Lilycove City.
Praised as "where the land ends and the sea begins," it was a very prosperous seaside city.
And because Pokémon Contests were often held here, the flow of people through Lilycove City was always high.
Conveniently, Caitlin happened to own an ocean‑view villa in Lilycove City.
"Lord Damian, this is the intel we've collected so far."
Shelly handed Damian a file.
Now that Team Aqua had been swallowed and absorbed by Team Rocket, Damian was, of course, going to wring every last drop of "inheritance" out of Team Aqua.
Even if Team Aqua and Team Magma's strength was nothing special in Damian's eyes, this was still their home turf here in the Hoenn Region.
Some of the intel Team Aqua had gathered was definitely useful.
For example…
"Four years ago, on a giant ice field, Rayquaza descended and battled a mysterious Pokémon?"
Damian skimmed a couple lines, then quickly locked onto one particular report.
"Yes. That intel came from one of our members who happened to be on‑site at the time. According to him, that mysterious Pokémon was incredibly powerful and fought Rayquaza in a very intense battle."
"But in the end, Rayquaza still wiped that Pokémon out, and then Professor Lund brought the Meteorite back to LaRousse City."
Seeing that Damian was interested, Shelly thought back and explained.
This intel had piqued her curiosity as well. Four years ago, a Meteorite had fallen from outer space onto a massive ice field. That Team Aqua member had been part of Professor Lund's investigation team, which was how he'd learned some inside details.
"Pfft～ interesting."
Damian raised a brow.
If he remembered right, this was the plot of the movie "Destiny Deoxys."
In that movie, two Deoxys had fallen to Hoenn with a Meteorite, and when Rayquaza sensed its turf being "invaded," it had descended as well and tried to destroy Deoxys.
Worth noting, though—the Meteorite in the Draconid people's prophecy also contained a Deoxys.
So that made three Deoxys, huh?
"This intel's really something. Set it aside for now."
After thinking it over, Damian separated that report out.
Whether it was Deoxys or Rayquaza, there was probably a way to reach them through LaRousse City—but there was no rush for that yet.
"How's the member recall going?"
Damian lounged back on the sofa. Courtney, very perceptive, stepped behind him and started gently kneading his shoulders with her smooth, pale hands.
"The notice is out. A lot of members are already on their way."
Shelly bowed her head as she reported.
She'd switched banners, sure—but she honestly didn't feel like that was a bad thing.
Archie had never been one for using his head, so almost all of Team Aqua's affairs had fallen to her to handle. If not for the dream keeping her going, she'd have burned out ages ago.
Now that Team Aqua had been swallowed and turned into Team Rocket members, Shelly didn't find that unacceptable at all.
At least one thing was obvious at a glance: Team Rocket had way more future and potential than Team Aqua ever did, didn't they?
Just look at these new "leaders"—each one younger than the last, and each one stronger than the last! An organization like that? Too good to pass up!
It wasn't like she'd had many options anyway. As a former Team Aqua Admin, what was she going to do after Team Aqua disbanded?
"Good. Try to fully absorb everyone, then coordinate them with Gladion or Domino. They both still need people."
Damian had already given orders: Gladion would temporarily manage the business front, while Domino was in charge of logistics.
The most urgent issue right now was uniforms. After taking in all of Team Aqua, they suddenly needed a huge number of member uniforms.
Buying up a few clothing factories wasn't exactly hard, though. That part was easy. Damian had already sent Domino to handle it.
"Yes."
Shelly answered solemnly.
"You're good at what you do. As long as you keep performing, I can hand the entire business side over to you down the line."
"Compared to back in Team Aqua, you deserve a better stage."
Damian gave Shelly an appraising look and smiled.
Gladion could only be in charge of the corporate stuff for now. His ambitions weren't there, and making him do business long‑term would just be wasting his talent.
Shelly was different. As a Trainer, she was only a bit above average—but her head was sharp.
And…
Pfft～ Damian had to admit, Shelly's figure was outrageously good.
Pure supermodel build—long legs, willow waist, full chest, even defined abs. Add in the long black hair and full‑on cool big‑sister aura…
"I'll do my best."
Noticing Damian's utterly unrestrained once‑over, Shelly dropped her gaze.
"All right, that's all. You can go. If anything comes up, contact me." Damian said lazily.
"Yes."
Shelly practically bolted.
"She ran that fast. Am I really that scary?" Damian couldn't help laughing.
"What do you think, Courtney?"
"Mm～ I think Lord Damian's very handsome."
Courtney's soft, girlish voice was music to the ears.
Her vocal tone had always been… special. Damian honestly didn't dare imagine how good it'd sound if they were doing it; her moans would definitely buff attack speed.
"Very good taste." Damian was pleased with that answer.
"Come sit here."
He patted his own thigh.
Courtney blinked, then obediently walked over and gently sat down on Damian's lap.
The girl's soft butt flattened slightly under gravity. Her fitted black pencil skirt traced out a flawless curve that made your blood run hot.
Courtney clearly had a thing for tight little pencil skirts. Her two pale, firm thighs were so white they practically glowed.
Damian followed his heart completely—his right hand slid, utterly naturally, onto Courtney's thigh and stroked lightly. Smooth as silk～
"Lord Damian, are you trying to use the casting couch on me?"
Courtney tilted her head, doll‑like face still expressionless, but those gem‑like purple eyes shimmered as they moved, every glance dripping charm.
"And if I am? Would you resist, Courtney?"
Damian's hand slowly crept higher.
A flush of alluring crimson bloomed on Courtney's fair face. She cupped one cheek gently with her fingers.
"If it's Lord Damian, ehehe～ I don't mind at all."
Courtney giggled in a coy little voice.
She no longer disliked Damian—in fact, at this point she was just completely smitten.
This man was just too amazing.
"You really are a little temptress, Courtney～"
Looking at Courtney's current, utterly irresistible expression, Damian's self‑control snapped.
To the bedroom. Time to fight.
Meanwhile, out in the backyard training ground—
Salamence and Metagross were locked in a fierce exchange. The Trainers were Caitlin and Zinnia.
Caitlin needed a special‑training partner, and Zinnia had been bored out of her mind. The two girls had hit it off instantly.
"Not bad, Caitlin. You really are strong."
Zinnia flashed a wild, excited grin.
As the Draconid people's Lorekeeper, Zinnia was very strong—but she'd never really fought many truly powerful opponents.
Now, with Caitlin—a combat‑experienced powerhouse as her opponent—Zinnia's blood was pumping.
"Thank you for the compliment. You're extremely strong yourself, Miss Zinnia."
Caitlin wore a flawless noble's smile, but for some reason, unease suddenly pricked at her heart.
Had something happened?
"Haha～ then let's kick it up a notch! Caitlin, let me show you the Draconid people's Mega Evolution!"
Zinnia was already completely hyped. The Mega Anklet on her ankle lit up.
Salamence shone with prismatic light—the light of evolution, surpassing evolution itself: Mega Evolution!
"I can do that too, Miss Zinnia."
Caitlin dropped the nagging unease for now and slowly raised her right arm.
A refined crystal bracelet gleamed on her pale wrist.
It was a gift Damian had picked out just for her. Caitlin treasured it deeply. Hanging from the bracelet's lowest point… was a Key Stone.
"Our bond won't lose to anyone's."
The Key Stone flared with dazzling light. Metagross ignited with the radiance of evolution in perfect sync.
"Ha～ that's what I'm talking about!!"
Zinnia froze for a heartbeat, then her expression turned even more fired‑up, her pupils sharp and draconic, wild excitement burning in them.
Two Hoenn pseudo‑legendaries Mega Evolved at once—Mega Salamence soared through the air as Mega Metagross raised its head to meet its gaze.
The battle raged on.
Ever Grande City, League building.
"Wallace! Hahaha～ My dear Wallace!"
"I'm sorry, Champion Wallace. I've wronged you again. I'm so guilty, so ashamed. Also—does anyone have more of Champion Wallace's crossdressing photos?"
"You up there are too much. Also, same request."
"Anyone know when Champion Wallace's next gorgeous performance is?"
"If I beat the Hoenn League, can I marry Champion Wallace?"
"I posted Champion Wallace's beauty shots on other regions' forums. They're all in awe! (smug.jpg)"
I hope you trip and break your neck!!
When Wallace saw that comment, he nearly coughed blood.
The ones jerking off to his photos had already pushed him to the edge. The ones saying they wanted to marry him as their wife were next‑level.
And now there was even some bastard reposting his photos to other regions.
You bastards! How could you do this?!?!
Global public shaming was not on his bucket list! He'd never be able to show his face again!!
Wallace slumped over the table, his entire being turned gray‑white.
The office's main doors opened and Steven walked in.
"Still reading the comments? Why put yourself through that?"
Steven spoke, half amused. Seeing Wallace like this, he didn't even need to guess what had happened.
Yeah, even though the Jenny commander had banned that thread yesterday, it had obviously been way too late.
Wallace's "artistic photos" were flying around every Hoenn forum. Pretty much the entire region knew Wallace had several sets of absolutely stunning shots.
Walk down a street and ask some random kid, and that kid might cheerfully tell you, "Champion Wallace is super pretty."
That was Champion Wallace's level of name recognition!!
"Steven, found Team Rocket's location yet?"
Wallace's head snapped up.
Right now there was only one thing he wanted to do: catch Damian and make him pose for photos!
"Nothing yet. The Officer Jennys are already doing everything they can to search, but there's been no movement around Lavaridge Town."
Steven shook his head.
Wallace's spirit drained out of him on the spot.
"Come on, man. Chin up. Try to look at it another way—the online comments are all praise."
Seeing his bro so listless, Steven couldn't help feeling helpless.
"Just leave me. Let me be alone for a while."
Wallace's voice was weak.
"I talked to the chairman. There's a Pokémon Contest in Lilycove City over the next few days. He's given you permission to go and relax."
"Really?"
Wallace came back to life in a flash, eyes lighting up.
"Yeah, really." Steven couldn't hold back a chuckle. Wallace was still Wallace.
"Steven, come with me?"
"Sure."
Wallace's mood bounced right back.
A bro at his side, a Pokémon Contest to enjoy—what was a little public shame by comparison? No big deal.
"Also, some of your fans in the group chat are asking when you're releasing your second set of crossdressing photos."
Steven grinned as he asked. He was in Wallace's fan group too, after all.
"There is no second set! There will never be a second set!!"
Wallace exploded, face burning with a mix of anger and embarrassment.
A second set of crossdressing photos, his ass.
He was never crossdressing again. Not in this lifetime.
Sure, his girls' outfits really had been beautiful and moving—even Wallace himself had felt his heart skip a beat looking at them.
But he was absolutely done crossdressing.
Wallace said so!!!
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