12:02 p.m., November 6th, Friday, 106 PH (Post Hoopa Event). Day 150.

  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 (28 days away).

  Entering the back, Rhea couldn’t help but smile upon seeing Amira’s cheeks in full rose bloom as her mother swept Lori and their Pokémon into her neurotic tide.

  “Oh, sweetie, your grandmother sends her regards as well,” the brunette mom chimed from the dining table, setting everything up with Pokemon and Lori’s help. “She’s handling some of your grandfather’s meetings today, which is why she couldn’t come herself. You know your grandfather, taking more breaks than a Slaking! Oh, turn on the music.”

  “Mom, slow down for two seconds.”

  “On it! Oh, this is one of your songs. And what’s wrong, Ruby?” Lori laughed and snatched Lyra’s hand in passing to spin her into a dance before letting her go to reposition the salad. “Get in the flow! I always love your mom’s vibe.”

  “That’s not the point—this jet isn’t built for this much… Lulu, Alice, Shae, don’t jump on the bed,” she groaned, scooting around Amber and Gables; the pair were dancing in the corner as the redhead tried to reach the bedroom divide. “Your feet are dirty.”

  “Nee! Nee!”

  “Pun-pun-pun!”

  “Ralts?”

  Rhea could feel their response with inner amusement as the Cosmog and Lopunny snickered that the puffy cloud didn’t have feet. Her newest little girl was nervously wondering if she was in trouble, just following her senior’s lead. She privately asked them to cool things down before Amira had a breakdown or panic attack.

  Let’s give her some time to breathe. Nova, Mya, see if you can find any games in one of the cupboards or play Ditto Says.

  Her Mawile saluted her, jogging back with her Eevee to contain her little villain’s infectious chaos. Of course, it was Lyra’s energy that was fueling it all.

  Taking one look at Amira’s spinning eyes and slightly frazzled, normally perfect hair, either from her own anxiety or her mother’s playful actions, Rhea knew what she had to do.

  “Ahem. Lyra, I thought you were supposed to be in Paldea, getting ready to battle Champion Geeta?”

  Everyone refocused on her, then back to the brunette as she pushed her lips to the side and tilted her head to look toward her daughter. It created a temporary pause, calming the whirlwind.

  “Hmm. Yes, well, I learned a lot in Paldea already, and I felt like I needed my daughter-fix… Even if I’m a bit of a smothering, helicopter mom. Aren’t I annoying, my little Mew?” she whispered in a soft, mothering tone, closing in to pull Amira into a more gentle hug.

  The Rocket girl breathed a helpless sigh, decompressing, and returned it. “…No need to protect me, Mom. The truth is, I asked you to come…because I need you. I’m glad you brought Dad, too, though it’s ironic he’s hiding up front with the pilot until your storm settles.”

  “Isn’t he mean?”

  “So mean.”

  Rhea’s smile almost hurt, her heart aching as she reflected on similar moments she shared with her parents last night. All of them needed their parents in ways that were often hard to admit, but this journey had proven how grounded they were. When around, all the world’s stressors were swept away.

  Lori claimed a seat near the window, elbows resting on the table as the plane prepared to take off. “There’s an interesting topic. Champion Geeta showed up to Aura Farm when we were battling Blaine, as I’m sure you know. That was a pretty intense showing, too. What did you think? That Pokémon was huge.”

  Silver entered through the divide with a deep chuckle, joining his wife at the perfect moment of calm. He planted a peck on the top of her head, holding her from behind as if to contain her energy as she looked up to smile at him.

  “Bigger doesn’t always mean stronger. It is quite the strange Pokémon, but looking into it with Rocket’s resources, I have no concerns. When my wife gets serious, she’s ‘dangerously cute’ in the most terrifying way imaginable. She makes up her own set of rules.”

  “Silver,” Lyra pouted, puffing out a cheek and twisting around to reach up and play with his hair, “you make me sound scary. It’s just a little regional showboating to help Paldea ground itself in the United League. It’s being hyped up is all.”

  Amira rolled her eyes as she sat, and Rhea joined her, pulling Shae up on her lap.

  “Mother, we both know whenever you get into a fight with someone on your level, you lose control and get swept up in the fun of it all. There’s a reason the United League is having it done over the ocean, and I heard from a little bird that you got Leaf to force Blue to help smooth over any weather issues you two cause… Like tidal waves or hurricanes.”

  “Pfft! No,” Lyra mumbled, now sounding a tad flustered while playing with her husband’s tie. “I’m not a monster. I just sometimes…get a little carried away. It’ll be fine. Wait, who told you about Blue helping?! Hmm?” Her brown irises glared up at her tight-lipped husband. “Hmm?!”

  “It wasn’t Dad, Mom,” Amira sighed, seeing her mother’s unconvinced couch-stare. “Who do you think told me? Auntie Green. She told me she was thinking about doing a surprise jumping-in and making it a three-way battle for fun, and I told her she better not. Rhea’s aunt would be livid with all the preparation.”

  Rhea forced a laugh, thinking back to her own annoyance with Blue. He’d been on her Muk-list for most of her life, until just a few months ago, but the more she learned about the Legend, the more sympathetic she got toward the man.

  He must really love Leaf. So much politics and drama among all the top-tier trainers, but in the end, somehow everything works out. And yeah, Auntie Cynthia would be livid if anyone messed up this big event.

  “Is this…one of the first Legend, or Near-Legendary tier battles televised?” Rhea found herself asking the room as everyone took their seats. “I grew up watching Grandmaster battles, but all the Champion or Legendary-tier fights were always done in the Badlands, Sinjoh Desolation, or Mt. Silver.”

  “Huh,” Lori broke in, already dishing up her food as they were heading onto the runway, the sound of the jet picking up. “As far as I know, it was always the desert or the Giant Chasm.”

  Lyra happily began passing around the items, Rhea stacking a lot on her plate; she’d been extremely hungry since using so much of her Fortitude with Lulu, and invoking V’s power.

  “Very few people can even be near such a battle without getting caught up in it,” the mother returned conversationally. “Also, I wouldn’t say Geeta and I are Legendary-tier. From what I’ve seen, Geeta may be as close as I am, but even among Legends, there are tiers to it, which is why you have the World Champion.”

  She winked at Rhea. “It’s no surprise that the title kept switching between Ash, Red, and your aunt. Gold does really well against Red, but not so well against Ash or Cindie, so he has his struggles. Ash has stupid luck, and his Grandmaster Aura bond is rather unique with Pikachu—even among the Rat Gang Pikachu prodigies. And your aunt is just a monster with tactics and being able to get under Gold’s skin.”

  “I’ve heard all the stories growing up,” Rhea smiled, thinking back to the times they’d entertained each of the Legends when passing through the Master’s Village. She glanced down at her Pokémon as they happily chowed down, and the plane tilted as it lifted into the sky. “We have a long way to go to reach you guys…”

  She glanced between her violet-haired and red-haired companions, taking a deep breath but feeling lighter than ever. “But you guys should watch out, because we’re rising fast!”

  Lori’s grin shone. “You’re shining brighter than ever, Honey Pot. We’re on the rise! And in more ways than one. Did you hear about the movie Nova’s going to be in, Lyra? Oh, and so many other things!”

  Amira shook her head, eyes lowering and frowning at her untouched food. “Why are we talking about nonsense when we’re going to face my grandfather tomorrow? How can none of you be nervous? This is…my grandfather we’re talking about—the hardest Gym in Kanto. I know he’s going to be harder on us.”

  Lyra and Silver’s eyes turned gentle as she found her husband’s hand under the table.

  “Oh, sweetie…”

  A silence spread through them as Rhea recalled her first time seeing the Veridian Gym Leader face off against Bronze-tier opponents—his Diglett tactic returning to thought.

  “…I know this has probably been in the back of your mind for a long time,” Rhea began, looking up to see the uncertainty and rarely seen anxiety in the redhead’s ruby eyes. “You’ve grounded us in every Gym up to this point. So, rely on us a little. We’re with you.”

  “We don’t even need to win, right? You already qualified,” Lori noted between bites. “You’ve already qualified for four Encrusted Badges.”

  Rhea groaned inside. That’s not the point, Lori.

  Yet, Amira forced a smile at the blunt statement. “Perhaps I am being a tad melodramatic and foolish.”

  She placed a hand over her heart, no doubt racing with how many scenarios her brain jumped through. Her Pokémon made soft, encouraging sounds, and Holly floated around her neck like a scarf to hug her Trainer.

  “I know Grandpa will be harder on me than anyone else… And I’d have it no other way. My blood still feels like ice every time I even think about that battlefield, even if I’ve walked through his Gym hundreds of times. Just thinking about it now gives me chills… I’m scared. That’s hard to admit. But I’m scared. And I’m excited… But, I suppose I’ve had some training in that paradoxical department as of late.”

  Rhea could feel the progress, heart swelling at how open and vulnerable the redhead was being. She’s opening up. And I don’t think she’d be able to without her parents here.

  She glanced at the pair, and Lyra actually had tears in her eyes, Silver’s palm in a death grip in hers. Amira’s Pokémon gathered to show their support. Gleaming on her earrings, necklace, and now a ring, Rhea’s gaze drifted between the Badges she’d won on their Silver-tier journey:

  The Soul Badge from Janine.

  The Cascade Badge from Misty.

  The March Badge from Sabrina.

  The Rainbow Badge from Erika.

  And the Volcano Badge from Blaine.

  They only needed four Encrusted to enter the Silver Cup. Yet, this wasn’t about the Silver Cup; this was about a granddaughter and grandfather’s unspoken future conflict that had been building between them since she was a little girl, first watching her grandfather battle challengers. Rhea could feel it in her own chest.

  This is about Amira proving to herself that she’s growing up and becoming her own woman, stepping out of her family’s shadow.

  Amira’s crimson irises settled on Rhea’s. “Thank you for everything you do, Rhea. I’ve learned a lot on this journey… “I discovered weaknesses I didn’t think I had. I’ve overcome some, and I’m still working on others, and…honestly,” she took a deep breath, and smiled, “win or lose, the important part, I know, is that I tried. I can only say that due to the example Lori and you showed me.”

  “Amira…” Rhea’s fingers tightened around her gut, so many emotions rolling through it that she couldn’t name them all. “I wouldn’t be anywhere near as confident as I am now without your help. You taught me how to be, well, more of a lady. Jason and I would probably not be a thing without you…and Lori, too! You taught me how to let go a little and give into my Impidimp, even if the verdict is still out on whether that’s a good thing.”

  The Unovan girl snickered. “Way to make me sound like a total degenerate, but yeah… I’m way behind you two in so many ways. But you’re patient with me. Thanks.”

  “Girls… You’re making a mother cry!” Lyra sniffed, allowing Silver to clean her up with a handkerchief, her eyes puffy and wet. “You’re all growing up to be such amazing young women, and I’m so happy to be able to have a first-row seat. It’s the greatest gift a mother could have, and I know your mothers feel the same way.”

  Lori’s smile became awkward. “Yeah, well, my mom and I have a bit of a different love-hate relationship. My sisters are more in that camp, and I can’t tell you how proud I am about Cass… She’s made so much progress it’s not even funny.”

  Rhea tried not to sigh at seeing Lori deflect from herself, yet again. The girl had such a hard self-image problem. She tried so hard, too.

  Just give it some time, Lori, she thought inside. You’re more beautiful and stronger than you allow yourself to see. “With your height and curves. With your flaws and all… You’re beautiful. There’s so much love and pain in your Aura.

  Rhea slid into a window seat as Amira tried to comfort her sobbing mother, her father just being a silent physical support she could latch onto. Lori retreated into her food and gave attention to her Pokemon, which Rhea let go—any attempt to push would only make her more defensive. She just had to be Lori’s ‘Sunshine’ and little ‘Honey Pot’ to tease.

  Progress was being made, and when she looked back—from Pallet all the way to Cinnabar—she saw just how many connections they’d forged along the way. They’d found love, they’d found friendship, and they’d weathered intense hardship.

  She’d discovered terrifying truths about her past, herself, and what awaited her in the future. She’d learned about the crushing expectations that were placed on her and many of those close to her. They’d survived assassination attempts and emotionally devastating situations.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  Life was complicated, and they still had so far to go—but they’d gained gems worth every tear.

  Speaking about complications… Rhea’s thoughts drifted from Amira, who was in quite a healthy place after their private chat about her envy and growth days earlier, to her lilac-eyed companion. I need to try and get Misty back…for one last battle. I’d better ask Ash before Misty, since he’s the father, and I don’t want to put stress on Misty.

  Her team piled around her in their usual chaotic formation.

  Nova claimed her lap immediately, curling into a tight ball with her tail wrapped around Rhea’s wrist. Mya settled against her side, second mouth resting contentedly like hair down her back. Alice stretched out on the seat beside her, long ears twitching as she took in every detail of their surroundings. Lulu and Shae floated near the window, pressing their faces against the glass with matching expressions of pure wonder.

  The jet began to even out, and Rhea’s stomach did a small flip—half nerves, half excitement. She pulled out her phone, needing something to do with her hands as she figured out exactly how to approach that issue, and scrolled through the messages she’d missed while packing that morning.

  One from the Wooloo girls made her smile despite her anxiety in the group chat—though Sam’s was private.

  11:02 a.m. Wooloo Sam: We’re in Viridian! Sent some care packages to Lyra’s place for you. Hope you like them. Can’t wait to see you tonight! ?? I’m glad Lyra invited us. I can’t believe she even remembered us, tbh. I think we’re all texting you at the same time… Sorry for the spam. Rylee is trying to be happy. It’s hard. Some mornings she cries…but that’s good.

  11:04 a.m. Wooloo Rylee: Knight has been asking about Mya nonstop. I think he’s got a crush. He keeps polishing himself and asking if he looks “honorable.” It’s actually really cute. ?? It’s nice to see him focusing on that rather than other things.

  11:06 a.m. Wooloo Hannah: RHEA. I just saw the Blaine footage for the 50th time, and I’m STILL not over it. I can’t believe Amira used Mariah! She was just the best! And Lulu? Total showstopper! That was so intense.

  11:08 a.m. Wooloo Jade: Mimi evolved!!! She’s a Pikachu now, and she’s SO CUTE. Can’t wait to show you! It’s all thanks to your mom. Thank her for me. Please! Really. I’m crying! She used to hurt herself with her own electricity, and now she’s a proud Pikachu!

  11:09 a.m. Wooloo Cami: I keep telling my little sister Jade to stop spamming. Hi Rhea, we’re all really excited to see you guys. Thank Lyra for us. It’s really kind of her to let us crash dinner. We brought gifts!

  Rhea’s heart burned as she typed back quickly.

  11:24 a.m. Joltik Butt: Wait, no one told us you’d be joining for dinner! I’m so excited! Congrats on Mimi, Jade! I’ll text my mom. I’m sure she’ll want to do a check-up on her at some point. My dad stole her away again on a date earlier this morning. And Hannah, chill a little bit. This is a big moment for Amira. She’s stressed. Let’s try to be supportive without saying a thing!

  The jet evened out into a smooth glide—so subtle Rhea barely felt the shift—and her breath caught as she glanced out of the window between messages.

  Cinnabar’s volcanic landscape fell away beneath them like the Kelpsy Berry blues they’d been feeling. The ocean stretched endlessly in every direction, glittering under the late morning sun like someone had scattered diamonds across blue silk. She could see the faint outline of the Seafoam Islands in the distance, and far north, the hazy shape of the mainland curving toward them in the distance.

  They flew in comfortable silence for a while, munching on the lunch and snacks, before gentle conversation ensued. The hum of the engines was a soothing white noise that made Rhea’s eyelids feel heavy despite having slept for two days straight.

  Amira moved to the front cabin to sit on a couch against her mom, working quietly on her tablet as her mom quietly held her—shockingly, Lyra said nothing. Their Pokémon split up into their own groups, playing their own games. Silver sat nearby, seemingly sending texts to Amira, who responded on the tablet rather than talking, which made Rhea snicker.

  Of course, Lori had retreated to the back with a post-lunch slump and had already fallen back asleep, snoring softly with Melon’s head resting on her stomach and drool pooling on the expensive leather, visible from the open doorway.

  In that time, Rhea found the words to text Ash:

  1:13 p.m. Joltik Butt: Hey, Ash! I hope Misty, Brock, and you are having fun on your adventure. First, yes, I’m texting to ask something big. Second, please be totally honest with me—it’s a selfish request.

  TL;DR - Lori needs to have a rematch with Misty before the Silver Cup. It’s an emotional wall. It doesn’t even have to be official. I know stress is bad for the baby and her. Not trying to cause trouble!

  That said, I know that isn’t Misty’s style, and she’d want it to be in the Gym to be official. I know her big sisters basically almost started a war with her to force her out of the Gym and to give them the seat while she’s pregnant. Misty is super stubborn, and I don’t want to start another blow-up between her and her sisters.

  It’s a delicate situation. I know! Lori and Miky’s battle with Misty was…really hard on them. You know how bad it was. Miky unbonded with Lori and gave up battling because of it. That still haunts her, even after Miky and she won against Sabrina. I think she really needs to have that rematch.

  I know Misty is now a few months pregnant, and it’s not fair to ask this because it’s probably more stressful now. She’s probably got a ton of unreasonable requests and is eating sand and Water Stones, claiming it’ll infuse the spirit of the ocean into your baby or something funny like that—my mom’s joke, don’t strangle me!

  I thought I’d ask you. I just thought I’d ask. I know you may not even be in the region right now. Sorry to lay all of this on you at once.

  Rhea, your unreasonable little Aura apprentice.

  
  She hissed at the end and deleted the broken heart.

  Laying it on too much there, Rhea. Chill… You spilled your heart. Let him make the decision. That’s all I can do.

  About two hours into the flight, Silver stood, moving toward the front of the cabin with purpose. “We’re going to transfer to the helicopter here shortly before the plane touches down.”

  “Wait, what?” Rhea blinked, brain taking a moment to process, immediately looking toward Lyra’s smile and Zelri spinning in a cyclone above her—the Porygon-Z chirping. “Helicopter?”

  “For the aerial tour,” Silver explained, as if this were perfectly normal and not completely insane. “The jet can’t land at the house—no runway—so we’ll transfer mid-flight to a hover helicopter. It’ll give you a better view of the city on approach.”

  “Mid-flight?” Lori yawned, suddenly coming out of the cabin, hair an absolute disaster. “Muk. That’s cool, I guess. I’m honestly surprised Lyra isn’t just using Telekinesis to fly us this time.”

  “Oh, Silver gets Telekinesis sickness,” Lyra teased, smiling at her husband. “He thinks we’re too heavy-handed and go too fast.”

  “What can I say,” Silver smiled, hands held behind his back, “my wife is an adorable fighter jet on steroids, with the cutest coating a man could ask for. Fighter jets are awe-striking, respectable, and…tend to be rather brutal on the G-forces.”

  “Aww. You’re embarrassing me, sweetie!”

  “Impossible,” Amira mumbled, still lying against her chest. “You don’t have a single bone in your body with that word attached to it.”

  “So cruel! I love you, too,” she giggled, kissing her forehead. “Here we go!”

  Rhea’s stomach twisted, and abruptly, rainbow lights flashed around every one of them. One moment, she was in the jet, and the next, she’d been teleported directly into the helicopter in a cascade of geometric light with all her Pokémon around her.

  The interior was even more luxurious than the plane, gravity pulse wings providing a perfectly smooth flight that felt like they were standing still, despite the world moving outside the one-way, tinted glass wall facing them.

  Silver sighed from his position nearby; his eyes were fond as he gazed upon his city, the Rocket jet descending toward the airstrip. “We’re home.”

  Lyra hugged his waist as Amira set down her tablet and moved to join them. The rest of their Pokémon were torn between being terrified of the glass wide shot of Viridian Bay and enthralled by the experience.

  Rhea’s legs felt like jelly as she took in the familiar sight, spotting the coast of Shadow Woods to their north; to the west of that would be Viridian Forest. It felt like forever since she’d seen these breathtaking views, and she’d grown so much in the past several months—faster than she ever thought possible.

  The ocean was thousands of feet below them, waves like tiny ripples from this height and the jet banked away smoothly, heading for an aerial sweep. Silver left them to take over from the pilot, the man wearing the slick Rocket uniform saluting him before Zelri apparently teleported him…somewhere that wasn’t here.

  Of course, Silver can fly a state-of-the-art gravity helicopter.

  The red-haired man’s voice came on over the speakers, yet it didn’t sound like it in the unsettlingly silent aircraft; it sounded right next to them.

  “If everyone would direct their attention to your west,” Silver said in that calm, professional voice, “you’ll see Viridian coming into view.”

  “All I see is an ahoge I get to play with,” Lyra chuckled darkly, moving after her husband in the pilot seat with a rather cutely sinister smile. “You can’t stop me while you’re flying!”

  “Darling… Leave my hair alone.”

  “It just pokes up—it’s too adorable!”

  Lori just snickered, whispering, “Relationship goals.”

  “Menace goals,” Amira mumbled back, self-consciously smoothing her hair.

  Rhea found herself wondering if Amira had ever had an ahoge at some point…or if she used products to get rid of it.

  Rhea pressed her face against the window as Amira tried to defend her father from her tiny, end-boss-worthy mother. The brunette would not be denied her rogue hair bundle in perfect Lyra-chaotic fashion.

  “Mom, I’ll convince Gold to cut it off this time!”

  “He wouldn’t dare! I almost bleached his favorite hat the last time he tried—he’s terrified of me!”

  “It was more than the hat, Mom!”

  “All is fair in ahoge and war!”

  “Mom, you’re ridiculous.”

  “No, you’re ridiculous, denying me your lovely little ahoge.”

  I knew it! Rhea internally laughed.

  “Shut up, Mom! Just leave Dad alone!”

  “It’s okay, sweetheart, let her have her fun—some women love beards, others ahoge.”

  “Doesn’t he know how to melt my heart?”

  “You two… Fine. I give up.”

  “Victory!” Lyra cheered, kissing them both on the cheeks. Rhea figured it was just the mother trying to get back to familiar family dynamics now that they were all home. “I always get my way. Bua-haha!”

  “Because you’re a tyrant, Mom.”

  “Love conquers all!” she roared.

  “If that’s what you call it.”

  Rhea just smiled, enjoying the family dynamic. It felt so natural, and also out of place, for the elegant and proper redhead was outside of her mother’s chaotic energy.

  This was exactly what Amira needed, and her mother knew it, even if Amira herself didn’t realize it. And Rhea was convinced this was one blind area her friend had.

  She turned her gaze to the cityscape. Compared to her isolated village heart, even with all her travels over the past few months, it still took her breath away.

  The city rose from the landscape like something out of a dream—a massive V-shaped valley carved deep into the earth, filled with gleaming skyscrapers that reflected the afternoon sun in shades of green, black, and red.

  The sheer scale of it stole every thought from her head. Five million people lived down there. Five million lives, all contained within this stunning, impossible metropolis that seemed to glow with its own inner light.

  Viridian was the second-largest city in Kanto. The valley was carved and shaped by Giovanni and his Pokémon over the course of fifteen years. Amira told her all sorts of stories over the past few months, and she always had awe when speaking about her grandfather.

  Every street, every building placement, every green space—it was all planned.

  They curved northward, and there was Viridian Forest, a vast expanse of ancient trees that stretched as far as the eye could see. It connected to Pewter City on the western edge and ran all the way to the Indigo Plateau on the eastern border.

  Rhea pressed her face harder against the window, her team crowding around her to see. The forest was breathtaking—an ocean of deep green that seemed to pulse with wild energy even from this height. She could see Pokémon moving through the canopy, flashes of color and movement that spoke of untamed wilderness preserved in the heart of civilization.

  She still remembered her first life and death encounter with a Pokémon—the Nidorino she and Sam faced, who had killed Tera’s mother. Mya and Tera worked together, and they won.

  That felt so long ago now.

  To the west, she saw the rivers and waterfalls of the League plateau that fed the deep, almost jungle-like forest, as Silver continued to bank the helicopter in a smooth arc. The falls cascaded down rocky cliffs in shimmering silver ribbons, feeding into crystal-clear rivers that wound through rolling hills like veins of light.

  The water caught the sun and threw it back in dazzling displays of rainbow mist. In the distance, Rhea could just make out the massive plateau at this height, where the Indigo League stood—ancient, imposing, eternal.

  On the opposite side of that, nearer to her home village, Silver City was built, where the Silver Cup would be held. Rhea’s chest tightened at that thought.

  Twenty-eight days. Twenty-eight days until everything we’ve worked for comes to a head, yet we still have so much more to do until then.

  The helicopter lowered, now hovering over the city proper, and there it was, Viridian Gym. The structure rose from the center of the city like a fortress—dark stone and green glass, surrounded by meticulously maintained grounds that included battle arenas, training fields, and what looked like an entire park dedicated to Ground and Rock-type habitats.

  Even from above, it looked imposing. Intimidating. A place where dreams were tested and shattered on a daily basis. Tomorrow, Amira would walk through those doors and face her grandfather—all of them would face one of the two most intimidating Gym Leaders in Kanto.

  We beat Sabrina. We can beat Giovanni! We can do it.

  Rhea glanced at the redhead, whose expression was unreadable. Amber had climbed up to nuzzle her chin, and Amira’s fingers tightened briefly in the Braixen’s fur before relaxing.

  “You’ve got this,” Rhea said softly, leaning over to bump her shoulder.

  Amira’s lips quirked into a small smile. “We’ll see. By the way, do you see those lights and buildings—that’s the shopping district. We’ll need to stop off there before we leave… And over there is the Contest Hall, if Nova wants to try it. Though ours is much larger than the Gardenia City one, and only serves Gold-tier and above… I’m sure Lulu and Nova could handle it.”

  Rhea breathed out the tension that had somehow welled up in her chest as she looked northward. Pewter was much further away than they could see from here.

  “I can’t focus on any of that until we beat Forrest… Right, Mya?”

  “Mawile!”

  Her steely girl smacked her fist to palm, horn curling with determination.

  The helicopter began to descend toward the western edge of the city, where the urban sprawl gave way to suburban neighborhoods with tree-lined streets and modest homes that looked nothing like the towering skyscrapers of downtown.

  It was quieter here. Peaceful. The kind of place where you could actually hear Pidgey singing in the mornings.

  Lyra and Silver’s house came into view—a beautiful two-story home with pale blue siding, white trim, and a sprawling backyard that included a garden, a small pond, and a helipad that was definitely not standard for the neighborhood.

  “Home sweet home!” Lyra announced as they touched down with barely a whisper of movement. Silver was clearly an excellent pilot. “Now come on, girls—your friends will be arriving shortly, and I’ve got enough food to feed twelve Snorlax! I actually tested how much twelve Snorlax ate once—true story!”

  Rhea’s heart exploded with warmth as they touched down, and the wall actually lowered into a ramp, paneling flipping up to allow them to step down.

  Amira, you have the coolest parents… Mine are pretty good, too. At least, they are after I set them straight. Yours are just cute.

  She glanced to her right, seeing Silver carrying his wife out of the pilot area, probably because she refused to get out of the way, teasing him. It reminded her that her mother was the typical non-funny, introverted researcher who neglected her health, and that her father was the adventurous chaos-maker in their relationship who pulled her out of her shell.

  I love how my family is growing. Now…

  She glanced at Lori, dancing down the stairs with Alice and Terri.

  If only I could get to know Karen and Grimsley better. Other than that time in Celadon—with all that gambling—or Apple City, I haven’t been able to get to know her parents that well. There’s…a complicated relationship there, for sure.

  Putting it out of her head, she put on a smile and stepped down after her, only she got one answer as her phone vibrated on the last step. She took it out while her Pokémon spilled out into the yard, playing tag with Alice, which was a losing game.

  3:58 p.m. Ash: Misty and the baby are doing well. I talked to her, and she says she’ll return for one day—next Saturday, so she’d better reserve the flight now. She wants to prank her sisters in any case. I bet you’ll be in Pewter, but we might be able to stop by.

  P.S. Loved Lulu’s fight. She’s trouble!

  Rhea internally shouted.

  Victory! Now, how to break it to Lori…

  She looked ahead, a frown and worry now settling into her gut.

  What if…I did all of this, and she actually doesn’t want to do it?

  Crap. I might have messed up…but I won’t know until I ask.

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