preparing for her own battle. As her thoughts turned to Roxie, she felt something strange and new—an almost primal pulse from their bond.

  It didn’t take long for her to open her eyes and stare at the puppy in front of her, pink eyes burning for action and tail wagging side to side.

  Well, it seems you’re more hyped than usual. Too bad we need to wait for all these women to go before us.

  Pulling up her phone, she went through the battles and everything she could find about Paldean Pokémon, which wasn’t much. They were on their own isolated web, which would change after the Silver Conference in a month. However, something strange started to happen with each challenger that went into the arena.

  Lori sat forward, brow furrowing as each one filed in and out. Not a single Paldean Pokémon has come up since Rhea and Amira’s battle… No, this is staged. It has to be. They’re drawing in the crowd, waiting for any new appearance, which will come at the end…with me. Geeta only brought a few, which makes sense…and they were specifically brought to target us.

  Gold-tier Challengers began to file in as the last four women in Silver-tier went one after another. Lori didn’t pay much attention to them, though, watching how Blaine reacted to each one, providing guidance and a fiery show for his audience. Finally…it was her turn.

  Standing up, she returned her Pokémon to their capsules, but not before Amber stole a small peck on the cheek to Gables and ran toward the door, leaving the frog in a mental lock.

  Lori giggled and recalled him, placing his minimized Poké Ball on the magnetic strip woven into the waist of her dress. You’re in, Bud! Nice! Now…

  Terri hopped up to her hand before transferring to her shoulder, punching the air.

  “Kub! Kub! Kub!”

  Roxie mirrored her inside her capsule, barking in unison as Melon joined along.

  Let’s go win ourselves a Silver Encrusted Volcano Badge.

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