TEAM: Twigs (Thwackey) & Crumbs (Greedent), Spike (Drednaw) & Tilda (Vileplume), Hook (Galarian Slowpoke) & Cress (Charjabug)

Flare's POV

Okay, we should be able to circle back to Motostoke if we head through here…

I double checked the map on my Rotom Phone to make sure this was the right way. The path out of Hulbury led me and my team towards this cave mouth. "Galar Mine 2," I recalled from the map.

"Oh, great." Hook groaned. "Another mine."

"Hold on just a second…" Twigs spoke up. "We're heading back to Motostoke, aren't we? Couldn't we just fly back there with the cabbie man?"

"Oh, Mr. Pilot?" I glanced back to my phone. "I did try calling him earlier, but he didn't pick up. I think he must be busy…"

While I did think it was weird that he didn't answer my calls today, I didn't mind too much. It wouldn't hurt to go through another cave. I just hoped we could make it back to Motostoke in time…

It wasn't until we entered the cave did I wish I wasn't in a hurry. The place seemed much more contained than the other mine, but this one was lit up by different coloured crystals and lanterns placed here and there. The lighting of it all gave the cave a bit of a purple hue. The rest of my team seemed to enjoy the look of it all, too.

"Whoa." Spike seemed amazed at something in particular. "Water."

"Look, Spike!" Tilda was pointing at something crawling out of the lake. Several Chewtle. "You used to look like that! Wait… no. Those are ugly."

"Are you freaking kidding me."

I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. This place seemed more lively with the wild Pokémon just wandering about. They seemed docile enough. Though, regardless, I noticed Twigs cautiously distancing herself from it all, still holding Zap in her arms. She wasn't usually this careful.

I approached her with a suggestion. "You know, I could just send Zap back home to mom. Zap has his own Luxury Ball now, so-"

Twigs quickly turned away, holding Zap protectively. "N-No!" She noticed it was me and seemed to loosen up. "I mean… I can just take care of him. Please lass, I've helped raise those wee baby Pokémon before. I'll make sure he stays out of trouble, I swear it on my heart."

Zap stared at me with those large eyes, as if he understood that he wanted to stay as well. "Pbbbtheese pbbthas." His tongue was still hanging out.

Aw. That face could melt hearts. It melted mine. Metaphorically, of course. Not like I needed any melting. "I guess he can stay." If he stays out of all the battling then it shouldn't be against any of the league rules, right?

"Hear that, Zap?" Twigs looked thrilled. "You're here to stay!"

Zap was being held up with the happiest look on his face. "Pbbthap! Pbbbbthay!"

I looked back at the black and expensive Luxury Ball in my hand before putting it back into my bag. Twigs did suggest I get that ball specifically, but at least I could also agree it was worth it for Zap.

"Ooh, Spike! Look at all these pretty crystals!"

"Golly, I wonder if they're edible!"

"Just don't touch the crystals, you two."

I smiled as I watched it all happen. We could probably afford to slow down and admire the surroundings.

"We've got company." I heard Cress call to me from ahead, past a turn in the path.

"I knew it." Hook sighed. "A hideous sight, to be sure."

Hideous? I was wondering what they were talking about when I looked around the corner with them. It took me a while to notice the purple coat with how the place looked, but I recognized Bede's silver locks. "Come on Hook, that's kind of mean."

"I was actually talking about the creature in his arms but-"

"I heard that! I'll have you know I worked hard on my hair today!" He quickly turned around, brow still angrily furrowed. It wasn't until he noticed me that he raised an eyebrow. "Tch. You, again. Come here to gloat with your team of evolved Pokémon?" His eyes darted to my different team members behind me.

He still didn't seem too pleased to see me, as if his frown didn't make it obvious. I did agree that he was a piece of work, but I wasn't here to start anything. "Hang on, I don't want to fight you again." I noted the Hatenna in his arms, the same one Hook wiped out last time. Wait… why does it still look beaten?

Bede smirked. I saw the Hatenna in his arms come to and hop to the floor. Bede wore a similar cocky expression. "Typical. If I were to battle you again, I would absolutely crush you for sure." I wanted to sigh at his tone. "While I do believe it a form of mercy to eradicate weaklings as soon as possible, I'd feel sorry for my Pokémon if I made them take part in a battle against low-level opponents. I'm not in the mood to deal with weaklings right now. I'm on a mission to get Wishing Stars for Chairman Rose himself, if you must know. Though at the moment my Hatenna wants to go somewhere…"

Proud and definitely full of himself. Definitely a piece of work. But I tried not to let it get to me. He seemed… nice enough… to tell me what he was up to, at least. "Are you going to get the next Gym Badge when the Motostoke Stadium opens again tomorrow?" At the end of the day, we were both just fellow Gym Challengers, so I felt asking about badges would be in our best interests.

"Hmph. Obviously. Being a trainer endorsed by the chairman himself, I must remain in peak form and status. Furthermore-"

I decided to stop there. It didn't seem like trying to continue talking would go anywhere, so I just ignored him and walked past him with my team in tow.

Bede didn't like that. I heard him call after me, agitated. "I'd advise against going any further! There are a pair of strong hooligans at the end of this mine!"

Hooligans? As in Team Yell? I looked back at Bede, ready to test him. "If they're so strong, why haven't you dealt with them already?"

Bede paused, expression stiffening for a second. His Hatenna walked up to him and let herself get picked up. A few seconds of silence between them passed before he spoke to me again. "I just… didn't suppose it was worth my time! But it has recently occurred to me I could find more Wishing Stars if they were out of the way! Coming through!"

Was he… flustered? I didn't have much time to weigh in on that thought when he suddenly walked past me, practically speed walking through the cave path.

I let out my sigh once he was out of earshot. I looked to the rest of my team, who just so happened to be silent throughout the whole exchange. "Well, looks like Team Yell is back, for some reason."

Except Hook. I noticed he was busy arguing with Bede's Hatenna during the whole thing. He still seemed riled up about it. "I'd much like to see what happens next. The only thing better than getting to thrash that… thing… is to see someone else do it for me."

I sighed. Even if I didn't agree with Hook, I couldn't help but smile when I looked back at him. I noted his familiar smirk. "You know, you really are like him."

"Oh, shut it."

Author's POV

Hearing the return of Team Yell gave Flare a reason to hurry after Bede. It was unusual to hear of their antics especially after the encounter on Route 5. Even with most of her team recalled, trying to run through the cave still had its problems.

"Whoa!" Cress barely squirmed away just in time before the ground beneath her could give way to clamping steel jaws. "What's the big idea, bozo?"

Knowing they were still in pursuit, Hook quickly levitated Cress off of the ground and onto his head before she could provoke the living bear trap even further. "Blasted traps. It's dangerous here."

"No kidding."

"Okay, I think I can hear them up ahead!" Flare called out.

It wasn't much longer until the echoing space of the cave was filled with familiar horn blaring and a rocking tune. Two Team Yell grunts were loitering around an open space, blasting music from their boombox as they saw Bede standing nearby.

"Oi, look who's come back! It's the bloke from before!"

"Still not lettin' you pass, boyo! We saw what you've been carryin' in those pockets! Those are dangerous, don'tcha know?"

Bede gritted his teeth, hesitant to go any further. He cast a look down at his Hatenna, understanding that she really wanted to see the cave's exit up ahead, but was reluctant to deal with the loud punk hurdles as well.

"There you guys are!" Flare entered the scene, skidding to a stop.

Both the Team Yell guys stopped busting a move to share a moment of realization.

"Oi, it's her!"

"Marnie's friend!"

"Marnie has a frieeeeend!"

"Marnie has a frieeeeend!"

They both started yelling and blaring their horns in a disgraceful but celebratory act in unison.

"Blast it all, they're loud…" Both Hook and Bede spoke at the same time, but they were unable to hear each other because of the noise going on.

Bede's look of irritation only grew to shock when he realized the implications of their yelling. "You know these simpletons?!"

"It's… a long story." Flare couldn't help but sheepishly stand there as she watched these guys make her out to be a big deal. She went back to glaring at the grunts. "Come on, I thought we went over this already." She cleared her throat. "No more roadblocks!"

It was then that the hooligans broke out of their celebratory square dance to start stomping in protest.

"Oi, oi, this is different, we swear!"

"That bloke over there is carrying some of that dangerous glowy stuff! We can't be lettin' 'im walk around with that, let alone get past here!"

Bede, knowing well he was put on the spot, heightened his annoyed tone as he spoke up. "I'll have you know those are Wishing Stars! To be delivered to Chairman Rose! Only the man has sold you the very Dynamax Bands you're all wearing right now!" His spite only fueled his exaggerated enunciation. "Did you stand in the path of a Pokémon's Simple Beam or something?"

Despite the hostility of Bede's outburst, the Team Yell grunts only stood in confusion, glancing at the lack of Dynamax Bands on their wrists and wondering the heck this bloke was talking about.

Flare was also a bit confused herself. 'But I got my Dynamax Band from Professor Magnolia…'

The perplexing moment only lasted briefly before the Team Yell Grunts went from scratching their heads to scratching the itch to blow their horns.

"Tch. Suppose they're less Simple but more Oblivious." Bede looked down to nod at his Hatenna, who was thinking the same thing. "Hopefully we won't lose again, Fringe. Because it appears like there really is only one way we can get these thugs to move…"

"I actually agree with you on this one…" Flare sighed, making her way to Bede's side, much to his surprise. "We'll stand a better chance if we both take them on."

Bede composed himself, bringing his intense gaze to the bozos ahead. "Very well, then. Assistance would be… appreciated, to say the least."

"Let's do this, Cr-'' Flare wanted to send Cress forward, but Hook was already ahead, trying to nudge Bede's Hatenna out of the way. "Never mind, then…"

Team Yell were quick to call to arms as well, blaring their boombox music louder as they brought out their own Nest Balls.

"Oi! Marnie's friend is teaming up with the enemy!"

"That's no good! Let's show 'em our new Pokémon!"

The psychic duo of Flare and Bede had their Pokémon met with the opposition of a Pancham and a Liepard. Both the Slowpoke and the Hatenna knew which foe to zero in on. They also knew the other had the same idea.

"Liepard, use-" The grunt's command was stopped short when a Galarian Stunfisk was suddenly hurled out of the ground and onto his Pokémon. It didn't help that the Dark type was knocked off balance by a distant Disarming Voice attack. The grunt stopped to panic and try to pry the steel jaws off his Liepard.

Hook dusted his paws off. "A most troublesome foe dealt with thanks to me." His remark was met with the pouting of the tiny Hatenna next to him. "What? Don't act like your little shouting attack contributed much."

Bickering aside, the two Pokémon remembered they still had one foe left. A lone, quivering Pancham, who seemed very aware that it was all alone against two Psychic types.

Its respective trainer realized this too, gulping at the same time as his Pokémon. "Quick, Pancham-"

But his Pokémon couldn't follow any commands as it had already succumbed to a Yawn bubble and fallen asleep. And while Hook was at it he already started levitating the Pancham's body around.

"Hmph." The Slowpoke scoffed. "I doubt I'd have to use my full power for such a-"

It was then that Hook had to levitate the sleeping Pancham out of the way of a Psybeam blast. He was once again met with the nonexistent glare of the very peeved Hatenna who fired that attack.

Hook frowned. "Like I'd let you steal my victory!"

The Hatenna just stuck her tongue out at him and fired another Psybeam from her head. Hook quickly levitated the Pancham out of the way once more.

Flare and Bede could only watch as their Pokémon continued playing their game of trying to shoot the sleeping Pancham down.

Bede frowned, putting two fingers to his forehead and sighing. "I would tell Fringe to stop missing but she's not listening to me."

Flare looked to the Charjabug in her arms. Cress looked back at her, evidently calmer than her surprised trainer.

Cress nodded understandingly. "I would just let him do his thing, but I could break it up if you want me to. Throw me."

Flare was a bit surprised by Cress' suggestion, but she went along with it. "If you say so."

By then Hook was waving around an awake Pancham who was flailing helplessly in his psychic grasp. However, the Slowpoke was completely unaware of this as he was more focused on the Hatenna who had resorted to uselessly stomping on his head. Hook had to admit he found Fringe's aggression very amusing.

The whole charade came to a stop when a Charjabug soared in from nowhere and knocked the Pancham away with a Spark tackle. Cress landed to give Hook and Fringe a look. "Geez, get a room, you two."

With Pancham and Liepard dealt with, Flare quickly stepped towards the Team Yell duo with her phone in hand. "You better let us through now or else… I'll call Marnie! She'd be very disappointed to learn that you're messing with Gym Challengers again!"

The grunts yelped. "Only thing worse than disappointing Marnie is…"

"... disappointing her brother!"

And with that declaration of fear, the two grunts recalled their Pokémon and took off, taking their boombox with them. Flare just stood there, somewhat dumbfounded at how easy that was. 'Marnie has a brother?'

She blinked, staring at the phone in her hand. "I didn't think that would actually work. I need to call Marnie more."

"I'll have you know I could've had Fringe and my other Pokémon handle the job just fine." Bede spoke up, walking ahead. "It's just not everyday I get to see you battle, so I decided to let you show off your efforts."

Flare would've been offended by his attempt to undermine her victory, but even she wasn't too enthusiastic about Hook doing all the work against her will. She was mainly curious about why Bede felt the need to speak up in the first place.

Bede seemed to hesitate for a second. "Come now, Fringe."

His Hatenna proceeded to stop butting heads with Hook and gleefully skipped to Bede's side, an instantaneous mood shift. Not before stopping one more time to stick her tongue out at Hook, of course. Cress curiously watched as it all happened, noting how Hook was trying to sigh his tension away and Flare kept her eyes on Bede walking ahead.

The box bug nudged her trainer's leg. "Hey. We should get going, huh?"

Flare kept her gaze fixated ahead, her attention caught by a small glistening object on the floor ahead. This prompted her to quicken her pace to catch up with Bede.

Flare's POV

"Hey, wait up!" I knew Bede wouldn't listen, but I still called out. Force of habit.

I exited the cave and found myself surprised at how the sky was starting to darken. Were we in there for that long?

I quickly realized I was back on another path of a route with patches of grass here and there. And near one of the grassy parts stood Bede.

"Hey…" I caught up to him. "You dropped this."

"Hmm?" Bede turned around and looked at my outstretched hand. His tone was unamused when he saw the rock in my hand. "Oh, a Wishing Star. How careless of me."

But there was still something on my mind. I pulled my hand back. "I still have something I want to ask about. Why are you collecting these? Don't you already have a Dynamax Band?"

Bede frowned, crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow. "If you've already forgotten, I mentioned I was collecting these for the chairman. They're used for more than just Dynamax Bands, you know."

I didn't know that. But I was still on edge. "Like…?"

"Hmph." Bede hesitated, his gaze darting away. "I… don't fully understand quite yet. However I still intend on working my hardest for the chairman. To prove myself." It seemed like he spilled out those last words on a whim. His brief look of surprise pretty much confirmed it for me.

I couldn't help but notice it too. "What's there to prove?" He seemed like he was doing well for himself with how he had the spare time to search these cave places.

Bede didn't like my answer. His grimace was foul. "Typical for someone like you to not understand… were you raised simple?"

I frowned. "My mom mostly raised me in Postwick, but that doesn't make me simple."

Bede only grew agitated. "Oh yes, your mother. With such shelter in your life, I doubt you'd know what it's like to have been raised without such figures. To be faced with constant challenges and competition all my life, and all I have to show for it is a gift Pokémon I was given out of pity!"

I stopped, completely speechless. By then I had taken a step back from how aggressive Bede was, but I couldn't be mad at him. I simply stood there in silence, trying to maintain a neutral expression.

Bede blinked, as if realizing he spilled out what he said. He looked away, back to the patch of grass.

I chanced a glance over Bede's shoulder and noticed that his Hatenna was frolicking through the grass nearby. Maybe a change in topic could help? "She seems to be enjoying herself."

Bede was still looking ahead. "Hmm? Oh, yes. I was quite unsure as to why she was insistent on heading to Motostoke Outskirts of all places, but it became clear soon enough. Apparently this was where Fringe lived before she was caught by the chairman. She has… fond memories of this place, weirdly enough. I'll let her stay awhile."

His tone seemed to lighten up at least, even if he still sounded like he was choosing his words carefully. But I still felt he had that humanity about him. "You can have this back now."

He glanced back as I showed him my hand again. "Ah. I doubt you should be rewarding my carelessness with your pity."

I tried to smile at him. "It's not pity. I just… wanna help."

"That's the part I just don't get with you." He turned to face me. "You do realize we're competitors in this scenario, right? Rivals meant to face off and take each other down?"

I knew all too well what to say. "Just because we're rivals doesn't mean we can't be friends, too. The healthy thing about having rivals isn't always about beating them down. It's also about helping each other out to make sure we're at our best. Healthy competition and all that." It was as if Hop was right there, speaking on my behalf.

"Hmm." Bede's gaze went back to his Hatenna, who came back to his side. They both stared at each other for a bit, silently nodding.

I was confused by the wordless display. Were they… communicating?

"Very well." Bede suddenly spoke, his gaze towards me much more relaxed now. "Your methods confuse me, but Fringe says you're sincere. Your assistance is… appreciated."

I nodded, finding myself content with his attempt at thanking me. "Happy to help."

His expression still looked perplexed at the sound of the word. And yet, he composed himself and wore a smirk. "Yes, well, until we meet again, Flare. I do hope you'll battle your all next time we meet. I certainly will, of course."

I smiled. He still sounded competitive, but it didn't seem like he meant any ill will. "I'll be sure to do that." I handed him the Wishing Star.

"We're done here." He started walking back to the cave, Fringe following. "I've yet to hand these in to the chairman. Come now, Fringe."

I watched as the little Hatenna caught up to his pace. Bede didn't seem like the happiest person, but Fringe seemed cheerful, especially around him. I know he'll be a good trainer. Whatever cause he's vouching for, I hope he succeeds. And I definitely wasn't supporting him out of pity, that's for sure.

And shortly after Cress finally caught up to me, Hook not too far behind. "Sup. I saw the dude. He seemed better than before."

I felt proud about that encounter. "He did."

Hook was still frowning. "That creature was in a good mood. I wouldn't say that's a good thing."

Cress just chuckled with me. "Heh. You good at talking to boys or something?"

I chuckled modestly. I wouldn't say that was the case. I simply glanced at my ever so grumpy Slowpoke. "Oh, it's nothing."

Author's POV

"Thank you for your reservation in Budew Drop Inn, Challenger 71. Your room number is the same as before."

Flare thanked the receptionist and accepted her keys from his Budew partner. After quickly trekking through Motostoke Outskirts, she once again found herself in the luxurious environment of Motostoke's hotel lobby, wondering what other free perks being a Gym Challenger let her have.

'I could get some grub for me and my team…' She came across the idea herself, as the rest of her Pokémon were busy resting in their Pokéballs. Flare decided to head to the eating area while the evening was still young.

Her escapades for freebies ended up leading her to the grand eating area of the hotel, tables and little restaurant areas all about the large room. She found herself taking in the bustling atmosphere, recognizing some of the trainers' faces as those she had seen out and about her first Motostoke visit. Only difference was that it was very likely everyone in the room had several badges on their belt. She was thinking about how everyone was moving up in the world and thought of Bede once more.

"Hey, Flare! Over here!" Her attention was caught by the familiar waving from a nearby table. It was there that she saw Hop and Marnie calling for her.

Marnie had a meek little smile as Flare took her seat near them. "Glad to see you've finally made it here. We were just talkin' 'bout you."

Flare chuckled. "Good things?"

Hop grinned. "Course, Flare! We were just wondering what took you so long!"

Flare cast Hop a look of mock accusation. "Well I would've gotten here faster if you'd woken me up when you left."

"Alright, got me there, mate."

The three all had a good laugh at that. They continued to talk among themselves, catching up with their progress while indulging in the Pokémon-shaped cookies that Hop brought. The trainers each had a Pokémon with them to share their little pastry box with.

Flare curiously examined the Greedent-shaped biscuit in her hand. "Aren't these the same cookies you bought at the train?"

"Can't help it, you know?" Hop was indulging by his side of the table, making sure to keep all the Charizard cookies for himself. "Biscuits are biscuits! You can't go wrong with these."

Marnie paused before taking a bite out of an Obstagoon cookie. "... kind of plain, don'cha think?" She passed the rest of it to her Morpeko sitting by her.

"Hmm, maybe I could've gotten a drink to go with these…" Hop examined his cookies before shrugging. He was back to all smiles as he looked over his collection. "At least they look cool! These sweets are popular for a reason! They already have Boltund, Wooloo, and Corviknight cookies, but once I make it big as champion, I'm gonna try to get some cookies based off of Sev in the works!" Buddy bleated in agreement next to him.

"We're bringin' this back up, are we?" Marnie raised an eyebrow, her meek expression hiding her determined tone. "I don't think they got any Morpeko cookies for William. Maybe when I become champion I'll get to change that."

Flare just sheepishly watched as the competitive spark ignited between her friends. She looked to the Thwackey next to her. "Twigs, do you want…"

"I don't really mind, lass." Twigs replied, holding Zap in her arms. The little Toxel was munching on a Slurpuff cookie.

Flare looked at her friends obviously joking with their back and forth banter, wondering just how much training they did while they were waiting for her. "Just so we're clear, we all have two badges, right?"

The two stopped to look at Flare. Their expressions seemed to soften up. "Got that right, mate. We've actually been planning on saving Kabu's Gym for tomorrow morning."

Marnie nodded. "You could join us, if you'd like. Seein' as you're all caught up and all."

Flare sheepishly chuckled. "Well, I have to tag along if I don't wanna fall behind again."

Marnie's smile grew confident. "If you're not too shattered yet, mind helpin' me with somethin' for a sec? I haven't tested my Pokémon battlin' skills against you last I remembered."

Flare smiled, recalling the phone call from earlier that day. "Don't worry, I didn't forget."

The implications of a battle got Hop eager. "You two have yet to actually battle, is that it? Now this I gotta see!"

Marnie chuckled. "We oughta get goin' then. Come on, I know a place."

Budew Drop Inn had its own designated battle floor, where several small stadium spaces were placed for challengers to train in. As Flare eyed how the other occupied spaces were surrounded with their own transparent domes, Marnie and Hop led her to the spot where their battle will take place. Twigs, Crumbs, and Zap were there to watch Flare's battle.

Marnie noted Flare's curious look. "I've gotten some trainin' done here before, so I know how this works. Stand on your side of the field."

Flare noticed how the arena seemed to be a smaller version of the larger stadium fields used in Gyms. She took her place, standing across from Marnie. As soon as she got into position, a sort of dome surrounded them, encasing their arena in a barrier that was bubble-like in appearance. It covered the length of the battlefield, shutting them off from the rest of the room with a surrounding plane of white.

Flare and her Pokémon just looked in awe at the sight around them. The trainer blinked. "Wow… this looks… expensive." Once again she found herself thinking about the privileges of her Gym Challenger status.

"Golly…" Crumbs remarked. "Didn't expect to see anything this fancy, no sirree."

Zap was watching excitedly, giggling to himself in Twigs' arms. The Thwackey smiled at the Toxel, then looked towards Flare. "Don't worry about us, Goldilocks. We're just here to watch, if you don't mind."

Flare smiled back. "No worries, you guys." She watched as her trio headed towards an edge of the barrier, noticing that Hop was inside to watch as well. As she looked back to Marnie, she noticed a familiar punk squad behind her. "Wait… were they always there?"

Marnie sighed a familiar sigh as she brought out a Dusk Ball. She didn't even need to look behind her. "I'm used to it by now. Better with me than botherin' some other poor trainer out there."

One of the familiar Team Yell grunts put down his boombox and joined the chorus of horn blaring. The crowd of Team Yell was bigger than ever, some continuing to blare their horns and some waving around some towels with Marnie's design on them.

"Marnie, go Marnie!"

"Rock 'em, sock 'em, that's our Marnie!"

The boombox started blaring its music as well. It started off with the same rock tune that the grunts have blasted before, but then transitioned into a different melody altogether, as if saved for a special Marnie occasion.

Flare couldn't help but chuckle at the ensemble before her. Even from a short distance she could make out the expression of subtle embarrassment on Marnie's face.

"Well, someone has to cheer for Flare!" Hop called out from behind. "I'll do it! I don't have any of that loud music, but I'll still try my hardest to cheer you on!"

"Thanks, Hop." Flare sheepishly smiled, glancing back for a brief second. It wasn't quite the roaring cheers of an actual stadium, but it worked. She brought out a Pokéball.

"Hook!"

"Jamico!"

Both trainers enthusiastically threw their Pokéballs forward. The Slowpoke and Croagunk were sent out, landing to stare each other down. Hook wasn't too pleased to see his opponent snickering at him.

"Hook, use-"

"No need…" Hook looked back, dismissing Flare. "I'll handle this on my own."

"But-"

The Slowpoke just ignored her words, once again bringing his attention to the Croagunk running his way. With surprising speed, Hook dodged the incoming Sucker Punch and met the Croagunk with a Yawn bubble to the face. As the foe started to fall asleep, Hook quickly focused psychic energy to his head and lunged with a Zen Headbutt.

"Nooooo!" The Team Yell bunch cried out, clearly distraught. "That wasn't supposed to happen!" At the same time there was some cheers from Flare's side, mostly from Hop and the excited staring of an engaged Toxel.

Marnie watched as her Croagunk reeled towards her, already knocked out. She let her Pokémon retreat to her side and gave a reassuring pat on the head. "Aw bugger, down before Jamico could do her thing. Well, it'd be no fun if we gave up that easily. Let's go, Max!"

Marnie threw out another Dusk Ball, this time sending out a Scraggy. Hook saw the incoming foe and grimaced, tagging himself out before Flare could even tell him to. Although Flare was still a bit distracted from the hooligan commotion going on behind Marnie, she got herself to focus and sent Cress out.

"Headbutt, Max!"

"Cress, use Spark!"

On command, the Scraggy started charging forward, head held low to accommodate for the adequately heighted target of Cress. The Charjabug squirmed forward with a somewhat slower pace, the rapid and powerful buildup of electricity in her body making it up for that.

The two met head on, briefly clashing with their momentum, until the Scraggy knocked Cress away by swinging her head back up. The Charjabug was sent to flail in the air for a bit before she recomposed herself and took notice of the Scraggy below her.

Flare noticed the opportunity as well. "Now, Cress!"

Marnie tried to call out to her Scraggy. "Watch out, Max!"

But before the aloof Scraggy could take notice of the diving bug, she was shocked to have been struck by a rapidly descending Spark from Cress. Dazed and coursing with inflicted electricity, the Scraggy weakly swayed for a bit before falling over. Once again, Team Yell cried out in despair at the sight of Marnie's Pokémon being knocked out.

"Yeah, go Flare!" Hop pumped his fist, joining Flare's other Pokémon in the cheers. Flare just sheepishly looked back at it all.

As Marnie called Scraggy back to her side, she didn't find herself upset. Despite how obnoxiously enthusiastic Team Yell was vouching for her victory, Marnie found herself with a smile as she saw Flare's response to the cheers she was getting. While Team Yell were a bit of a handful, Marnie didn't mind all too much how they were there to support her. Especially considering who told them to do so in the first place…

Marnie got her game face back on, pulling out another Dusk Ball. "You lot really know how to get me riled up! I'm not done yet!"

The sound of Marnie's determination got Flare to face her with matching confidence. She and Cress nodded at each other as Marnie sent her Morpeko out to fight. Team Yell's cheers grew louder at seeing Marnie's ace come forward.

"We've got this, William!" Marnie called out. "I think this next move expresses my feelin's. Because right now I'm feelin' feisty! Bite!"

"Well, let's meet it with our own, Cress!" Flare responded, once again wishing she could come up with any cool one liners that compared. "Bug Bite!"

The two Pokémon ran towards each other, biting tools at the ready, their efforts emphasized by the electricity flowing fervently through them as they approached. Their sparks were brighter than ever as the distance was closed. As they both lunged, it started to look like the impact would create a bright electric flash. Until it didn't.

All of a sudden, the whole area's lighting cut off, leaving pitch darkness. The semi-transparent dome immediately faded away to reveal that the room was stuck in the dark. The spontaneous power outage was met with various reactions from everyone in the room, some surprised, some groaning, and of course a select few who felt the need to scream.

Team Yell's voices were particularly loud. One silenced the boombox. "Oi lads, it's a blackout!"

"It wasn't me this time, I swear!"

"Off with ya blokes! We have to protect Marnie!"

"Yeah, protect Marnie!"

"Protect Marnie!"

"I'm good, thanks." A mildly upset Marnie spoke, holding William in her arms. The Morpeko was using his electricity to emit a glowing aura, allowing for some light amidst the darkness. "I've been doin' well enough for myself."

Flare was still trying to grasp her surroundings amidst the pitch blackness when she saw her Charjabug crawling back towards her.

"Sup." Cress spoke, using electricity to emit light as well. It happened in such a way that made her eyes look like headlights. "I can glow. Cool."

Flare smiled, picking up Cress and calling for the rest of her team. "Everyone?"

Hook was the first to come back to her side. Twigs, Crumbs, and Zap found their way back to Flare together shortly after. The little Toxel in particular, while quivering in Crumbs' arms a few seconds before, seemed very intrigued at the sight of a glowing Cress. He attempted to replicate the effect, which only led to him overexerting himself for just a few pulses of static.

With a Boltund by his side, Hop was also able to make his way through the darkness, making it back to Flare and Marnie. Similar glowing auras were emitted all around the large room as several other trainers let out their Electric types, clearly getting the same idea.

Flare sheepishly spoke up. "So… do we call the battle off?"

Marnie sighed. "'Fraid so. I'll let you have that win. You must not be too bad after all. Either that or I have to work on trainin' my team more. None of 'em have even evolved."

"I'd still say you both did good." Hop spoke encouragingly. "Don't forget, the three of us have two badges! We can only get better from here! Maybe lighten up a little, mate."

As if on cue, the power to the hotel came back on, light once again flooding the place in all its grandeur.

Hop grinned. "Yeah, like that."

Flare and Marnie had a good chuckle at that. As they recalled their Pokémon, they decided to call it a night and made their way towards the nearest elevator.

Flare glanced behind her. "Those Team Yell guys don't follow you to your room, do they?"

"Hmm?" Marnie raised an eyebrow. "No, thankfully. They tend to be around when I don't want 'em to, but at least they seem to understand my privacy." She looked behind her just to make sure. "Bugger off, the lot of you!"

Flare looked up and watched the elevator floor indicator tick down. She still had something else on her mind. "I'm still thinking about that blackout thing. Does that normally happen here?"

"I've already been looking into that, actually." Hop spoke up, phone already in hand. "Believe it or not, there were several other places that got power snuffed recently, all at the same time! Weird, huh?"

"Weird." Marnie paused. "Might just be some bonkers coincidence, if you ask me. Just hope it won't get in the way of the Gym Challenge."

"You and me both!" Hop enthusiastically responded. "Don't forget, Motostoke Gym first thing tomorrow!"

"First thing?" Flare blinked. "Would breakfast be too much to ask for?"

Hop wore his trademark smile. "Alright, alright. Only if you wake up early enough to actually join us, though!"

The three of them only had more banter among them as they stepped into the elevator. It wasn't much longer before they reached their designated floor and had to part ways.

"See you all tomorrow morning! Good night!"

"I'll be seein' you lot soon. Good night too."

That just left Flare standing by herself amidst the corridor. As she unlocked the door to her room, she took in the familiar sight and reflected upon how much had changed since she was last there.

Of course, there was the matter of her evolving team. However, the whole day had her think about the friends she had already made two badges in. She felt good about not having to take on this journey alone, Pokémon or otherwise. It took her a bit to realize that they're all supposed to be rivaling competitors in the Gym Challenge, but she couldn't help it.

At the end of the day, all she saw were friends who were worth supporting.