NOVPUB
Chapter 364 - Second round of the Whirl cup
Anabel and Looker were still trying to navigate everything after D. revealed the truth to them. The shock of finding out her parents were dead, and that she might also be dead, but also not, was a bit too much for her to take in.
It was hard, especially with her having to keep up the act in front of Palmer. To him, he still didn't know. He just thought Anabel had isolated herself after the death of her parents. Who could blame her? So, he never asked more questions.
She wasn't ready to take over and become the Salon Maiden. The deal was that when the Tower Tycoon was built over in Sinnoh, she'd get the one in Kanto. That is, if she even ends up balancing things. She still hasn't decided how she's going to handle it, especially now, with her recent International Police promotion.
It's going to be complicated, but they'll figure something out. There are still a few months before Palmer leaves for Sinnoh officially. So, for now, she could only worry about the situation with D. and everything else.
Anabel sat at her computer, just staring at the screen, waiting for a call that never came. She didn't know why. It's been a few months since D. last called them, not since the Aster situation, and yet she was still sitting here, waiting. She didn't even know for what, honestly. Another leak of Team Rocket's plans? Or maybe a call to ask about her birthday? Yeah, it had passed, but she only found that out after D. revealed who she really was. She's fifteen now.
Hooray...
Anabel sighed as Looker walked in behind her. Other than D. and Palmer, no one else knew her birthday, just those three people.
"You're quiet," Looker finally said, his voice gruff but not unkind.
Anabel gave a humorless smile. "Would talking make any of it less real?"
"No," he admitted. "But silence won't make it go away either."
"I know," she sighed. "It's just... I thought I had time. I thought I could ease back into everything. Palmer's still planning to leave for Sinnoh when the tower is done there, and I was supposed to step up—become the Salon Maiden, or whatever—for parents I never even knew."
"Yeah... I get that. Sometimes the truth is worse than a lie," Looker muttered to himself.
Anabel sighed and looked back at her computer. She glanced at a pen on the desk, raised her hand slowly, and made it float into her palm. "Tell me about it." Ever since the stuff with Aster, she'd finally received a little training for her psychic powers. She couldn't fly or anything, but at least she could use them now.
"Sometimes I wish we listened to D.'s warning and didn't ask about me. He tried to tell us before he gave us everything..."
"Sometimes I wish I didn't know the things I do either," Looker said, resting his elbow on the chair. "But what are you gonna do? Sometimes life isn't fair, but you've gotta keep on living."
As Anabel was lost in thought, they heard another voice, one they were all too familiar with at this point.
"Hmm, very wise words, Looker, my guy."
Anabel nearly fell out of her seat in surprise as she saw D. on the screen again. His face, as always, was covered by that damn scarf, and his hair had returned to its usual color, well, as usual as it could be. They still didn't know if that was his real hair color.
"Awww, did you miss me that much, darling~?" D. teased. "Don't worry, I missed you too. It's been so boring without my favorite girl toy."
Anabel pointed at the screen accusingly. "Who would miss a criminal like you-mph!" She stopped when Looker quickly covered her mouth. If anyone else heard her scream, it could be a problem if someone found out about D.
"So, why are you calling?" Looker asked, setting Anabel back down in her seat.
"Hmm, well, as much as I would love to wish a happy birthday to my favorite Police officer, you're right. I've got some more information for you~," Ash said playfully.
Anabel huffed and crossed her arms. "Fine. Tell us, then leave us alone."
D. clicked his tongue as if scolding a child. "Straight to business again? I get no warm welcome? Not even a cupcake from the birthday girl? You're so cold, darling."
"Just get on with it. I'm not here for birthday parties or anything," Anabel huffed, crossing her arms.
"You know, if you can't afford a cake, I can always send you one~" D. said playfully as he leaned back. "But I've held it in long enough. I'm going to send you some stuff on the computer. Long story short: there's something going on involving the prisoner exchange between Johto and Kanto."
"What do you mean?" Looker asked.
"I mean there are 2 Team Rocket Executives on a ship being held by your police and going to Kanto, there names are Carl and Sham, heard of them?" Ash said
Anabel squinted, "Yeah, we heard about what they did in Olivine City, scum like that deserve to rot, the question is how do you know about them?"
"Really? i hacked into your computer and all of Team Rocket's computers by myself and thats your question, you underestimate me darling," Ash said holding his chest
"Alright we get it," Looker cut in, "So what is so important about it?"
"Isn't it obvious, the Boss of the Johto branch really wants them back, so when your ship gets between the jurisdictional waters of Kanto and Johto there planing on attacking and taking them back," Ash said
Anabel wanted to say something, but the truth is, that makes perfect sense, especially attacking in the waters between either of Kanto or Johto's jurisdiction, no signal to call base, and no one to get support quick enough
"Fine. We'll look into it. You haven't lied to us before," Anabel said, arms crossed. "What do you want for this information?"
"Hmm, I think I'll save that for a rainy day. But unfortunately, you're going to have to take this one on your own, darling. I'm stuck dealing with things. If I show up, it'll be too suspicious. Sorry. I'll make it up to you~"
"Oh please. What could you possibly do?"
"Plenty. Like giving you your gift, darling." Ash tilted his head. "Check your desk. Third drawer down~"
Anabel's eyes widened as she quickly opened the drawer and pulled out a box. "You broke into the base? How?!"
"Come on, darling. You should know by now, I can do anything. Now come on, you're making me jumpy. Open it up. I went all the way to Mega Island for it~"
Anabel looked at the screen in disbelief, then opened the box. Inside was a yellow Mega Stone, an Alakazite. 𝖓𝔬𝔳𝖕𝖚𝖇.𝖈𝔬𝔪
"W-wa—ho—I—" Anabel stammered, staring at the stone.
Ash chuckled. "I'm glad you like it, darling. When you use it, be sure to think of me. Goodbye~" And with that, the screen went dark, replaced by a new file.
Anabel's eye twitched. Mega Island and a Mega Stone... Why the heck would he give her something so valuable? She didn't even have a Key Stone.
Looker noticed her staring at the stone and sighed, reaching into his pocket. "I was waiting until you knew what you wanted. But I guess now's as good a time as any." He pulled out a Key Stone, his own, unused for years, and placed it in her hands.
Anabel blinked, looking down at the two stones she now held, stunned and unmoving. Looker stepped past her.
"I'll inform the Director and request clearance for us to join that ship. I'll give you some time to yourself," he said, pushing the office doors open and walking out, leaving Anabel alone.
—-
It was the next day of the tournament. After last night, Misty had calmed down, a little bit, but she was still training like her life depended on it. She'd taken Blastoise and Pikachu from Ash and vanished before sunrise to train.
Specifically, she needed their help with training her Wartortle and Chinchou. Sure, she could do it alone, but she needed things she couldn't provide herself, like Pikachu's electricity or the over-the-top power Blastoise had
Needless to say, they were exhausted. After taking a few too many [Thunderbolts] from Pikachu, Chinchou had even evolved into a Lanturn.
Thankfully, that morning Misty checked the brackets and saw her match was one of the last of the day. That gave her time to recover, so she wasn't worried about missing it.
Around breakfast time, Misty finally dragged herself back to the gang. They were already eating when she slumped into a chair, grabbed the nearest plate, and started eating without looking at them.
"...Hey! That was mine!" Brock protested, his plate of eggs now in Misty's possession.
Misty shot him a withering look and shoved a whole piece of toast into her mouth. "I earned this."
Yellow blinked, then glanced at Ash. "Is she okay?"
Ash just shrugged. "She took Pikachu and Blastoise for a five-hour training session before sunrise. What do you think?"
Pikachu, still slightly singed and twitchy, climbed onto the table and slumped over a teacup like a cartoon character. "Piiiii..."
Vee, meanwhile, was curled up on Ash's shoulder, shooting Pikachu a smug look, his usual spot now occupied. Pikachu returned the stink-eye with full intensity.
Just then, the announcer's voice boomed over the speakers: "The next match is beginning, Nessa versus Trinity!"
Misty jolted upright so fast she nearly knocked the table over.
Yellow and Brock flinched. Ash nearly choked on his juice. "You wanna go watch, don't you?"
"Obviously," Misty snapped, already pushing back her chair and marching off. The others sighed, grabbing a few pastries and following her out.
—-
In the arena, Nessa was mid-battle with her Golisopod. Her opponent? A woman with a high brown ponytail and large orange earrings, Trinity, and her Gyarados.
The match already looked like it was in the final stretch. Gyarados was breathing heavily, while Golisopod stood tall, claws sharpened and gleaming, barely winded.
"[Liquidation], now!" Nessa's voice rang out,
Golisopod lunged forward, its armored claws glowing as it slammed into Gyarados, knocking the sea serpent back with a splash.
"[Dragon Tail]!" Trinity countered.
Gyarados swung its mighty tail, launching Golisopod across the arena. But the Bug-type flipped midair, landed with a splash, and launched forward again, this time stabbing into Gyarados with brutal force.
The dragon roared as Golisopod's claws dug in, relentlessly.
"[Ice Fang], quick!" Trinity shouted, desperation creeping in.
Gyarados lunged, its jaws coated in frost as they clamped around Golisopod's shoulder. The two Pokémon locked in a brutal tug-of-war for a moment, but Golisopod didn't flinch. With a final grunt, it broke free and delivered another crushing [Liquidation], sending Gyarados hurtling into the arena wall.
"Finish it with [Shadow Claw]!" Nessa called out.
Golisopod exhaled, its claws glowing with eerie purple energy. With a leap, it slashed down in an X-formation, striking Gyarados cleanly. The dragon fell with a thunderous splash, unmoving.
BZZZT!
The buzzer sounded. The referee raised a flag.
"Gyarados is unable to battle! The winner is Nessa and Golisopod!"
The crowd erupted into applause as Nessa gave a crisp nod and recalled her partner. Across the field, Trinity sighed and returned Gyarados respectfully, giving a polite bow toward her opponent before leaving the stage.
Up in the stands, Misty was biting down on a tissue, tugging it with her teeth in barely contained frustration, "Grr, that cocky—" she growled, glaring daggers at the arena below. She didn't even care that Golisopod was part Bug-type, Water typing or not, that thing made her blood boil.
Down on the field, Nessa turned, prepared to walk off. But when she looked up and spotted Misty in the stands, her expression softened. She remembered Misty, another passionate Water-type trainer. She gave a small, friendly wave, assuming Misty had come to cheer her on. With a mental note to return the favor at Misty's match later, she disappeared backstage.
But Misty saw that wave differently.
Her eyes twitched. Her grip on the tissue tightened until it tore between her teeth, 'Is she mocking me?'
Without a word, Misty turned and stormed off down toward the locker rooms.
"I'm going to my match," she growled, brushing past her friends. "And I'm not holding back. I'll show her."
The others could only sigh as they watched her disappear behind the corridor doors.
"...This is gonna get ugly," Brock muttered.
—
Misty stepped onto her side of the field, the roar of the audience dimming in her ears as she took a deep breath and rolled her shoulders. Her blood was pumping, every nerve on edge, but she channeled it, focused it.
Across the field stood her opponent: Ryder. A tanned, lean trainer with a cocky grin, dressed in a sleeveless wetsuit and diving goggles perched on his forehead. He sauntered up to the field with the smug confidence of someone who underestimated her.
He gave a two-finger salute. "Ready to make waves, princess?"
Misty's eye twitched. Her lip curled. "I'm ready to drown your ego."
The referee raised his hand. "Battle, begin!"
"Go, Lanturn!" Misty called.
Her newly evolved Pokémon emerged from its Poké Ball, diving into the pool with a smooth splash. Its twin bulbs glowed gently beneath the surface, casting ripples of light across the water.
"Huntail, let's go!" Ryder shouted.
A sleek, eel-like creature burst from the water with a hiss. Huntail's yellow eyes locked onto Lanturn, its jaws snapping menacingly.
"[Discharge]!" Misty commanded.
Lanturn lit up, literally. Electricity exploded out in a rippling wave, sparking across the water's surface. Huntail spasmed as the current coursed through it, shuddering violently.
"Dive and [Aqua Tail]!" Ryder snapped, clearly rattled.
Huntail vanished beneath the water, cutting through like a torpedo. Seconds later, it burst from behind Lanturn, its tail glowing with swirling blue energy as it brought it down hard.
"[Confuse Ray], now!" Misty yelled.
Lanturn twisted mid-strike and released a swirling beam of yellowish light. The orb struck Huntail square in the eyes.
For a heartbeat, Huntail hovered in place. Then chaos.
The serpent thrashed to the left, then the right, then slammed its head straight into a rocky pillar by accident. The crowd winced.
Misty took advantage. "Now, Thunderbolt!"
"No, Huntail, run away!" Ryder shouted, but it was no use. Huntail smacked into the pillar again, dazed, just as Lanturn's Thunderbolt struck dead-on.
The electric blast lit up the field. Huntail let out a howl and collapsed back into the water, eyes spinning in dizzy spirals.
The referee raised his flag. "Huntail is unable to battle! The winner is Misty of Cerulean City!"
The crowd erupted into cheers.
Misty took a breath, steadying herself, then returned Lanturn to its Poké Ball with a flash of red light. She stood tall, brushing back her damp bangs and fixing her jacket with calm, collected motions, though her jaw was still tight.
Then she looked up into the stands.
Her eyes narrowed as she spotted someone in one of the VIP seats, Nessa, sitting with a few of her teammates around her, calmly watching the match.
Misty's heart skipped. 'So she's watching me now?' Her mind instantly jumped to conclusions, Nessa must be trying to scope her out, looking for weaknesses, figures. A model who probably had her Pokémon handed to her by some manager, needing to analyze real trainers just to keep up.
Misty's hand clenched around Lanturn's PokéBall until her knuckles turned white. It wasn't against the rules, but it still boiled her blood. She turned sharply and stormed out of the arena without acknowledging the applause.
Meanwhile, up in the VIP box, Nessa simply watched Misty walk away.
She tapped a finger on her chin thoughtfully. 'Maybe this tournament won't be as dull as I thought', she mused, liking the idea that maybe she can have a good battle with Misty. Rose had bribed the water Gym leaders to not participate in this tournament just to guarantee a victory for Nessa and by extension Galar.
Still, there was something familiar about the red-haired girl. Nessa was just about to get up, maybe introduce herself or offer to grab lunch, when her manager approached, clipboard in hand.
"Nessa, your next photoshoot has been moved up an hour. We need you ready in thirty."
Her eyes twitched.
Even back in Galar, the modeling wasn't this relentless. At least there, she had downtime, time to train, relax, hang out with her friends, and be herself. But here? It was to wake up, battle, eat something quick, then smile for the cameras until sunset.
And she knew exactly who was behind it.
Rose. He probably told the team to max out her visibility, make sure her "brand" stayed strong overseas, but in reality it was to scare her out of wanting to continue being a Model. And because he was Chairman, everyone listened to him, even her own team
Nessa let out a quiet sigh as she stood and stretched her arms. She gave one last glance toward the hallway Misty had exited through.
'Next time, I'll talk to her,' she thought to herself as she left
----
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