[attr="class","rigidw"]

"Shit. Okay— fuck, okay. It's happening."[break][break]

The beam of light erupts from the earth. The warning call goes out. All hell breaks loose.[break][break]

But Athena stalls as she dons her armor. She looks into her lover's big, worried eyes, then at the child she'd come to view as her own. And for a moment she's frozen, fingers numb as a pauldron falls to the floor with a dull thud.[break][break]

Adelaide picks it up, brushes it off, and hands it over. Athena takes it, but makes no attempt to finish dressing. They swallow, and electric blue eyes lower to meet soft green.[break][break]

"I'm scared—"[break][break]

"You? Oh, come now. You're the bravest fighter I've ever met, love."[break][break]

Athena shakes their head. "Not about that. When this is all over..." A swallow. "They say we'll be sent back. We'll go home. And that means..."[break][break]

Her hands are shaking. Adelaide smiles and covers them with her palms, squeezing lightly. "But you have to go. You know that, don't you? They can't do this without you."[break][break]

Athena nods and exhales, shakily. Adelaide continues, "Do you know that place, right between sleeping and awake, where you can still remember dreaming? That's where we'll always exist together." Her grip on Athena's hands tightens and they realize she's just as scared as they are.[break][break]

When had she let herself fall this deeply? When had she drunk from the poisoned chalice of Galar and allowed it to seep into her bones? Twenty years ago she would have given anything to get out. Now, all she wants is to be able to stay.[break][break]

"I love you," Athena says, and leans down for a kiss. She wonders if it'll be the last one they ever share. "I'll come back for you." And then, because they want to leave with a promise they can actually keep, they say, "I'll never forget you."[break][break]

---

Her Stoutland is too old and too tired now to be ridden into battle. Athena arrives on foot instead, just as spry and ready to fight as she had been that first night in Hoenn. But this time, it's different. She's not fighting to prove herself, to try coming face-to-face with a god and proving victorious.[break][break]

She's here because of Adelaide, to protect her love and her home, even if it means losing everything.[break][break]

Behind her are her stalwart gym trainers, those she's trained with her own two hands— almost her own children, in their own rights. Athena isn't one for speeches, so they have nothing to say to those fighting alongside her. They just grin before charging into the fray, a battle cry erupting from their lips.[break][break]

The Dynamaxed enemies are the most appealing targets, but Athena waits to use her own Dynaband. Something tells her it may come in more useful later, when it's time to strike against their real enemies. Instead, she focuses on the vanguard. Her Drilbur's earthquake ravages the lines of poison Pokemon that swarm them, and aims to bury the Toxtricity general on the Cinderace's side of the battlefield.[break][break]

And Athena is right there alongside him, swinging with deadly and precise strikes. Each punch of her iron knuckles delivers a powerful close combat to the onslaught, and she cuts a swath right through them with nothing but her fists and a stalwart heart.[break]

[attr="class","rigidw"]

"S'that right?" Athena grins, all wolfish teeth and too-bright eyes. "Fuck yeah, dude. You got good taste!" They soak in the compliments, seeming to puff up a bit with pride, just like a bird fluffing their feathers. "I'm Athena. I thought this place would be fulla boring rich fucks, but it's good to know at least a few of us know how to have a good time!"[break][break]

The pat on the back is received with nothing more than a barked laugh— casual familiarity comes as easily as anything to her. It seems that she and Sven have found kindred spirits in each other.[break][break]

However, their similarites don't extend to drink choices. "A coke?" They cast a withering glance at the man beside them. "C'mon man. This is a party!"[break][break]

Peer pressure isn't a cute look, but social niceties have never mattered much to them. Athena contines to rib the poor guy all the way to the bar, though with time it becomes less castigating and more playful. "Whiskey," comes their order, shouted over a patron who had been waiting patiently in line. He glares at her, but something in Athena's stare makes him back down. "On the rocks. Actually, gimme two."[break][break]

She doesn't get carded— not that she'd expected to in a place like this, really. Sven gets his coke if he still wants it, but the second drink is for him, and Athena slides it his way with a quirk of the brow. If he doesn't take it, it'll go down just as smoothly as the glass already in their hand.[break][break]

The noise and crowd around the bar thrums with tangible energy, the kind of thing Athena feeds off of. But it it also makes it fucking impossible to hear, so once their drinks are secured Athena double fists her whiskey glasses and looks around for a table.[break][break]

The dancing show doesn't interest her a whit, but the food looks fucking amazing. Once again Athena doesn't really ask permission, just drags Sven along with her and expects him to follow. On the way, she knocks back one glass of whiskey, sets it down, and randomly hits a slot. She barely cares what it lands on; its just fun to do.[break][break]

[break][break]

But they come to a free spot eventually and Athena is quick to order her Miltank steak— medium rare, because that's the only legal way to cook a steak.[break][break]

"So," she says after Sven orders, gesturing with one whiskey-filled hand, "Sven. What's like. Y'know. Your deal, or whatever. Cuz like, I'm fucking with your vibe but that's not really enough to actually know a person, y'know?"[break][break]

[attr="class","rigidw"]
The years march steadily on, and Athena is swept right along with them.[break][break]

They mature slightly, but maintain the same bright, indomitable will that's always kept her going. Their soul is on fire and the years do nothing to dampen it. They train with their Pokemon, train their body, adapt to the new weapon they'd created.[break][break]

When the scientists figure out what to do with the Dynite Ore she's one of the first to recieve a band. Their gym's location makes them a perfect candidate, and they often practice the art of Dynamaxing near the stadium's power spot.[break][break]

But not all developments catch their attention so thoroughly. Athena doesn't undertand the significance behind the stars so frankly, she doesn't care. Prophecies and fate are all just mumbo-jumbo words made up by people who would rather have their lives spelled out for them than do the hard work of shaping them.[break][break]

So instead of turning their eyes skyward, Athena focuses on the world around them.[break][break]

Their gym is at the center of their new life, the pride and joy of Hammerlocke. Her zeal for battle hasn't been dampened at all over the years- if anything, it becomes stronger. Someone smarter than her might say that she's using her battling as a crutch, clinging onto the remnants of her old life in whatever ways she can; if they tried, she's probably punch them in the mouth.[break][break]

When the world expands outside the walls of Hammerlocke, Athena is among the first to fully take advantage of the receeding poison. Though she can't leave the gym for long, she often participates in tournaments across the remaining cities, glad to see that the subculture of battling still hasn't changed much in Galar. Sometimes, she even wins them.[break][break]

The gym brings in more and more people from Hammerlocke and beyond, and eventually Athena becomes something she'd never considered herself: a mentor. paxton concordas's child in particular becomes her first gym trainer, and she becomes close with the man himself as a result. The other Athena (junior, she likes to call her, even if Paxton hates it) may even become her replacement, should the need arise.[break][break]

Other friendships flourish and fade as well. Though Athena is no angel of comfort they manage to help Thomas Benoit through his loss as best as they're able. Ofter this leads to hours long training sessions and drinks at the bar afterwards, for serious conversations are only worthwhile with a finger of whiskey in their glasses.[break][break]

But her attachment with Remiel Calcifet suffers the erosion of time. The monarch throws himself into his work— he becomes a fanatic. And it bores her. Her nighttime visits become less frequent and eventually cease. Surprisingly, there's little animosity between them, just the realization that whatever they'd found between each other has faded.[break][break]

What's more surprising is when she finds a relationship that sticks. She finds it in a widow, a woman who sends her son to Athena's gym for training. The son is talented and bright, and a friendship is soon struck up with his mother, Adelaide.[break][break]

"She's a total fucking MILF," she tells paxton concordas one night over beers, grinning from ear to ear. "I'm gonna smash that."[break][break]

And she does. But there's something different this time. And before she knows it she isn't leaving first thing in the morning. She stays around for dinner. Adelaide brings her lunch and holds her hand and all the sappy romantic shit that she'd never in a million years wanted. But suddenly, it all starts to feel right.[break][break]

"I'm not settling down," she insists often. "Just resting my head for a while, that's all."[break][break]

But during late nights, holding her partner and listening to the soft sound of her breathing, she can't imagine anywhere else she'd rather be. Adelaide's son— their son, sleeps soundly in the other room, and her old and frail Stoutland snores at the foot of the bed.[break][break]

It suprises her to realize that she doesn't want this— all of this— to end.[break][break]

[attr="class","rigidw"]

[break][break]

"Ah, fuck."[break][break]

It's the last thing Athena manages to say before the Zapdos plucks up her and her mount and tosses them into the barricade like ragdolls.[break][break]

By the time they come to the battle is already over. She curses as she picks herself up and recalls her Stoutland, head still aching and body sore. The townspeople are celebrating all around them, which means they must have won, but that brings her no comfort. Personally, she had failed.[break][break]

Roving eyes spot Remiel Calcifet, who had looked ready to piss himself the last time she saw him, being crowned king. Her eyes roll, then narrow. Why the people would choose such a milquetoast nothing as their ruler makes no sense.[break][break]

[break][break]

The walls of Hammerlocke are already beginning to feel like a cage.[break][break]

Athena ventures outside as often as they're able, but it's perilous work every time. Still, she persists. Always looking for a way out, always trying to strenghten herself and her team. Always pushing herself to the brink and beyond, never satisfied with the modicums of progress that come about.[break][break]

Her humiliating defeat at Zapdos' beak fuels her. For a self proclaimed god killer to have fallen so easily is endlessly embarrassing. Athena vows to never allow it to happen again

[break][break]

It becomes clear that they're never going to make it out of here.[break][break]

With this begrudging realization comes eventual acceptance. And with it, routine. What had started as mere survival slowly becomes a life, a home. A year isn't enough to dampen her memories of Unova, but they begin to feel more distant— almost wistful. Like a far-off place only visited in dreams, if she's so lucky.[break][break]

Athena's favorite haunt becomes the Hammerlocke stadium. At first it's to keep an eye on the power spots. Then, it becomes a place to train. Eventually, it becomes more of a home than anywhere else in Hammerlocke.[break][break]

She begins to host little competitions— bracket battles for anyone itching for a spar. Eventually, however, she begins to draw in other townspeople. Those who want to learn to battle with Pokemon, either for sport or to help defend the city. And little by little, the stadium transforms into a proper gym.[break][break]

Athena is a social creature by heart, however, and even constant battling isn't enough to satiate them. They find themselves craving companionship and, eventually, the warmth of another's bed.[break][break]

In an ironic twist of events, that bed happens to belong to Remiel Calcifet more often than not. Their relationship is contentious, but they do say that love and hate are two sides of the same coin. It's enough to keep Athena entertained, at least, and she prefers things this way. No strings.[break][break]

Perhaps it's because, even though it seems unlikely, they still believe that they'll one day be able to escape.[break][break]

[break][break]

The Gym Leader of Hammerlocke Stadium is renowned around the city and other settlements for her battling prowess. Ten long years have refined raw talent into devastating skill, sharpened into a point.[break][break]

They train the youth in Hammerlocke to battle and test their might against those that had come here with them in rousing matches that attract large crowds. It's good for the city to find respite in the sport, and it keeps them sharp when outside threats attack.[break][break]

Dynamaxed Pokemon that emerge from the power spot are quickly and decisively dealt with by the gym's leader and the rest of the city guard. But despite being a fanatic for Pokemon battles, they fight alongside their team with just as much gusto, taking down the sludge-ridden enemies with precise and powerful blows.[break][break]

This dedication, and their similar lines of work, lead her to forming a close relationship with Thomas Benoit and paxton concordas, the latter of which sends his daughter into their care.[break][break]

Her name is also Athena, and her namesake immediately takes her under their wing.[break][break]

And then Necrozma comes.[break][break]

Athena is among the first to defend her city against so great a threat. And this time, she doesn't go down easily. But although determined to slay the legendary, their desires do not come to pass. However, the creature grants her another opportunity when it finally departs.[break][break]

Forging and artistry isn't really part of the gym leader's expansive skillset. But they're rather proud of the weapon they mangage to forge from the black armor left behind. Their style of fighting is up close and personaly, so it only makes sense for them to develop brass knuckles capable of delivering a devastating close combat to anyone that tries to fuck with her.[break][break]

Their relationship with Remiel Calcifet continues, though it remains tenuous at best. At least it gives her a place to spend the nights, for even when she pushes past thirty Athena has no desire to settle down. Often she wonders why the royal hasn't married and produced himself an heir but frankly, she doesn't care.[break][break]

Things are good, and though this isn't the life she ever would have envisioned for herself, it isn't terrible.

[attr="class","rigidw"]


Oh man. These chubby little guys are so fucking cute![break][break]
Athena isn't the leisurely type, but even they can't resist the allure of lounging by the riverbank while watching Clodsire ferry Wooper and other small Pokemon across. While Baconator sits nearby, happily singing bits of grass, Thena kicks off their shoes and dips their feet in the water— carefully, to ensure they don't fall in.[break][break]
If poison dart frogs existed in Hoenn, perhaps Athena would attribute one of the several Wooper crossing the stream to them. But they don't, and so she doesn't. But she does have to wonder what makes such squishy looking things poisonous in the first place. Is it in their skin? In their spit?[break][break]
Maybe if she can summon up the desire to actually get up and try to catch one of these guys, she'll figure it out...[break][break]



[break][break]

[attr="class","rigidw"]

"Ayy! Not bad!"[break][break]

A hand snakes out of the crowd and claps sven korolev on the shoulder a bit too hard. The person attached to it, athena oswald , grins over at him as she moves towards the slots, ready to try her own hand at the game.[break][break]

Under the dazzling lights of the reopened casino, the young trainer is almost unrecognizable. Athena isn't the type to dress up, not really. But spoiling a party is an even bigger faux pas, so she can suck it up for one night. Besides, she cleans up spectacularily well.[break][break]

They don't much care for the look of a delicate fae, but their visage is still rather striking. Instead of pastels and florals, Athena drips orange and red, with a golden breastplate and wings reminicent of a rising phoenix. A crown of gilded laurels sits upon thick brown curls, and their skirt- fluttering red and gold chiffon inlaid with sparkling rhinestones- gives the impression of a crackling fire.[break][break]

But you can't separate the outfit from the person, and Athena doesn't strike the most regal of figures as she continues to grin and harass this poor guy.[break][break]

"My turn next! Hang on, hang on— don't go anywhere! Lemme see what I get. If it's good, I'll getcha a drink!"[break][break]

[break][break]

There's a beat of silence, and then a resounding cheer.[break][break]

"Fuck yes! Hah!"[break][break]

It's not the best prize, but it's exhilirating just to have won something. Athena grabs her new friend (or hostage, more like) by the arm and squeezes this side of too tight.[break][break]

"S'not bad, right? Fuck, I can see why people get addicted to this kinda thing. Dunno if I could ever hang around a schmaltzy place like this for too long, but it's pretty nice."[break][break]

They take a quick look around and let out a low whistle. "Yeaaaaaah, damn. Super nice. Didn't really know what to expect when I heard the casino was reopening, but I'm glad I stopped by!"

[attr="class","rigidw"]

"Heh! Yer right— s'not bad."[break][break]

Thanks to herself and Elise Calcifet , the tapestries are clean. Athena has never been the community service type, but there's a certain amount of satisfacton that comes with a job well done. She doesn't accept just a nod though, and grins as she offers Elise a full on high five for their efforts.[break][break]

Whether it's received well or not doesn't really matter. There's nothing much else to be done here, but before they leave she pulls out her rotom phone and snaps photos of all three tapestries: the two that are legible, and the one that's been destroyed. Who knows- it could come in handy later.[break][break]

And just as the last photo is taken, bells chime and warning shouts ring out over their comms. Fully invigorated by the prospect of another fight, Athena jumps to her feet and springs into action, a wide and almost fanatic smile on her face.[break][break]

As soon as they descend the stone steps, she swaps her Totodile out for Stoutland again. Hopping on the dog's back, the pair races towards the more exciting of the two fights— the grounded Zapdos that charges on the city.[break][break]

Ash doesn't know much about the Kanto legendaries, and frankly doesn't care to. The fact that it's running rather than flying might be interesting to someone else, but all she cares about is the fact that they can reach it easier. With hands buried deep into plush fur, Ash spurs her Stoutland on faster and faster as they advance on the bird that threatens to destroy every barricade put up by the townspeople.[break][break]

You can teach an old dog new tricks, but if it ain't broke, don't fix it. As such, they repeat the technique they'd used with ting-lu not long ago, even though it feels like ages. With a snarl, Stoutland latches onto the Zapdos' leg with a powerful ice fang— if they're lucky, perhaps the ice will spread enough to root the bird in place.[break][break]

+ 15

[attr="class","rigidw"]

Dewford Town is the last place Athena thought she'd end up.[break][break]

They prefer the city over sleepy little towns. A metropolis has a heartbeat: thousands of footfalls beating in rhythm with car horns and blaring advertisments, a symphony of voices rising into a deafening melody. Athena thrives amidst the chaos of it all— the pulse of the city throbs deep within her veins.[break][break]

But here, sunlight replaces glowing neon and instead of blaring horns and obsenities, the air is full of birdsong and waves upon the shore. It's not entirely unpleasant, but it's so peaceful that it's almost unnerving.[break][break]

And yet, she'd still decided to throw her lot in with the gym here. For of all the gyms in Hoenn, the newly reopened establishment in Dewford appeals to her the most. From the looks of it it's simple and straightforward, and Athena doesn't care much for gimmicks and flashy challenges. They're in it for the thrill of battle, the surge of heart-racing adrenaline, a test of their indomitable will.[break][break]

And, frankly, they seem like just the kind of trainer this gym needs. Someone unpredictable, who isn't afraid to fight dirty, who battles as though jer Pokemon aren't seperate entities, but an extension of herself.[break][break]

At her old gym back in Castelia, the interview had been a battle. It's what she's prepared for now as she saunters up the beach. But instead she's faced with a scene just as idyllic as the peaceful town around her, and for a moment Athena falters.[break][break]

But her toes dig into the sand and she jogs the rest of the way up the beach, her Boltund racing her to the water's edge.[break][break]

He beats her to it, and his reward is an affectionate noogie that quickly turns into a bout of playful roughhousing. Teeth flash and arms flail as Athena tries to pin him down, only interrupted when Michael Navidson speaks up.[break][break]

"Mn? Yeah, it's nice."[break][break]

She untangles herself from Boltund and has a seat in the offered chair. Her left leg bounces restlessly and her right foot pushes into the sand, burying the toe of her sneaker.[break][break]

Athena can't swim. And they've never been a fan of deep water either. It's a wonder, then, that they'd chosen to move here— but frankly, that doesn't matter. "Real, like...s'real pretty, yeah. That why you took over the gym here?"[break][break]

Small talk isn't really her thing. Her leg continues to bounce as she watches her Boltund dig into the sand by the shore, with the audacity to look suprised every time a wave laps at his paws.

[attr="class","rigidw"]

"Eh, it happens. S'not like I keep track of every shmuck that came by the gym anyways." Athena notices the cane, but doesn't comment on it for now. It's not out of politeness or grace— they're curious, but not that much. Shit happens and if Shinobu wanted to talk about it, he probably would.[break][break]

Besides, they're here to train. The catching up can wait a bit. Athena is already raring to go, scanning the area for any targets. They come faster than expected— a Toxicroak and a Beldum that gleams silver under the afternoon sun.[break][break]

"Nice! Y'sure? Cuz I'll take the Beldum then."[break][break]

They don't mention that it's shiny. And honestly, that's never mattered much to Athena. Aesthetics don't matter as much as raw power— the thing could be blue, purple, or fucking orange, for all she cares.[break][break]

But she's always wanted to train a Megagross. And honestly, the shiny chrome is kind of cool.[break][break]

With a casual flick of the wrist, Athena's Pignite is released to battle the steel type. And even though she's not the one doing battle, Ash adopts a similar stance to the oversized pig. Knees bent, legs apart, arms raised and fists clenched. Her companion notices and nods, then barrels forward with a reckless flame charge.[break][break]

The fiery attack makes quick work of the Beldum— poor thing didn't stand a chance. Athena lets out a hoot as they let an empty pokeball fly, hitting their target right atop it's chrome dome.[break][break]

"Oh man," she says, walking over to the ball while it rattles and shakes, "Feels good to be back out here again. An' how 'bout you? Just looking to catch? Or, like..." There's a gleam in her eye as chapped lips curl into a grin. "Didja wanna brawl again?"[break]

[attr="class","rigidw"]

Nothing this guy says makes any fucking sense.[break][break]

They're able to string together bits and pieces but for the most part, Athena is lost. It's her own fault— she really hadn't been paying much attention. But that doesn't mean she won't roll her eyes in exasperation when the speeches are finally over and they're all finally split up and transported.[break][break]

The whole experience is dizzying and disorienting and frankly, she hates it. But Thena has never been anything if not resiliant. She brushes off the discomfort and pushes on ahead, hoisting her Drilbur onto her lap as she releases her Stoutland once again to travel around the ruined city.[break][break]

Her oversized canine is able to dodge the pools of sludge that litter the streets with relative ease. However, the grasping hands that emerge from them are another matter entirely. "Shit!" Athena hisses as one of them grabs her Stoutland's back leg and starts to pull them down, but a well-timed earthquake from her Drilbur has it buried underground before they can be dragged to their doom.[break][break]

"This place fucking sucks," they bemoan into their comms, for paxton concordas and anyone else in proximity to hear. "Anyone else dealing with these creepy fucking hands? We're fightin' 'em off okay, but— oh, shit shit, shit!"[break][break]

Their line bursts into radio static. For a while, it stays that way.[break][break]

---

Athena loves a fight, but these grasping hands don't put up much of one. So instead, she seeks higher ground to get away and get her bearings. Her search brings her to a large stone staircase, but climbing it doesn't lead to any respite. Instead, the gym trainer is faced with walls of tapestries coated in the same poison they'd just been trying to avoid.[break][break]

"Just my luck," she grumbles. Whatever is depicted upon the tapestries is completely obscured by the poison. Maybe it's nothing— but a room like this feels significant, somehow.[break][break]

"Hey, uh...checking in again," she says into her comms. "Found some kinda...y'know, the old fashioned wall blanket things? Dunno. Might be important though. Gonna clear 'em up and see what happens."[break][break]

Her Totodile's hydro pump attempts to spray most of the goo away from the chamber walls and tapestries, but what lies beneath it all remains to be seen.[break][break]

[attr="class","rigidw"]

"Oh shit-"[break][break]
Her hasty actions lead to unexpected consequences. But than again, who could have forseen a gyeser of poison buried underground? The warning from Urishifu is enough that Athena is able to leap out of the way, though she too takes a tumble and lands on her backside on the ruined stadium floor.[break][break]
She winces, but springs back to her feet quickly enough. And she's irritated, but not at all apologetic about her actions. "Oh, shove it," she snarks back at skyler dross , meeting the woman's scowl with one of her own. "I was lookin' for a way out! Who the fuck woulda seen that coming?"[break][break]
Still grumbling, she dusts off her knees and glares at angelo vestri instead. "Yeah, yeah. It's my first rodeo, so gimme a break. Fuck's sake." Ruined lands and dimension hopping- it's a bit much to take in, all at once. While the veterans of Hoenn might be used to such a thing, she's been dunked into the deep end head first.[break][break]
At least GIDEON GRAVES seems a little more understanding, but she's still annoyed and that doesn't mean much. But he's met with a half smile and a little salute, which quickly turns into the middle finger that she aims at skyler dross and angelo vestri as she saunters off, her Drilbur waddling behind.[break][break]

The statue and the legendary that appear haven't interested her so far, becasue it doesn't seem like there's a fight to be had. But now that her little squabble is done with, Athena turns their attention back over to it. "That's one fucked up looking rabbit."[break][break]

But everyone else seems to be falling over themselves for the thing. Athena really doesn't get it. While everyone else is practically falling on their knees for some overstuffed bunny they pick at their nails, unable to make heads or tails of what's happening.[break][break]

Most egregious is Michael Navidson . She rolls her eyes in his direction— fucking simp.[break][break]

Legends and heroes and saving the world- she doesn't care much for any of it. The question that rolls off her tongue is an impertinent one, but it encapsulates what a lot of others are surely thinking:[break][break]

"What the fuck is going on?"[break][break]

She clicks her tongue and shakes her head. Chocolate curls bounce as she adjusts her cap. "Whatever, just get me outta here. I'll go to Hammerlocke, I guess."[break][break]

[attr="class","rigidw"]
“Oi, what the FUCK?!”[break][break]
Her Stoutland’s attack had hit— teeth sinking in deep and frost spreading. But that moment of triumph was quickly dashed by Summer Atreides’s interference. If looks could kill, the woman might be dead. But for now all Athena can do is put her right at the top of their shit list.[break][break]
“Don’t fuck around with me,” she mutters, fingers clenched in her dog’s fur and eyes flashing dangerously. “C’mon, let’s get-“[break][break]
But just as she aims to attack Summer Atreides directly with her Stoutland, a deep ringing forces them both to the ground. The sound reverberates so deeply it makes her teeth ache; she can feel the vibrations in her bones, in her very soul.[break][break]
They’re prone, but thankfully uninjured. Chalk it up to a tough spirit and even harder head. After a moment, Athena tries to stagger to her feet, but the earth shifts like sand beneath her and she can’t find purchase. Even after using Stoutland for support, all she can manage is a half-crawl before being sucked into sword along with everyone else.[break]

---

[break]
The teleportation does little to help her growing headache. Athena groans but this time manages to regain their footing, a few wobbling steps quickly gaining stability. She glances around, vaguely recognizing Wyndon stadium from some of her favorite matches, but can’t quite remember the name.[break][break]
It doesn’t matter anyways, does it? This sucks. This whole situation sucks. It’s fucked up and disorienting and really goddamn bizarre, and why the hell isn’t everyone else freaking out about it? It’s almost as though it’s normal to them.[break][break]
Fuck this, she thinks. “Fuck this,” she says aloud a moment later, because it bears repeating.[break][break]
But Athena is a fighter, not a thinker. So she simply does not think about it. All she knows is this place fucking sucks and she wants to get out as soon as possible.[break][break]
There are signs of a scuffle around the weird statue up ahead, and it’s almost enough to distract her. However, snippets of the conversation between angelo vestri and skyler dross entice her back.[break][break]
“Ya’ll lookin’ for a way out?” she asks them- and GIDEON GRAVES, by extension. “All right, bet.”[break][break]
With a quick flick of the wrist Stoutland is exchanged for a Drilbur. The mole Pokemon understands quickly enough when Athena asks him to dig, and happily dives into the earth to do what he does best. Hopefully, his digging around in the tunnels will reveal some kind of exit— or at least something interesting.[break]

[attr="class","rigidw"]
Athena Oswald came to Hoenn to fight god.[break][break]
And holy shit did it deliver.[break][break]
While others might quake at the sight of a legendary brawl unfolding before them, Athena feels nothing but a feral excitement. But it’s not admiration or a zealot’s fascination with legendaries that fuels her. It’s the passion to test her might against such beasts that has her heart racing and limbs tingling, like a current running right under the skin.[break][break]
She doesn’t care for League politics, but dahlia goode all but gives their side permission to take down whatever fucked up creature is fighting the dogs. Athena is one of the first in the fray that rushes the creature, teeth bared in the facsimile of a smile that borders on animalistic.[break][break]
It’s then that the ruinous creature’s fear reverberates around them, and for the first time in their life they stumble. Pause. Fear courses through her but she finds the adrenaline that it comes with all the more exhilarating as a result.[break][break]
“All right,” they shout to everyone and no one, all at once,“Let’s fuck ‘em up!”[break][break]
Riding on the back of her Stoutland, Athena charges into battle. Her own dog joins the giant one fighting against the creature of ruin, teeth bared and glinting with saliva and frost; an ice fang poised to sink into it’s leg should they manage to get close enough.[break][break]