TEAM: Twigs (Rillaboom) & Zap (Toxtricity), Spike (Drednaw) & Tilda (Vileplume), Hook (Galarian Slowpoke) & Cress (Charjabug)

Author's POV

"Here Flare, take a look at this." Hop paused the video on his phone to let her see. "Look, the way her Machamp tries to rush in, just like that."

The two trainers spent their morning taking it easy under the safe roof of the Master Dojo. Since Mustard wouldn't be seeing any students that day, he let them in to freshen up, train, whatever they wished. While the couch in Mustard's room was fair game, the telly wasn't, so Hop had to use his phone to study up on the next Gym Leader's battling style.

Flare kept her eyes on the screen as the Machamp launched rapid-fire punches at a Charizard, which simply swooped and weaved away from the blows with blinding speed. A raging storm of fire erupted from the Charizard's mouth and scorched the Machamp as the Fighting type tried to block. The burly Pokémon stood its ground, tensing with energy right before it leapt forward with a powerful double fist lunge.

Hop paused the video as the Charizard was sent reeling back. "Bea's Machamp is no joke! It just took that Fire Blast and almost knocked out Lee's Charizard with that Revenge hit! I know Lee still won this match, but still!"

Flare's stare drifted away as she tried to think. She did have a Psychic type just right for the occasion, but as she studied Bea's matches, she started to have her doubts.

"You really can't fight Bea without a proper plan, especially when dealing with that Machamp!" Hop nodded at her as he scrolled through some Machamp factoids. "That thing can rush at you, hit hard, and take a beating! Did you know there are even Machamp who can move mountains?"

Needless to say Flare's eyes stayed widened for the majority of that 'training session', whether it be from studying Bea's fighting style to Hop bringing up more trivia about Fighting type Pokémon. She learned that a Grapploct's diet is actually terrifying. Still, above all, Flare was just surprised Hop was still there when she woke up that morning, unlike what happened the last time they camped overnight. In light of recent events, Hop said he wasn't going to just abandon her again. And Flare was glad.

It wasn't long later until the two trainers walked out of the dojo and back into the green outdoors, all carefree like nothing happened. It was back to the Gym Challenge for them both, or so Flare thought.

Hop started to lag behind. He breathed out a sigh. "Mate, maybe you can go on ahead without me. I think I'll stay for another spot of training."

Flare's concern returned. "Hop, whatever happened to all the not abandoning stuff you told me earlier? If you're staying then so am I."

"I'll be fine, you better go put that training to good use." Hop mustered his trademark smile. "Besides, I'll just think of catching up as a way to motivate myself, you know? Healthy competition and stuff. Another day of training oughta do it for me."

Flare wanted to retort, but Hop just stood there with his hands resting behind his head and his shining grin. "Well, if you say so." She took her phone out to ring up her Flying Taxi. As she did so, she remembered Mr. Pilot failing to pick up last time she called and wondered if he was still busy. Fortunately for her, it didn't take long for Mr. Pilot to arrive this time.

"Sorry 'bout that, kiddo. Had to… wash the cab again." His exaggerated tone rang familiarly in Flare's ears as he landed. "Don't you worry, little miss! Cinders is gonna get us back in a jiff!" Mr. Pilot proudly patted his Corviknight's head. He adjusted his goggles before looking back at Flare. "We oughta get goin' while the day is young."

Flare nodded, briefly making sure she had everything in her bag before deciding to step towards the cab.

"Wait up!" Hop suddenly called from behind. He quickly caught up before Flare could leave and stopped to catch his breath. "I just… thought I'd see you off, is all. Here." He handed her something.

Flare smiled at the sentiment before observing the berry in her hand. It was bright red and firm to the touch. "A Chople Berry?"

Hop breathed in and stood back up. He sheepishly reached for the back of his head. "You know, just in case. Might be useful, you never know."

Flare gave him a nudge. "You know, you keep treating me to all these things. Don't I still owe you?"

"Don't worry about that, Flare." Hop grinned. "Just go get that next Gym Badge and show the people what's what. I wanna see you in the bleachers when I finally square off against Lee, after all. I'll be rooting for you, mate."

Flare smiled back. "I'll be rooting for you too." She cleared her throat. "Mate."

The two had a good chuckle before they went their separate ways. Cinders' ashen black wings flapped with great force as Flare's cab lifted into the sky and eventually out of sight. Hop stood there and watched Flare leave, waving all the way.

"You don't owe me anything," he muttered to himself. "You've done more for me than you think you have, Flare."

Flare's POV

The Isle of Armor started to disappear from sight as we flew away from it. I gazed out the window, resting my chin on my hand. The passing clouds disappeared from view without giving me a chance to grasp what shapes they were. I felt… mixed.

Why is it that every time I go there I just end up with more unanswered questions?

First that mysterious trainer's mysterious letter and me suddenly learning the existence of former champion Mustard. Now that same former champion spoke this vague prophecy to me out of nowhere about 'bringing the stars to the sky' and 'finishing what he started'. Then he just disappeared without a trace before I could ask anything else.

Every time we ran into him again in the dojo, the second I brought something up, he vanished again. And it kept happening for the next day of training we did too. I had to close my eyes to sneeze and when I opened them he was gone. I tried asking my team if they saw where he went the other night but they didn't have any clue either. Well, Hook did say he saw Mustard backflip up the cliff but I think that was just him being sarcastic.

I blew out a dejected breath. My lone cab swayed slightly, my lack of company leaving only the hefty flapping of Cinders' wings above me. There were other things I could focus on before I reached Stow-on-Side. I needed a game plan for how to beat that Gym Leader, after all.

Even if every visit to the Isle of Armor left me with more questions than answers, I couldn't deny that Hop was right about it being a good training spot. With everyone now up to speed, I just needed to figure out what exactly I was going to do for the Gym.

How am I supposed to beat something that can move mountains?

Am I supposed to try to stand my ground amidst its overwhelming strength? Spike does know Protect, but even with his rugged defenses using him in this kind of Gym wouldn't work out too well. I knew enough about type matchups to expect what would happen next. That being said, I did have a duo who both resisted Fighting type moves, but I started having second thoughts about using Hook. Spike had an easy type advantage in Kabu's Gym, but he still had to put in a bit of work and it wasn't exactly an easy win. Maybe I could use Twigs and Zap since they've recently evolved…?

I tossed around a few more ideas as I spent the rest of the flight rewatching more of Gym Leader Bea's matches. Once again I found myself thankful for Hop when I realized that he sent me more matches to watch. Worked as both advice and entertainment. Time just flew by after that.

By the time Mr. Pilot dropped me off back at Stow-on-Side's plaza, I had already come up with a plan. I looked up at the path to the Gym with my own resolve and confidence. I let my team out to let them know what I thought of. And I already knew he wasn't gonna like it.

"You're kidding me." Hook's frown was unpleasant. "I was practically made for this Gym and you're not using me?! I'm a Psychic type, it's like I was born for this!"

I sighed, trying to sound as understanding as I could. "Hook, I know you learned some strong new moves and everything, but I have something else planned. Plus, the Gym Leader has a Pangoro, and other Dark type coverage moves too."

Hook's expression fell. "I…" He cut himself off. I knew he was smart enough to realize what Dark types could do to him. He briefly glanced at Cress nearby and sighed. I already knew what he was thinking. Cress was strong too, definitely, but I'm sure neither of us could imagine someone as small as her squaring up against a big scary Pangoro.

"Fine." Hook's voice was resigned. He shifted in place with tired eyes. "Who do you plan on using, anyway?"

"Hellooo!"

And just as if she was called, Tilda peeked over from behind my leg and frolicked over between us, as excited as ever. I couldn't help but smile as Tilda twirled, her enthusiasm was contagious.

Hook didn't seem to catch that same excitement, though. Only more shock. "You're using her?! What in the bloody blazes is she going to do, shade them to death?!" He made an exaggerated pointing gesture at Tilda's large petals.

I ended up cracking a smile and chuckling. "That's… the complete opposite of what I had in mind, actually."

Still, quip aside, I saw the conflicted look on Hook's face. I knew I was picking the safer option with my idea, but I couldn't help but feel bad for him. I knelt down and tried to give him a reassuring smile.

"One day, Hook. It might not be now, maybe not today, but one day you'll get your moment. You'll get your chance to…" I tried to think of something motivational. Something a coach, or… champion would say. "... to bask with the stars in the sky. I promise." And yet for some reason when I thought champion, Mustard came to mind instead of Leon. Even if a part of me wanted to kick myself over my words, I still kept up my smile.

But it seemed like what I said was enough to ease Hook. He seemed to soften up, letting me catch just a hint of a smile before he looked up at me. "Thank you. And… good luck." Even the way he said that was softer.

I smiled, this time at his sentiment. "We won't be gone too long. You can explore the town some more or come inside and watch my Gym Challenge if you want." I pat his head some more, still unsure of how he likes to be pet. His hide was still dry and firm, kind of like a couch. Guess that's why Cress likes sitting there so much. "We'll be back in a jiffy."

Hook seemed to stumble over his words, but I still understood his sincerity. I got that, too. Even if I wasn't going to use Hook for this Gym, I still believed he was a strong and valuable member just like the rest of the team. I know he's been making a ton of progress, what with learning Zen Headbutt and Surf and other moves. I just didn't know how to tell him that. Well, that and I find it a bit off-putting that it's been quite some time since I caught him and he still hasn't evolved. The only member of the team who hasn't evolved, actually. But I definitely couldn't tell him that.

I quickly went to fill Twigs and Zap in about things before leaving them to roam the town or do whatever they wished. And then there was the matter of finding Spike and having Tilda help me haul him to the stadium. And just like that I had changed into my Gym Challenger uniform in record time and entered the challenge area with Spike and Tilda in tow.

W-Whoa…

I caught Spike eyeing the expanse of ramp that stretched far ahead and below us. He blinked. "So why am I here again?"

"You know, the same reason I brought Tilda to the last Gym." I chuckled, trying to maintain my composure as I stared in the distance. "Moral support."

"Ooooh." Tilda was quick to step forward, like she wasn't worried about losing her balance. "Look at the fun circle!"

I gulped as I stared at the ramp-like surface I had to travel. I thought Turffield was daunting at first, but this seemed like a completely different obstacle course. I stepped closer to look at the thing I would be sliding down the ramp with. It was a circle thing with the seats and a "wheel" in the middle, like those spinning teacups except this one was shaped more like a curling iron or something.

I stood in place and stared at the daunting stretch ahead of me. When the guy who gave me a rundown of the rules said I had to spin through the course, I thought he was joking. And the way the ramp shined made it look so slippery, as if the second I stepped into the spinning disc, I would immediately slide down the course of no return. I didn't know how Tilda and Spike looked so calm about all this.

The distance between my footsteps grew shorter and shorter. "I might have to take my glasses off for this…" I gulped again. "You know… maybe there's an easier way around?"

"Oh no you don't." Spike stood behind me, stopping me from backpedaling.

I almost fell backward from bumping into his shell. "S-Spike, what are you doing?!"

"Being moral support." He was insistent on nudging my legs from behind and pushing me closer to the circle of doom. "Come on, you can do it. The guy said this whole thing is magnetic so you're not gonna fly off or anything. Tilda, help me out here."

Wait, wait-

But despite my protests, their combined efforts had me sat in this demented carnival ride with my two Pokémon waiting for me to spin the wheel. I nervously shifted in place, my subtle gesture pivoting the circle ever so slightly. I wasn't high in the sky like a Flying Taxi, but from the way this thing swayed I felt I might as well have been in an unstable one.

I stared at the wheel at this thing's center. All it needed was a touch to start this puck's descent down the course. And yet, my hands kept themselves glued to my side, clutching the seatbelt. "I'm not gonna touch it."

"Ooh!" Tilda hurriedly hopped in her seat, rocking the whole thing. "I'll do it then!"

"Wait!" My eyes widened. I tried to reach out for her. I wanted to scream. "Tildaaa aaaaaaaaa!"

"Weeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"

I didn't know how Tilda could be "weeee"-ing at a time like this. She took the wheel and spun it with so much force that we were rocketing down the ramp and the world teetered around us. I didn't know how Spike could be so calm at a time like this. I would've thought he'd know how scary these kinds of speeds are.

My vision quickly spun into a blur. My senses quickly spun into a blur. My insides quickly spun into a blur. My heart sank just as fast as we plummeted. Everything was spinning, even my thoughts. Any semblance of me clinging to a game plan was tossed to the wind as even my passing ideas were left at the mercy of the spin.

In the midst of it all there was still one thought I managed to perceive for just a brief second.

I bet Hook is really glad he's not here right now.

Hook's POV

The audacity. This was supposed to be my moment. My shot at being the first choice and being able to lead the fight. I was a Psychic type, and there were Fighting types, it just made sense. But no. Nonsense decided to win today. Back to the dust with me while the turtle and the flower head inside for the third blasted Gym in a row.

Back to the dust in the most literal sense, what with the way these crowded streets were littered with people stomping all this sand around. Repulsive. All the more reason to bring my gaze away from that… overrated stadium. I huffed. I spat. I left.

It didn't help that I chanced a glance at some familiar faces on my way out. Twigs and Zap, I remember them being called, walking hand in hand around the plaza as if nothing was wrong. I had nothing against them, I still silently sent them my condolences regarding recent events, but the sight of them still soured me with envy.

It was because I haven't evolved, is that it?

There is no denying it. The literal child managed to evolve days into his life while I was still stuck with the form I've had for who knows when. And it only felt like yesterday since I saw Twigs as that tiny Grookey thing.

I shook my head as I continued stomping out of town. I tried to keep my steps firm, forceful, assertive. Clearly, I was still powerful. There wasn't anything I was possibly doing wrong, surely. My moves were all strong and useful. I've done as much battling as the others when it came to dealing with wild Pokémon or trainers. Rather, that statement would hold true if it weren't for those Gyms being taken into account…

A sigh escaped my mouth. The frustration in my footsteps faded to my disposition of defeat. I felt as if I've lost when I've yet to participate. Pathetic.

I cast my eyes upward and grimaced. As if to mock me, I just so happened to have sat myself in front of the large Diglett trio monument outside town. A landmark larger than life, a six-eyed structure that seemed to be looking down at me. If I never manage to step foot in a stadium, those pesky thumb statues will always be larger than I'll ever be.

"Sup."

At that point I wasn't surprised. I can never expect to be alone with the likes of Cress around. If it was any consolation, she was the only team member left who wasn't larger than me. Still, I couldn't bring myself to look at her. There was a nearby pile of rubble that seemed less bothersome to confront.

"Troubled, huh." Cress spoke so calmly and matter-of-factly. Of course I was troubled, even if I didn't speak those words exactly. "You seem oddly focused on those statues."

A warm huff of a breath let itself out of my mouth. "Blasted thumbs…"

"Yeah, I don't have those either." Was that snark? I still never could tell if she was being smug or dense. "Still bummed about falling behind, is that it?"

"And I thought I was the Psychic type here." I might as well humour her while she was here. "You read me like a book. Was it… that obvious?"

"I mean, it's pretty obvious that you're a bit of a grump all the time. This isn't new to any of the others. But I noticed. I've spent enough time with you to know you're still hung up on this whole evolution stuff."

"That's fair." I let my gaze briefly fall to my companion beside me. I was too used to seeing this peculiar green box that I almost forgot the period she was a Grubbin. Did I… resent her so?

Cress looked up at me, her square eyes shining with just a hint of expression somewhere in there. "Don't look so down, chum. What was it that Flare promised you again? Something about baskets, and…"

"Bask with the stars in the sky." I repeated it with the same intonations Flare had. The words stuck with me, after all. It wasn't the first time I was promised something so vague. Yet, as I brought my gaze skyward, there were no stars. The sun threatened to blind me, no semblance of glittering beauty in sight. I sighed again, begrudgingly resigning my stare to the shaded lump of the giant Diglett's nose. I wanted to believe the encouragement I was given, I really did. But at that moment it seemed like the world's best interest was in mocking me.

There was a silence that followed. No gentle breeze came to soothe the beating heat from the sun above. Yet, in the isolation my senses felt, I knew I wasn't alone. The lingering sound of crackling static was still there. My peripherals still caught the hint of green accompanying my side. Cress was still by my side, still here, still listening, but in a comforting way. The world may have had hints of wanting to destroy me, but I felt assured Cress wouldn't belittle me for anything. She never did mock me, and I can trust that she wouldn't ever. Cress still stood tiny for someone of her species, but her presence felt much greater than that of a runt.

I still held dreams of grandeur, holding onto the possibility of being under a trainer who could bring me to my peak, and truly recognize me for who I was. But at the same time, I started to have my doubts on if that'd truly be better than being part of an odd yet close-knit group like this one. My gratitude to Cress is playing a huge part in my judgement, of course. Her death defying stunt at the Isle of Armor isn't something I'm going to be forgetting anytime soon.

"Hey Hook." Her voice emerged from the silence. "Do you know what your parents were like? Er… family, I mean?"

I blinked, giving her a perplexed look. The question certainly came out of nowhere. "Not particularly. I was born under a different trainer instead of being raised in the wild." I paused. "Like Zap." Except Zap was lucky that he wasn't raised with his brothers on the same team. Those dopey pricks.

"Whoa, you never told me you had a trainer before Flare." Cress looked like she would've widened her eyes if she could. "What happened?"

My gaze trailed dirtward. My displeased frown grew with recollections of sour memories. "He was a kind old man, he really was. However, it seemed like I didn't belong. My capabilities were different than the way my brothers were raised, and I constantly felt like I wasn't living to my full potential. He must've recognized it too. And then he sent me off." The mention of him had me recall his parting words. Finding the right company and something to do with the destroyer of worlds and other poppycock. Another vague promise, and yet… "Still the closest thing to family I had." I raised an eyebrow at her. "Why do you ask?"

"Hmm." Was she… pleased? "I kinda feel the same way, you know. I was born in the wild so I did have a family, but… not for very long. Still, I knew enough to guess that a family has cool people who you can count on. Protect you, maybe. Just like this team."

I paused and listened. She sounded at ease as she spoke. Of course, Cress was usually relaxed, but there was a certain emotion, intonation in her voice that I caught. Was that… sentimentality?

I let her continue. She sounded eager to pick it back up. "Flare is family. I'm sure she just wants to protect you too, that's all." Cress looked at me and nodded. "Keep your chin up, buddy. Eventually things are gonna change, maybe for better or worse. But hey, something's bound to happen eventually. It's just a matter of hanging in there, that's all."

My stare froze with brief astonishment. I had to make sure I was talking to the same person. Now there was an unusual sense of wisdom… or familiarity to her words. As if she was speaking from experience.

I looked back at her to see that she was back to staring at nothing in particular, likely in her own train of thought. At that moment I desperately wished I had telepathy to figure out what exactly was toiling in her head. But at the same time, I was okay with not prying. I respected Cress enough for that.

My smile was fond. I would definitely take her words to heart. "Thank you, Cress."

"Don't mention it, chum." Cress perked up. "Okay, now you say it back."

I rolled my eyes. "No."

"Come on."

"No."

"Come onnnn."

"I am not calling you chum."

"Why not?"

"Because that means fish bait and I wouldn't want that to happen to you."

"That's fair." Cress proudly chuckled to herself. "Heh, guess you really are family according to my definition." And back to normal she goes.

"Lapping my pride up, aren't you?"

"Maybe." She certainly sounded the part. "I'm just happy I was able to help you out. I'll give Tilda my thanks later. In the meantime, maybe you can help me out with something."

I rolled my eyes. "Very well. Would you like to head back to the island? I thought we already established there's no way to reach that cave Galarica."

"No, no, not that. I've actually been sensing something here." Cress looked to and fro as if she was sniffing the air. Her body crackled with electricity as she did so. "Something… electrical. Was that pile of rubble always there?"

I followed her gaze. A dirt heap by the base of this Diglett monument. "It was, actually."

"That must be it, then! Come on, help me out with this!" She was quick to squirm over towards it. I had to match her surprising energy to keep in pace. "You know Dig too, don't you? Come on, I know there's something good here!"

Our spontaneous spelunking session had us both using Dig on this unusually heavy mound of dirt. Cress had to use her tiny squirming limbs while I used both my paws and my telekinesis to do so.

"There!" I was quick to spot it, a glint of green amidst the sand. I floated the small object over to my paw and observed it.

"That's the thing, the thing!" Cress looked like she was trying to hop in place, the static flowing through her seeming to match her energy. "Gimme gimme!"

I continued staring at the curious green rock I held. Its glinted emerald edges shined under the sunlight, revealing a symbol of a thunderbolt inside its translucent surface. The colour reminded me of Cress especially, hue of green and all. At that moment I had no questions regarding Cress' ability to detect this item. I let her touch the stone, because it just felt right.

Her contact with the stone was met with a spontaneous burst of light from all around her, causing me to shield my eyes. The stone vanished as her green hide started to swell as if it were a cocoon, even ripping apart like one. Her true figure was revealed underneath, bathed in light as her features grew. Mandibles extended greatly, legs grew, something sprouted from her back. When the glow faded with a rush of energy, I was greeted with the sight of Cress' dark blue shining hide and the sound of… fluttering?

"Whoa, look at me!" Cress exclaimed as she eagerly looked over her dangerously long mandibles and buzzing wings. She did a swooping backflip like it was nothing. "Finally, I'm a Vikavolt now!"

My eyes widened. I was so used to Cress being a Charjabug that I never entertained the idea of her evolving again. Now she was huge in comparison, a larger winged beetle with the energy to match.

"Hold up, let me try something." Cress stopped her routine of somersaulting and flexing her mandibles to charge up an attack. Between her jaws she manifested a buildup of electric energy that grew brighter and brighter.

The culmination of electricity flew out from between her mandibles, speeding through the air as a long beam before zapping a nearby rock heap. The attack shattered what rubble was there, kicking up a cloud of dust in the distance.

"Whoa," Cress spoke. "I'm sick."

I just blinked at the target that used to be there. I was in shock, metaphorically of course. "Good thing you didn't hit the Diglett monument. I'm certain that would've counted as property damage."

"Your face is property damage!" Cress declared excitedly with a few more somersaults. "I can fly and I can shoot cool electric moves now! Those birds won't know what hit 'em!"

Always with the birds… I set aside that throwaway comment regarding my appearance and decided to focus on Cress' state. She was clearly still ecstatic about evolving. And I found myself with a smile again as I saw how dizzy she was being with those backflips. "How do you feel?"

"Maybe… that's enough flying for now." Cress groggily settled to resting on my head. Looming shadow of mandibles aside, she still rested snugly despite her vastly increased size. "You think now's a good time to head back?"

I decided to humour her. "We might as well."

As I retracted my steps back into the desert town, I found myself perplexed with a revelation as I continued thinking about Cress. She evolved, yet I felt no contempt or envy or any of the sort. I did still eagerly await my own evolution, but in the meantime I was okay with being happy for Cress. My time would come, it was just a matter of hanging in there.

The words from others before rang with new hope. Flare did promise me my moment of glory. I wouldn't take her as one to take promises lightly. Even if the sun was still out, I know I'll be able to see the stars eventually. And what was it that old man said…?

"... worthy of the destroyer of worlds…"

Those choice words once again garnered skepticism from me. I did believe that my time would come for me to fulfill my worth, but for such a title? I did have distaste for certain locations, but none worth resorting to destructive tendencies for. Nor did I wish to wreak that kind of havoc onto the people I cared about. Or family, as Cress put it.

I shook my head. That old man was always a bit of a wack job. It is possible he was wrong all along… potentially.

Cress drummed on my head with her spindly beetle legs. "You know, I kinda feel bad that I didn't evolve sooner. Flare definitely would've brought us along if she knew how cool I was."

"Don't sweat it." My eyes were set on the stadium ahead. "We might as well see how well they're doing without us. With their odds, maybe they're feeling good."

Author's POV

Flare was not feeling good.

One second her world was spinning, the next second it stopped. It seemed like a painfully long second to her, though. The course she had to sit through was demanding, especially with the contraptions that sent her ride whirling all around the ramp. But soon enough reality came in when the spinning finally stopped.

Flare slowly stepped back onto solid, level ground, clutching her stomach. Just like how she felt her vision was still blurred, so were her insides.

Spike and Tilda simply stood nearby, not nearly as fazed by the ride they just had. Being used to the act of spinning themselves silly, they found the trek down thrilling rather than one worth thrupping on.

Spike found himself wincing as he watched Flare turn away from them with a pale queasy face. "Yikes, time for moral support before this gets messy. Uh, Tilda, do something."

"Okay!" The Vileplume still had a smile on her face as she declared that. She started wafting her petals about, sending forth a soothing clean breeze with a refreshing scent.

The Aromatherapy quickly reached Flare and cleansed her senses before anything could erupt. With a quick breath, she stood back up straight, the colour returning to her face like nothing happened.

"Thanks, you guys." The determination flared up in her gaze as the staircase to the stadium stood before them. "Looks like we're finally here." Flare looked at Tilda and nodded.

The trio were mostly used to the routine by then. Up the stairs, into the stadium, wave to the crowd. Flare couldn't help but be amused at how Spike and Tilda proudly and excitedly reacted to the audience. Being in high spirits definitely helped, especially if she was planning on taking this seriously from now on.

"Good day ladies and gentlemen of Stow-on-Side! Another challenger has endured the spinning course, but is she a match for our Karate Prodigy, Gym Leader Bea? Everybody give it up for Gym Challenger 71, Flare!"

Flare stood at the center of the stadium, where she came face-to-face with her opponent. Even if she's seen her in videos before, Flare still found herself surprised to see Gym Leader Bea in the flesh, right in front of her. Considering the last three Gym Leaders were adults, it was a surprising contrast for her to meet a girl who looked like she could be around her age.

Gym Leader Bea stood firm, wearing a stoic look in her karate uniform that made it look like she was going to the fighting herself. "So you must be Flare. I've heard about you from Allister."

Flare blinked, her heart skipping a beat at the thought of her name being passed around by people as important as Gym Leaders. Her confidence gave way to a sheepish smile. "Yes, that's me."

"Though with where he hangs around, meeting him can only mean one thing. I see it in your resolve, too." Bea's expression stayed neutral, remaining as firm as her posture. Her words carried the faintest weight of emotion, but she deliberately held back on softening up. "I'm Bea. Here in my Gym, I aim to test trainers to see how they persevere, and how they crumble. Judging from how you've been to Watchtower Ruins and still made it through my endurance ramp, I would like to test you. I'll ask you this, do you have an unshakable spirit that won't be moved no matter how you are attacked?"

Flare remembered why she was here in the first place. With her team, and her resolve. She nodded. "I have the spirit." It was go big or go home.

Bea's stare grew determined. "I think I'll just test that out, shall I?"

The two trainers shared unwavering stares before turning away and heading to their respective parts of the stadium. The audience quieted down in anticipation.

"Trainers… begin!"

Flare sent Tilda forward, letting out a breath of anticipation as she did so. She already had a strategy in mind after watching those matches with Hop, and she had to commit to being unshakable in the process. Bea's Hitmontop was already rushing towards the Vileplume as Flare waited.

"You know what to do, Tilda!" Flare assured, briefly glancing up at the sky and then back at Tilda as she did so. She hoped this would work.

Tilda stood there and took a deep breath as well, stopping to concentrate as the Hitmontop sped closer. In the midst of her preparation, she had to put her arms in front of her face to withstand the incoming barrage of attacks. The Hitmontop was ruthless in its offense, a spinning Triple Kick to the side, a Quick Attack from behind, and sometimes a whiffed Revenge. While Tilda's Poison typing meant she resisted Fighting type blows, her inability to fight back left her open to attacks that wouldn't slow down until she did.

Flare nervously watched as Tilda still stood her ground despite the battering she was receiving. "Come on, just a little bit longer…"

At that moment, Tilda glanced back at Flare. She was wincing, but still determined. "Flare, I think I'm ready…"

Flare's eyes widened. She hurriedly reached into her bag and took out a Super Potion, shooting a spray towards her Pokémon. "Now, Tilda!"

As soon as the healing mist made contact with Tilda, she let loose the energy she stood there accumulating. The result was a burst of light so blinding that it caught the Hitmontop off guard and forced it back. When the flash subsided, it lingered to bathe Tilda's body in such a vibrant glow that it was almost blinding to look at her. Not only that, but the time she spent charging up her Growth move led to the stat boost maxing out the Vileplume's attacking stats. Both the glow and the tremendous stat boost had Bea widening her eyes on her end of the field.

On the other side, Flare felt a similar rush of adrenaline to the excited energy her Vileplume was feeling. She smiled with relief and with confidence. It was time for the next step. "Now, Moonblast!"

The illuminated Vileplume leaned forward and shot an equally vibrant projectile from her flower, sending an orb of Fairy type energy at the Hitmontop. Spin away as it might, Tilda's aim rang true, causing a direct hit that sent the Hitmontop hurtling into the wall across the field at almost instantaneous speed.

Flare's grin was almost as bright as Tilda's glow. "It actually worked."

Spike just sat there next to her, just as astonished as he watched. "It's Tilda, what did you expect?"

The trainer looked ahead at Tilda, the Vileplume's sunny smile faintly visible amidst her shining form as she waved back. Flare was confident they could keep up the pace. Tilda proved she could be an immovable object, now it was time to be the unstoppable force.

Bea gritted her teeth as she brought out another Ultra Ball. "Interesting. Guess we'll have to keep up the offense."

Out came a hulking Pangoro, the Fighting Dark type that Flare knew very well was the main reason she wasn't using Hook. But in the case of Tilda, the Dark typing just meant the Moonblast would hurt a lot more. Size became irrelevant when in a single blow, the Pangoro met the same hurtling fate the Hitmontop succumbed to.

Tilda continued frolicking and waving to the cheering crowd. She was soaking in just as much sunlight as she did with attention. When Bea's Sirfetch'd came out, not even the bird's long leek sword could make up for just how much farther away Tilda was on the field. Distance proved to beat out melee strikes as Tilda fired off a Moonblast faster than the Sirfetch'd could reach her.

Bea's brow furrowed and her frown deepened. Her hand tensed around her last Ultra Ball. She put her foot back as she assumed a fighting stance. "It's time to dig in our heels! I'm not giving up, so neither should you!" Even in her annoyed state, she channeled her emotion into concentration. "It's time to destroy everything! Your skill is worthy of respect—and Gigantamaxing!"

Flare nodded, casting a glance at the energy flowing through her Dynamax Band as she clutched Tilda's Pokéball. She knew what was coming next.

As soon as the Machamp landed on the field, both trainers withdrew their Pokémon to Dynamax them. Both giant Pokéballs were hurled simultaneously, leading to a combined landing tremor that shook the whole stadium. The Gigantamaxed Machamp's power led to its eyes and fists bathed in glowing energy that was almost molten. Of course, the Machamp's glow came secondary to the bright Vileplume who practically lit up the stadium.

The large Machamp was quick to rush at Tilda, heavy steps quaking. Flare knew it was time to act, to surpass the offense she knew this Machamp could pack. She stared at her phone's Pokédex, ready to call out Tilda's Dynamax move, until she froze at the words she had to read.

Max Starfall. Her steady breathing started to shake. The image of her imminent victory was blurred with the memory of the last time she saw that attack. The reddish Dynamax glow emanating from Tilda didn't help in easing her senses. When she blinked, she was brought back to the dead of night. Even as she tried to stand strong, her stance wavered. The very thought brought her back to the moment where she stood before the exploding star. Her senses were blurred to the point where she became unaware of her giant glowing Vileplume, only seeing the Drednaw who stood by her.

"Spike, Protect!"

Spike stood dumbfounded as his panicked eyes widened. "Flare, I'm not the one on the field, you have to tell Tilda to-"

"G-Max Chi Strike!"

A different type of explosive blast followed, mainly with the impact that happened when all four of Machamp's fists rocketed into Tilda's face. The force rocked the ground and managed to knock Flare off her feet in her disoriented state. An alarming red flash came from her phone's screen as her Pokédex scanned Tilda's vitals. The red text read "critical hit".

Flare had to suck in a breath as she came to her senses, just in time to hear her Vileplume yell out in pain. The fear still lingered. "Tilda!"

Tilda reeled, but even after the blow, she kept her feet planted on the ground. She knew she had to keep standing despite how much she staggered. "I'm… okay!"

Flare wanted to get up and reach for a Super Potion, but the repeated quaking around her reminded her of the Gigantamax Machamp hot in pursuit for another attack. If she didn't want anything else to happen, she had to act immediately. It was now or never.

"No pressure…" she shakily admitted before regaining her breath. "Tilda, Max Starfall!"

Tilda could feel the rush of Flare's resolve before she could finish her sentence. There was still a bit of distance between her and the Machamp. She stood her ground and leaned forward once more, this time firing a giant star-shaped projectile from her flower. The star glowed brighter as it spun towards the Machamp, ready to let loose its blast of mist. In response, the Machamp was quick to skid to a stop, thrusting its fists forward as pitch black energy beams flew out. Light versus dark, the attacks collided.

The Max Starfall and Max Darkness hits resulted in an explosion that sent both halves of the attacks to opposite sides of the field. Flare gasped and had to shield her eyes as the rushing pink fog from the Max Starfall flew her way and clouded her vision. Even if she stood far from the area of the blast, the sight of the mist so close to her was enough to make her feel as if she were in danger. In that moment her fear came from how she couldn't see Spike, Tilda, or anyone else, but she was also afraid to call out for a name that wouldn't respond.

She couldn't hear the crowd. All she heard was her hastened breathing. The night returned. It was as if it was happening all over again. The mist was blinding. She still had yet to get up, leaving her vulnerable. Even if she couldn't see, she suddenly felt the familiar smell of something. Flare winced, fully expecting the overwhelming waft of sweets, but it wasn't that. A gentle breeze seemed to part the mist, one that smelled of flowers.

Tilda's smiling face greeted Flare, soothing Aromatherapy scent lingering from her flower as her Growth glow faded. "Look, Flare," she said gently. "We did it."

Spike was there too, and the two of them helped pull Flare back to her feet, standing up proud under the eyes of a cheering crowd. The day was won.

With the help of her two Pokémon, Flare regained her composure as she paced her way to the center of the stadium where Bea was waiting. By the time Flare made it, both trainers had managed to calm down.

"Thank you for the battle. I felt the fighting spirit of your Pokémon as you led them in battle." Bea closed her eyes and took a breath, tightening a knot on her uniform as she spoke. "Phew… Facing you gave me all the explanation I needed. I can see it in you, going far with you and your team."

Flare breathed out a chuckle. "Thanks." It was odd hearing a compliment like that from a Gym Leader, but she guessed that it was something she said to all her challengers.

The two met for a handshake. Bea's grip was the strength to be expected from a karate prodigy, albeit strained with how she had to use her other hand to support her arm.

Bea's gaze softened. "Battling against you and your team… I hadn't expected it, but it made my heart dance. With vigor, and with humility. It's good to be unshakable in the face of battle. But it's good to be moved by battle, as well." A ghost of a smile appeared on her face. "I hope you'll meet many more trainers and have many more matches in the future. And I hope that every one of those encounters will nourish your spirit, however they unfold."

The advice solidified in Flare's mind as she accepted the Fighting Badge. With a thanks and a wave, Flare thanked Bea and left, knowing well her resolve was authentic. Whether her spirit would waver or remain immovable, what mattered was that it was still there no matter what happened.

"We should be heading to Ballonlea next, which is past Glimwood Tangle… or I could wait for Hop to catch up." Flare tossed around the idea in her head as she changed back into her jumper and trousers. Her resolve was fresh and blazing given recent accomplishments and she planned to keep the fire burning.

However, the thought didn't sit long when Flare was distracted by her team waiting for her in the lobby. It was mainly the buzzing that came with Cress' new form that caught her attention.

"Cress, you evolved!" Her exclamation was as excited as it always has been, similar to when Cress evolved during that battle against Milo. She made sure to give her a hug, which was a bit awkward considering the wings and the shell and the mandibles, but the two still tried their best.

Thinking about an evolution several Gyms ago had Flare mull over just how far her team had come. That day in the Wild Area with her newly caught team of six felt just like yesterday. Now there she was, several Gyms later, with nearly the same team of… seven?

Flare raised an eyebrow. There was a Dottler chilling with her group of Pokémon. "Who's this?"

"You don't remember Brainy?" Cress happily buzzed over towards him. "He's just kind of my biggest fan."

"Brainy?" Flare last heard that name in Turffield, but back when he was a Blipbug. "If Brainy is here, then…"

A click and a sudden flash confirmed it. "Oh, sorry 'bout that! Force of habit," Nikki apologized behind her camera.

Flare staggered a bit at the sudden flash, but when she regained her balance, her eyes stayed wide. "Nikki and… Sonia?"

The professor's assistant waved from nearby. "Hello, Flare. We saw your match."

Running into the fan she met in Turffield was surprising, but Sonia too? Flare did remember meeting Sonia a city ago, but the two running into each other just to watch her Gym Battle was something else.

Sonia smiled as she clutched Flare's shoulder. "You didn't tell me you had fans. Look at you, Miss Hotshot. You might actually be the one to knock Leon's socks off, but don't tell Hop I said that." She winked.

Flare felt flattered as she rubbed her arm. "I'm pretty sure it's not going to come to that." She sheepishly chuckled.

"Don't worry, I've still been keeping up with all your matches," Nikki spoke up, eyes focused on her camera's screen. Her expression suddenly faded with confusion as she studied the picture. "Wait… didn't you have a Greedent?"

"Um…" Flare's gaze trailed downwards as she struggled to keep up her smile. "About that…"

Both Sonia and Nikki understood Flare's pause. Especially with what they heard about her visiting Watchtower Ruins.

Sonia gave her an understanding smile as she gently caressed Flare's shoulder, even pulling her close for a brief embrace. "You know…" she hummed. "... since your fan and I just so happened to run into each other, we were thinking of seeing the mural later."

"Oh yeah, that should be interesting!" Nikki piped up, picking up her Dottler in her arms. "They say you can't visit Stow-on-Side without stopping by its iconic mural. It's historic and stuff."

Sonia pulled back and stared with tender green eyes. "Would you like to join us for a little bit?"

Flare mustered a smile as she rubbed her eyes. She nodded.

A loud noise was heard in the distance. Forceful, like a sturdy blow striking a sturdy object. Stone being broken down. The three stood shocked at the sudden disturbance. Even more so when they realized it wasn't coming from the stadium battlefield.

"What rubbish timing…" Sonia was the first to realize. "It's coming from where the mural is!"

Flare gasped as she rounded up her team. "Guys, we have to go."

Another forceful crack echoed in the distance, followed by the sounds of the trainers' footsteps.