Pokémon: Dragons, Dragons, & Dragons.

Walking out of the Pokémon Center with an air of poise, Rin's mind was already plotting her next move. She had a Gym challenge ahead of her and a reputation to start, but first, she needed supplies. Her meticulously planned journey left no room for error—or so she thought.

Strolling confidently into the nearest Trainer supply store, Rin browsed the shelves, selecting premium-grade potions, status healers, and a handful of luxury Pokéballs. Her Ninetales, Flare, trailed behind her, tails swishing elegantly, drawing admiration from the other trainers. At the counter, Rin tapped her Nano Watch against the register with the certainty of someone who had never been told "no."

The screen glowed, and her AI, 18, materialized, arms crossed and expression unimpressed. 18 is a slender and beautiful woman of above-average height and fair complexion. She has shoulder-length blonde hair—parts over her left temple, which she generally keeps tucked behind her ear. Wearing gold earrings, a blue denim vest and skirt (with the Pendragon logo on the back of the vest) with dark blue tights, a brown belt, brown boots, and a black shirt that has white and black striped long sleeves. 

A very hot woman and lover of Computer, her husband A.I. It was so much fun back then. Computer is so mad at having a harem. 

"Declined," 18 said flatly. "Insufficient funds."

Rin froze, her perfect smile twitching. "What dost thou mean, 'insufficient funds?' I am Rin Pendragon. My funds are infinite."

"Not under this account, they're not," 18 replied, her tone as dry as the desert. "Your Trainer License automatically enrolled you in the mandatory Adventurer's Loan program. Your balance currently stands at negative 123,463,540 pokécredits. Would you like the full breakdown?"

"Negative?" Rin's voice rose, earning a few curious glances from the other shoppers. Flare sighed softly, used to her trainer's outbursts.

"Correct," 18 continued, unfazed. "The initial debt for new trainers is 30,859,615 pokécredits. However, due to your assets, prior Pokémon ownership, and projected Trainer potential, your debt was adjusted… upward."

Rin's mouth opened, then closed as she struggled to form words. Finally, she threw her hands in the air. "Of course not! I have people to do that for me. What in the nine hells happened to them?"

18 shrugged with exaggerated indifference. "Probably your father. Or whoever thought thou should learn humility."

Across the store, Mordred doubled over laughing, clutching her stomach. "Hah! 'Tis karma, sister! How delicious to see thee humbled."

Rin shot her a glare sharp enough to cut steel, then turned back to 18. "This… this is a hustle! A filthy, brilliant hustle! And I hate it." She paused, then sighed dramatically. "But I respect it."

"Good. Because it's perfectly legal," 18 said, smirking faintly. "All outlined in the Trainer License terms and conditions—which, I assume, you did not read."

"Who reads those?" Rin snapped.

"People who don't end up in six-figure debt, apparently."

Mordred barked out another laugh, leaning against the counter. "Ah, sister, thou art truly the fool's fool. And yet, thou dost play it so well."

Outside the store, Rin walked in a daze, muttering to herself. "A hustle… A filthy, rigged hustle… and I fell for it."

"Welcome to reality, dear sister," Mordred said, slapping Rin on the back. "'Tis not all castles and gold for thee any more. Thou must now grind as the rest of us do."

Rin groaned, glaring at the Adventurer League job board posted near the street. It was plastered with requests for everything from berry gathering to wild Pokémon studies. She flicked a dismissive hand toward it. "This is like… like one of those RPG quest boards in an MMO."

Mordred raised an eyebrow. "Thou dost play no such games."

"I know! But still!" Rin groaned louder, flailing her arms for emphasis. "Do they not understand that I am above such menial tasks?"

"Thou art in debt," Mordred reminded her with a smirk. "And debt levels all, dear sister."

The pair continued down the road; Rin was lost in thought. Her jewelry—chains of solid gold adorned with evolutionary stones—jingled faintly as she walked.

Their progress was halted when Rin bumped into a group of five male trainers. They stumbled back, clearly irritated.

"Hey! Watch where you're going!" one of them snapped.

Rin dusted herself off with an air of disdain, glancing at the trainers as if they were nothing more than background noise. Their clothes were crisp and new, their gear pristine—a sure sign of fresh licenses. To Rin, however, they looked like peasants.

"Rude," she said simply, stepping around them. Flare followed, pausing only to give the group a contemptuous glare before swishing her tails and moving on.

The men stared after Rin, their anger giving way to bewilderment as they registered her royal presence. Her elaborate outfit and flawless posture made her look more like a queen than a trainer.

Mordred chuckled as she caught up. "Truly, thou dost leave a trail of confusion and resentment wherever thou treadest."

"Talking to them is a waste of my time," Rin said, her tone icy. "We have more important matters to attend."

They reached the Pewter City Gym, its doors towering before them. Rin paused, tilting her head slightly as she examined the building's imposing structure. "Bigger than I expected," she murmured.

"Indeed," Mordred said, gesturing grandly. "Thy next conquest awaits."

Rin smirked, adjusting her jewelry as Flare stepped forward, her tails fanned out like flames. "Let us proceed," Rin said, her voice dripping with anticipation.

Flint and his bones would be broken.

[xXx]

Or not. 

"Welcome to the Pewter Gym, where we're ready to rock you! How can I help you today?" The Gym receptionist's voice was chipper, rehearsed, and just a little too perky for the ominous atmosphere of the towering Gym. She sat behind a sleek counter near the entrance, flanked by rock-themed decorations and a massive glowing sign that read PEWTER CITY GYM: THE ORIGINAL.

Rin couldn't help but chirp at the pun, her mind briefly wandering to her husband, Gazei. Being married to him, she mused, was like marrying Po from Kung Fu Panda—just with more goofy antics, adorable gangster lingo, and an unapologetic giant nerd energy. He was also a loving father prone to terrible dad jokes. At least our old-life kids don't have to hear his puns anymore, Rin thought with a small giggle.

Shaking the thought away, Rin strode forward, her Ninetales at her side yawning. Mordred followed closely, arms crossed and gaze sharp as she scanned the battlefield visible through the massive double doors ahead.

SO SWEAT! My first battle!

Rin didn't even glance at the receptionist as she announced herself in the most Rin way possible. "Thou art addressing Rin Hunter-Pendragon, the future conqueror of this Gym and the bane of Flint himself. Announce my arrival with haste, fair maiden, for my time is precious. The Boulder Badge shall be mine."

Nailed it!

This, Rin knew, was the proper way to challenge a Gym. Before the era of modern Gyms, tribes and warrior clans would require formal declarations before initiating challenges. This prevented outright wars—though Rin had read stories of epic battles that could rival "real Wakanda levels of fun." The tradition had carried over into Gym culture, albeit with more rules and less bloodshed.

The receptionist blinked, her friendly smile faltering slightly as she processed the knightly speech. "Uh… right. You're here for a Gym battle, then?"

Mordred snorted behind her sister, clearly entertained by the exchange. "Speak plainly, Rin. The poor lass hath not the ears for thy grandeur."

Rin rolled her eyes dramatically before turning back to the receptionist. "Yes, I'm here to challenge Flint. Inform him that I, Rin Pendragon, have arrived to claim victory."

The receptionist quickly regained her composure, tapping a few buttons on her console. "Of course! I'll let Gym Leader Flint know you're here." She paused, glancing between Rin and Mordred. "Are you both battling him or is it just… Miss Pendragon?"

Mordred laughed, shaking her head. "Nay, only she fights. I merely bear witness to this folly."

Flare's tails swished, the Ninetales glaring at Mordred as though personally offended. Rin waved a hand dismissively, her smile never faltering. "Do not concern thyself with her, fair maiden. She is but a jester in my court."

"Thy court?" Mordred growled, her crimson eyes narrowing.

The receptionist, unfazed, cleared her throat. "Which tier are you registering for?"

"Advanced Tier," Rin replied confidently.

This was the hardest challenge she could tackle realistically. The tier above it—Elite Tier—was beyond her current skill and resources, requiring at least two years of experience and access to high-grade items and Pokémon gear. Still, the Advanced Tier wasn't just for show; it came with significantly higher cash rewards and rarer TMs than the Rookie Tier.

The receptionist typed into her console, then frowned slightly. "Your match is set for next week at 12 p.m."

"What? Why so late?" the Pendragon sisters exclaimed in unison. Both were clearly ready for battle now, not later.

"The Gym is currently closed for the upcoming tournament for new trainers," the receptionist explained with a practiced smile. "The prize is a Pokémon for the winner."

Rin blinked, tilting her head. A tournament for new trainers? How… inconvenient. Not because she wanted the prize—her team was already a testament to millions spent on genetic engineering, breeding, and training. She didn't need or want any additional Pokémon. But the delay grated at her.

"Where is this tournament held?" Rin asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

The receptionist handed her a flyer. "It's being held just outside the Gym at the city's main square. You're welcome to attend as a spectator. Food vendors and merchandise stalls will be set up, so it should be a fun event!"

Rin brightened slightly at the mention of food. If nothing else, she could enjoy herself while waiting for her battle. "Very well. Sister, let us observe this tournament. I may yet find amusement… or inspiration."

Mordred shrugged, her crimson eyes gleaming with mischief. "Aye. And mayhap I shall find a fool to duel for sport."

The receptionist added, "The tournament will start at the Foster Museum in two days. Here's a flyer with all the details." She handed the page to Rin, who accepted it with an air of importance.

"Foster Museum?" Mordred raised a brow, glancing at the flyer. "What doth an event for new trainers want with a museum? 'Tis an odd choice for revelry."

"Perhaps they hope to inspire the fledgling masses with history and culture," Rin replied, scanning the flyer. Her lips curled into a smirk. "Or mayhap 'tis simply convenient, given the space. Regardless, I care not for the why. I care only for the food stalls they promise."

Meanwhile…

"I had no idea you were such a sore loser." Ashlyn deadpanned.

Her day just kept getting better. Ashlyn had nearly reached Pewter City when, out of nowhere, fate—or perhaps sheer luck—handed her something special.

A Rookidee swooped down its small, determined form, landing on her travel bag. It tilted its head in curiosity before hopping inside as if claiming the spot as its own. For Ashlyn, it was an unexpected but welcome surprise.

"Shut up!" A female voice grumbled at the female trainer. Ashlyn ignored the girl and pulled out her Nano-Dex: 

"Rookidee - The Tiny Bird Pokémon," her Nano-Dex chimed in. "It will bravely challenge any opponent, no matter how powerful. This Rookidee has the ability Keen Eye. Prevents other Pokémon from lowering the accuracy stat stage of the Pokémon with this Ability"

The screen listed its moves:

Peck | Pluck | Hone Claws | Power Trip | Rock Smash | Tailwind | Fury Attack | Roost | Defog

Ashlyn grinned as she read the entry, glancing back at the Rookidee, who now pecked at her bag's zipper, seemingly inspecting her things. "Well, bitchin'. So, I'm guessing you want to come with me?"

The Rookidee chirped in response, her small wings fluttering as if to agree.

Ashlyn gently reached out a hand. "Well, if you're going to stick around, let's make it official, shall we? Welcome to the team, little warrior."

"It must be nice having a bird just drop into your lap," Ashlyn said, turning to see Misty Waterflower, a girl with a questionable outfit and her current travel partner.

The Cerulean native was known for her sharp tongue and sharper Water-type strategies.

"Lucky you," Misty added, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Ashlyn smirked, unfazed. "Luck's got nothing to do with it. Some of us just have the vibe, y'know?" She gently shifted the Rookidee to her shoulder. "Besides, maybe it knew I'd give it a better trainer than anyone else here."

Misty rolled her eyes, pushing off the tree and flipping her fiery orange hair over her shoulder. "Or maybe it just wanted someone dumb enough to carry it around."

Ashlyn barked out a laugh. "Cute, Misty. Real cute. Jealousy doesn't suit you."

Hour ago...

Ashlyn adjusted her gloves, kneeling at the edge of a small pond just outside of a clearing. Her Piplup stood proudly at the water's edge, watching a group of Magikarp splash lazily in the shallows.

The lake glittered under the late afternoon sun as Ashlyn commanded Amphitrite, her Piplup, through an intense training session. The small Water-type was pushing itself hard, firing off rapid bursts of Bubble Beam at a makeshift target Ashlyn had set up—a series of rocks painted with rings to test precision. Sweat glistened on Amphitrite's feathers, but it didn't let up, determined to master its aim.

"Keep it steady, Amphitrite!" Ashlyn called out, standing ankle-deep in the lake to cool off from the heat. "Focus on the center ring. Power is fuckin' great, but precision wins battles!"

The Piplup chirped sharply, acknowledging her trainer's instructions before inhaling deeply. Another Bubble Beam erupted from its beak, this time landing perfectly within the smallest ring.

"Yes!" Ashlyn cheered, clapping her hands. "That's what I'm talking about! You're killing it today!"

Amphitrite puffed up its chest with pride, waddling forward to bask in Ashlyn's praise. But before it could enjoy the moment, a stray burst of Bubble Beam ricocheted off a rock, narrowly missing the target and instead hurtling into the shallows with a splash.

"Hey!" an angry voice shouted. "Watch where you're aiming!"

Ashlyn froze, turning toward the source of the shout. A red-haired girl stood waist-deep in the lake, her soaked tank top clinging to her frame, her scowl sharp enough to cut glass. A sleek Starmie floated beside her, its jewel core pulsing faintly as though sharing its trainer's irritation.

The girl stomped through the shallows, water splashing around her as she closed the distance. "You think it's funny, letting your Pokémon spray people? Learn to control it, or stick to kiddie battles!"

Ashlyn arched an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Relax. It's just water. Besides, accidents happen."

"Accidents?!" the girl shot back, her hands on her hips. "That wasn't an accident—that was carelessness! If you're going to train in public, at least be responsible."

Ashlyn's lips curled into a smirk. "Oh, I'm sorry. Did the big scary trainer get her hair wet? Maybe you should've brought a towel."

The girl's eyes narrowed, her hands balling into fists. "Big talk for someone who can't even control their Piplup. How about we settle this right now? Or are you all talk?"

Ashlyn's grin widened. "You think I can't handle you? Fine. Let's battle. Don't cry when you lose."

They stepped apart, their tension mirrored by the still water between them. Amphitrite waddled forward, its feathers bristling with determination. The red-haired girl flicked her wrist, and her Starmie floated into position.

Battle Start

As Ashlyn and the red-haired girl squared off by the edge of the lake, a sudden mechanical whirring broke the tension. Out of nowhere, a Rotom Drone zipped into the air above them, its camera lens adjusting with a mechanical whirr as it focused on the two trainers. A holographic screen unfolded from its body, displaying the word "BATTLE" in bold, glowing letters.

Ashlyn blinked, taken aback. "What the—where did that thing come from?"

The girl scoffed, crossing her arms. "Don't question it. These drones show up for official Trainer battles. It's normal."

Ashlyn glanced back at the drone as it emitted a cheerful chime, projecting a countdown: 3… 2… 1… BATTLE START!

"Normal?!" Ashlyn muttered, still skeptical as the drone hovered closer, clearly recording. "I don't trust that thing."

"Just focus on the battle," the girl said, her voice sharp. "Let's see what you've got."

The Rotom Drone emitted a cheerful chime, signaling the start of the battle. Its holographic display flashed the names of the combatants: Ashlyn vs. ???, accompanied by a live feed of their Pokémon—Amphitrite the Piplup and the Starmie, which hovered eerily above the ground, its jewel core glowing with an almost sinister energy.

Ashlyn's skepticism lingered, but Amphitrite's determined chirp snapped her back into focus. "Alright, Amphitrite! Let's show them what we're made of! Start with Bubble Beam!"

Amphitrite inhaled deeply and unleashed a rapid stream of shimmering bubbles, each one bursting with surprising force as they hurtled toward Starmie. The opposing trainer barely flinched.

"Light Screen!" she commanded.

Starmie spun rapidly in place, its jewel core glowing as an almost invisible barrier materialized between it and the incoming attack. The bubbles collided with the barrier, bursting harmlessly in midair. The drone's hologram replayed the action in slow motion, showcasing the efficiency of Starmie's defense.

Ashlyn grits her teeth. "Figures. Amphitrite, keep up the pressure! Close in and use Peck!"

The Piplup dashed forward, its small but sharp beak gleaming as it lunged at Starmie. However, the opposing trainer's voice rang out like a whip.

"Rapid Spin!"

Starmie shot into motion, spinning like a sawblade. Amphitrite's attack glanced off its edge with a harsh clang, the momentum sending the Piplup tumbling backward into the dirt. Amphitrite shook itself off, chirping defiantly, but Ashlyn could already tell the battle was going to be fun.

"Amphitrite, back on your feet! Let's go for Icy Wind!"

The Piplup puffed its chest, exhaling a chilling gust of frosty air that swept across the battlefield, encasing the grass in frost as it reached for Starmie. The icy blast struck true, slowing the opponent's rapid spinning. For a moment, Ashlyn thought she'd gained the upper hand.

The other trainer smirked. "Not bad. But not good enough. Thunderbolt, Starmie!"

Ashlyn's eyes widened. "What?!"

Starmie's jewel pulsed violently, arcs of golden electricity sparking outward before coalescing into a powerful bolt that lanced across the battlefield. Amphitrite dove to the side at the last moment, the attack scorching the ground where it had been moments before.

"Amphitrite, we can do this! Counter with Water Pulse!"

Amphitrite gathered energy, forming a shimmering orb of water between its flippers. It launched the orb with a sharp cry, the Water Pulse arcing gracefully toward Starmie. The impact was direct, sending the starfish Pokémon skidding across the ground with a crackling hiss. Its jewel flickered briefly, but it didn't falter.

The opposing trainer's smirk only grew. "I'm impressed. But let's see how you handle this. Power Gem!"

Starmie's core flared blindingly, firing a beam of concentrated light that cut through the battlefield like a blade. Ashlyn barely had time to react.

"Dodge it, Amphitrite!"

The Piplup jumped to the side, but the beam grazed its flipper, sending it sprawling. Amphitrite struggled to its feet, panting but refusing to back down.

Ashlyn clenched her fists, her mind racing. "We're not giving up! Amphitrite, use Peck, but mix it up this time—aim for the core!"

Amphitrite's eyes gleamed with determination as it charged forward again, zigzagging unpredictably to throw off Starmie's aim. The Piplup leaped into the air, its beak glowing with energy as it aimed directly at the pulsating jewel.

"Psychic!" the opposing trainer barked.

Starmie's core shimmered, and a wave of telekinetic energy erupted outward. Amphitrite was caught mid-air, frozen in place as the psychic force gripped its small frame. The Rotom Drone zoomed in, capturing the tense moment in detail.

Ashlyn's heart raced as she shouted, "Break free, Amphitrite! Use Bubble Beam, now!"

Amphitrite let out a defiant cry, unleashing a stream of bubbles even as it was held in place. The attack struck Starmie's core head-on, causing it to flinch just enough to release its hold. Amphitrite dropped to the ground, rolling before springing back onto its feet.

"Now's our chance!" Ashlyn yelled. "Icy Wind, full force!"

Amphitrite summoned another blast of frost, this one more intense than before. The icy gale slammed into Starmie, freezing parts of its limbs and slowing its movements even further.

The opposing trainer's confident smirk faltered. "Starmie, finish this with Thunderbolt!"

Electricity sparked again, but Amphitrite was already on the move.

"Dodge it and use Water Pulse!"

The Piplup darted around the crackling bolts, gathering another sphere of water. It launched the attack with a triumphant cry, the orb colliding directly with Starmie's core. The starfish Pokémon wobbled, its movements sluggish, before collapsing onto the ground.

The Rotom Drone buzzed loudly, its hologram flashing: VICTORY: ASHLYN.

End of Flash Back...

. "You just got lucky," she muttered, more to herself than anyone else. "I've been training Water Pokémon my entire life, and I get beaten by a newbie's Piplup." She groaned inwardly, imagining the endless teasing she'd face if her sisters ever found out about this.

"Pip!" Amphitrite puffed up her chest with pride, chirping loudly as if to rub it in.

Misty's eyes narrowed. "I wasn't congratulating you."

"Lup?!" Amphitrite turned her head sharply, glaring at the Cerulean trainer with a mix of disbelief and anger.

Ashlyn smirked, kneeling beside her partner and scratching under her beak. "Ignore her, Amphitrite. She's just sore because she lost to someone better. Happens all the time."

Misty's scowl deepened. "Better? Oh, please. One win doesn't make you a Pokémon Master. That Starmie wasn't even at its full strength—"

"Excuses, excuses," Ashlyn interrupted with a wave of her hand. "What's next? 'The sun was in your eyes'? Just admit it—I'm better, and so is Amphitrite."

"Like hell you are!" Misty snapped, stepping forward, her fists clenched. "Next time, I'll crush you so badly, you'll wish you never started this journey!"

Amphitrite waddled forward, squawking defiantly. "Pip-lup!"

Ashlyn chuckled, standing to her full height and brushing dirt off her gloves. "Sure, sure. You can keep dreaming about that rematch. Meanwhile, I'll just keep winning, like I did today."

Misty crossed her arms, her gaze flicking back to Amphitrite with growing curiosity. "I've never seen a Pokémon like that, but it looks familiar. Where did you get it?"

Ashlyn beamed with pride, gently nudging Amphitrite forward. "This is Amphitrite, the Water-type starter from Sinnoh!"

Misty's eyes widened, her usual stern expression softening as she knelt to get a better look. "Sinnoh's Water starter? Wow. I've read about Piplup before, but seeing one up close… it's adorable." Her voice carried a rare tone of genuine admiration as she studied the small penguin. Amphitrite preened under the attention, letting out a chirp of approval.

Misty straightened, brushing a strand of her orange hair back. "So, I'm guessing you're heading to Pewter City?"

"Yep!" Ashlyn replied with enthusiasm. "I want to see how my team holds up against Brock's Rock Pokémon. Amphitrite here is already pretty strong, and I have a type advantage. I'm working toward becoming a Steel-type trainer. My team right now is Amphitrite, a Mawile, a shiny Beldum, and a Cufant."

Misty raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "That's pretty ambitious for a trainer who hasn't even earned her first badge yet."

Ashlyn puffed out her chest slightly, her grin widening. "I know, right? But I'm not in a rush. It's not just about having the strongest team but building something amazing together. I want people to hear my name and think, 'That's Ashlyn, the Steel Queen.'"

Misty chuckled, shaking her head in amusement. "Steel Queen, huh? You've got the confidence for it, that's for sure."

Ashlyn smirked, her determination shining through. "Confidence is half the battle. I'm just starting out, but I'll get there."