Chapter 4: The Master League and Miranda's Fear

The day has arrived. The Master League will officially commence today and everyone is getting ready. Getting dressed, touching up, maybe simply just relaxing and waiting for the announcement. For Cynthia, she was getting ready, getting dressed in her typical outfit and her Elite, Miranda was getting Blaze's opinion on an outfit, Phyllip was already dressed seeing as how he always usually wore a Tuxedo or a suit with his mega ring or something, and Charlie was in her room, probably getting dressed or something but Cynthia wasn't quite sure.

"Maybe I should go with the blue string." Cynthia heard Miranda say and she couldn't help but chuckle a little.

She always was a quiet person and she normally kept to herself but ever since she joined the Elite, she's been more open with those she's close to. Put her in front of someone she doesn't know, she'll revert to her quiet exterior.

"Red matches your eyes more." Blaze said.

"Yes but my hair already compliments that. Blue would compliment the outfit." Miranda replied.

"I agree. Blue would work with the outfit Mademoiselle Ruby has chosen." Phyllip chimed in.

"See? Even Phyllip knows more than you." She said and Blaze chuckled and shook his head.

"Fine. Go with blue. It's just an outfit." He said and Miranda and Phyllip both gasp.

"Oh non."

"He didn't."

"I think he did." Phyllip said.

Blaze raised an eyebrow confused but before anyone could say anything else, Cynthia walked into the living room and looked at them.

"We all ready?" She asked and Charlie bounded out of the room.

Her hair was a different color. She had dyed it blond and had put it in pig tails that reached her shoulders, wearing a red vest with a black under shirt along with blue jeans and sneakers. For accessories, she had put on her earrings, one of them containing her mega stone.

Miranda was wearing a white button up shirt with a collar and no sleeves, the buttons ending right below her chest but she also had on a black sleeveless blouse with a blue ribbon tied on the blouse under the button up to cover what the shirt couldn't plus she just liked the way it looked. She also had on black jeans and heels that were shorter than the average but they still put her at Blaze's height of 5'9. For accessories, she only had a bracelet and a necklace of the usual worn out poke ball she always has containing her strongest.

Blaze himself was wearing a dress jacket that was opened up to reveal a black shirt and black jeans with his combat boots, his hair still in the usual style that Phyllip said was 'the badass' look. Blaze just found that it suited him since without it, his hair would almost be in his face. For accessories, he had on the PokEx just like the other three and a necklace with a worn pokeball as well but it also had a mega stone dangling next to the Pokeball.

Overall, the only one who didn't dress like she was going to some super special occasion was Charlie but she didn't like getting super dressed up so it was understandable. Cynthia noted that they all seemed ready but she still had to ask but when she noticed that they all nodded, she nods and leads them out of the room.

Official Stadium

"Ladies and gentlemen! Boys and girls of all ages! Welcome to the Master League!" A booming voice echoed throughout the stadium which made people erupt in a massive array of cheers.

The stadium was what you would expect but larger but even still, it was filled up to the brim to the point that they couldn't let anyone else in or it would be too populated. Currently, there were two platforms. On the main floor, the trainers who were competing were all there organized so they could all be seen. The first platform held the Elites of each region, all spaced out in groups so everyone knew which Elite group belonged to which Champion. Finally, the 2nd platform which was the tallest held the Champions as well as Charles Goodshow, Scott, and a spot for the current Pokémon Master.

Charles stepped forward and began to speak once again.

"Originally, this tournament was held every year for the best of the best to come together and test out their power and where they stand. Now, with the new Pokémon Master's rule, it has been changed to every four years. This tournament will also decide who the new Pokémon Master is. If you are able to defeat the current one that is." Charles said through the microphone and everyone listened carefully.

Cynthia felt good to be standing up there once more after having declined the last few offers to join this tournament once again. She was training and didn't want everyone to see the extent of her power just yet. But now she felt ready.

"I will leave explaining the tournament to your very own, Ash Ketchum, Pokémon Master!" He yelled out which received thundered cheers throughout the stadium.

Ash stepped up to the platform, noticing Cynthia and waving who waved back a little, seeing the usual cheerful demeanor on his face which was mirrored by his most trusted partner on his shoulder. He stepped forward to the mic, his face suddenly turning serious as he addressed the crowd now.

"I stand before you today as Pokémon Master to welcome you all officially once again to the Master League." He said which received thundered applause and cheering again.

Once it died down, he started again.

"We have a lot of talent here today and I am looking forward to witnessing the many battles that everyone here will bring to the table. Do not hold back. Your opponent most certainly won't. Also, remember to have fun. This is going to be a really good year and I want everyone to enjoy themselves. Let's make this tournament something to remember. Now, get out there and kick some tail! Pika!" Ash yelled and Pikachu shouted as well, both pumping their fists into the air which made everyone start to cheer loudly again.

Cynthia couldn't help but smile. He still had the same energy when he wanted it and it felt good to see that some things don't always change. Scott walked forward and the crowd went silent again as they watched him.

"And now, our very own Pokémon Master will light Ho-Oh's torch and begin the Master League." Scott said and everyone watched as Ash walked up to the bowl that would contain the fire before lighting it up and the fire roared to life, everyone cheering loudly as the tournament has now officially started.

Everyone was chatting excitedly amongst themselves and Cynthia noticed Ash approaching, a huge grin on his face.

"How did that feel?" Cynthia asked with a chuckle and placed a hand on her hip.

"Really good. I accomplished my dream and got to light the torch for the greatest tournament ever. Life is amazing." He said with a wide grin and Pikachu agreed.

"I do have to apologize for the last conversation we had. It had been a long time and I wasn't very sure how to react. But I do now. It's great to see you again, Ash." She said and smiled brightly which made him blush slightly.

"Hehe. It's great to see you too. Good luck and don't tell this to anyone, but I'm rooting for you to make it all the way." He said with a challenging grin.

"Pika!" Pikachu said with sparks coming from his cheeks.

"You'll get your challenge. Don't worry." She said with a smile, resisting the blush that was creeping up.

She was used to being flattered but it just felt good coming from someone who was always so genuine about everything.

"I'm counting on it. Good luck, Cynthia. I'll see you around." He said and shook her hand, Pikachu waving as they slowly turn and walk away.

She nods and watched him leave before looking down at the group of trainers who were all chatting away. Guess she was going to have to beat everyone here. And that meant them as well. Her eyes find her Elite members and she nods to herself. Yes. She would have to defeat them in order to advance. The two threats would no doubt be the top two. But even Phyllip and Charlie can find the edge to win. Raw power isn't everything.

Yes, this would be difficult. Everyone here had talent. But she didn't prepare for so long only to go down now. They would all go down. That's something she was certain of. However, with the lighting now over, normally came the party after for trainers to get to know each other. All the contestants were invited. Which meant she should probably go cause her Elite would no doubt want to go. Even if it just to take in everything this place has to offer.

At The Party

The location was inside a massive dining hall with plenty of space to eat or just talk. Chandeliers lined the long roof of the dining hall and there was even a stage at the end of the room which would be where Ash would probably say a few words to the competitors or something. Tables were all over the room which allowed people to just sit down and eat.

Cynthia took note of what her four were doing. Charlie was being very social, talking with anyone who approached her or seemed approachable but that's to be expected. Phyllip was talking with the chefs who were preparing the food, giving them advice along with a few other people who probably knew as much about food. Miranda was sitting down at a table by herself, guys basically swarming her in every side which was bothering her to no end but she didn't show it. She didn't even talk back. Just closed her eyes and tried to avoid them. They probably recognized her due to her background as a model. Probably from a magazine or something.

Blaze was sitting by himself as well but he didn't have anybody swarming him. Just the occasional trainer introducing themselves so they know someone new. Herself? She was sitting down as well, just doing what Blaze was doing. At least until she heard someone call her name.

"Cynthia!" She turned to the source of the scream and noticed a bluenette approaching her.

Dawn. This was one of Ash's friends. She was with a fairly large group, recognizing some such as Brock and Iris. Cilan was over with Phyllip, talking about the food.

"Hello, Dawn." Cynthia replied back and smiled as they approached.

"You're participating?" She asked which received a nod.

"That I am. It's been a while so I figured I'd give it a go." Cynthia said.

"Ummmm Dawn? Mind filling us in on who she is?" A brunette asked, wearing a green bandana.

"Oh! Sorry, May. This is Cynthia. She used to be Champion of Sinnoh and Pokémon Master before Lance." Dawn explained and Cynthia nodded, pushing back the negative feelings of being reminded of that.

"Ohhhh. It's nice to meet you." May said.

"And this is, May, Max, and Misty. You already know Brock and Iris." Dawn said and pointed to each person who each waved when their name was called.

"A champion huh? You must be pretty strong then." The youngest, Max said and grinned at her.

"Well strength is only half the battle. To be a champion, you need more than just strength." Cynthia replied.

"You need to be smart, have good strategies, be able to stay calm under pressure, and you need to be able to assess a situation quickly." Brock listed out, thinking of what else to add.

"You're absolutely right, Brock." Cynthia said with a smile. "Both on and off the field."

"I'm going to be the best Pokémon trainer around one day. Just like Ash." Max said and Cynthia smiled.

"Well keep practicing. You'll get there one day. You're still young and to already be in a tournament of this caliber at that age, you are definitely on your way." She said with made Max grin and scratch the back of his head.

Brock looked around before noticing Miranda being surrounded by guys everywhere and he immediately dashed towards her, pushing past all the guys before kneeling in front of her and taking her hand, his slants (eyes?) glistening as he gazes at her, her eyebrow raising and twitching in annoyance.

"You truly have no equal when it comes to beauty. Join me and we can- gah!" He yelled as a Toxicroak jammed his fingers into his side, Max and Misty both yanking him by his fingers away from her which made all the guys look at him confused.

That gave her a little breathing room though.

"Well... that just happened... again." Someone said and everyone smiled.

"Ash! Hey!" Dawn yelled and Cynthia turned around, Pikachu jumping off his shoulder and landing on the table in front of her before waving.

"Hi Pikachu! Ash." Cynthia said, greeting the two and pets Pikachu which made him let out a 'cha.'

"Cynthia. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were stalking me." Ash said with a grin and Cynthia rolled her eyes.

"I was about to say the same to you, Ash." She replied with a smile.

"I see you've met my friends." He said with a smile and she nods.

"Yep!" Dawn chimed in.

"So, Max. Some pretty tough competition. Champions, Elites, gym leaders going all out. Frontier Brains. You think you're ready?" Ash asked with a grin.

He likes making the younger boy angry and fired up.

"What? You think I'm not!?" He asked loudly and Ash smirked.

"Well, I mean, you are talking to someone in the tournament. Cynthia is absolutely no push over. From what I've heard, her Elite are ridiculously strong too. They might be here right now. You might want to go gauge the competition." He said with a smile.

Max thought this over before looking over at Cynthia.

"Do you mind pointing them out for me?" He asked her.

"Not at all. There's Blaze. I recommend starting with him. He's the most relaxed usually. The poor girl who can't breathe is Miranda. I recommend avoiding that area till those guys clear out. Phyllip is over by the food. Kinda a drama queen. Finally, we have little Charlie. She's the most energetic." She said, pointing to all her Elites and Max followed her pointing before nodding.

"Alright! Operation: socialize begin!" He said and walked over to where Blaze was sitting.

"Operation... Socialize?" Cynthia asked and May sweatdropped.

"Max is... well he's Max. Anyway, Misty and Brock are also competing." May said with a smile and Cynthia nods.

"I would assume so. Ex Gym Leader and one of the strongest water trainers around. I'm very curious to see how you two fair against this league." She said.

"Well, we're mostly in it to have fun. But we'll still go all out." Misty said.

"I would expect nothing less." Cynthia replied and a mic squealing got their attention.

Max stopped talking with Blaze and they both turn to face the stage. Miranda finally had breathing room as she was hitting her limit but was annoyed when the guys just decided to sit down around her and look at the stage. She got up, clearly annoyed and Cynthia watched as she walked over to where Blaze was and sat next to him.

That's to be expected. He's the quieter one. She greeted Max quietly before sighing as she faces the stage now. Scott clears his throat before talking into the mic.

"I hope you are all enjoying yourselves and the food. Our Pokémon Master would like to say a little before you resume your conversations." Scott said and everyone clapped as they watched Ash approach the stage and climb up.

"Hey guys. Like Scott said, I do hope you are enjoying yourselves. I'm not going to use the mic cause I'm sure my voice can carry but a quick show of hands, who can hear me?" He asked and watched as the majority of the hands went up.

"Alright, for those who can hear me, I want to ask that you tell those who can't to move up to listen to me." He said.

Talking began among the crowd and slowly, everyone that couldn't hear moved forward until they were within hearing distance.

"Good?" He asked and raised his hand which was mimicked by everyone this time.

"Cool. Anyway, I just want to let you know that the preliminary rounds begin tomorrow. Elites and Champions will not participate in the preliminary or the first two rounds. This will give those with less experience a chance to come up with a strategy against a superior opponent. Then, a little bit half way, we will assign you to teams of two and you will do double battles. Once most of the contestants are out, this will revert the tournament to one on ones. Win the finals, you may battle me for the title. Sound good?" He asked.

The contestants watching cheered and he smiled.

"Excellent! Have fun! Also, please refrain from surrounding people. I saw several of you attempting to converse with one person who was clearly annoyed with the lack of room. To this, I say something. They are human just like you and deserve the space and respect. So please give it to them. It doesn't matter if they are the most popular super model on the planet or, the most popular trainer around. Give them the space and respect. Now, with that, have fun." He said with a smile and walked off the stage back towards Cynthia and everyone started to talk.

"I'm sure she'd appreciate that more if you would have done it before she was smothered." Cynthia said with a chuckle. "But thank you for that."

"Yea well, I know a few things about being surrounded by adoring fans." He said and waved at Miranda who simply nodded in thanks before returning to the conversation with Max who basically had stars in his eyes.

"I'm sure you do Mr. Pokémon Master." Cynthia teased which made him laugh.

"Cynthia, how is the region of Suna now anyway? I've never been there but Max said it was amazing when he went for his gym badges." May said with a confused expression.

"Ah. It's beautiful. If you've ever seen pictures or been to Lumiose City in Kalos, Suna is basically like that everywhere. Just a massive city after a massive city. Some have skyscrapers. Others just have medium buildings. But it's gorgeous. It doesn't have a contest circuit yet although I did hear that Wallace will be hosting the Wallace Cup there at the end of the year to introduce contests to the region." Cynthia said.

"That can work!" May said and clapped her hands together.

Cynthia thought that it would be difficult to get back into the whole group of friends thing but she was surprised at how comfortable everything was. Ash's friends were talking with her like she was a lifelong friend, Max is getting along with Blaze and Miranda so that's another plus, she didn't feel awkward anymore. It was just the shock of seeing Ash again but now, she feels so much more comfortable.

It was a good thing to come back after all.

Back In The Tower.

The party went on for quite a while but eventually, as expected, it had ended because people needed a good night sleep. It wasn't an exception for her Elite. The whole room was dark, everyone having gone to bed but a dim orange glow caught Cynthia's attention. She followed it before noticing Miranda sitting on one of the chairs, her knees pulled to her chest, a book in her hand. She was dressed in her sleep wear which consisted of a blood red shirt and grey sweatpants.

Cynthia just realized that in her time of knowing the young woman, she's never had a one on one conversation with her. She approached before sitting down across from her, not being able to see the title of the book due to the dim lighting.

"Can I help you?" Miranda asked, her finger laying on the page and her ruby eyes now looking at Cynthia with a hint of boredom behind them.

"Just want to see how you're doing. You didn't look like you were having much fun." She replied and Miranda shrugged.

"Not much for social gatherings."

"Not much for gatherings... or not much on getting recognized and swarmed by a mob?" Cynthia asked and saw the two red orbs gaze deeply into her grey.

"Is there a difference?" Miranda finally said after a bit and her eyes return to her book.

"You don't like being seen in the open I guess. It comes with the territory. You're a highly recognized model.-"

"Are you reaching a point? Or just seeking conversation? If it's the latter, you're wasting your time." Miranda suddenly said.

"I want you to know that it gets easier. It's a struggle at first but it'll get easier." Cynthia said.

"Good to know." She said with a nod. "Anything else?"

"Yes... lighten up." She said and Miranda looked at her, completely blank.

"I only lighten up around people I'm comfortable around."

"Like Blaze?" Cynthia asked and Miranda shrugged.

"He's easy to hang out with. Naturally, I'm more drawn to people I relate to easier." She said simply.

"You didn't like him at first glance."

"Opinions change. Are we going to sit here and talk about the fact I have one friend or may I return to my book?" She asked.

"Very well. Enjoy your book. But I am your friend too." Cynthia said before standing up and heading to her room.

"Perhaps." Miranda said to herself and looked back down at her book.

Cynthia sighed as she reached her room and sat down on the bed. She had no problem being friends with her other three but she always struggled with Miranda. And now with her new found popularity, she seems to sink more and more into her own anti social bubble. Yet, around Blaze, she feels more comfortable to talk with others.

She didn't know what to do. She could ask Blaze to convince Miranda to be more open but that wouldn't work. They get along too well. Blaze respects her for her and asking him to change her would be like taking a kids favorite toy and breaking it and saying it's still their favorite. You've broken it.

It's no longer the same toy it once was. Miranda doesn't get along very well with the other Elites either but she's still social with them. She voices her opinions, takes sides, trains with the others. She still does that. But she just doesn't get along.

Her fame wasn't getting to her. That's a good thing cause she still is the same Miranda as always. She groans and decides to just sleep on it. Maybe some random miracle will happen that will help her open up to others. Even if it's not to everyone.

Next Day V.I.P. Box

Cynthia didn't get much sleep so she dozed off for some of the first preliminary matches. However, Ash entering the VIP area and sitting next to her woke her up since he started some small chit chat.

"Max is next. He's been really pumped up ever since he talked to your two Elites. He wouldn't stop talking about them. Apparently they gave him advice. Quite a bit of it. Now he said he's ready to take my title." Ash said with a chuckle which made Cynthia smile.

"Yea. They train together a lot. Figures they would give advice they both agree on." Cynthia said.

"Which reminds me, one of them is missing. Where's the smothered one?" He asked.

"Miranda wasn't in the mood to leave the tower. I honestly don't know. I get along with all my Elites but then... there's Miranda. The one who constantly gets away when I try to get closer." Cynthia said and sighed. "I tried talking to her last night but she basically pushed me away that whole conversation."

"Maybe you're approaching it the wrong way. You keep trying to push her for conversation when you should be letting her come to you. Max started talking with Blaze yet Miranda joined half way in. She approached. If Max would have approached her, odds are she would be put off even more. Look at it from her perspective. She's got guys fawning over her, approaching her left and right and not giving her a moment to herself. Having others approaching her when she wants to be left alone, well then that is just awful. Just give her space and time. She might surprise you." He said with a smile before his eyes look back towards the field and Cynthia takes in his words.

Down on the Battlefield

Max strolled out onto the field, his eyes landing on the guy across from him who looked like he wasn't much older if even older at all. Short brown hair and brown eyes. A simple blue t shirt and jeans with shoes. The referee climbs onto his podium before beginning to speak.

"The next Preliminary match will now get under way. On the Red side, we have Max Maple of Petelburgh! And on the Green side, we have Bryce of Twinleaf Town! Only one Pokemon per side. No form changes allowed. The spinner will now commence and will decide who gets the first move!" He said and the spinner, half colored red and the other colored green, began to spin.

After several seconds, the Spinner stopped on green and Bryce grinned.

"And it's green! Bryce, please send out your Pokémon." The ref said and Bryce pulled out a Pokeball before throwing it onto the field to reveal a large light blue alligator on two feet.

"Feraligatr." Max said softly as he thumbs a Pokeball before grabbing it and tossing it. "Let's go Manetric!" He yelled and the dog looking electric type landed, immediately taking a battle position as it found its opponent.

"Alright, Gatr. Start us off with Work Up!" He said and swords formed around Feraligatr, clashing together and his body glowed to signal the raise in stats.

"Manetric, use Thunderbolt!" Max yelled and the dog growled before howling as electricity left its body, going straight towards the feraligatr.

"Dodge and use Work Up again!" He said.

"Don't give him a chance! Thunder Fang!"

Feraligatr dodged to the side and was about to pull off the move but Manetric suddenly dashed forward, sinking his glowing yellow teeth into Feraligatr's arm, making him squeal in pain as the electricity flew everywhere from the super effective attack.

"Get him off with Ice Punch!" Bryce yelled.

"Quick, Thunder!" Max yelled back.

Feraligatr's fist started to glow and smoke started to leave it as he prepared to punch Manetric only to shriek in pain as Manetric let out a thunder, still clinging to Feraligatr.

"Get him off! Now!" Bryce pleaded.

"Don't let up!" Max said.

Feraligatr tried desperately to get rid of the nuisance that was biting on him only to recieve Thunder after Thunder attack, eventually forcing the Alligator to its knees. Manetric pulled back and went back to Max's side, pacing and watching carefully.

"Hyper Beam!" Bryce suddenly yelled and Feraligatr's eyes snapped open and he released a massive dark purple line of energy from his mouth, Manetric staring at it in shock before he was hit, slamming against the wall and sliding down it, whining in pain.

"Manetric!" Max yelled and sighed in relief as Manetric wobbled to its feet slowly.

Back in the VIP Box

"That was a strong attack, alright. Hyper beam is strong as is. couple that with an attack stat upgrade, you've got a deadly weapon." Lance said and Ash nodded.

Battlefield

"You've left Feraligatr wide open." Max said. "Thunder max power!" Max yelled.

Manetric howled and released a massive yellow light, electricity bursting out of him and into the sky only to come crashing down on Feraligatr, exploding and kicking up a black dust cloud. Manetric pants heavily, his eyes staring at the dust cloud until it finally began to clear out, revealing a charred and fainted Feraligatr.

"Feraligatr, no!" Bryce yelled.

"Feraligatr is unable to battle. Manetric is the winner which means advancing to the first official round is Max of Petelburgh!" He yelled which received cheers from the crowd as Bryce returns Feraligatr and approaches Max.

"Not bad. Not bad all. I was expecting a longer battle but I guess this just proves that I've got a long way to go." He said.

"Give yourself more credit. This is the Master League." Max said with a grin and Bryce chuckled.

"You're not wrong." He said and shook his hand.

VIP Box

"How many of these are left anyway? I'm itching to get out there." Lance asked.

"Six." Cynthia replied simply.

"Well there's your answer, Lance." Steven said with a chuckle at the redheads reaction.

Cynthia smiled at their small bickering, deciding to let her mind wander once more. The rest of the matches weren't very important. As rude as that sounded, they weren't. She found herself agreeing with Lance. She wanted to get out there too.

The next six matches went by fairly fast. Misty and Brock won as well, Brock using Steelix and Misty using Golduck so the chances of Cynthia facing off against one of them was higher now. She was glad that the preliminaries were over but there were still two more rounds before she or anyone else in her group could begin fighting.

Once the six ended, she had taken off, Ash quickly following her though and they had a small conversation as he walked Cynthia back to the tower. She appreciated the gesture and they had a good time but whenever they got there, they arrived to a sight that made them both frown. A woman was sitting on a rather expensive motorcycle and people were crowding her and not letting her have any space to breathe and without the space, she took off her helmet, black hair bursting from the helmet and gently cascading down her back to about her hips, red eyes opening and looking around at the people.

Cynthia actually didn't remember a time that those red eyes looked so... scared. Miranda was trying to find room to climb off her motorcycle but every time she did, a reporter would get in her face and make her back away and try to find another route. Ash quickly jogged over to the group of reporters and fans and whistled to get their attention. It didn't work at first and he could hear her trying to tell them to give her space so he yelled.

"Hey!" They quieted down and turned to face him.

"You're scaring her. Back off." He said, his voice dangerous and the Pikachu on his shoulders narrowed his round eyes, sparks emitting from his cheeks. "You wouldn't like people shoving microphones in your face and asking 50 questions at the same time. Have the decency to do what you would want others to do if you were in her shoes and back off."

The mob of people looked at him for a second before slowly backing away and leaving, Ash approaching Miranda who was visibly shaking a little despite not being cold.

"You alright? It's overwhelming for first timers. Regardless of age." He said and she nods.

"Yea..." Her voice sounded slightly weaker probably due to her fear taking it away.

"Go on up to your room. I'll make sure they don't follow." He said.

"I need to lock my bike." She muttered softly and he nods, letting her lock it before she leaves into the tower, Cynthia approaching Ash.

"The poor girl just can't catch a break. It'll be impossible to get along with her if this keeps up. She'll be more afraid around people than anything else." She said and Ash nods.

"Usually the crowds aren't so bad. But since she's new and isn't really trying to incorporate this new life into her schedule, she's trying to live as if her life is still free of cameras and stalkers. She's driving around like nobody's business but it is everyone's business and that's what she doesn't understand. Her life isn't her life anymore. It's just a tool for the media and gossip now." He said with a sigh.

"But she doesn't understand." Cynthia said and he nods.

"The whole quiet and antisocial way doesn't bode well for her. Because she'll need to be social to at least keep them satisfied. Press conferences, signings, the like. But just from looking at her, you can tell something huge." He said.

"And what's that?" She asked.

"She's afraid of people. Not because of the mobs. But before. The mobs are only increasing her phobia." He said.

"But she's a model. A successful one I might add. How does she have a fear of people?" She asked.

"It could be possible that she was introduced into the industry by a familiar face that she trusted. That familiarity and comfort allowed her to get into the company easily and comfortably and perhaps, she usually wants to take that comfort with her where she goes, using the safety as a kind of crutch." He said, scratching his chin in thought.

"I can't believe she's got it so bad. That would explain her distance and lack of communication without Blaze ar-... Blaze." She said.

"What?" He asked.

"Blaze. She's only comfortable talking with us when Blaze is around. He's her safety crutch." Cynthia said and Ash nods.

"It seems so. She was bombarded by those trainers, she went to him and then felt comfortable enough to talk with Max. Without him around, she won't talk with you. You've never had a one on one with her because she needs that safety or she shuts down. I was wrong about her having to approach you." He said.

"What happens if Blaze is separated from her for too long?" Cynthia asked.

"Ummm. My guess, she'll probably go crazy. She'll shut down completely and not speak a word. Just try and find her safe haven. And when she realizes it's gone, you lose her. At least, that's what I think." He said.

"Yea. Listen, I gotta head on up. I'll take everything you said into consideration and see what I can do." She said and Ash nods before smiling.

"Make sure you help her. She's a good girl. Just afraid." He said with a smile and waves as they head their separate ways.

Cynthia pondered over everything that was said, frowning at this. She knew Miranda was quiet but afraid? She didn't seem like the type. Yet, everything is pointing to it. She reached her door and walked in, hearing a voice she recognized as Miranda talking. She walks closer but stays hidden until she can peak and noticed Miranda and Blaze sitting on the couch, Miranda leaning close to him.

"I froze up. I just hate it. I get so scared." She said softly and Blaze frowned.

"It doesn't help that you can read minds. Usually what people are thinking isn't exactly the healthiest to be listening to. So I understand what you mean." He said.

"You'd be the only one." She muttered, getting closer.

"I feel like talking to a professional about this is the safest action. Anthrophobia is absolutely a huge deal." He said and she shakes her head.

"I can't. I can't do it. I shut down. I can't." She said softly, her eyes closed. "Help me." She said.

"I'm doing what I can but, it's a very difficult thing to cure. Especially because it's worse now than it was months back. We're making one step forward, five steps back." He said.

"I know. I'm trying. But... I can't get it out of my head. My parents on the floor, my hands covered in their-"

"Stop thinking about it. You're only going to make yourself even worse." Blaze interrupted.

Cynthia gasped at what she heard, immediately covering her mouth from the loud gasp but it was too late. Miranda was already on her feet.

"I can sense your fear." She said in a monotone voice as she approaches Cynthia and Blaze stands up. "It's pulling me towards you."

Her hair starts to float as her eyes glowed red, Blaze stopping her.

"Hey, Miranda. I think it's time for you to go to sleep." He said and she relaxed, looking at him.

"I don't want to. You know what happens." She said softly.

"I'll be right there. Okay?" He asked and she looked down for a second before nodding and walking to her room and Blaze approaches Cynthia.

She slowly reveals herself and he frowns.

"You can't be hearing that. She's not well." Blaze said.

"I want to help." She said.

"You can't. She's not comfortable around you."

"She's afraid. That's what Ash said." Cynthia said.

"It's worse than that but that's the gist."

"I was also simplifying. It was clear as day for him." Cynthia said and Blaze sighed.

"She's not sleeping well. We'll continue this another time." He said as he walks to Miranda's room before walking in and closing the door gently.

Cynthia rubbed her face and sighed as she makes her way to her room.

Next Morning

Cynthia couldn't get last night out of her mind. Eating breakfast in the room this time instead of the cafeteria, she took notice of the changes that went through Miranda from last night to this morning. The girl went from being horrified of everyone and then angry to her typical quiet self, simply on the couch, reading the same book as the last time only much deeper into it. It almost looks like nothing ever happened. She noticed Blaze sitting down and she leaned forward before whispering.

"She's completely normal. What did you do?" She asked.

"She's a psychic. I took out Espeon and calmed her down with Espeons psychic powers. Let her have a good nights sleep for once." He said simply.

"That's it?" She asked and he nods.

"That's it." He replied. "It's a temporary fix. At least until I can get her help."

"You really think she'll accept that?" She asked.

He shakes his head before looking over at Miranda who was still reading.

"She won't. But she's also not in the right state of mind to be deciding this. Might even see if I can get her to drop out." He said.

"That won't happen." Miranda suddenly spoke up which made them turn to face her, her red eyes glaring. "I refuse to drop this. And you would do well to respect that."

"Nobody is taking your choices away. But you're not well." Blaze said as Phyllip and Charlie come out for breakfast.

"I'm just fine!" She yelled at him which made the two newcomers jump in surprise. "I don't need help! I'm not some basket case who needs help from some damn psychiatrist! I'm not dropping out and I'm not changing my so called wrong state of mind!" She snapped before standing up and walking out the door, slamming it shut behind her.

Everyone stayed silent before Charlie spoke up.

"What's going on?" She asked and Cynthia waved it off.

"She just needs time to cool off." She said with a sigh.

"That seemed a bit extreme." Phyllip said and she rubbed her temples.

She wasn't sure what to do. She wanted to get closer to Miranda, but she instead pushed her farther away and Blaze was also having a bad go now. She was so lost.

A/N: Well, there's that. We see a preliminary match and Cynthia struggling to bond with her 3rd Elite. Ash gave her some advice but there's saying and doing she won't make it easy. Miranda is introduced to have a fear of humans for the most part which seems to slowly be eating away at her and making her closed off and distant. Adding the horrible mob that she seems to have built up?

It is a recipe for disaster. I kind of exaggerated the group who follows her around because she's still new and it would help enhance her fear of people cause I'm just an asshole like that. Haha! Haven't decided how to fix her or get her closer to everyone else but this is the beauty of writing and planning. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Till next one!