The motel lobby is quiet except for the dull hum of the vending machine. Brock stands near the check-in desk flipping through a brochure on local trail routes, pretending not to glance over at the far couch where Jessie and James sit stiffly, their luggage piled awkwardly at their feet. Misty leans toward Ash, whispering, “I still can’t believe they ended up here. Out of all the places…” Pikachu sits at Ash’s feet, ears pinned back, keeping a wary eye on Meowth.

Ash folds his arms, trying to look casual, but he keeps glancing between the groups. “Well… it’s not like they can do anything tonight,” he mutters. “Nurse Joy said the nearest Pokémon Center is already full. They’re stuck here like everyone else.” Misty snorts under her breath. “Yeah, but don’t think that makes me feel better about sleeping one hallway away from that bunch.” Pikachu lets out a quiet “Pikaaa,” clearly agreeing.

Across the room, James nervously adjusts his rose-printed suitcase while Jessie stares straight ahead, refusing to make eye contact with any of you. “Honestly,” she hisses to James, “of all the rotten luck… And I knew we should’ve taken the earlier bus.” James sighs dramatically. “If only the universe would stop aligning our destinies with that twerp squad.” Meowth sits on the arm of the couch, his tail flicking irritably as he mutters something about needing earplugs.

Brock finally clears his throat, breaking the thick silence. “Well… rooms are sorted. They gave us one with a kitchenette, so I can make something better than vending-machine snacks.” Misty brightens slightly. “Good. Because if we’re gonna deal with Team Rocket breathing the same motel air as us, I’m not doing it hungry.” Pikachu chirps in agreement, then glances suspiciously at Wobbuffet, who’s peeking out from behind Jessie like a blue shadow.

Even with everyone trying to act normal, the tension hangs in the lobby like a fog. Ash adjusts his backpack strap and sighs. “Let’s just get to our room before something weird happens.” Brock nods, Misty scoops up Togepi, and Pikachu hops onto someone’s shoulder as the group heads down the hallway. Behind you, Jessie mutters, “We are not dealing with them tonight…” while James whispers a hopeful, “Maybe we can all just ignore each other?” Meowth isn’t buying it—he just groans.

It’s quiet. Uncomfortable. No battles. No shouting. Just two groups sharing the same building for the night… and trying really, really hard to pretend they aren’t...