Archive of Our Own ^beta

Liko’s blood ran cold the moment she saw a former classmate step onto the battle court and accept a sphere of Laquium. She knew, in her blood, what that was and what it would do, even before she’d seen it in action. The memory of Spinel corrupting the Six Heroes was burned too harshly into her memory for her to forget. Even if the physical design had changed…the object’s purpose hadn’t. 

Her former classmate won against an Electivire with a single, hyper-powered Water Gun that looked more like a Hyper Beam. The Exceed employee didn’t look surprised at all, though he feigned it for the crowd, but Boc appeared shocked beyond belief. If Liko was remembering right, she’d also failed the Tera Training course, so it was no wonder. But the other trainer’s response was what chilled her the most, making her blood run cold with fear and fury. 

It was supposed to be gone. We were supposed to be free of this. But of course, nothing was ever that simple. Even though the first journey had taken nearly everything from her, the Explorers just had to show up and take even more. 

We are not traitors! She wanted to shout. The Rising Volt Tacklers are innocent! It’s the Explorers who are responsible for Laqua’s destruction! 

But, of course, she couldn’t say that. She couldn't say anything, and for the first time, the necessity of silence made her furious. 

Roy finally put the pieces together as to what the ‘strong spheres’ actually were. Distilled Laquium, designed only to affect their selected targets and to inject the full force of its power onto a single target. Stronger, most likely, than what Spinel had used to corrupt the Six Heroes. Worse. 

The Exceed representatives were all over Boc, hyping up the Strong Sphere like purple Water Guns were a good thing. And not an affront to nature. Even the girl herself seemed to get over her shock in favor of excitement, which made Liko’s gut twist. She knew the other girl only wanted what was best for her Swanna, which made her glee over the Laquium even worse.

Liko’s heart pounded as her ex-classmate made her way up the stairs, caressing her Swanna’s head. “That was exhausting for you, wasn’t it?” She murmured. “Let’s get you some rest.” Liko let her pass without saying anything, already knowing what would happen. “But you’re Rising Volt Tacklers, aren’t you?” Her old classmate would say. “How can I believe a word you say, especially when I just saw differently?” 

Roy had made his way down the audience, trying to talk to Uruto. He was acting weirdly, that was for sure, but Liko didn’t know him well enough to know what his ‘normal’ looked like. 

The lights dimmed. The announcer from before stepped back onto the stage, illuminated by a blue spotlight. 

“Sorry for the wait, my eager trainers!” She called to the crowd. “Allow me to introduce our special guests. You all know and love them, so let’s welcome our favorite Explorers, Ms. Coral and Mr. Sidian!” 

The crowd’s wild roars rang in her ears, and her own heartbeat drowned out everything else. Coral. Sidian. If they see us—

“We’ve got to get out of here,” Roy hissed. “They’ll make our lives hell if we give them the chance.”

“More than they have already,” Liko agreed. “Let’s get Uruto and get out of here.”

And then the two Explorers hit the stage. Coral immediately charmed the crowd with her stupid pink hair and scrawny outfit and annoyingly high voice and by disguising her bratty personality, which made Liko’s skin crawl. Now, she normally didn’t care about any of that, but when it came to Coral, everything seemed so fake and gross. It oozed all over everything she touched, and Liko wanted to beat it out of her.

Sidian wasn’t far behind her, but all he did was glower into the crowd, and apparently that’s all he needed to do to make the ladies swoon. She resisted a scoff. Okay, he has a nice face. But his style? Absolutely atrocious. At least he’s more polite than she is. She had him to thank for her Tera Orb, so she couldn’t be too vicious against him. But that didn’t mean she had to like him, either. 

His eyes met hers, and she gasped. Too late to run now. But perhaps this could be an opportunity.

”They saw us,” Liko hissed to Roy. “Get ready.” 

“For what?” Roy mumbled. 

“Whatever they’re about to do next,” Liko replied. 

Sidian whispered something in Coral’s ear, still looking at Liko. Coral looked in their direction, then nodded. But they didn’t immediately call them out, which meant…

We’re going to be a demonstration, Liko thought. Oh, lovely. 

She met their gazes with her own glare. Well? Call us down. Take out all your frustrations on us. Beat us down more than you already have, and gloat. 

“The Explorers will now do an exhibition match!” The woman announced. “Show all you trainers who are already strong just how Strong Spheres can benefit you!” 

“We’ve chosen our opponents,” Sidian said, voice booming. 

The woman stepped back. “Really? Already?” 

“Yes!” Coral said. “They’re ooooooold friends of Coral. Haven’t seen them in a year! So, Liko! Roy! Come on down and let us say hi to our old pals!” 

Perhaps the crowd couldn’t hear or couldn’t discern Coral’s disdain for what it was, but to Liko, it was loud and clear. She resisted the urge to scoff. 

Roy put a hand on her shoulder, meeting her eyes before nodding. We have to do this, he seemed to be saying. Keep your head up. Don’t let them get to you. 

“Same to you,” Liko said softly. “Let’s go.”

At least they hadn’t said the one thing that would get them immediately kicked out—they’re Rising Volt Tacklers. But it seemed like they didn’t just want a decisive victory—they wanted to show off their strength in the process.

Liko had never considered herself to be a mean person. She’d always done her best to reach out to people, try and feel what they were feeling and understand where they were coming from. And maybe, at one point, she’d tried to do just that for the Explorers. But now, when she thought of Coral, Sidian, and the rest, all she felt was rage. The urge to smack them down so hard they never got back up.

She rejected the offer of Laquium with a single raised hand and an impassive expression. Roy did the same, offering a ‘we’ll pass’ in lieu of just silence. Don’t give them the satisfaction. Don’t let them get under your skin. 

“Yes,” she said softly, glancing at Roy. “Let’s do this.” 

They walked onto the stage with straight backs and harsh glares, their aces at their heels. Pagogo was still growling in her arms, and Cap frowned from Roy’s shoulder.

The crowd clapped as they took their spots on the stage. The Exceed employees were looking at them like they might cause a scene, but no one else appeared to notice the tension in their bones. 

“It’s been a while, you two,” Coral said in her annoyingly shrill voice. “How’ve you been?” 

“Drop the act!” Liko snapped, which was a decidedly poor reaction. Stupid. You’re supposed to be menacing, strong, capable—not cruel. 

“What act?” Coral said innocently. “I’m not acting. I’m just being my cute lil’ self!” 

“Keep your cool, Liko,” Roy said softly. “You know what they’ll do if we act too threatening.” 

She nodded. “You’re right. I’m sorry.” 

“Ah—will the contestants please send out their Pokémon?” The announcer said, voice trembling like she was nervous. 

Liko took her spot in front of Sidian. Roy stood before Coral. 

“Should we introduce them to our new friends?” Roy said, and it took her a moment to realize he was performing for the crowd. 

“Let’s see who they bring out,” Liko said, a grin forming. “I know Meowscarada won’t let anyone else fight Garganacl.”

Sidian snorted, then brought out his partner, who reacted as much as a rock-type could when faced with a fully-evolved grass-type. “I’m glad you missed me so much,” Sidian said. “Unfortunately, I don’t think you’ll beat me again.” 

“We’ll see about that,” Liko snipped. 

“So who will it be, Coral? Scream Tail, or Glalie? I know Crocalor wouldn’t mind either one,” Roy said, putting his hands on his hips. “Unless you really want me to introduce you to a new friend of mine.”

Coral giggled. “Oh, don’t worry about that. I haven’t seen lil’ Croca-cutie in so long! I’m sooooo excited for our battle. Now, Glalie! Come say hi!” 

Meowscarada and Crocalor darted forward, growling and tense. Their words were barbs shot back and forth, coated in tones of honey and amity.

“‘Croca-cutie?’” Liko muttered. “Haven’t heard that one before.”

“Just go with it,” Roy muttered back. “You ready?” 

“Battle begin!” The Exceed announcer cried, and all four trainers took off. 

“Crocalor, use Flame Charge!” Roy shouted, and she was swept up in the heat of the battle. 

“Meowscarada, Flower Trick!” 

Her partner rushed forward, flower buds poofing into existence around her. Lights flashed, focusing in on Meowscarada, as Garganacl braced itself. 

“Garganacl, Salt Cure!” Sidian bellowed.
“And Glalie, use Blizzard!” Coral crowed. 

Their Pokémon launched into action, rushing towards each other in a flurry of moves. Liko called dodges and attacks in tandem with Roy, dodging the Explorers’ like they’d been doing it for ages. Which, Liko supposed, they had. 

“Why won’t you—stay—still already!” Coral shrieked. “Glalie, keep using Blizzard!” 

“Crocalor, use Flamethrower!” Roy countered. “Don’t let them get close!” 

The crowd was loving it, at least. The battle between Meowscarada and Garganacl was just as intense, and she heard much of the crowd shouting either Sidian’s name or Coral’s. We’re only making our case worse, aren’t we? By fighting them when they’re clearly so beloved? No amount of knowledge of how underserved that love was would change their situation. 

Both Crocalor and Meowscarada scored some good hits, but Liko knew hers wouldn’t do much in the face of Garganacl’s Recover move. But Meowscarada had grown far more powerful since the last time they’d fought, so Liko could only hope to get him damaged enough to not give him a chance to recover. So then what can we do? How do we expose these two for who they are? 

Her hopes withered away when she saw them both pulling out Laquium Spheres. They threw them into the air, and the pink mist enveloped the Pokémon they’d fought so much. Glalie’s body grew another sheet of ice, but it melted off halfway through. Garganacl roared, sending Stone Edge rocketing forward, but the sheer force of it sent massive cracks all along its body. Perhaps they’ve made themselves so strong offensively that their defense has become abysmal…if we can just dodge their hits, we should be okay. But still…she may have little love for this particular Glalie and Garganacl, but it was clear they were in pain.

“No!” She shouted. “Don’t do that—it’ll hurt your Pokémon!” 

Coral groaned. “Ohhh, so that’s what this is about. Hey guys, can someone tell our least-favorite-Liko how dangerous these things actually are?” 

“They’re not!” Came a cacophony of shouts from the audience, and Liko grit her teeth. She ordered another Acrobatics from Meowscarada, when Glalie’s Blizzard went wide and hit her instead of Crocalor. Garganacl rerouted its Salt Cure towards Roy.

“How can you not see that you’re hurting your Pokémon?!” Liko insisted. “Look at them! They’re in so much pain!” 

Sidian was silent, which was typical of him, but Coral groaned again. “Seriously? Guys, she’s just complaining. You know the type—once they start losing, they start whining!” 

The jeers that rose as a result made her skin prickle, and she tried to ignore the particularly violent man at the front shouting slurs. The lengths people will go to in order to defend their idols. 

“Don’t talk to her like that!” Roy snapped, glaring in the direction the slur had come from. “If you say that again, you’re next.” 

“Why don’t you two focus on the battle in front of you now?” Sidian said, drawing their attention back and quieting the crowd. “Garganacl—“

“Meowscarada, Magical Leaf!” Liko ordered. 

They moved back into their dance of attack and defense, with Garganacl’s body cracking further and further with every attack he launched. Meowscarada was able to expertly dodge most of the moves, but each time they got close to beating him…he’d just Recover. 

“You know exactly what those things can do,” Roy tried, right after Crocalor landed a critical Flamethrower. “We all saw what happened a year ago. We all know just how dangerous those things can be, so why are you promoting them?”

Coral’s smile became dangerous. “I know what you think you saw was scary. And I know our…mutual friend also warned you against it. But really, are you just going to go against science for a pair of pretty, purple eyes?” 

Liko stiffened. She didn’t. She didn’t just—

She’d known there was a good chance that the other Explorers had seen her last moments with Amethio, the year before in Laqua. Sometimes, she still felt his soft cheek against her lips, and many, many nights since had been spent wishing she’d had the courage to do more. 

She’d known Coral was there for that moment. But she didn’t expect the older woman to target it so ruthlessly—waving her old flame under her nose just to shroud their story further in smoke. 

“You declared him dead,” she hissed, low enough that the crowd couldn’t hear. “And now you throw it back in my face?”

Coral rolled her eyes, but didn’t get a chance to respond over Meowscarada‘s and Crocalor’s combined rage.

“Don’t you dare go there!” Roy shouted, taking a protective stance in front of Liko. “If you’ve got something to say, say it with your pokémon! Seriously, Coral, I didn’t think you’d stoop that low.” 

Thank you, Roy. She hadn’t told him everything, of course—she’d long ago made the decision to keep those fragile feelings to herself as much as she could. But Roy and Dot had seen that moment, too, and they deserved an explanation far more than Coral did. And she’d told them enough to explain why Coral’s jeer hurt the way it did. “Meowscarada, use Flower Trick! Give it all you’ve got!” Liko shouted. “Target Glalie!”
“We’ll cover you!” Roy shouted, grasping her shoulder in a gesture of camaraderie. “Crocalor, use Stomping Tantrum on Garganacl!” 

The two Explorers, seemingly taken aback by the change in target, weren’t able to dodge in time. Liko grinned, pleased with herself, because now it looked like both Glalie and Garganacl were struggling.  

“Garganacl, use Recover,” Sidian said, sounding bored. “Is that all you’ve got, kid? You know, Garganacl—” 

“Could barely feel that, yeah, I know,” Liko snapped, feeling rage welling up within her. “Though I’m not sure I believe that? I mean, you once said that when Floragato snapped off its hands. Is your judgment really that trustworthy?” 

Murmurs from the crowd. Finally, I got one over! 

“Bold words coming from a Rising Volt Tackler,” Sidian shot back, and Liko felt the crowd turn back on her. “Not to mention how you’ve been treating Coral.” 

“You’re the ones spreading lies!” Liko shouted, then had to order Meowscarada to dodge the combined force of Laquium-boosted Salt Cure and Blizzard. And with the aid of Laquium, they both met their marks. Meowscarada’s paws froze, and Crocalor’s stomach was covered in salty crystals. Liko reached for her Tera Orb. She didn’t get to use it.

“Finish them!” Coral crowed, much to the delight of the crowd. “Glalie, Ice Spinner!” 

“Garganacl, Stone Edge!” Sidian bellowed. Before either Liko or Roy could get their partners to dodge, they went down. 

We lost, Liko seethed, tears blurring her vision despite her best efforts. Don’t let them see you cry, Liko. That’ll only give them more fuel. She could only hope their battle of words wasn’t as futile. She stepped forward, moving towards Meowscarada, who still had her back paws frozen.

But, even though neither Coral nor Sidian had said anything, Glalie and Garganacl were still attacking. Glalie’s Blizzard still swirled around the arena, battering Meowscarada’s tired body, and the shards of Garganacl’s Stone Edge continued to assault Crocalor. They’re not stopping. 

“Keep going!” Coral screeched. “Beat them into the ground!” 

Liko sucked in a terrified breath. They’re firmly on Spinel’s side, then. They want to get rid of us at whatever cost. 

“No,” Roy rasped next to her. “Cap! Volt Tackle!” 

Their captain rushed forward, electricity enveloping his body as he toppled their enemies’ Pokémon. Coral responded by sending out Scream Tail, which made Liko groan. 

Someone came up on her other side—after a moment, she recognized Uruto, who seemed surprised that she was there. “Uruto?” She asked, confused. 

“I’m here to help Roy,” he said curtly. “And I’ve seen enough. If you two can’t battle them, I will!”

Coral, apparently, heard them. And despite Sidian’s increasingly loud warnings, she ordered her Glalie to use Self-Destruct. 

“Great,” Liko muttered. “Well, at least we got her to lose her temper.” 

“Wish she’d lost more than that,” Roy said, returning Crocalor as Glalie exploded and the curtain closed. “But I’ll take her self-control. For now.” 

He met her eyes, and what Liko saw both saddened her and strengthened her resolve. “We will take them down,” she said. “We’ll take more than just their control, or their power. We’ll take everything.” 

Her own words sounded heartless to her ears. But Coral and Sidian had long since ran out of chances to prove themselves worthy of her kindness.

“We will,” said Roy, who had once treated every rivalry as a meeting of friends; a man who had learned the meaning of enemies. “Everything.”