A/N: Team Roster: Jackson (Raboot), Sap (Charjabug), Hudson (Mudsdale), Rosa (Gloom)

Chapter 9 - The Champion

Dolly walked through the lobby of the Motostoke stadium, painfully aware of the whispers and glances directed toward her. Her eyes flicked to each face, but no one seemed daring enough to make eye contact with her. Even the televisions around the lobby blared at her, showing footage of her running onto the pitch in front of Ninteails and dropping to the ground. Slow motion, pause, the show hosts said something to one another, both laughed.

She grimaced, hiking her bag up higher on her shoulders.

She had become quite the media spectacle within days - almost overnight. That wasn't the first time she watched talk show hosts show her picture; she continuously saw her face on screens throughout Motostoke. News clips or talk shows blared in the hotel lobby, in the Pokémon Center, even here in the atrium, each one of them fascinated with Challenger 052 and what strange condition she carried.

The subtitle beneath this one advertised her match with Kabu that was happening today and encouraged viewers to call in with their opinions on how her match would go this time. She shoved her hands in her pockets and tore her eyes away. That was something new to tell her mum next time she called, that she was now the subject of a bidding pool on the telly. She would be so proud.

Her fingers brushed against the Sun Stone in her pocket. That was where it stayed, ever since Kabu handed it to her. It was a reminder of what she could be, and not necessarily what she was. She took in a breath, blocking out the glances and the murmurs around her. After checking in, changing, and standing in the locker room before the match, Dolly took in another breath.

For her team. For herself. To break the Curse and forever kindle the passion that burned in her skin, as hot as the heat wafting in from the stadium, as thick as the humidity in the air.

"Alright team," she said to them as they quivered in their Poké Balls. "Let's show all of Galar what we can do."

She tossed her hair behind her and stood tall, shoulders back. She had trained, her Pokémon were stronger, she had the support of three incredible friends, and she was confident there would be no other outcome except victory. If she could beat Milo and Nessa without even trying, then the world was in for something else, because now she was ready to pull out all the stops.

Kabu came up beside her, and they silently made their way to the center of the pitch. The crowd roared, the air shuddering in anticipation for this young and fascinating Trainer. Dolly could pick out jeering among the cheers in the audience, all of the noise swarming together into the tidal wave of sound, pulsing into the thickness of the air. She pushed it out, focusing only on each powerful step as she walked beside Kabu. They arrived at the center of the pitch, and Kabu turned to her.

"It is quite the accomplishment that you've made it here. Every Trainer and Pokémon train hard in pursuit of victory, but this means your opponent is also working hard to win. In the end, the match is decided by which side is unable to unleash their true potential."

Dolly looked to the Gym Leader before her.

"I hope that we both may find greatness today," he continued. "Here, in this match."

Dolly nodded as Kabu turned. He jogged to the other end of the pitch, and she made her way to hers. The air was already thick as Dolly tossed Hudson's Poké Ball up and down. It went up, down, up, down, just in time with the beat of her heart. Then, she threw it.

The crowd cheered as the Mudsdale and Ninetails appeared before them again - one bulky and dense, the other quick and nimble.

"You've returned," the Ninetails said, looking beyond Hudson into Dolly's eyes.

Dolly only nodded as Hudson lunged forward in an attack. This Ninetails moved swiftly, but Hudson's steps were sturdy and powerful. With each and every attack, Ninetails lurched forward, but Hudson's defense only grew stronger. His great muscles flexed, sweat dripping from both Pokémon and Trainer in the heat of the battle. After the intensity of their training, Hudson barely faltered at the attacks that once sent him to the floor.

Dolly's shirt was sticking to her back, her glove almost sliding off her hand from the moisture. She undid the top button on her collar, her skin barely able to breath in the heat. She pushed her glasses up with her shoulder as she bounded around the pitch, calling to Hudson as he made his way through Ninetails, through Arcanine, and finally to Kabu's Centiskorch.

The Centiskorch Gigantimaxed, weaving through the air like a dragon of fire and raising the temperature even hotter. Dolly called Hudson back, and heaved his Poké Ball into the air behind her as he Dynamaxed. The sweat flung off her hand as she ordered him forward, rocks and pebbles shooting through the air as he attacked. A sandstorm whipped up from the rocks that Hudson summoned, and Kabu fell to the dirt as his Centiskorch shrunk, calling out waves of fire into the air. Dolly felt her eyebrows were about to singe off as Centiskorch shot a final blast on his way down. She tumbled to the ground to avoid the flames.

When the Centiskorch finally returned to his Poké Ball, Hudson galloped back to his Trainer, sweat flying off of his powerful torso. He lifted her up with his nose and she clutched him in her arms, sweat and dirt and soot completely engulfing both of them. The voice of the commentator cut through the thickness of the air.

"Another show-stopping performance! Challenger Dolly emerges victorious!"

Her Mudsdale let out a powerful whinny as he reared, stomping onto the ground again. Dolly stumbled as the ground shook under his weight, laughing and squeezing him again. This was the feeling she needed - to cling to her Pokémon in the ecstasy of victory instead of the panic of defeat.

Dolly returned Hudson to his Poké Ball and met Kabu in the middle. His brow and shirt were drenched as well - no wonder he kept that towel around his neck. She wiped off her forehead, though there wasn't much point as her arm was already completely saturated with sweat.

"Great Pokémon and a great Trainer! It's no surprise that you won," Kabu said. "Just as I knew you could. To meet you in the middle of the pitch like this is much more refreshing to this old man."

He reached his hand out toward hers and Dolly shook it, still beaming up at Kabu. He nodded in return.

"I know now that you and your Pokémon will become a fantastic team, I'm glad I could battle you today. Let me give you a Fire Badge as proof that you've defeated me."

He handed her a small gold Badge, setting it into her hands as he had the Sun Stone only a day before. He closed her hand over it and looked at her again.

"It is young Trainers like you who are responsible for keeping our culture alive, helping it to become something better. It is an honor to be a pillar for you to build on."

Dolly's lower lip quivered as she looked at the weathered Gym Leader before her. Before she could stop herself, she lunged forward, wrapping her arms around him.

"Thank you, Mr. Kabu, for everything."

He paused before hugging her in return, a small laugh escaping him. Their shirts stuck together from the sweat, and when she stepped back her hair was plastered against her face.

They began walking together off the pitch, the crowd roaring around her. She grinned up at the audience, their cheers and cries of support echoing throughout the stadium. She could hear the commentator over the loudspeakers.

"After a terrifying and dramatic exit last time, Challenger Dolly claims the win against the man of fire, Kabu! She certainly has claimed our attention! Can't wait to see what happens next as she goes to face the silent boy of mystery, Allister!"

The cheers faded as she and Kabu exited through the tunnel, her grin still as wide as it was on the pitch. It never wavered as she waved goodbye to Kabu and stepped into the locker room.

She could practically ring out her hair by how much she was sweating.

"Bleh…" she grimaced as she peeled off her soaking Challenger's uniform.

Attempting to dry off the rest of her body was pointless, as her clothes were thoroughly drenched. She rolled her eyes and tugged her leggings on. She was grateful for the Shuckle tank her mum sneaked into her bag the day she left, so she didn't have to pull on her normal long-sleeved shirt - the very thought of it made her feel suffocated.

Dolly wadded her uniform into a smelly ball into her bag - better wash that real well the next chance she got. She pulled her hair off her neck into a ponytail, a few droplets from her neck spitting onto the floor. It was off to Hammerlocke next, and she couldn't wait for some fresh air. She exited the locker room and somebody nearly tackled her to the ground.

"You did it, Dolls!" Hop beamed from beside her ear. "I told you you could do it!"

"Hop! I'm literally so disgusting right now!" she yelped, peeling him off of her. "I've got sweat and dirt all over me!"

"You think I care about that? You just beat Kabu, the man of fire!" he said, still holding onto her shoulders. "That match had me right at the edge of my seat, you and Hudson made the whole thing look so easy!"

She couldn't hold back her smile any longer. He was right - she did it! After such an embarrassing display only days before, after contemplating quitting since the day she began, after losing over half of her team on accident or by their choice, she was still pushing forward. The fire was renewed within her.

"I'm so proud of you," he said again, gripping her shoulders. "I knew you could, I knew it from the start."

Then, he lifted his hands and shook them.

"But yeah wow you are really sweaty."

She shoved him with a laugh. Her cheeks started to hurt from smiling and talking and laughing so much as she and Hop made their way out of the Motostoke atrium.

"With all the Badges we've earned ourselves, I reckon we should be all right even against the fierce Pokémon you find deep in the Wild Area," Hop whistled as they trotted through Motostoke. "Let's go find out for ourselves, race you there!"

He took off at a sprint and Dolly couldn't contain her laugh as she broke into a sprint behind him. The fire and the life pulsed through her veins as she ran, as the wind blew through her hair. She felt like a bullet - fast and powerful and sure of her target. The mediocrity that had dried onto the surface of her skin was starting to flake off yet again, the scabs of it flinging behind her the faster she ran.

As they approached the entrance to Motostoke, Kabu, Nessa, and Milo saw them off. Kabu gave her a meaningful shoulder squeeze, she gave him another meaningful (and less sweaty) hug, and they waved goodbye as the two Trainers trotted down the steps.

Nessa tossed her hair behind her shoulder, watching as the two disappeared over the steps.

"What do you think, Kabu? Got some good ones here, huh?"

Kabu nodded as the yellow rays of the sun glowed over Motostoke and the Wild Area beyond.

"He may be arrogant, she insecure, both naive and rough around the edges in their own ways, but I believe one day soon all of Galar will know them and their deeds."

The pair tapped down the steps from Motostoke, taking in the air from the Wild Area.

"Hello again, Wild Area, my old friend!" Hop breathed, stretching his arms out to the fields before him. "I've come back to you even stronger than before!"

Hop turned to Dolly, eyes blazing.

"I know what I'm doing. I'll be catching myself some amazing Pokémon to fill in the next page in the tale of my legend!" he said, pumping his fists. "Hammerlock is just off that way, our next checkpoint!"

"Don't waste your efforts. It's not like either of you would ever make it through the Gym Challenge, anyway,"

Dolly and Hop turned to see Bede approaching them. He sauntered to a stop, smirking and flipping his hair.

"The Champion really must have been off his rocker to endorse the likes of you."

He sized up both again. Dolly crossed her arms over herself, disgust curling in her throat as he looked her up and down. Maybe she should have worn her regular shirt. Hop shifted his weight to one side, blocking part of Dolly from the Challenger before them.

"I mean, one should be disqualified simply due to ethical principles, and the other because he's so inadequate he can't even throw a Poké Ball properly."

Hop let out a snort and crossed his arms.

"Rubbish. More like you don't know enough to recognize greatness when you see it. My throws are the greatest, and my bro is the finest Champion the world has ever seen! I'm not gonna listen to you insulting him and my best mate,"

Suddenly Dolly's fists clenched. She vaguely recalled hearing Bede's name in the angry mob not so long ago.

"You have no right to be talking about me," Dolly said, stepping around Hop and jabbing a finger at Bede. "If you've got something to say, say it to my face."

Bede rolled his eyes again as Dolly fumed before him.

"How tiresome...I've nothing to say to a freak like you that you don't already know. As for you," he said as he turned to Hop. "I'll battle you over there. Maybe that will help you finally understand just how weak you are."

"You're on then," Hop said. "Dolls has wiped the floor with every Gym Leader, and I'm her greatest rival, so there's no way you're beating me."

"All this prattle about Dolly and the Champion and whatnot... Do you not have anything of your own to show?" Bede sneered.

With another toss of his hair, he sauntered farther off. Hop tugged up his sleeves, a grin etching onto his face.

"I'll show this wally my real skills in battle! So, see you later, Dolls! Let's meet up in Hammerlocke when I'm through with him!"

Dolly watched as her best mate ran off into battle. She had every confidence that Hop would destroy that idiot. She continued down the hill beside Motostoke, taking in the view of the other half of the Wild Area before her. She tossed out her Pokémon to walk and talk beside her.

Disqualified due to ethical principles, huh? Dolly let out a sigh as she watched Sap perch atop Rosa's head, her new Gloom head-flower providing a convenient platform for the Charjabug. Perhaps that ethics comment would become more common than she thought. Although Pokémon battles were common and celebrated in Galar, there were still many people who opposed them altogether. She knew it was common in other regions, too, as Trainers faced opposition whenever they passed through her hometown. She used to live by a Gym before she moved to Galar, and protesters often said it was unnatural, cruel, abusive. Pokémon should be liberated, they shouldn't be forced to fight.

She could agree with them on that much - person or Pokémon, no one should be forced to do anything ever, but that certainly wasn't going to stop just because people wanted it to. Many anti-Trainer protests cited scores of incidents in the media where Pokémon were abused, mistreated, pushed too far. Even though she never saw them in person, Boltund fighting rings were unfortunately common in Galar.

But if Pokémon were loved and cared for, what did it matter? If they chose to fight, just as boxers chose to box or wrestlers chose to wrestle, who could say that they shouldn't do it? If there were regulations, just as there was the League, Gym Challenge, and Trainers were taught in school how to care for Pokmeon, then where was the argument?

She sighed as she thought back to Posey, to Fay, to Lacey. People like her fueled the argument, she supposed. Why risk it if she was so much more likely to misstep than other Trainers? She thought again of Kabu's words, of the Sun Stone glittering in her pocket. She supposed not everyone would find her goal beautiful.

Her team continued through the Wild Area, catching and training and eating and sleeping. This bit of the Wild Area was much more rugged than the area going into Motostoke. She struggled through the landscape, and her legs often gave out through the drastic changes of heavy snow to howling gales. It was their fifth night, and Dolly was glad she spent the rest of her money on potions due to the higher levels of the wild Pokémon around. Her team was faring well, appreciating the diversity of challenge the Wild Area brought. They had all leveled up significantly, and Sap had finally evolved into a Vikavolt, thanks to a Thunder Stone Rosa tripped over.

Dolly was a bit worse for wear, though. The constant travel and change in weather were taxing, and the sixth morning she awoke with a painful dry cough. Potions and berries kept her team healthy, but she had never felt worse. Her mum may have packed a Shuckle tank, but a thermometer and cold medicine were woefully absent. She sniffled and shivered as they made their way across the bridges, rocks, and through the grass of the Wild Area. Even swallowing hurt.

"Stop being stubborn and get on the Mudsdale," Jackson huffed, setting his hands on his hips.

"I'm fine," she coughed, tucking her jacket collar up around her neck. "We're almost there anyway. I can see-" Her sentence was interrupted by more coughing. "I can see Hammerlocke out that way."

Jackson looked from his pitiful, shivering Trainer to the pitiful, faraway blip of a town.

"Yeah, if you're going to think of an excuse, at least make it a better one."

Sap let out a frustrated buzz. She shot little lightning bolts at Dolly's feet until she stepped close enough to Hudson.

"How can you care for us when you cannot care for yourself?" Rosa agreed, slurping up a bit of drool. "Your small body is trembling with shivers."

Hudson nuzzled into her hair and she finally sighed, coughed again, then nodded. She clambered up onto Hudson's back and he carried her forward. Jackson led her small team in lieu of her leadership, and the four of them offered recommendations to each other in battles as they trudged toward Hammerlocke. After a few more hours, another level for each of them, rain started to speckle the earth.

Dusk was falling as the speckles of rain turned into a howling gale and torrent of water. After no luck in finding shelter for hours, Sap finally spotted a glowing lantern and a building's silhouette in a rock outcropping. Dolly's trembling fingers could barely hold onto Hudson's mane through the deluge.

A bell tingled as Dolly stepped into the doorway. Hudson and Sap waited outside, too large to fit through the wooden frame, while Rosa and Jackson helped Dolly inside.

"Hey, anyone home?" Jackson called, looking about the room.

The rain pounded on the roof as Jackson shook the water off his fur, Rosa doing the same and accidentally whipping herself in the face with her drool. The glass of the windows shuttered against the howling wind, vibrating the sturdy panes. The Gloom steadied her Trainer as Jackson stepped forward, looking up the wood-paneled walls for any other sign of life. His eyes trailed up the wooden staircase, along the railing, then flicked past door after door up on the exposed second floor. The ceilings were tall and arched, with antler-themed chandeliers casting a warm glow over the large cabin.

He trotted into the main room, weaving around the handful of little tables that speckled the room. He made it up to the hearth, stepping onto the gray cobblestone and peering into the big black pot bubbling over the fire.

"Someone's gotta be here if they're cooking this much soup…" he muttered to himself, making his way back to Dolly.

Jackson took Dolly by the hand and made their way to the bar. He and Rosa helped her onto a cushioned stool as she sniffled again.

"Rosa, stay here with Dolly, imma go find someone," Jackson said, hopping off the barstool beside her.

"No need dear, I'm coming," a voice called from the staircase.

An old woman toddled down the steps, her tall graying ponytail bouncing behind her. Her vibrant blue eyes flicked around, then a breath shot in through her teeth when she saw Dolly.

"Well you look like death. Get over by the fire," the woman ordered, bustling about in a closet beside the staircase.

Dolly only nodded as she trudged to the handful of chairs and couches by the fire. She slumped into one of them, practically melting into the well-worn furniture. This couch was horrible for her posture, but she felt like a little egg in a bushy bird nest.

"Honey, take these blankets to your Trainer, please," the woman said.

Rosa plodded up to Dolly, Dolly shaking off the pollen and a bit of Rosa's drool from the fluffy blankets. She patted her Gloom on the head and coughed out a thanks.

"You've got more partners outside?" the woman asked Jackson. "Mateo! Take care of the Pokémon outside, please!"

She heard a thundering of footsteps tear from the upstairs and scramble down the steps. A shot of blue pushed the door open, the howling wind and rain hitting the entryway rug. Dolly heard another heavier set of footsteps come closer and the woman appeared before her, holding a cup.

"What's your name, dear?" she asked, sitting in the armchair across from Dolly.

"Dolly," she coughed out.

"Good to know, but I was talking to your Raboot,"

Dolly's eyebrows furrowed. Jackson turned to look at Dolly, his brow furrowed as well. She only shrugged.

"Uh, it's Jackson," he muttered, eyeing the woman in the chair.

"Jackson, be a dear and warm this up for your Trainer. Arceus knows you can do it faster than our ancient microwave."

Jackson hesitantly stepped forward and took the cup from her hands, still cautiously glancing from her face to the cup.

"No need to look at me like I've got three heads," the woman chuckled. "I might be old, but I know I'm not that ugly. Now heat up that cup for your Trainer before she drowns in her own phlegm."

Dolly gratefully took the cup, the now-warm concoction already clearing her sinuses. She gulped it down, the hot liquid warming every inch of her insides. Her shivers immediately started to waver.

"Thank you. I hope you don't mind us barging in like this,"

The woman waved a hand at her.

"This is a hostel, not sure if you could see the sign in that horrible weather. Taking in Trainers like you on nights like this is exactly what I'm here for."

"Your accent sounds familiar," Dolly croaked, sitting up taller on the couch. She sank right back to where she was. "Where are you from?"

"Where are you from?" the woman repeated, eyeing Dolly. "What's your favorite salad topping? What color are your long johns? Why're you doing the Gym Challenge if you've got the Nuzlocke Curse? See, asking personal questions is rude, innit?"

Dolly's eyes widened as she tried to sit up again.

"How did you…?"

"I might look like a hermit, but we've got cable."

Dolly coughed out an 'oh,' the force of the cough racking her body. She supposed her yelling on the pitch at Kabu about the Nuzlocke Curse was probably broadcasted to all of Galar and not just around Motostoke. She sniffled and tucked the blanket around her tighter.

"Pitiful," the woman tutted. She stood and ambled to the bar, gesturing for Dolly to follow. "You may need something stronger than that tea. You old enough to drink? Eh actually whatever, not like the police are gonna be barging through the door in this weather."

"I am now, actually," Dolly croaked as she struggled to stand from the couch that seemed adamant in swallowing her completely. Jackson had to tug at her arm to get her up as the woman clinked about behind the bar. Dolly finally took a seat in a barstool. "My eighteenth birthday might've been yesterday, now that I think about it."

She lost track of the date when her phone died the second night they were in the Wild Area. She blamed herself for believing Jackson when he said he hadn't stayed up all night the previous night playing games on it. She probably missed a call or two or a thousand from her mum. Maybe one from Hop, too. She sighed at the thought. He was certainly more fit than she was, but even he had limits. Hopefully he was making it fine through the Wild Area in this horrible storm.

"Oh, well happy birthday," the woman said, setting down another cup on the bar. "I can try to sing if you want, but don't blame me if wild Pokémon smash through the windows to get me to stop,"

Dolly coughed out a laugh and reached for the cup. She took a sip, and coughed again, this time from the surprising strength of whatever was in this drink. It bit at her throat and burned as she swallowed. As she sipped, the blue figure appeared in the doorway again, pushing the door closed.

"Her other Pokémon are in the stables. All the Rapidash's auras turned real pink when that Mudsdale walked in,"

"Thank you, Mateo. Come greet our guests,"

A little Riolu bounded up to them and bowed.

"Hi I'm Mateo thanks for visiting our hostel where we do our best to make people and Pokémon our honored guest we have a free continental breakfast but that's only if you actually pay your bill also I can take your bag if you want."

Dolly coughed out another laugh.

"Thanks for the warm welcome, Mateo,"

Mateo's eyes widened, then his head whipped to the woman.

"I thought only you could speak Pokémon? Is she a special nursery worker too?"

"There's a couple of us around. Now take this Trainer's things up to a room, then run along and play, dear. Why don't you show this Raboot what you've been building upstairs?"

The Riolu nodded and turned to Jackson.

"Do you, um, do you like racing? I've been building hurdles upstairs. Want to help?"

"Holy shit, that's ace!" Jackson shouted.

"Jackson!"

"Sorry, I mean, 'yes please.'"

The Riolu and Raboot grabbed Dolly's jacket and bag and bounded up the steps, already talking a mile a minute about other games they both liked to play. Dolly gave Rosa a loving pat, then her Gloom fumbled up the steps as well.

"So," the woman continued after all the Pokémon had left. "You've managed to make it a little over halfway through the Wild Area. Normally I get some weary travelers, but not so many that are knocking on death's door like you."

"Yeah, thanks for the drinks," Dolly said, looking down to the cup in her hand. Her chest didn't feel so tight anymore, though she was sniffling more. Guess her sinuses were clearing.

"Are you hungry?"

Dolly nodded, tucking the blanket around her more snuggly as the woman grabbed two bowls from under the counter and headed to the hearth. She set a steaming bowl of soup in front of Dolly and stood across from her again, dipping a spoon into her own bowl.

"You taking care of yourself out there?" the woman asked through a mouthful of soup. "Surprised someone of your size didn't get blown away by the wind. How does your chest feel? Fingers, arms? I know it's been a while, but has the tingling subsided?"

"I'm not really tingly, I've probably got a fever, though," Dolly said as her brow furrowed.

"I'm not talking about your chest cold, I'm talking about the Nuzlocke Curse. I assume you've lost team members by now, I'm almost wondering if that's half the cause of your illness here. Messes with your immune system, the antibodies in your blood."

Dolly shook her head.

"No, it's uh, it's been a bit since the last one…I thought no one else knew about the Curse?"

"There's a lot of things I don't know, but there are a lot of things I do know," the woman shrugged. "Like, for one thing, if you rub right here in the crick of your elbow, the tingling subsides quicker when you try to catch another Pokémon on a route. Not as effective when one dies, but it helps a bit."

Dolly swirled her spoon around in her bowl as the woman fussed about behind the bar. The rain spattered on the roof and a quiet thunder rumbled in the distance. She was much more content to listen to the storm now that her and her Pokémon were safe, warm, and dry. Her mind flicked to Hop again. Hopefully there were caves or something further into the Wild Area, or perhaps he had already made it to Hammerlocke. If he were here in this hostel, safely curled up on a couch, or chatting here with her as the thunder rumbled outside, that would be even better. Dolly hummed out a sigh and spooned the soup into her mouth.

"You know how to break it?"

Dolly's eyes shot up.

"I assume that's why you're out here, to break the Curse? Trying to beat the Champion, right?"

Dolly's brows furrowed, scanning the face of this woman. Her blue eyes bore into Dolly's, as if only by looking at her this woman had Dolly completely figured out. Even from behind her cup and bowl and beneath her thick blanket, Dolly had rarely ever felt this exposed.

"I don't know how to break the Curse, I just...I like battling. I was assuming I would figure it out along the way."

The woman barked out a laugh.

"Ballsy! I like you, kid. Just trudging through the country's hardest challenge 'to see what happens.' Well let me tell ya, you're on the right track."

"What do you mean?"

"You do want to break it, yeah?"

"Well yeah, but, Kabu's the only other one I know who knows someone who had it, and he said-"

"And this is what I'm saying," the woman continued. "That's almost always how it goes: beat the Champion, find the legendary Pokémon, break the Curse. Sometimes not always in that order, but you know. Just trust me, kid."

Dolly stared at her drink, taking in her words. She watched as a droplet of condensation darkened the base of the glass and seeped into the wood of the bar.

"Beat the Champion, break the Curse," Dolly whispered. If she grew strong enough to beat Leon, then would she be strong enough to find whoever that voice in the Slumbering Weald belonged to?

"How do you know so much?" Dolly asked, sipping at her drink again as she spun back and forth on the barstool. "The Nuzlocke Curse has just barely been brought to light, even academics barely know anything about it. I've only met two other people who knew about it, and that's Kabu and my friend Sonia."

"Eh, well now you've met three. When you've been around as long as me, when you've met as many people as I have, you pick up some stuff. You've got a lot to learn, kid."

Dolly only stared as the woman looked into her eyes. Again, she felt like her entire soul was laid bare.

"Then when you break the Curse, you can teach others what I'm teaching you. Learn what you can, teach others what you know, beat the Champion, break the Curse. Easy as that…" she said. Then, she quietly added, "Shield of Galar."

Dolly's eyes grew wide, her breath catching in her throat.

"What did you...what did you just say?"

"I said 'sealed with valor,'" she said, clinking a bottle on the table.

She turned the label towards Dolly. It read 'Sealed with valor for the hero in you!'

"Some brands can be so dramatic, don't you think?"

Dolly held the bottle in her hands, turning it over. Something about this woman was making Dolly curious. She realized she had never even introduced herself. When Dolly opened her mouth again, she was stopped with a wave.

"What'd I say about so many questions? You ought to get to bed before you keel over. Finish your dinner, then head on upstairs, first door on your left. I'll heal up your Pokémon for you and I'll watch those two rascals."

As if on cue a loud thud came from upstairs and a burst of laughter.

Dolly couldn't help but grin as a Raboot and Riolu came tripping down the stairs, already pushing and laughing at one another as they ran around the tables. She slurped down the rest of the soup, waved goodnight to them all, and headed up the stairs.