The heavy doors of Levincia Gym swung shut behind Iono, sealing off the street noise outside.
Inside was a wide, bright hall. Light strips flowed with color inlaid along the walls; the floor was polished metal, clean enough to mirror the ceiling's intricate structure.
Following behind Iono, Jason let his eyes skim the space. The décor matched Iono's stream aesthetic—electro pop everywhere, trendy symbols at every turn.
"The battle arena's inside," Iono said over her shoulder, and led the way like she knew it by heart.
They passed a long corridor to a massive blast door. Iono tapped a few controls on a side panel; the gate rose silently, revealing the interior.
A standard indoor arena—bigger than Artazon's by a bit. A ring of spectator seats circled the field, empty for now. Overhead, four huge HD screens hung so the match would be visible from any angle.
Most striking: several Pokémon were already waiting at center field.
A plump Bellibolt lay on the ground, its belly generator pulsing on and off. A Mismagius drifted overhead, purple energy orbs circling its body. An Electrode sat quietly in a corner, its red-and-white shell gleaming. And a Luxray paced with silky steps, golden eyes watching the newcomers with wary focus.
Iono's main team—assembled and on guard.
Iono stopped at the edge of the field, turned, and spread her arms with a confident smile.
"Jason, come challenge me."
Her voice echoed in the cavernous space.
But after saying it, she didn't take the usual gym-leader stand. She just winked at Jason, then walked straight toward a side passage. The sign over the door read "Players' Lounge."
That froze not only Jason, but the Pokémon behind him.
Gast hovered, baffled, watching Iono's retreating back. "Jason, what's Sister Iono doing—grabbing Poké Balls?" She pumped her little fists, impatient. "I can't wait!"
The opposing lineup looked stronger than Kosa's had, but she still felt ready.
Jason coughed softly as Iono vanished into the passage. "Ahem."
He turned to the eager Gengar, his expression suddenly serious. "Gast, I'm taking this gym challenge myself."
"Huh?" Her excitement stalled out.
"You've run two gyms back-to-back. You must be tired," he said in a tone that brooked no argument.
Gast shook her head like a rattle drum. "I'm not tired."
She felt full of energy—three more matches wouldn't be a problem.
Jason narrowed his eyes. "You're very tired."
He repeated it, firmer. Meeting his gaze, she got the message: this wasn't up for debate. Her fighting spirit deflated on the spot.
"…Okay. I'm very tired," she muttered, lip jutting.
Satisfied, Jason patted her head, then turned to Iron Valiant and Miraidon. "You two hang here. I'm going to challenge Gym Leader Iono."
He set off after Iono down the lounge passage.
Miraidon watched him go, confusion flickering in its big electronic eyes. "Huh? You're not challenging here?"
The arena was right there, the opponent's Pokémon were right there—so why were both challenger and gym leader heading to the lounge?
Jason didn't answer; he disappeared around the corner. Only the Pokémon remained. The air went a little quiet.
Iron Valiant, for its part, looked unconcerned. It drew its gaze back from the corridor and toward the waiting team across the field. It paused on the Bellibolt, swept past the floating Mismagius—then raised both hands. Two brilliant lightblades bloomed from its wrists.
"If Jason isn't battling here…" Iron Valiant mused flatly, "does that mean I'm free to knock these Pokémon around a bit?"
It flexed its wrists; the blades traced two neat arcs in the air.
Iono's Pokémon clearly heard—and saw—the dangerous motion. Bellibolt flinched. Luxray's elegant stride halted, fur lifting in a static prickle. Electrode actually rolled back a little. Only Mismagius kept its cool—though it drifted higher.
They could all feel it: the Iron Valiant opposite was bad news.
Gast still sulked about being benched, staring glumly after Jason and Iono. She wanted to follow, but that look from earlier kept her put. She didn't get it. Why not let her fight—he'd praised her last time.
The lounge corridor wasn't long. Jason caught up quickly. Iono, who'd clearly expected it, slowed when she heard his steps and stopped at a door. Without turning, she set a hand on the knob.
"Ready, Challenger Jason?" she asked, a smile in her voice.
"Been ready," he said, stepping up beside her.
She glanced at him, then opened the door.
A spacious room—no battle gear, just soft carpet, comfy sofas, a giant floor-to-ceiling window. Outside lay the very arena they'd just left, visible in full from here.
Iono entered first; Jason followed. Once he was in, she swung the door shut behind them.
Click. The lock sounded loud in the quiet.
"Alright," Iono said, leaning back against the door, facing him. "Now we won't be interrupted."
That mischievous smile he knew so well curved her lips. "You can challenge me to your heart's content."
The light was soft; a faint perfume hung in the air. Jason smiled back. "Heh-heh."
He didn't say another word—just walked toward her. Not fast, but steady. She didn't move, hands behind her back, fingers tapping the door without thinking. When he was half a meter away, he stopped.
"You don't seem nervous," he said.
"Why would I be?" Iono shot back. "I'm a gym leader. Accepting challenges is my duty." She put the weight on "challenge."
"Is that so?" He took half a step closer. He could feel the faint breeze of her breath; he saw her throat bob.
"All your Pokémon are outside. How do you plan to fight?" he asked, eyes never leaving hers.
"Who said challenging a gym leader must be a Pokémon battle?" Her breathing had shifted a touch, but her face stayed calm. "Lady Iono has her own rules."
"What rules?"
"The rule is…" She paused—then extended one finger and tapped it lightly to his body. "…you have to get through me first."
Inside, she was buzzing—he was a Ditto, after all. It felt… strange. And kind of fascinating. Coolness tingled at her fingertip.
Jason glanced down at the finger pressed to him, then back up at her face. "Is this hard?"
"Try and see," she smiled.
He didn't answer. He simply took her hand. The move was sudden. Her fingers were cool and soft. For an instant, her body went very still—but she didn't pull away, letting him hold her.
He felt her pulse at the wrist—faster than before.
"That your opening move?" she said, arching a brow, tone trying to hide the flutter.
"No," he shook his head. "Just a greeting before the match."
He squeezed gently and drew her toward him. She tipped forward, off balance. For a small Ditto, he was surprisingly strong. Instinctively she caught his shoulder to steady herself. Now they were almost flush.
"You—" she began, then realized his face was still coming closer.
"Now the challenge officially begins," he murmured in her ear. Her heart skipped. Heat crept into her cheeks. "That's against the rules," she breathed, protest weak.
"Can a gym leader call a foul?" he teased.
"I—I can."
"Shame I can't hear you."
He rested his forehead to hers, nudging lightly, left and right—affectionate, almost boyish. Her brain went blank; defenses and feints melted. The hand braced on his shoulder lost strength and slid down.
The room was quiet. Only their soft breathing.
Jason savored the hush. He could smell the fragrance in Iono's hair—nice. He closed his eyes and soaked in the warmth at arm's length.
Then—faint commotion from outside.
Thump!
A dull bang, followed by Pokémon cries.
They both froze and turned to the window. Something had changed on the field. Iron Valiant stood center stage; across from it, Bellibolt lay on its back, belly generator still flickering on reflex. Luxray and Electrode had formed a screen around it, shooting wary looks at Iron Valiant. Mismagius floated higher, ready to strike.
"What's going on out there?" Iono blinked.
Jason took one look and more or less guessed. "Probably… they got bored," he said, not entirely certain.
"Bored?" Iono stared at her Bellibolt, very obviously knocked out. " 'A bit battle-happy' is an understatement," she muttered. "That doesn't mean it can bully my Pokémon!"
Jason: "So what? I'm going to bully you in a minute."
Iono tossed him a coy smile. "Oh? How will you bully me—you're just a Ditto."
Jason started shifting part of his body. "What about a Ditto? I can turn into anything."
"Aaahhhh!"
The ruckus outside shattered the mood inside. Iono took the opening to slip from his arms and put a little distance between them, cheeks still pink.
"Looks like I need to handle things out there first," she said, smoothing hair and coat, trying to look composed. Jason's sudden… change had rattled her. Sure, humans are a kind of Pokémon—but still. Too weird.
"Need a hand?" he asked.
"No." She shot him a glare. "You stay here. Don't wander."
She strode to the door, clicked the lock, and pulled it open. "What are you doing!"
Her voice carried into the arena. Jason stayed where he was, rubbing his chin. That felt… nice. He stepped to the window, watching with interest.
Iono's arrival made both sides pause. Iron Valiant dispelled its blades and stood there looking innocent. Iono hurried to her team and checked on Bellibolt. Thankfully, it was just knocked out—no serious harm. She sighed with relief, recalled it, then planted fists on hips and glared at Iron Valiant.
"That was you, wasn't it?"
~~~
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