The Pantheon

The Wallace Cup - Part I

The air shifted around Ashley in a familiar, weightless pull as the teleportation pad flared to life. Light folded inward, sound muted, and then the world settled again with a soft hum beneath her boots.

Lake Valor greeted her with open space and clean air, the platform sat just above the shoreline, water stretching out in a wide, glassy expanse broken only by distant movement and the low murmur of people gathering farther along the banks.

Janus stood at her back the instant the light faded, Lucario's posture alert without being tense, gaze already sweeping the area out of habit. Ashley took a step forward, rolling her shoulders once as the last trace of teleportation disorientation passed.

"Okay," she murmured. "So far, so good."

"That was fast."

She looked up.

Gary was standing just beyond the edge of the pad, arms crossed loosely, expression bright in that way that always meant he was genuinely pleased rather than performing for anyone. Blackie padded along at his side, ears perked, red eyes sharp and curious as she took Ashley in from head to toe.

Ashley blinked in surprise, then she laughed.

"You've got to be kidding me," she said, stepping fully off the platform. "What are you doing here?"

Gary's grin widened, unrepentant. "What, you think I was going to miss the group reunion?"

"I thought you were on the road," Ashley replied, still smiling. "You literally told me you were heading for your fourth badge."

"I was," he said easily. "Then I heard where everyone was meeting up, and suddenly my schedule became very flexible."

Blackie flicked her tail once, clearly approving of this decision.

Ashley shook her head, amusement settling warm in her chest. "You're impossible."

"Yeah," Gary agreed without hesitation. "But you missed me."

She didn't argue. Instead, she closed the distance and hugged him. Gary returned it just as easily, one hand briefly resting between her shoulder blades before they pulled apart.

"You look good," he said, studying her more closely now. "Different, but good."

"Therapy does that to people," Ashley replied lightly.

Janus remained still at her side, eyes briefly meeting Blackie's. The Umbreon held his gaze for a moment, then dipped her head slightly, acknowledging him without challenge. Janus relaxed by a fraction, satisfied.

"Oh," Ashley said, glancing between them. "Right, introductions. I have a couple of Pokémon who are eager to meet Blackie."

She reached for her belt and released Mercury first, the burst of light resolving into a crackle of energy and fur as Jolteon landed lightly beside her. He froze when he spotted Blackie, ears snapping upright, curiosity lighting him up instantly.

Venus followed a heartbeat later, water-mist curling softly as she appeared, posture composed but attentive. Her gaze settled on Blackie with quiet interest rather than caution.

Gary smiled, stepping back half a pace to give them space. "Blackie," he said, fondly. "Meet Mercury and Venus."

Mercury wasted no time. He circled once, quick and bright, sparks dancing faintly along his fur as he assessed Blackie with open fascination. Blackie held her ground, calm and unbothered, watching him with an expression that bordered on amused.

Venus approached more slowly, head tilted slightly, mist drifting around her fins as she offered a gentle greeting. Blackie responded in kind, stepping forward to sniff, tail swaying in an easy rhythm.