Like No One Ever Was

Groggily, I opened my eyes. “Wha- what happene-?” I began questioning before being cut off by a light slap from a glowing hand. Opening my eyes fully, I saw that Miles had done so, looking down disapprovingly at me. “What was that for?” My question was immediately answered by Dun flopping his head on top of my body. That’s not the answer I was looking for. Or even a helpful answer.

Looking around I determined I was back in my room, which didn’t feel right for some reason. Oh right, because I had been in a plane right before I… fell unconscious. My bout of unconsciousness had almost certainly been caused by overusing my Aura. Guess that explains why they’re upset with me.

Dun was draped over me and off the end of my bed, having grown long enough that he couldn’t quite fit his entire body on my bed while lying straight. Miles was hovering above me, currently in Heat Form to manifest plasmic hands, but quickly leaving the oven to possess their phone again.

Ignoring my wince from the heavy crash of machinery as the oven dropped a foot straight down, Rotom said: “What happened was you falling unconscious and leaving us in a state of panic. Bzzt,” They added angrily.

That caused me to wince harder than before. “Ah, sorry. I got a bit caught up and well…” I fidgeted in my bed, trying to think of a response that could explain my actions away and avoid any trouble. As my brain failed me and the silence dragged on, I knew this wouldn’t be the case.

“Dun Dudun.”

“Yeah, it was reckless.” It’s hard to feel so bad about it when it let me make such a breakthrough though. I’ll try to take it easier from now on. “What happened after? How did we get back home?”

“The pilots checked on you immediately to make sure there wasn’t any serious risk, then your family came back and rushed you home. They hired a teleporter and here we are, a few hours later.”

Ah, that’s not great. Our vacation was coming to a close soon, but still, I should apologize to them for that as well. Looking around my bedside I saw my usual water bottle was missing from the dresser. Right, I was out of the region for a week, the staff must have cleaned it up.

After a bit of effort to shift Dun off of me, I managed to get out of bed, stretching as I let out a huge yawn. “Wow, this Aura stuff takes a lot out of me.” At the disapproving gaze of my Pokemon, I held my hands up in surrender. “I know, I know, my bad.”

Walking down the stairs I overheard a conversation my parents were having with Hamber. With my hearing being what it was, I usually tuned such things out, but this one caught my ears because of the subject matter. Namely: Me.

“... We had a small expedition planned for Miss Nemona and our other student, but if she’s still feeling unwell within the next two days, she may have to skip it.”

Oh no, I can’t miss that! Racing over to them in the dining room I loudly said “Mom, Dad!”

Whatever they were going to say to Hamber died on their lips as they saw me, smiling brightly. “"Nemona!””

I ran up and hugged them, doing my best to emphasize how well I was. “Sorry for giving you guys a scare like that. Miles filled me in on a bit of what happened.”

“Are you sure you’re fine to be out of bed, dear?” O’Nare asked me, looking over worried.

“I’m fine Mom. I pushed myself a little too hard with the forces up there and became exhausted on the way down, but I’m doing tons better now!”

“That’s the Glitterati spirit-” My father began before being interrupted by a loud grumbling sound coming from my stomach. All the adults present turned a bemused look my way.

“Perhaps I could use some food,” I admitted realizing how hungry I was now. Not surprising, considering the effort of my Aura was enough to make me faint. I wonder how that energy works? It’s connected to my soul but can affect and be affected by my body. Where does the line between the body and the soul end and begin? I’m probably thinking about it too simplistically. Rather than just an on/off point the two are probably interconnected in several different ways to varying degrees-

Hamber cleared his throat, snapping me out of my thoughts. “I’ll have the chefs get right on making you something. Perhaps just an appetizer as we’re nearing dinner time?” I eagerly nodded. “Excellent,” He turned to leave before stopping and adding “The Explorers are preparing a first training camp out the day after tomorrow. I hope you’ll be ready by then.”

“You betcha!” I said with a thumbs up. Am I playing up the ‘childishness’ too much there? Eh, they probably won’t notice. At least I’ll be able to make it for that camping trip. It was important for a couple of reasons, the most notable being that if I did well on it, I’d get the go-ahead to explore further on my own.

Leah had been pretty firm with me after the tourney about not going too far. I’d been busy with training Miles and Dun, as well as my tutors, but there was an itch growing as I wanted to go further. Plus, I want to prove to myself that I’m good enough to explore the land. I know it can be dangerous and that I can’t be prepared for everything, but I’d like to have a decent level of competency.

Dinner had an awkward start as Cyan was a little grumpy with what my antics had caused until Miles showed her and my parents what I had been practicing (they had been recording up to the last moments). My Aura wasn’t something I was going to shout to the world just yet, but Leah was the only staff with us for the meal, and I felt comfortable showing all of them this.

“Hah! What Glitterati prowess! To show yourself undaunted by gravity itself and shine among the stars,” my Mother proclaimed.

“So you can really fly? Can you do it right now?” Cyan demanded. “Lio!” Her starter added.

“Uhh, I think I can?” The breakthrough up in the sky gave me a better sense of my Aura, so I could just barely feel it passively now, even on the ground. “But I should hold off on that for a bit. I want to check in with Tulip first before trying anything like that again.”

Billy nodded. “Prudence is another great Glitterati trait, one that will help in business and life.” The praise is nice, but there’s a slight bit of tension I don’t think I would have caught before. Probably an admonishment or reminder as well, given the scare I gave them.

“Bzz bzz.” Came very quietly from my pocket, reminding me of something I had not been prudent about.

“Ah, I know I have the trip the day after tomorrow, but in the morning I’d like to try and take the exam to get my full trainer’s license early.” Generally, even with the reduced age cap, you could only get a Full License at ten years or older, but with my over a-year-long junior license and a reference, I could take the test even earlier. Which makes sense. It’s more just about trying to ensure that you’re responsible enough to wield the destructive might all Pokemon have and take care of them.

O’Nare clapped her hands together. “Oh that sounds wonderful, our two little girls, both full-time trainers.”

“Nice. I’m sure a Pokemaniac like you will do well,” my sister added. I can’t refute that I’m a Pokemaniac at this point, can I? But like, who wouldn’t be amazed by the reality-bending creatures that live alongside us? “Are you looking to go to school soon t-” I shook my head, cutting off her question.

“Not anytime soon, don’t worry. I still have plenty to learn from my tutors before I go for that.” It was one of the requirements for Uva Academy that you had to have a full Trainer’s License to attend. “Still, having the full trainer’s license will be very nice-”

“Wait,” Cyan interrupted me, narrowing her eyes in suspicion from across the table at me. “How did you use Miles in that battle against Clay if you don’t have your full license yet?”

The silence that followed was deafening. After a minute I put on a shaky smile and tried: “By not getting called out on it?”

““Nemona!”” Cyan, Leah, Billy, and O’Nare shouted.

***

As expected, I got chewed out after that. I hadn’t meant to get into a battle with Miles yet! Though, I guess the battles in the Explorers’ secret hideout probably count too. Maybe. Like the base might be in something like Orre and it’s totally legal there.

The Explorers were a group I had many mixed feelings about. While knowledgeable and helpful, the more time I spent there, the more creeped out I got. Sure, no one calls Gibeon ‘our savior’ or anything, but they’re all just a little too focused on his nebulous goals. They didn’t force me to wear the uniform, but matching uniforms for a group that does not seem to have any business or governmental positions, or even any public presence, is very weird. Technically they had some holdings as a private corporation, but I only found that out by digging through records. No presence online or in social media, no products or services offered.

They’re offering a service by training me in survival skills, but that was only by recommendation from Hamber. Once I pass this test and prove myself capable in the wilderness to Hamber's (and thus Leah’s) approval, I think I’ll leave. Spinel had, in between attempts to belittle or insult myself and Amethio, clearly been fishing for information from me. It wasn’t just him, however, I noticed the way the other adults paid extra careful attention to what I said whenever I would just casually chat. To see if anything slipped. Definitely said too much during my introduction.

That was for later though, right now I had an exam to take. My talk with Tulip the day before had been very brief, on a video call while she was waiting on a photo shoot to get rolling. It amounted to a congratulations and a warning not to push it again in the future. She also advised me to come and meet her again for an actual session to find out my limits before trying to actively use my Aura again, but keep up my work on sensing it.

The rest of yesterday was just a refresher to get me ready for the exam. I’m certain I’ll pass, but I want to make sure I can ace it too.

Now here I am, taking my trainer exam, the first step to starting my journey. I don’t plan on starting too soon or anything, but still. It’s exciting. I went to the League building near Mesagoza to take my test, and on my way up, I saw Hassel at the top of the hill. “Hassel!” I called out, sprinting up, careful not to step on any Tandemaus frolicking in the grass beneath. Ooh, those are a fun Pokemon. Population Bomb Wide Lens Technician was a cool combo, though probably not as easy to abuse in real life as it was in the games.

“What are you doing here?” I panted, a little winded from my quick sprint.

He crossed his arms imperiously at me. “I could ask the same question of you, Young-” he paused for a split second, catching himself referring to me as he would within the Glitterati household. “-Nemona. I work here,” he ended with a barely detectable deadpan.

Blushing lightly I responded “Oh, right, yeah that tracks. I’m here for my Trainer License Exam. Is it just matches you do here or is there other stuff?”

“There’s a number of duties us Elite Four must attend to. We’ll often receive our official requests and duties here. Today, however, I am here to take on a challenger.” Part of how he looked towards the door again implied that I was holding him up. Oops.

“Alright, good luck with that. I’ll be cheering you on! Maybe even in person if I finish up fast. Ok bye!” I said rushing into the building.

The inside of the large building was pristine white, with the reception clearly in front of me. A pale woman sat in front of it, but this was someone I recognized. “Elite Four Dandylion?” I asked as I approached.

She laughed, slightly shaking the large steel key that hung on her necklace. From dark black bangs, she peered out at me. “That’s right! Who’s asking, pipsqueak? Cause I don’t think you’re the challenger I was supposed to interview.” The Steel Type Elite Four crossed her arms and I could see a fair amount of definition in her muscles. She looks a bit like the hikers did in the game, but bears a clear familial resemblance to Poppy. I wonder what happens for Poppy to take her place?

“Nemona Glitterati, ma’am.”

“Right, right. Head through those doors to the side there, then down the hallway. Second doorway to the left.” I nodded and left as she greeted Hassel entering behind me.

Going through the rest of the building, I saw it wasn’t quite as pristine as the areas the trainers would run through. Nothing dirty, but a slight fading of the tiles, one light in the ceiling that was a little dim, etc. It was also fairly busy, with League Officials walking back and forth, many of them on their phones or holding papers as they went about their business.

Entering the exam room, I saw a small room with one tired, familiar man sitting there. “Larry?!”

“Yes, that’s my name,” the Gym Leader said, rising from the desk where he had been sorting papers. “Are you Nemona Glitterati?” He asked, holding a hand out.

“Yup, that’s me!” I said, eagerly shaking it. “Wow, I can’t believe I get to meet you.” At his confused look, I added “You’re a Normal Type Gym leader, so I’ve looked up a lot of your matches when training Dun.” Hardly the only one I follow, but it has been helpful.

He looked a little awkward - for some reason, his demeanor did not garner him a bunch of fans within the world, unlike in my first life where he was one of the favorite characters of the whole game.

“Thank you,” he eventually said. “For the exam, you’ll have two hours to complete all the questions. Part of it will be multiple choice, part will be short answer, and there will be one essay question at the end. I don’t remember seeing anything about an essay question online.

The multiple choice questions went by fairly easily. There were a few sprinkled in there to be tricky, like what to do if your Krookodile’s scales were starting to itch persistently. ‘Use your scale polish’ was not the right answer, and overuse of such products was usually the cause of such chaffing on some reptilian Pokemon. As Dun and I found out already from personal experience.

Most however were laughable easy, common sense Type Matchups like ‘How much stronger is a Fire Attack against a Grass Type’, not even the weird ones, like how Ghost resists Bug for some reason. I knew the general level of this from my research and practice with Cyan, but it still feels wrong. Logically, I get that they don’t want limits on Trainers being able to have Pokemon, but it still feels lacking. Am I right, for wanting a higher standard imposed even on children? Or is this just selfishness because I believe this should be a momentous occasion, but due to my advantages, what would be a challenge for a regular child is easy for me?

The test passed by in a breeze (though I did nearly snap my pencil at the ‘if you spend 1000 Pokedollars on 100 Pokedollar Pokeballs how many do you get’ question), going through the multiple choice and short answers quickly. The essay question had something interesting, however. There were two and a half pages I could fill out, but no listed minimums or guidelines. No points for it besides the question either (and the others added up to 100 on their own). Just the question ‘Why do you want to be a Pokemon Trainer?’

That is… a big one. Technically I could just leave it blank, or write some quick, generic comment and call it a day’s work. I want to put a bit more though, even if no one else ever reads this, it’s an affirmation of my beliefs, my drive. Yes, I want to explore the world, but I also want to become a Champion for its own merits. Then there’s the fact that I’m trying to live up to the example of who Nemona could be, definitely can’t say that…

In the end, what I wrote down was:

‘My name is Nemona Glitterati. I was born into a loving family, with all the wealth I could ever need. I know I’ve lived a privileged life, with everything I could ever want. But still, I desire more.

I want to see the entire world, to uncover all its vast and varied mysteries. I wish to learn about the past, the ruins with rich history that dot our land. I aim to see what Paldea is like now, and from all of that, catch a peek at what the future may hold. I want to understand the world. While it’s possible that I could stand entirely on the inherited wealth of my family, I feel like trying to explore the world that way would leave me with a sense of disconnection. There would be a gap between myself and the beings within the world, no matter how hard I studied.

Our world is filled with amazing, fantastic creatures. These beings can conjure the elements, warp physics, expand the mind, take us on journeys past the limits of life and death, and fundamentally change reality. All of this and more is only possible because of Pokemon. Creatures who, however amazing, are seen as commonplace among us.

This is because we live our lives in harmony with these incredible beings. I’ve found my life already touched by them. My Starter, Dun, helped introduce me to a brand new world, and I in turn vowed to help him rise to the top. Our communication hasn’t always been perfect, but this compact was the foundation of my closest friendship and helped us through our troubles.

Dun will be the strongest, but to show that strength off to the world we’ll need a full team by our side. I’ll find other like-minded Pokemon that wish to prove their strength and be my friend. I will do my best to bring out their incredible strength to the maximum potential it can be, and I hope they will be able to help me. Together, we’ll learn more about each other and our world, and we will be legends.

To prove my strength, to learn, to grow, and to make everlasting bonds. These are why I will become a Pokemon Trainer. Getting this license is the first step on the path to the greatest adventure of my life, and I can’t wait to walk down that road.’

***

“That was quick,” Larry commented as he took my papers, his voice the same tired monotone it usually was, only a slight quirk of his eyebrows upwards to show that he was surprised. “You have an hour-and-a-half left if you want.”

Considering I had inadvertently interrupted him eating his lunch, I wasn’t sure if that was more for him or me. “I’m good, thanks. I’ve already double-checked it. You can take your time with the answers, I want to go see Hassel’s fight.” Before he could answer, I was off, racing down the halls… for about two seconds before I realized that kid running down the halls of the Paldean Pokemon League building was getting funny looks.

Walking down got funny looks as well, but not as severe or likely to leave whatever task they were currently doing and escort me out. I overheard all manner of interesting snippets of discussion from the League Officials - and non-interesting ones too, admittedly. I suppose for every talk of coordinating rangers to cover rescue missions in the Asado Desert, there has to be one about Brenda stealing food from the fridge again.

While there weren’t any seats, and an official barring the path to the room where the Champion test was going on, I did find a lounge where the fight was being broadcast to the television in the corner. I know it’ll be posted online soon enough, but I want to watch it as it’s happening. And a number of the League Officials watching it felt the same way, though they looked a tad confused when I pulled up a chair and started watching alongside them.

“Are you lost, Miss?” One young man asked me out of the four employees watching the fight.

I shook my head. “No, just waiting for the results from my Trainers License test to come back.”

That doesn’t mean that I’m supposed to be here, but say anything with enough confidence and people will be willing to go along with it, so long as you don’t act too outrageously.

Indeed, most of them were willing to turn back to watch the fight. The one who asked me a question didn’t seem completely sold on my reasoning, but just as he opened his mouth, the others let out loud gasps and cheers as something on the screen caught their attention and had him whipping his head around too.

I had seen the whole thing, Hassel’s Baxcaliber luring the opposing Salamence into a rush that was checked by the frosty Dragon Type jumping above the flying Dragon and landing down on it, back spike first. Salamence’s trainer gave a panicked cry and ordered a retreat.

The bright blue Dragon sped away on its red wings, pulling in all four of its legs for additional speed. There were few scars or old battle wounds on the Salamence, and while they almost never had lasting injuries on their precious wings, a Dragon Type like Salamence almost always had mementos from past battles given how aggressive they were - unless they had only recently evolved.

This fact was contrasted by Hassel’s Pokemon. Baxcaliber was a darker blue, with icy plates covering its face and jaw. The same icy edge covered the large black spike sticking out of the bipedal Dragon’s back. As it got back up, its many ringed yellow eyes locked onto its fleeing prey.

The camera cut back to the challenge, a man in his early twenties with bright red hair and a baseball cap. He wore a red vest over his black t-shirt and shorts showing off a well-defined physique. His hands were clenched in nervous fists, eyes darting around the plain white arena as if looking for some sign of where to go, any possible lifeline. I scoffed loudly at his actions, prompting an odd look from the other watchers.

“He panicked, having his Salamence run away like that,” I explained, pointing at the screen where the blue and red Pokemon was strafing Baxcaliber from afar. Hassel fired back, a hail of Ice Shards peppered with Icicle Spears flying up to meet his foe.

“Look what rushing in got him,” one of the other League Officials, the only girl of this little quartet, pointed out.

I shook my head. “Yes, but since he committed to that action he should have at least followed up. What’s-his-face Salamence only got away from Baxcaliber because he was in an awkward spot after Glaive Rush. He should have used that opening to attack, use something overwhelming like an Outrage to take back control.”

While Salamence landed a few more hits on Baxcaliber in the exchanged volleys than it received, the double Type Weakness combined with the previous hit took him out of the battle. The challenger muttered a few curses, looking down at his belt. The girl official explained to me

“Rodley is down three Pokemon and only took out Hassel’s Flapple so far.”

“Ouch.” That was all I said as Rodley picked his next Pokemon, releasing a Revavroom. It looked similar to the Varoom I had fought in the Junior Tournament, but larger. More like a car with an open engine rather than an engine block attached to some wheels.

There was some interest from the other spectators, especially one who I think had money riding on the match. Which is technically illegal in Paldea, but no one cares about enforcing that law on small bets between friends, made under a couple hundred Pokedollars. The Steel Typing should give it an edge over Baxcaliber, but Hassel looked unworried as ever.

Rather than go on the offensive, Rodley ordered his Revavroom to set up. “Toxic Spikes!”

Hassel was ready to capitalize on that, ordering Baxcaliber to race after Revavroom and pummeling her with a Brick Break or two. Cracks started showing on her body, but Rodley kept on laying down the spikes.

“That’s certainly a bold strategy,” I muttered. “Let’s see if it pays off.”

After enough spikes were scattered around the arena to thoroughly poison anyone that touched down on it, Rodley told Revavroom: “Spin Out!” With Baxcaliber in close range, there was no way to avoid the Multi-Cyl Pokemon from spinning around and crashing into the Dragon, once, twice, and finally a third time before spinning off to the side.

The dragon wobbled for a second before collapsing, defeated by the Steel Type. Revavroom wasn’t looking too good herself, however. More cracks covered her form, and her mouth was wheezing heavily, toxic fumes slipping out.

Hassel recalled his Pokemon, immediately releasing his next. Dragonite roared into existence above the field. His softer appearance may have made him seem less intimidating than the more jagged Baxcaliber, but I knew the power within the orange beast. He looks like a giant plush toy, with wings too small for his body, but they keep him aloft easily, which will make all the difference here.

Rodley looked around like he was waiting for something to happen, but nothing did. The Toxic Spikes won’t poison a Pokemon that doesn’t touch the ground, and Hassel has at least two of them. You can’t wear him out that easily.

With his opponent distracted, Hassel took the lead, calling out “Dragon Dance!” Dragonite began shimmying and rising through the air, dancing about. It looked more awkward on him than I imagine it would have on a Dragonair, but there was still a level of undeniable grace he brought to the Move.

That action spurred Rodley on to action as well. “Gear Shift, pick up speed!” Cranking noises from Revavroom as she began spinning her wheels and accelerating. “This’ll let me go even faster than your Dragonite!”

“Is that so? Well then, Dragon Dance again!” Hassel replied, letting his Pokemon build up more speed and power.

“Fine by me, Gear Shift again, go even further beyond!” Revavroom was now doing laps around the entire room, picking up speed with each pass by. But only just a bit faster than Dragonite now. That Spin Out takes a lot out of Revavroom each time. If Rodley has a bit more time he might be able to recover but-

Hassel was done with buff Moves. Pulling out his Tera Orb he told his opponent “Remember that when you face the Elite Four, you have to deal with the beauty and might of Terastalization now!” Tossing his orb above Dragonite, it burst into light, surrounding the dragon in crystals which it burst out of a moment later. It left so fast that the others were staring at the screen wondering what was going on, and even I had barely caught the movement.

“Huh?”

“What happened?”

“Where did Dragonite go?”

“Give the cameras a moment to reset- there we go,” I told the officials as the camera angle changed and it showed Revavroom knocked unconscious, and a glittering Dragonite flying above her prone body, a familiar jewel atop the Dragon’s head. “Extremespeed. Quite strong with Tera Normal.” Not surprised that Hassel would have thought of that, he has Professor Gible use two different Tera Types in the games. There hasn’t been any mention publicly about changing Tera Types, wonder if it’s something the League has been working on, or if Hassel just happened upon a naturally Normal Tera Type Dragonite?

From there, the battle descended into a mop-up fairly quickly. Dragonite with the two Dragon Dances was just too strong. There was a moment where Rodley’s Passimian might have turned the tide with a Close Combat they managed to land when Dragonite got in close, but to no avail. Dragonite’s tough, many-layered scales weathered the blows even with the Normal Type Weakness and finished them off with a Hurricane.

Rodley watched in despair as his leafy Arboliva was battered at blistering speeds by the Dragon Type, unable to stop it. With the match concluded, Hassel recalled his Pokemon and offered the challenger thanks and some words of encouragement, which Rodley nodded at. He still looked devastated by the whole thing and left quickly though.

“Daaaaamn,” one of the officials moaned. “I really thought he’d make it up at least to Miss Sunshine.”

“Miss Sunshine?” I questioned, not knowing who that was.

He looked a little embarrassed answering: “Oh, just a bit of a joke name for Martha Bitterleaf.”

“Ah.” The Dark Type Gym leader, currently taking up the spot Gruusha will take by canon start time. She’s an Elite Four as well, and notoriously quite tricky to face. I honestly don’t know much about her, aside from the fact that her gym is within a tunnel system inside the mountain. “Not be rude to Rodley, but he seemed kinda… inexperienced, for someone with eight badges.”

The other girl of the group said “Sometimes even battlers that make it that far get a bad case of the nerves. Plus the difference between the final badge and the Elite Four is night and day, even if we don’t have Conferences or anything to be that last step up, so there’s a lot more challengers for Champion rank, and a lot more results like that one.”

I’ve tried not to compare ‘levels’ too much in this world, recognizing that those were just gaming abstractions, but there was a rather large gap between Gruusha and the Elite Four in the games, wasn’t there? In those, you could just do the last of the Team Star and Path of Legends battles to grind for the difference, so it didn’t feel like there was a huge gap between the Gym Leaders and the Elite Four, but I guess there is.

The door to the lounge opened up and I saw someone I owed a great deal of thanks to.

“Geeta!” I exclaimed, leaping up. The League Officials hanging about jumped up as well but with much more worry. She was dressed in a fancier suit than I had seen her in before, making her much more recognizable as the character from the game, but she wasn’t wearing any gloves. The tall woman locked eyes with me for a moment before glancing over at the others.

“I believe you’ve been on break long enough, no?” Despite her tone, it wasn’t a question and they all eagerly agreed, rushing out of the room. She gave a small sigh after they were gone. “I told them that t.v. would be trouble.”

“How so?” I asked, walking up to her.

She pursed her lips. “It’s fine to have something to watch during your break, but by putting up the matches here, it can encourage people to spend too long, especially on the more hyped matches.”

“The rising stars like Rika, right?” She had earned quite a few more badges in her last Treasure Hunt after the Tournament and was going to shoot for her seventh badge at the start of this coming-up one.

Geeta blinked. “That’s correct, and while not the reason why I came to find you, was something I wished to discuss with you eventually.”

“Hmm?”

“Things have been rather busy, so I wasn’t able to arrange it yet, but you were cheated out of a chance at victory. We could arrange a match between you and Rika to settle who should be the proper winner.” She offered.

“Really? I just- would have thought she’d be declared the victor by default.” There was a slight pause from Geeta, the woman not quite shifting uncomfortably, but seeming reluctant to say something, and I put the pieces together. “My parents are putting pressure on the League for this to happen, aren’t they?”

“They have strong opinions on the subject, which they’ve made clear to the League Chairman.” So she’s still not the Chairwoman, but it seems like she got a promotion given how the others acted around her. Adopting a gentle smile she said, “It’s not like you don’t deserve a shot at the championship.”

Letting out a small sigh, I shook my head. “Maybe I did, but what’s done is done. Why should I be the only one to get a chance when all of the people Freddrick ‘beat’ on the way to face me don’t? And how much would that change for the rest of the tournament? Impossible to say. Plus, Rika and I just aren’t in the same position as we were almost a year ago. That being said… I do want to face her. She’s a rising star, and I think she’s got a lot of potential.”

“Oh?” Geeta tilted her head to the side, looking rather bemused. “It’s humorous to hear you refer to someone else as having a ‘lot of potential.’” She quoted and I crossed my arms, a tad embarrassed. Right, I’m still a young child. That would sound weird.

Giving me a quick nod she said “I can look into getting you in touch with Rika.” Our Rotom Phones floated up and traded contact information. “Now come along, we have to go over the results of your Trainer License test.”

I followed her back through the building until we were back near the room my testing had been in. Larry was waiting outside, looking more tired than usual. “Ah, there you are Miss Glitterati.”

I gave him a sheepish smile. Hope I didn’t make him work too hard to find me, but if Geeta was called in too… whoops. Adjusting his tie he said, “The results of your test are in, and you passed.” I waited for a moment if he was going to say by how much or the like, but he didn’t, instead passing me a piece of paper that said in bold at the top ‘Trainer License (temporary) with a bunch of information on it.

“Congratulations,” he said in his same tired tone. “You’ll receive your proper License card in the mail in a few weeks.”

“Wow, thanks.” This is it, my beginning as a true Trainer. It doesn’t feel quite real yet, but I can’t wait to see what comes next.