----
Dinner began peacefully, the low hum of conversation flowing around the room. Erika was chatting comfortably with the Kimono Sisters, the mood cheerful and light.
Kai, on the other hand, focused entirely on the food in front of him. He didn't speak, didn't lift his eyes, and didn't engage in the conversation, doing everything he could to avoid catching Tamao's gaze.
To the rest of the group, it just seemed like he was a man of few words. No one suspected there was any tension beneath the surface.
That was, until Sumomo, the youngest sister, suddenly perked up and asked, "Kai, Erika, you're both from Kanto, right? Do you happen to know Ash and Misty?"
Kai couldn't stay silent after hearing such familiar names. He smiled and looked up. "Of course. They're like younger siblings to me. Why? Do you know them too?"
Sumomo nodded. "We met at a pastry shop a while back. Ash, Misty, and Brock came to one of our tea gatherings and even helped us chase off some troublemakers from Team Rocket. They're all really kind. Oh! And Misty mentioned she had an older sister with the same personality as me!"
Kai chuckled. Of course, Ash and the others had made friends with the Kimono Sisters. With their personalities and Team Rocket always around, it was only a matter of time.
"Yeah," he said. She runs the Cerulean Gym with her sisters. She's a pro at water ballet. Their shows in Cerulean City are hugely popular, kind of like how you're all beloved here in Ecruteak."
The sisters exchanged impressed looks.
"A Gym Leader who performs water ballet?" Sakura mused. "That must be quite the show. We should visit sometime."
Just then, a small blur darted in from the entrance. It was an Eevee, stumbling and nearly toppling Kai's tray as it skidded to a stop.
Cups rattled. Sake sloshed.
Kai reacted instantly, catching the tray before disaster struck. He looked down, recognizing the little furball from the performance stage the night before.
"Eevee? What are you doing here?"
Koume quickly scooped it up, laughing nervously. "Sorry about that! This one's full of energy, but a little jumpy. She means no harm."
Before Kai could respond, five more Pokémon bounded in: Flareon, Vaporeon, Jolteon, Espeon, and Umbreon,, each representing one of the sisters' partners from their performance.
Chaos erupted as the room filled with bouncing, barking Eeveelutions.
"So… lively," Kai muttered.
Sakura sighed with a resigned smile. "They never run out of energy. It's impossible to have a quiet day with them around."
Erika laughed. "It's totally understandable. I have an Eevee too, so I know how exhausting they can be."
She wasn't exaggerating. Whether it was Jolteon's hyperactivity or Leafeon's curiosity, each form had its quirks. And with dozens of Grass-types running loose at her Gym, Erika was no stranger to Pokémon-induced chaos.
"You have one too?" Satsuki asked, curious. "What kind?"
In response, Kai and Erika pulled out their Poké Balls and summoned their partners in twin flashes of blue.
A sleek Jolteon landed at Kai's side, sparks crackling faintly through its fur. Next to it, a Leafeon appeared, graceful and calm, radiating a fresh, earthy scent.
Immediately, the sisters' Eeveelutions circled around the newcomers, sniffing and yipping as they exchanged curious greetings.
Jolteon drew little notice after all, it was fairly common, but Erika's Leafeon caught their attention.
"A Leafeon?!"
"She's so cute!"
"She smells like a garden!"
While the others crowded around the Leafeon in awe, Tamao, who also owned a Jolteon, remained quiet. Her eyes stayed fixed on Kai's Jolteon, inspecting it closely.
"Your Jolteon's been raised really well," she finally said. "Its coat is sharp, posture perfect, limbs strong. I can tell it's not just for show—it's got real battle power."
Kai was about to respond when Tamao's voice suddenly shifted.
"But of course," she added, her tone light but laced with edge, "it's what you'd expect from a Champion, right?"
Her emphasis on the word wasn't subtle.
Kai narrowed his eyes. There it was that tone again.
Then came the challenge.
"Champion," Tamao said, meeting his gaze. "Battle me. Right now."
Kai blinked. "What?"
Tamao's lips barely moved. "A one-on-one. You and me. Eeveelution against Eeveelution."
Kai hesitated.
"Or are you going to refuse?" she added, her voice too calm.
He knew this wasn't about a friendly match. This was about the comment he'd made earlier comparing Erika to the sisters. Tamao hadn't forgotten. And she wasn't about to let it slide.
He sighed. So she had taken it personally.
From the way the other sisters were exchanging looks, it was clear they didn't understand what sparked the sudden challenge. But they knew Tamao well enough to realize this wasn't a whim.
Even Erika gave Kai a look of silent apology. She's serious. There's no talking her down.
"…Alright." Kai stood up, brushing off his pants.
He let out a short whistle, and Jolteon leapt to his side, fur bristling with static.
Tamao smiled cool, composed, unreadable. She raised her hand, and Umbreon silently padded forward to stand beside her.
The energy in the room shifted.
Jolteon and Umbreon locked eyes. Sparks flickered. Tension thickened.
The battle was about to begin.
----
Don't forget to drop some PowerStones!💎💎💎
For early access to advanced chapters on p@treon.
P@treon/iamxeno
Thank you so much for your support and for reading!