Chloe:

  Chloe bounced along the road happily. Route 218 was perfectly peaceful this time of year, the sun was out and she was taking the first steps of her journey. Not literally of course, she had travelled across an ocean to get to Sinnoh, but that had been on a boat.

  She had arrived later than expected, a group of Gyarados causing a few delays, but the boat had pulled into Canalave safe and sound. Or ship, Chloe supposed, either way.

  Now she had to make her way to Jubilife, where foreign Aces like her were supposed to register.

  Ha, foreign! Chloe was a foreigner! She had always wanted to be the exotic traveler, and now she was.

  There were plenty of Pokemon out as she bounced along, Mochi at her side. Mimi being the princess that she was refused to walk, and Chloe equally refused to carry her, so the Mawile was staying in her Pokeball for this particular trip. Not that she was needed anyway, Mochi hadn't had to do anything more than look threatening to deter any wild Pokemon.

  It was as she approached Jubilife that she spotted a disturbance. A small group of trainers, all clustered around having some sort of argument.

  It looked as if a trio of trainers, all richly dressed and with a serious case of resting prat face, had cornered a pair of other kids. The smaller trainers looked smaller, poorer, and scared.

  Chloe sighed, she had a feeling she knew where this was going…

  She changed direction, angling towards the group, getting close enough to hear what was being said.

  “I don't want to battle you,” one of the smaller kids was saying, “The Challenge hasn't even started yet!”

  Yep, Chloe was right. A classic case of a trainer trying to force another into a battle. It happened all the time, or so Calen had told her, despite being technically illegal. The fact that these kids were doing it so close to the outskirts of Jubilife was honestly kind of impressive with how bold it was. If it also wasn't so sad, that is.

  Chloe wasn't sure she could do much, but she decided that she should probably help out, she’d be angry at herself if she did nothing. At the very least she could even the odds a little.

  She didn't quite get that far however, because someone else clearly had the same idea.

  “Will you cunts get out of my fucking way or what?”

  …maybe not.

  The speaker was a tall, brunette girl dressed in ripped jeans, a leather jacket and a pair of big, stompy, ass kicking boots. It was a look that screamed “I don't give a fuck” but Chloe could tell that it was carefully crafted. Those jeans were designer, the jacket real leather, the boots high end.

  The reaction of the prat trainers was well worth the sight.

  They whirled, taking in the new challenger.

  “Excuse me, what did you say?” one of them asked.

  “Did I fucking stutter? Move your asses. You’re in the way,” the girl replied, proving Chloe’s initial assessment that she did not give one singular shit that she was out numbered.

  Silence.

  “I think you should leave before this gets ugly,” one of the guys said, attempting to loom ominously.

  “I think you need a fucking ear exam. Move,” came the reply.

  “You don't know we are, do you?” one of the guys said, with a smirk that did not reach his eyes.

  “Do I look like I give a single suffering fuck who you are?” the girl said dismissively.

  “I am Oliver Maxwell, heir to…” their leader began.

  He was immediately cut off.

  “I didn't ask. In fact, I am pretty sure I just told you that I don't fucking care,” the girl said.

  “I’m a busy woman,” she continued. “Either you fuck off, or you put your cock where your mouth is and find out what a real fucking trainer looks like.”

  The battle was short, brutal and eye opening. The girl sent out a Rufflet that absolutely bodied all three Pokemon that the group had, one by one. They all had rare, and shiny Pokemon, clearly purchased for them, and clearly beyond their abilities. The girl’s Rufflet however, was amazing. He responded to her instructions with no delay, and was soon cawing his victory above his defeated foes.

  “Right,” the girl said, her job done, and the trainers staring at her with wide eyes.

  “Give me your wallets, then fuck off.”

  “Our… wallets?” one of the guys asked, still shell shocked.

  “Your wallets. Or will you try to claim that you weren't trying to shake these dumbasses down?” the girl said, hooking her thumb at the two kids she just rescued.

  “You will regret this,” one of them blustered, and she snorted in response.

  “You really are a fucking moron. You’re so wrapped up in who you are, that you didn't even think about who the fuck I might be.”

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  That got them to pause, “Who, who are you?” one of the younger kids asked, cautiously.

  The girl smiled.

  “I am Fiona Motherfucking Abernathy.”

  Fiona:

  The guys coughed up their wallets before leaving, and Fiona handed them to the kids she saved.

  “Here,” she said, “Take them.”

  The kids stared at her, “Are you sure?” one of them asked her.

  Fiona sighed, “Just fucking do it. I don't need the cash. I only took it to humiliate those pricks.”

  “Thank you,” the other said, eagerly accepting the money.

  Fiona snorted, “I didn't do it for you,” she said, “I did it because I hate rich assholes that think their dick swings heavier just because they have a fancy name.”

  “But didn't you say your name was…”

  “Abernathy, yes” Fiona replied, “But a name means fuck all if you can't back it up. Respect is earned, not inherited.”

  That was Fiona's motto, the truth she had arrived at after all those years of watching those private school scions play pretend politics. As far as Fiona was concerned, her name did nothing but make people expect things from her. They would learn soon enough that she didn't give a shit about their expectations.

  The sound of footsteps behind her had her turning to see a blonde girl of about her height approaching. She was dressed up, with the simplistic choices of a fashionista on a budget, looking like a costume jewelry store had vomited onto a discount rack. Still, she had somehow managed to coordinate the outfit into an eye sore that was charming rather than garish.

  Fiona braced herself as the girl approach, prepared for a naked attempt at flattery. Instead, the girl knelt before Fiona’s Rufflet and in a thick Kalosian accent asked,

  “Can I hug your Rufflet?”

  Fiona blinked, “My Rufflet?”

  The girl nodded seriously. “He is just the cutest, fluffiest little guy and needs to be squeezed until he pops.”

  “Uhh, sure?” Fiona replied.

  Instantly Rufflet was scooped up and mercilessly smooshed, fluffled and hugginated by the blonde, who launched into a string of nonsense.

  “You’re just so handsome, look at you, a little floofy hugglebird, whose the bravest little warrior? You are!”

  Fiona watched it happen with a blank expression. This encounter was not going as she had expected. She had thought that this girl was going to be another opportunist that was bent on riding Fiona’s coattails, but no. She genuinely seemed only interested in her Rufflet, completely ignoring Fiona.

  This was a first. Fiona’s family was a dynasty that had dominated Galar for years. Most people either wanted to use her or bang her. Sometimes both.

  A nudge on her leg had Fiona looking down, thoughts interrupted. The girl’s Jigglypuff, who wore a ribbon that matched the one holding the girl’s ponytail, was glaring up at her.

  Fiona looked down at the puffball. Was… was it trying to fight her? Fiona could respect that.

  “Mochi!” the blonde admonished, “play nice with the bad ass punk girl!”

  The Jigglypuff, Mochi presumably, immediately tried to look innocent, and instead wandered over to glare at the two kids that Fiona had rescued, who were counting their spoils from the wallets Fiona had given them.

  “Sorry about that,” the girl said, standing, Rufflet held firmly in her arms, “Mochi is a little intense.”

  “They’re not the only one,” Fiona thought, but she refrained from saying anything. Instead, she simply shook her head.

  “No, it's fine. I respect the guts,” she replied.

  “What's this little cutie’s name?” the girl asked, “Oh, and I’m Chloe by the way.”

  “...Thistle,” Fiona answered. Then, deciding to be direct, she asked, “Did you want something?”

  “Only to give Thistle the love he deserves,” Chloe replied, and Fiona could tell she was dead serious.

  So she wasn't a suck up, just an airhead with a love for Pokemon.

  “You said your name was Fiona?” Chloe asked, and Fiona nodded in response.

  “Fiona Abernathy,” she replied, bracing herself for the recognition. If this girl was a trainer, she would definitely recognise the name that had dominated the competitive scene for the last few years.

  “Well I’m Chloe, Chloe Bellamy. Oh wait, I said that already, didn't I?”

  Fiona laughed. Okay, definitely an airhead.

  “Are you heading to register?” Fiona asked, curious, and Chloe nodded enthusiastically.

  “Yep, you too?”

  “Sure am,” Fiona said. She decided to roll the dice. “Wanna come with me?”

  “Sure!” Chloe responded.

  The Kalosian girl seemed to be bright, cheerful, and not give a single shit who Fiona was, and even if that proved to not be the case, Fiona could always ditch her later. In the meantime though? She could be good company.

  Besides, Fiona had a thing for blondes, and this girl was definitely her type.

  Chloe:

  Registration took a lot longer than Chloe had expected. The line was long, filled with Trainers all vying to register before the Challenge started next week. But that wasn't the problem, both Chloe and her new friend turned out to be Aces, to Fiona’s surprise, and Chloe's expectation. Chloe had been a little concerned about hanging around someone who dropped curse words like she was an amateur rapper, but as soon as the two of them were alone, Fiona had slipped into a more friendly tone. Fiona was surprisingly charming and well spoken when she wasn't swearing at people, and Chloe found herself giggling at the other girl's jokes and enjoying her company. It must just be rich dickheads that got her riled.

  No, it was the sheer amount of paperwork involved for the two of them. Media release forms, sponsorship agreements, liability waivers, form after form needed to be signed.

  During the process the privileges (and responsibilities) of being Ace Trainers were explained to them. Both girls could expect their battles to be televised, to be interviewed at irregular interviews, and to even have some of their travels and training filmed. The transition to an international event brought with it a whole slew of TV deals, and there was even a special, 24 hour channel dedicated solely to the Gym Challenge.

  The process was done soon enough, however, and the girls had their Pokedexes, and a brand new Poketch each, courtesy of the Poketch company, who were the major sponsor of this year's challenge.

  “So!” Chloe said brightly, causing Fiona to look over at her, “Wanna go shopping?”

  They had also been given some credit towards the various trainer stores, and while Fiona clearly already had her shit together, Chloe could definitely use a few things. And outfits, definitely outfits.

  Fiona shrugged, “Sure, I could use a few things.”

  One short shopping spree later, where they had both picked up a number of Pokeballs, potions, and other odds and ends, and Chloe having picked up a few new outfits, the girls were sitting at a café, having afternoon tea.

  “So you're from Kalos?” Fiona asked, and Chloe nodded brightly.

  “Yep! From Vanivelle,” she answered, “I suppose the accent made it obvious.”

  “I was just asking because you seemed way more excited about shopping than I would expect from a girl with access to Lumious,” Fiona continued.

  Chloe shrugged, “Nah, I’ve only been there like, three times? And one of those was on the way here,” she replied, “I bet you’ve done more shopping there than I have.”

  Fiona blinked, “What makes you say that?” she asked, tone neutral.

  Chloe shrugged once more, “Please, you're in designer everything, I bet you’re there every other weekend. It's not like it's a long way from Galar.

  Fiona stared at her for a moment, before sighing, “Yeah, you're right. I go fairly regularly, Mum is always dragging me around to watch her contests,” she admitted.

  “Oooh!” Chloe said, leaning forwards, eyes sparkling with interest, “I’d love to see a contest! They sound awesome!”

  “I’m honestly surprised you aren't entering them,” Fiona confessed, “Given your whole ‘Fairy Princess’ vibe.”

  Chloe giggled, “I would love to enter contests, but I got stuck with two battle maniacs for Pokemon who would cry if we didn't go for badges. Besides, Calem said that the Challenge is a good path to get into Contests anyway, if I feel like it later.”

  “Calem?” Fiona asked, eyebrow raised, “Is that your boyfriend?”

  Chloe giggled again, “Ewww, no! He’s like, twice my age. Though he is kind of handsome I guess? I don't know, I don't really think of boys like that. No, Calem is a friend, taught me a lot.”

  Fiona nodded, taking a long sip from her drink.

  “So what are your plans after this?” Fiona asked after a bit, and Chloe shrugged.

  “Go get a little bit of training, I guess,” she replied, “The girls got lazy on the boat over.”

  “Mind if I come with you?” Fiona asked, “I have the same problem. Gotta let Star stretch his legs now that we have some space.”

  “Star?” Chloe asked, eyes blazing with curiosity.

  Fiona nodded, “Yeah, my Ponyta.”

  There was a clatter as Chloe slapped both hands on the table, standing up quickly enough that she knocked her chair over.

  “Galarian Ponyta?” she asked, leaning in to look Fiona right in the eyes.

  “Uhh,” Fiona said, a little taken aback by the sudden closeness, “Yeah?”

  Chloe leaned in even closer,

  “You have got to let me see him.”

  “...sure?”

  “YES!” Chloe cheered, punching the air. People were staring, but she didn't care. She was about to get to hug a god damn unicorn.