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She's gobsmacked beyond repair. Her hands extend as an involuntary reaction to take the pokeball as he offers it. The capsule is beautiful and glossy, more beautiful than anything she owned herself. Her own Pokemon had been captured with simple pokeballs, nothing fancy.[break][break]

There's a weight in her chest and for a moment she really believes she might cry. Humiliating.[break][break]

"Asher, this is -- this is too much. I can't--"[break][break]

Her voice feels rather closed off, like she's fighting emotion at the back of her throat. It's a moment of genuine weakness and vulnerability. She's almost shaking.[break][break]

"She is beautiful, I don't know how to thank you, I--"

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This whole exercise is bizarre if she's being honest. Entering a dojo wearing this horrible shade of yellow clashes with her skin tone and the platinum of her hair - but she bears it because it's the polite thing to do.[break][break]

Leaving her shoes at the door, she quickly takes note of who is joining her, or rather, who she is joining. Thea is the last to arrive it seems, and the rest of the group had already buckled down and got to work. [break][break]

Her attention settles on each individual in turn. It's both a surprise and relief to see Lance here, they seemed to bump into each other a lot by coincidence. Asher was also a welcome sight, and she was well aware of the lingering attention he gave her.[break][break]

Finally, she does a brief double-take on the third young man, someone who looks vaguely familiar but she can't place the face of. [break][break]

Regardless, she releases her Mimikyu to handle the electric situation. While the rest had made good use of ground-type Pokemon or the whimsical Shedinja, Thea was able to allow Mimikyu to tank the attack with her DISGUISE, taking no damage and passing the first test.[break][break]

The other three attack and she nods for her Pokemon to do the same. Mimiyku MIMICS the DRAGON BREATH, dousing the Nosepass in mysterious blue flames.

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Thea is thoroughly mesmerized by the sight, eyes watching in muted awe as the Copperajah would bring back the Cufant if it ever strayed too far. But her attention is soon gathered by Asher and she seemed genuinely surprised - an expression she's normally good at hiding in favor of polite indifference.[break][break]

"Asher? W-what?"[break][break]

It's impossible to hide the confused and overwhelmed blush that reddens her face. She glances back to the Cufant, trying to make sense of the situation.[break][break]

"They're beautiful."

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The school day was nearing an end, early, of course, because summer had arrived and summer school was usually only for a few students a few hours a day.[break][break]

Regardless, Thea is preoccupied with gathering her purse and laptop bag when another teacher approaches her. They mention there's a letter in her mailbox, dropped off by some very charming young man.[break][break]

Confused, Thea stops by the shelf of labeled names to grab whatever could possibly have been left there. The envelope is sealed with her name on the front. Upon opening it she would find a very charming and sweet note inviting her to meet her 'secret admirer' on the beach after her shift was finished.[break][break]

The note causes her to blush, much to the chagrin of her peeping colleagues.[break][break]

"That's enough, everyone. Mind your business."[break][break]

Of course, Thea absolutely visits the beach - she has a pretty good idea of who this secret admirer might be, and only one person who might possibly know her teaching schedule.[break][break]

Upon arriving she would see an adorable baby Cufant running back and forth in the foam of the waves. It seems quite amused by the spray of water.

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The majority of their climb is spent in silence - at least on Thea's end. Her focus remains on the task at hand, and speaking requires breath and, while not thin all the way up the mountain, she'd prefer to not grow more light-headed than she already is.[break][break]

She's also otherwise distracted, making sure to place her feet firmly with every step and to not stare at the way Lance's back muscles tense and relax with every step he takes. [break][break]

He makes a comment which prompts her to stop and catch her breath. The woman leans against the craggy edge, fishing for her water bottle.[break][break]

"That's... a shame.." she pauses to sip between words. "Do the rangers keep you that busy?"

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An hour? Oh god.[break][break]

Thea exhales through her mouth, stretching her back, hands pressing against the small of her back as she anticipates the climb. [break][break]

"Yeah, of course."[break][break]

She hadn't actually made it all the way to the crater before, retiring early due to the heat or her screaming hamstrings. [break][break]

But he's already moving on and she's not about to embarrass herself further, so she readjusts her own pack to follow in step behind him.

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Thea's gaze followed Lance's to the stain on her shirt and she finds herself chuckling nervously - something unlike her. In his presence she seems to melt like puddy, all intent to remain poised and perfect evaporated.[break][break]

But he offers her a towel and she takes it even if she doesn't really need it. The sun is more likely to dry her shirt faster than a towel could blot it out. The sentiment is nice, however, and she awkwardly uses the tool given to her to pat herself dry.[break][break]

"A useful trait, I'm sure."[break][break]

She clears her throat, arm extended as the towel dangles between them. [break][break]

"Thank you. For the towel."

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The heat-induced drumming in her ears prevents her from hearing someone approaching from behind. So when Lance finally approaches and says something, she startles slightly, spilling water down the front of her shirt.[break][break]

"Oh! You surprised me."[break][break]

She's thankful for her pre-existing red cheeks that mask the flush she feels when realizing the man is without a shirt. Fortunately, she opts to maintain eye contact.[break][break]

"If you want to, but I'm not incredibly fast so you might be disappointed."[break][break]

Thea chuckles awkwardly as she pats dry the water spill on her shirt.

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Ever since her embarrassing display with @iris, Thea had made it a personal goal of hers to manage a hike once or twice a week. She had grown lazy since arriving in Hoenn, more preoccupied with settling in to worry about personal fitness. But it was time to get back into shape and tackle the task she used to enjoy.[break][break]

It's just a shame Hoenn's climate is so much hotter than in Galar. Either that or she was breaking a sweat much faster - how disappointing.[break][break]

Ash settles in her pale hair and she attempts to brush it away as she continues on her way. Her skin is slick with sweat and she's glowing, but there's a rosiness to her cheeks that suggests she's exhausted.[break][break]

She uses one hand to brace herself as she catches her breath, fishing for her water bottle with the other.

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As he draws away, so does she. Whatever mesmerizing trance is broken by the soft buzz of his phone, and she finds herself glancing at it briefly. The furrow of his brows is a tell - whatever he's read has disappointed him.[break][break]

"As is your duty, I'm sure. I'd hate to keep you."[break][break]

Lance hesitates, however, before leaving. She herself is already gathering her purse and rising to her feet to tuck her chair in. She glances up in surprise as she rises back to her full height.[break][break]

"That would be... that would be nice, yes. If that's what you'd like."

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"They must not like you."[break][break]

Thea's response is blunt but its the only reason she has to reason the situation he presents. Her own Drifblim had only reacted with such violence in the past as a young Drifloon - and even then it was because of unspoken turmoil. There was more to that Pokemon than one might know.[break][break]

She watches as the Drifblim and Lucario are ultimately successful in demolishing the car, and, once all is over with and Drifblim finishes crushing things, she returns to Thea's side with quiet relief.[break][break]

The woman, however, is gazing upon the young man with the sunglasses and bandana with mild curiosity.[break][break]

"Is.. is that a bad thing? They wouldn't announce this as a public event if they didn't want bad publicity. I'm fairly certain this is for charity."[break][break]

She shrugs, however, before offering the young gym leader a polite bow and a smile.[break][break]

"Well - I really should be going! I must get back to Lilycove. It was a pleasure, sir."[break][break]



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