"Hahaha," Seeing Axel get put in his place, Iono couldn't help laughing so hard she bent forward and backward.
"Axel, didn't expect that sharp tongue of yours would get shut down too. If I'd known earlier, I would've had Sister Elesa handle you from the start. Then I wouldn't have had to come over and get solo-killed."
Axel twitched the corner of his mouth, 'Elesa is one thing, but now Iono is starting to get out of hand too?'
He glanced around, saw no one nearby, then put away Chien-Pao and smacked Iono on the butt.
"Getting cheeky, huh?"
"Ah! I'm not! Bully who picks on the weak and fears the strong. If you've got the guts, go hit Sister Elesa!"
"Fine, I'll hit her!", Axel knew Iono was just livening things up, so he didn't hold back. He casually slapped Elesa on the thigh.
"Hiss!", The firm touch made Axel suck in a sharp breath, 'Way too damn smooth, smooth and springy.'
With Iono setting the mood, Axel and Elesa quickly became familiar with each other, chatting as they walked toward the outside of the Gym.
"Are there any fun places around here? I'll treat," Axel didn't know what good places for couples there were in Levincia, so he and Elesa both turned their eyes to Iono.
"Fun places? There are a lot. But Chairwoman Geeta just called me today, saying she cleared out a filming scenic area in Levincia for us, so we can go there and play."
"Filming scenic area?", Axel froze for a moment.
"It's a place for shooting short dramas! There are lots of scenes you can't see elsewhere," As Iono spoke, she started counting on her fingers.
"An artificial lake full of Marill, a valley filled with Pikachu, and even a temple where Archeops exist..."
"Besides those, there are hot springs, villas, even Infernape that can barbecue... anyway, tons and tons of scenes you normally can't see, only things you'd imagine."
"Even Kalos's big star, Miss Diantha, often comes here to film!"
With Iono's brief introduction, both Axel and Elesa became interested in the filming base.
"Then let's go there? First eat barbecue made by Infernape, then hug those soft, fragrant Marill and soak in the hot springs!"
"Sounds good!"
———
At the scenic filming base Coral had mentioned—
A burly man with bulging muscles, over two meters tall, stood at the entrance, looking worriedly outside.
"Kidnapping Iono... the higher-ups really have guts."
"But with Coral and Spinel both captured, aside from kidnapping Iono to exchange them back, there doesn't seem to be a better option... sigh."
Onnis let out a sigh, running through various possible accidents in the kidnapping process in his mind.
After more than ten minutes, he finally hesitated before pressing the communication button on his earpiece.
"Amethio, have you figured out why Film City suddenly got cleared out today?"
"Yeah, I've figured it out," A clean, crisp voice came from the other side.
"They say Gym Leader Iono is hosting a friend, so Chairwoman Geeta closed off this filming area for them to play."
"Based on Iono's recent online interactions and streams, the one she's hosting should be Elesa from the Unova region."
"Be careful when you act later. Try not to let your Garganacl hurt either of them, especially Elesa."
"According to the information we pulled from the banks... when Axel was in Unova, he specifically visited the Nimbasa Gym."
"Elesa even gave Axel some money before. The two of them probably have some kind of connection..."
"The terror of Axel... you can't imagine it unless you experience it yourself."
"Got it."
Onnis rubbed his brow. Of course he knew how terrifying Axel was.
Coral, Spinel, and even the three newly promoted executives who hadn't even had time to settle into their positions yet, had all stumbled because of that name.
Sometimes Onnis couldn't understand how such a monstrous Trainer could even exist in this world.
"All units, get ready. Don't let anyone notice that this scenic area has been completely taken over by us. Don't reveal any flaws."
"Once we capture Iono, I'll act together with you. Grab her immediately."
"Then we'll trouble Lord Amethio to knock Elesa out, and we'll retreat right away."
"Amethio received!"
"Sightseeing vehicle team received!"
"Hot spring team received!"
"...team received!"
Hearing that everyone was ready, Onnis finally let out a breath, the unease in his heart easing a little.
"In that case, get ready. Sightseeing vehicle team, go out to receive them. Remember to adjust the camera positions and maintain constant monitoring!"
"Received!"
———
The filming base wasn't far from Levincia Gym, and Axel and the others arrived quickly.
"Film City?", Seeing the name, Axel couldn't help but think of a film base in Henan, Aurient, from before the world fusion.
That place had also been a product of the rise of short dramas, perfect for all kinds of cosplay.
In a world with Pokémon, it should be even more fun, right?
"Yup, it's called Film City. Pretty straightforward name, right?", Iono took off her mask and said with a bright smile.
Elesa also looked into the distance, "A very nice filming base. Iono, we should shoot something here together sometime."
As they chatted, a sightseeing carriage shaped like a Pegasus bride slowly drove out.
The entire carriage was pure white, pulled by two Galarian Ponyta that looked extremely well cared for, their coats glossy.
The carriage itself looked like it was made of some kind of stone, emitting a jade-like sheen. White flowers surrounded it, giving off a sweet fragrance.
"Please, step aboard," When the carriage came close, Axel lifted Elesa and Iono onto it one by one, then got on last.
At the same time, Amethio and Onnis saw the three figures through the cameras.
Onnis's deep voice came through the earpiece, "Confirmed, it's Iono. Prepare the plan. Once they get inside, you and I will act together and seize Iono immediately."
"Alright," Amethio nodded, then looked at Elesa's waist, starting to judge what Pokémon she had brought based on the number of Poké Balls.
But suddenly, a figure he had never expected entered the camera's view.
'Damn it!'
'Axel!'
Amethio froze. Right now, he really wanted to know, was it still possible to run?
[T/N: For me the best part of bringing you chapters everyday is reading your comments. Be it anything witty or a simple "Tftc", they all keep me motivated to keep posting chapters. So, do comment and please give a REVIEW.]
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