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The aftermath of the "Teen Titans" video was absolute madness. By the time we walked into the Lavaridge Gym, the song was already the #1 trending sound on every social platform in Hoenn. Fans were even doing the "Tammy Swipe" dance in the streets.
The Heat Badge: A Professional Dismantling
Flannery was hyped—maybe too hyped. She wanted to prove that "Real Passion" beats "Viral Fame," but our new squad-based tactics were just too surgical.
Raven's Cold Precision: She opened the match against Flannery's Magcargo. Raven used the steam of the gym to cloak herself, then unleashed a Night Slash followed by a point-blank Ice Beam. The rapid temperature shift cracked the Magcargo's shell, forcing an instant swap.
Tammy's Blinding Guile: When Flannery sent out Torkoal, Tammy didn't just fight; she humilitated. She used a high-velocity Sand Attack to smother Torkoal's vents, then vanished with Shadow Sneak, reappearing for a critical Slash to the weak points.
Jerry's Finale: To close it out against her ace, Jerry didn't give her a chance to breathe. He combined Extreme Speed with Brick Break, becoming a purple blur that shattered Flannery's defensive screens and delivered a KO before she could even call out a command.
The Result: The Heat Badge was ours. Flannery didn't even look mad; she looked like she wanted our autograph.
The Road to Lilycove: Authorized Peacekeepers
We took a private Devon Corp jet to Lilycove City. Waiting on the tarmac was Steven Stone, looking sharper than ever, holding a velvet-lined case.
"The video did more than just entertain, Jake," Steven said, his voice serious. "It showed the world that Team Magma and Team Aqua are vulnerable. The League Council has reached a decision."
He opened the case to reveal two silver badges—not Gym Badges, but Special Field Operative Commissions.
"These give you and May the legal authority to detain members of criminal organizations and seize contraband," Steven explained. "You're no longer just trainers. You're the Hoenn League's First Response Squad. It's high time your 'Lawful Acquisitions' were actually, well... lawful."
The Lilycove Gala: A Shimmering Trap
The Gala at the Lilycove Museum was the social event of the year. The team was dressed to the nines—Kage had a silk wrap for his obsidian blade, and Tammy was practically preening, showing off her dual Magma/Aqua belts, which now featured official League badges.
[Chat Log]
IceCreamQueen_C: Look at them! They went from 'hunted' to 'heroes' in 48 hours.
PervySage: I see Magma grunts in the catering staff. And is that an Aqua sub in the harbor?
SilentRed: [GIF: It's a trap]
"The air is too still," Raven whispered into my mind, her horn glowing faintly under her gala tiara. "The Blue Shard in Tammy's pouch... it's screaming. It knows its brothers are here."
I looked across the ballroom. Near the buffet, I saw Courtney in a formal dress that looked stiff and uncomfortable. Across the room, near the balcony, was Shelly from Team Aqua. They weren't fighting each other. They were both looking at us.
"Steven," I whispered into my comms. "We've got both Admins in the room. They aren't here for the art. They're here for the Shard, and they've formed a temporary truce to get it."
"Initiate 'Nightmare Mode' on the stream, Jake," Steven replied. "If they want a show, let's give them the series finale."