Welcome to chapter 22 of Pocket Monsters: Shattered Souls! Thank you for reading the story up to this point and I hope you enjoy the chapter! Please view the message at the end of the chapter! Thank you!

CHAPTER 22

The morning sun shined brightly over Saffron City, giving it its famous golden light. The streets clamored with the daily bustle that came with being the largest and most populated city in the Kanto region.

In the heart of the city, stood the Silph Company Head Office. The eleven-story building was the largest skyscraper in the city.

Walking through the hallways of the massive building, was a large gentleman who wore a green business suit with a black tie. He led a group of reporters on a tour of the building.

He wore a smile on his face as he held his hands behind his back. "I'd like to thank you all for coming. It truly is a privilege for the Silph Company to share our creations with the world. Our company takes pride in the fact that we are the leading manufacturer of all the pokémon technology in the world, and we have continued to find ways of making the lives of trainers worldwide better."

He led them to one of the rooms where he pulled a card key out of his pocket and held it up to the sensor. They walked into a large room divided by a glass wall. Below them, they saw several scientists working diligently on testing their latest pokéball products.

The reporters gazed in awe.

Coleman nodded. "Indeed. As you can see, we have been trying to optimize our products to increase the effectiveness and catch rates of each ball we create. From the pokéball to the ultra ball, we're doing everything we can in order to give every trainer a higher chance at catching any pokémon."

One of the reporters raised her hand. "Excuse me, Mr. Coleman, I have a question for you!"

Coleman pointed to her. "Yes?"

The reporter was a woman of mid-twenties. She had brown hair tucked in a professional bun, wore a black business suit with a pencil skirt, and half-framed glasses. In her hands, she held a cell phone to record him. "Sir, there have been rumors that the Silph Company is developing, what people are calling, the ultimate pokéball. Is there any truth to that?"

Coleman smiled. "There have been many rumors floating around about our products. As far as the 'ultimate pokéball', I can assure you those are merely rumors and nothing more."

She took a step toward him. "So, you're saying the Silph Company, the company that prides itself on being the leading manufacturer of all the pokémon technology in the world, isn't even attempting to try and create such a pokéball?"

Coleman chuckled. "Well, I wouldn't say that. The thought is intriguing, but such a thing would take a vast amount of resources."

The reporter nodded. "So, you're saying the Silph Company isn't resourceful enough, or even has the means to attempt to pull off the creation of this rumored pokéball?"

Coleman furrowed his eyebrows in anger. "Now you listen here. This company has the means of creating anything and everything. Our resources are unlimited and we could create this pokéball and mass produce it if we so wanted. Does that answer your question, young lady?"

The reporter nodded. "Yes, thank you very much, sir."

Coleman nodded. "Are there any more questions? Good. Now then, shall we continue the tour?"

As each of them walked down the hallway, the reported stayed behind. When she was certain she was out of earshot, she touched her earring. It blinked and she then spoke in a whisper. "This is Chaos Senior Grunt Cassandra reporting in. They have it. Yes, the next fragment of the Red Chain. They are in the middle of creating the most powerful pokéball in the world. Yes, I'll keep following and gather more information. Roger."

With that, she hurried down the hallway and caught up with the rest of the group.

Outside Sabrina's gym, the group stared at Nami as they tried to process what she just said. As the rest of the group was left stunned by this news, Mendy tightly hugged her arms. Just like her relationship with her parents, this was a topic she knew Nami didn't like to talk about.

Jin stood frozen as he watched Nami clench her teeth and tighten her fists. "H-He killed himself? But… why?"

Sabrina sighed. "It's because I defeated him. I defeated her father in battle, and he couldn't live with the aftermath of that."

Nathan stepped forward. "You shut your mouth! You have no right to talk about her father like that! He was a great man who believed in honor and discipline! The best martial artist in the world and a superb trainer! He was-,"

Nami placed her hand on his shoulder. "That's enough."

Nathan turned to her and dropped his shoulders. "Nami…"

She turned away from him. "I said that's enough, Nathan. Just drop it already. Let's get out of here."

As she walked away, Nathan turned back to Sabrina. "Let this be a warning to you! You insult her father, or do anything to upset her again, I'll make sure you pay dearly for it!"

He turned on his heel and ran after Nami.

Mendy shifted her gaze from Ayden to Nami and then ran after her.

Jin turned toward Mendy as she ran. "Wait, Mendy! What about the gym battle? Aren't you and Nami gonna watch?"

Sabrina crossed her arms. "It's okay. You should go to her. As much as she'll try to hide it, she needs her friends now. Ayden, our battle will be held tomorrow. Is that okay with you?"

Ayden nodded. "Yeah, I was about to suggest the same thing actually."

Sabrina smiled. "I look forward to it."

With that, she walked into her gym, leaving Ayden and Jin alone. Jin scratched his head and turned to Ayden. "Well, shall we go and see how Nami's doing?"

Ayden nodded, and the two followed the others.

As they caught up with Mendy, they noticed Nathan had summoned his squad of fighters and had them walk around Nami as if they were her own personal bodyguards.

As they walked down the road, Jin leaned into Mendy's ear. "So, uh, what's the deal with Nami? Is she going to be okay?"

Mendy nodded. "Yeah, she'll be fine. Just try not to mention her father's death from now on. I probably should've warned you sooner, but honestly, I didn't think it'd come up."

Jin gave her a thumb's up. "No worries, Mendy. We all have things we don't want to talk about, and this is Nami's. All we can do is be there for her as her friends."

Mendy turned to him and smiled. "Thanks, Jin. I know she'll appreciate that very much."

They walked until they came up to a large dojo on the edge of the city. Nathan separated himself from the rest and called the rest of his squad into formation. They organized themselves in front of the dojo and stood in military parade rest.

Nathan turned to face Nami and the others. "Master Nami! On behave of all the students of the Saffron Dojo, we welcome you back!"

He and the other students bowed, and they shouted together. "Welcome back, Master Nami!"

Jin blinked in confusion. "Wait. Master? What do they mean by that?"

"I believe I can answer that."

They all turned their attention to an elderly man, walking out of the house with his cane. He was bald and had a long white beard that extended down to his hips. His attire consisted of a black robe with sandals.

As they saw him approach, Nathan and the other students bowed. "Good afternoon, Tsuyoshi Sensei!"

Tsuyoshi bowed, and then turned his attention to Jin. "She is called 'Master' because she is the daughter of our late leader, Master Kiyo."

Jin nodded. "Oh, okay, that makes sense."

Tsuyoshi turned his attention to Nami. "It has been a while, Young Master Nami."

Nami bowed. "It's good to see you again, sensei."

Tsuyoshi smiled and pulled her into a hug. His face shined with happiness as he held her in his arms. "Oh, Young Master! You've grown so much since I last saw you! You're growing into such a lovely lady! I can hardly believe my eyes!"

Nami's face reddened. She hated it when he got like this. "Sensei! Please, could you knock it off? Seriously, let me go already! My friends are watching! This is embarrassing!"

Tsuyoshi let her go and glanced over at Ayden and the others. "Oh, so I see. It's nice to meet you all. Well then, come in, come in. Let's get you all inside. We've much to discuss. My students, continue your training. Nathan, please accompany our guests."

Nathan, and the other students, bowed.

Nami sighed as she, and the others, walked inside her house.

They followed Tsuyoshi through the hallways, where the walls were decorated with pictures of martial artists holding various trophies.

Jin gazed at the pictures in awe. "Wow! Did all of these fighters train at your dojo?"

Tsuyoshi laughed. "Why, yes, young man. We've trained some of the greatest martial artists the world as ever seen, including Bruce and his Hitmonlee, Jackie and his Hitmonchan, and of course, the Young Master's father, Master Kiyo. Why, even the Young Master has won several tournaments herself."

Jin's jaw dropped. "Really, Nami? That's so amazing! Why didn't you ever say anything?"

Nami didn't respond. She continued walking as if she'd never heard him.

Tsuyoshi nodded. "Yes, it is amazing. She is quite the talent. However, she still has a long way to go if she ever hopes to catch up to her father and where he was in his career."

As they continued to walk, Nathan kept eyeing Nami. The longer he stared, the redder his face became. He couldn't believe it. After all this time, she'd come back. She was even cuter than the last time he'd seen her. This was his chance. He'd been training like crazy to get to her level. He was no longer the wimpy, skinny kid she once knew. He'd toned his body and sharpened his skills so that he could finally be worthy of being by her side.

They entered the dojo and Tsuyoshi turned to them. "Everyone, have a seat."

When everyone sat down, Tsuyoshi took his seat at the front of the room.

Sitting in the Seiza style, Jin squirmed as he tried to get comfortable sitting on his heels. He trembled and squinted as he felt his feet falling asleep.

Mendy whispered to him. "Jin, if you're uncomfortable, you know you can cross your legs, right?"

Jin looked at her and shook his head. "What? Who says I'm uncomfortable? Nah, I'm good. Just trying to shift around a little. But I'm okay. I've got this."

Once everyone had settled, Tsuyoshi cleared his throat. "Now then, young man, I believe we haven't been formally introduced. I'm Tsuyoshi, I've helped train many martial artists at this dojo, including the Young Master and her father."

Nami nodded. "Tsuyoshi Sensei, these are my friends; Mendy, Jin, and Ayden. We've been traveling together for quite some time."

Tsuyoshi nodded. "I see. Thank you all for taking care of my dear Young Master."

Mendy smiled. "It's our pleasure. Nami and I have been friends for years."

Tsuyoshi smiled. "That's great to hear. The Young Master hasn't always been great at making friends. She was quite the loner when she was young."

Nami blushed. "Tsuyoshi Sensei! Enough with the stories!"

Tsuyoshi laughed. "There's nothing to be embarrassed about, Young Master. So, what brings you all to the dojo?"

Ayden straightened up. "We've come here so I can battle against Sabrina for the Marsh badge. Our match is tomorrow."

Tsuyoshi furrowed his brow, and the gentleness of his demeanor quickly faded. "Ah yes, Sabrina. That troublesome woman again. I suppose that would be the reason for you young trainers to come to Saffron."

Jin raised his hand. "I've been meaning to ask about that. Why do you all seem to loathe Sabrina? She said it was because she defeated Nami's father?"

Tsuyoshi sighed. "It's a rather complicated story, young man. I think it'd be best not to discuss it."

Nami held her hand up. "It's all right, Sensei. Go ahead and tell it."

With that, she stood up and walked to the door.

Mendy and Nathan both stood up. "Nami, wait!"

Nami turned to them. "Sorry, but I'd like to be alone right now."

Nathan sat back down and clenched his fists in frustration.

Mendy lowered her shoulders as she watched Nami close the door behind her.

Tsuyoshi ushered her back. "Don't worry about the Young Master, she just needs some time to herself."

When Mendy took her seat, Jin leaned over. "Do you think Nami will be okay?"

Mendy turned to him and nodded. "Yeah, she'll be fine. She won't let something like this get to her."

Tsuyoshi cleared his throat. "The answer to your question, young Jin, lies within the connection between the two gyms of Saffron. The bitter history we have with Sabrina's gym starts back when Master Kiyo was the leader of this gym. He was an honest man and knew the meaning of hard work. He fought and won many tournaments, alongside his faithful pokémon Poliwrath, and was highly respected among his peers. His talents were recognized, and he was given the title as the greatest martial artist who ever lived. After winning so many tournaments, he decided to open up his own gym and help train the next generation of fighters, including his daughter, Young Master Nami.

"Back then, we were to be the official Saffron City gym. Our reputation had spread throughout the world, and we were taking in student after student. However, our time in the spotlight didn't last long. Before we were officially recognized as a League gym; Sabrina, and her team of psychic trainers, came through declaring they were going to be the official gym. They had the nerve to try and take away our rights to be an official gym. When we brought it up to the League, they declared the only fair way to decide was with a battle between the respective leaders of each gym.

"Master Kiyo fought bravely, even though he knew he was at a grave disadvantage. In the end, Sabrina won and became the official gym leader of Saffron City. Word quickly spread that Master Kiyo was easily defeated by a thirteen year old nobody and her Abra. We slowly lost our students, our reputation crumbled, and Master Kiyo blamed himself for it all. He felt everything was on his shoulders, that he had somehow let everyone down and dishonored the gym. We tried to let him know that none of it was his fault, but the guilt had become too much for him to bear. So much so, that he took his own life.

"That's why, young Jin, we cannot forgive Sabrina and her gym. They planted the seed that helped destroy a great man. And the one who took it the hardest, was Young Master Nami."

Jin, Mendy, and Ayden looked at each other. None of them knew what to say, until Jin raised his hand. "What about Nami's mom? What does she think of all this?"

Tsuyoshi took a deep breath. "I'm afraid her mother passed away when the Young Master was very young. She had been stricken with an illness she couldn't overcome."

Jin lowered his head. "I'm sorry."

Tsuyoshi shook his head. "It's quite all right. I know you're just concerned for your friend. And right now, she'll need your support more than ever."

Nami walked through Kiyo's bedroom, looking over all the pictures he had along his walls. Several had him holding Nami over his shoulders, with the two of them smiling happily. She picked up a photo of her father standing beside her mother and smiled. She'd forgotten how beautiful her mother was. She had long brown hair and green eyes, the same as her. She remembered Kiyo often telling her she was the spitting image of her mother. She wished she'd gotten the chance to get to know her.

She continued to walk through his bedroom when she came across a wooden stand. On top sat a pokéball. It was Poliwrath's pokéball. She watched her father win many matches with Poliwrath. They were a strong team. She wanted to be just like him. That's why she started training water types, so she could find the perfect partner like her father found in Poliwrath.

She reached for it, and then froze. She lowered her shoulders as she remembered why she hadn't tried to come back home for so long.

Eight years ago, after hearing the news of Kiyo's suicide, Nami had locked herself in her room, refusing to come out for anyone. She then saw Sabrina from her window. She walked through the streets of Saffron as if nothing was out of the ordinary. It infuriated her that she could just go about her daily life and not feel anything about what happened to her father. She had to teach her a lesson and restore the honor back to the gym.

She snuck into Kiyo's bedroom and took Poliwrath's pokéball from the stand. She ran out of the house and headed straight for Sabrina's gym. She knew all of Poliwrath's attacks from watching her father. She had to win and restore their honor.

She banged on Sabrina's gym door until one of her students finally opened it.

The student looked down at Nami and tilted her head. "Can I help you with something, little girl?"

Nami held the pokéball up. "I want to speak with your leader! Right now!"

The student led Nami through the catacombs of the gym until they reached Sabrina. She sat alone in the middle of the room meditating. The student knelt on one knee and bowed her head. "Mistress Sabrina, this young girl wishes to speak with you."

Nami watched as Sabrina sat there with her back to them as if they were invisible to her. It was like she was ignoring them. Her anger rose as she continued to watch her. She had to beat her and get revenge. "Sabrina! I-,"

"Challenge me to a battle… to avenge your father. Am I right?"

Nami's eyes widened in horror. She had almost forgotten that Sabrina was a psychic. Still, to have her accurately say what was on her mind still threw her off.

"You even have the same Poliwrath as he used. Let me tell you what I told your father. You will lose. I've seen the future. A battle with you would have no meaning. It would only lead to pointless destruction. Go home."

Nami could barely contain her anger. She couldn't take it anymore. She had to make her pay for what she's done. "You… you… you're just afraid to face me! You're nothing but a coward! It was just a fluke you beat my dad! You don't deserve to be a gym leader!"

The student grabbed Nami by her shirt and lifted her up. "How dare you say that about our leader, kid? You need to be taught a lesson!"

"That's enough. Let her go."

The student turned around to see Sabrina right behind her. Scared, she dropped Nami and backed away.

Sabrina stared at Nami as she glared right back at her. "I will show you that my predictions are never wrong."

Nami and Sabrina met outside of her gym. The battle was quickly broadcasted throughout Sabrina's gym, and all her students came out to support her. This caused bystanders to grow curious about the spectacle, and they joined in as well.

Nami looked around and saw their audience grow by the minute. This was perfect. They would all see her get revenge for her father, and prove he was a great trainer who would never lose to such a nobody.

She held up Poliwrath's pokéball. "I'm going to defeat you and prove our gym is more powerful than yours!"

Sabrina sighed. "I'm afraid you'll accomplish just the opposite, but me telling you won't change anything. Let's begin. Abra, appear!"

Abra emerged out of his pokéball and sat in the middle of the road.

Nami gazed at it in disgust. It was as if it were asleep and uninterested in the battle. This was exactly how it acted when Kiyo fought it. She wasn't going to let it have its way this time. This time, it was going down.

She threw the pokéball up. "Go, Poliwrath!"

Poliwrath emerged, and the crowd of people started chatting amongst themselves. Some people instantly recognized it as the same Poliwrath from the battle a while ago. Others agreed and claimed, if that was the case, the battle was going to end the same way with Poliwrath going down in seconds.

Poliwrath glared at Abra and immediately recognized it. It was the same Abra that defeated him so easily. Such a humiliating defeat not only brought shame to himself, but it also caused him to lose his master. Completely consumed with rage, Poliwrath knew this Abra had to pay for what it did.

Nami shook her head as the crowd of people talked. She had to block them out and concentrate on the battle. "Poliwrath! Let's win this for my dad! Let's show them why we deserve to be the official gym of Saffron! Go! U-,"

Before she could give him a command, Poliwrath charged at Abra and slammed his fists on the ground. The force of the attack shook the ground, and scattered dust throughout the area. When the dust cleared, Abra had disappeared.

It reappeared behind Poliwrath, and continued to rest on the ground.

Poliwrath turned toward it, and his anger quickly rose. He attacked Abra again, only for it to disappear and reappear behind him.

Nami gritted her teeth. "Poliwrath! What are you doing? Listen to me already!"

Poliwrath ignored her and continued to attack Abra wherever it showed up. He attacked using every move in his arsenal, but Abra evaded them all, and instead caused more damage. The crowd dispersed and screams filled the street as Poliwrath continued its rampage.

Nami gazed at all this with wide, horror-filled eyes. Poliwrath wouldn't listen to her, and he was out of control. She tried to recall him back, but Poliwrath wouldn't stand still long enough.

With tears in her eyes, Nami fell to her knees. She didn't know what to do anymore. Nothing went as she planned.

"Young Master!"

Nami turned around and saw Tsuyoshi and Nathan running toward her.

"Abra, use Psychic!"

Poliwrath soon stopped his attacks, and was frozen in place.

With a flick of its finger, Abra hurled Poliwrath up into the air and slammed him down. The impact created a crater to which Poliwrath lay unconscious in.

Tsuyoshi picked the pokéball up and recalled Poliwrath.

Sabrina walked up to the crying Nami and crossed her arms. "My prediction came to be as I foretold. Destruction. Now that you understand why you and your father were defeated, go home."

With that, she and her students returned to the gym.

After that, the reputation of their gym hit an all-time low. They nearly lost all of their students, no one bothered to challenge them anymore, and they suffered from bad rumors throughout the city. Nami could barely go outside without someone making fun of her.

To help, Tsuyoshi offered to take Nami away from Saffron. She and him moved to Cerulean where he stayed with her until she was old enough to take care of herself.

Nami tucked her hands inside the pockets of her hoodie. Since then, she'd trained as hard as she could to be a great trainer, so that an incident like that would never happen again. She had to become a stronger trainer and restore the honor of not only her gym, but her father as well.

She left the room and walked down the hallway.

Ayden and the others continued to listen to Tsuyoshi tell them about Nami and her father. When he finished, he took a deep breath. "And that's the whole story. Nami feels as though she has to restore the reputation of our gym by any means necessary."

Jin lowered his shoulders. "Wow, poor Nami. I can't believe she went through all that."

Tears welled up in Mendy's eyes. She didn't know all the details of Nami's history with Sabrina. She just knew there were certain parts she didn't like to discuss.

Tsuyoshi nodded. "Yes, it was a very difficult time for her. However, from what I could tell, what helped her get through that experience the most was her friendship with you, young Mendy. Every day, she'd come home and tell me everything you two did together. She'd go on for hours. You are a very important friend to her, please continue to take care of my Young Master."

Mendy smiled. "You don't have to worry. I will. She's a very important friend to me as well."

Tsuyoshi smiled. "Thank you. That really helps ease this old mind of mine."

He looked up at the clock and stood up. "My apologies. I need to go tend to the students for their final lesson for the day. Please feel free to stay in our guest rooms for the night and if you need anything, please let Nathan know. He'll help you settle in. I'll be back soon."

As soon as Nathan saw him leave, he stood up and smiled. "All right! Just follow me guys! I'll show you all to your rooms, and then we can meet up in the living room."

They each nodded and stood up. Jin got to his feet and immediately fell back to the floor. "Guys! Help! Can't move! Feet too numb!"

After showing them their rooms, Nathan led them through the hallways toward the living room.

Jin walked behind the others, and like everyone else, was deep in thought about Nami. "So, is there anything we can do to try and cheer Nami up?"

Mendy nodded. "Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. Coming back here must've been really hard for her."

The sound of a pokéball opening drew their attention, and Haunter emerged. With his mouth wide open, it proceeded to laugh and float over them; making impressions and random gags along the way.

Haunter could feel it. He knew they were feeling depressed, and this was the perfect chance to use his masterful comedy skills to cheer them up.

When his routine finished, Haunter was met with a deafening silence from his audience. He hung his head and slowly fell to the floor.

Ayden sighed. He got out Haunter's pokéball and returned him. "Good try, Haunter, but now's not the time."

Jin laughed. "Guess Haunter wanted to try and cheer Nami up, huh?"

Mendy giggled. "Yeah, but since it is Nami we're talking about, I think Haunter would've freaked her out rather than cheered her up. By the way, Nathan, you've been a student at this gym since you were a kid, right?"

Nathan nodded. "Yep. I really admired Master Kiyo. He was my hero. I wanted to be just like him. And after everything Nami was going through, I couldn't just abandon her. I had to be there for her no matter what."

Mendy smiled. "That's so sweet, Nathan. I'm sure she's very happy to have a friend like you."

Nathan blushed. "T-Thanks, Mendy."

They all came to a stop when they heard loud grunts and thuds.

Jin looked around with furrowed eyes. "You guys hear that?"

Mendy looked around herself. "Yeah, where's it coming from?"

Nathan nodded. "It's coming from the training room. Follow me."

Nami, dressed in her white gi and black belt, continued punching and kicking the punching bag. Each impact left deep imprints of her fists and legs.

Everyone stood at the entrance of the training room and watched her continue her workout.

Jin chuckled. "Wow, didn't think Nami was such a powerhouse. Remind me to never make her mad, okay?"

Nathan gazed at her in awe. Her flawless movements made her seem as though she danced around the floor.

Nami upped her intensity and hit the bag to the point it flew off its chain and burst open; spilling out all the sand. She took in several deep breaths before she noticed her audience.

She grabbed her towel and wiped her face. "What are you guys doing here?"

Jin placed his hands in his pockets. "We heard a lot of noise coming from here, and came to find you doing your beast of a workout. Seriously, you were killing it."

Nami grinned. "Oh, that. Yeah, I can get a little intense in my workout."

Nathan blushed. "I-I-I thought you were amazing."

Nami's grin turned into a smile. "Thanks, Nathan. Hey, you guys have lunch yet? I'm starving."

Nathan's face lit up. "I'll go make us some tea. Tsuyoshi Sensei will have lunch ready in a little bit. Come on, let's go!"

After Nami showered, everyone gathered in the living room while Nathan went into the kitchen and prepared the tea.

Nami plopped on the couch and stretched her legs. "Yeah, nothing like being back home again. Feels pretty good to be back."

Jin looked up at Nami as she relaxed. "You really doing okay, Nami?"

Nami lifted her head. "Yeah, why wouldn't I be?"

Mendy shifted her gaze from Nami over to Jin. She'd known Nami for years. They were practically sisters. She could tell when something was bothering her. "Well, it's just… we know about what happened between you and Sabrina. We just wanted to make sure you're doing okay."

The room fell to complete silence, until Nami started laughing. After she finished, she looked at her friends. "What? Look, I'm fine. Yeah, what happened between Sabrina and my dad still irritates me, but I'm doing okay. Really."

"Are you certain about that?"

Everyone turned to Ayden as he stared at Nami.

Nami glared back at him. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Ayden sighed. "Look, I know I'm not on your list as one of your favorite people, and I may not know you as well as Mendy does, but even I can tell you're not fooling anyone."

Nami stood up. "Okay, Mr. Genius over here thinks he knows me better than I know myself. Fine, go ahead and psychoanalyze me then!"

Ayden stood up. "Fine. You want me to psychoanalyze you? Then here it is. You still want revenge. You still want to get back at Sabrina for what she did, and for what happened with Poliwrath. You feel, since you couldn't get Poliwrath to obey you, that you're not worthy as a trainer… and that you could never live up to your father's reputation. That you're a failure."

Nami reached for Ayden's shirt and pulled him in.

Mendy and Jin both stood up at that, and Piik jumped into position ready to attack.

Nami gripped his shirt while holding in her rage. As much as she hated to admit it, he was right. She still wanted to beat Sabrina and prove her gym was still great, and that her father was the best.

Ayden noticed how she held back her tears by gritting her teeth. He sighed. "Perhaps, I've said too much. Would you feel better if you punched me?"

Nami took a deep breath and calmed down. "You have no idea how much I want to do that. You're right. I do still want to get back at Sabrina for all she's done. I can't seem to find closure until I do. So, until I beat her, I'll settle on you winning that badge."

Nathan finished the tea and walked out into the living room. Before he said anything, he paused as he saw Nami in close proximity to Ayden.

Nami looked up at Ayden. "Win it for me, okay?"

With that, Nathan quickly scurried back into the kitchen. What was that? Was it a confession of love? Did she like Ayden? Did he like her? No! This couldn't be happening! He finally became a strong fighter so that he could be by her side. He couldn't lose her to that guy! He just couldn't! What did Ayden have that he didn't?

Nami let go of his shirt. "Cause if you lose, I'll kick your ass like I did that punching bag, got it?"

Ayden lightly smiled. "Yeah, I got it."

Night soon fell and everyone retired to their rooms. Ayden went outside to practice with Haunter, while Jin, Mendy, and Nami remained in the room.

While Jin and Mendy fell fast asleep, Nami couldn't get to sleep at all. She got out of bed and went outside. The night air felt fresh and relaxing, as the soft wind swept her face. She thought back to what Ayden said, and even though it irritated her, he was right. She couldn't bring herself to admit she wasn't strong enough to defeat Sabrina.

She clenched her fist and yelled at the sky. "Yeah, well that just means I'll have to train even harder, and then I'll be able to defeat her! I'm not done yet!"

She paused to the sound of clapping. She turned around and saw Nathan standing behind her. She blushed. "You heard that?"

Nathan smiled. "What? You mean the part about you declaring you'll get stronger? Nope. Didn't hear a word."

Nami grinned. "Ha, ha. Very funny. Well, go ahead and laugh it up."

Nathan tilted his head. "Why would I laugh at you? I know you'll beat Sabrina."

Nami furrowed her brow. "Wait. You do?"

Nathan walked up to her and stared into eyes. The lighting from the moon made them shimmer like emeralds. "Of course, I do, Nami, you're amazing. There's not a doubt in my mind that you can beat Sabrina. I wouldn't be surprised if you could take her down now. I mean, you're the prettiest, strongest, most talented trainer I know."

Nami scoffed. "See! I knew you were going to make fun of me!"

Nathan shook his head. "No, no, no! That's not what I meant at all! I really admire you, Nami. Seriously. I think you're terrific and… and…,"

Nami crossed her arms. "And what? You sound like you like me or something."

Nathan blushed and looked away.

Nami lowered her shoulders as the realization hit her. "Oh, my God. You mean… y-y-you… like me, like me? That kind of 'like me'?"

Nathan nodded. "Well, yeah, I do. I mean… I have ever since we were kids. I just couldn't gather up the courage to tell you. I told myself I'd work hard and become a martial artist worthy of standing by your side."

Nami shook as she processed all that had happened. She wasn't expecting this. Sure, she liked him as a friend, but never thought of him in any other way than that. Plus, she'd never been confessed to before. How was she supposed to handle this?

Nami took a step backward. "U-U-Um… um… uh… I… that is… I mean… I-,"

Nathan sighed. "Let me guess. You like someone else? It's that Ayden guy, right?"

Nami's face reddened. "W-W-What? What are you t-?"

Nathan held his hand up. "It's okay, you don't have to say anymore. I don't know what it is about that guy that made you like him, but I know he's not worthy of you! I'll prove to you I'm more worthy to be by your side than he is!"

With that, he walked back inside the house.

Nami stood shaking from both shock and irritation. She like Ayden? No way in hell that could ever happen. She could barely tolerate him as a friend. And now, Nathan likes her. To top it all off, he thinks she likes Ayden.

Nami clenched her fists and her teeth and took a deep breath. "Damn it all to hell!"

The next day, the group, with Ayden leading the way, walked through the streets of Saffron toward Sabrina's gym.

Nami walked behind everyone as she dragged her feet. Her eyes had deep bags under them and her incessant yawning drew Mendy's attention.

She gazed at Nami and was taken aback. "Nami! What happened? You look terrible! You didn't sleep well?"

Nami shook her head. "No, barely got a wink of it. So much irritation going on in my life right now."

Mendy placed her hand on Nami's shoulder. "I don't get it. What happened? Is it about Sabrina?"

Nami shook her head. "No, but it ranks right up there."

Jin looked back at them. "Hey, guys, come on! We're here! Let's get this show started!"

Ayden walked up to the gym and knocked, but no one answered. Ayden knocked again, and still no one came to the door.

Jin looked at him. "That's weird, wonder what's keeping them. Think we should go in, or come back later?"

Before Ayden opened the door, an explosion came from across the city that drew their attention. They looked up and saw smoke coming from the Silph Company building.

Jin adjusted his glasses. "What's going on? What happened?"

Ayden shook his head. "I don't know, but we may have to put the gym battle on hold for a bit. Come on."

The group raced through the streets toward the building.

Inside the top floor of the Silph Company building, the president, an elderly man, hobbled around the glass-littered floor. He coughed as the smoke exited through the destroyed window.

He looked up at the faces of several people dressed in black with a silver "C" on their chests. "What is the meaning of this? Who are you people?"

The group moved aside as another member strutted into the room. She had long green hair and wore the same outfit as the others.

The president's eyes widened. "Wait. It can't be. You're Sabrina! What're you doing here like this?"

Sabrina raised her hand, and lifted the president with her powers. "We're Team Chaos. Now, hand over the Red Chain fragment."

***I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Thank you again for taking the time to read my story and I hope you've been enjoying it up to this point! As usual, let me know your thoughts and any constructive criticisms you may have. I'm trying to write my own original story and would like to hear your thoughts on my current writing style and what ways I can improve upon it.

***Chapter 23 will be posted around the same time at the end of February! So, look forward to the next chapter and I'll see you all next time!