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PokéSync: B4 — 38. Hone Claw, Mom Edition
🕑 Added 2024-07-31 21:40:48 +0000 UTCPoV:
1. Rhea (Our Blonde Villainess!)
Pokemon Map I Loosely Use For Visual Aid: The distance between areas might be different; some cities are somewhat incorrect, a few routes have been mislabeled, and some cities aren't listed, but it's the best I've found.
Google Document (In-line Comments)
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12:45 p.m. October 26th, Monday, 106 PH (Post Hoopa Event). Day 139.
Events: Rhea and the girls are on a Badge Hunt, trying to get all the Kanto Encrusted Badges before time runs out! Our girl started her journey on the 9th of June, and the end of registration for the Winter Indigo Cup is December 5th (39 days away).
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Rhea rolled off of Jason with a bit of reluctance, knowing they had an audience. Her legs still felt like jelly, but her body was hot as magma. She breathed a small sigh while forcing herself to sit up and look out over the battlefield. Her trembling arm could barely hold herself up, feeling every ounce of exertion from the intense battle
The devastated scenes and crater from their last bout was vivid in her mind. “I can’t believe I’m still standing conscious after all that,” she whispered, Jason joining her with a low groan, his face still bright red. “I remember in our first battle, just a few Sucker Punches and a Sword Dance from Mya put me in the hospital four and a half months ago.”
Jason bumped shoulders with her, electricity sparking through Rhea’s arm to her thumping heart as his large hand overshadowed hers. “And now you’re blowing apart stone to create ponds. We’ve both grown a lot.”
Rhea brushed back a loose strand of hair with a short chuckle. “Yeah, using the First Gate of V’s power while further enhancing it by using Lulu’s Legendary Energy didn’t have much to do with it… You won, which means…”
“I get to be your servant for a day,” he snickered, flashing his teeth. “I’m a servant if I win or lose, the only difference is…I get the choose the day, Ms. Joltik.”
“Now I’m scared,” Rhea hummed, giving him a dubious stare. “What occasion and setting will you choose to cater to my whims?”
“Wait,” he glanced up with a slight frown. “Isn’t that every day?”
“Cut it out!” she huffed, playfully knocking her head against his shoulder. “I’m more interested in the reverse, and since I’m a generous girlfriend, as a hidden prize,” she whispered, vision creasing with intrigue while seeing the amber-eyed boy gulp, “you have a day of servitude from your ‘golden goddess.’ Interested?”
Rhea almost cringed at the nickname, yet she felt Jason’s hand turn up a degree or two atop hers with his flushed face. She was winning the heart rate war! Now to dig the dagger in deeper.
Crossing her legs and plucking at her skirt, she leaned to the side to look up at him intently, doing her best to keep her breath steady and not fold. “So…what kind of tasks would you have me do, Master?”
“Ahem… I’ll have to get back to you on that but…having a little Yamper following me around isn’t so bad.”
Rhea’s eyes widened at the comparison, now seeing an internal image of herself dressed up as a Yamper while chasing after Jason’s heels. “You wouldn’t dare!” she choked, face burning and now seeing Annila hiding in the background snapping photos of her all dressed up. “I won’t do that!”
“What—hey!” Jason cried out as Rhea found enough strength to punch him in the arm. “What did I say? Wait,” his left eye creased with curiosity while retreating and trying to defend himself from her flushed cheeks. “What are you imagining because whatever I was wouldn’t have elicited that reaction? Where is your mind, Honeypot?”
“Nowhere you’ll be finding soon,” she smiled, “but maybe Bi will be. She likes to do that kind of stuff from time to time.”
“Huh?”
Rhea giggled at the totally lost look on her boyfriend’s face and decided to pivot as their family looked to be growing restless. “Well, in any case, I’ll be with your mom this week,” she said with a strained laugh, glancing over at the blue-haired woman as she snapped picture after picture. “I’m already terrified.”
“You’re terrified?” Jason creased an eye while glancing between the water-filled crater and her, regaining his composure. “You obviously haven’t faced an electrified Honeypot because that Muk had me sweating worse than any Gym Battle I had in Kalos. I swear, Bolt and Sunny thought Lulu was the incarnation of Arceus, casting Judgment on them.”
“…I’m worth it, though, huh? Well, in any case, I look forward to delivering both your prizes,” she said with a real smile that seemed to give him a heart attack as she leaned in and kissed him one last time on the lips. The connection sent a jolt through her mouth and made the tips of her hair tingle.
Upon pulling away, she asked, “Where will you be going while I’m gone?”
Jason’s voice was soft as he rubbed the back of his head and looked her straight in the eyes. “Probably Cinnabar Island since that’s likely where you’ll be by the time you’re done with my mom. Amira and Lori will probably have fought Saria Surge in Vermilion by then and gotten the Encrusted Badge.”
“Fingers crossed,” Rhea chimed in, Lulu pumping her arm nearby.
“Nee!”
“Mhm. And my mom’s got some stuff she wants to do with me there—family picture stuff. I’ll wait for you there with my dad, okay?”
Rhea nodded, a warm smile on her face. “You better be there. We’ve got more battles ahead of us.”
With a final hug that felt like she was butter, Jason turned and walked toward his parents, leaving her with her thoughts and the echoes of their battle playing through her mind. She felt a mix of pride and hope for their future, ready for the next steps in her journey.
He went to Kalos and was pulled back by my gravity… Way to give me a big head! she internally cried, watching him walk away again, but, this time, it felt totally different. Lori, Amira…thank you for helping me get this far…for pushing me out of my comfort zone.
Her father and mother made a few light comments in passing while moving to join her. Lulu teleported onto her head, swinging down to hug her neck before perching on her shoulder. Franky floated up nearby with a tissue box, blowing his nose and crying like a proud parent watching his little ghostling growing up, making Rhea smile.
“Well?” her mother engaged, hand held in her fathers. “That looks a lot more steamy and romantic than I thought I’d be comfortable with, but my heart was melting watching you two.”
“Really, Mom?” Rhea huffed with a playful, accusatory glare. “I saw that look on your face, and I bet you’ll be in Annila’s next scrapbooking gathering with those pictures she took.”
Her father nodded with a deep chuckle while pulling her close. “Oh, no doubt, she’s got some new favorite computer backgrounds she’s going to blast out to the family. You should thank Annila for not sharing them yet or else your phone would be going crazy right now.”
“I bet,” Rhea whispered, thinking about how her family would react having her first public kissing pictures since her first ‘real’ kiss in the Hidden Ninja Village was still private. “He really beat me, Dad… Hah. With help from you and Mom! Conspiring against your own daughter,” she accused, making them laugh.
“Are we, though?” her dad mused. “Some losses are worth it, no?”
“Oh, I like that!” her mother snickered. “I’m totally stealing that for a scrapbook headline. So, how are you feeling? A little better now that you’re not using your Fortitude? I still can’t believe how much control you have over V’s power.”
Rhea shivered on instinct, recalling the nightmarish snow temple training. “You’d know how I gained that much control if you knew how insane Maria the Evil Priestess is! And yes, I’m feeling a little better, but I probably shouldn’t release any of my Pokemon until I get a chance to sleep… It’s nice knowing Lulu can’t channel her Legendary Energy that much before she’s tapped out herself,” she said, reaching up to pat the cloudy girl. “We can work on that.”
“Neee.”
“So… I think it’s about time I head off with Annila,” she sighed, watching the cobalt-haired woman break away from her son to join her.
Her mother quickly moved in for a hug before breaking away, her father opening his arms for her to enter them after. With a few more parting words, they turned, hand-in-hand, to rejoin Jason and his father.
Annila arrived with sparkling amber eyes. “Ready for a little adventure, Rhea?”
Rhea breathed in deeply and puffed it out in a long stream before flashing her teeth in a stressed smile. “A little frightened, to be honest. Where are we going?”
The woman winked. “It’s a surprise. But let’s just say it’s a place to relax and get to know each other better.”
Rhea did a once-over of her ponytail and a casual, yet practical outfit perfect for a wilderness adventure. Her sturdy hiking boots, khaki cargo shorts with plenty of pockets, and lightweight, breathable jacket over a fitted T-shirt spoke of a forest or jungle venture.
She held up her expensive camera, strapped around her neck, as Stella, her Starmie, exited her Poke Ball to spin around her. She blinked as Sunny came jogging over with her backpack, making a few comments to Alice, in her Poke Ball, that Lulu repeated for the rabbit. She giggled as he looked like he had a heart attack, tripping once on his way back.
It helped Rhea smile without looking nervous as Annila snapped a photo of them, lowering it with a beaming expression. “It seems Sunny finally worked up the courage to ask Alice out on a date next Sunday. Ready?”
“Aww. That’s adorable,” she said, feeling the excitement from her dancing Lopunny, getting congratulations from her teammates. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be…”
“To adventure!” Annila chimed, holding up her camera with a sly smirk as a flash of rainbow lights enveloped the area from Stella, spinning above them.
Rhea felt the familiar, tingling sensation of teleportation wash over her as she materialized on the Razz Wood bridge. Rhea blinked as the rainbow lights faded, revealing the familiar surroundings. She looked up as a sharp breeze pulled at her bound locks, her mouth parting in disbelief.
The sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden glow over what appeared to be a festival. The bridge, crafted from the rich, reddish-brown wood stretched across a wide, gentle stream that whispered beneath her feet.
Above her, Cydonia and Amagi trees stretched their limbs, their golden-red and bright red leaves creating a fiery canopy. Petals drifted down like gentle rain, catching the light as they fell and casting a mesmerizing dance of colors around her. Each petal seemed to shimmer with its own inner glow, painting the scene with hues of autumn.
Vibrant stalls lined the streets, their colorful canopies swaying gently in the breeze as Flying Pokemon soared through the air. The atmosphere was thick with the mingling scents of Kanto traditional foods, while the soft strains of classical Kanto music played by street performers, creating a lively yet nostalgic scene.
Annila, ever the picture enthusiast, stood a few paces away, her camera clicking rapidly as Rhea slowly turned in a short circle, capturing the moment she’d arrived on the bridge.
The soft flutter of petals around her added a surreal touch to the moment. The water flowed gently beneath the dark, Razz Wood bridge, the sunlight glinting off its surface, enhancing the much more tranquil fall festive ambiance than she recalled in late summer.
“Fuchsia?” Rhea whispered, taking in the moment to absorb the scene.
Annila’s excited voice broke through Rhea’s reverie. “Hold that pose, Sweetie! The light is perfect right now.”
Rhea turned slightly, her coral blue eyes catching the light just right, and gave a soft smile at the woman’s fervor. Annila’s camera clicked again, capturing her thrilled shock in time.
The paper lanterns swayed overhead, their gentle light adding to the warm glow of the festival. People in traditional kimonos moved about, their laughter and chatter blending with the music. The entire city was similar, yet totally different from the summer vibe she and Jason had shared together. It seemed to pulse with a gentler life and tradition, a testament to the cultural heritage of Kanto.
As Rhea hoisted her backpack over one shoulder, she began to move to the edge of the bridge to look down at the small boats. It carried a fall wedding couple, their caravan in-tow to their ocean or beach-side ceremony. The petals continued their descent, swirling around them in a gentle embrace from the flapping Bird Pokemon as the season gradually turned toward winter.
She walked towards the heart of the festival, each step resonating with the fire-like memories of where she’d first struggled through her love for Jason. The bridge behind her was framed by the cascading petals, and remained a picturesque memory of her arrival. Annila silently followed behind her, letting her soak in the atmosphere.
The festival-goers greeted her with warm smiles and nods in passing, clad in vibrant kimonos and yukatas strolled along the cobblestone streets, their garments a tapestry of colors and patterns, each more beautiful than the last. It made her want to break out her own traditional outfit.
Traditional games and performances dotted the streets, reminding her of some of the games she’d played with Jason. Children laughing and adults reminiscing brought a calming energy to her tired body as if she were soaking it in and using it as fuel. The atmosphere was infectious, and Rhea found herself immersed in the celebration.
Annila continued to snap photos, capturing not just her but the essence of the festival itself. Each click of her camera was a moment frozen in time, a testament to the vibrant life of Fuchsia City. The falling petals, the golden-red leaves of the Cydonia trees, and the bright red leaves of the Amagi trees created a scene straight out of a painting, and Rhea was at its heart.
Rhea glanced around, taking in the sight of Fuchsia City dressed in its autumn finery. The Cydonia and Amagi trees added their own splashes of color to the landscape, their leaves a riot of gold and red that complemented the fading azure petals of the few lingering Kelpsy trees.
“You’re a natural,” Annila whispered, adjusting her angle to get the best shot of Rhea amidst the falling petals. Rhea smiled, feeling a warmth in her chest that had nothing to do with the sun overhead as she turned and paused for Annila to be finished and to join her.
She felt a sense of peace and belonging, as if Fuchsia itself was welcoming her with open arms. The city had a special place in her heart; the festive atmosphere, the beauty of the natural surroundings, and the memories of the memories made here lingered on her heart, ones she would cherish forever.
Annila lowered her camera, her face breaking into a soft smile. “You look amazing, Rhea,” she said upon joining her. “I think we’ve got some real gems here.”
Rhea giggled, a light, joyous sound that blended perfectly with the music and the murmurs of the crowd compared to the anxiety she’d felt minutes before. “Thank you, Annila. It’s all so beautiful here. I’m glad we came…but this is just a short stop before the real camping sight, right? I thought we were going camping.”
Annila chuckled, her amber eyes twinkling with mischief as she looped arms with her and guided her down a very familiar road Amira had previously taken her.
“I said that to throw everyone off. I really wanted to get away and relax with you rather than doing some old-fashioned camping trip, which, I know you do like.”
“No, this is wonderful,” Rhea whispered, feeling the cage around her heart open to new possibilities in the liberating city.
“I thought so… This place holds a lot of memories for you, right?” she asked, turning down a stone wall to take her in front of the spa Amira had booked for them last time. “Especially with my son. I thought it would be the perfect spot for us to connect on a deeper level and for me to better understand how you feel.”
Rhea felt a wave of pleasant surprise and gratitude wash over her. “That sounds…wonderful, Annila. I’d love to spend some time here and get to know you better. Are we just going to explore Fuchsia the whole time?”
Annila smiled warmly, wrapping an arm around Rhea's shoulders while directing her toward the front entrance of the spa. “Great! I thought helping you relax after that battle in a restorative spa might also help alleviate your nerves and fatigue. As for the future? I’m not locked down by anything in particular.”
A siren filled the air, and Annila strained a smile while hurrying them into the spa. “I’ll probably have to leave you to soak for a bit alone and handle my illegal teleportation fee into the city. I don’t have the same privileges as some of the other Trainers, despite being a Grandmaster. Fun fact, I tried to take the Cerulean Gym from Misty a few years ago… I lost. It was embarrassing. You’re the first person to know that besides my husband and Misty herself.”
Rhea giggled, happy to learn more secrets about the strict and intimidating instructor she’d had growing up. “I look forward to hearing the details. If I can get a good hour or two of rest, then maybe I can let my Pokemon out to explore with us… Thank you. I really am looking forward to this.”
Annila’s face showed a mother’s smile. “It’s me who should be thankful to you for allowing me to get to know you better… I’ve let my bias toward your mother cloud my judgment of you for too long, and yes, there was some overlap, I’m sure, that was unfair to you. I’d like to correct that… Mmm.”
The blue-haired woman trailed off as rainbow lights brought five tough-looking police officers around them. Stella floating nearby with an Imprison seal on her. One of the men sighed, glaring at the smiling cobalt-haired mother.
“Sorry, Hank, it was for the perfect moment! I had to catch her face and reaction at the perfect spot.”
“And that’s why you had Stella lead us on a wild Diglett chase across the city?”
“Exactly! I couldn’t have you ruining my shot,” she explained as if it was the most obvious and understandable thing. “I’m happy to say, there are more than a few gems in my collection now. So…will it be Jenny or Janine this time?”
The man sighed, rubbing his neck as the other four Master Officers chuckled. “Gym Leader Janine since Constable Jenny is currently occupied with her family.”
“Phew!” Annila laughed. “I’ll be back within the hour then, Rhea. I’ve already checked us in, and they remember you. Be back soon. Then we can explore and talk. I want to hear all about your time here with Jason. I want to understand how you feel and experience it first hand.”
Rhea’s heart welled with new-found affection for Annila, unable to help an entertained chuckle as she was carted off by the police. “I’d like that a lot. Thank you for doing this.”
Lulu chirped with excitement to soak in the relaxing waters again as she turned to enter the inviting front doors. She recognized a few of the attendants, who waved and smiled at Lulu’s energetic greetings, hopping between employees to hug each person’s neck.
“This place is just as beautiful as I remember,” Rhea whispered to her Pokemon while looking around. “Amira, Lori, and I had such a good time here. And Jason…” she shook her head when being guided to her room, which was a double-bed, shared room, no doubt for the mother to talk with her late into the night. “Jason is a total Tepig, having me sneak out and hang out with him… I had such a great time here.”
Expanding her portable closet, she put her clothes in the hamper and donned the included robe that had been given to her, her size profile still within the spa’s database. Lulu bounced on her head as she went to the larger, more public female spa area.
Doing the pre-spa routine, she felt her tired muscles starting to complain again just as she found a secluded area with a sleeping spot. She made sure to place her Poke Balls nearby when she recharged enough for her other Pokemon to join her. The warm liquid marinated her skin as she let herself relax in the steamy atmosphere.
Her mind drifted back to her time with Jason in Fuchsia City, their first gravity-defying kiss that had left her breathless, the exciting thrill of sneaking out to meet him at night and hang out, and the moment he’d told her he was leaving after awakening something new in her heart.
This place really is magical, she told her patient little girls. I can see why Amira chose it for us last time. Jason and I made some great…and bitter memories here.
Eventually, her drifting mind fell into an oblivion, and it wasn’t until a soft splash a distance away that it was pulled out of the darkness.
Opening her blurry eyes, she saw a woman a distance away settling in, and Annila soaking inside the water beside her, eyes closed. The older woman was stunning for being in her late thirties, practically ageless in her mid-twenties now for life due to being a Grandmaster. She wore a stylish one-piece bathing suit, her blue hair pulled up into a high bun.
“Did you have a good rest?” Annila asked, eyes still closed, her voice soft and inviting.
Rhea breathed a relaxed sigh, noticing her released Pokemon floating nearby, and a smile spread across her face. “I did. This place is just as amazing as I remember. Thank you for bringing me here, Annila. I feel about 20% recharged.”
Annila returned the smile, her amber eyes twinkling with warmth as they half-opened. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it. I thought this would be a perfect place for us to relax and get to know each other better, away from the crowd and chatter.”
Rhea felt a flutter of nerves but also a sense of adventurous exploration at getting to know the strict woman she remembered growing up; she seemed so much different now. “I’d love that. It’s been such a whirlwind lately. I could use some downtime.”
They settled into a comfortable silence, the sound of the bubbling water creating a serene backdrop. After a time, Annila turned to her with a curious expression.
“So, tell me about your time here with Jason. How did it feel? I’ve heard stories about a video but your mother won’t share it with me without both of your permission.”
You’re amazing, Mom! Rhea internally cried. Remind me to get you some caffeine and sugar. Sorry, Dad, but she deserves to be a little Impidimp for that!
Rhea took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. “It was…amazing, to be honest—shocking. He jokes about me being the Joltik,” she mumbled, “but he’s the one always stealing my breath away and Thunder Bolting me…”
“Oh?” Annila’s chest puffed up before releasing a prolonged sigh. “I can’t say I was the most thrilled mother, watching how close Katelin and Jason got with your family…despite how much I adore your father. He was my best friend growing up, and I made peace with his side of things, but your mother… It’s complicated.
“I couldn’t do anything about Kate since she was the one that went after your brother,” she groaned, rubbing between her eyes and making Rhea’s brow furrow.
“Yeah… I hated Kate growing up to be honest… It felt like she was stealing my brother. I only had Sabin, my dad, and Jason. When Sabin started spending all his time with Kate, then left on his journey, Bi went off to do her career, and left me with only my dad… Jason was all I felt like I had. My mom was all but absent, so Jason and I did everything together.”
“You two were inseparable…”
Rhea rested her neck against a squishy cushion, looking up at the black sky and rustic-hued trees in the gentle spa lights. “To be honest…I never looked twice at Jason like that. He was just my best friend…and then, he took me on a walk in the ninja dojo and asked to kiss me.”
She smiled as she felt the quake run down Annila’s frame through the water. “So…he asked you first, huh? I always told him to be direct, but I didn’t expect that.”
“I don’t even remember if I said yes or no,” she admitted with a weak laugh. “I was totally blindsided—it was intense,” she whispered, lifting a hand to touch her tingling lips while recalling the citrus flavor that popped in her mouth. “I was so confused.
“After that, he took me on a walk to confess to me how he really felt. It was so…visceral, real…honest. And…I said I didn’t know how I felt, but I did feel excited…a lot of pressure all over my body, like electricity shooting through my muscles.”
Annila straightened her back against the wall, resting her arms over the edge while staring across the steaming pool. “I can relate… My first kiss was like that, too. So, how did he respond?”
“He was understanding… He texted me late at night to get me to come out in my PJs to go bumming around Fuchsia, which was amazing and magical. We explored the city, talked about our dreams and fears, and just enjoyed being together. It was one of the first times I felt truly connected to him on a deeper level.”
Annila listened intently, her expression thoughtful. “It sounds like you two have a special bond already, built up through years that was able to quickly blossom. I’ve seen how he looks at you, Rhea. He cares about you…a lot.”
“Yeah,” she gulped, her lips becoming a line. “We shared a lot of laughs and some pretty intense moments too. We played games and went on a date of sorts, him just wanting to hang out a little…and then he told me he was leaving.”
“Booo.”
“So, booo,” Rhea grumbled, lowering herself to dip half her face underwater to glare at a rock for a moment to collect her feelings. “...I’d just start to figure out that I might like him, and then he just ups and leaves. But…at least he was sweet about it, telling me that it was to try and keep up with me.”
Rhea felt a warmth in her chest at Annila’s earlier words, mirroring them. “I care about him a lot too. He’s always been there for me, even when things got tough. Our short relationship has had its ups and downs, sure, but I feel like I’ve grown so much since…starting whatever this is. I think that’s what makes it special.”
Annila nodded, her eyes reflecting a mix of understanding and curiosity. “Relationships are always a journey. What have been some other challenges you’ve faced?”
Rhea hesitated for a moment, playing with her toes under the water, then decided to be honest. “I’ve…struggled with self-doubt a lot, which is something I didn’t really have until I started my journey and got out into the world. I felt…lacking compared to Amira and Lori especially.
“Sometimes I feel like I’m not good enough for him, or that I’m holding him back when he was in Kalos. But Jason has always been supportive—the pictures he sent me are… Let’s just say he took after you in some departments,” she said with a strained laugh, definitely not willing to show her some of them. “Amira and Lori had to tell me to cool it when he got back because I just…dove in. Anyway, umm, he believes in me, even when I don’t believe in myself…”
Annila’s gaze softened while shifting her head to look at her, and she reached out to squeeze Rhea’s hand. “It’s normal to have those feelings, especially in a relationship where you care so deeply. But from what I’ve seen, you and Jason complement each other. You bring out the best in each other.”
Rhea’s face reddened, feeling a surge of gratitude she didn’t know she needed until now; it felt like approval. “Thank you. It means a lot to hear that. I’m still figuring things out, but I’m grateful to have Jason and all the support from our friends and family.”
They continued to talk, sharing stories and experiences. Annila opened up about her own journey, her struggles, and triumphs. Rhea found herself feeling more connected to Annila, appreciating the chance to see her as more than just Jason’s mother or her former instructor.
As the evening wore on, they eventually left the spa and enjoyed a quiet dinner together. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, filled with laughter and heartfelt conversations. Rhea felt a growing sense of belonging and acceptance, grateful for this time with Annila compared to terror she’d felt before.
Over the next week, Rhea and Annila spent their days exploring Fuchsia City, visiting familiar spots, and discovering new ones that she wanted to bring Jason to next. They enjoyed the local cuisine, participated in traditional games, and even took part in a few cultural battle festivals while Annila coached Nova on some tricks she could do with her Vaporeon form. Each day brought them closer, their bond strengthening with every shared experience.
Rhea felt herself opening up more, sharing her dreams and fears with Annila. In turn, Annila shared stories of her past in the Ultra War, her hopes for the future, and her deep love for her family. Although, she refused to get into the details regarding the feud she had with her mother.
Not wanting to pry or sour their week together, Rhea let it go unanswered for now. Annila kept her busy with some personal training, as well, further creating new memories that Rhea knew she would cherish forever.
Annila was more than her childhood instructor and the scary mom of her best friend, now boyfriend. She’d been a teenage girl once, and had more than twenty years more experience and baggage to carry, which helped her put some things revolving around her own mother into perspective.
By the end of the week, Rhea felt a profound sense of connection with Annila. She had gained a new perspective on her relationship with Jason and a deeper appreciation for the people who supported her journey. She felt…accepted.
As a bonus, Lori and Amira had won their Encrusted Fairy Heart Badges and were on their way to the islands. Jason was already there, and Rhea’s legs felt weak thinking about what he had planned for her since it would take another day for her teammates to reach Cinnabar.
Rhea hugged Annila tightly after being teleported outside of the city—the mother not wanting to get picked up by this Constable Jenny for some reason—feeling a mix of gratitude and affection.
“Thank you for everything, Annila. This week has meant so much to me,” Rhea said, her voice filled with emotion as she held up her phone. “I can’t believe we took over five thousand pictures.”
Annila smiled, her amber eyes glistening with tears. “It’s been a pleasure, Rhea. I’m so glad we had this time together. Remember, you’re always welcome in our family.”
As Rhea watched Annila leave, she felt a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of herself and her relationships. The challenges ahead weren’t just the last few Encrusted Badges she planned to get, and she knew there had to be more fights with Jason that would arise in the future, but, for now, things were perfect.
She knew she had the love and support of those who mattered most. Now, it was time to have a date that would hopefully end with a playful battle.
Looking at the city, built on the outskirts of the blown volcano, Rhea creased an eye as her Pokemon exited their Poke Balls to get their own look. “Now, if I was a dubious boyfriend, preparing to surprise my girlfriend, where would I be? We’re on the hunt, girls! We have a boyfriend to slay.”
Her Pokemon cheered, getting into the game as they began their journey, and just for extra killer energy, she was dolled up in her kimono, having a personal makeover from her boyfriend’s mother.
“Game on!”
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