The flickering glow of luminescent crystals cast shimmering reflections across the cavern walls, distorting every step Monique took into a dozen fractured copies of herself. She huffed, adjusting the ascot around her neck with a frustrated flick of her wrist. "Ugh, this is ridiculous! I swear I passed that stupid rock five times already!" Her designer boots clicked sharply against the stone floor, the sound echoing mockingly in the labyrinthine cave.

She’d only meant to cut through Reflection Cave for a quick battle or two—maybe show off her team to some starry-eyed rookies—before making her way back to Shalour City in time for her spa reservation. But now? Now she was lost, and the endless mirrored corridors were starting to feel like a personal insult. "This is why I hate caves. They’re dirty, they’re dark, and they absolutely ruin my hair!"

Monique spun on her heel, glaring at her own reflection in the polished mineral walls. "Oh, shut up," she snapped at the mirrored version of herself, as if it were to blame. Just as she turned to stomp away—again—her shoulder collided hard with someone else, sending her stumbling back.

Recovering with a dramatic gasp, she whipped around, lavender eyes flashing. "Hey! What’s your problem?! Didn’t you see me?!" She jabbed a gloved finger toward the stranger, her voice dripping with indignation. "Tch... I couldn’t expect anything less from someone who clearly doesn’t appreciate personal space!"

Monique tossed her hair, scanning the offender up and down with a scrutinizing sneer. "Ugh, whatever. Since you’ve already ruined my mood, you might as well make it up to me." She reached for a Poké Ball at her waist, striking a pose as if the cave were her personal runway. "I demand a reward for this trauma—so let’s fight! Unless you’re scared, of course."

The crystals hummed faintly around them, casting fractured light over her smirk.