An Opportunity of a Lifetime

Well, now you understand why Brock thought you’d already seen this video. The outfits you obtained from the Lost & Found in the Pokecenter were in fact outfits delivered to women who were subscribed to Misty’s online vlog.

You still have countless questions, but you now have a general understanding of what is going on, and what Brock is hoping you’ll agree to.

“You want us to do some weird, sexual ‘Pokeslut Gym Battle’ against you, to earn a parody of a Gym Badge?” You accuse Brock, audibly unimpressed.

“I don’t think you understand, ladies. These things are just as legit as the real deal, at least in any way that matters! The entrance into exclusive VIP rooms and venues, the discounts, and the ability to challenge the Elite Four are all identical! And all you have to do is take out ONE of my Pokemon!” Brock responds enthusiastically, still smiling wide.

“We’ll do it.” Belle responds instantly.

“Belle, WAIT!” You grunt with frustration. “My gut is telling me that we should be taking things slow, and not rushing into unnecessary decisions.”

But Belle is ignoring you. “You’re going on vacation soon, right? Can you schedule a match before then?”

“Hmmm… It would have to be tomorrow, which would be a crazy tight turnaround… But if you’re game, we will MAKE IT HAPPEN! But we’ll only be able to have one of you challenge me. The other will have to wait until next month.”

You shake your head with dismay. What’s got her so keen?!

“I’ll do it.” Belle states firmly. But you can see that she’s quivering like a leaf.

“Belle, can I talk to you in private for a minute, please?” You demand sternly, dragging her away from the three men.

“What the hell’s gotten into you?!” You ask, in hushed tones.

“I need access to one Boulder Badge and one Cascade Badge. And I need them within the next two weeks. Ideally, the next week.” Belle says simply. “It’s now or never.”

“What is?!”

“It’s… Complicated. But this is about family, and honor. I won’t back down.”

“Belle, Brock uses Rock and Ground Pokemon. What happened the last time your only strong Pokemon fought a ground type?”

Belle lowers her gaze and frowns, no doubt remembering the humiliating evening and night you suffered at the hands of Bo and Baz.

“I… I know. But I have to try. Maybe I’ll get lucky, or maybe Brock will intentionally sandbag the first fight so that it looks close.”

“Ground Pokemon are borderline invulnerable to electric damage. Everyone knows that.” You hiss.

Oh fuck… Am I really about to suggest this…

“If anyone fights Brock tomorrow, it would have to be me.” You grumpily admit.

Belle lights up at that, as if you’d just definitely offered to do just that, rather than just stating it as a fact.

“You would?! For me?! I knew I could count on you, Amber, I will never forget this…”

And then, as your mouth hangs open, Belle is dragging you back towards the boys.

“Amber will challenge you tomorrow.” She says firmly.

Shit shit shit, I should say something, right?! But I don’t want to disappoint Belle…

And then, the moment has passed. It’s taken you too long to say anything. And it feels like the wheels are already in motion.

Plus, a part of you wants that Boulder Badge. Not only do trainer badges come with fame and glory, but also presenting them can get you discounts to countless things, and access to private clubs and venues up and down the region.

“Excellent, wonderful! What brilliant news! Darien, bring up the paperwork quickly, there’s no time to lose! We’ve got to set everything up, and spread the word! We’re going to be relevant again, baby!”

You gulp, fearful of what you’re getting into, but also feeling completely trapped, unable to back out now, when you can tell it’s clearly extremely important to Belle that this happens.

“Sign here… And here please.” Darien, the man with the tablet, gently guides you to completing the paperwork on the device.

“And could you please send me one photo of yourself.”

“Ugh, what? I don’t take those kinds of photos of myself.” You snap back.

“Not an erotic photo. In fact, the more innocent and upbeat, the better.”

“…Oh.” You had somehow in that moment forgotten that not everything in this world is about sex.

They just need to put our faces on the advertisement for the gym battle tomorrow. You understand.

OH GOD, I’VE GOT A GYM BATTLE TOMORROW! WITH SEX FORFEITS! You feel cold as the insanity of this situation hits you.

But it’s too late to back out now.

“We’ve got to get moving, preparations are going to take all day! See you here tomorrow, 9am sharp!” Brock remarks enthusiastically.

“Our preparations are going to take all day too.” You say grimly.

You turn to Peter. “Show us one of the more discreet ways into Route 3, then. Because we have a lot of training to do.”