Granite Cave

Poppy travelled inside Granite Cave, and called out for the missing boy.

Poppy: Hello? Boy with an Abra? I'm here to rescue you!

Poppy decided she wasn't going to find him here, and travelled into the deeper depths of the cave, using her phone as a flashlight.

Poppy: Kid with Abra, whoever you are, I'm here to help!

Poppy then tripped over what she thought was a rock. After sitting back up, she realised it was no rock - it was an Aron.

Poppy: Oh! An Aron! That's right, there's a whole pack of them in here.

Poppy then felt two of her Pokeballs beginning to shake. She opened her purse, and shortly after she held the Pokeballs in her hands, out came an angry Shroomy and Sunrise.

Sunrise: Well, well, it's you again. I recognise that smell.

Aron: Hey, it's you! Oh, I'm so glad you're okay! And it looks like you have a Trainer too! Listen, I-

Sunrise: I'm not listening to you! Not after you betrayed my trust! You were at least right about me getting a Trainer, though. Because I have a little friend here, and he's just about ready to evolve!

Shroomy: Sunrise told me about you. I can't wait to unleash my first Fighting-type move on you!

Aron: Wait!

The attack tripped up Aron.

Shroomy: Take that, you!

Poppy: Woah, hey, stop! That Aron didn't do anything!

Aron: Please... Sunrise... you have to listen! I didn't know the clan would be down there waiting! I wasn't going to betray you!

Sunrise: Oh yeah? Prove it, then!

Aron: Because one of the members is right behind you! They've been aiming for you, sneaking up on you, they always have!

Poppy, Shroomy, and Sunrise then turned around to find three Lairon staring them down, before charging at them.

Poppy and Sunrise tripped over in shock, while Shroomy, seeing his chance, headbutted the Lairon in front, stopping it.

Shroomy: No, I can't let you pass and stomp all over me... I have to protect my friends!

Shroomy once again began glowing, but not partially this time, his body was becoming encased in light.

Poppy and Aron stared in shock, while Sunrise cheered.

Sunrise: Yes! Yes! Overcome your small size, let your bravery shine, and become a Breloom!

However, just as Shroomy's transformation was about to begin, he was suddenly rocked by the ground shaking, causing the glow to disappear.

Poppy then noticed a tall Pokemon appear from the shadows - an Aggron, leading more Lairon and Aron.

Before she had the chance to run away, she heard footsteps arrive behind her. She thought she was safe at last, but as the ground beneath her crumbled, she was proven incorrect.

Thinking quickly, she was able to save herself and break her fall by bringing out Donut, who she landed on.

Donut: Ouch! You're heavier when you're falling...

Poppy, seeing the person cloaked in shadow from above looking down at her from the hole, called out to them.

Poppy: I'm fine! Save the boy... and my Pokemon!

As the person nodded and headed off, she soon noticed she and Donut weren't alone - the wild Aron had fallen down with them, and he looked hurt by the fall.

Poppy: Oh, Aron! Here, have this Berry... it's just you, me, and Donut. Whoever that person was, they'll handle this. We'll just wait here until this is all over.

Iono Stream

The stream flickers to life, revealing Iono standing in the middle of her battlefield.

"Hey, guys!" she exclaims. "Welcome to another gym battle stream!" She pauses long enough for the cheers of onlookers to be picked up by the microphones. "We have a new challenger today, the next to be a part of one of my super awesome battle streams!"

The camera spins around to show Hoops, whose expression is that of someone who wants to be anywhere else. "Why does this keep happening to me?"

"And for some extra fun times, we have a fellow streamer here as their supporter!" Iono grins and makes a gesture to spin the camera, which lands on a posing Xaster. "You all remember Xaster, right? He's been taking a break for mental health reasons for a while now, but here he is!"

"Hey, guys!" Xaster gives the camera some V poses. "Nice to meet you again, Iono."

"Wait." Hoops pushes into the shot. "You know her?"

"Yeah. When I was getting started a few years ago Iono signal boosted me. Got me a ton of followers. And she's been checking up on me since I went offline to check I was okay."

Hoops sighs. "And you didn't tell me I'd have to go through this?"

Xaster shrugs sheepishly. "Sorry, babe."

The chat goes crazy at that last word, as the camera spins back towards Iono. "Aww, isn't that sweet!" she says. "Well, this is the end of the introductions. Get ready guys, because we're gonna be live-streaming the battle!"

The feed changes to a wide shot of the whole battlefield. Iono skips back to her starting position, while Hoops glares at Xaster and goes to theirs. Xaster sheepishly steps to one side.

Levincia Gym

"This gym battle will be a five on five battle!" the referee says, standing between the two trainers. "And today is sponsored by Moo Moo Farms. Now, you all know Moo Moo farms by now, but what if we told you..."

The sponsorship eventually ends, and the battle is allowed to begin. "I choose you, Electrode!" Iono says, sending out her pokémon.

Hoops grins. "An electric type gym, huh? Then I guess I'll choose you, Pol!" They send out Pol to the field. At Xaster's insistence they have put stickers on their pokéballs, and so Pol is accompanied by a spray of water.

The chat instantly lights up with "idiot" and "learn type matchups" and "amateur". Xaster, who is checking the stream, smiles sheepishly.

Iono frowns. "Uh, did you mean to do that?"

"Sure!" Hoops nods. "In gym battles, I like to choose pokémon who give me an advantage. That way I grow stronger."

Iono shrugs. "Okay then. Electrode, use Electric Terrain!" Electrode starts to vibrate intensely, sending out pulses of electricity that charge the arena. It finishes the move and looks up. Its eyes widen as it sees that Pol is already practically on top of it.

"Use Liquidation!" Hoops says. Pol covers her fist in water and slams it onto Electrode. It rolls backwards and stops, unconscious, at Iono's feet.

Iono's performing mindset goes away for a second. "What?"

Hoops looks at the camera. "Okay, stream audience," they say. "Let me tell you what's going to happen in today's stream. Iono is going to lose, 5-0. Sponsored by me."

Veilstone

Kris: Yes, it's been good. If you're looking for things to do here, there's the gym, the department store and there's some meteorite craters on the east side too. I guess there's also the game corner, but I don't have the money to go somewhere like that.

Silas stepped in and took in a deep breath of the cool air, he took a pause, and turned to Hacks. "Ever wonder if we're cursed or something?"

~What do you mean?~

"Our family keeps finding itself in trouble, there was a glitch buried beneath the Hamlet itself... my numerous ancestors just on my dad's side alone..." Silas muttered.

"Just makes things interesting," Roxy said, stepping forward. "Plus our friends are just as prone to danger."

Silas couldn't help but agree, that was why they were here. He tossed a pokeball and let Conroy out. "Conroy and I will take the skies, Roxy, you have the ground."

Roxy grinned and cracked her knuckles. "Gladly."

Crown City

-Risky clenches her fist-

Risky: "Notrd biochemist, expert on Pokemon toxins, and on the side noted trans rights advocate?"

-there's an edge to her voice-

-Jade catches up-

Jade: What's going on here?!"

The Chiyo Zone

-Maurice screams again and whips around-

Maurice: "Who's Chloe?"

Sunyshore Building, Past

-Flamel briefly tilts his head toward Gale but says nothing just yet-

Flamel: <...You. What is this place. What are you doing here?>

Water Velumental Temple

-The origami Palkia continues to summon more water around it, in an almost planet-like sphere-

-More galaxy whirlpools are launched-

-However as if on cure from Ann's thoughts a Earth Vellumental circle does appear-

Olivia:' <Protect and Wide Guard would be a good idea!>

Water Vellumental Temple, far past

Ann: -Cue Magic Circle- Well that's convenient.

-Tries diving for the Magic Circle-

???, past

-As if to answer Maurice's question a Black woman, slightly shorter than Chiyo with a mint green minifro, steps forward enough to enter his field of vision, her purple eyes clearly marking her as a School experiment-

Chloe: I'm Chloe. The real question is, who are you, Templar?

-Her hand seems to be preparing to reach to either a Poké Ball or the knife strapped to her pants-

Chiyo: -Immediately putting herself between Chloe and Maurice before things inadvertently escalate- Chloe, this is Maurice, he's not a threat.

-To Maurice-

Chloe's one of my Batchmates.

Chloe: -Eyebrow raise as her hand goes away from her belt- You're just going to tell him who I am like that?

Chiyo: After what happened the other night, it's hardly a secret anymore.

Chloe: -Shrugs- Whatever.

-Taking the measure of Maurice-

But this guy, really?

Edited by rmctagg09 on Aug 9th 2023 at 9:40:01 AM

Granite Cave

Poppy sat up against the wall of the cave. The fall had hurt her, but not too badly. She had managed to save herself, and now, her Rotom Phone was now shining a light over herself, as now, it was just her, Donut, and the wild Aron.

Poppy: We'll just wait here... no matter how long it takes...

Sensing the stress his trainer felt, Donut sat next to Poppy, and curled up. Poppy almost forgot how nice he could be, considering how unfriendly he was towards teammates.

Poppy: Oh, Donut... Thank you.

As Poppy pat his head, Donut said to himself,

Donut: Thanks... You're the best trainer I could've asked for...

The wild Aron, looking on, went and then sat on Poppy's lap.

Poppy: Oh! Aron, would you like to... come along, perhaps?

The question made Donut flinch for a moment, but he then soon realised that in this situation, it wouldn't even be worth it.

The Aron then gave an unsure look, remembering the misunderstanding between him and Sunrise. He didn't even know if she would be willing to forgive him or not.

Poppy: Oh... well, I'll give you a bit more time to think.

Granite Cave, the floor above

Shroomy and Sunrise were now being taken away by the Aggron who led the Aron pack.

Shroomy: I have to try again! If I can just-

Sunrise: I don't know where they're taking us, but I don't like it!

Just then, something peculiar happened. The Aron all seemed to be tied up by a blue rope, before turning against Aggron and the Lairon.

Shroomy: What the?!

Then, a man with a Buizel stepped out of the shadows, in red gear.

Sunrise: Who is that?!

Shroomy: Wait! It's Brayden! Poppy's brother! He's here to save us!

Brayden: Be prepared, you rockheads. I'm here to save those Pokemon, the boy, and my sister, regardless if she recognised me!

Akira squinted, his eyes screwing up as he was in deep thought. "Oooooooooooooh... him."

Isaac tilted his head somewhat. "Him?"

Akira started to laugh, it was a low mirthless laugh. "I didn't have anything to do with his death... though I was there afterwards. My particular skill set makes me useful for cleaning up evidence."

Isaac said nothing, they were getting somewhere, he rolled his tongue and decided to let Akira keep talking.

"I don't quite recall the name of the one who did it... Vector... Victor? It's been awhile, my missions usually involve a quiet death," he smiled. "Haven't seen the one responsible in a long time."

Veilstone City

Atrin: I definitely want to see the meteorite craters. And I imagine a friend of mine would want me to send pictures his way.

Atrin pets Mimir.

Atrin: This city's certainly something, it seems. You heading out?

West Area Province One, Paldea

-Megan shifts her arms until Daydre's sitting upright, then starts vaguely massaging a sore spot-

Megan: That's a fun new workout, huh. Pro: don't need to power through! Con(?): experiencing the horrors?

-the moment Vee notices the two of them watching, she pointedly stops groaning and starts preening-

-Megan frowns-

Pippy: -waddling up, Vee in wing- <Oh, salt baths are good after that. I can 'hook you up' once we're done here...>

Megan: -to Daydre's question- Pretty much! Z-Crystals are a nice set of transducers for human Aura—we can get 'stills' of just-you and just-Mask, but we can already see we reach way deeper with you-and-Mask together. Some colors here we don't see alone...

-she accepts a crystal canister from Fraidy, shading it from the sunlight-

Megan: And within each metric, we can construct something to contribute...a fuel, or resonant medium, to build mind and temper rage. Maybe end up with some kind of accessory...

-and on hearing about her, Megan smiles-

Megan: Oh, good. That's a relief all on its own.

-she starts helping Daydre up-

Megan: Time to rest, then? More food, I run the numbers—back at it in a few?

Veilstone city

Kris: I suppose it is a nice place.

Soul: <You really are going soft.>

Kris: But yeah, I should probably get home if I'm going to get any sleep before my next shift.

Trill narrows her eyes.

Trill: "...I get the feeling there's a bit more to you than meets the eye, Sally."

She then starts beaming.

"I like it! Wanna be friends?"

Quack Parade: <In this region? Are you not from this one perhaps? I would have presumed you were one of us who was assigned to new trainers given your presence here.>

Tale: <I have a better idea than Protect~>

With that he grabs Kaisei and drags him underwater before the

Tale used Dive!

Edited by CorvusAtrox on Jul 26th 2023 at 5:51:26 AM

West Province Area One, Paldea

Daydre: "Yeah, the best workout is the one you're not really completely present for huh?"

She chuckles.

Daydre: "Salt bath sounds fun! I don't think I've ever actually taken one before... Intentionally, anyway."

Daydre: "Hm, like drugs....."

Daydre: "I mean accessories sound cool! It's like something out of a magical girl anime. But with a lot more maiming involved."

She stands with Megan's help, still seemingly winded from the whole experience.

Daydre: "Yep, sounds good to me! If you need anything else, just ask."

And she gives Megan a quick peck on the cheek.

Naranja y Uva Dorms, past

Iridium: -To Trill, a bit confused- Friends?

I never really had friends, we're not supposed to have friends...

-Speaking up-

Um, okay.

Ammit: <Like her, I'm not from Paldea, I was assigned to Sally long before we came here.>

Edited by rmctagg09 on Jul 26th 2023 at 8:24:26 AM

Desmond, Veilstone City

Desmond: Alright, see ya when we see ya!

Morgan: Nice meeting you, Kris. You too, Soul, I guess.

Trill: "Nice! New friends are good! Just lemme know if you want a tour or want to coordinate class schedules or have something in mind you're looking for around here and I can try and help!"

Quack Parade: <Well then I'm certain the place you come from has something I'd think people are obsessed with too.>

<But at any rate, the treasure is because this school holds a treasure hunt and I intend to help Trill with theirs.>

Veilstone city

Kris: Likewise. We should have another duel sometime.

Soul: <You should train hard. My trainer is getting too complacent.>

Kris sighs.

Kris: Hopefully we'll run into each other again.

They wave in their direction and head off back towards the outskirts of town.

Sinnoh underground, Kris's secret base, later

Pat is lying on the sofa with Burghley, watching TV. She is even paler than usual.

Kris: Pat! I'm back!

Pat: ...

Kris: Pat? Are you okay?

Pat: ...Yeah.

Kris: I got some more medication. I also ended up winning all this moomoo milk from a cafe!

Pat: ...Cool.

Kris: Do you want any?

Pat: ...Maybe...

Veilstone City

Atrin gives a polite wave goodbye, before turning to Desmond.

Atrin: They were really cool. So, what's next, Desmond? I'll let you lead the way.

Desmond: Well, this seems like a good time as any to look at the guide.

he laughs, taking out his Rotom Dex, which beeps and gives several hot spots around the city. The Veilstone Department Store, The Game Corner (Morgan glares at Desmond until he removes it from the list.), Metronome Style Shop, and the Pokemon Masseuse. Last is the Veilstone Gym, run by the Fighting-Type Leader Maylene.

Desmond: Dang, there's a lot to do.

Desmond whistles. Morgan grabs the Rotom Dex from him.

Morgan: A massage sounds nice! We should stock up on items as well.

Morgan: How would they even massage you? Never mind, I guess the one thing we'll agree on doing is the gym.

Morgan: Yeah, but we should probably go somewhere else first! Gather information on the gym, that kinda thing.

Desmond: Well, perhaps we can take some time off. Pamper our Pokemon while we shop. Whaddya say, Atrin? Take our 'mons to the masseuse, then shop at the Department Store?

Veilstone City

Atrin: Sounds good to me. I know my Pokémon could probably use it. What do you think of a massage, Mimir.

Mimir just nods happily.

Atrin: Massage it is. Let's head that way.

Oliver: <Pity. I was hoping to save this for later.>

Oliver hops onto Mitchell's head and uses Protect, enshrouding the both of them with a shield against the origami Palkia's whirlpools.

Mitchell: What the what? Since when did you know Protect?

Kris's secret base

Kris is getting ready to head to work. Pat is still looking pretty unwell.

Pat: ...Everything hurts...

Kris: You'll be fine. I've got to go now. I can take you to the hospital when I get back if it's not any better.

They hurriedly leave.

Later...

Pat has not gotten any better. In fact, she's even weaker than before.

Noel: <This isn't good... We've got to do something...>

Burghley: <If we can get to the surface we can get help!>

Pat: But Kris...

Noel: <We don't have time for that!>

Burghley: <Never fear! I shall write them a note to tell them of our whereabouts!>

Burghley haphazardly scrawls a note onto a random flyer. Noel uses Psychic to list Pat and her blanket onto her back. Pat tries to protest, but is too weak to do so.

Noel: <Lets go. Please stay with us.>

A school facility in Paldea

Dr Coleman is filling a bottle with something. A templar approaches.

Templar: You called?

Dr Coleman: Yes. Rose has finally showed up again. She's out shopping with her friend in Veilstone city. You'll be the perfect fit for this job.

Templar: Cool. How do you want it done?

Dr Coleman: I've procured you a department store uniform. I'm sure you'll find someone to mimic once you're there. This should make it easy.

She hands the bottle over to the templar.

Granite Cave

Shroomy and Sunrise watched as the Lairon, now willing to help out Brayden having been captured by the Capture Styler, charged into Aggron and detained him, causing him to lose his grip on Shroomy and Sunrise.

Brayden: You two are my sister's Pokemon. Now go and find her, I'll go save her after I've dealt with Aggron and saved the boy.

Shroomy: Okay! Let's get outta here, Sunrise. We gotta help Poppy!

Sunrise: Alright!

Shroomy and Sunrise then dashed back where they came from before Aggron took them away, which was relatively easy to find considering it was a hole in the floor, which they dropped down.

Poppy: Shroomy! Sunrise! You're okay!

Shroomy: We found you! Now, let's all stay here until Brayden fixes this mess.

But it wasn't going to be just smooth sailing from here. For whatever reason, the ground had begun to shake, and Shroomy noticed the ceiling cracking, before a chunk of it fell off.

Shroomy: Look out, guys!

He then turned a hue of orange and charged at the chunk that broke off, breaking it into pieces. He felt invigorated by this.

Shroomy: Wait... did I... yes! A Fighting move! I learned Drain Punch!

He begun to dance around in pure happiness, and to everyone's shock, including his own, he began glowing. Unlike the previous attempts, he kept glowing, growing taller, and changing considerably, until the glow disappeared and he no longer looked like a Shroomish.

Shroomy: I feel different... Wait! My legs, my face... I have arms! I finally evolved!

Sunrise then joined him in the celebrations, making the wild Aron happy to see her so happy after their misunderstanding.

Sunrise: I knew you could do it! Yes! Yes! Guess who became a Breloom!

Shroomy: It's me! It's me!

But the innocent celebrations did not last long, for the shaking returned again, and soon, everyone heard a large impact from within the cave.

Poppy: What was that?

Just then, the ground began cracking once again, causing her Pokemon to run over to her to avoid the cracking - except for Aron, who became trapped as the ground around him broke, threatening to send him plummeting to the depths of the cave.

Poppy: Aron, no!

Thinking quickly, she threw a Pokeball at Aron, managing to retrieve it quickly despite her injuries. She held the Pokeball in her hands as it then succesfully caught him, and spoke.

Poppy: Listen to me, Crusher. I've given you a name now, but if I can be honest, I don't know if I'll even make it out of here. I don't know why, but my body refuses to let me move. I'm not hurt badly or anything, just...

The next few moments, Poppy could not remember. What she remembered next was waking up in the Pokemon Center.

Dewford Town Pokemon Center

Poppy looked at the roof above her head, and the hospital bed she was laying in.

Nurse: Ah, you're awake! While you were asleep, we decided to heal your Pokemon. I'm surprised you caught an Aron in all that mess!

Poppy: Wha... where am I?

Nurse: The Pokemon Center! We brought you here after the incident in Granite Cave went down. Apparently a Ranger went in there to save a boy, and the battle against the Aggron holding him captive using the Aron and Lairon he captured with his Styler got so intense it caused tremors throughout the cave! The cave's still standing, and the boy is just fine now.

Poppy: Brayden... What about the Ranger? Where's my brother?!

Nurse: Oh... during the battle, he ended up with some bad injuries. He got slammed against the wall, apparently. He's alive, he's just not in perfect condition.

Poppy: What?! Let me see my brother!

Nurse: Now, hold on there, miss, you haven't fully recovered yourself. But I'll go check on him now to see how he's doing.

Poppy was distraught, to say the least. Was her brother going to be alright? She was alive, Shroomy had evolved, and she had a new friend in Crusher, but she couldn't rejoice in any of it considering her brother was barely hanging on.

Veilstone department store, 4F

Jess, Robin and Violet are looking at furniture.

Jess: This cupboard would fit...

Violet: Yeah, I guess it would.

Jess: It's not a particularly good colour though.

Robin: ~Yeah, does it come in anything lighter?~

Employee: Free samples! Anyone want some free samples? Try some of this limited edition enigma berry juice!

There is a store employee carrying a tray of sample cups full of juice. She approaches the trio.

Violet: Hey! Can I have one of those?

Employee: Sure thing!

She hands a cup to Violet, who finishes it quickly.

Violet: Woah, this stuff tastes... I'm not sure.

Employee: That's the charm of enigma berries! Particularly this rare variant from Hoenn, which has a much more rounded flavor profile than your average enigma berry!

Violet: Huh.

Employee: Would your friend over there like some too?

Jess: Erm... Sure.

She takes a cup from the tray. She pauses for a second, then takes a sip.

Jess: Yeah, this does taste different. It's better than your average enigma berry, though.

She finishes the cup.

Robin: ~What about this cupboard? I think it's a bit better looking.~

Veilstone Dept store, B 1 F

Kris is restocking the shelves with some premade poffins. Bert has finally served the last member in the berry counter queue.

Bert: What's with the sudden rush of people trying to buy enigma berries? Don't they know we don't sell them here?

Kris: That's weird. Maybe there's-

They pause. The samples girl emerges from the lift with an empty tray.

Bert: Oh, hey Aimi! You're finally back from your break?

Aimi: Yup!

Aimi leaves for the staff room.

Bert: Kris, you alright?

Kris: ...Yeah. Just nerves... for whatever reason.

Aimi, now with slightly messier hair and a more panicked expression, runs out of the staff room.

Aimi: Sorry I'm late!! My power nap alarm didn't go off!

Bert: But you were just here?

Aimi: What?! I don't know who that was, I've been snoozing in the break room for the past 45 minutes!

Kris: We must have mistook someone else for you.

Bert: Well dang, am I losing my vision too?

Levincia Gym, (past)

So far, Hoops has done what they promised to do. Four of Iono's pokémon are unconscious, and they still have their full team. The chat is going crazy, half in shock at what they're seeing and half insisting that Iono is going to turn it around.

"Oh man!" Iono says, drawing out the syllable for her followers. "Well, I guess I'm down to my last pokémon. Are you all ready?" Emotes fill the chat. "Then let's go, Mismagius!"

She sends out her final pokémon, which floats above the stadium. Hoops, who currently has Ray out, frowns. "I thought you were an electric type gym leader," they say. "I guess you guys do things different here if you can just be whipping out any old pokémon in your gym battles."

Iono grins and winks at the camera. "Looks like we have a lessen to teach." She grabs a spherical crystal and holds it out. The chat becomes full of lightning emotes.

Xaster looks up, shocked. "Could she be about to..."

"Let's do it!" Iono says. The people watching the match begin to chant as the orb glows. "Terrastalize, Mismagius!"

Hoops frowns. "Terrastalize?"

Mismagius is covered by crystals, forming a chrysalis around her. It splits open to reveal Mismagius covered by a thin layer of yellow crystals. On her head, the crystals form a shape like a giant lightbulb.

"So, this is terrastalizing," Hoops muses. "The ability to change a pokémon's type and boost its power, right?"

Iono smiles. "You know about it?"

"Of course," Hoops says. "I did do some research on this region before I came here. Although, nothing I read said that it gets used in gym battles. I guess I was surprised to see it." They grin. "Still, it won't change the outcome. A complete victory." Their eye turns red as they say it.

"Then let's continue," Iono says. "Mismagius! Use Charge Beam!" Mismagius releases a powerful beam of electrical energy that strikes Ray, pushing him back. Her power rises at the same time.

"Now, Shadow Ball!" Mismagius follows the move up with a flurry of attacks that force Ray to cling to the ground to brace himself against the bombardment.

"Finish it off with Mystical Fire!" The third attack is a line of fire that snakes around Ray and douses him in flames from all sides. Iono smiles. "Looks like you lost out on your perfect victory."

"Did I?" Hoops asks. The smoke clears to reveal that Ray is still standing, though looking somewhat worse for wear.

Iono gasps. "How?"

Hoops smiles. "Ray and I have been through a lot of difficult fights together."

<And if I couldn't take a few hits like those, I wouldn't be much good as a guardian of the young mistrum!> Ray growls. <And besides, though your lightning is ferocious, I must show you the real thing.> He roars loud enough for it to sound like thunder, and lightning flashes in the sky.

"Use Agility!" Hoops says. Ray starts running forwards, suddenly becoming too fast to track as his speed increases. "Now, Crunch!"

Ray suddenly appears behind Mismagius and bites on it hard, before jumping away.

Iono looks around frantically. "Where is it?" She sees movement. "Use Dazzling Gleam, there!" Mismagius turns to where she points and flashes pink light at the empty space.

Hoops grins. "Too slow. Ray!" Ray is suddenly behind Mismagius again, dealing another Crunch attack.

"Now, use Wild Charge!" Ray covers himself in lightning and charges ferociously at Mismagius. Thunder rumbles in the distance.

Iono takes a frightened step back. "Use Charge Beam!"

"Wrong choice!" Hoops snaps. Their bandages start to writhe as the red in their eye grows. Mismagius releases a Charge Beam, but it just adds fuel to Ray's attack. He slams into Mismagius and knocks her to the ground. The crystal shatters as she lies unconscious.

"Mismagius is unable to battle," the referee calls. "So the winner, with no casualties, is the challenger Hoops." The chat is full of shocked faces. Someone calls Hoops scary. No-one argues.

It starts to rain. The water seems to shock Hoops, and their bandages still, and the red fades away. They walk forwards and offer a hand to Iono. "That was a good battle," they say. "Sorry about that. I wasn't angry at you, but I took something out on you."

Iono takes a second to compose herself. "Well, that was an awesome battle, challenger! Here, take this gym badge!" She passes over a badge with an electric symbol on it.

Hoops takes it. "Thank you."

The stream ends.

Levincia City (present)

"Are you still mad at me?" Xaster asks. He's gotten to the point of realising that Hoops is mad at him, but hasn't yet figured out why. Hopefully this question will reveal something.

Hoops grunts.

"Come on," Xaster says. "It's been a week, and you've barely spoken to me. We had all this sightseeing stuff, and you looked like you didn't want to be there. Please just tell me what I did."

Hoops takes a deep breath. "You called me babe."

Xaster blinks in surprise. "Uh. What?"

"You never called me that before," Hoops continues. "But all of a sudden when we're on camera and a bunch of your old followers are watching, you call me babe."

Xaster realises what they mean. "You think I was putting it on. To use our relationship for clout or something."

"Weren't you?"

The accusation stings. Mostly because he can't deny it. "Not consciously, I think," he admits. "But I think part of me misses that life. I know it made me miserable, and I've never regretted taking a break, but... I don't know, seeing Iono and how well she handles it made me look back with rose tinted glasses. I didn't mean to use you, but in that moment I wanted people to know that things were good with me. I wanted people to care what was happening in my life again, and that led to you because you are the most important thing in my life."

In the corner of the room, all of Hoops and Xaster's pokémon look up.

<Wow> Led says. <That was a lot.>

<Why do they only say these things by accident?> asks RiRi.

<Because they're humans> Tot replies.

Hoops looks up at Xaster. "I'm still mad at you. But that was kind of cute."

Xaster is blushing furiously. "Just... wanted to get that out there."

"Yeah," Hoops says. "I can forgive you this time. Just don't do it again. Okay?"

"Deal."