4:40 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 walked down the narrow, pulsating corridor toward the Fire Gym’s stadium, the excitement building with every echoing step she took. The distant roars of the crowd seeped through the walls, a wave of heat practically rolling over her as she approached, bringing a grin to her lips. Each footfall seemed to vibrate with her whole body.

  The walls were alive with scenes from Rhea and Amira’s battles, showing the highlights, be it the storm of electricity Mariah had generated or the shadowy field Lulu had conjured. Terri stood on her left shoulder, focused, ready for her first real fight.

  She kept her eyes fixed ahead, where a blinding light grew larger, brighter, at the tunnel’s end. A reassuring pulse of readiness passed between her Pokemon as the roaring cheers from the stadium finally broke over them like a crashing wave.

  The unmistakable power of a live crowd—hungry, expectant—sent a ripple down her spine as she looked out across the vibrant, molten stage, lava flowing down from the high, curved spikes around the stage, tightening the muscles in her stomach.

  This really is something…but Elesa’s fashion and performance stage has its own energy. Blaine certainly likes to turn things up, though. And I’m all about it!

  Heavy guitar riffs pounded from unseen speakers, pulsing with the beat of her racing heart as she crossed the threshold and entered the arena. Spinning in a circle, she danced to the rhythm, getting into the spirit as her hair flung left and right, the crowd reacting to her entrance. Terri had to hang on with her active movements.

  Snatching the portable microphone from the stage as she rose into view, Terri jumped onto the console, crossing her arms. Lori felt the electricity run through her, the rapid guitars, electric piano, and drums beating around her as she sang along on her rise under the spotlight.

  “On a cold winter morning, in the silence before the fight. In flames of Dragons fierce and wild, we ride into the night! When shadows fall across the land, and courage starts to fade, the cries of fearsome challengers sound, our destinies alight! Sing it with me!”

  Blaine’s grin grew from his high vantage point, striking a pose as a microphone fell from the sky, snatching it in true showman fashion while joining her.

  “Fighting hard, battling on for victory, through forests dark and deep, the echoes of our rivals’ calls, in battlefields we keep. On plains where Ghostly shadows roam, we watch as legends rise. In fire and lightning, our spirits burn, a spark within our eyes! Through the fire and the flames, we carry on!”

  Her stomach swirled as a section of the platform separated, rising up on gravitational waves to join Blaine’s descent. Slightly shocked at the shift in theme, she picked up as she saw the announcer pull out a guitar from the floor of his hovering platform and join the flurry with the raving crowd. Lori picked up on the next verses, feeling the hype and fun ignite within her.

  “So now we fly, ever free! We soar before the thunderstorm, on toward the unknown path, our quest will carry on! Far beyond the mountain, far beyond the starlight, with heart and soul, we journey on!”

  Blaine joined her as their platforms linked together in the center of the volcanic zone, pillars of flame erupting around them with the turbulent activity underfoot and blazing sun overhead.

  “So far away, we wait for the day, for the lives all so wasted and gone. We feel the pain of a lifetime lost in a thousand days.” Mallory met his shaded eyes, jumping up and down with him while joining him. “So far away, we wait for the day, for the bonds that were broken and gone. We feel the loss of battles lost in a thousand ways. Through the fire and the flames, we carry on!”

  Feeling like she was in a Roxie, Elesa, or Wallace Gym Battle, Lori felt at home while dancing beside the elderly rocker Gym Leader. Breaking apart, they went to either side of their platform to sing with the throng, joining them while digging further into the Gym’s famous song:

  “As the red sun is rising and the lightning cracks the sky, we’ll raise our hands to legends above with a fierce look in our eyes. Running back through the dawning light, with a fire in our hearts, we’re destined to chase the stars in lands beyond our goals. In your darkest dreams, see the truth, our fate, this final fight—an endless world of challenges awaits tonight!”

  Returning to the center, they met face to face again, the fire dancing around them with arches of lava rolling around the stadium and explosions erupting around them.

  “And on the wings of a dream, so far beyond the stars, in trials of desperation, our courage leaves no scar. Lost inside the wild unknown, bound to what we must find, day after day, our journey carries on. So far away, we wait for the day, for the lives lost and memories gone. We feel the strength of lifetimes spent in countless ways. Through the fire and the flames, we carry on!”

  Blaine held up a hand, fire dancing in his black shades as Lori met it, sinking the final lines to complete the live-streaming moment to conclude the final fight of Silver-tier and usher in the Gold-tier competition.

  “Now here we stand, with victories at hand; we’ve trained so hard—now we understand. We’ll break the chain of this battle if we can, for freedom. So far away, we wait for the day, for the lives that were lost and gone. We feel the strength of lifetimes spent in countless ways. Through the fire and the flames, we carry on!”

  Jumping apart to bang her head and dance around the platform, she could feel the sweat beginning to slick her skin, which was just what she wanted. And as the thrill of the organic event slowed down, Lori laughed and threw back her wild violet hair, breathing heavily and pointing at the Gym Leader across from her as the sections broke apart.

  “You certainly know how to put on a show, Gym Leader Blaine. I can see why Champion Geeta came to your Gym first.”

  Roaring with laughter, the mustached scientist struck a pose, fire erupting around him in a giant burst of heat. “Unova, the entertainment region of the world! You certainly know how to match my fire, Mallory. Fighting hard, fighting on for the Steel, through the wastelands evermore!”

  Now taking a skyward position, he looked down on her, a look of pride on his face. “You have the life of someone who yearns to experience this world to its fullest. In the laboratory, on stage, and in battles… Through the fire and the flames, we carry on. I spoke the words we sang, that mantra, during the Ultra War. Now, I seek to instill those lessons into the youth of today. And I am not disappointed.”

  Cheers rang out from his fans and followers around the stadium, the instrumental of the music playing in the background. He directed a finger down at her.

  “I see the spark in you. So tell me, Lori, what have you learned from the molten battles you’ve witnessed today? What fire do you see? What lightning cracks you into action to ignite your heart?”

  She shielded her eyes and blinked, squinting against the blinding wash of sunlight filtering through the open ceiling. A rush of dry, heated air blasted her face, and the heavy scent of molten rock and smoke permeated the air.

  Lori smirked, her hands settling confidently on her hips as Terri came into view in front of her on the console. “Let’s just say I don’t plan on walking away unscathed,” she called back, her voice carrying a playful edge. “Sacrifice and pain are a part of entering the battle.”

  Her gaze darted over the field. Sharp, jagged rock formations loomed like sentinels along the edges of the battlefield, their shadows jagged against the shimmering pools of magma scattered around, fenced off but close enough to make her skin prickle with heat. Massive flames erupted at intervals, licking up the sides of the rock walls, timed to the rhythm of the music as the crowd’s chanting merged with the throbbing beat.

  On the far side, waterfalls of lava streamed down engineered crags, casting an eerie, red glow that mixed with the dark, smoky clouds swirling above the stadium. The sight was overwhelming—primal—as if she’d stepped into the heart of a volcanic ritual. But Lori straightened, adjusting her stance as her heartbeat found a steady rhythm, syncing with the music, the heat, and the energy of the crowd.

  “Yet,” she finished directing a challenging stare up at the Gym Leader so far above her, “the best way to win is to out-burn your opponent, and explosive’s what I do best.”

  Blaine’s boisterous chuckle echoed through the stadium, his eyes glinting with approval. “Good! You’ll need every spark you’ve got to survive this firestorm. Be explosive. Be risky. Be unpredictable… Be the living flame!”

  With a dramatic sweep of his arm, he pointed toward the field, and as if on cue, columns of fire erupted along the arena’s edges, shooting up into brilliant arcs that intertwined above their heads. “Today! Let everyone see you push through the fire, ignite your passion, and scream to the heavens, I won’t be ignored!”

  Lori met his gaze, her expression unflinching as her back tingled with the residual heat of the mythical flames that had scarred it as a child. Terri’s fierce energy pulsed alongside her own while placing her Poke Balls into the machine. “Bring it on, old man.”

  With a roar from the crowd, the light on the screen flashed red with her rank: Silver 8. The countdown began. Yellow hit, sending a fresh surge of adrenaline racing through her veins. The final announcer’s voice boomed across the stadium, and as the echo died, Lori squared her shoulders, eyes locked on Blaine, pulling out a Poke Ball with dramatic fashion. She braced herself for the battle.

  “This is a Singles, Two Pokemon Showdown, with fifteen minutes on the clock for the Encrusted Silver Badge! Mallory Medina versus Grandmaster Blaine, Gym Leader of Cinnabar City-State! Ready your Pokemon… Begin!”

  Lori’s threw her hand in the air, yellowing, “Every wound will shape us, every scar will build our throne! Let’s Mukin’ go, Terri!”

  Terri leaped off the console, passing through the barrier and into the volcanic zone, locking onto the Poke Ball Blaine tossed. Her paws pressed into the heated ground, locking onto her opponent as she materialized.

  Thick, yellow scales ran down her back and tail, each one catching the glow of the molten earth. Black and yellow stripes adorned her chest, reflecting a fierce, primal look. Terri grinned, setting her stance as the Pokemon’s wide, triangular nostrils flared, letting out a guttural rumble and showing off rows of jagged teeth that lined her heavy jaw. Atop her head, a pulsing fireball flickered, the intense heat rolling off him like an aura.

  “Hello, fluffy friend. Don’t hold it against me if I burn that pretty fur—” she cut off her taunt, her playful look vanishing as Terri sliced through the fiery arena.

  The announcer’s voice boomed across the arena, electrifying the atmosphere as the crowd roared. “Terri, the Legendary , versus Sinella, the Volcanic Vent Area Boss of the Asado Desert! The Fire Croc Pokémon of Paldea, she’s their starter with flair! Here we go, folks, another Legendary in the ring, and Terri wastes no time!”

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  Water surged under Terri’s feet, launching her forward in a roar of water that surrounded her. Steam flowed around her as Terri locked onto the shocked croc. The hazy veil erupted behind her as she ran on the surging liquid right for the girl’s face.

  At the last second, Sinella rolled to the side with surprising agility, a strained snicker following; Terri slid past her, twisting her body to slow her pace, hot steam surging over her.

  Terri took up a defensive stance, squinting her eyes as the haze blew past, ready to counter any attack. Yet, what met her was a snickering fire croc; Sinella crouched, striking a triumphant pose, before clapping her hands.

  “You are one scary lady; so fast, and look at how much ground you covered!”

  Eyes narrowing, Terri felt the oppressive energy compress around her, spotlights flashing on around her. Lori, he’s attempting to lock me into Aqua Jet?

  Lori’s confident voice resonated within her. “Just how Pikachu and Piplup showed you… Take my Fortitude. Break through!”

  Mind sharpening, Legendary Energy pulsing sharp within her, she released a long, calming breath. The sound of the cheering crowd, heat of the sun, and voice of her opponent faded with her honing with of will. A white aura materialized around her flaring out and causing the smile on the Crocalor’s face to fade as it mixed with a raging orange light. Lori’s guiding voice pulled her through the delicate process.

  “That’s it, take my energy, combine it with your own, and funnel it through Sheer Force into Inner Focus… Activate Focus Energy! Shatter the seal!”

  The announcer shouted overhead, guitar still slung over his shoulders. “Is this possible, ladies and gentlemen!? Encore was overpowered by…some strange combination of Abilities and Moves. I’m going to have to study that one, folks! The air is vibrating, the stones rising off the ground with the raw kinetic force gathering around our Legendary Wushu Pokémon!”

  A melodic hum resonated from Sinella’s throat, her tone light and lulling. “You want to go to sleep. Don’t be so serious. Have a nice… How are you not affected?”

  Taking in another deep breath as the soundwaves rippled around her, the energy infusing them smothered under the pure focus steadying her mind. She released it in a slow stream, the raw kinetic force dispersing around her in a gale that whipped back the flames and made the croc take a step back.

  Terri had no words, only action. Mouth tight, vision clear and focused, she took another slow stance before a surge of liquid launched her forward at blinding speed—only, now, the world slowed, her brain keeping up with the rapid pace.

  Repositioning in a looping arc around him, the crowd gasped, and Sinella’s grin faltered as she struggled to follow her erratic path. Right, left, up, kicking the air with a rush of water to the side, and circling her in a torrent of steam that cycloned around her.

  Sinella nervously opened her jaws and released a wave of flames that swept in a broad cone toward her. Terri skidded to a halt, water pushing her skyward, having baited out an attack—Protect couldn’t save her. The heat singed her fur as she flew above it, making her clench her teeth at her first real taste of offensive energy touching her energy matrix.

  The rush of adrenaline surged through her, yet it was the thrill of battle that filled her veins. Alright, Sinella. Let’s see what you’ve got this time.

  Another pulse of liquid launched her at the croc. Her Water-infused foot planted right on the crown of the Pokemon, a white aura igniting just before contact—offensive energy funneling into her defensive matrix—as the jet crashed into her. A vortex of liquid engulfed the Fire Pokemon, spreading out in a surge, steam erupting around her.

  Landing on the damp floor, the bright sun overhead swiftly evaporating the liquid, Terri smirked upon seeing a hole in the stone, magma bubbling up. Clever girl. What was that, Lori?

  “Endure to take enough damage at the last second. Dig to carry her away. It was probably the only thing she could do. Impressive lady, I gotta say. Just as I taught you.”

  Terri sprang back on one foot, rolling around her neck and doing a few jabs to loosen up, eyes narrowed, waiting for the right moment. Her glowed with her Ability, Legendary Energy amplifying the damage caused by them.

  Ears perked, feet spread, feeling for the slight tremors under her feet. A silence fell over the throng, waiting with bated breath. Then, she felt it. Shadows enveloped her, whispering her away into darkness. She emerged two feet away, Sinella shooting from the stone in an explosion of shrapnel.

  The world came to a crawl as Terri took her stance at Sinella’s back, a stillness coming over her. Back foot applying pressure against the rock, she felt the world slip away, her opponent’s exposed spine right before her eyes. She took the moment to properly align her Abilities so they wouldn’t collapse, watching the girl slowly turn in the air, confusion crossing her goofy face.

  The bright orange glow of Inner Focus and Focus Energy once again ignited around her. Her fingers closing tight, Iron Fist and Sheer Force unified, following Lori’s instruction and waiting just long enough for Sinella to notice. The dread spread over her from the explosion of power that emanated from Terri’s frame.

  “Protect,” she softly ordered.

  A kinetic pulse rippled through the stadium from her back foot, breaking into the stone as she applied pressure. Immediately, a blue honeycomb shell surrounded Sinella, and not soon enough. Terri shot forward in a blur, the barrier shattering on impact as her darkness-infused fist made contact, ripping through it to slam against the Fire Pokemon’s jaw.

  In a vacuum of air, the croc became a bullet, breaking through rock formations and splitting stone in her tumbles across the battlefield. Terri took to the sky, soaring over the arena after her opponent, spotting her breaking free from a boulder and coughing, looking battered and close to defeat.

  No hesitation. No words. Only cold, focused action.

  A light-blue aura surrounded her before she vanished in the flash, reappearing right in front of Sinella’s shocked face, another blue bubble surrounding her. The Aerial Ace infused her fist as she struck it with a colossal surge of Wind-type force that sent cracks spider webbing down its length. If collapsed, the residual whirlwind threw her across the field again.

  Coughing and pushing herself up, she used the momentum to dive into a nearby lava pit; Terri leaped after her, only to see a white aura envelop the croc. “W-What kind of crazy power do you have?!”

  Terri’s frustration simmered below the surface as she retreated, clenching her fists. Running and trying to recover or gain a breath? Oh no, you don’t. Piplup teaches to keep momentum. Don’t falter.

  Taking another stance, she drew from Lori’s Fortitude, focusing it, as she was taught, instead of spreading it out and wasting the energy, like Lulu tended to do. Fighting-type kinetic force building, she leaped into the air and spun around to slam her fist against the pool’s surface—Rock Smash.

  The shockwave sent cracks radiating into the stone surrounding the lava pool, blowing apart the molten rock and whipping it up in an outward storm. Sinella screamed out in fright as a portion of the force struck her, now at the bottom of the cleared hole, surprise etched across his face.

  “Holy berries!” She dove to the right as Terri landed beside her and released another blast of focused Fighting energy that ripped through the stone, causing liquid rock to gush over her. “How much energy can you use before I win by default?! It wasn’t supposed to last this long!”

  Ho-ho-ho, Terri boasted inside, letting a tinge of pride fill her at those words. I’ve put most of my training into efficiency, unlike Mariah or Lulu. You’re done! Sinella shook off the molten droplets, his gaze tightening as she released a Snarl that momentarily caught Terri off-guard, trapped in her mind. Mukin’ really?! Get your head in the game!

  But Terri held her ground, Inner Focus keeping her steady against the blast wave of darkness that struck her; she winced as her energy matrix took a sizable chunk due to their power difference. Running on a jet of water to leap over a second, she closed the distance with focused, unyielding speed.

  Sinella’s grin returned, and she quickly activated Protect, the honeycomb shield shimmering between them. “Are you a gambling—”

  The surge of water struck the shield and didn’t let up. The shell cracked under the blast of water; it shattered, leaving her mouth rising in a helpless grin, unprotected. “Well, can’t blame a girl for trying!”

  “Watch your damage!” Lori counseled. “I’m starting to sweat, which means we’re really bonding, girl! Douse that crown!”

  Terri released the Aqua Jet, water dispersing around them as she closed the gap. Flames ignited in her mouth, yet Terri snatched the croc and threw her into the air. Her internal flame sac vibrated, her Blaze-fueled Incinerate sending a fountain of flames skyward.

  Vanishing one last time in a gust of wind, she became a streak of light-blue above the croc, delivering a crushing blow that sent her crashing into the stone—her energy matrix collapsed—and when the dust cleared, the croc’s eyes were spinning.

  Silence blanketed the arena before the crowd erupted, the announcer’s voice booming over the cheers. “Terri, the Legendary Kubfu, is victorious! What phenomenal control. I can’t believe how long she went! And so focused!”

  Breathing heavily, Terri spun back to stare up at her Trainer, the lights and cameras on her. Lori’s beaming smile sparked pride within her. She raised a paw in triumph, savoring the thrill of her first victory.

  I won!

  Lori let out a controlled stream of air, her pulse still hammering with adrenaline as she watched Terri stand victorious in the aftermath of her hard-fought win.

  “You’re amazing, Terri! Come get a hug!” she called out, pride swelling in her chest as Terri hopped from rock to rock with showy flips, an unmistakable gleam of accomplishment in her movements.

  Oh, don’t get too big of a head, winner. You had some good moves out there, but if it gets too big, you won’t be able to move.

  Up above, Blaine’s shadowed figure loomed, the sunlight glinting off his dark shades as he watched them both intently. His voice carried a gravity that surprised her, booming over the loud throng.

  “The machine was wrong, Mallory,” he chuckled, crossing his arms, a thoughtful smile tugging at his lips in the monitors. “Terri is by far the most proficient of her Legendary and Mythical comrades. That burning passion, that focus, that fire… It reflects something deeper in you.”

  Heat rose up her chest and into her nose at those words, far more than she’d expected. Terri and I…are more proficient in our bond than Amira or Rhea… Really?

  She glanced down at Terri, who had climbed onto the wall, refusing the offered lift from Blaine’s Arcanine. Instead, the determined little Kubfu leaped through the now-dimmed barrier, landing right in Lori’s open arms. Lori wrapped her tightly, feeling the warmth and loyalty radiating from her Buddy Pokemon as she tried to process Blaine’s words.

  For all the impressive skills Rhea and Amira had, Terri hadn’t just been powerful; she’d been precise, disciplined. And that had been thanks to their training with her and the relentless pressure of Dawn and Ash’s Pokemon, the relentless hours spent honing that focus together through many dance-offs with her Pokemon.

  Lori could feel a new weight to Blaine’s words, a sense of validation and pride she hadn’t fully acknowledged until now. Maybe I’m not as far behind as I thought.

  She held Terri a moment longer, then gently placed her back on the console. “You did incredible, girl,” she murmured, her voice carrying an unspoken promise of more to come. “But you know I promised someone else a shot today.”

  “Kub!” Terri gave a proud nod and thumbs up, then stepped back before breaking into a dance with the rock music now that the battle was won. She wasn’t one to hog the spotlight, after all, and liked to cheer on her teammates.

  Blaine’s approval was evident, his smile widening as he flashed his teeth. “I like that fire in you, Mallory. You’re growing, fast. At this rate…” His voice held a note of challenge as he lifted his head higher. “Rhea might need to look out.”

  Lori felt a jolt of excitement at his words. She looked up at him, her grin broadening, a spark of playful rivalry lighting in her chest. “Oh, don’t you worry, Blaine,” she replied, voice laced with determination. “I plan to keep Ms. Sunshine and Ms. Star Ruby on their toes.”

  “Ready for round two?” he asked, plucking out another Poke Ball and spinning it into the air before balancing the twisting sphere on his outstretched index finger. “I’d planned on this one bringing the fight against Terri. I’d like to think you planned on that, but…”

  “No shot!” Lori snickered, causing the audience to erupt in laughter as she snatched Roxie’s Poke Ball. “I’m riding this on the seat of my pants. Eh…” She glanced down at her fluttering dress and snickered. “I guess I’m not wearing pants, but you get the picture! Let’s end this show in a blaze of glory!”

  “Now you’re speaking my language! Let’s Mukin’ go!”

  Grinning at the shocking curse from the scientist, Lori prepared to throw her sphere. “Let’s Mukin’ go!”

  The announcer shouted. “Begin!”

  Launching her capsule into the field, her Pokemon cheering on their rocky girl, Lori’s brow creased as their opponent materialized out of red light, floating in the air. Her focus immediately darted to the Pokedex identifier on the console, showing the image of yet another fire-powered common starter Pokemon: .

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