“I’d choose a slumber party over a war zone any day of the week! It’s you who invaded our homeland and haven’t allowed us one moment of rest since!” The weirdly-dressed woman retorted.

She was projecting her anger against the organization as a whole on this one grunt. Her past self would not have done that. Had she become another angry person hellbent on destroying Rocket? The thought caused her to falter, but only for a moment.

Lapras’ attack was super effective, but not enough to finish the Salamence off. Andrea’s Mega Ring glinted. From the lingering cloud of frost, the azure dragon re-emerged in its Mega Evolved form, aiming to slice the polar plesiosaur with its crescent-shaped wings.

“Return the favor, Meatloaf!” The dragon enthusiast ordered, opting to focus on the battle itself rather than any questions still gnawing at her conscience.

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“Look out!” Cried the draconic trainer, as her Mega Salamence got doused with highly pressurized water. With its wings dripping wet, maintaining flight proved difficult. “Meatloaf, Roost!”

While the winged lizard slowly healed itself on the ground, Andrea contemplated what the blue-haired grunt had said earlier. They were apparently on their first mission. And she was going all out on the poor kid.

She remembered her vow to Naomi Sato to help de-escalate the faction conflict. The Visionary’s dedication to her pursuit of peace inspired her. She had to do better too. Not everything was about winning.

“Why did you join Rocket?” The woman calmly asked after a brief pause. Much like her roosting Salamence, she took a break of her own from fighting, trying to talk things out instead.

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Despite scoffing internally at the thought of talking things out, the androgynous grunt opened up like a dam when asked the simplest of questions. Maybe they did need someone to share their life story with after all.

Andrea remained silent, absorbing every word, which helped her understand her supposed enemy a little bit more. Contrary to Team Rocket’s general stance, this kid deeply cared about Pokémon. They cared so much, they were even willing to commit acts of terror. She could respect that, even if she did not fully agree.

The costumed trainer gestured at her Salamence to stand down. The azure dragon returned to its original form, the effects of Mega Evolution undone. There was no reason to exert itself when there was no battle going on.

“Wanna know something funny? We both want the same thing.” The eccentric cosplayer said. “I love Pokémon, and I love Hoenn. It’s got the most diverse ecosystem in the world… but it’s threatened by our constant fighting and darker forces working behind the scenes.”

The kid claimed to be relatively new to the region, but surely they had heard about what had happened barely a month ago. Petalburg and Sootopolis would never be the same again.

“If this war keeps up, all of Hoenn could end up in ruins because both sides are too stubborn to give up.” Despite the bleakness of her statement, the woman mustered a smile. “I can’t stop it… but we can! The people can! League or Rocket--it shouldn’t matter if we both love Pokémon and Hoenn!” She vehemently stated.

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The PokéManiac frowned. “You’re right. They don’t listen to anyone but themselves… which is why we’ll have to be even LOUDER! Get so many people to join our cause that those at the top will have no choice but to listen!” She reasoned, feeling inspired by her own words.

Sadly, the young Rocket was not so easily swayed, accusing her of trickery. “I get that the League has hurt you in the past. Rocket has hurt me too, taking something from me that can never ever be replaced… but I’m willing to put that behind me if it means no-one else will have to get buried.” The trainer of dragons teared up. Her Salamence nuzzled up against her like an oversized emotional support animal, a gesture that was well received.

“It’s okay if you don’t trust me.” The onesie-clad woman continued. “The best way for two trainers to build trust is through a battle, but not like this. I’m talking about a proper battle! My Gym in Fallarbor Town is open to anyone who genuinely cares about their Pokémon, regardless if they’re League or Rocket. Come challenge me, then you’ll see if I’m lying or not.”

Having said her piece, the woman mounted her fully-rested Salamence, preparing for a takeoff. “By the way, my name’s Andrea! Hope to see you again soon!” She hollered.

And with that, the duo Flew away, but not before Meatloaf exchanged a meaningful look with Icey the Lapras, as if to communicate that he looked forward to their rematch.

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