The Pantheon

Duel of Champions

Lance sat at the head of the long glass table, chin resting lightly on one hand as two very animated marketing reps tried to pitch what had to be the strangest campaign he'd heard in months. He'd heard wild ideas before—Poké Ball–shaped energy drinks, region-themed fragrances, even a line of "Champion-approved" jackets that still gave him secondhand embarrassment—but this one might take the top spot.

"Just to confirm," Lance said, voice even, "you're proposing an entire menu of... ice cream sundaes, based on Ashley and her team."

The taller of the two marketers—he hadn't bothered to learn their names yet—nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly, Champion! The Weather Menu. Each sundae will represent one of her Pokémon. It's already testing well in Hoenn and Johto focus groups."

Lance blinked slowly, letting that sink in. "Testing well." He leaned back in his chair, cape shifting slightly over one shoulder. "Right. And this... Tempest Cream Storm thing, that's meant to represent Ashley?"

The other rep, a woman clutching a bright tablet, tapped rapidly until the image came up. "Yes! The indulgent edition. Picture this: heavy ribbons of dark fudge, caramel lightning, whipped cream clouds—"

"—and edible gold flakes raining down the sides," the man finished, almost proudly. "It even comes with dry ice, so it smokes when it's served."

Lance exhaled through his nose, half amusement, half disbelief. "She's not exactly subtle and does not shy from making an entrance. But you might be taking this a bit too far."

They exchanged a nervous laugh. "That's part of the charm, sir! She's dramatic and commands storms. This sundae is a storm!"

Lance allowed himself a small smile. "A storm of diabetes, maybe. You do know that the chocolate crazed one is Mars, right? Ashley prefers fruit desserts."

The woman blanched, clearly having not expected him to point that out. Lance didn't elaborate; he was too busy picturing Ashley's face when she saw the name Tempest Cream Storm printed under a thunderbolt-shaped sugar shard. He'd probably get an earful through the League comms within five minutes of launch.

He skimmed the list they'd given him anyway. Each Pokémon had a sundae, and the flavor profile was all absurdly detailed. He had to admit, at least someone on their team had done their research. While Ashley's was a miss, they managed to choose the favorite flavors of every member of the Pantheon.

☀️ MARS – "Solar Flare Sundae"
Base: Spicy cinnamon-chili chocolate ice cream with swirls of molten caramel.
Toppings: Toasted marshmallow peaks, crushed red candy "embers," and a drizzle of flaming cinnamon syrup served smoking with dry ice.
Flavor vibe: Dramatic, fiery, definitely a health-and-safety concern.

🔥 VULCAN – "Blazing Hearth Bowl"
Base: Roasted hazelnut and brown-butter ice cream.
Toppings: Warm fudge chunks, bits of brittle, and a sprinkle of smoked sea salt.
Served with: A tiny edible "bone" cookie — a nod to loyalty and comfort.
Flavor vibe: Cozy campfire warmth compared to Mars's full inferno.

🌊 NEPTUNE – "Tidal Dream Float"
Base: Sea-salt vanilla ice cream over blueberry soda.
Toppings: Whipped cream waves, sugar-glass shards, and a tiny candy shell.
Optional: A drizzle of blue curaçao syrup for adults.
Flavor vibe: Calm, soothing, but somehow still grand.

🌺 PROSERPINA – "Bloom Tempest Parfait"
Base: Strawberry-rose ice cream layered with matcha.
Toppings: Edible petals, honey drizzle, and pomegranate pearls.
Flavor vibe: Pretty, floral, and just sweet enough to make you underestimate her.

💧 VENUS – "Mist Veil Sundae"
Base: Lychee and coconut ice cream.
Toppings: White-chocolate drizzle, tiny sugar bubbles, and a puff of spun-sugar "steam."
Flavor vibe: Cool, soft, elegant — looks like something you'd serve on a cloud.