B4 — 43. Distances Bridged

I loosely follow this map as a visual guide; the creator made it in paint?!?!  It’s insane!  Some errors here and there, but I follow its design for the most part.  Areas can be further apart, some cities are in the wrong places or not listed, and the regions aren’t nearly so close.  The best map I’ve found, though!

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6:00 a.m. November 3rd, Tuesday, 106 PH (Post Hoopa Event). Day 147. 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 (31 days away).

Rhea stirred beneath the soft hotel sheets, the unfamiliar stillness of the room waking her before the light streaming through the curtains could. She stretched, feeling Mya’s cold, smooth head nestled beside her under the covers, the Steel-type’s breath coming in soft grumbles as she slept.

Naturally, Lulu and Shae were nestled against her chest, cuddled up together while Nova hogged the space below the blanket, wrapped around her leg. Rhea spread out a little, enjoying the light burn it left and smacking her somewhat dry lips before puffing out a long stream of air.

On her other side, Alice made her smile, the bun sprawled out, her growing frame taking up more space than seemed possible. Hopefully, the Lopunny wouldn’t follow Lori’s sleeping habits.

Rhea chuckled quietly, careful not to wake them, as she carefully reached over to grab her phone from the nightstand. As she unlocked it, the screen’s brightness momentarily blinded her, and she hurriedly adjusted it, turning down the glow to a softer hue.

The latest update had added a feature where the hologram display could reflect back into the crystal screen—useful, but it caught her off guard sometimes.

It is new technology, I guess, she thought, swiping through her messages.

The first notification that caught her eye was from Sam and Rylee, sent late last night:

12:12 a.m. Wooloo Sam: Yesterday was rough, but Rylee’s mom is flying in this morning. Don’t worry about Rylee—or us! We’re in good hands as a group. Thanks for bringing us to Cinnabar to support Rylee… I know I should have called. That’s what friends are for. Again, sorry. We’re figuring things out, so you focus on getting that badge! We’ll probably make it. Rylee was talking about it. I bet she messages you when she settles in for bed. It means a lot what you’ve done for us, Rhea. More than you can ever know.

Rhea smiled softly at the message, the small weight of worry in her chest easing slightly. Swiping to the next message, she opened it with a soft rumble in her throat upon seeing a group picture of the six young women posing together in the hotel room Amira had gotten at the last minute, holding up a handcrafted sign saying, ‘You’re our heroes!’

12:44 a.m. Wooloo Rylee: Honestly, Rhea, I can’t thank you enough. I’ve kind of been really jealous of you ever since we first met. Your Aura talents, your attitude, your looks… It felt like you had everything and didn’t have to work for it. It felt really unfair and I feel icky just writing this after today, but I wanted to be honest with myself after everything.

Settling back into her pillow, Rhea couldn’t help but let another long sigh pass through her nose to relieve the pressure in her lungs while going to her next message. She could imagine the neon-blue-haired girl struggling to type out her heart last night, battling everything swirling around her soul with a massive hole in it.

12:58 a.m. Wooloo Rylee: I keep typing things out and deleting them. I don’t know what else to say, but I want to say more. It’s frustrating and I’m trying not to sleep. It’s hard. I promise you, I’m doing better, though. My mom is flying in. I got to not think about things since she’s doing some of the harder stuff. I wanted to see your battle but I think I need to be with my mom to set some things up. I don’t know. I know you don’t know me as well as the others.  1:12 a.m. Wooloo Rylee: I think I’m just trying to say thank you, Rhea. You made me feel like I am one of the girls, and that isn’t something I’ve felt a lot growing up. I know I’m difficult. I don’t try to be. I just need to work on myself more, I guess. I don’t know what I’m saying anymore. So, thank you. I guess I should just listen to Samurai’s saying… It takes a mighty fall to learn to walk. Because life is too short to take it as it goes. So stand up tall, and let the whole world know what you stand for. I can see why Lori calls you her Sunshine. The happy days, the hard days…you find a way to make things easier for everyone around you. Thank you.

Rhea tapped out a response, feeling the warmth burning in her heart, recalling how much Rylee admired the famed Samurai:

6:20 a.m. Joltik Butt: The way I saw it best growing up during the Ultra War, Speedy’s life should be celebrated. Even when you’re lonely, know that you’re not alone. Just focus on yourself for now with the girls fussing over you, and let your mom take care of you, too. We’ll catch up when possible. Speedy is in your smile because that is what he saved. And of course you’re one of us, Rylee. We’re standing beside you as friends.

She hit send and felt a small sense of relief, knowing Rylee was growing stronger. Yes, losing a Pokemon was devastating, but if she learned anything from all the Masters growing up, it’s that their Pokemon should be honored by living your life, not hiding from it.

You’re not alone, Rylee, she thought, swapping to photos she’d taken in the past at the Cerulean Farmsteads to find a picture of all of them together as a group. Ash was in the middle with Melanie, Rylee’s mom, beside him.

My friendship circle keeps growing… That was my real dream growing up. I can’t believe how many people and places I’ve been able to go since starting my journey.

Her mind briefly wandered to her own mom and the complicated mix of feelings their relationship always stirred up. No, Mom’s doing good. Dad and her are actually doing fantastic. Somehow we managed to get mom on a vacation away from locking herself away in her labs for months on end. Everyone is recovering.

Her thumb hovered over the next notification—Jason’s name stared back at her, and she hesitated before opening it. The sigh that escaped her was heavier than she expected, and she frowned slightly as she realized how much she missed him already.

Stupid. He’s only been gone for less than twelve hours, and you already want to call him. Chill! Don’t be the stereotypical over-clingy girlfriend. Play it cool. Everything is fine…even if it doesn’t look like he’s doing that great…

The photo he’d sent was from a layover lobby, his usually neat hair messy and tired circles under his eyes. He’d clearly tried to sleep, but the exhaustion was still evident. The sight made her chest ache in a way she didn’t fully understand.

He couldn’t sleep? Was he missing me? Was I keeping him awake? Should I say sorry? Why does this make me feel so…off? Stupid thoughts, but I have them. Relax! He’s just had a bad flight because of me…

Rhea shifted uncomfortably, brushing a lock of hair out of her face as she zoomed in on the picture. He looked so tired, and it was her fault. He’d been thrown off schedule, supporting her with Rylee’s situation, and the guilt gnawed at her.

He’s always doing that…putting others first. I wish he’d take care of himself more. Wait, is that what others say about me? Hmm.

She didn’t know how to put her feelings into words, so she settled for typing out something simple:

6:20 a.m. Joltik Butt: I’m glad you can’t see what my nickname for myself is right now. Get some rest when you can, okay? You look exhausted. Thanks for everything you did for Rylee. <3 Don’t make me worry.

She hesitated, then added:

6:20 a.m. Joltik Butt: I miss you.

Dropping her phone to rest on her neck with a low rumble in her throat, she glared up at the dark ceiling. I miss you? Really? Is that what he wants to hear after he just left? What am I doing? Is…that the first time I’ve actually said…or rather typed those words to him? No, I think I said it back, but when he said it…it felt different.

Her memory of when he’d first returned, surprising her—those were the first three words out of his mouth before she’d tackled him. I missed you… I missed you, my little, blue-eyed Joltik; you’re so beautiful.

Fire flowed up her chest to her throat, surprising her as tears welled up in her eyes. Did I really not say I’d miss him yesterday when he left? Why does that seem so important now? Why am I getting so emotional all of a sudden? I’m so selfish… awkward, flawed. But all he sees is…is something way better than I am.

Cheeks warming with the heat flaming her face, she sent the message, fighting back tears she didn’t fully get were trying to punch her in the eye. Quickly locking the phone and tossing it onto the bed before she could second-guess herself, Rhea puffed out several streams of air to relieve the pressure rising in her breast.

Ugh, why does he do this to me? The kisses, the way he touches my hand, and looks at me… Can I actually see myself the way he sees me?

She buried her face in her hands, feeling like a hot mess of nerves, but her thoughts and emotions wouldn’t leave her alone, making her shift under her blankets.

“Nee?”

“Ra?”

Her Pokemon started to stir as she struggled with the battle she was losing to her own body. Mya awoke beside her, and Rhea felt the Steel-type’s familiar presence soothe some of the tension as she rolled up to pat her on the head as if she were a toddler.

“Ma-ma. Mawile.”

“Lopunny?” Alice asked with a yawn, rubbing her eyes and glancing around.

“Mawile.”

“Pwe?”

Nova crawled up her body to poke her head out of the blankets. Rhea reached out, stroking the yawning Eevee, her ears pulling back before doing the same with her other Pokemon. Mya’s head gently swayed with bliss, enjoying the return head pat. The Mawile grumbled something unintelligible while dropping back onto the bed, half-asleep but clearly enjoying the attention.

Carefully settling back into her bed with some of her curious Pokemon crawling closer to snuggle against her and read with her. Rhea shifted slightly, picking her phone back up. She opened the messaging app again, scrolling through the list of contacts until she found Sabin’s name. It had been a while since she’d checked in with her big brother.

Rhea leaned further back against the pillow, her eyes still a bit hazy from sleep. Her phone was warm in her hand as she opened Pikabook. Sabin’s profile picture smiled back at her—a candid shot of him with Kate in Paldea, both of them grinning ear to ear as they stood on a cliff; the tagline said it was called the Great Crater, and he talked about exploring its misty mysteries.

The next shot showed the vibrant colors of the region outside the crater, making her long for the call of adventure, hiking, and the fresh air of a new place.

I’ve basically been through most of Kanto now. Sure, there are a lot of places I could go and see, but I’ve seen a lot of amazing things around home. Maybe we should look at a new region for shooting to Platinum. I see they’re having a lot of fun in Paldea… Lyra is supposed to battle their Champion soon, too, to see if they’ll join the United Indigo League.

A pang of wistfulness tugged at her while thinking back to the first time she met her team, spotting Amira with her unfriendly face, getting out of her limo back in Pallet. Meeting Lori and her sister in that award room where Lucian had turned everyone against him. It felt like forever ago.

Rhea swapped to a map of her region, and a small smile brightened her eyes as she followed their journey from Pallet to Viridian, its forest, Dark City, her Contest fiasco, Pewter, and so much more. She went through their journey from major city to major city with all the insanity and fun they’d had.

My journey really has been everything everyone said it would be and more… I can’t believe how close I’ve gotten with Amira and Lori in such a short time. I’ve met so many people and stumbled on some crazy secrets… Ash and his harem, as Iris calls it, which is crazy coming from her! Mom and Dad, our past… So many things.

The familiar ache of missing her brother bubbled up as she swapped to past photos of them, and she soon found herself typing out a message.

6:30 a.m. Joltik Butt: Good morning, Sab! At least, it’s morning here. Paldea looks amazing! How’s training going? Are you finally ready to beat up your little sister? 😉 Jking! Jking! I’m catching up, though, bro!

She sent it, then paused, fingers hovering over the screen before adding:

6:31 a.m. Joltik Butt: Also, tell Kate hi for me! You both look great together. Maybe you’ll have to show us around after we finish the Silver Cup. I’m almost legally a professional Trainer at Gold-tier, you know!

Rhea smiled softly as she sent the message, imagining Sabin’s mock indignation at her playful taunt. She could almost hear his laugh, the one that always managed to lighten the mood no matter how bad things got. He’d probably make some joke about how he’s already a Grand Master while she’s been playing around and doesn’t need to prove it to his little sister.

Her thoughts shifted to their last conversation. He’d been so focused on his training, pushing himself to the limits, but Rhea could tell he was happier where he was at now.

Paldea seemed to be challenging him in ways he hadn’t anticipated, and from what she’d heard, Kate was a big part of pushing him to try something new. Sabin had always been the strong one, the one she could lean on. But lately, she’d felt like she needed to stand on her own more, to be someone he could be proud of too, and he was giving her room to grow.

Her throat dried up as Jason’s words popped back into her head at the worst time, making her heart thump harder.

I don’t know how this is going to come out or across…but I don’t want you to think about Sabin when you’re in trouble or need help… Not your dad or mom… I’m that selfish… I want to be on your mind.

Brain cooked, Rhea had a challenging time getting those words out of her brain. Trying to distract herself, she quickly flipped to her mom’s profile.

Her mom and dad seemed to be having a cute time traveling through Johto, the latest update showing them in Goldenrod City. The picture was a snapshot of the two of them in front of the Radio Tower, their arms around each other as they smiled for the camera. Her mom looked relaxed, her blonde hair slightly tousled by the wind, while her dad had his usual confident grin.

Despite the distance, I bet they’re planning to drop by Blaine’s Gym later today, Rhea mused, a small smile tugging at her lips. Stealth pictures for the family, probably teasing me for my battle stance or something. If Blue comments on my throwing technique one more time, I’ll block him…

Rhea’s thumb hesitated over the screen before she decided to leave a quick comment.

6:34 a.m. Joltik Butt: Looking adorable in that blue dress, Mom! Don’t forget to get me something from the Goldenrod Department Store. My girls need some sweets. 😉 And I’m not talking all about my Pokemon!

She chuckled to herself, imagining the teasing she’d get in return. Her mom was really coming out of her shell, and Rhea looked forward to a bit of a break after the Silver Cup to see how much her mother had really changed.

Next, she scrolled to Bianca’s profile. Her cousin was as lively as ever, currently in Unova with Hilbert. They were attending some big event—something about a new research facility in Nimbasa City. The latest photo was a candid shot of the two of them mid-laugh, Bianca’s face glowing with excitement. Hilbert was beside her, his arm casually draped over her shoulders, and the two of them looked like they were having the time of their lives.

Her brow furrowed when spotting a reflection in a window, and she zoomed in, spotting a certain green-haired man beside Hilda, the picture taker. It seemed those two were back on speaking terms. She shook her head, thinking about all the stories she’d heard about the hot and cold pair.

A frown touched her mouth upon spotting a rare piece of Gossip her cousin had reshared. Scandal uncovered! New potential upstart Champion, Rosa, who managed to beat Elite Four Member Grimsley last month, was seen on a date with TV game show superstar Curtis, also known by his screen name, Christoph! Female fans up in arms, demanding an apology!

A shiver ran down Rhea’s spine. Unova fangirls are crazy. They might actually try to stab him…or her. I hope he’s a Master because at least Rosa should be able to defend herself.

She started to type a message but paused when a notification from Amira popped up.

6:35 a.m. Fire Stone: Morning. You coming out with us for breakfast? We don’t need to be at the docks until 12:30, and the Bronze challengers have the gym until 3:30. Yes, there are a lot of them now that we’re getting down to a month before the Silver Cup. We’ve got some time if you’re up for food. If not, I understand after yesterday.

Rhea bit her lip, the weight of the previous day’s events pressing down on her chest. She glanced around the room at her mostly attentive Pokémon. “It’s a new day. What do you girls think?”

“Nee!”

“Pwe!”

“Ralts!”

“Pun-Pun. Pun?”

“Maw?”

The smile grew as Mya rolled off the bed and bounced up as if nothing happened, asking what was going on. Alice was the one who needed a response, though, as she held up her phone.

“Oh? You don’t want me to take a picture right now and send it to Sunny? Why wait until after a shower?”

“Lopunny!” the bun cried out, rolling off the bed and ducking under it as Rhea aimed the deadly device to capture her overly puffy ears and messy hair. “Lop!”

“I’m joking!” Rhea snickered, stretching out as her other Pokemon giggled. “Yeah, let’s get ready. Today, we beat Blaine! Gotta keep this body moving, right girls?”

They gave a cheer, probably hyping each other up over breakfast berries as Rhea responded:

6:36 a.m. Joltik Butt: More afraid of my brain when alone than with you guys. It has been wild and out of control today. I’ll be out soon. Just reflecting. See you at breakfast? Send coordinates?

As she sent the message, Rhea swung her legs over the side of the bed, careful not to step on Alice as she poked her head out.

“Lop?”

“Yes, it’s safe to come out—or is it!” she roared, aiming her camera like a weapon and making the bunny duck back under the bed for cover.

“Lopunny!”

Giggling, she felt a small surge of resurgence as she tied back her hair in a quick bun to do some morning stretches, her feet sinking into the soft carpet. Today was going to be a big day—a challenge in more ways than one. And she wasn’t going to face it alone. She had her team, her girls.

“Alright! Time to get ready. We’ve got a day to conquer!”

She took a deep breath after her workout, feeling the familiar flutter of nerves in her stomach, and headed for the shower. The others would text her when they got a chance, she was sure. Right now, she needed to dress up and take a picture to send Jason to stop his restless nights. She had her own job to do in this relationship! And that was to help him not worry about her or feel lonely.

Rhea lingered by her portable wardrobe after expanding it, fingers brushing over the soft fabrics of her neatly folded or hung-up clothes. Jason’s message replayed in her mind, the image of his tired eyes and the faint smile that followed his words. She wanted to send something back that would ease his exhaustion, something that said she was doing just fine.

But what would he like best? Rhea bit her lip, turning back to the mirror as she pulled out a few options, her Pokemon making suggestions. She was spending way too long in front of her reflection, staring back at her with a critical eye that went to every flaw she knew she had. No. He doesn’t see you through your stupid eyes! He sees something more like…this.

She smiled, took a step back, and tried to see through his eyes, which left Butterfree in her belly, a canvas waiting to be painted with an impression that would stick with Jason through the long hours apart coming clearer in her mind.

Swapping to another item that snatched her eye, her hand hovered over a cute, floral sundress—soft, light, something she’d wear on a carefree day out with him. It was the kind of dress that whispered relaxation and easygoing charm.

I know Jason will like anything I send…but I don’t want it to just be anything. He’s tired, stressed, and missing me… He needs something that tells him I’m doing it for him…like his dressing room antics, she mused, cheeks coloring slightly.

Cute isn’t enough, and swimwear… He’s already seen that, she thought, moving the sundress aside. She then eyed a sleek, dark blue outfit—elegant and poised, something that spoke of maturity and confidence. Beautiful, without a doubt, and it does catch the eye with those sparkly flakes. Is it too polished for me, though? It’s more like an Amira look, and I don’t want to create space between us; I want to bridge the gap.

The next option was a vibrant red dress, bold and striking, one that Amira had once said looked stunning on her—yes, a very Amira dress. The color was a statement all on its own, demanding attention and exuding confidence, just like the redhead. It was the type of dress that made her feel powerful, like she could take on the world.

From elegant to bold… Still too much? she wondered, now thinking how she’d also look at the Fire Gym. I want to be strong…and it is in theme with the Gym, but I also want to be warm, approachable…

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Alice yawning beside her, the Lopunny stretching before glancing curiously at the array of outfits she’d laid out herself. Rhea smiled softly, reaching out to stroke Alice’s ears.

“Hmm. What do you think, Alice? Should I go with something pretty, something that shows I’m okay? Or something that’ll remind him of why he fell for me in the first place—shorts and a dirty tank top?” she laughed.

Alice tilted her head, considering the choices before hopping onto the bed, eyeing a soft yellow ensemble that Rhea hadn’t given much thought to. It was a simple yet elegant dress with a flowing design that accentuated her natural features without being too overpowering. It was also a striking contrast to her blue eyes and matched her blonde hair.

The color brought out the warmth in her complexion, and the style was a blend of cute and mature, delicate and strong that made her head tilt to the side while pondering the option.

Cute with the right hairstyle, elegant with my figure, and warm with the right touch of makeup to color my cheeks, maybe? It checks the boxes.

Rhea could see the appeal. It wasn’t too flashy, but it wasn’t dull either. It had a subtle grace to it, the kind that made you take a second look. She held up a thumb to her Lopunny.

“Maybe this is it,” she chimed, pulling the dress off the bed and holding it up to herself in the mirror.

Alice gave a pleased nod, her other Pokemon chiming in, and Rhea felt a sense of calm settle over her. This was the right choice—not too much, not too little, and good enough to send a text. It was her semi-dressed up for a public battle, and that’s what she wanted Jason to see. Not grungy or depressed but a bright, vibrant star—his bright sunshine, as he saw her.

She wanted him to remember the girl who was standing strong, even when he wasn’t there to hold her hand.

Perfect, she thought, taking the dress to the shower with a few other key items for the outfit. She got ready as quickly as she could, messaging Lori and Amira that she was sorry for taking so long.

Once finished, she slipped into the dress. As the fabric settled around her, Rhea could feel her confidence budding. It wasn’t just about looking good for herself anymore, and that had a different feel that settled over her—a good feeling. The warmth of the material against her skin in the steamy room was comforting, and she could already imagine Jason’s smile when he saw the picture.

Heading for her room, she set up her wardrobe in a new spot to catch the light and pose in an inviting way, unable to stop a true smile from lighting her cheeks upon seeing herself in a new light. I really am beautiful and not just cute… Thanks, Jason.

Opening the blinds to the ocean view, she handed her phone to Alice to take the picture with her Pokemon acting as supports. Alice was brimming with excitement for her turn, as well, looking all pretty; it had only taken them an hour to find the outfit and get ready. After taking a few shots of each of them, she saw Amira’s return text.

7:16 a.m. Fire Stone: No rush. Lori is dragging her feet, complaining about her back, and not her burn. She just wants to sleep another thirty minutes since she was up late texting Kekoa.

Rhea shook her head, lips bunching to the side and probably reading too much into the text. Amira never talks about how things are going between Kekipi or Lucian. Maybe I should bring it up because I don’t want things to build up pressure that doesn’t need to… Amira is pretty private, though, even to us.

Trying to put it out of her thoughts, if only for the moment, her smile returned while messaging Jason the photos with captions on it, showing her in a few poses, some of which were thoughtful and playful:

7:29 a.m. Joltik Butt: Well, hello there, pretty stranger. Weird how you got my number, but…would you please be mine? Tell me, what’s on your mind when you see this? What do I look like? Don’t be shy. 😉 Just thought you might need a little sunshine today. DMs always open for you, Mankey Butt, so don’t be a stranger.

She attached the picture and hit send, a small smile playing on her lips as she imagined Jason’s reaction. He’ll probably tease me about the dress with some smart comment—maybe call me his little stardust princess or something cheesy like that, she thought, chuckling softly.

Her heart thumped as she waited for his reply, but she knew he was probably passed out cold right now. Forcing herself away from her room, she returned most of her Pokemon to their capsules and left the room somewhat of a mess, with outfits slung around to clean up later.

Rhea’s thoughts drifted to their relationship on her way to meet with her team and how much they’d grown together over the course of their lives.

We’ve been through so much… The Ultra War was a hard time for us as kids, but there’s so much more ahead. She glanced at Lulu, riding atop Nova, alight with laughter. They’ll return one day…and I’ll be ready. We’ll be ready. No, let’s not think about that!

Her eyes sparkled at the looks others in the hall gave her; it seemed Alice’s choice was spot on, yet her thoughts were directed toward the boy flying across the ocean.

I can’t believe I’m dating my best friend… Life is crazy. Oh?!

Waiting outside the elevator, Rhea’s phone buzzed, pulling her out of her thoughts. Jason’s reply made her heart flutter with his tired but far more relaxed expression with the return photo. Most of all, though, it was the love she could see in his welcoming amber eyes.

7:34 a.m. Mankey Butt: Way to make me feel like the luckiest man on the planet. Wow. You look…like something that could warm me up during dark, cold nights. You always know how to make my chilly day cozier, Sunshine. Miss you, too. <3 Strong and beautiful. The perfect combination. Blaine won’t know what hit him. Stay safe, Electro Bug. You’re zapping my heart, always.

Her eyes softened, warmth flooding her chest as she felt the connection between them strengthen, even from this distance. He really is too perfect with words. 

Rejuvenated for the day and ready to take on anything Blane threw her way, Rhea set her sights on a blazing battle this afternoon.

We’re ready.

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