PoV: Rhea Everhart (Our girl with the unique Eevee and Mawile!)
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, come cities are in the wrong places or not listed, and the regions aren’t nearly so close. The best map I’ve found, though!
Recap:
We got to look into Amira’s guarded mind and personality in the last chapter. She loves her family but feels like they’re smothering. Keith, Rhea’s dad, teleported the girls into the hospital room where the rest of Rhea’s family showed up soon after, making Amira super uncomfortable. Brock went in to treat Rhea.
Blue comes in to see what’s going on with Rhea, but upon spotting Amira flew into a fury, asking why she was there; he released a strange aura of power that paralyzed the girls, but Cynthia and her parents quickly suppressed the Legendary Trainer and told him to get lost.
Cynthia told Keith to get Lyra >.> since he basically kidnapped her daughter, and then Amira had some time to cool down. When on the phone with her grandfather, Giovanni, they heard about Lusamine possibly waking up and an assassination attempt on her life that Guzma prevented (she’s been in a coma for 8 years after the Ultra War and the fusion with the Nihilego).
Rhea calls them in and they do a bit of bonding; they all decide to stick as a team, and Mallory runs out, talking about a party idea. Amira’s super conscious about Viridian and causing trouble for her grandparents and parents, rushes out to try and stop her before they end up in jail and on the News.
Now, we’re back with Rhea!
I’d like to thank my patrons for continuing to support me:
Master of Bunnies, Bassfreek, Grant Woodley, Vincent Qi, Ryan Devine, Braincase, and my other Patrons!
June 10, Thursday, 106 PH (Post Hoopa Event)
A sharp inhale filled Rhea’s lungs with air, followed by a soft moan; stretching out, she twisted her shoulders and hips, mind rousing from its sleeping state. Releasing a quiet yawn, she opened her eyes, blinking to adjust to the brightening hospital room as it flipped, noticing her movements.
She was alone with the light beeps of the tech board beside her bed, and she watched her heartbeat increase a bit with her activity. Loosening up, she grunted, blue irises sliding over to Mya and Nova’s pokéballs as they wished her good morning through her link to them.
Good morning to you two, too.
A bit of saliva passed through her throat, but it was too little to abate her thirst, she then noticed the small table with a sealed water bottle beside the bed. Reaching over, she snatched it, reflecting on yesterday’s events.
Her body felt more rested; in fact, she didn’t remember even falling asleep. She knew she must have, but there were a lot of holes in her memory about what she did the day before.
My body feels better… still a bit sore. Overall, though, I think I’m…
The door opening caught her attention, and the nurse she’d seen before still appeared to be on duty. She seemed to be in her mid-twenties, shoulder-length glossy black hair tied back, and minimal makeup added.
“Hello, Rhea, I’m Calista, but you can call me Cali if it’s easier.” The woman’s brown eyes moved from the board to her, noticing the bottle in her hand. “How are you feeling? Oh, let me get that for you!”
Rhea handed over the bottle at her request; she’d tried to unscrew it, but it was a lot more difficult than it should have been.
“Umm… yeah, hi, Cali,” Rhea mumbled, accepting the water as the woman easily opened the item. She wet her throat before continuing. “Uh, so… have you gotten any sleep?”
“Mhm! Thank you for worrying about me, but I managed to get a good six hours. Another aide came to look after you during the night.”
Rhea’s vision fell to her belly, covered by the hospital’s thin white blanket, fingers tightening on the plastic bottle. “So… what now?”
Cali snatched a small tablet attached to the medical board before sitting on the stool beside her bed. “Now, I ask you some questions that Doctor Harrison wants answered, and then he’ll be in when he’s able to follow-up. Oh, and,” a light blush touched her cheeks, “could you, umm… is there a way I can get in contact with your grandparents?”
Her eyebrows furrowed. “For?”
“Well,” she forced a giggle, “Drake… I don’t know if I should call him Champion or Grandmaster,” she mumbled, “but he tried to slip me a five credit bill, asking me to keep the info on the low.”
“Five credits… Drake’s fine, too,” Rhea rolled her eyes. “The whole title bit is exhausting. Yeah, it sounds like something he’d do. He probably then told you a story about how much five credits could buy you when he was a kid.”
“That, he did,” she replied with a smile. “Then… I got a notice that fifty-thousand credits were sent to my account. I suspect it was to keep my mouth shut about your family… I heard your identity was withheld on the news. I wasn’t going to try to say anything anyways… Umm, I was wondering if I could return it. I asked the bank, but… they said it wasn’t possible.”
Rhea’s head fell limp on her pillow, hair tickling her neck as she slowly shook her head. “No, probably not, and that was likely from my grandmother. She’s more subtle about those kinds of things.”
“Glacia?” Cali asked with widening eyes.
“Yeah… honestly, it could have been my mom or aunt, but I’d bet money it was from my grandmother if it’s non-returnable.”
“I see,” Cali whispered, eyes falling to her side. “Umm… well, it really would help to save a little for my son’s journey. It’s just… that’s as much as I make in a year.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Rhea yawned, “my grandma’s an old school noble… not like Kalos nobles, though.”
“Yeah, she does kind of have that noble feel about her,” Cali chuckled before clearing her throat. “So… you don’t have to worry about me or the other nurse leaking your identity. Now, how are you feeling?”
Returning the woman’s smile, Rhea resituated herself on the bed. “Umm… a bit sore, but nothing like yesterday. Heh, I think I kind of passed out, to be honest; I don’t remember falling asleep. My mind’s clear… I think,” she mumbled, “and I’m not feeling as tired… even if I’m yawning.”
“That’s good. What about Mya and Nova?”
Her two Pokémon gave internal chirps as the question.
“They’re fine.”
“Okay… how much can you remember of yesterday?” Cali asked, concerned vision lifting to study her.
Rhea’s lips pulled in, eyes darting to the right wall while pondering the question. “How much do I remember?” She quietly repeated. “I… don’t know how to answer that. I mean, I know what I know, but I couldn’t tell you what I forgot. Mya and Nova hatched, I came to Pallet, met a few friends…”
Her eyes widened, recalling her conversation with Lori and Amira. “Oh, no… I forgot to tell them about the spa trip. I need to text them,” she mumbled, searching under her blanket for her phone.
“Spa?” Cali questioned, her smile lifting a bit. “That sounds nice.”
“Yeah… where is it… there it is… umm,” she swiftly unlocked it, noticing a ton of notifications, but dismissed them for later to form the message. “Lori… Mallory,” she corrected, seeing the woman’s querying look, “said she’d make plans for it after I leave.”
“How sweet… well, you appear fairly cognisant,” she whispered, glancing at the questions on the tablet. “Hmm… I’ll leave some notes for the doctor and let you have some privacy. Is there anything more you’d like before I go?”
Rhea wrote out her message twice in that time, deleting parts while trying to figure out how to frame the invitation. “Umm, yeah… uh,” her stomach growled, reminding her of its existence. “Food?” She questioned. “Yeah, food would be nice,” she mumbled.
“Anything in particular? I can bring a menu.”
Rhea shook her head. “No, it’s fine… whatever is good.”
“Alright,” she chuckled, getting up and moving to the door. “I’ll go grab some and be back in a bit. Doctor Harrison is fairly busy, but he should be in when he’s able.”
“Cool.”
The woman left through the door, shutting it behind her; Rhea was too focused on her message, though, sucking on her lower lip nervously.
I’ve got some tickets to the spa… no, that’s stupid, they aren’t tickets. “Hmm…” Mallory said she’d treat me… that doesn’t mean she’ll pay for them, but didn’t she say it’s fine to bring them along? I don’t know…
No, how about… I’m probably gonna get out of the hospital soon, and my team is gonna hit up the local spa. Just wanted to know if ya wanted to join? I got the price. It’d just be nice to meet up.
Too desperate? Maybe… am I being desperate? I mean, they’re kind of my first friends outside of the village, but am I trying too hard? No, that’s stupid. Don’t overthink it!
She growled.
… Okay… When I get out of the hospital today, we’re gonna stop by the local spa. Wanna join? My treat! We all deserve some relaxation time after being sick, right? How are y’all feeling, too? Up to it?
And send!
Rhea stared at the message to Sam, regretting the phrasing as her mind presented several alternatives, but the response was a lot quicker than she expected.
She sat up a little while reading it in her head. Hey, Rhea! Yeah, we’re doing good. Hannah’s feeling a lot better; turned out to be the twenty-four-hour bug. A spa trip sounds really nice! But are you sure about paying? Some of the spas around Pallet can be expensive. Which one are you going to?
A swift follow-up message came up shortly after. Oh, and we’re so happy you’re feeling better, too! Jade says to say hi to Nova, and she wants to pet her again!
Nova’s passionate burn next to Rhea’s heart caused her to release a sad sigh. In time, Nova. Remember, Viridian.
She could almost visually picture the white and black Eevee releasing a depressed sigh before shooting a light glare at Mya, returning an apologetic signal.
Sam had a good question, though. Swapping messages to Lori, she noticed several missed texts and calls from Jason. Oops… he probably heard from his sister, who heard from Sabin… yikes, yeah, he’s gonna be mad.
Rhea text Lori first. Hey, which spa are we going to?
Oh, morning, by the way! How did you guys sleep? Did you sleep in the hospital?
Flipping over to read Jason’s texts, her smile started to rise.
7:23 P.M. Rhea, what the Muk! You’re in the hospital and you didn’t even tell me? Call me!
7:24 P.M. Yo, what’s going on? My sister won’t tell me anything!
7:24 P.M. Okay, apparently, Sabin won’t tell her, either. What’s happening?
8:01 P.M. Poké… you’re not dead, right?
8:11 P.M. Oh, so, apparently you passed out… so it’s your brother’s fault no one told me sooner? Geez, and I probably shouldn’t let Lucian know… Mallory’s talking to Len right now.
9:14 P.M. I guess Sabin said you’re sleeping. Mallory told Len that you were okay… I’m just worried. Dude, give me a call when you wake up! No one will even tell me where you’re at, but I guess… yeah, Lucian and ell, I get it… give me a call.
9:14 P.M. allll*
9:15 P.M. gah… all* I can’t even type!
Chuckling a bit, Rhea messaged him. Yo, I’m dying here! If I don’t kick it now, your messages will do me in. Geez, actin’ like my boyfriend or somethin!
=P I’m playing. =3 No, I’m good. Lori’s gonna take me out to the spa when I get out, maybe get somethin good to eat.
Oh, and I’m going with some new friends.
Maybe you can split off from your little crew and hang in Viridian; I hear Lori’s planning somethin. Let me know if Len and you plan on ditching Lucian for a bit!
Her eyebrows drew together, recognizing the time.
Yo… it’s Mukin 2? I slept forever! Yeah, I just got up! Uh, yeah, what’s goin on with you guys?
2:06 P.M. Your alive!
2:06 P.M. You’re* alive! Geez, I’ve been biting my nails over here. Literally! I haven’t done that in like… forever! So, yeah, Lucian’s all on about going to Viridian to get a head start on the free Protect TMs before the government stock dries up or somethin. We’re already hiking through the forest, and it’s not like we could give him an excuse without letting the Skitty out of the bag.
2:07 P.M. Anyways, sounds good. We’ll have to meet up in Viridian. Maybe we can get him to slow down a bit for a rematch… he’s taken out like three Trainers that found us and challenged him. Think he’s still a little pissed, and Cobalt’s been acting a bit differently, too. At least, I think he is.
2:07 P.M. Get well!! <3
Rhea smirked.
A heart, really? He must be pretty worried.
Her focus moved to Lori’s return message.
2:08 P.M. Yo, girl! Good to see you textin. Uh, yeah, no, we didn’t sleep in the hospital. Your dad hooked us up with a place… btw, Amira’s got a crazy long nighttime maintenance routine! Girl goes for the mask and everything; think she’ll run out pretty quick on the road, though, hehe. Guess she’s planning on buying replacements in each city.
Can’t handle the heat, either; I don’t know if she can even take pepper!? Crazy, huh? That flaming hair doesn’t translate to her mouth… well, for food anyways, she can have a tongue, hehe.
Uh, which spa? It’s called PikaSpring; think it’s named after Red’s Pikachu… no, maybe Yellow’s. Yo, just give us a text when you want us to meet up somewhere! We’ll hold off on Lunch.
A bit of excitement entered Rhea’s belly, returning the text. Funny! I’ll hold-off, too. I don’t think it’ll be that long before I get out. TTYL!
2:09 P.M. (^。^)y
Pressing the button to call the nurse, she was a little surprised when her voice fed through a speaker embedded inside. “Yes? I’m currently in line to get your food. Did you want something specific?”
“Umm, actually, I just talked with my team, and I think I’ll hold off on some food for now.”
“Okay. Just let me know if you change your mind.”
“Sounds good.”
Ending the call, she rested her phone on her belly with a soft hum.
Lucian’s worried about the free Protect TMs the government has in each city? I suppose it would help mitigate some of the losses he took after paying up the 500 credits for losing the battle to us; Protect is one of the cheapest TMs because it’s subsidized, though.
If that’s the case, then it’s already sold out in Pallet, which makes sense with so many of the other region’s Bronze Trainers starting here. Still, it’s not like our group’s hurting for the credits. I can pay the 1,000 credits on the partial subsidized TM—no need to rush.
Settling in, she picked up her phone to read the top stories, opening up her News App that showed most networks’ headlines. The battles after had all been team matches, and just as was planned, boys versus girls. Each of their Starter Pokémon was shown, too; most were shiny.
Casey (Mother: Karen; Mudkip), Inoa (Mother: Olivia; Cyndaquil), Ellie (Grandfather: Kabu; Charmander), won against Kale (Brother: Sophocles; Pikachu), Ludovic (Uncle: Siebold; Sobble), and Mark (Father: Morty; Grookey).
Amy (Aunt: Maylene; Treecko), Olivia (Mother: Candice; Totodile), and Isabella (Sister: Flannery; Oshawott) lost to Angel (Mother: Clair; Bulbasaur), Victor (Brother: Milo; Chikorita), and Allen (Brother: Brawly; Squirtle).
Catherine (Father: Gordie; Tepig), Ariel (Mother: Gardenia; Rowlet), and Iva (Grandfather: Wattson; Eevee) won against Hi’ilei (Uncle: Nanu; Chespin), Barry (Grandfather: Clay; Snivy), and Jean (Aunt: Korrina; Poppilo).
The three to one victory in favor of the female teams caused a stir among News anchors, as was the fact Kalos became the only region not to win a single match-up. Spirits were low for the Kalos fans and outlets.
Stories were beginning to pop-up about where she might be, and a few debunked articles claiming she’d already left the city; it wasn’t hard to confirm since her battle option still showed within Pallet City.
Questions were being thrown around about the Rocket family’s sudden flurry of activity after the match. However, with the conglomerate boss back in Viridian, along with his son and daughter-in-law, it was all left to speculation.
A few recent articles were beginning to surface, showing pictures of Amira and Mallory in public, producing even more questions about her location or speculations about her Pokémon. Her team had already refused to comment, and it appeared the response Amira gave kept journalists at a distance.
Rhea’s eyes lifted from her device as Brock entered the room. “Rhea, I hear you’re doing better,” he commented, moving to study her charts.
“Yeah, a lot better. So, uh, when can I go?”
“Hmm… well, that depends on how you feel. I’d recommend one more day, but if you plan to spend today resting with your team, then that works, too. So long as Mya and Nova remain in their balls, you’ve already begun the Fortitude recovery process, but it will take much longer than most Trainers since they’re still draining you to some degree to survive.”
“Ookay,” Rhea slowly replied, “basically, as long as we’re careful, then I’m good to go?”
He tapped a few things on the board, signing his name, and pressed his fingers against the screen; a small piece of paper exited the side of the device, and Brock ripped it off, handing it to her. “You’ve got enough antibiotics in your system for the next several hours, but I suggest you stop by and pick up this prescription as soon as possible.”
Rhea nodded, setting it on the bedside table. “Got it… umm, so…”
“I’ll handle the checkout forms,” Brock replied, setting the tablet back on the screen before folding his arms. “Rhea… please, be careful, and think more about what I told you. Look… I had a chat with your grandfather, and he told me something I was unaware of.”
“Which is?” Rhea asked, eyebrows coming together.
“It is possible for a Trainer to create a barrier or cut-off point for their Pokémon with Master Balls. It takes some concentration and practice, but… he assured me that it is possible. I called your aunt to get her own opinion, and she said it hasn’t been something she’s had to investigate, but she’d look into it.”
“My Mom?”
“Your mother hasn’t used any Master Balls, only researched their effects on others,” Brock explained, lips pulling in slightly. “It’s something extremely experienced Trainers would understand, and I do have a great deal of respect for your grandfather. If he says it’s possible, then it must be, but then I have to wonder if it’s because of his sheer force of will. It may be possible, but that doesn’t mean anyone can do it.”
Rhea’s vision fell to the floor. “I get it… so, it’s possible to have a safety measure?”
“It’s just something for you and your Pokémon to explore, but a lot of what you’re going through is unknown territory. Please, just be careful, Rhea. Your grandmother seemed to have some reservations about the news, but she didn’t elaborate.”
“Got it,” Rhea sighed, brushing her bound hair to the side to lie back down. “It’s something to test out; my own form of training, I suppose.”
Nova and Mya sent encouraging feelings, wishing to help any way they could.
“Alright.” Brock released a long puff of air. “I’ll tell the nurse to bring in your clothes with your pack; they’ve been cleaned.”
“How much will the visit cost?” Rhea asked, glancing down at her phone.
“Oh, don’t worry about any of that. Your father is a big donor to the hospital; he’s made a lot of contributions to the city over the years, and I’m volunteering free of charge.”
“Nice! Thanks for caring so much,” Rhea smiled at him as he waved goodbye.
“I’ll see you in Pewter; just make sure you get some good rest.”
Texting her team, they made plans to meet, and she sent the location to Sam. Cali returned several minutes later to deliver her attire, and Rhea dressed, handing the woman her hospital gown. Removing Nova and Mya’s pokéballs from the monitoring device, she added them to her belt before going to the bathroom down the hall to touch-up her appearance.
Her backpack felt heavier, but it was manageable, and she used the items inside to freshen up, brushing out her hair. She eyed her outfit, frowning with a bit of dissatisfaction.
Amira and Lori have dresses while I have a skirt… I guess it works. Maybe I should braid my hair after the spa.
Releasing a long puff of air, she put on her rainbow aviator with gold frames to draw less attention, repacked her bag, and left the hospital, following the exit signs.
Her focus moved to her phone on the way out as Sam called. Adding a smile, she answered, adjusting her hair and pack. “Hey, guys! I’m on the way out of the hospital.”
Hannah, Sam, and Jade came into view on her holo-screen; they appeared to be wearing the same clothes she saw them in before, clearly cleaned through the night.
“Yo, Rhea!” Sam grinned.
“Hey, you look so much better than yesterday,” Jade commented.
Hannah rubbed her neck with a sheepish smile, adjusting her red hair. “You kiddin’ me, Rhea; you’re stunning! I still look horrible…”
“No!” Rhea defended. “You three are cute, and you should see the rings under my eyes if I take off these glasses,” she returned, walking out of the hospital while searching for the way out of the parking lot. “Umm, yeah, so you gonna meet us over at PikaSpring… wherever that is?”
“Uh… about that,” Sam chuckled, smile turning forced. “You know PikaSprings is like…”
“Super ritzy,” Hannah finished, mirroring Sam’s expression.
“Oh?” Rhea asked, lips falling a little. She spotted the main street to her left and made her way to it; the sun was out, casting its warm rays on Pallet and the faint breeze barely moved her hair. “How much?”
“Eh… I don’t know exactly,” Sam mumbled, glancing to Hannah.
The redhead was quick on the response, brown eyes creased with concern. “Like… 200 credits for the cheapest pass and 500 for the deluxe… 50 credits per Pokémon, well, and some are banned for obvious reasons.”
“Which comes with?” Rhea pressed, sliding the call to the side to check her account.
“Uh… I’ve never been,” Sam admitted, vision shifting to her companions.
Jade silently shook her head, blue ponytail swinging with the motion.
“Yeah, uh,” Hannah’s eyes squinted to the left, “let’s see… I’ve only done the standard, but the deluxe has… I think an hour treatment with each; a personalized facial, Alolan full body massage, manicure, pedicure, a spa lunch or dinner, and full access to the lounge and jacuzzi.”
“Wow,” Rhea grinned, turning to study the hospital. “What do the Pokémon get?”
The building was five stories tall and branched out on either side to take up a massive area; it was the largest structure she’d ever seen in person, making her a bit dizzy. The reflectant glass and concrete building was a spectacular sight.
If there’s something like this here… what’s Viridian like?
“Uh, similar stuff… I’m not a hundred percent since I didn’t have any Pokémon at the time. They’ll get personal attention.”
“What about the standard pass?”
“Just access to the lounge and jacuzzi.”
“Heh, okay,” Rhea mused, examining her personal account. “One sec…”
The Oak Starter Award gave 5,000 credits, and the boys appeared to bet 500 credits each for their match. Jason, Sabin, Katelin, Annila, Kent, and her aunt were a part of her egg bet, giving her the 6,000 credit pot, which totaled her 11,500 credits on hand.
Wow, I’ve got a ton, and all of that sounds really good after being sick… oh, yeah, the massage will feel wonderful!
“Well, I bet Lori’s gonna choose the Deluxe Pass. You’ve each got one Pokémon, right?”
The three nodded with a soft frown.
“Yeah,” Sam mumbled, “but that’s a lot of money… uh, 550 times 3… 1,650 credits is like half our individual funds. That’s so many products…”
“No, no, don’t worry about it!” Rhea waved their protests away. “I’m inviting you, and offering… no, demanding! Besides, I won a bet, and Lori’s loaded right now.” She replied, giving them a peace sign. “So, meet us there!”
“You sure?” Jade asked, playing with her ponytail.
“You dislike me that much, huh?” Rhea asked with a playful grin.
“No, no!” Sam protested.
“Yeah, okay, we’ll meet you there!” Hannah cheered. “Thank you so much, Rhea!”
The other two mirrored the thanks.
Ending the call, she met up with Amira and Mallory two streets down.
“Hey, girl!” Lori called, waving with a toothy grin. “Yo, where’s these friends of yours?”
The purple-haired girl had ditched her gloves in the heat but kept her black tights. Rhea noticed Lori revealed a bit more cleavage than she would have.
Amira’s red dress was form-fitting but had a high neck and shoulderless design. She seemed somewhat annoyed while glancing back at a few people leaning against the side of the street.
“They’ll meet us there… uh, somethin’ up, Amira?”
Lori leaned in with a wink, following the bright redhead’s gaze, eyes hidden behind her rosy shades. “Paparazzi; Amira’s like a Growlithe at sniffing them out.”
Amira let out a light sigh, hands on her hips. “I’ve spotted five so far. Three are tailing us to get a headline while two are staying back, taking pictures.”
“Wait, really?” Rhea asked, scanning the crowds of people walking around them. “With their phones?”
“Easier to use,” Amira mumbled. “So,” her head dropped to the side for a moment, eyeing her. “You really feeling better?” She asked, lowering her voice.
“Mhm!”
They fell into step beside Lori, the purple-haired girl leading the pack.
Glancing around at all the people going into stores and moving around in packs, Rhea asked, “Did you see Casey won her match?”
“Yeah!” Mallory giggled. “Before her private conversation with the other Kalos boy could be jacked by the news, she released it on her own PokéTube account. She really got that guy fuming, and then the humiliation after.”
