Chapter 94: Samuel's Decisive Match
The warehouse on Aethelburg's eastern edge had become something of a sanctuary.
Samuel Moodsway had found it three weeks ago, wandering the industrial district after a training session that had gone nowhere. The building was massive, abandoned decades ago, its steel beams rusted but intact, its concrete floor cracked but solid. Sunlight poured through shattered skylights and painted the dust in golden columns.
He'd claimed it as his training ground.
Today, it would serve a different purpose.
---
Minnie stood at the far end of the makeshift arena, her polka-dot dress bright against the gray concrete. Her Clefairy bounced on its heels beside her, pink and round and impossibly cheerful. Its small wings fluttered with barely contained excitement.
Samuel watched from his side of the floor.
She looked calm.
She looked ready.
He wasn't surprised.
"You sure about this?" he asked.
Minnie smiled.
It was the kind of smile that made you believe everything would work out.
"I'm sure," she said. "You need this."
"I know."
"Then let's do it."
---
Axel stood at the center line.
He'd arrived an hour ago, summoned by a message from Samuel that had simply read: Need a referee. Warehouse on Fifth. Noon. Come alone.
He'd come.
He hadn't asked questions.
Now he stood with his arms crossed, his green eyes moving between the two trainers with quiet assessment. Rotom flickered above his shoulder, its orange body casting strange shadows across the walls.
"Rules," Axel said.
His voice echoed.
"Three-on-three. Single elimination. No substitutions. No items. Victory by knockout or forfeit."
He looked at Samuel.
"Understood?"
Samuel nodded.
Axel looked at Minnie.
"Understood?"
She nodded.
Axel stepped back.
"Then send out your first Pokémon."
---
Minnie moved first.
"Clefairy. Let's show them what we've got."
Clefairy bounded forward.
Its body sparkled with fairy energy. Its wings beat against the air, lifting it a few inches off the ground. Its eyes were bright and focused.
Samuel studied it.
Clefairy. Fairy type. Probably knows Moonblast. Maybe Sing. Definitely Metronome.
He reached for his first ball.
"Ambipom. You're up."
Ambipom emerged with a flash of light and a delighted screech.
The Normal type landed on the concrete and immediately began bouncing on its twin tails, its purple fur bristling with energy. Its large eyes darted between Clefairy and Minnie, calculating, curious, playful.
It was ready.
"Begin," Axel said.
---
"Clefairy. Moonblast."
Clefairy's body ignited.
A sphere of silver energy formed between its hands.
It launched.
"Dodge," Samuel said.
Ambipom flipped backward.
The Moonblast struck the concrete and exploded in a shower of sparks.
"Dual Chop," Samuel said.
Ambipom lunged.
Its tails ignited with draconic energy.
It struck.
Clefairy reeled.
It didn't fall.
"Dazzling Gleam," Minnie said.
Clefairy's body blazed.
A wave of blinding light erupted outward.
Ambipom shielded its eyes.
It stumbled.
"Swift," Samuel said.
Ambipom recovered.
Its tails whipped forward.
A barrage of star-shaped projectiles erupted from its body.
They struck Clefairy before it could react.
Clefairy tumbled backward.
It scrambled to its feet.
"Metronome," Minnie said.
Clefairy's fingers wiggled.
A random move activated.
A bolt of lightning arced from its body.
Thunderbolt.
Ambipom couldn't dodge.
The attack struck home.
Ambipom screeched.
It staggered.
It didn't fall.
"Nice try," Samuel said. "Fake Out."
Ambipom lunged.
Its tail struck Clefairy's face.
Clefairy flinched.
"Now. Dual Chop."
Ambipom attacked.
Its tails ignited.
It struck.
Once.
Twice.
Clefairy reeled.
It stumbled.
It fell.
It didn't get up.
"Clefairy is unable to battle," Axel said. "Ambipom wins."
---
Minnie recalled her Pokémon.
She didn't look upset.
She looked focused.
"Good job," she murmured to the ball.
She clipped it to her belt.
She reached for her second.
"Beautifly. You're up."
---
Beautifly emerged with a flutter of wings.
The Bug-Flying type was elegant and deadly, its black and blue wings patterned with red and yellow markings. It hovered above the concrete, its compound eyes gleaming with cold intelligence. Its proboscis uncurled, tasting the air.
Samuel studied it.
Beautifly. Fast. Special attacker. Probably knows Bug Buzz and Air Cutter.
He recalled Ambipom.
"Doduo. You're up."
---
Doduo emerged with a sharp cry.
The Normal-Flying type landed on the concrete and immediately began running in place, its two heads scanning the arena in opposite directions. Its long legs were powerful. Its beaks were sharp.
It was restless.
It was ready.
"Begin," Axel said.
---
"Beautifly. Air Cutter."
Beautifly's wings ignited.
A crescent of wind erupted outward.
"Double Hit," Samuel said.
Doduo lunged.
It struck with both beaks.
The Air Cutter passed harmlessly overhead.
Beautifly reeled.
"Bug Buzz," Minnie said.
Beautifly's body pulsated.
A shockwave of sound erupted outward.
Doduo couldn't dodge.
The attack struck home.
Doduo staggered.
It didn't fall.
"Fury Attack," Samuel said.
Doduo lunged.
Its beaks struck again and again.
Beautifly screeched.
"Air Cutter," Minnie said.
Beautifly attacked.
Doduo dodged.
It struck.
Beautifly reeled.
"Again," Samuel said.
Doduo attacked.
Again.
And again.
Beautifly's wings faltered.
It crashed.
It didn't get up.
"Beautifly is unable to battle," Axel said. "Doduo wins."
---
Minnie recalled her Pokémon.
Her hands were steady.
"Good job," she murmured.
She reached for her final ball.
"Glameow. Let's finish this."
---
Glameow emerged with a low, throaty purr.
The Normal type was sleek and elegant, its gray fur gleaming under the warehouse lights. Its tail curled and uncurled. Its eyes burned with predatory focus.
Samuel recalled Doduo.
"Hippopotas. You're up."
---
Hippopotas emerged with a yawn.
The Ground type landed on the concrete and immediately settled into a wide, stable stance. Its sandy brown body was sturdy and compact. Its large snout sniffed the air. Its eyes were calm.
It was ready.
"Begin," Axel said.
---
"Glameow. Slash."
Glameow lunged.
Its claws ignited.
It struck.
Hippopotas took the hit.
It didn't flinch.
"Sand Tomb," Samuel said.
Hippopotas's body pulsed.
A vortex of sand erupted around Glameow.
Glameow screeched.
It tried to escape.
The sand held it.
"Fury Swipes," Minnie said.
Glameow attacked.
Its claws struck again and again.
Hippopotas endured.
It didn't fall.
"Bite," Samuel said.
Hippopotas lunged.
Its jaws ignited with dark energy.
It struck.
Glameow reeled.
"Shadow Claw," Minnie said.
Glameow attacked.
Its claws ignited with ghostly energy.
It struck.
Hippopotas staggered.
It didn't fall.
"Yawn," Samuel said.
Hippopotas opened its mouth.
A cloud of drowsy energy drifted toward Glameow.
Glameow's eyes drooped.
It stumbled.
It tried to stay awake.
It couldn't.
It fell.
It was asleep.
"Now," Samuel said. "Earthquake."
Hippopotas raised its foot.
It slammed it down.
The ground rippled.
The concrete cracked.
Glameow was thrown into the air.
It crashed.
It didn't get up.
"Glameow is unable to battle," Axel said. "Hippopotas wins. The match goes to Samuel Moodsway."
---
Silence.
Samuel stood at the center of the arena.
His heart was pounding.
His hands were steady.
He'd won.
Hippopotas stood beside him.
Its eyes were calm.
---
Minnie recalled Glameow.
She walked across the arena.
She stopped in front of Samuel.
"That was amazing."
Samuel shook his head.
"You pushed me."
"I tried."
"You succeeded."
She smiled.
It was the kind of smile that made everything feel possible.
"You qualified," she said. "You're going to the League."
Samuel nodded.
"I know."
---
Axel stepped forward.
"Match concluded," he said. "Samuel Moodsway remains at fifteen challenges, ten wins, four losses. He is officially qualified for the League."
He looked at Samuel.
"Congratulations."
Samuel nodded.
"Thanks."
He recalled Hippopotas and clipped the ball to his belt.
His hands were still steady.
He liked that.
---
Minnie walked beside him as they left the warehouse.
The sun was setting over Aethelburg. The crystal towers caught the light and held it, turning the skyline into a cascade of gold and rose.
"You did it," she said.
"I did."
"How does it feel?"
Samuel thought about it.
"Like I can breathe."
She laughed.
"That's a good feeling."
"It is."
They walked in silence for a while.
The canals glowed beside them. The floating bridges hummed with energy. The city was alive.
"You know what I think?" Minnie said.
"What?"
"I think you're going to surprise people at the League."
Samuel looked at her.
"You think so?"
"I know so."
She smiled.
It was the kind of smile that made you believe everything would work out.
---
They parted ways at the hostel.
Samuel climbed to the rooftop and sat down.
The stars were bright. The wind was warm. The city hummed below.
He thought about the battle.
About Ambipom's ferocity. Doduo's speed. Hippopotas's resilience.
About Minnie's grace in defeat.
About the League.
He was going.
He'd actually done it.
---
Later that night, the others gathered.
Briv. Patricia. Dariana. Nicola.
They'd heard the news.
They wanted to celebrate.
Samuel sat among them and felt something settle in his chest.
He belonged here.
He was one of them.
---
The night deepened.
The city slept.
And in the darkness, Samuel Moodsway made a decision.
He would win the League.
Or he would die trying.
---
The morning came.
The sun rose over Aethelburg.
The city woke up.
Samuel stood on the rooftop and watched the light spread across the crystal towers.
He was ready.
---
The training grounds were empty when he arrived.
He'd found them six weeks ago—a stretch of abandoned railway on the western edge of the industrial district. The tracks were rusted. The signals were dead. But the space was open. Perfect for training.
He released his team.
Ambipom. Doduo. Hippopotas. Sudowoodo. Carnivine. Probopass.
They materialized in a flash of light and looked at him.
Six Pokémon.
Six partners.
Six reasons to believe.
"We're going to the League," Samuel said.
They didn't respond.
They didn't need to.
They knew.
---
They trained until noon.
Ambipom worked on Dual Chop timing. Doduo practiced Fury Attack precision. Hippopotas drilled Earthquake control.
The others watched.
The others learned.
---
At noon, they stopped.
Samuel sat on the rusted track and watched the clouds.
His team gathered around him.
Ambipom settled beside him, its tails curling around his arm. Doduo's two heads rested on his shoulders. Hippopotas pressed against his side.
He thought about the League.
About the trainers he'd face.
About his friends.
About Minnie.
He smiled.
He was ready.
---
The days passed quickly.
Samuel trained. He planned. He prepared.
He watched Briv's battles. Patricia's battles. Nicola's battles.
He learned.
He grew.
And each night, he sat on the rooftop and looked at the stars.
He thought about the League.
About winning.
About proving that a reggae-loving artist from the outskirts of Aethelburg could stand with the best.
He would prove it.
He would show them all.
---
The night before the League, he couldn't sleep.
He sat on the rooftop and watched the city.
The crystal towers glowed. The canals shimmered. The floating bridges hummed with energy.
Aethelburg was beautiful.
Aethelburg was home.
And tomorrow, everything would change.
---
Minnie found him at dawn.
She climbed onto the rooftop and sat beside him.
The sun was rising.
The city was waking up.
"Are you ready?" she asked.
Samuel nodded.
"I am."
She smiled.
It was the kind of smile that made you believe everything would work out.
"Then let's go win this thing."
Samuel stood up.
He looked at the city.
He looked at the sky.
He looked at the future.
"Let's go."
---
They descended from the rooftop together.
The others were waiting below.
Briv. Patricia. Dariana. Nicola. Axel.
They stood in the courtyard of the hostel, their bags packed, their Pokémon ready.
They looked at Samuel.
He looked back.
"Ready?" Briv asked.
Samuel nodded.
"Ready."
They walked toward the League together.
The sun was bright.
The city was alive.
And the future was wide open.
=====
The morning light hit the cobblestones like a slap.
Samuel walked with the others through the eastern gate of the hostel courtyard, his bag slung over one shoulder, his team resting in their balls at his belt. The city stretched ahead of them, crystal towers catching the dawn and throwing it back in shattered rainbows. Floating bridges hummed overhead, their anti-gravity engines pulsing with steady rhythm.
Briv walked beside him.
Neither spoke.
They didn't need to.
---
The League registration hall was a monument to ambition.
It rose from the center of Aethelburg like a spear of glass and steel, its spire piercing the clouds, its base wide enough to swallow a stadium. Trainers from across Elyssia had gathered here, a river of determined faces and polished pokéballs, all of them chasing the same dream.
Samuel stopped at the entrance.
His heart hammered.
His hands were steady.
"You good?" Briv asked.
Samuel nodded.
"I'm good."
---
They entered.
The hall was vast. Holographic displays lined the walls, showing brackets, rankings, past champions. A massive screen dominated the far end, listing every qualified trainer in the region. Samuel's name was there. Near the bottom. But there.
He stared at it.
Samuel Moodsway. Qualified.
He'd done it.
---
Registration took twenty minutes.
A woman with sharp eyes and a sharper smile scanned his trainer card, verified his challenge record, and handed him a League-issued badge. It was small, silver, embossed with the League's crest—a stylized flame encircled by wings.
"Congratulations," she said. "You're officially entered."
Samuel clipped the badge to his jacket.
"Thanks."
---
They gathered outside the hall.
The sun was higher now. The city was louder. The air hummed with anticipation.
Patricia was the first to speak.
"So. We're all in."
Briv nodded.
"All of us."
Dariana grinned.
"About damn time."
Nicola said nothing.
She was looking at the crowd.
---
Samuel followed her gaze.
Trainers filled the plaza—hundreds of them, maybe thousands. Some were talking. Some were training. Some were just standing, staring at the League spire like it held the answer to everything they'd ever wanted.
Samuel understood.
He felt the same way.
---
Nicola turned to him.
"You qualified."
"I did."
"Good."
She paused.
"Now the real work starts."
---
The afternoon passed in a blur.
They found a training ground on the western edge of the city—an old stadium, abandoned years ago, its stands crumbling, its field overgrown. But the space was open. The ground was flat. It would do.
Briv released Empoleon.
Patricia released Lopunny.
Dariana released Gallade.
Samuel released Ambipom.
They trained.
---
Nicola watched.
She didn't release her team.
She stood at the edge of the field, her arms crossed, her eyes moving between the others. Her Magnemite hovered beside her, its single blue eye tracking every movement, every command, every result.
She was thinking.
---
Briv noticed.
He walked over.
"You okay?"
Nicola nodded.
"Fine."
"You're not training."
"Not yet."
He waited.
She didn't elaborate.
---
He went back to training.
---
The sun began to set.
The others stopped. They gathered their teams, recalled their Pokémon, and sat on the crumbling bleachers. Water bottles passed between them. Sandwiches. Laughter.
Nicola stayed standing.
---
Patricia looked at her.
"Nicola. Sit down."
Nicola shook her head.
"I need to train."
"You've been training all week."
"Not enough."
Patricia frowned.
"What's going on?"
Nicola didn't answer.
---
Dariana spoke up.
"She's nervous."
Nicola's jaw tightened.
"I'm not nervous."
"You are."
"I'm not."
Dariana shrugged.
"Okay."
---
Silence.
---
Nicola turned and walked away.
---
She found the warehouse by following the sound of footsteps.
It was on the southern edge of the industrial district, a massive structure of rusted steel and shattered glass. The door was open. The lights were on.
She stepped inside.
---
Axel was there.
He stood at the center of a makeshift arena, his arms crossed, his green eyes sharp. Rotom flickered above his shoulder, its orange body casting strange shadows across the walls.
He looked at her.
"You're late."
Nicola stopped.
"You were expecting me?"
"I was expecting someone."
He gestured toward the far end of the arena.
A woman stood there.
---
She was tall. Lean. Her hair was cropped short, military-style, and her eyes were the color of storm clouds. She wore training gear—dark pants, a fitted jacket, boots that had seen years of use. A single pokéball rested in her palm.
She looked at Nicola.
"You're Nicola Sunfall."
It wasn't a question.
"Yeah."
"I've heard about you."
"Good things?"
"Interesting things."
Nicola smiled.
"That's better."
---
Axel stepped between them.
"Rules," he said.
His voice echoed.
"Three-on-three. Single elimination. No substitutions. No items. Victory by knockout or forfeit."
He looked at Nicola.
"Understood?"
She nodded.
He looked at the stranger.
"Understood?"
The woman nodded.
"Then send out your first Pokémon."
---
The stranger moved first.
"Golduck. Let's go."
Golduck emerged with a sharp cry.
The Water type landed on the concrete and immediately straightened, its blue body gleaming under the warehouse lights. Its webbed hands flexed. Its red gem pulsed. Its eyes locked onto Nicola with cold focus.
Nicola studied it.
Golduck. Water type. Fast. Special attacker. Probably knows Hydro Pump and Psychic.
She reached for her first ball.
"Snover. You're up."
---
Snover emerged with a quiet cry.
The Grass-Ice type landed on the concrete and immediately settled into a defensive stance. Its white body was sturdy and compact. Its green markings gleamed. Its eyes were calm.
It was ready.
"Begin," Axel said.
---
"Golduck. Hydro Pump."
Golduck's body ignited.
A torrent of water erupted from its mouth.
"Dodge," Nicola said.
Snover leaped.
It cleared the attack.
It landed behind Golduck.
"Powder Snow," Nicola said.
Snover's body pulsed.
A cloud of icy particles erupted outward.
Golduck reeled.
Its movements slowed.
"Ice Beam," Nicola said.
Snover attacked.
A beam of frozen energy struck Golduck's chest.
Golduck staggered.
It didn't fall.
"Psychic," the stranger said.
Golduck's eyes glowed.
A wave of psychic energy erupted outward.
Snover couldn't dodge.
The attack struck home.
Snover reeled.
It didn't fall.
"Razor Leaf," Nicola said.
Snover attacked.
A storm of sharp leaves erupted from its body.
Golduck screeched.
It fell.
It didn't get up.
"Golduck is unable to battle," Axel said. "Snover wins."
---
The stranger recalled her Pokémon.
Her expression didn't change.
"Kadabra. You're up."
---
Kadabra emerged with a flash of light.
The Psychic type hovered above the concrete, its fox-like body gleaming with latent power. Its spoon bent and unbent in its grip. Its eyes burned with cold intelligence.
Nicola recalled Snover.
"Shieldon. You're up."
---
Shieldon emerged with a low, steady cry.
The Rock-Steel type landed on the concrete and immediately braced itself, its armored face angled toward Kadabra. Its body was squat and heavy. Its eyes were calm.
"Begin," Axel said.
---
"Kadabra. Psychic."
Kadabra's eyes glowed.
A wave of psychic energy erupted outward.
Shieldon took the hit.
It didn't flinch.
"Ancient Power," Nicola said.
Shieldon's body pulsed.
A barrage of ancient energy erupted outward.
Kadabra reeled.
It didn't fall.
"Shadow Ball," the stranger said.
Kadabra attacked.
A sphere of ghostly energy struck Shieldon's flank.
Shieldon staggered.
It didn't fall.
"Iron Defense," Nicola said.
Shieldon's body hardened.
Its defense rose.
"Psychic," the stranger said.
Kadabra attacked.
Shieldon endured.
"Now," Nicola said. "Flash Cannon."
Shieldon's body ignited.
A beam of metallic energy erupted from its mouth.
Kadabra couldn't dodge.
The attack struck home.
Kadabra screeched.
It fell.
It didn't get up.
"Kadabra is unable to battle," Axel said. "Shieldon wins."
---
The stranger recalled her Pokémon.
Her hands were steady.
"Victreebel. Let's finish this."
---
Victreebel emerged with a guttural cry.
The Grass-Poison type was massive, its body a tangle of vines and leaves, its mouth a gaping pit of acid. Its eyes gleamed with predatory hunger.
Nicola recalled Shieldon.
"Magnemite. You're up."
---
Magnemite emerged with a quiet hum.
The Electric-Steel type hovered above the concrete, its worn metallic body gleaming under the warehouse lights. Its single blue eye locked onto Victreebel with cold precision.
"Begin," Axel said.
---
"Victreebel. Sludge Bomb."
Victreebel's body pulsed.
A sphere of toxic sludge erupted from its mouth.
"Thunderbolt," Nicola said.
Magnemite's body ignited.
A bolt of lightning arced from its body.
The attacks collided.
Sludge and electricity exploded outward.
Both Pokémon reeled.
Both stayed standing.
"Leaf Storm," the stranger said.
Victreebel attacked.
A storm of leaves erupted outward.
Magnemite couldn't dodge.
The attack struck home.
Magnemite reeled.
It didn't fall.
"Flash Cannon," Nicola said.
Magnemite's body ignited.
A beam of metallic energy erupted from its eye.
Victreebel screeched.
It staggered.
"Sludge Bomb," the stranger said.
Victreebel attacked.
Magnemite took the hit.
It didn't fall.
"Thunderbolt," Nicola said.
Magnemite attacked.
Victreebel reeled.
"Again," Nicola said.
Magnemite attacked.
Again.
And again.
Victreebel's vines withered.
It crashed.
It didn't get up.
"Victreebel is unable to battle," Axel said. "Magnemite wins. The match goes to Nicola Sunfall."
---
Silence.
Nicola stood at the center of the arena.
Her heart was pounding.
Her hands were steady.
She'd won.
Magnemite hovered beside her.
Its eye was calm.
---
The stranger recalled Victreebel.
She walked across the arena.
She stopped in front of Nicola.
"That was clean."
Nicola nodded.
"Thanks."
"You didn't hesitate. Not once."
"That's the point."
The woman studied her.
"You're going to be a problem at the League."
"I know."
She extended her hand.
Nicola shook it.
"Good luck," the woman said.
"I don't need luck."
The woman laughed.
"Neither do I."
She turned and walked away.
---
Axel stepped forward.
"Match concluded," he said. "Nicola Sunfall remains at fourteen challenges, ten wins, four losses. She is officially qualified for the League."
He looked at Nicola.
"Congratulations."
Nicola nodded.
"Thanks."
She recalled Magnemite and clipped the ball to her belt.
Her hands were still steady.
She liked that.
---
She walked home alone.
The streets were quiet. The canals glowed. The crystal towers cast long shadows across the cobblestones.
She thought about the battle.
About Snover's resilience. Shieldon's endurance. Magnemite's precision.
About the stranger's face when she realized she couldn't win.
About the League.
About the trainers she'd face.
About her friends.
About Briv.
She stopped walking.
Why did she think about Briv?
She shook her head.
She kept walking.
---
The hostel was quiet when she arrived.
Patricia was in the common room, reading. She looked up when Nicola walked in.
"Hey. How was training?"
"I won."
"Obviously."
Nicola sat down beside her.
"Magnemite was incredible."
"I bet."
"He took down Victreebel without breaking a sweat."
Patricia smiled.
"You're proud of him."
"I am."
She leaned against Nicola.
"You should be."
Nicola looked at her.
Patricia looked back.
Something passed between them.
Something warm.
Something real.
---
Later that night, Nicola sat on the rooftop.
The stars were bright. The wind was warm. The city hummed below.
Magnemite hovered beside her.
Its eye was on the sky.
"You know what's next?" Nicola asked.
Magnemite looked at her.
"The League."
Magnemite nodded.
"We're going to win."
Magnemite nodded again.
"Okay," Nicola said. "Just checking."
---
She went to bed.
She dreamed of lightning.
Of steel.
Of Magnemite's eye gleaming under stadium lights.
Of winning.
---
She woke at dawn.
The sun was rising over Aethelburg.
The city was waking up.
She was ready.
---
The morning was sharp and clear.
Nicola found Briv in the courtyard. He was sparring with Riolu—nothing serious, just footwork drills and quick exchanges. The Fighting type darted and weaved, its red eyes tracking Briv's every movement.
He saw her and stopped.
"Morning."
"Morning."
"How was training?"
"I won."
"How did you know about the battle?"
"Patricia told me."
Nicola nodded.
"Of course she did."
Briv smiled.
"Good job."
"Thanks."
She paused.
"You want to train?"
Briv raised an eyebrow.
"Just us?"
"Just us."
He nodded.
"Okay."
---
They trained in the reservoir behind the abandoned hydroelectric station.
Nicola released Magnemite. Briv released Empoleon.
They faced each other across the concrete platform.
"Ready?" Briv asked.
"Ready."
---
Magnemite moved first.
It launched itself across the platform, its body crackling with electricity. Its eye burned with cold focus.
Empoleon braced.
It didn't move.
Magnemite struck.
Its Thunderbolt connected with Empoleon's chest.
Empoleon didn't flinch.
It didn't fall.
It grabbed Magnemite's body.
It threw.
Magnemite crashed into the concrete.
It scrambled upright.
"Good," Nicola said. "Again."
---
They trained for hours.
Magnemite against Empoleon. Shieldon against Empoleon. Snover against Empoleon. Tangrowth against Empoleon. Staravia against Empoleon. Skorupi against Empoleon.
Nicola pushed her team. Briv pushed his.
They tested each other.
They learned.
---
At some point, they stopped.
They were both breathing hard. Both drenched in sweat. Both grinning.
"You're good," Nicola said.
"I know."
"I mean it. You're really good."
"I know."
She laughed.
"You're impossible."
"I know."
She walked toward him.
She stopped in front of him.
She looked up at his face.
"You're going to be a problem at the League."
"I know."
She kissed him.
---
It wasn't gentle.
It wasn't soft.
It was hungry. Desperate. Two years of tension and rivalry and unspoken want crashing together in a single moment.
Briv's hands found her waist.
Her fingers tangled in his hair.
She pulled him closer.
He didn't resist.
---
They stumbled backward.
Her back hit the concrete wall of the station.
She gasped.
He pressed against her.
She could feel him—hard, urgent, pressing against her thigh.
"You want this?" he murmured.
She nodded.
"Say it."
"I want this."
He kissed her again.
Harder.
Deeper.
His tongue slid against hers.
She moaned.
---
His hands moved.
Down her waist.
Over her hips.
He gripped her ass—firm, possessive, pulling her against him.
She gasped.
"You like that?"
She nodded.
"Say it."
"I like it."
He squeezed harder.
She whimpered.
---
He spun her around.
Her hands hit the wall.
She was facing the concrete, her back to him, her ass pressed against his crotch.
He leaned forward.
His breath was hot against her ear.
"You've been driving me crazy for months."
"I know."
"You're a pain in the ass."
"I know."
"You're also the sexiest woman I've ever met."
She laughed.
It was breathless.
"Flattery won't get you anywhere."
"No?"
He ground against her.
She moaned.
"Okay," she breathed. "Maybe it will."
---
He pulled her pants down.
They tangled around her ankles.
She kicked them off.
Her underwear followed.
She was bare from the waist down, her ass exposed to the cool air, her thighs trembling.
He ran his hand over her skin.
Slow.
Deliberate.
She shivered.
"You're wet."
"I know."
"You're dripping."
"I know."
He slid a finger between her folds.
She gasped.
"Fuck."
He circled her clit.
She bucked against his hand.
"Please."
"Please what?"
"Please fuck me."
He didn't need to be told twice.
---
He unzipped his pants.
His cock sprang free—thick, hard, already slick with precum.
He positioned himself behind her.
He pressed the head against her entrance.
She moaned.
"Do it."
He thrust inside her.
She cried out.
He was big.
He was thick.
He filled her completely.
"Fuck," she gasped.
He started moving.
Slow at first.
Deep.
Deliberate.
Each thrust pushed her harder against the wall.
Each thrust made her gasp.
Each thrust made her want more.
---
"Harder," she said.
He obliged.
His hips slammed against her ass.
The sound echoed across the reservoir.
She moaned.
He grunted.
"Fuck. You feel so good."
"You feel better."
He laughed.
Breathless.
"Flattery won't get you anywhere."
She laughed.
Breathless.
"Shut up and fuck me."
He did.
---
He grabbed her hips.
He pulled her back to meet each thrust.
The rhythm built.
Faster.
Harder.
Deeper.
She was moaning constantly now.
He was grunting with every thrust.
The air smelled like sweat and sex and something electric.
---
"I'm close," she gasped.
"Me too."
"Don't stop."
"I won't."
He drove into her.
Again.
And again.
And again.
She screamed.
Her body convulsed.
She came hard, her inner walls clenching around him, her legs shaking, her breath ragged.
He followed a moment later.
His cock pulsed inside her.
He filled her with heat.
He collapsed against her back.
---
They stayed there for a long moment.
Breathing.
Sweating.
Shaking.
---
He pulled out.
She turned around.
Her face was flushed.
Her hair was a mess.
She looked beautiful.
"That was—"
"Yeah," he said.
"We should do that again."
"Yeah."
She smiled.
It was a real smile.
Warm.
Genuine.
"Same time tomorrow?"
He laughed.
"Same time tomorrow."
---
They walked home separately.
The streets were quiet. The canals glowed. The crystal towers cast long shadows across the cobblestones.
Nicola thought about the training.
About the battle.
About Briv.
She stopped walking.
Why did she keep thinking about Briv?
She shook her head.
She kept walking.
---
The hostel was quiet when she arrived.
Patricia was in the common room, reading. She looked up when Nicola walked in.
"Hey. How was training?"
"Good."
"Just good?"
Nicola smiled.
"Really good."
Patricia studied her.
She said nothing.
---
Later that night, they gathered on the rooftop.
Patricia. Dariana. Briv. Nicola.
Samuel was there too.
They ate. They drank. They laughed.
They talked about the League.
About their hopes. Their fears. Their strategies.
At some point, Nicola looked around at her friends and felt something settle in her chest.
She was ready.
They were all ready.
---
The night deepened.
The city slept.
And in the darkness, Nicola Sunfall made a decision.
She would win the League.
Or she would die trying.
---
The morning came.
The sun rose over Aethelburg.
The city woke up.
Nicola stood on the rooftop and watched the light spread across the crystal towers.
She was ready.
---
The days passed quickly.
Nicola trained. She planned. She prepared.
She watched Briv's battles. Patricia's battles. Samuel's battles.
She learned.
She grew.
And each night, she sat on the rooftop and looked at the stars.
She thought about the League.
About winning.
About proving that she was the best.
She would prove it.
She would show them all.
---
The night before the League, she couldn't sleep.
She sat on the rooftop and watched the city.
The crystal towers glowed. The canals shimmered. The floating bridges hummed with energy.
Aethelburg was beautiful.
Aethelburg was home.
And tomorrow, everything would change.
---
Briv found her at dawn.
He climbed onto the rooftop and sat beside her.
The sun was rising.
The city was waking up.
"Are you ready?" he asked.
Nicola nodded.
"I am."
He smiled.
It was a real smile.
Warm.
Genuine.
"Then let's go win this thing."
Nicola stood up.
She looked at the city.
She looked at the sky.
She looked at the future.
"Let's go."
---
They descended from the rooftop together.
The others were waiting below.
Patricia. Dariana. Samuel. Axel.
They stood in the courtyard of the hostel, their bags packed, their Pokémon ready.
They looked at Nicola.
She looked back.
"Ready?" Patricia asked.
Nicola nodded.
"Ready."
They walked toward the League together.
The sun was bright.
The city was alive.
And the future was wide open.