4:10 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).

  Mariah tried to steady herself as Blitz, Paldea’s Blazing Tauros, landed with a thunderous crackle of flame and heat, his eyes locking onto her with a ferocity that sent a shiver down her spine. Raising his head, the bull let out a deafening roar that sent a wave of pressure digging into her core, making her muscles .

  The molten arena pulsed with energy, slowly chipping away at her defensive matrix as the lava flowed around her. Each tremor beneath her feet sent a vibration up her spine.

  I want to run… The fiery rays of the arena’s permanent Sunny Day radiated an oppressive heat, amplifying the bubbling stone heating up around her. I want to run… But I can’t falter. Not now!

  Amira’s building trust sustained her, and despite the fatigue weighing her down from the last battle, Mariah maintained her dignified posture. She didn’t have to glance back at her Trainer to feel the subtle tension in Amira’s eyes as she watched, but there was no doubt, only faith.

  We can do this. I believe in us.

  Blitz stamped his hooves, shaking off falling embers from a geyser that erupted near him as if they were nothing. The air around him shimmered from the sheer heat his presence brought. His fiery mane flared with every breath, and his snarl cut through the arena’s noise.

  “Welcome to my arena, little lady.”

  Mariah straightened, summoning the inner calm she always felt when performing with Amira. The Taruos was massive, towering over her. It’s just another stage. Another performance. Only, this time…the stakes are higher.

  Standing tall, hands clasped at her front and electricity sparking around her in the charged zone she’d created, Mariah put on a gracious smile. “I can handle a little heat.”

  Deep chuckles shook his bulky frame as he stepped forward, flames snorting out of his flaring nostrils. “We’ll see how long that lasts.”

  Taunt wearing off, her slender frame moved with a dancer’s as she energy into her eyes, sharpening them and fighting past the Intimidation that struck her. The melody of battle was already beginning to hum in her veins.

  She had to be smart—Amira was struggling to keep up with the power her Moves demanded, Blitz was bigger, fresh into battle, and his raw power could overwhelm her quickly if she made a single mistake.

  The crowd roared as Blaine raised his hand to the bright heavens, snatching a white fedora that fell out of the sky from nowhere. Slipping it on in one fluid movement, he smirked, chuckled, and looked down on her as fire erupted around the stadium.

  “Let’s dance!”

  With a snarl, Blitz charged forward, flames bursting from his hooves as they scorched the ground beneath him, turning the stone to magma. The heat intensified, and Mariah could feel the temperature spike, beads of sweat forming on her brow as the bull became a blur, barreling toward her.

  I have to remain in control…

  Mariah didn’t budge. Blitz’s inferno-embraced head lowered, horns tilting low, coming right for her. She waited, waited, and then a honeycomb blue enclosed her. Blitz’s head crashing into the shield, the flames licking at the edges, but the barrier held.

  Not budging an inch, the kinetic force flipped Blitz over her to tumble across the molten streams, projecting magma in all directions. Yet, Mariah still gritted her teeth, feeling the drain on her already-waning Trainer. Amira was already sweating, and not from the sun beating down on her.

  I can’t keep taking hits like this or wasting energy.

  Without missing a beat, she inhaled deeply, and let out a melodious note, turning toward the bull. Blitz thrashed in the lava, rising out of it with red in his eyes. A ghostly aura surrounded him, managing to increase his Attack and Defense, Speed dropping. She didn’t plan on hitting him with the same attack as Ebony, though.

  Suddenly, his eyes sagged, her lullaby mixing with the rumbles of the volcanic activity around her, and then, he fell to the side, fast asleep.

  Steeling herself, Mariah used nimble steps to dance across the few hot stones within the lake of lava she’d created. Electricity danced which each skip she made, the Electric Terrain still sparking across the field.

  She only had one shot left. One Move. And for that reason, she had to give her Trainer one last show of confidence: the radiant heat of the field had been gradually chipping away at her matrix, especially with the sun now blazing down on her. She wouldn’t last much longer.

  Using the bull’s head as a platform, she danced up his bulky frame to stand atop the Paldean Pokemon. With that, she addressed the crowd, her melodic voice filling the stadium as the announcer hushed. Her focus was on Amira, standing above, struggling inside with herself in ways Mariah didn’t understand. Yet, she wanted to help.

  “Pokemon and humans, I understand this is not the time to say these things… I feel I must, though.” Holding a hand to her chest, she smiled at her Trainer, her teammates spiritually sending their support. “We are far from perfect. I can be dangerous…frightening, even,” she said, casting her eyes to the crowd and cameras while using her opponent as a platform.

  “I am a Mythical Pokemon. I did not ask to be born that way…to have these powers. I am terrified to speak in front of you. Yet, as I said, I must. My birthright allows me to bypass matrixes and defenses… To win against opponents I should not have the ability to.

  “Then again, you do not see my flaws. You do not see what is beyond this battle…the power I can exert. I am a Pokemon. I am a very…shy girl, most of the time. And I love my Trainer with all my soul.” She smiled and returned her gaze to Amira; she could feel her redhead holding back tears behind her sunglasses. “We do have our limitations. But we try to overcome them. For all those who have faith in us… Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”

  Her hair fanned forward as she held her hands at her front and bowed to the crowd, gathering all of her own energy she could and nothing from her Trainer. Blitz twitched below her, his muscles tightening.

  Brushing back her locks while straightening, she showed an abashed smile while hopping off the bull to a nearby stone platform in the flowing lava. Mariah turned to acknowledge her rising opponent. “I’m just a normal girl, despite my appearance. And I thank you for allowing me to speak my heart. Thank you for the battle.”

  Blitz tensed as the yellow glow surrounded her, sparks igniting. A blue barrier formed around the bull, yet before Mariah could fully activate her Move…her matrix shattered, the rising heat stripping it away.

  Vision blurring as she fell, she asked, Did…I do well?

  Amira’s heart ached as she watched Mariah move, balancing on Blitz’s broad back. Every elegant note that left Mariah’s lips echoed in the stadium, but it was the emotion behind them that pierced through Amira like a knife: the strength she wished to project to her.

  She stood frozen while listening, the heat of the blazing sun overhead pressing down on her, sweat dripping from her temples, and she could feel the dampness spreading under her arms. Her fingers balled into a fist against the console.

  I don’t know what you’re saying…but I can feel it. I know you’re worried about me—the way I’ve been feeling lately… How I hide it. I feel vulnerable…a coward for not being able to open up, but… I can’t with Rhea. I’ve tried. And I know it’s been hard on all of you.

  The thoughts gnawed at her, but she tried to shake it off, wiping the sweat from her brow and trying to remain in control. Mariah’s graceful bow, her quiet smile, and the way she spoke that transferred through their bond—it stirred something deep in Amira’s chest.

  How can I hide behind these rose-tinted sunglasses or sharp words when you’re baring your heart to the world? Of course you did well…

  She watched the soft yellow glow surround Mariah as she attempted her final attack, Blitz taking the bait. Her Pokémon’s strength had been so remarkable, but now, she could sense it—Mariah had reached her limit. The blazing heat from the arena was too much, even for her Mythical power.

  In an instant, the light around Mariah faltered. Amira’s breath caught as she fell to the ground, her matrix shattered. Her elegant form crumpled, and for a moment, time seemed to stretch, the world narrowing to the sight of her partner collapsing to the hot earth, exhausted due to using as much of her own energy as possible so as not to burden her.

  Mariah…

  She wanted to jump down and go to her Pokemon but knew it was impossible. But before she could even take a step, Blaine’s Arcanine leapt into action, a blur of orange and black. The giant canine landed gracefully beside Mariah, his thick fur shimmering with the energy of Extreme Speed. Gently, he lowered his massive head, carefully closing his mouth around her to place Mariah onto his back with practiced ease.

  Blaine gave a reassuring nod as he leaped through the barrier as it momentarily lowered due to his unique collar effect. “She’s tough, Amira,” he said, his deep voice carrying a warmth that contrasted with the sweltering heat. “Tougher than you think. She just needs a bit of rest.”

  Amira nodded, biting the inside of her cheek to keep her emotions in check while accepting her little songstress into her arms. She was shocked to find her fingers trembling, knuckles white, as she clutched Mariah close to her body. Her armpits were damp, her legs shaky, but she held herself together.

  She’s okay…

  Blaine’s smile grew, a hint of respect in his eyes as he removed his circular, dark glasses to stare at her in a way elders somehow managed. “You should be proud. For her first time battling, she managed to not only control her new power on instinct, but also give it her all. That level of control is not something born with…but cultivated through a bond. Though short, that was one Fire of a performance.”

  Amira swallowed hard, her throat dry from the heat. “I am proud,” she whispered, though her voice sounded smaller than she intended. Her sunglasses hid the glistening in her eyes as she carefully put her songstress into the transportation chamber to recover in the Center. “She’s incredible.”

  Blaine’s lips curled into a soft grin, less of the showman and more of the mentor now. “This battle’s not over, Rocket. Ready for round two?”

  Amira’s heart pounded as her focus centered on the snorting bull in the molten battlefield, the sounds of hissing, popping, and bubbling rock coming back into focus. The radiating heat made it feel like she was standing inside an oven; this battle wasn’t only about the endurance of her Pokemon but the Trainer, as well.

  The flames licked at the edges of the platform, and she could feel the pressure of the potent Sunny Day pushing down on her, making it harder to breathe.

  We’ve got one chance left. Amber, you’re up. She pulled out her next Poké Ball, feeling the familiar, steady pulse of her Starter’s energy within it. Mom’s here. I know it. She’s watching, trying to see what I need. Rhea’s probably watching from the Center. Lori’s waiting for her chance… And there are a lot of other women watching across the world…

  Though doubt still gnawed at the edges of her mind, she stood tall, taking strength from Mariah’s performance. Rhea has fun while battling…and that’s hard for me. I don’t know why, but it is. I need to feel through my emotions, but this isn’t the time for that. Thank you for believing me…

  Holding Amber’s Poke Ball against her chest, she felt her Pokemon gathering around her; it was hard to feel them when she closed herself off, which also dug at her soul: it hurt their bond. I’ll do better. Amber, Holly, Serenity, Tess… Help me get through this.

  As she pressed the button and hurled the ball into the air, Amber materialized in a dazzle of light, her fiery wand already twirling in her hand. The Braixen landed lightly on the hot stone, the fire in her eyes mirroring the heat of the battlefield; the lava wasn’t going to affect her fox.

  A wave of emotions flooded Amira’s mind as their bond flared to new heights, and she felt something unusual well up within her, as if a new gate had opened.

  Amber’s sharp focus was on the bull across from her and her fox’s deep-seated pride blazed to life. It was like a flame—steady, unyielding, and burning with a fierce intensity. The two of them were in sync, and Amira’s breath steadied as she allowed herself to draw strength from their connection.

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  “Brai-Braixen!”

  You’re right, Amber, she thought, feeling her Pokémon’s confidence lift her own spirits. We’re not out yet.

  Amber’s thick tail flicked, embers trailing in the air behind her as she eyed the snorting bull, prancing left and right with laughter

  “Alright, Blaine,” Amira called, her voice firmer now as she wiped the sweat from her brow. “Let’s see what we’ve got left.”

  Blaine slid his glasses up the bridge of his nose, his Arcanine returning to his side. “So…you’re a Syncro-Burst type, are you? Interesting. I would have taken you more for a Mega kind of gal. And look at that…”

  Amira’s eyes lifted to the screen as the swirl of emotions within her rose, and the number on the screen increased: Silver-7. Blaine’s words that followed solidified what it meant.

  “Your bond just deepened on a level neither of your teammates has managed. Amber has answered you… She can now send you energy. Make sure it counts.”

  Just as she was letting that sink in, the announcer held up his flags. “Begin!”

  Amber's paws touched the searing stone with a lightness born from all the training she’d done over the last few months, especially with Dawn and her Buneary. Wand twirling in her hand, she locked onto Blitz’s massive form, the Tauros’ muscles rippling beneath his fiery black coat. The battlefield spat its ire, yet Amber was unphased by the intense warmth; in fact, it energized her.

  When the announcer’s voice rang out, Amber launched into motion, darting forward, her fiery wand spinning in an arc as she prepared to meet Blitz head-on. No words, only action.

  The Blazing Tauros wasted no time, flames erupting from his hooves as he barreled toward her. His sheer size and power were overwhelming, but Amber’s smile grew as a white light illuminated her, becoming a —a gift Amira got her in Vermilion—Speed +2.

  She slid to the left, narrowly avoiding a headbutt aimed at her midsection. A flick of her wand, and a blast of Psychic energy shot out, striking Blitz’s flank. He was shockingly bulky by the way he took it; the Paldean Pokemon was going to be a tough opponent, but it made him grunt and shift his stance.

  Amira’s voice filtered through their resonating bond, her trust filling her with resolve as she returned the emotion. “Nice shot, Amber! He’s still a physical bruiser like this Normal counterpart. Plus, he’s slowed himself down to increase his Attack and Defense.”

  Amber’s tail flicked, embers dancing from it as she darted around the arena, using the molten rock formations for cover as he chased after her. She had to stay nimble, constantly moving. He had the power advantage: one solid hit could knock her out of the battle.

  Spinning her wand, Amber summoned a flaming tornado to escape his vision, flames coiling in a vortex around the bull, amplified by the blazing sun overhead.

  “You think that will stop me?!” Blitz roared, charging through the fire, undeterred.

  Amber smiled, a of fire surrounding her, further increasing her speed as she leaped off a few rock formations to quickly reposition. Just as he powered through the inferno, she appeared at his side, slamming into him to send the surprised bull tumbling into a nearby magma pool.

  He swiftly recovered, yet as she moved to follow it up, a bright green aura surrounded the bull and she launched forward in zig-zag motions. She managed to jump into an aerial twist to dodge as Blitz chuckled and skidded to a halt, Amira calling out the move.

  “Trailblaze?! How does it have a Grass Move, as well? Paldea didn’t send their worst… He’s going to try to match your Speed, and Curse will only further increase his Attack and Defense.”

  Well, two can play the buff game, Amber sniffed, gracefully landing with an indignant flick of her tail as the bull skidded to a stop a ways away from her. I have plenty of tricks up my sleeve.

  Blitz’s intense eyes fixated on her, fire escaping his nostrils, a low growl rumbling from his throat. “You can run, little fox, but you won’t be quicker forever.”

  Amber’s lips curled into a confident smirk, her wand glowing with energy. “Why don’t we make a bet on it? How fast can you go?”

  Darting forward, her paws barely touched the molten stone as she went left, her slender frame weaving between lava pools and fiery geysers. The oppressive heat of the arena felt like home compared to the zones Dawn had her train, the scorching air feeding her flames as she moved with the agility of a dancer.

  Blitz’s massive form charged right behind her, his hooves pounding the ground, sending tremors through the field. She felt the oppressive aura radiating off him, the pressure heavy in the air cutting her Attack. It didn’t gnaw at her psyche, though, and Mya’s felt denser.

  I’m not about to be cowed by this oversized bull while Gables is watching!

  Blitz snorted, flames flickering around his muzzle as she let him catch up to her, his frame blazing hot. The air crackled with energy, and Amber smirked as she came to the lava zone Mariah had created. He was faster due to Flame Charge, but not fast enough.

  With a casual spin of her ignited wand and a vortex encircled them. The flames whirled around Blitz, but the bull plowed through them with brute force, his powerful muscles flexing as he shattered the firestorm. He was relentless, refusing to be slowed…which was exactly why her extended claws on her feet and swift ability to change direction went in her favor.

  Amber leaped to the side as his cloak of fire dispersed, spinning in a circle to lash out with his hooves, clothed in Fighting energy. She narrowly dodged his Double Kick due to slowing her pace, yet the bull wasn’t so graceful as his momentum carried him through the vortex and tumbling into the lava pool.

  It may not be as effective against us but it still does damage!

  Spinning with a flourish, she twirled her wand in his direction, directing a beam of light pink energy at the bull; the colorful rays struck true, creating a plume of liquid rock flying upward. But, to her shock, the Tauros barely flinched, his body igniting with crackling electricity and orange light as he worked himself up with a roar.

  “Pathetic! Is that all you’ve got, fox?”

  Amber lifted an eyebrow, moving her wand behind her back and skipping away as he raged through the lava to reach her. She let silence be her answer, though, further enraging him.

  Amira’s council then brightened her twinkling eyes. “We may not know much about Paldean Pokemon, but the Typing… Unless there is some unusual Ability involved, he’s weak to Psychic.”

  Say less, she giggled.

  The massive Paldean Tauros snorted, his fiery mane flaring as he gained speed, green aura brightening his frame with every blitz. His eyes locked onto her, the heat from his body palpable even from a distance.

  She could feel Amira’s energy coursing through their bond, the trust between them fueling her movements. Every step, every flick of her wand, was in perfect sync with Amira’s mental connection, providing her more insight into his actions.

  Blitz roared, his hooves leaving scorched prints in his wake. He was fast—faster than before—and Amber could tell he was only getting quicker. His Trailblaze had boosted his speed twice already, and she had to be even quicker on her paws if she was going to keep ahead of him but she needed a bit more time to build up the needed energy.

  He’s not going to fall for the same trick twice, she thought, keeping her distance. Amira is running low on her fortitude so I can’t use Moves without purpose. He has an unlimited amount of stamina, though… I just need one direct hit at the right time.

  Amber leaped backward, narrowly avoiding his horns, laced with Normal energy, her fur brushing against the molten rock. The heat was relentless, but she embraced it, letting it fuel her inner fire and strengthen her. She had to be smarter, and, as Gables would say, that meant she had to take certain risks.

  It’s time to set the stage…

  As Blitz turned, preparing for another charge and further boosting his Speed, he paused upon seeing Amber twirled her wand in front of her with a wink; her whole figure was embraced by the pink force that hugged her. Then, she bent low and tapped the point of her stick on the blazing field, causing a pulse to ring out.

  The ground beneath her shimmered, growing larger and larger, as Psychic Terrain took the field, the bubbling liquid now glowing with a soft, ethereal light. The power of the terrain surged through her, making her belly squirm with delight.

  Blitz’s eyes narrowed, sensing the shift in energy. He pawed at the ground, his muscles tensing. “You think your little tricks will save you, fox?” he growled, his voice low and dangerous. “My skin has been tested against weak waves like yours for years in the Eastern Province!”

  Amber didn’t respond with words—there was no need. Her focus was on the next stage of her plan. She darted forward, her claws clicking against the hot ground as she closed the distance between them, shocking the bull.

  With a flick of her wand, she released a far larger colorful ray than before that arcing toward Blitz. The bull snorted and lowered his head, charging straight through the attack as fire wrapped around him, using Flame Charge, as he had before, to eat the attack. Yet, this time, it wouldn’t save him, only…the moment the cloak failed him, a white aura took its place.

  Amber’s eyes widened as she leaped to the side, narrowly avoiding him as he stamped past her. How?!

  He powered around. another Double Kick aimed at her midsection. The force of the attack sent tremors through the ground, but she was already on the move again, her body a blur of motion, slipping away from the strike.

  Amira’s more confident tone gave the answer. “I see… It’s Endure! He’s channeling his PP into his energy matrix to tank certain attacks. I didn’t even think that was possible…but he’s been gradually losing all of that energy he showed at the start.”

  He’s becoming too fast now! No wonder my Psybeams didn’t feel like they were doing their damage…

  Amber twirled her stick around, skipping away with a short giggle that made him pause. “How cheeky!”

  “What are you spouting? Impressed, are you?” he boasted, puffing up his chest. “No Tauros can match me in my herd!”

  “I bet they can’t,” she snickered, amused at how easy he was to distract with compliments. “Can you keep up the energy, though? You’re slowing down,” she said with a sad sigh that lit a fire in his eyes.

  “Me?! No, I’m getting faster! You’re slowing down!”

  That’s right. Get angry. Stop thinking… Let me get your right between the eyes. With Blaine likely filling him with energy as a hidden condition, there’s no way we can outmatch him. On paper, we should be able to win easily…but that Endure tactic is nasty with a Gym Leader’s fortitude to mitigate his own Personal Power loss. Come here, big boy, and look into my eyes.

  As Blitz closed in for another charge, Amber took a deep breath and focused her energy. Her eyes glowed, the waves of sleep-inducing energy radiating from her in a wide arc.

  Blitz’s incensed charge faltered for a split second, his eyes glazing over as took his agency. His hooves skidded on the molten ground, and for a moment, it seemed like he would succumb to the sleep, but then, he blinked, raw willpower pushed him forward.

  Not enough… Can I break past it without it?

  “Fool!”

  Amber leaped into the air, her stick twirling in a flourish as she gracefully twisted above Blitz’s head, still snapping out of the attack. She released a Psybeam burst down onto him from above, the field fueling her with strength.

  A white aura surrounded him; the attack hit its mark, striking the bull square in the back and sending him crashing to the ground with a thunderous impact. Still, no damage. And worse, she felt Amira sagging, her breathing becoming more ragged.

  We’re fine, Amira! I can do this. I feel it, she soothed before her Trainer even tried to warn her. Rhea’s team had a lot of experience when it came to not paying attention to their Trainer’s fatigue and she wasn’t going to make the same rookie mistake thanks to their example.

  The crowd gasped, but Amber didn’t stop. She landed lightly on the other side of him, her breath steady as she watched Blitz struggle to rise.

  Stay calm. Focus. You’ve got this.

  Amber’s tail flicked, embers trailing in the air behind her as she circled the weakened bull. She knew his patterns now, Blitz’s fiery mane flaring as he charged once more, his hooves pounding the ground.

  With a graceful leap, she leaped the psychic terrain rising up to her pulsing with power. She could feel the connection with Amira strengthening, their bond deepening as her belief surged.

  You may not have confidence in yourself, Amira, Amber whispered to her trainer, her eyes hard while locking onto the bull below her. But I trust you unconditionally. Everything I’ve done—it’s because of your brilliant mind and heart.

  With a surge of faith resonating between them, Amber’s irises illuminated pink, and once more, Hypnosis radiated between their locked vision. In those split seconds, Blitz’s charge faltered, his eyes glazing over, and sleep took hold.

  His massive body hit the earth, sending shockwaves through the stadium. Amber seized the opportunity, spotting the time on the clock: 8 seconds.

  With a final twist of her wand and flick of her tail, she spun in the air for her paws to lightly touch the ground, skipping after him. Her heart racing, she pointed her wand at the bull, and let the torrent of power rise up from beneath her, connect with what was within her, and channeled it into the point, sending a massive wall of colorful light that washed over the Paldean Tauros, shattering his defensive matrix.

  The crowd erupted into cheers, but Amber’s focus was on Amira, their bond pulsing with warmth and pride. She wasn’t here for the rabble; she did this for her delicate Trainer, who few saw in her true light.

  We did it, she soothed, her tone becoming a tad more harsh as she put her hands on her hips to glare up at the redhead. So stop being so hard on yourself!

  “Yeah!” Holly and her other teammates roared, further attacking her spirit with hugs.

  Amber smiled and whispered, We’re in it together. We can catch up to Rhea… We believe in you. So believe in us.

  Amira pushed her sunglasses up a little, quickly wiping away the moisture building in her eyes before it could escape. It wasn’t the heat of the molten battlefield or the blazing sun overhead that was causing the tightness in her chest.

  Amber’s victory, Mariah’s performance—they were more than just battles. They were reflections of her own growth, her own struggles. She really was more of a mess than she wanted to admit or show. To show weakness was death. She couldn’t afford to be weak.

  The cheers and applause echoed around the stadium, but they felt distant, like a hum at the edge of her consciousness. Her focus was solely on her Pokémon.

  “You were amazing,” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the noise as she clutched Amber’s Poké Ball close to her chest. Her fingers trembled, her knuckles white, but it wasn’t from fear. She breathed in deeply, letting Amber’s warm energy flow through their bond, steadying her.

  Blaine, his towering figure still radiating heat, gazed down upon her with a blinding smile, his Arcanine at his side. He removed his dark, circular glasses, his gaze locking onto hers through the hologram in front of her. His lips curled into a grin, his voice booming with pride as he spoke.

  “You should be proud, Rocket,” Blaine began, his tone softer than his usual showman bravado. “Amber’s not just a Braixen anymore—she’s grown alongside you, and that’s not something that happens overnight.” His eyes gleamed with approval. “Your grandfather told me to watch out for you. But the real fire I saw today? It wasn’t in the lava or even in the strategy you used. It was in your bond. That’s what makes you dangerous…in the best way.”

  Amira swallowed hard, her throat dry from both the intense heat and the flood of emotions rising inside her. “I am proud,” she managed, her voice quiet yet firm.

  Amber held her head high, her chest puffed out with pride as she strutted off toward her, no doubt trying to catch Gables’ attention. Amira couldn’t help but smile at her Braixen’s confidence, knowing full well that Amber was more than a little eager to hear her crush praise her.

  “Yeah, my little fire starter is incredible.”

  Nothing more needing to be said, and knowing what she’d learned from this battle, Amira returned Amber to her Poke Ball. She didn’t place her in the transport area; her fox needed to rub her tail against a frog’s nose before she was ready to rest.

  And with that, she turned, and walked off the stage. She still needed her mom…needed a better way forward…but this was enough to get her through the roughest part of the process.

  Thank you, girls… And thank you, too, Rhea, for not knowing what the Muk you do, but doing it so well.

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