TEAM: Squeakers (Rattata) & Arachnio (Spinarak), Geodon (Geodude) & Dandelion (Hoppip), Sectonia (Butterfree) & Count Blood (Zubat)

When Roko mentioned having more plans to do with Goldenrod, the last thing he expected was for her to take him outside the city.

"This way, Wesley! We got up early, so we should be able to sign up before anyone else!"

"Sign up for what?"

He didn't want to believe it, but his own question would be answered by the big stadium they were drawing close to. Was this Pokéathlon thing a sort of athletic event or something? Taking part in something like this was the last thing he expected, especially from Roko. He thought her plans were more like shopping trips or nice walks in the park, not, uh…

"The place for true Pokéathletes!"

Yeah, what the sign said.

Inside those sliding doors housed a lobby with a dark interior, save for the many trailing lights leading them to the registration counter. It was the kind of decor that would fit right in with an arcade, which was cool, but again, the last thing Wesley expected.

"I didn't expect you to take me to some sports stadium today…" He took a better look around now that Roko had stopped pulling his arm. "I expected somewhere more… I dunno, historical?"

"Oh, but this place is historical!" There was that glint in her eye. "Right where you stand, this here is the result of several dire trials, immortalized as a Pokémon teamwork activity! We're celebrating history, and having fun with it!"

She was surprisingly energetic about this. As Roko ran off to do something, Wesley's attention was fixed on the screen above showing a Mareep leaping over hurdles. Before he could doze off, he saw Roko returning to him from the counter.

"Okay! I got us signed up!"

Wesley blinked, and the screen shifted to show the names of the upcoming contestants. Sure enough, there their names were, Wesley D. Hibana and Roko N. Lyra.

And before he could ask another question, Roko was holding some folded up pink clothes. "You do have a tracksuit, right?"

Was that something he was supposed to have? "No…?"

"That's okay." Roko still had that smile on her face as she shuffled off. "I can buy you one before the event starts. I know your size."

"Wait!" Wesley called after her. "How the heck do you know my size?"

Roko gave him a knowing look. "What did you think yesterday's dress up session was for?"

And off she went. To think that she thought this far ahead…!

Still, abrupt introduction aside, Wesley could tell Roko looked forward to this. And from the recordings on that big screen, it definitely looked like exciting stuff.

He felt for his Pokéballs, already sensing the anticipation of what was to come. "Well, you heard her. Ready for some Pokémon teamwork?"

It was time. Now that their names had been called, Wesley made his way to the main stadium with Roko, both of their Pokémon teams in tow. Roko said the blue tracksuit would look good on him, and he had to admit, he liked the way her pink tracksuit looked with her hibiscus. But now was not the time to exchange compliments. She was his competition. And on that announcer's call, it was time to move to where the event would take place.

"Disc Catch!"

Throwing discs were being fired from the distance, and his Pokémon would get points for catching them. All Wesley had to do was watch and direct them. Sounded simple enough.

Cue was already getting into position. "I got it, I got it…!"

The disc's shadow drew ever closer, until Cue ended up bumping into a certain Marill. And then they started shoving each other, only for a Totodile to snap the disc up in his jaws.

Wesley watched as his Pokémon all bumbled about, humbled as Roko's Shinx snatched up another disc. Clearly he was trumped in the coordination department so he needed to take a different approach. He adjusted his mic, and…

"Dandelion! CB! Sectonia! Scatter!"

If they focused their attention to the skies, they could outdo Peridot when it came to catching higher discs. As for discs closer to the ground…

"Cue! Arachnio! Redirect and ambush!"

Might as well pull a strategy he knew they could pull off. His Rattata sped up, moving not to catch the discs, but to intercept the movements of Roko's other Pokémon. Which gave Arachnio just the opening he needed to snipe some discs with the strings he spat.

"Bouncy, Azure, Sky, stop that Spinarak!" There came Roko's command over the speaker.

"Geodon! Defend him!"

Wesley was sure his strategy was sound, but he was pleasantly surprised to see how determined Roko was to give him a hard time. That just gave him the push he needed to go all out.

"Block Smash!"

Thin but sturdy concrete slabs descended from the sky, piling up before them. Sectonia knew what she must do. Break them before she tagged out for another ally.

As she waited for her turn, she saw the way that cursed Ledyba punched away at her respective concrete slab. She would not be outdone this time, she couldn't!

"My paws have so much power! Whew…"

Finally, that Rattata had finished her turn, and now Sectonia knew it was her time to shine. Her own raw power should be enough, so rather than fluttering her wings, she brought a fist to the stone. And another. And another. And another and another and another and another and another—

Finally! After countless strikes, the slab had finally given way to the might of her bare—albeit very sore—hands. With a breath, the Butterfree declared herself tagged out, proud of her power.

"Here we go!" And there was the brutish Hoppip and her Geodude companion, doing their lifting act once again—

The Geodude was dropped upon the concrete, shattering the entire stack in one blow. Sectonia had no words. Actually, she had many, but they would be improper to utter.

As she sighed and resigned herself to the ground, away from the stray debris, she saw that she was being stared at. By the Spinarak, at that.

"What do you want?"

No response from Arachnio. Yet, despite giving him her foulest glower, this Spinarak had this excited demeanor about him, perhaps even… inspired?

He gave her another look before stepping up after Dandelion and Geodon tagged out. The Spinarak climbed to the top of the new concrete pile, then rapidly jabbed away at it with his many thin but pointy legs, quickly wearing it down slab by slab. It was a much more successful attempt, but it was almost as if… he was following her example?

That was something Sectonia could take solace in. Perhaps she was good for something after all.

"Hurdle Dash!"

The final event. All his Pokémon had to run a track filled with hurdles, navigating over them on their way to the end. A victory wouldn't count until everyone crosses the finish line, so it was Wesley's job to follow all of them and make sure everyone was keeping pace with each other.

Roko may have had fewer Pokémon, but they all seemed to be more consistent in speed. And he had first hand experience in knowing how deceptively quick Shard could run. All he had to do was keep up.

"Dandelion! Give Geodon a lift!"

"Way ahead of ya!"

It wasn't very easy for a Geodude to run a track, so that maneuver should cover his speed. CB, Sectonia, and Cue didn't have any problems leaping or soaring over their obstacles, which just left…

Arachnio was falling behind. Leaping was already his fastest means of moving, but doing it constantly was visibly tiring him out. Not to mention gaining height over the hurdles on his own…

Wesley still looked to the skies. "CB! Sectonia! Fall back! Arachnio, latch and swing!"

His flying Pokémon already had a lead, so falling back to help Arachnio catch up was no problem. The Spinarak immediately got the memo, using his string to latch on to them and swing over the hurdles he struggled with. Latch, swing, latch, swing. His pace was quickening, moving to match the speed of the others. The finish line was in sight.

Wesley was running alongside them, but on the other side of the field, he saw Roko doing the same. Her Pokémon were making steady pace, but his were quickly catching up. It was going to be close, to the point where a mere inch could make a difference. The culmination of their efforts and teamwork seemed to manifest as glowing lights that engulfed their bodies, and… and…!

It was a good try.

Wesley gave it his all, but in the end, Roko's performance just barely edged her victory out in points. As the announcer proclaimed his slogan of "Pokéathlon forever", Wesley clapped for Roko all the while as she was handed a shiny medal.

"Hey boss? Sorry we couldn't pull through…"

Amidst the celebration, Wesley turned to see his Pokémon. He was still proud of them all. Especially after that synchronized evolution that happened at the very last second.

"Don't sweat it," Wesley replied, giving his Raticate and Ariados some good pats on the head. "We'll just win next time."

Alongside them, with a Golbat, Butterfree, Skiploom, and Graveler under his belt, it was hard not to be proud of the team he spurred on. He did a good thing, and that was still worth being proud of.

In the meantime, it was back to the lobby for them. "I can see why you dig these events so much," Wesley spoke up in between swigs of water. "With how you blindsided me back there, you must have a lot of experience with this stuff."

Roko was still admiring her medal. "Oh, that?" She sheepishly fiddled with her flower as she glanced his way. "Uh… that was actually my first time."

"Ah." Wesley stood wide-eyed for a second before he gave her a gentle nudge. "Well… tell you what, you're a natural."

"I only tried so hard because of you, you know! Don't forget my whole team pushed themselves to evolve too!" Roko laughed back, and as she did, she stared at him for a moment. "And… if anything, I'm glad you had fun."

Wesley couldn't deny his smile. In the heat of the moment during all those events, there was a clarity in his actions, excitement in his movements, something he thought he wouldn't feel again. But despite it all…

Someone else was clapping for them in the lobby. "Oh, your Pokémon were just adorable out there!" The pink-haired girl leapt off of her lobby seat. "Didn't expect to see any fellow Pokéathletes here this early!"

Roko was blinking in surprise, looking starstruck more than anything. "You're… you're Gym Leader Whitney, right?"

"The cutest and bestest!" She winked. "Saaaay, medal girl. You wouldn't mind if I borrowed your friend over there, right?"

Roko's eyes seemed to dart between the two of them. "Uh…"

"I'm right here," Wesley spoke up. "Depends. What am I… uh, being borrowed for…?"

"A challenge." Whitney pumped her fists in a peppy gesture. "I liked the way you were fighting out there, and since you didn't win, I figured I might try giving you a shot at a real prize. You, me, Pokéathlon. If you win, you get my Gym Badge!"

"Just… just like that?" Wesley blinked in surprise. "I thought Gym battles were the norm for this kinda stuff."

"Come on!" Whitney stomped. "Just because I'm a Normal type Gym Leader you think I'm just going to stick to having a normal battle? Consider it, it'll be fuuuuun~"

Roko cleared her throat and stood between them. "I mean… Wesley might be busy, he's been through some stuff, so—"

"It's okay, Roko." Wesley put a hand on her shoulder, reassuring her with a smile. "Tell you what, Whitney. You're on."

"Superb!" The Gym Leader clapped her hands. "I'm looking forward to seeing your strategies in action. Just a word of warning, my two cutie patootie Pokémon aren't going to go easy on you."

"Hmph." Wesley's tracksuit outfit ditched the cap, so he had to make do with a cool hair flip. "My team is just about ready to run things back."

And just like that, it was back to the stadium for him.

"Lamp Jump!"

Both duos of Pokémon were to share one large trampoline, one they would use to rocket themselves towards the wall with the lamps they had to touch. Granted, winged Pokémon like CB and Sectonia didn't need a trampoline, but it helped for takeoffs.

Whitney sent out a Clefairy and a Miltank, and Wesley quickly figured he'd have the aerial advantage. His own Golbat and Butterfree made use of their flight well, gliding in to light up all those lamps they touched. Now it was just a matter of descending to the trampoline to get another propelled bounce, and—

"Miltank, Stomp!"

As soon the two winged Pokémon made contact with the trampoline, a pink blur of a Miltank descended from the skies, stomping with much force to send Wesley's Pokémon catapulting away. This was going to be a problem.

Wait… moves were allowed?

"Sectonia…" Wesley quietly called his Pokémon over. "Atop the wall, Sleep Powder. Then CB, Wing Attack."

CB tried for the trampoline again, while this time Sectonia made her way to the wall of unlit lamps. That Miltank was catching up in terms of lit lamps, but if this worked…

Sectonia fluttered her wings, scattering sleep-inducing spores while Count Blood spun with his wings to scatter them. Whitney's Pokémon were quick to notice and stopped by the trampoline, staying close to the ground.

"Nice try!" Whitney called over. "Did you think your little spore cloud was going to touch us?"

But Wesley's smirk knew all too well. "Who said I was trying to touch you?"

Just as planned, the Sleep Powder spores had spread to cover nearly the whole wall. And for every lamp touched by a spore, it lit up, adding to his Pokémon's score.

Wesley couldn't help but laugh in triumph. How was that for a strategy?

As for that second event…

"Ring Drop!"

This was more like it. Two duos in the ring, each trying to push the other out of the battlefield. Cue and Arachnio were up for this one, while Whitney was insistent on her Clefairy Miltank combo again. With an arena setup like this, it wasn't much different than a Pokémon battle.

Wesley directed Arachnio to go after the Clefairy, while Cue had already started lunging and brawling with the Miltank. Cue should be able to hold her own, so now it was just a matter of figuring out what Arachnio could do. He could lay low, but that Clefairy would still spot him. Maybe he could keep himself in place with webbing, or use his opponents' speed against them, or—

His thinking was cut off when he saw the Raticate hurled out of the ring, reeling right by his feet.

Cue grunted before sighing in defeat. "Sorry, boss. I got… uh, distracted, yeah…" Was she staring at the Miltank...?

Wesley could only blink and stare at the scene before him. Arachnio left to fend for himself against the two other Pokémon who were trying to shove him.

"Hahaha!" Whitney laughed over the speakers. "We're cute and strong! You're in big trouble now!"

Nothing left to it but to stick to his guns and hope for the best. "Arachnio! Web yourself in place, then swing them away!"

Okay… final event.

"Relay Race!"

Everyone else had already worn themselves out, and Wesley didn't mind letting them rest. Dandelion and Geodon were up, and he had faith in them. The relay race was a multi-lap race around a circuit of obstacles and rough terrain, a marathon that required him to keep up and swap Pokémon to make the best out of their speed and stamina. He just had to believe that they could pull through.

"Bringing a Graveler to a race?" Whitney sneered from her side of the field, her Clefairy and Miltank leering similarly. "It's like you're trying to throw this to make me look good! Is that what your friend would want?"

That reminder that Roko was in the crowd only made him want to try harder. "I know my friends are watching me. And just so you know, you'll never be able to guess what surprises we can pull this time!"

The flag was dropped. Dandelion and Clefairy were up, speedy hovering against speedy steps, all while Wesley ran alongside them to keep up. His Pokéball was at the ready, lying in wait while he observed the terrain. The dirt was still smooth, but coming up was the rough terrain and insurmountable stone statues… now!

With a quick switch, Dandelion was swapped out for Geodon, who barged through the statue obstacle with a hefty charge. The rocky and gravelly terrain would normally slow down most Pokémon, but Geodon felt right at home, compensating for how he couldn't run as fast.

It was back to dirt, and Wesley swapped back to Dandelion to mark the first lap. Miltank reached it mere seconds after. If he could keep this routine up, giving both Pokémon just enough time to rest before racing again, he might maintain his lead.

Wesley wiped some sweat from his brow, sticking to the pattern as best he could. As he drew the second lap to a close, he saw the way Dandelion was slowing down. Relying on her for the majority of the lap was taking its toll. Geodon would have to take over for most of this final lap. But he had a notable lead, so it should be—

"Just one lap left?" Whitney called as her Miltank stopped to breathe. "Well, I ain't losin', you hear?! Miltank, Rollout!"

What lead Wesley had was quickly being diminished by the Miltank who had curled up into a ball and practically kicked up dust with how much speed it picked up. At this rate—

"Dandelion, need your help!"

He needed his Skiploom's speed. He needed to keep going, but Dandelion couldn't fly for that long. The best she could do was fly half the course, maybe a little bit more than that, but…

"Hey, Wesley!" As his breaths grew quicker, Dandelion called out to him. "When you call the 'don out, leave me in!"

Wesley blinked and quickly understood. This was going to be a heck of a last second gambit, but he was going to believe in his Pokémon. Dandelion had just finished flying over the rough terrain, the rolling Miltank quickly catching up, and at just such a moment…!

"Okay, Dandelion!" Wesley called out, gripping his Pokéball with all the might in the world. "Here he comes!"

Geodon popped out, and the Skiploom was quick to try and pick him up, holding him by his four arms as she continued flying, and…!

… and they were moving even slower than if Geodon was going alone. The Miltank effortlessly rolled past them.

Wesley's heart sank at the sight of the dust trail that picked up. "Now or never, Dandelion!"

The Skiploom's flight was teetering. "Just… a little… bit… more…!" She swayed, turned, spun. She swayed and turned and spun until her hover turned into a speedy rotation. "And go!" And as her spin picked up speed, she took a mighty swing, hurling Geodon back onto the course, the Graveler curling up into a roll.

It all came down to this. Geodon's roll was tearing through the uneven terrain, but the Miltank still had a steady lead. Wesley held his breath as his Graveler started to catch up, the finish line drawing closer and closer and closer…

Two rolling Pokémon continued to bump into each other, fighting each other for that edge ahead, the difference that would make for the finish line, and…!

"Great job, athletes! But which team fought the hardest? We've got the results!"

Wesley let out a breath. He was back in the main stadium, his body and voice tired from competing. He and his team needed a major break after this. Especially the tracksuit, that needed an immediate wash.

He spied Whitney nearby, who was similarly winded, but still peppy enough to stick her tongue out at him when she caught him staring. That's fine, he wasn't interested anyway. If anything, he was more interested in how those final points would tally up. After the announcer man finished his obligatory honor speech and all.

"... Finally, we'll add up the event points!"

There was the moment everybody waited for, and there was the drum roll as all eyes went to the big screen.

"Event 1… Lamp Jump!"

Those numbers started to rise. Wesley against Whitney, each W against W, until they stopped. Wesley had the noticeable lead.

"Event 2… Ring Drop!"

Despite Wesley's efforts, he was less optimistic about this. The first event strategy gave him an advantage, but Whitney blindsided him with that Miltank's power. By the time the points stopped, they were nearly dead even.

"Event 3… Relay Race!"

This was it. As those numbers quickly rose, almost like a race, Wesley watched as his tally continued to climb, edging closer to that sweet sweet apex. The apex of victory. The race was a photo finish, but would it be enough…!

"The overall winner, with 296 points…"

…! By one point…!

"Team Wesley! Congratulations!"

There was the confetti. There was the victory. There was the cheering. All of Wesley's Pokémon popped out at the sound of it all, and he felt the need to sweep them up and join them in their triumphant whoops.

"Boss, we did it! Like you said!"

"A truly triumphant triumph befitting of my efforts, truly!"

"... way too loud…"

"Well I'll be!"

"Told ya I could do it, you dynamo!"

"Waaaah! Waaaah…"

Except… Wesley heard crying.

Despite the overwhelming cheers from the crowd, his own celebration was cut short when he saw Whitney sniffling nearby. He approached her, though when she turned to face him, she was smiling again.

"... ah, that was a good cry." She raised an eyebrow. "What, concerned because you saw me bawling my eyes out?"

Wesley was… confused at the heel turn. "Well… how could I not?"

"Oh, you charitable big shot! Crying is normal!" Whitney sniffled again as she wiped at her face. "Just goes to show how emotionally wrapped up I was in all that. Had to let it out somehow! Shows how much I care!"

Wesley blinked at her words. "Shows how much I… care?"

"Okay, I didn't compete here to give you a life lesson or anything." She moved to place something in his hand before giving him a pat on the back. "As promised, here's your Plain Badge. Sign of status, yadda yadda yadda. C'mon, go get your medal, your friend's waiting for you!"

While he still took a moment to process things, he found himself smiling as he remembered his victory. He saw Roko waving from the bleachers, and he waved back as he moved to collect his medal. And just because, he figured he might as well join in that closing chant.

"Keep aiming to be the top Pokéathlete! That is… Pokéathlon forever!"

The outskirts of the Pokéathlon stadium were much quieter than its interior. Not much out there, namely just a practice track, a juice vendor, some merch stalls, the kind to be expected from a place like this. Though, while the action was all happening around him, Wesley was content to be sitting on a bench.

He still held the Plain Badge in his hands, a surefire sign of his victory today. The Pokéathlon medal was nice too, but it didn't exactly have a dedicated notch in his badge case.

Three badges, all shining with the golden glow of the nearby sunset. To think he only purchased this case because it was on sale in Violet. And now he had badges one, two, and three, each of them telling a story of how far he had come. How far he had come… and the Pokémon who joined him along the way.

He took the Plain Badge out, letting its simple shape shine amidst the sunset's light. "I hope… I hope you're all proud of me." Soon enough, something wet was shining on it too.

"Wesley?" Roko had just returned from the Aprijuice stall, her Azumarill already claiming one of the drinks she held. "Are you okay?"

"I'm alright." Wesley sniffled before he smiled at her. "Was just… having a good cry."