"We could take the Dalizapa Passage way to Glaceado Gym." Kari suggested, reading her map on her phone. "I was thinking we go to Medali next to battle Larry. Plus, it'd be somewhat closer to Mesagoza-meaning we could simply ride our way back to point A if we so chose for our midterms." I replied, doing an online course for Battle Studies. "It'd be strange, going back to class after all this, huh?" She said, placing her phone on the table we sat at before closing her eyes in thought. We had packed up our camp after our battle with the Steel Titan, and were weighing our options on where to go next in a small, dusty town called "Zapapico". "It'd be a relief, really. As much as I like camping, I could do with a soft bed for once." I groaned, still feeling the ache from sleeping on the hard ground. "Here! You should start studying up as well, Kari." I said after a moment of silence, and scooted closer together with her as I read out the curriculum. "Hmph! Some battle study. In my region, if you wanted to learn a Pokémon's strengths and weaknesses, you sought them out on your own accord, and figured it out! Playing safe like this-it's no wonder why our classmates haven't bitten off more than they can and harmed themselves." She complained, tapping the table we sat at. "But we still need to comply, after all, it's not like Ms. Dendra doesn't know what she's saying." I protested lightly, making Kari sigh out of bored frustration. "She views it as easy, but she truly doesn't know the way of the Pokémon. She tells us WHAT to prevent, but not how or why! Pokémon are complex-not something that you should take lightly, and if you take your situation for granted it ends up with your Pokémon partners at the Poké Center, or yourself in a hospital bed. That, and you cannot always guarantee help to come running to your aid right there and then, so you must maintain some level of discipline if you're against a foe you cannot take alone." She criticized, and I simply giggled in response. "What is so amusing that I said?" Kari asked, confused as she raised her brow to me. "Nothing you said, just thought that maybe you should be Battle Studies teacher when Ms. Dendra retires in the future." I replied, an image of Kari out of the school grounds, teaching children to rough it in the wilds of Paldea crossing my mind. "Not if old Clavell is still Director by then. He'd give me an earful almost every day!" Kari laughed. We both shared a moment to laugh about the idea before regaining our bearings again, and looking back at my phone for curriculum details once more in silence. "You're right, Kari." I began, scrolling to the next page of the notes. "About?" "Not wanting to go back to class, of course. I'm having so much fun traveling with you that I really don't want the fun to stop! But when responsibilities call, we have no choice but to answer to them. Right?" I said, a distant sound in my voice. "Spirit? Are you alright?" Kari asked, concerned. I nodded, but my heart felt a little bit heavy and my face looked somber in the reflection of my screen as I set it down on the table. What was wrong with me? Kari, only half believing my claim, took my phone and placed it back into my bag as she suggested, "We've been studying a while. Let's eat, and figure out where we want to take our next step of the adventure from here, yes?" "I suppose...." I sighed, and she took my hand while knitting her brows, and the two of us walked the mosaic street of the small desert town towards a small Café. Once inside, Kari seated me at a booth near the window and said, "I won't be long." And rushed off towards the counter to order. I looked out the window towards the horizon, a feeling of longing ebbing it's way through me as I watched the sun glare it's bittersweet warmth on my face..... Just like when I first moved to Paldea.... I felt a hand gently grasp my arm, breaking me from my trance as she asked, "Did you hear me?" "Umm.... No, I didn't catch what you said, sorry." I replied, shaking myself back to normal as I pulled my arm from her. "I said that food and drinks will be ready in five. Are you POSITIVE we shouldn't make for home now?" Something about that word and the way she said it made me sick.... that term "Home".... Paldea was more of an escape, than it was a "Home".... How could I forget that Kalos was where my heart resided? How is it that amongst all of this: the people, the food, that my heart still belonged in Kalos-a place where I had nothing! But I DID have something, and that's what bothered me. I still had hope for my dad wanting me to come see him, and the soothing smell of the forest in Laverre City when I was stressed where I can sit, and listen to the Pokémon that resided there on the back porch leading to the back lawn! I still held comfort in the smell of baked goods wafting through the markets, and the trips to Lumoise that my mother and I took. THAT was home to me! So what if I had no friends?! "Spirit? There's something bothering you, and I'd very much wish for you to tell me." Kari said, her voice becoming serious, yet still maintaining that softness that a mom would have... That MY mom would have, and it just- "I wish you wouldn't say "Home" like I belong here..." I snipped bluntly, "And I wish you didn't treat me like a child!" Confused and shocked, she reeled back as she said defensively, "But you DO, and you ARE! As am I of course." "No I don't, and you KNOW you don't! You belong in some Tundra far away from here, and I belong in Kalos." Piecing together where I was going, Kari grew stern as she declared, "So THIS is what's going on?! Honestly, Spirit!" "WHAT!?" "You have it so ingrained in your head that there's nothing in Paldea for you, that your heart is starting to believe it as well! Your mother didn't bring you here to torture you, and I'm not here to make a fool of you. Is my friendship to you nothing?! Is Nemona's and Arven's care for you worth NOTHING?! You're eyes are clouded by rage and hurt, that you appreciate none of what you've experienced. That you simply woke up to survive another cruel day! Home isn't just where you're from and what you got, Spirit. It's what offers the most growth, and experience! Where you are deeply loved and cared for by people whom you trust, or trust you in turn! Home is where you have Family and Friends, so as far as I'm concerned, we ARE home." She scolded, pressing her finger hard into the table. "You don't understand, Kari..." "Yes I DO! You're home sick, that's okay, but it's no excuse to just throw away all the good stuff you got here simply because your mother wants the best for you! It's not right for you to be angry with her, and disregard what friends you HAVE made for something that cannot be undone." Kari replied, her voice a little calmer and had an undertone of pain. My heart twinged a little in my chest after hearing her say those things, and to be fair, she had a point. What was I losing by enjoying a new start? My individuality was what I was losing, and it frightened me that I was changing slowly from a quite kid who preferred solitude above all else, to a Battle Ready Trainer with loud, rambunctious, and obnoxious friends! I'll keep River and the rest, sure, but I'd much rather just have them for company rather than to battle with them, as selfish as that sounds. What was WRONG with me?! I looked back out the window, guilty for snapping at Kari, and being so self absorbed that it hurt her. "S-Sorry...." was all I could say to her as I stared out the window. Food arrived, and Kari had decidedly got me coffee because of it's natural curatives. After that, we decided it best to go straight to Glaceado Gym before going back to Mesagoza, even letting Kari take the reigns on Miraidon for a change. Following the Dalizapa Passage, Kari took the time to point up at the mountain before us and exclaimed in a bubbly manner, "Look, Spirit! It's the Gym! You can see it from all the way down here!" I looked up past where she pointed to see the Gym building in all it's snow covered glory, glinting like a trophy from below. I couldn't say anything, but it was a pretty sight from down there, and so I just clung tighter to Kari in response. "It's a wonderful sight, truly. Ah, to be surrounded by snow again will be such a pleasure!" She sighed, and made Miraidon dash up the pathway. The air was getting colder and thinner by the minute, but my voice was too froze to ask her to stop as I stayed within my mind. I had a lot to think about, going to my third Gym, and all of the conflicting thoughts and feelings collided like two pieces of sandpaper scratching each other, and no matter how much you want it to stop it just keeps grinding, and grinding, and- "Miraidon, pull over here for a bit, yes?" Kari asked, and in response, it slowed to a stop away from the edge of the mountain side. The air was thin, and a bit hard to breathe, and I woke up from my thoughts to shiver a little from the cold. "Wh-Why did we stop?" I asked, teeth chattering. Kari kneeled to the ground, and from her backpack pulled out a large, leather and rope bound coat! "My Father made this for me before I left. It's real heavy, and thicker than Wailmer blubber, but at least the chill stays off! I have another with me as well, so you can have one if you'd like." I was tempted to dismiss her offer when the cold slapped me in the face, making me remember that we weren't exactly in a warm, temperate place like Mesagoza any longer. I reluctantly accepted the offer for one of Kari's huge coats, and thanked her as I slipped it over my head. "Oof! The hood alone weighs about twenty pounds!" I exclaimed, my poor neck straining under the weight. "The coat as a whole is over thirty pounds, so I'm not surprised one bit." Kari admitted, leaving me stunned. Once I had the leather made, knee length coat, wrapped in decorative ropes and imprints on, the two of us jumped back onto Miraidon; seemingly heavier for the poor dear as it slightly whimpered. Kari patted it's side gently, and soothingly assured, "There, there. You're a mighty beast! You can do wonders we don't even know." Miraidon gave a confident nod in response, and began to tread up the narrow and rugged pathway up the rest of the mountain. I looked at the scenic view to our left, and was secretly enchanted by mysterious, jagged rock formations with crystalline tips at the foot of the mountain. Eventually, the hard, blackened earth became enshrouded in glittering white, and the once blue sky had turned gray above us as we rode along; the chill stinging us as Kari made sharp turns to keep carefully on the beaten path. "Looks like rain..." I murmured, looking up nervously. "Well it won't be rain here. I hope a blizzard isn't rolling in, or we'll have bigger Basculine to fry!" Kari replied in dismay, only glancing up at the clouds before putting her eyes back on the path ahead. "We're here!" Kari chimed in a sing song voice, and she skidded Miraidon to a halt before leaping off, and helping me to the ground. "I've given you some Ice Heals, and Revives in case you need them. PLEASE try to look at the lighter side of things, Spirit, because you have MANY blessings to be grateful for." Kari said, sending me off. "I-I'll try.... See you around, then?" "You know it! And I wish you utmost luck against Grusha." ""Grusha"?" "The Ice Type leader! Cheers!" Kari replied, rushing back down the mountain seemingly. I watched her figure fade away just as the first flurry fell, and I was once again to my lonesome.... There were so many emotions running through me that I wasn't sure wether I should be in my element, or incredibly hurt! I lingered outside a bit longer, staring off into the direction of where Kari ran, thinking about what she was doing while I was battling the Gyms, and wondering if she'd truly come back after what I did. I sighed, and ventured on through the doors of the Gym; half expecting to find Nemona when my phone began to ring! Flustered, I quickly pulled it from my bag, and stammered, "Y-Yeah?! H-Hey!" "Hey, Spirit. Guess who!" A familiar voice rung out from the other side. "H-Hi Nemona. Whatcha up to?" "Oh, just battling Trainer's here and there. How's your Gym Journey? Which one are you at now?" Nemona asked, sounding in high spirits as I replied bleakly, "uhhh, I'm going against Grusha now-at the Glaceado Gym?" "Wait, seriously?! I'm just right outside! I'll come and say hi." "A-Alright, see you." I hung up the phone, and awaited Nemona inside the Gym lobby for a good ten minutes before the glass double doors swung open. There, in the threshold, stood a chilled Nemona- her hair frost kissed, and her winter uniform all snow covered from top to bottom, and even her golden brown skin seemed to look more pale! "N-Nemona?!" I asked, running up to her worriedly. Why was her health my concern so suddenly?! "Hey, hey! There you are, Spirit!" She replied energetically, her teeth chattering away. We embraced each other, partly to keep Nemona warm as I stammered, "H-Hi Nemona.... I got two badges already, if you'd like to see them. My Grass and Electric badge?" I brought them out for her to look at, causing a certain, familiar gleam in her eye as she responded excitedly. "Well look at you being a little Gym winning machine. Awesome!" "Y-Yeah.... Cool...." "And this one you chose as your third, eh?" She stepped away to take in the veiw of the lobby for a second before turning back to me with her Meowth like grin as she finished, "Well you're up to the challenge for real! But, like, just in case.... You should DEFINITELY have a pre-Gym warm-up with me!" She proposed. I KNEW it was coming the moment that gleam lit her eyes! "Y-You know what?" I began, feeling a little annoyed at the moment, "I-I'm not feeling too hot right now, so maybe-" "Come on, Spirit!" Nemona pressured, "I REEEEAAAAALLLLYYY think you'll be glad you accepted my offer for practice. Grusha's BRUTAL!" "H-HUH?!" I asked, hardly believing what my ears were picking up. I sighed in defeat, then looked away as I reluctantly replied, "Very well.... I cave, Nemona..." "YES!" She cheered before ushering me out of the doors, and into the cold as she said quickly, "Let's go- the field of battle awaits!" She was a child in a Poké Mart, the way her eyes gleamed at the idea of having her battle thirst quenched, but it was MY fault for not putting my foot down.... In fact.... When was I EVER able to put my foot down about ANYTHING..? Once we were on the battle court outside, Nemona scanned the area as she lectured, "Here's a little pro-tip. Before taking on a Gym, it's good to see if you can find the battle court in your area, and analyze it." "Wh-Why?" I asked, genuinely confused as I raised my brow to her. "Because it helps certain advantages that may affect the outcome of your battle, and your strats based on where it's located, and the material the court is made up of." She replied, and I was shocked by how wise she was starting to be. Maybe SHE could fill the role of battle studies instead! "You can get all that just by looking at the court?" I asked, admittedly impressed. She nodded as she replied casually, "Mhm!" and readied her position on the other side of the court as she began again, "Y'know, Spirit, one look at your face screams you've gotten stronger since last time! I think it's time I introduced you to my heavier hitters." I readied my side of the field as I asked, "T-Truly?" "Of course! Alright..... Ready on your end?" "As I'll ever be, I guess..." "Okay! Then let's have us a fruitful battle!" Nemona declared. "R-Right!" I obliged, reaching into my bag for my first Pokémon. "Think of this as a mock Gym battle with Grusha. Come at me, and NO HOLDING BACK!" Nemona emphasized, grabbing one of her Pokéballs from her bag. Before I go further, you'd think a "Heavy Hitting" Pokémon would be something along the lines of a Tauros, or in my region a Chesnaught, but lo and behold, Nemona's first Pokémon she called out was, of all things, a Rockruff..... A ROCKRUFF.....! Lycanroc would've been a better "Heavy Hitter" than Rockruff! I felt a little insulted by the very idea of being faced with such a wimpy Pokémon, even on a good scale, so keeping Type Match ups in mind, I decided to send out Daisy first. Nemona called out a command to her dainty Rockruff, and it attempted to use "Rock Tomb" when I simply told Daisy to side step the attack, and blitz the tiny thing with "Razor Leaf". Not ONLY was it an overwhelming defeat for the small creature, but a very underwhelming victory for Daisy- even SHE looked bitter about the outcome! Nemona played it off as a great battle as she declared, "Nice shot! Your skills sure are ripening quick!" "But it wasn't even THAT good a Pokémon! Guh! I feel like she's toying with me..." I thought, trying to keep a poker face as she sent out her next, "Mighty" Pokémon: a Pawmi. Pawmi was significantly better than Rockruff, but it still poses little power than if it were Pawmot! "You're up, Diglett-Yahh! Use "Astonish"!" I cried, and I sent out my silly Dugtrio as he cried, "Di-Yahhhh!" He went to use the move, but it completely missed the tiny Pawmi as it simply looked away. "Now, Pawmi! Use "Nuzzle"!" Nemona commanded, and the Pawmi leapt into the air! "Use "Dig" Diglett-Yahh! It will cause Pawmi to miss this turn!" Diglett-Yahh let out a cry of determination, and with slight difficulty, he managed to burrow into the court. NOW I understand what Nemona meant by how certain strategies and outcomes were affected by what playing field you're on! Just as I had hoped, Pawmi missed, and returned back to Nemona's side of the field when Nemona shouted, ""Agility"! It can't hit you if it doesn't know which one is real!" And just like that, Pawmi began to bounce from side to side in rapid succession, creating a mirrored image of itself before me. "BLAST! With two of them there, it's going to be nearly impossible for Diglett-Yahh to determine the right one! Unless...." "Diglett-Yahh! Use the vibrations used from Pawmi's "Agility" to determine the real one!" I ordered, and doing just that, Diglett-Yahh burrowed to the motions of Nemona's Pawmi until it struck, sending the poor dear sailing into the air! Before Nemona could utter a word, the Pawmi hit the ground, and was immediately knocked out. "Good boy, Diglett-Yahh!" I cried, cheering for my sweet Dugtrio, and the three of them did a happy little wiggle dance in response before coming back to me. Nemona brought back her Pawmi before sending out her last Pokémon: obviously her Fuecoco..... Only..... It was no longer a Fuecoco! Nemona brought out her ace that she chose on the beach that day, and I admit that I was slightly alarmed when I saw that it was a newly evolved Crocalor! River was my go to choice.... But he's still only a small thing.... How could I let my sweet, flowing River take on something so huge! As if sensing my concerns, River came from his ball, and I cried, "River, darling, he's MUCH bigger than you! I CANNOT make you do this!" "Quax! Quaxy!" He replied, puffing out his tiny chest in confidence, almost as if he was asking for the chance to convince me otherwise. Looking between the battle ready Crocalor, and my sweet, determined Quaxly, my heart melted into a puddle of goo as I giggled. "Okay, okay! I'll let you be my knight in water bound armor, River, but you gotta be quick, graceful, and even hard hitting!" I looked back up to Nemona as I declared boldly, "Watch it, Nemona! River may not be evolved, but by GOLLY is he a courageous little prince of the waves!" As I said that, River did his battle cry again, causing Nemona to laugh as she replied, "Don't celebrate JUST yet! My Ace's gonna turn the tables on THIS one!" She brought out her Tera Orb as she continued, "And, since you have yourself a Tera Orb, we can have a fair fight by Terastallizing both of our Partners!" She activated the Tera energy in her Orb, and before I knew it, her Crocalor gained a whole new power boost as his Tera jewel sat atop his head, embodying the very essence of flame the more I look at it's firey red glow! Wanting to put River on somewhat of an even bar, I, too, called Tera energy to my Orb, and released a brilliant blue light that enveloped my Tiny Quaxly, and gave him his shining crown of blue as it gave off the aura of the ocean. "Let's try out that new move of yours. Crocalor! "INCINERATE"!" Nemona hollered, and I quickly countered, "Dodge her roaring flames my beautiful River!" And he seemingly spun gracefully out of Nemona's way. "See, Nemona," I began sagely, "Your Crocalor has power in bulk, where as I have power in speed due to how light weighted River is. Can your Pokémon partner keep in time with his dance? River, use "Aqua Jet"!" And with that, River began to summon a mass of water to shoot at Nemona's partner. "You wanna dance? Let's dance!" Nemona challenged, and she sparked up a wave of different moves to slow River down, but like the rapids he was named by, he kept on gliding, ducking, spinning, and leaning with grace as he charged up his "Aqua Jet". Taking aim at Nemona's Fire Croc, I gave River the signal to release his fire, and the Crocalor squealed as Riv doused him from his funny hat to his scaled feet. "We're not quite done, River, but one more dance should do it!" I called, and dancing again to his own rhythm and tune, River finished off the massive bully of a Pokémon with flying colors, leaving Nemona shocked as River ended with a bow. Nemona stayed quiet for a bit, recalling her Crocalor while I clapped for my dear River, and all of a sudden she cheered for the two of us. "Man, Spirit! You sure battle like a pro for someone with two badges." She mused happily, crossing her arms as she approached the center of the court. I met her halfway, taking River in my arms as I asked, "Really, Nemona? You mean it?" "Yup!" She replied confidently, and we continued to compliment each other's Pokémon while congratulating one another on raising such awesome parties when Nemona began to become sentimental in her statements. "Well anyways, that was an awesome battle! Fruitful for certain! Here, take these as a token of my thanks." She handed me three bottles of Full Heal, and I gently took them from her hand before placing them into my bag. "Th-Thank you, Nemona. I'll put them to good use!" I assured, and she came closer towards me as she casually stated, "I'd challenge you again, like, now... but Champions have to be understanding of the trainer and their Pokémon." "Is that right?" I asked, picking myself back off the ground, and taking River with me. With a nod, she continued, "So I'll back off for now, and let you have some time for yourself. Just keep collecting badges, and let's battle next time we meet at a Gym, yeah?" My face faltered a bit, but I tried to keep up my facade as I replied dryly, "Nothing would make me happier, Nemona." I tried to speed off with River as quickly as I could when Nemona gently grasped my shoulder, and began in a heartfelt tone, "And, Spirit?" I turned back to her to see if she was alright as she continued, "I hope you get even stronger..... Like, WAY stronger than you are now." Hearing her say this- it made my saddened heart perk up a bit, and my walls came down as my face softened into a smile. Was it a true statement? "Huh.... Thanks Nemona..." I replied, feeling like I was of some importance to her as a friend when she added confidently, "Once you do, you and I can just battle to our hearts content!" That immediately made my smile drop, and the feeling of lonely despair came back as I muttered unenthusiastically, "Gee, thanks Nemona...." she gave me another tight squeeze hug, and I physically had to make room so that my poor River wasn't smushed between before Nemona sent me off, saying proudly, "Alrighty, time for you to whop that Gym Test! Thanks SO much again for this." And with that, she too was gone. I was left speechless by our interaction as I watched her figure fade with River still in my arms, and I pondered my worth as a friend over being Nemona's breathing battle mat. Was anything that she wished for for MY being alone, or was I just a means to blow off some steam? I set River down, muttering as I picked my bag up from the court. "Alright, River," I began, adjusting my bag, "Let's head to a Pokémon Center, then we can go back inside to-" my eyes went wide and my breath froze at the scene before me, and I watched in awe as River began to glow! No way.... WAS HE?!... I continued to stare on in awe as my wonderful River curiously stared at his wings.... Then his tiny feet.... and the glow completely overtook his body as he changed shape entirely! Once the glowing stopped, a new Pokémon was standing in place of my tiny Quaxly; it's robust figure, graceful stance, and lavish hair of water styled as it's matured blue eyes stared on with a certain attitude! "R-River?" I asked, and the new Pokémon looked my way. "I-Is that you, River?" I asked again, and the new Pokémon gracefully bowed to me in response as I covered my mouth. Forget my Pokémon knight in water armor- he was like a watery prince! "Oh, you're STUNNING, River! You're.... You're...... What ARE you?" The moment I asked the question, my phone went off, saying, "Quaxwell has been added to your Pokédex!" And my jaw dropped in wonder as I breathed "Quaxwell.... Holy smokeies, you're SO pretty Riv!" I took him into my arms to hug him, only to be left stunned by his abrupt push from me before fixing his watery hair once more. "O-Oh, you don't want me to mess up your hair?" I asked, peicing the puzzle together. River did a slight, gentle nod before resting his stoic gaze back onto me, and I nodded in understanding as I replied, "Forgive me, River dear." Once we were at an understanding, I recalled him back to his ball, and made my way to the Poké Center at the top of the hill to heal up my team after that unexpected battle with Nemona. I walked back through the gym doors, and approached the staffer at the counter; giving them my name and arranging the challenge before I had to, begrudgingly, trudge my way back up the hill to meet another staffer to explain a snowboarding themed challenge. How nice, being slapped by icy winds at eighty miles per hour down a snowy mountain before getting into combat, wouldn't you agree? Once I was done with the challenge, and Miraidon was tucked safely back into it's ball, the staffer waved me on over to the court- awaiting the Gym Leader with rapidly waning patience. It wasn't long until the crowd that had gathered began to point and murmur that I looked over at the court's entrance where a person dressed in a heavy fur coat, and long jeans entered as he complained, "Brrrrr... I'm freezing..!" He took his place before me, and asked in a disinterested tone, "I take it you're the Gym Challenger I'm supposed to battle today?" "Y-Yes? What took you so long?" I asked, only to be given a side eyed glance before being shrugged off. "Name's Grusha. I'm a snowboarder-used to be pro, even. Now I'm Glaceado's Gym Leader!" "That's nice. My name is Spirit. I live in Kalos!" I replied, trying to hide the urking fact that he just blew me off. ""Live"?" Grusha asked, raising a brow to me in shock as I quickly corrected, "W-Well, LIVED but still..." "Then you are Paldean?" He asked again, sounding like he's come to terms with the idea, and making my blood slowly boil. "N-No, I'm Kalosian- born and raised, and always will be." "But you live in Paldea now, so as far as I'm concerned you ARE Paldean." He replied dismissively, and my fury was now through the roof as hot steam left my nostrils. Grusha closed his eyes in thought as he began again, "I saw your skills on the slopes.... Pretty cool if you ask me." "What does that have to do with NOW?" I asked, confused and irritated. He looked up at the mountain peak above, and began in a distant tone, "Winter mountains.... They're dangerous, and can easily change the course of your life if you let your ego get to your head." He turned back to me, and began to make his way to the center of the court where I stood as he finished, "Same can go for Pokémon battles too when you're just starting to get into the swing of things-dangerous, unpredictable...." He stood awhile in thought again before saying abruptly, "Today's not a great day to battle me... You're better off just walking away, honestly... You SURE you wanna do this?" I couldn't BELIEVE what I was hearing from this "Professional's" lips! "Well if all you're going to do is stall and complain, then I'm not so certain I WANT to..." I huffed, feeling like Nemona's pre Gym warm-up was for nothing as I tried to take my leave, and he grasped my shoulder firmly as he mused, "Nice. To give up takes it's own kind of strength, but I know how you types work- always pushing forward for your goals." "Hmph! Maybe you could learn a thing or two from us then." I snapped, planting myself back in front of him as I tried desperately to keep calm. Grusha nodded, staying eerily calm as he took to his side of the battle court. FINALLY the battle was about to commence! He turned to face me, and brought out his first Pokémon-a lovely, glittery, Bug Type Pokémon with crystal like wings, and I found myself enthralled by the beautiful creature when Grusha called in a muffled voice, "Well, this Gym Leader business is my job, so don't take my victory to heart, kid. Get ready to feel reality's icy bite!" "HA! From someone who can't be understood underneath that wooly mass of scarf on your face? Don't make me laugh." I replied scornfully, taking out my first Pokémon. THAT seemed to invoke a reaction out of his smug, snide self, knitting his brows disgruntledly as he remarked coldly, "Don't say I didn't warn you, kid. Not my fault I you're overwhelmed by my icy defeat!" "Try me, Grusha. Ruby! I choose you!" I called, and I sent out my little Ruby to the court. Grusha laughed, and asked snarkily, "You think that tiny thing is gonna defeat my Frosmoth? You've got some guts." "HEY! Ruby may be small, but she's the strongest I've got-you'll see! She's gonna MOP this court with you!" I declared, before telling her to use her "Flame Charge" move to pulverize his Frosmoth. Dauntlessly, and confident, Ruby's feathers became cloaked in a ball of flame before striking Grusha's Frosmoth as hard as it could-winding the creature, but not leaving it weakened quite. "How sweet, a love tap. Frosmoth! "Tailwind"!" Grusha demanded, and his Frosmoth's giant wing flapped so hard a mighty gust of cold wind washed over Ruby, sending her flying into my chest as she dug herself into my arms to keep warm. "It's alright, Ruby, we got this!" I assured, and she flew from my grip as she fought to keep on the court. ""BRAVE BIRD!" I called over the icy, rapidly blowing winds, and Ruby took to the air above before Swanna diving towards the Frosmoth as Grusa cried, "Obstruct it's course with "Blizzard", Frosmoth!" And it produced a gust of wind and snow that launched towards my darling Ruby. It knocked her from the air, and with a squeal, sent her tumbling back towards the ground. "Gah!" I cried, reaching out to try and catch her before she hit the solid court when I remembered that we were still in battle, and all bets were off, so I had to painstakingly watch as Ruby landed with a thud. Still having a little left in her, Ruby rose from the ground limply, and turned to face me for directions. The fire in her eyes, and her desire to take the victory was the same I saw in Hálogi's.... The same I saw in Kari's..... "HEY!" Grusha yelled, making me look up, "WHATCHA STANDIN' THERE FOR? MEOWTH GOT YOUR TOUNGUE?" "OH, YOU WISH!" I snapped back before looking worriedly down at Ruby, making sure she was positive she wanted to go through with such a tough opponent, and as if she knew what I was thinking, she gave a slight nod before turning away. There was no going back, and even then the fire in her tiny eyes became unstoppable- how could I refuse that chance for her? Feeling moved by her strength, I told her to use "Brave Bird" again, and Ruby gathered all her grit to push through Grusha's "Tailwind" once more before doing another Swanna dive, this time being so quick that Grusha couldn't even defend himself from the tiny bird's wrath. It finished his Frosmoth off with a powerful attack that sent the beautiful Ice Type back to the trainer who called it out, and I pumped my fist hard in the air as I cheered, "Yeah! Go Ruby Rue!" Happily, she used what little strength she had to fly back to me, and I caught her in my arms as the crowds roar became quite loud before calling Ruby back to rest. "Lucky hit. Next one's gonna be tough though." Grusha taunted, and I simply glared at him before calling out my next Pokémon. "Water can melt your ice, Grusha, so I send out my beloved prince of the waves. River, you're up!" I sent River in his newly evolved form out, and Grusha chuckled before sneering, "Water melts ice, true, but it depends on how tough the ice you're attempting to melt. That's why water moves are only EFFECTIVE against Ice Types!" "Not the little suprise we've got whipped up for you. In fact it may CRACK your ice!" I teased, and Grusha called out his next partner. "Okay Beartic, you're next! Show this newbie what we're all about!" He exclaimed, and he sent out a ferocious, gigantic Pokémon; causing River to squeak a little as he quivered from fear as I cooed, "You've got this, my sweet tide. I believe in you!" He looked back at me, unsure at first if he actually could, but my gentle, encouraging smile seemed to have brought the fight back to him as he gave a confident nod in response. "HMPH! Touching... Beartic, use "Icicle Crash" and turn her watery Pokémon into an Ice Sculpture!" Grusha growled, and his Beartic summoned a barrage of sharp, pointy ice columns targeted straight at River. "You got this River! Ice may be tougher, but Water has grace-show em' your suave by dodging Grusha's Beartic!" I called, and as soon as the Ice began to fire, River began to dance through the attack like he was on air: ducking, gliding, and side stepping with such breathtaking movements that it entranced anyone who watched! "Now, let's knock this big boy flat! "Low Kick"!" I cried, and River went from spinning, to sliding low as he landed a powerful collision that knocked Beartic onto its behind, and into the wall surrounding the court. "Yeah, that's it Riv! Keep going, don't let it back up!" And just as I asked, River kept on sliding across the court, and sending Beartic from one side of the court to the other as Grusha scoffed, "How cheap! Can't you be a bit more original?" "It IS original! An original STRATEGY! Nemona was right after all, I guess." WHY did I have to mention Nemona now of ALL times?! My voice got caught in my throat, and my heart grew heavy as my eyes grew distant. The thoughts I had, both positive and negative were colliding in a cacophony of maddening noise, some of them convincing me that what I was doing was pointless, and others telling me to keep going. I missed home, but at the same time I wanted something more than just waking up... I wanted so much to hide, but at the same time live! What was the MATTER with me?! "HEY! WAKE UP KID, OR YOU'LL BE LEFT FROZEN!" Grusha yelled, snapping me from my thoughts just as his Beartic began to stomp the ground, making it shake so hard that the icy court seemed to shatter, and engulf River! "A-AH! RIVER!" I called, but it was too late... he was completely subdued..! "Quick! Finish off that dancer- make her squirm!" Grusha commanded, and with another barage of Ice, River became severely weak. I couldn't let him battle any further, so I called him back as I tried to ignore my thoughts long enough to bring back Ruby to the field, now rested up to her full potential after a potion was used. "Squash that tiny bird with "Earthquake"!" Grusha called, and, obeying, Ruby was subdued, and subsequently knocked out. "AHHHH! RUBY!!!!" I exclaimed, and a memory of my mom playing with me in the yard in Laverre City flashed through my mind. It was a happy time, and I was only three years old when I was rolling in the grass with her, and enjoying the smell of pine. My eyes welled up as I staggered back, and Ruby came back to me as I sent out Daisy in a flustered panick, completely forgetting what I've learned back at Uva Academy! "Big mistake, kid. Beartic! She's wide open- "Icicle Crash"!" And with that, down went Daisy. "No, NO! DAISY!" I cried. I was falling apart at the seams as another memory of me and my mom crossed my mind-this time on a tour of Lumoise: the very heart of the Kalos region. I was a meager age of seven when we went, and we both had fun climbing the stairs to the top of Prism Tower, and overlooking the entire region from above! I was never going to have that moment again..... My head still clouded, I sent out Lolly, and cried out, ""POUND"!", and with a heavy hit, Lolly was fortunately able to bring down Grusha's Beartic. Grusha called his Beartic back, and brought out another giant Pokémon, and I knew that this was only gonna go downhill from here as I obliviously yelled the same move. Grusha's Mysterious Pokémon dodged the attack before surrounding itself in a whirlwind of ice that came barreling Lolly's way, and threw her back into me as I fell on the ground. "Ha.... Peee....." she breathed, and then she too, fell unconscious. I wasn't prepared mentally for this battle, and I could feel myself slipping from me to the point that I could no longer hear the crowd, and Grusha's strange Pokémon hulked over me with it's ever looming shadow as I cried over my poor Happiny. "Jeez, what's eating ya kid? You were doing fine and now you're flopping like a helpless Magikarp!" Grusha asked, rubbing the back of his neck. I couldn't anymore as I snapped, "What "eating" me? What's "eating" ME?!" "Yeah, you're getting caught up in the blizzard, and not even trying to fight your way back to safety! Remember what I told you about ice? That it can change you for better or worse?" I couldn't handle his being snide any longer as I yelled, "YOU THINK YOU HAD IT ROUGH!? HUH?!" "W-What?!" ""OOH, LOOK! I LOST A COUPLE TEETH FALLING OFF A SNOWBOARD AND NOW MY LIFE IS OVER!" WELL HATE TO BREAK IT TO YOU, GRUSHA, BUT THERE IS FAR WORSE THINGS IN LIFE OTHER THAN HIDING BEHIND A STUPID SCARF THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!" "Whoah! Hey! I didn't-" "SHUT UP! YOU SIT THERE AND ACT SO COOL AND DRAMATIC- YOU'VE LOST NOTHING UNTIL YOU HAD TO LEAVE WHAT YOU HAD BEHIND TO BECOME SOMETHING THAT ISN'T YOU, AND BE SURROUNDED BY PEOPLE WHO YOU DON'T KNOW IF THEY JUST WANT YOU FOR SOME BACKWARDS PURPOSE UNDER THE GUISE OF A FRIEND THAT INVITES YOU TO HAVE SKAUSE, OR TAKES THE TIME OF DAY TO HELP YOU GROW STRONGER, OR EVEN CARES ENOUGH TO SIT AND TALK TO-" I stopped right there.... Remembering the past few weeks I've had in Paldea, from the very first encounter till now... I saw Nemona and I on the court with River and her Fuecoco before they evolved, and how much potential she saw in me.... Arven and I chatting up a storm, usually about class.... And Kari.... The memories she tried to make with me, and how hard she tried to get me to adjust to a new region while I had been nothing but selfish and cold... Her kind and patient eyes looking back into mine as she held out her hand for me to take.... What have I done? I sniffled a bit before bringing Lolly back to her ball, and, feeling a sense of guilt and resolve, I stood back to my feet, and looked a very shocked Grusha in the eyes as I finally said, "I've been distracted..... Blind even, for too long..... I think I finally get now, what Kari's been saying this whole time..." I brought out River; a new sense of power and motive washing over me as I declared, "We aren't finished yet. I hope you're ready, because I've just discovered a new sense of power that I never knew was possible." Grusha and his Pokémon both were stunned for a bit, and even moved as he began for the first time in a rather respectful tone, "Well, good morning then.... Let's get back on track, yeah?" He readied his odd Pokémon, and called, "Cetitan! Use "Ice Spinner"!" And the giant, which I now knew as Cetitan, engulfed it's body in ice again as it rushed towards River. Looking River in the eyes, we both gave each other a confident nod before saying, "Alrighty, let's finish this dance with a "Low Kick"!" And while Cetitan spun around, River slid and knocked it off it's balance, causing it to fall with a heavy thud, and dealing heavy damage as I commanded, ""Liquidation"!" And he shot out a rapid stream of water, sending the heavy Pokémon back into the wall before knocking it out completely. "There we go! Now you've got the gist again!" Grusha cheered, trying to sound supportive, but coming off completely sarcastic. "You ain't seen nothing yet! Come on, Buttercup! Show em'!" I called, bringing out my beautiful Vivillon for all to see. "Very well. Altaria! I choose you!" He called, and my eyes went wide as he brought out one of the most beautiful dragon types of my old region in all it's glamor. After he called it out, he summoned Tera energy to his Tera Orb, and launched it above the lovely Pokémon, creating for it an Ice Type Tera Jewel, with a sparkling crown of white atop it's head as the snow raged on around us, only adding to the greatness of his Altaria. And I thought mega evolutions were facinating! Snapping out of my trance, I followed his lead, and I, too, Terastallized Buttercup into a Bug Type Tera. "Use "Moonblast"!" Grusha cried, sending his Terastallized Altaria spiraling into the air to summon the aura of the moon, and harnessing it into a lethal attack. I was prepared for this as I shouted, "Rain down a "Hurricane" on his Altaria, Buttercup!" And my sweet Vivillon twirled as fast as she could before sending the whirlwind she had created rocketing towards Grusha's Altaria with a powerful gust of wind from her wings. Altaria tried to set off it's "Moon Blast" just as the whirlwind caught up, engulfing it completely; causing the attack to miss Buttercup I commanded, "That's it! Keep going!" Buttercup readied another whirlwind, and sent it straight for Altaria again when Grusha countered, ""Ice Beam"!" Making Altaria summon a powerful gust of snow and ice to form that broke the whirlwind, and barely grazed Buttercup. ""Bug Buzz"!" I called, and Buttercup rubbed her wings together, creating a noise so vile that it knocked Altaria from the air, and sent it plummeting to the ground. Once more, I commanded Buttercup to use "Hurricane", and once the gust was released, Altaria went sailing into Grusha-knocking him off his feet! Worried I had gone too far, I quickly called Buttercup back before observing the winded Gym Leader along with the crowd around me... All seemed still, and quiet, with only the sound of wind whoosing past me in a gentle manner, along with the Blizzard that was going on becoming nothing more than regular snowfall... Finally, Grusha arose from the ground before calling his Pokémon back to him, relieving myself and the crowd with a sigh as he turned to face me. Although his face was covered, I could tell from the glimmer I his eyes that he was smiling, and he simply stated, "Well look at that... You melted straight through my ice!" He came up to me, and held out a shining, blue colored piece of metal as he continued casually, "Congrats. Here's your badge- you must be happy about it! A-Ah! Not to sound sarcastic or anything..." I took the badge from him, and turned it over in my hand as I continued to think about the battle we had, and I replied bleakly, "Th-Thank you, sir..." "Oh, c'mon! No need to get all polite on me now. You deserve the badge you won, and boy did you fight for it!" "Yeah.... I suppose you're right...." I replied, keeping the badge in my hand for a moment longer before putting the medal in my bag to shake his hand. He leaned over, and whispered into my ear, "Not bad, for a new Paldean." And I simply laughed, not even feeling a twinge of annoyance for him calling me a Paldean. I've walked the path of Kalos for far too long, and now I must wake up, and walk the path set before me now. Admittedly, I felt proud to finally leave my old life and self behind! I asked Grusha for a photo, which he seemed against the very idea at first before reluctantly accepting the request, and after I healed up my team, I found myself sitting on a bench in front of Glaceado Gym, watching the snow fall as I waited for Kari; reflecting while I did when the Gym Leader came to sit beside me. "Hey, kid," he began softly, "whatcha thinking about now?" "Ohhh, just the past few weeks and days I guess...." I replied, not taking my eyes off the dancing bits of white before us while I clutched River's ball, and the Ice badge tightly in my hands. We sat silent for a bit, watching the snow fall on the bed of glittering white below as the sun began to set. "Hey.... About what I said during the battle-" I began when Grusha held up a hand to stop me. "Nah, don't let it bother you. I get it- trying something new and becoming something you never thought you would be. When my snowboarding career ended, and I was given the position of Gym Leader, I had a very rocky start and sucky attitude myself. Later, I learned to make the most of it; even going as far as to learn and grow from each new face I came by. It's stuff like that that makes life worth living, even when you feel the sun will never come out of the clouds..." He replied with a sigh. "Hey, those people you mentioned in battle," He began again after a while, "they sound like very good friends. You should be very glad to have them in your life." I smiled slightly, and I looked down at the ball and badge I held in my hand, feeling pride and joy like I've never felt when I first set foot on this region.... MY region..... Grusha patted me on the shoulder, winking at me before standing up to go back to the Gym. I sat alone for a bit, looking back up into the orange light of dusk, and I took a deep breath of the air around me-cold and dry all the same before releasing it from my lungs in a warm cloud of steam. I was content with my new life, and sure now of my new friends.... Which..... Where WAS Kari now? I grew worried about how my words may have affected her, and the longer I sat there waiting, the more my mind tried to convince me that she had returned back to Mesagoza without me. I called out Miraidon, and I began to search the mountain for her as I figured out the apology spiel I was gonna give her, but..... I couldn't find her..... Growing increasingly more worried about her, I began to ask around, from the Trainers dotting Glaceado Mountain to the other city located on the mountain- Montenevera if I remember correctly. I searched for HOURS, even going as far as going to one of Paldea's popular sights as I continued to ride, and call for my friend until I reached a Pokémon Center. It was well after dark now, and the cold REALLY began to bite as I leapt off Miraidon, and called it back to it's ball as I walked up to the counter, asking, "Excuse me, ma'am? Have you seen a girl my age come by? Slightly sun-kissed, freckles across her face, ash-white hair up in Cornrows?" "Hm? Oh! I thought I saw a girl go by hours ago with that description. She was asking about a Team Star base located around Glaceado Mountain if I remember." The lady running the Poké Center counter replied, looking up in thought. Huh? Team Star?! "What business did she say she had with Team Star?" I asked, raising a brow to her in confusion. The lady shrugged, and said, "All she told me was that she was doing a friend a favor, and it involved Team Star." A friend? Wait...... Piecing together what was going on, I quickly thanked the lady, leapt back onto Miraidon, and sped off into the direction of which the lady told me to go. I had questions, and I wanted answers pronto! It wasn't long until I found the supposed base that the Poké Center lady was talking about, and skidded to a halt in front of the gate. "Stay here, Miraidon! These people are dangerous." I warned, patting it atop the head before going through the gates. I had to be careful where I stepped since most of it was surrounded by flowing channels of shallow water from the river, and it wasn't long until I heard two voices talking to each other..... a man's, and- "K-Kari?!" I exclaimed, having her in my view. "A-AH! S-Spirit?! What on EARTH are you doing here?!" She asked, seemingly embarrassed and nervous. "I could ask YOU the same thing! I was waiting for hours at the Gym, Kari. HOURS! Do you even have ANY idea how much I was WORRIED about you?!" I scolded. "S-Sorry, I was just-" "I know what you were "Just" doing- sneaking off under the guise that Hálogi and your Pokémon can't handle crowds, just to go battle delinquent students that aren't our problem! Cassiopea put you up to this, didn't they?!" "Spirit, I-" "You KNOW Director Clavell said not to mess with them! What would he say if it were him here and not me?!" The man she was talking with approached from behind at this point, confused and shocked as he asked, "You, erm... You know her?" I grew angry with him, and snapped, "Yes she knows me, and YOU! YOU being an ADULT student should've stopped her from doing something so reckless! Director Clavell would be JUST as unhappy with you than he would her!" "Spirit, you don't KNOW the whole story! Clive was only trying to-" "Ohhhhh so THAT'S his name!" I interrupted, keeping my eyes glued on the pompador do rocking, uniform out of code looking punk of a student. "Spirit, right?" He asked quickly before saying, "Listen, Team Star isn't what you-" I slapped him hard across the face, causing Kari to gasp as I exclaimed, "I don't wanna hear any excuses about "Team Star this", or "Team Star that"! You and Cassiopea are working hand in hand trying to recruit anyone willing to go stumble into dangerous gang hideouts and take on the head bosses! And you-" I said, turning back to Kari, feeling angry, "I guess I'm just a naiive sucker to you, huh!?" "Spirit, don't be silly!" "Oh, so now I'm "Silly"?! YOU MANIPULATED ME, KARI! INTO TAKING YOU TO THESE DELINQUENT BOOT CAMPS NO LESS! WAS THAT THE ONLY REASON YOU WANTED TO BE ALL BUDDY BUDDY WITH ME?! WAS I JUST AN EASY WAY TO GET AROUND TO YOU?!" I screamed, and Kari hung her head in shame, staying silent. Now knowing her intention, I shook my head in betrayal as I simply turned around to leave her where she stood as she grabbed my arm, begging, "Spirit, PLEASE-" I jerked my arm from her before turning around and sobbing, "I TRUSTED you, Kari.... If this is what you want to do, then do it, but I WILL NOT be your caddy anymore!" I turned back around, not even giving her a moment of my time as she called out my name. I was genuinely hurt, going through that gate, and back onto Miraidon. I sat on it's back for a bit, wiping my tears from my eyes as I leaned over to put my arms on it's back. I sobbed for a bit, and I felt a cold, metallic toungue lick my arm in comfort as I looked back into the eyes of the sweet, and gentle beast. "I'm okay.... Let's just go- Kari can take a taxi back to the city..." I hicced, and following my command, we sped back off towards Mesagoza, a heavy heart in my chest...