3:47 p.m. November 3rd, Tuesday, 106 PH (Post Hoopa Event). Day 147.

  Events: Rhea and the girls are on a Badge Hunt, trying to get all the Kanto Encrusted Badges before time runs out! Our girl started her journey on the 9th of June, and the end of registration for the Winter Indigo Cup is December 5th (31 days away).

  Amira leaned against the cool metal bench in the locker room, watching the broadcast of Rhea’s battle on the large screen. It flickered in and out of view with the sporadic lighting and angles, resonating with the rock music.

  The atmosphere was thick with whispers from the other Trainers gathered nearby, their eyes wide with excitement as the cameras panned back to the battlefield with Blaine’s showy performance.

  She’s done it again, Amira thought, tightening her arms around Mariah, who was snuggled close to her chest. The Meloetta let out a soft note, her shiny pink eyes mirroring the tension Amira felt deep within her own.

  Lori crossed her legs beside her, fingers tapping nervously on the bench as she muttered, “Muk… I can’t believe she’s getting stronger with every battle. I mean, I can, but look at that crowd—they’re losing their minds. Haunted Terrain? My sister would flip her book.”

  Amira glanced at another screen where Rhea and Lulu’s performance had left the audience in stunned silence, waiting for the next move. There was no denying that Rhea’s power was growing at an incredible rate—almost too fast, Amira mused, swallowing the knot forming in her throat.

  “We’ll have to follow that up,” Lori continued with a low chuckle, though the unease was clear in her voice. “I mean, look at her, Red. Our Sunshine is Mukin’ on fire—literally! You usually only see that in, like…Champion battles.”

  Amira didn’t respond immediately, her gaze locked on the image of Rhea as she stood tall on the battlefield, defiant, Lulu teleporting around the insanely powerful Ghost Pokémon the Paldea Champion had brought Blaine. The Ceruledge was getting faster in the zone, its spectral form radiating power, but Rhea and Lulu weren’t backing down as the Quirky cosmic cloud proclaimed her superiority.

  “I knew she’d get stronger after Jason challenged her and they butted heads,” Amira murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “But from Erika’s Gym to here…”

  Her throat constricted, a screw drilling into her gut. I was having trouble trying to keep up with Rhea in Cerulean. I’ve grown stronger, but Rhea… She keeps upping her game. This is practically a Platinum-tier battle due to Lulu enhancing the Ceruledge to fight her. Why do I feel like…a failure? I shouldn’t.

  She quickly glanced at Lori to make sure the athletic girl wasn’t paying attention to her as heat rose in her throat, but she was too focused on Rhea to pay anything else any mind.

  I’m trying. I’ve never tried harder in my life…but it feels like she’s just widening the gap every time I feel like I’m catching up. She’s happily dating her best friend, being cute and caring when I can’t pick between two boys who are fighting for my attention. I’ve put all my focus on trying to catch up…and I can’t.

  Mouth becoming a line, she sat back, watching the fight come to an explosive end with some insane version of Confusion that she’d never seen before. Unlike her battle against Sabrina or Erika, Rhea didn’t look as tired or spent. In fact, she looked focused, resolute, rebellious, even.

  What am I doing wrong? Is the gap between us just that big? Rhea’s supporting me with her Aura, right? What do I need to do? Why is Lori not as worried as I am? Am I the problem?

  “Red?”

  Amira blinked and put on a fake smile while looking up at the oblivious Unovan girl. “Hmm?”

  Lori pointed down at her lap, where Mariah had slipped down to hold her hand, concern swimming in her pink eyes. She felt her other Pokémon sending their support, as well.

  “Mariah seems to be worried. You good?”

  “Oh, just…” She cast her eyes to the screen, where a replay was displaying Nova’s battle. “I, umm, I didn’t expect her to face a Paldean Fire and Grass Type… Paldea’s Pokémon weren’t supposed to be added to the roster so soon, I thought. It, umm, it changes everything.”

  Lori chuckled and stretched her arms high over her head with a yawn, Teri taking the opening to playfully jab at her sides. “We’ll be fine—oof! You little Toxic ball of fluff!”

  “Kubfu!” her Legendary laughed in return, fending off her return pokes.

  “Yeah…”

  She felt the pressure well up in her chest as she watched the re-run of Lulu transforming the battlefield with her otherworldly presence, casting the entire flaming arena in eerie shadows and ghostly mist. The stakes of the match had escalated tenfold with each move.

  Amira’s eyes flicked to the corner of the screen where the Paldean Champion’s box was dark, save for the faint outline of Geeta’s striking figure. The audience didn’t seem to realize it yet, but Amira knew. This wasn’t just a battle anymore. This was a call to action by the Champion. An introduction to Paldea’s presence in Kanto.

  “This is going to bring all eyes onto us,” she muttered, feeling her muscles go lax. “This had to be planned by the League… My mom is supposed to battle her in two months. It can’t be a coincidence she chose this Gym. Geeta’s presence…it’s going to hype up the other Gyms, as well. Is…she going to show up when we battle my grandpa?”

  “Hmm?” Lori glanced her way, holding Teri up by both arms as she wiggled in her hands. “Oh, yeah! Criticism is going to shoot through the roof with that performance! You know how people get when new regions mix, and now this from Rhea. They’ll start nitpicking every move, every outcome. It’s whatever, though. We’re used to that. It’s all about the headlines now,” she winked.

  Amira shifted in her seat, pulling Mariah back up onto her lap to try and comfort her. It didn’t seem to help much, though. Slipping free of her Trainer’s grip, Teri hopped up to launch off Lori’s face to do a few flips into the air, practically vibrating with excitement.

  “Wait—you’re going crazy!” she laughed, rubbing her forehead. “I guess you’re burning up inside and need to release that energy, too. Hey…” Her purple eyes creased before shifting to her and leaning in to whisper, “You don’t think their V orbs inside of them are, uh, acting up or resonating or something?”

  Amira’s fake smile fell while shifting Mariah to look at her Mythical girl; she’d been so focused on herself and Rhea’s battle that she hadn’t seen the Meloetta’s much shinier ruby hair.

  “There does seem to be a reaction…” The Melody Pokémon leaned in to hug her, more determination in their bond than normal for her shy little girl.

  “Melo-Meloetta.”

  “I know you’re here for me…” Amira whispered, holding her close. “We’re in it together.”

  Her mouth became a tighter line, her thoughts racing as the battle concluded with the Confusion. The replays made it hard not to feel the weight of the expectations placed on her. She’d always felt expectations growing up—incredibly high expectations—but this…this felt different. And now Geeta was here, watching from the shadows…judging her mother on her performance.

  Arms tightening around Mariah’s small body as she hugged her, Amira tried to strengthen her resolve. Geeta returned to the big screen, Amira’s heart raced as she felt the energy shift. Yet, Rhea stood tall to face the giant flower-like Pokémon as it descended; that awkward, self-conscious teenage girl she’d met back in Pallet handling the pressure head-on.

  Am I…having self-image problems? Me? I have to fix this… I need to face myself because that is my worst enemy. The image of myself I’ve projected onto Rhea. I’m not weak.

  She stared at the daunting battle replays swapping to the multi-viewed angles of Geeta speaking to Rhea on her giant Pokémon. Her mind kept returning to all the incredible things Rhea had done since they’d met in Professor Oak’s lab:

  Defeating a Silver-tier Nidorino before obtaining their first badge. Getting through a crushing defeat to Forrest, being the only one to lose in their group. The ups and downs she’d had with her mother. Saving her life when the Plasma assassin shot a bullet at her. Comforting her through that experience and many more cracks Amira didn’t know she’d had.

  Their journey with Ash with his Aura training. Supporting random people with her empathic nature. The stunning battle against Sabrina that brought out her Aura to a new level. Having the Ghost of Maiden’s Peak carry a message for her.

  Their rise into Silver-tier had been from her pushing them as a group. All the support they’d gotten from Dawn—the Training Lori and she’d received from such a phenomenal genius. The magical times they’d all shared in Fuchsia City, spurred on by Jason and her romance that had a boy she hated confess his love for her… So, so, so many events that had flipped her understanding of herself and the world on its head.

  Her gaze locked on the swirling flames and shadows dancing across the screen from the replays of Lulu and Kite’s battle.

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  Rhea’s having the time of her life… She’s not doubting herself. Mom didn’t doubt herself. Green, Leaf, Kris, Ethan… They don’t doubt themselves. Rhea’s lost a few times. and she keeps going… I haven’t lost once, and I’m a mess… Fighting shadows. They rise to the challenge, adapt, and overcome. Pull yourself together! Fight, even if it’s a lost cause… Fight.

  Lori leaned closer, her voice a low murmur as the Champion finished her private conversation with Rhea. “Geeta’s going to make this even harder on us, huh? I hear the girls already worrying about the roster changes to the Gym. If Paldea has Pokémon like those Rhea faced, then it’s gonna be Mukin’ crazy!”

  Amira nodded, her jaw tightening. She felt the tension mounting again as the whispers in the locker room grew louder. Other Trainers were exchanging glances, some awestruck, others murmuring about strategy and predictions on how they’d handle a Grass and Fire Pokémon.

  “It’s not just about the battles anymore,” she muttered, watching Rhea’s platform lower to allow her back into the locker room. “This is about making a statement. Geeta’s here for a reason… Probably multiple. I don’t think she’s just watching for fun.”

  Lori shot her a knowing look. “No kidding. I get you, Red! Something tells me Rhea’s auntie wasn’t here a few weeks ago for a casual meeting. This Muk has been in the works for a bit. You think we’ll see more of Paldea’s influence in, uh…your grandpa’s Gym?”

  Amira breathed out, trying to ease the tight grip constricting her chest. “I wouldn’t put anything past my grandfather…”

  “Yeah, I was worried about that,” she said with a forced chuckle, watching her fighting girl jab and kick the air as if fighting invisible enemies. “We need to step up our game if Rhea’s setting the bar this high now… We’ve got no choice but to follow through to support our Honeypot! Am I right?! Oh…”

  “Amira Rocket, please report to the stage for your battle.”

  “Muk, already?” Lori hissed, rubbing her neck and giving her a forced smile. “They’re not letting up, are they? Red?”

  Amira didn’t answer right away, her gaze still locked on the screen where Geeta had just been moments before. The field was already reshaping from the Pokémon underneath it. She didn’t have time to feel frustrated or weak. She had to stand… She had to prove to herself that she could take a stand, or these voices in her head wouldn’t leave.

  Fire igniting in her belly, she rose to her feet under the scrutiny and whispers of the women around the locker room. Taking a deep breath, she let it out and smiled down at her teammate, Mariah held in her arms.

  “I’ll win.”

  Lori’s frown turned upside down as she hopped up and pulled her into a hug. “That’s my flaming fireball! Go set that stage ablaze, Red!” Dancing back, she gave her a thumbs up, Teri jumping onto her shoulder to mirror her Trainer. “We’ll be right behind you!”

  “Thanks…” she whispered with a quiet smile, the subtle tightness in her throat starting to loosen.

  Mariah nestled in her arms, offering warmth, her sweet presence comforting Amira more than she’d like to admit. Why do I have to be so independent and closed off…

  She nodded at her enthusiastic teammate before heading past the chatter of other Trainers in the locker room, whispers catching on her heels.

  Let them gossip about genetic advantages and unfair expectations, she thought. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she passed them by. It didn’t matter what they thought of her, only what she needed to prove to herself, and that was the real problem.

  Stepping through the metallic door, she found herself in the brightly lit corridor, fire-lit sconces on the walls casting flickering shadows across the floor. The heat of the Gym’s volcanic environment pressed against her skin, mixing with the adrenaline building in her veins. Mariah shifted slightly in her arms, trying to send a surprising amount of determination for her Timid songstress Pokémon.

  Amira exhaled through her nose. Calm down. Focus.

  Her thoughts were interrupted by the sight of Rhea coming down the opposite side of the corridor, the soft click of her shoes echoing against the stone floor. Her hair was still tied up in that neat blonde bun—no ponytail like she used to wear—which might have something to do with Jason and her time together.

  Is she trying to appear more grown-up? No, get your head in the match! Wow, she’s so much more confident in her stride… How the tides have turned.

  Amira slowed her pace as Rhea approached, the faint smile on her friend’s face doing nothing to mask the concern behind her eyes. It was always like Rhea to worry about others, and she could feel it coming before the blue-eyed girl opened her mouth.

  “Hey,” Rhea called softly, stopping just a few feet in front of her. The warmth in the hallway intensified, but the flickering flames felt distant against the heavy silence hanging between them. “I wanted to talk to you before your battle real fast.”

  Amira blinked, tilting her head slightly. “If it’s about Blaine using Paldean Pokémon, I’m already considering it. There isn’t much I can do but act on my feet.”

  Rhea shifted her weight to her hip, glancing briefly at the stone walls before locking onto her red eyes. “Geeta talked to me after my match,” she started, voice low. “The League voted as a whole on our Legendary Pokémon, my Abilities, and how quickly we’re growing… Whether we’re an opportunity for the future war when the Ultra Wormholes open up or a threat.”

  Amira stiffened. “They…voted on it? As in, they were voted on an actionable course of action?”

  Rhea nodded, fidgeting slightly with her fingers behind her back. “I think Geeta was warning me that we need to be cautious. Walls are crumbling and people have high expectations for us…and not everyone in the League is united. Geeta and Blaine were on our side, but…I think we need to get stronger in order to protect not just ourselves, but everyone else.”

  Amira’s jaw clenched as her mind fixated on several assumptions she could make from that. Grandpa would have been a part of that vote…yet I haven’t heard a thing from him. What does that mean?

  Her heart pounded against her ribs. Obviously, we’ve all been under scrutiny since the day our team was formed due to Rhea’s unique Pokémon, but this is about more than just Rhea, or even her unique powers. It’s her mother, her methods, and what else she has in store for us that were probably the discussions. I can’t imagine Christie is finished giving every advantage she can to Rhea, or even us, since we act as another layer to shield her daughter.

  A melancholy smile twitched her lips upward, her mother’s grinning face coming into her thoughts while playing with her brown hair.

  You are so… You knew exactly what kind of person Christie was when you used your influence to put us on the same team. Lori has two parents in the League who are close to all the other Dark Grandmasters and High Masters, giving us more voting power. Rhea has a strong family coalition in Sinnoh, Hoenn, and even a decent pull in Unova with Hilbert, Hilda, and her cousin, plus Grimsley’s support and Drake’s connection to Iris… Oh, Mom. How did it take me this long to see all the dots?

  As the pieces were rapidly falling into place, Rhea took a step closer, her voice dropping to a near whisper as she smiled and stroked Mariah’s shimmering, rustic hair.

  “I know you probably are planning on using Serenity and…probably Amber? And I know you haven’t battled with Mariah…but, umm, I think we need to make a statement,” she stated, her coral-blue eyes lifting to hit her with strength. “Not just to show Geeta we’re taking her challenge seriously but to show all the Gym Leaders that think we can’t control our powers that we’re not to be doubted.”

  Amira blinked, feeling the strong fire still radiating from her best friend’s flaming Aura. Are you aware of what you’re saying? Where did this Rhea come from? No…she’s been watching me, like she said… Learning from me and growing. I’m her role model… Wow.

  Warmth pricked her heart as she saw something mirrored in Rhea, something she’d helped to cultivate and build. We’re all flawed… I guess I needed someone else to stand up and shine to let me see them. You do sparkle like sunlight, Rhea. Thank you.

  Glancing down at Mariah, she felt the support radiating from her other Pokémon. The small Mythical Pokémon’s shiny eyes gleamed with quiet determination, the steady hum of energy between them—the bond they’d built from the beginning of their journey.

  Her gut twisted with the thought of pushing Mariah into the spotlight like this. But there was no denying the trust Rhea had in her…and the unspoken challenge her grandfather had issued. Blaine would expect her to use Serenity, and she wasn’t her only option.

  Rhea’s expression softened as she added, “Don’t worry. Blaine and Geeta—like I said—they’re on our side. Just go as hard as you can. You’ll figure out a way to win, no matter what they throw at you. You always do.”

  Those last words were a punch in the chest, something fuzzy and sharp all at once. You really think that highly of me, Rhea? It almost hurts to hear when I’m in total shambles…but it also helps. Muk that Helping Hand Ability of yours… You’re amazing.

  Amira swallowed, her lips parting before her thoughts fully caught up. “Hey, umm…after the funeral tomorrow, I was thinking…” She shifted her weight, suddenly unsure of the impulse she’d felt moments ago. “Maybe we could take a boat to Viridian…instead of flying to Pallet? I know you might want to stop by your village.”

  Rhea blinked, her expression becoming enigmatic for a split second. Then, she gave a soft, understanding nod and flashed her teeth, her tone as bright as ever.

  “A boat… Yeah, I’d like that. I’ve been with my mom a lot recently, and I think it’d be good to see your mom again.” Her smile was caring, something deeper in them—a painful understanding. She straightened with a bounce of her head. “Besides, your mom’s a much better cook!”

  The moment passed, but Amira caught it. She knew Rhea too well to miss those little cracks in her cheerful facade. She knows…

  Her heart squeezed, but before she could say anything else, the announcer’s booming voice echoed down the hall.

  “Amira Rocket, report to the stage. Your battle is next…”

  Clenching her fists and swallowing the lump in her throat, she sighed, but didn’t move, not yet. Instead, she turned back to Rhea, her voice quieter now. “Are you sure, Rhea? I don’t want to take time away from doing something you need.”

  Rhea’s smile widened just a fraction, her blue eyes glowing with confidence. “Absolutely. I doubt my parents will be there anyway, Jason’s gone back to do the Kalos Silver Cup, and my brother’s in Paldea right now. Don’t worry about my feelings because I’m with you! Tomorrow night, let’s go to Viridian. So, go make a statement, Amira. Show them who you really are.”

  Amira could hear what Rhea truly meant behind those words. …Show yourself who you really are. There was a heartbeat of silence before Amira gave a short, melancholic chuckle. Rhea saw right through me, as usual. She makes hiding things impossible. So annoying.

  “You’re too nice, you know that?” she whispered, walking forward to allow the blonde to hug her, sandwiching Mariah before breaking apart. “People will take advantage of you.”

  Rhea flashed that dazzling smile and spun away. “Who said I don’t want to be taken advantage of?” she returned before flipping around and jogging back toward the locker room, her giant blonde bun bouncing with each bound.

  Amira wiped away the small tears that had gathered in the corners of her eyes and released the hot breath trapped in her lungs as her resolve hardened. “I’ll figure out my dysfunction eventually, Rhea… Don’t you worry.”

  Mariah shifted in her arm, her whisper soft and filled with compassion. Amira smiled down at her Pokémon, her heart swelling with gratitude.

  “You want to try, huh?” she whispered. “Well, okay… Let’s be strong together.”

  Amira took one last deep breath, squaring her shoulders and feeling their bond magnify. With one final glance back at Rhea, she stepped forward, walking into the light at the end of the corridor. The fiery stage awaited her, and for the first time in a few weeks, she felt…okay.

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