This was it. After all her battling, team bonding attempts, and trips to every city in Paldea, her battling skills would be put to the test once and for all. Her journey started in Cabo Poco, and now it would end with Cabbie Paco… Okay, not really.
After a humble day of sleeping for hours and spending her dorm time organizing her thoughts, a new day had arrived for Momo. It was time to heed the day's worth of Nemona's missed calls and head to the Pokémon League.
The last thing Momo expected was for a humble pilot to be out on this route as some top tier trainer. The last thing Cabbie Paco expected was the Tatsugiri that didn't hesitate to wash his Pokémon away.
While Momo set out on this journey with dreams of owning a team of Pokémon larger than life, she was glad she gave Sami a chance, because the Tatsugiri wasn't one to give his foes any chances. Any moment spent underestimating that small fry was met with a Muddy Water that commanded the battlefield, which helped plenty when it came to the Elite Four. While Momo was at it, she used a TM on Sami for some extra unexpected firepower when the time was right.
Sami was only one very small part of a very large whole. Diego, Alti, Brawn, Orthon, and Donny all pitched in as Momo's flamboyant commands rocked the battle chamber. Past Rika, past Poppy, and past Larry again. With Sami's Dragon Pulse piercing a Baxcalibur's rush, the Tatsugiri proved that even a baby dragon can breathe fire, and Momo's small hands were able to seize victory. However it was that Mr. Hassel put it.
Momo was on top of the world on that champion battlefield, and against Top Champion Geeta, she was ready to show her what real stars looked like. Never in her life did she expect to be fighting for a champion title, and if anyone she knew was watching, she hoped they'd be proud of her. Geeta's prowess gave her team trouble, but Momo wasn't going to bend. Every flamboyant movement with her arms, every step of footwork she practiced, it led to her laugh echoing over the rushing water as Sami washed away Glimmora in a glorious crystalline flash. A bright light that rivaled the sun, shining brighter than any jewel, intensified by the most glorious of Momo poses. She definitely earned this champion title with the way she nailed it.
Of course, Momo knew what was coming next. Even as a champion-ranked trainer, she swore to make time for others, and there was someone in particular who was itching for one grand champion to champion battle. They met in Mesagoza, standing by that battle plaza, with even some onlookers gathered. Geeta, Director Clavell, some of the academy teachers, and even some of the students who didn't seem to want to pay attention to her before. Now this was an audience.
On the other side, Nemona stood with a smile that held intensity and excitement. "The stage is set, Momo! It's my all-out power… versus your strength in full fruition!"
Momo met her spirit with her smirk, mystically waving her hand and using sleight to manifest a Pokéball into her palm. "You won't find a champion as great as the one and only Momo, Nemona! Me and my team aren't going to hold back for this one!"
Nemona's stoked eyes fired up at that. "Let's see who comes out on top!"
No more holding back, no more backing down. Energy erupted forth from trainer and Pokémon alike as soon as it began. However, while each clash of attacks were intense, the back and forth was anything but hostile. Instead, the air was filled with the purity of joy and excitement, as if every hit dealt and taken was worth cheering for from either side. One liners were tossed with every blow, poses were struck whenever a Pokémon went down, it was as much a battle as it was a performance.
Every running race, every fruitful battle, every encounter with Nemona was a challenge that Momo gladly accepted to keep up with her pace. Finally going all out like this with her, shining bright with the most treasured strength, it felt like such a thrill to elevate herself to the heights of energy and skill Nemona so proudly bolstered. She was finally able to meet her unyielding eye head on and keep that energy going. She walked this far on her victory road, now it was time to turn it into a victory lap.
The Meowscarada's flower bombs dazzled the battlefield alongside the Skeledirge's blazing shouts. Nemona was immovable, unstoppable, and while the battlefield was left blindingly radiant, that didn't stop Momo one bit. The relentless energy and passionate excitement was all too familiar, with commands flowing out as if Nemona was able to gush without restraint, a sentiment Momo related all too well with.
Their cries echoed in unison as their Pokémon's attacks met. "Shine blazingly bright, my greatest treasure!"
Things were neck and neck as always, but at last, terastilized forms faded as crystals shattered, and the victor was decided. Everything seemed to fall, the fading crystals, Meowscarada's presence, the sound of silence. Everything fell, except Nemona's smile.
"Thanks for that incredible match. You beat me for real this time, Momo!"
Nemona's clasped handed display of glee was greater this time, one that bubbled into triumphant laughter as she met Momo back in the middle.
"Whew…" Momo wiped some sweat off her brow as she allowed herself a triumphant smirk. "You seem awfully happy considering I just won against you, Nemone."
"Why wouldn't I be?" Even after that loss, the shining passion in Nemona's stare and laughter didn't fade one bit. It might've even been brighter now. "I got to face you at your full strength, you got to face me at my full strength, and wham! Pokémon battling is just… it's just so much better—so much more fun than I ever knew!"
Momo's smile softened as Nemona displayed her wonderful giddy glee in squeal-worthy force. "I'm real happy to help, Nemona." She was tempted to join her in her whooping, even.
So this was what rivalry was like. No knocking each other down, no eliminating the competition, just the thrill of reaching new heights together and inspiring each other to keep going. Living up to Nemona's energy and battle skill was what kept Momo excited to train, and seeing her like this, she couldn't help but feel like she somehow inspired Nemona too along the way.
Nemona was quick to clear her throat, narrow her eyes, and shoot Momo a determined smirk. "But don't think this is over yet! I'll surprise you next time, you'll see! In fact, after a short break, we oughta have ourselves a round two!"
"Uh, a round two?" Momo was too surprised to get into character. "That's… not a lot of time for us to train, is it?"
Nemona laughed again before shrugging. "Haha, time, you got me there. Y'know, speaking of time, you've sure been giving me a lot of it with all the battles we've been having. And giving it your all with it, too! I can't remember the last time anyone did that for me." With a calmer sigh, she placed a hand on her hip with a proud stance. "So to celebrate our friendship and rivalry and all the time you've given me, lemme know if you ever need help with something! I can't guarantee I'll be good at it, but I'll be sure to give it my absolute all!"
Momo's smile grew at that. Giving her time, like a good champion would. "You got it, Nemone."
They met for a clasping, solid handshake, and Momo felt all the more fulfilled for it, perhaps even more so when Geeta dubbed her a champion-ranked trainer. Getting the badges was a worthwhile endeavor, not just for the pristine of a championship title, but for the friendships she made and was all the more glad to keep nourishing. And speaking of friendships…
That last Team Star base wasn't going to raid itself, and Momo didn't want to keep Cassiopeia, Clive, or Penny waiting.
It took a trip through mountainous terrain and a bamboo camp with some very territorial Pokémon groups, but at least the waterfalls were nice. Seemed like a good sign for how she was totally going to wash away Eri's Caph Squad. After another run-in with pompadour Clive, Momo and her team met the Team Star camp in another barrage of an attack, which led her all the way up to where Eri was.
She was the most intimidating Team Star boss with her towering stance, powerful voice, and bright face paint that made Momo feel very small. If this wasn't a Pokémon battle, Momo was afraid she'd be snapped like a twig. Diego's spectral attacks and Alti's acrobatic strikes got through most of Eri's Fighting type team, but when it came to the rampaging Starmobile itself, the vehicle carried too much stamina to overwhelm quite easily.
"Guess it's time to pull out my secret weapon!" With a pose involving holding her hands in front of her face, Momo swapped out her Bombirdier for her Tatsugiri. "Sami! Hyper Beam!"
One small fish, one big blast. She waited for just a moment like this, and it was going to be glorious.
The massive beam of energy bounced light off every glassy surface present by that mountain, and with the dull crystals growing off of it, the result was a blinding explosion that engulfed the whole rampaging machine. The bigger they were, the harder they fell to the Tatsugiri. The battle was won, and Eri let out another battle cry as her Starmobile shut down.
It turned out Eri was pretty caring over her lackeys, and that kind and surprisingly tender attitude once again left Momo questioning why she had to do this in the first place. Still, Eri didn't have any hard feelings about the loss and gave Momo a good clasped handshake on her way out. For such a strong woman, she thankfully didn't squeeze Momo's hand too forcefully unlike a certain other Team Star boss.
But even with all Team Star bosses downed, Operation Starfall was only one confrontation away from reaching its conclusion. In a surprising call, Cassiopeia revealed themselves to be the big boss of Team Star who formed Operation Starfall, and challenged Momo to end everything once and for all.
As Momo headed to the designated meeting place by the academy, she had a lot of questions on her mind. Even more so when Clive pulled one last stunt and insisted he was the all powerful big boss she had to fight. How did he arrange all of this? Why was he stopping her here? Why weren't his Pokémon in Premium Balls? How did he wear pants over shorts? It definitely caught Momo off guard, but one Hyper Beam later, the lie was exposed and it was time for her to battle the true face behind this whole operation.
"Mondie… Thanks for coming."
At the school track field, Momo met Cassiopeia's hooded figure in the dead of night. Under the lights present, there was no mistaking that smirk, that hair, and that Eevee backpack.
"Penny?" Momo came face to face with those unmistakable two-toned hues as her thinking gears continued turning. "So, way back then, the big boss who tried to fight back against those who bullied your Team Star friends was…"
"Heh. This might be quite a shock to you, Mondie." Penny sounded almost proud about it. "I mean, did you really think two elite hackers were accessing your phone all this time?"
"Yes, I did, actually!" Momo responded with a defiant stomp.
Momo was still trying to process that the boss who shared a tragic history with Team Star was none other than her friend Penny. All this time, even. The one who not only wanted to disband Team Star… but also save them? Still, facing someone she knew on the field of battle, an intense fight for what was right, all to be recorded by not-Clive's watchful eyes, it had her blood racing.
"I've been dying for this, Penny!" Momo whipped out a Pokéball with her most heroic flair. "Finally, I get to face the Pokémon you've been hiding from me!"
Penny met her scoff with her own. "You've felled Segin, Schedar, Navi, Ruchbar, and Caph. Now, it's time for you to face the grand constellation, Cassiopeia—no, Penny! Bow down before the overwhelming might of Team Star's founder!"
Momo's determined stare grew ever fiercer. Penny absolutely practiced that villain line for a moment like this. And now Momo was absolutely going to give her a hero's fight.
Float like a Vivillon, sting like a Vespiquen, it was the most Momo could do once Penny sent out her 'Veevees', as she called them. Penny's advance was unexpectedly determined with her commands ringing true, a sparkling defiance Momo never got to see in full force before. But Momo came here to send some stars falling, and she was going to stay true to that. Down came Umbreon, then Vaporeon, Flareon, Leafeon, Jolteon, each falling after they each put up a fight with the intensity of fading wishes. All that was left was her Sylveon, the one with the starriest eyes of all.
Momo knew what it was like to fight for her friends, and she could feel the intensity that Penny shared in that resolve. Their terastilized Pokémon shined, Sami's spout and Sylveon's heart, casting aside the shadows of the night that still lingered. No more secrets. Only the true illuminating combat as both sides fought with the ferocity that came with fighting for what they believed in, being who they really wanted to be, a struggle of justice and identity. Hyper Beam met Moonblast, and with those fading fairy crystals came a breath of finality.
"... It's all over now." Penny sighed.
Yet, despite the formidable fight they put up, supposed hero against villain, Momo never stopped seeing Penny as a friend throughout it all. After the end of Operation Starfall, the defeat made it look like the former Team Star Leader lost it all. That was, until Director Clavell pulled through and heard the story out. In a surprising reunion, he even arranged for the five other Team Star bosses to arrive to finally meet their big boss in person.
Penny was under the impression that her Team Star allies would see her as a traitor, but instead, she was welcomed with some very open hugging arms. All the while, Momo watched, emotional at how tragic Penny's time had been, but feeling happy she got to see her reunite with her greatest treasures in one grand hurrah. Seemed a bit offputting hearing her call someone Momo, though.
"Hasta la vistar, Cassiopeia! And hello, Penny!"
Even after all was said and done, there were still some serious matters Director Clavell had to discuss with Team Star, but at least it didn't seem like they or their bases were going anywhere. Either way, Momo's business was done there, and before she could head out through Mesagoza, she got one more call asking to meet her by the staircase outside. There, she met that those same hues of blue and red, this time with the calmer look she was familiar with.
"Hi Mondie. Just figured I'd try and thank you properly, y'know." Penny smiled. "Might be cheesy asking you to stop by where we first met, but I know that's just how you like it."
Momo giggled. "You sure know me well, Penny." She stood by the railing beside her, letting out a calm sigh. "Never expected any of this when I first fought those Team Star guys here. I just thought you were a cultured foreigner who had trouble making friends like me."
Penny gave her a smirk as she leaned forward. "I still am those things. Don't forget, we were both born in the same region. Kinda wish I met you sooner."
"Ehehehe, I wouldn't mind being part of that Team Star group like your other friends," Momo replied, reaching to bat at her hair. "So… let me get this straight, you set up this whole Operation Starfall thing to get your buddies to quit Team Star?"
"Pretty much, yeah. I didn't want them getting expelled because of the continued rumors. That and it's the Team Star code to not back down without a fight. I… I didn't have it in me to leave my room to handle this on my own, so I needed some extra help." Penny nodded. "Glad I made it back from my overseas study just in time to fix that. And that Director Clavell guy's not so bad for hearing the full story and letting us do our thing."
Momo snickered. "Could say he's a bit cheugy for that Clive stunt."
That got a snicker out of Penny as well. "While we're at it, I suppose I have one final duty to do as a supply unit. Rather than give you the supplies for it, I'll just give you this upright."
Penny produced a TM from her Eevee bag and handed it to Momo. It shone with a dark blue, and Momo's eyes widened with awe as she read out the move it contained.
"Draco Meteor…" The item's shining reflective surface showed the stars above.
Penny nodded with a soft gaze. "None of my Veevees can use it, but I still find it special. You could say it reminds me of the shooting stars I treasure so dearly. Powerful, but beautiful, all in our own wishful ways. I'm sure you'll put this to good use, Mondie."
"You bet." Momo's stare glittered in anticipation as she stored it away.
"If you're satisfied, I better get going…" Penny turned away. "Clavell has some extra things he'd like to discuss with me regarding STCs and LP stuff and all that."
"Wait, Penny, there's just one more thing I'm curious about," Momo caught her attention before she left. "Out of all the trainers in the academy you could've picked for Operation Starfall… why me? You know I only had one Pokémon before the Treasure Hunt. Did you just trust me that much?"
"Sort of." Penny's smile lingered as she tucked her hands into her pockets. "Well… you being one of my only friends definitely helped. But what really sold me on you was all the times you told me how much you liked dreaming about the magic of heroism. So… you may not have beaten up some actual bad guys or saved the world… but you saved Team Star, you saved my friends, and in a way, you saved me too. I'm not… good at finding the right words, but thanks again, Mondie."
"Aww…" There was a warmth in Momo's heart that came with the welling of glad tears. "Always a pleasure, Penny…"
"And hey." Penny stopped to put a hand on Momo's shoulder. "You've done me a massive favor, so if you ever need a solid, you know who to call. On my honor as Team Star's boss, and all that."
The gratitude Momo heard felt good in her heart. "You got it, Penny. Oh, and before you go, just ooooone more thing."
Momo took a breath as she seized her moment. She was always waiting for the opportunity to do the coolest thing ever. While she still had Penny's curious eye, she took a determined stance, held her hands above her head, and as she brought them down, she traced out the shape of a star.
"Hasta la vistar, Penny!" Momo added to that farewell flair with a wink.
Penny stifled her laughter, trying to hide it, but it was there. She ended up rolling her eyes as she turned for the stairs, but not without a smile. "You're lame, Mondie."
Momo looked back with a tearful smile and wave, seeing her off as she disappeared like the fleeting stars of the night. "No, you're lame."
It had been a busy, busy day for Momo. There was the Nemona fight, then she fought Penny at night, but the evening was still pretty much as young as she was.
One more stop. The late night breeze by Poco Path fanned the flames of her determined spirit as she marched through for that lighthouse meeting. While far into the night, the hour was just right to see the moon, which was still as beautiful as ever.
Arven was waiting for her by a rock. Sitting there suited him. "... I was wondering what kept you, little buddy. I know it's like you to keep at it, but do you have to work yourself down to the bone?"
"I'd work myself down to all the bones if it's for my friends." Momo nodded, proudly rubbing at her nose with a hand on her hip. "And that includes you! So, is this the place?"
Momo would never forget the view of Paldea atop the lighthouse, a sight she still found delight in. It was easy to scope out that vantage point with the shining light the building emitted. But rather than setting her sights on that ladder to the landmark, she set her sights to the door right beside it.
"I remember…" Momo continued with a whisper. "You were standing riiiiight… here."
"Heh. That's my little know-it-all buddy. Got a mind like a steel trap, eh?" Arven gave her a gentle tousling before walking to the door with a keyring in hand. After a deep breath, he shoved in a key, and a click was heard as he turned it. "Well, this is it. This is the lab. You could say I used to live here when I was a kid. I sometimes come here when I feel a bit overwhelmed by everything."
The door creaked as it was pushed open, and Momo squinted as she tried to make out what was inside. Faint outlines of what looked to be a kitchen counter and a table greeted her as she stepped in. There was a stuffiness in the musty air where she looked, and as she heard the sound of something being tugged, the sole pair of tube light bulbs above flickered on.
Momo blinked as she got a better look at the room. "It's certainly… more homely than I'd expect a lab to be. You must've made a lot of memories here." Her eyes slowly trailed to the furniture strewn around. A sofa, a small TV, a fridge, it was clear most of the tidiness was focused on the other half the room, past the bookshelves.
"Not wrong there…" Arven didn't seem too pleased about that as he walked to the less illuminated corner of the space. "There'd better be a good reason for calling us here like this. Let's find out."
Momo nodded as she quietly stepped after him. There was still a skepticism in Arven's voice, a tense reluctance that he seemed to carry that differed from the curiosity she held. She knew it was obvious he was less than pleased to be here, but she still felt that urge to believe that things between them will turn out okay, possibly.
As if sensing their presence, certain machinery started up by a corner of the room where lights flickered. On the large monitor, the glowing blue of a holographic display appeared, displaying the unreadable expression of the professor.
"I am currently at the deepest point of Area Zero, in the Great Crater of Paldea. I have been researching the unique Pokémon here for a very long time. I am asking the two of you to lend a hand—to help carry out the final step of the great Professor Turo's glorious research."
Pretty odd for the professor to start referring to themselves in third person, Momo thought that was her thing. She could only stare at the professor's rigid gaze as he continued explaining the situation. Anything related to Area Zero and the Great Crater were supposed to be off limits to people, but with the professor's request and the mysteries surrounding Mirage and Donny, she was left more curious than ever. In order to assist in this 'glorious research', they had to bring a specific item down to the deepest point of Area Zero. Even after that monitor call ended, Momo kept relaying the mission in her head.
Step one, get the Violet Book there. Step two, beat whatever threats were awaiting them there. Step three, whatever it takes, make this the coolest adventure ever. Might even be time to crack open that minifridge and bring her secret secret weapon.
"... Railroading people into stuff, just like always." Arven frowned, arms crossed. He turned to her with a furrowed brow. "Oh no, I know what that look is for. You want to see where this wild track leads, don't you?"
Momo had a sneering smirk as she pumped a fist twice. "Choo choo!"
"Area Zero is really dangerous, but I suppose there's no stopping you, is there?" With a huff, he smoothed out his sleeves and matched her determined stare. "Say no more! I can't just stand by and watch while my little buddy heads off into danger on her own, so I guess I'm going, too! 'Sides, I'd love to give Dad a piece of my mind while I'm at it."
"I had a feeling you'd say that. You were the one who got the professor's Violet Book from this lab, after all." Momo walked by him, knocking her fist against his arm. "Professor scmofessor, I'm just in it for the adventure with you. I… may also have some words to say to the guy who neglected my favorite grumpy worrywart."
That seemed like a pleasant surprise to Arven. His tense expression eased at that.
Momo's smile grew at the sight of his. "So, Arven, does that mean you're ready for the most epic adventure?"
"Easy there, Momo." Arven gave her head a pat with a lighthearted chuckle. "The Great Crater of Paldea is a dangerous place, so I'm thinking we should have a battle just to see if we have the guts for it! Mostly to see if I'm ready or not!"
"A battle, huh?" Momo blinked. Arven was already booking it to the path outside, and she was surprised at his sudden insistence as she followed him. "Wait, are you sure your Pokémon can handle this?"
"Oh, you mean Mabosstiff, right? Okay, yeah, I can see why you'd be worried, but you better believe he's right as rain and up for a battle too! He's been clamoring for one lately, y'know! You should've seen how much he liked getting into tussles back in the day!"
Arven stood by the path, turning to face her with an intense gaze and a deep breath.
"The truth is… me and my Pokémon have been wanting to test our mettle against you for a while now, and I've done some super serious training for a moment like this. After all, if I want to protect those I care about, I need to start battling seriously like you do."
"Aww." Momo always did appreciate that protective sentiment of his. She looked around herself, remembering this very spot and where she once stood, and felt her softened heart beat faster in anticipation. "Well, when you put it like that, how can I say no to this chance to show off? You better believe I'm up for it!"
Where Arven stood, he clenched his fists as his fiery determination showed in his smile. "Don't think this is going to end as quickly as last time! We're a brand new Arven and Mabosstiff! With all five miracle herbs in hand, we're feeling audacious—maybe even herbaceous? Anyways, let me give you a taste of what we can do!"
With her heart racing, her eyes filled with admiration and spirit, Momo held her haughty stance with a sneering scoff and pushed her glasses up. "Ohohoho! I accept your challenge, o herbed one! But just know you're facing Momo, Diego, and her team of titans! Who are all back for a vengeance!"
Glimpses of that first meeting, that first battle, that first clash were carried through the breeze that passed. Momo stood where Arven took his stance that day, and he was standing where she had been. Those brief memories were sweet, which fueled Momo's energy to fight even further as she sent out her first Pokémon.
It was an intense rematch, Momo against Arven, Sami against Greedent, Alti against Garganacl, Brawn against Cloyster, all her former titans playing the part of revenge against the very Pokémon that helped fell them. Yet, it was clear Arven had trained plenty. Greedent was no pushover, Garganacl fought back with pulverizing edges of stone, Cloyster's strength was overwhelming, Toedscruel was dizzyingly strong, and Scovillain had her looking out for those blazingly spicy attacks. The fight was tough, nothing that Momo couldn't pull through against, but she still found herself respecting the determined push Arven kept going with regardless.
Momo couldn't help but notice how hard he was trying, trying really hard at what he did. His commands were more confident, his movements more precise. She recognized that passion very well, that masterful prowess she witnessed cave after cave. She made sure to return that display of passion and emotion in full force. Each yell they exchanged screamed out to the world, all spurring a fight for their place in it. Every clash sent debris flying with memories and sentiments bitter, sweet, salty, sour, and spicy.
Oooh, here came the Butterfree again. She was so, so proud of him. It took every ounce of will she had to not get distracted by how awestruck she was. But she fought on, seeing through it all, letting her gleeful smile show, going all out and letting herself get lost in anything and everything. Even with the warmth that rose on her face as she stared, she still gave it her all in their combined display that rivaled the looming moonlight's beauty.
At last, Arven was down to his last Pokémon, his trusty best bud, his Mabosstiff, who was fighting fit with a menacing maw to match. Against his first Pokémon, Momo only saw it fitting to follow suit with the same.
"Huh." Arven gave her Skeledirge an odd look. "I thought you were all about this theme of vengeance with your Pokémon. What's Diego got to do with this?"
"Oh, he still has a bone to pick." Momo snickered with a cheeky stare. Diego let out a huff as she scoffed. "He wants payback after how much he's heard me call Mabosstiff a good boy. Envy is a pretty strong factor for revenge."
The fiery stare in Arven's eyes was shared by his Pokémon. Out of his pocket, he pulled out a shining orb Momo knew very well. "Then it's time to celebrate this grand return with a glow up! The Pokémon that I met during our hunt for the Herba Mystica are all stars—every one of them! But Mabosstiff, you shine brighter than anybody, and it's time to prove that to the world! Let's chew up her hopes for victory!"
Momo recognized the intense energy welling up around them as she pulled out her Tera Orb too. "Burn bright like the champions we are, Diego! Prove your goodness, be the winged wildfire carrying all our wishes, our cheers, our beliefs! Hit 'em with your Tera Supercharged Torch Song!"
Both trainers stood their ground, Tera Orbs clutched, letting out yells as powerful as their stances, the breeze around them intensifying from the energy they gathered to power up their Pokémon. Mighty crystallized attacks lit up the night, brutal bites meeting burning wings, and then, fading crystals. When darkness fell, it was the Dark type that fell.
As the crystalline lights vanished, Momo called her Skeledirge back to her side, carefully hugging him and his little torch bird. "So, how's that for a taste?"
She looked to see Arven leaning by Mabosstiff's side, patching him up with a quick healing spray. "You did good, bud. We were so close…" He wiped his brow, and the gaze he directed towards her was warm. "Hey, Momo. Thanks for the battle. You were… you were amazing out there."
"I was amazing? Let's talk about you!" Momo couldn't help her pride as she ran up to him with a beaming starry-eyed stare. He really was the amazing one. "How did you get so talented? I beat the Pokémon League and Team Star and everything, but you? I mean, you were holding your Pokéballs upside down the whole time, but you know your stuff! And seeing you being so talented in action was just…"
Arven was smiling again. It was dark, but Momo knew how his cheeks looked when he was happy. "Guess it's just… in my blood?" He shrugged it off, clearing his throat as he stood back up. "Well, I know I wasn't always this good at battling, so it's hard to say…"
"Admit it." Momo poked at his arm. "I was amazing. You were amazing. Ergo, we're absolutely, definitely, super duper amazing."
"Okay, okay. We're both herbtastically amazing." Arven rolled his eyes as he pat Momo's head. "Whatever the case, as much as I believe in our teamwork, I think we might need some extra help for an adventure like this."
"What do you mean by that?" Momo was crouched by Mabosstiff, giving his boofy face a consolation petting before the doggy was recalled.
"We might need a bit more 'oomph', some extra punch. I've been to Area Zero before, so I know that there are some crazy strong Pokémon and weird machines there. The two of us alone might not be able to deal with all that." Arven blew out a sigh, scratching at his head. "You don't… suppose you know anyone who could help out?"
"Ohohoho!" Momo looked back at him with a proud, knowing smile. She was already reaching for her Rotom Phone. "Don't you worry, Arvie. I think I know just the people."
Dorm, sweet dorm. After a hard day of work, Momo slept like the dead, then woke up the next morning like she had risen from one of Montenevera's trademark raves. But as soon as she was up and at 'em, she wasted no time in getting her dream team together.
Momo spent that new day holding on to her phone, immediately informing Penny and Nemona about the situation. Nemona didn't hesitate to jump on board, though it took a bit of coaxing to convince Penny to come to the location Arven marked out. Most of the day was meant for planning, and by planning, she mostly spent it fooling around in the newly formed group chat she made with them. She felt she earned a fun day of relaxation to herself.
"Good night, friends! Don't forget tomorrow! Momo out :3"
"See you there!1! I'll be training extra hard for this! :DDD" Picture of a cheering Pawmot.
"take care, mondie" Picture of a sleeping Eevee.
"Good night, Momo." Arven was the only one who didn't know how to use any of those Pokémon emojis.
Time sure does fly when you're having fun. With all the binging and reading and Pokémon pampering she found herself doing that rest day, Momo felt the need to clock out early after all that. While she kept in mind all the potential dangers Arven warned her about, she was too excited about her get together to feel weak in the knees about anything that could go wrong. If there was anything that was going to leave her knees weak, it was the continued dreams of bliss she was blessed with in her most excited moments.
Momo rose to the new day smacking her lips, brushing her teeth, tying up her hair, and after all that, she still had enough energy to greet the Pokémon of her room with a smile.
"It's another beeeeautiful day!" She leapt with a twirl before looking to where all her Pokémon settled. "Good morning, Diego! Good morning, Diego's lil' torchy friend! Good morning, Brawn! Good morning, Alti! Good morning, Sami! Good morning, Orthon! Good morning, Donny! Aaaaand good morning, Mirage!"
The sleepy Miraidon slowly lifted his head from the carpet. "Your mood is unusually high given the situation." He blinked slowly with a tired expression. "I find myself surprised at just how soundly dear Donny slept through your wake."
"Gah!" Momo recoiled in surprise. After her teeter, she sheepishly batted at her hair as she stared. "Oh, right. I kinda forgot you talk now."
"I don't blame you." Mirage's voice droned out as he yawned. "I neglected to tell you about my fully restored speech functions. Not that I have much to say. Pokémon speak is just a much more convenient medium." To prove his point, he lifted his head with a cocky trill.
"Whoa…" Momo's jaw dropped in awe as she rubbed her eyes. "Wait, you can speak human and Pokémon now? Do you know what that means? Do you know what we can do now?"
Mirage rolled his eyes. "Just like you to excitedly clench your fists at the nearest wondrous thing. You can ask me what your Pokémon think of you another time, as long as I'm in a good mood. Maybe as long as you don't kick anything shiny at me, you know how sensitive my eyes are." He got up and cocked his head towards the door. "You don't want to keep your friends waiting, do you? What were their names again? Girl that likes to run, the one that tastes like cheese powder, and how could I forget, the boy you kissed."
"That's Nemona, that's Penny, and…" Momo was counting on her fingers before a blush bloomed on her face. "I-I don't know what you're talking about. Arven? The most we did was ever sleep hug, which was just a hug that involved sleeping, nothing more. I didn't… I didn't kiss him, why would you say that?"
There was that sneer on Mirage's face again. "Are you certain that isn't something you would do? I've seen the way you've looked at him." He blinked, and the screens on his eyes showed large, cutesy pupils. "Like this."
Momo wasn't sure whether to be offended or creeped out by the bulb-eyed dragon in front of her. She huffed, crossed her arms, and turned away. "Okay, yeah, I like him, so what? It's not like I'd ever tell Arven how much I like him. And kissing him? I wouldn't even dream of it-"
Dream. On that mark, her words stopped as she felt a million thoughts careen into each other. Her memories showed her the moon. She remembered the warmth. She remembered the embrace. And she remembered her hands on his shoulders, the way she got closer, and closer, and…
"Oh." Stunned by a very reddening realization with thoughts that were very loud, Momo slowly directed her wide eyes back to her smirking Miraidon. "So… Casseroya Lake… I wasn't…"
"You were not dreaming." Mirage let out a metallic-sounding scoff. "I was wondering when you were going to have your way with him. After a bit of gossip, the one you call Sami was quite as invested as the rest of us in seeing if it would happen. We all saw it happen."
"Hah… ha…" Momo felt her breathing hasten. She kissed Arven. She kissed him. She didn't even know she kissed him. Did Arven know that she kissed him? Oh no, he knew, didn't he? He knew all this time, and he didn't say anything? Oh no oh no oh no.
"Momo."
What was she supposed to do now? She couldn't face him again, could she? What was she supposed to say, 'hey I really like you, remember when I kissed you, do you mind if I kiss you again'? That wouldn't work! Bad things would happen! She couldn't just do one of those love confession things, she saw and read enough of those to see how they could go wrong! He could be fancying someone else for all she knew!
"Mondela."
Momo's frown deepened, hiding her fang. He was too good for her. He was so kind, he was so charming, he was so everything to the point where her kissing him was the biggest sin of all. She couldn't just not acknowledge it at this point. Was he ignoring it too? Forgetting it because it was just that bad? Thinking it was weird because she was going too far? Because she was going too far and being weird and overbearing? If she was, then maybe he would leave and she would never see him again, all because she—
"Little buddy."
Arven's voice reached her ears, and her heart almost skipped a beat. Within, relief and fear stopped and settled instantly amidst the clarity that appeared so suddenly. Momo blinked, but all she saw was her Miraidon.
"Apologies, I simply borrowed his voice to catch your attention and snap you back to reality." Mirage let out a sigh. "Please do not worry yourself. Do you recall the last time you met? After Casseroya?"
Momo stared at him for a silent second. She collected her racing thoughts and took a deep breath. "It was at the lighthouse lab."
"Precisely." The Miraidon nodded. "And everything went well, didn't it? I sensed it all from within my Pokéball."
Momo slowly nodded back. "Yep. We battled… and… everything went well."
"Right. Everything still turned out okay. He was still willing to see this… adventure through with you, wasn't he?"
"Right."
"Then everything will be okay."
"Everything will…" Momo took a breath. "Everything will be okay."
No biggie. Kiss or no kiss, dream or no dream, it probably wasn't that big a deal. Momo looked to the door, remembering there were more important things to prep for. He was still her friend, just like Nemona and Penny, and she was just about in the mood to get excited about her friends. This was the first time she'd see them all together, after all. Everything was going to be okay.
"Okay." Momo turned back to Mirage, her fang showing in her warm smile. "Thanks, Mirage." Her eyes were calm as she caressed his shiny head.
The Miraidon's smile perked up, leaning into her touch. "I'm merely reciprocating my own gratitude. I have plenty to thank you for, Momo."
After that, putting her jacket on gave her the onwards reassurance she needed. Momo had just picked up a bunch of wrapped leftovers from the minifridge on the floor, closing its door with a socked foot. She shoved the supplies into her bag before steeling herself and her racing heart with clenched fists.
"No biggie. It's just another adventure. What could possibly go wrong?"