B4 — 39. Sweet Bliss

9:22 a.m. November 1st, Sunday, 106 PH (Post Hoopa Event). Day 145. 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 (33 days away).

Rhea stood on the edge of the docks of Cinnabar City, taking in the sight after Annila dropped her off. The salty breeze of the open sea tousled her long blonde hair, and rising ahead of her was the rebuilt metropolis of Cinnabar Island gleaming under the midday sun.

She let herself be taken in by the moment; it contrasted the hazy memories she had heard from older Trainers traveling through her tiny village about the island’s turbulent past. Once ravaged by a catastrophic volcanic eruption, Cinnabar had risen from the ashes like a Moltres, reinventing itself as a vibrant hub of tourism and natural wonder.

The ferry horn blared behind her as it arrived to drop off visitors, signaling their approach to the bustling port. Lulu looked left and right atop her head, enjoying the vast sea view and welcoming city. As the vessel docked, Rhea adjusted her backpack and turned to join the tourists that exited, guides directing them. It was a different experience to Fuchsia, and she’d need to check in with customs.

She felt the familiar flutter of excitement mingled with anxiety when getting in line—a sensation that had become a constant companion since the start of her journey. Once again, she was somewhere new and exciting, only this time alone.

Unlike the more vibrant, traditional vibe of Fuchsia City, where she had just spent a few magical days exploring with Annila, Cinnabar exuded an energy that was both electric and warm. She smiled when a buzz came from her phone strap, Lulu floating down to take it out for her with a smile; the Cosmog was already causing whispers and making people give her space. She sighed when a few went to some of the Cinnabar Police and pointed her out.

“Neee!”

Yeah, don’t worry about them. You’re on my Trainer record and registered, so they can’t do anything about it. Plus, maybe we’re not so alone, she mused while spotting Jason’s text to call him when she got inside.

Ignoring the looks others gave her, she looked at her teammate’s Pikabook pages to see them smiling and showing off their Encrusted Badges. The Silver Cup was drawing near, but they were already capable of registering, and that was Amira’s job.

Seeing the familiar badge, she recalled her first Silver-tier Encrusted Battle against Saria Surge and her Ralts. Now, she had her own little girl to grow with. Rhea looked up and saw the sign that said she could have two Pokemon out, which also included Lulu, so that meant her girls would have to take turns unless they were in a zone that allowed more, like the beach.

Shae, looks like everyone wants to give you a chance to explore and experience the world. She took off her Poke Ball, catching the sharp eye of the city guards. What do you say? Want to ride on my shoulder? I’ll take that as a yes!

The quirky girl exited her Poke Ball to materialize on her shoulder with a chirp.

“Ra-ra!”

“Neee!”

Her two Pokemon chatted with one another, more people now noticing her unique Pokemon with Shae out. Rhea even heard her name passed around with a few comments about her previous matches, primarily against Sabrina and talk about Nova, which wasn’t a surprise.

Activating her hologram screen on her crystal phone, she sent a few group messages to Mallory and Amira as she waited; it didn’t take long for them to respond while moving up in the long line:

9:35 a.m. Honeypot – Just made it to Cinnabar, and I can’t wait to explore it today! I bet I’ll see a ton of teens on the beach around since it’s the weekend. Something tells me Jason has something planned for the beach. Anyway, I heard about the Fairy Heart Encrusted Badge! I look forward to watching the match with you both so you can break it down for me. I saw the pictures you posted last night at the club, too! Super cute.  9:36 a.m. Big B*** – Hey, Sunshine! You have no idea how scary Saria is! Wait, you did battle her, so you would know. Haha! Man, you totally missed out, girl. Kekoa flew in, and we had a blast, hitting club after club. What did Amira do? Boring stuff. She went by herself to an art show hosted by Saria’s fiancé. Like, really!  9:37 a.m. Big B*** – New text for egg info! Yooooo, girrrrl, your mom is crazy! You won’t even believe what she gave me. Yeah, I cheated and looked it up. =P I’m not the patient type. Hey, we should do a double baby battle tomorrow. Me and Amira on either your team or Jason’s team since you two have stronger babies right now. LMK! I’m hyped! 9:38 a.m. Honeypot – Lol! I’ll run it past Jason if you run it past Amira. I look forward to seeing you. Safe trip on the ship. We don’t want to do an Ash. 9:39 a.m. Big B*** – PFFFFT! Girl, made me spit out my milk. It’s coming out my nose. Ewww! I’m so gross! That story he told us, though. Wild! And getting blown away by a ton of Gyarados, only to end up on Rocket’s mega-robot Pokemon island? 9:41 a.m. Honeypot – Wait, that was Pikachu, wasn’t it? 9:42 a.m. Big B*** – Whatever it was, it was crazy, and Amira CONFIRMED it! Like, what was her grandpa thinking, making giant Pokemon robots? Rocket has weird investments, man. Anyway, Red just got out of the bathroom. I’ll bring it up to her. Later! 9:43 a.m. Big B*** – Wait, is my nickname still Big B*** on your phone >.< Amira snitched on you, girl! 9:44 a.m. Honeypot – WHAT?! Absolutely not! Noooo! That was ages ago… 9:45 a.m. Violet – Hmm. I’m watching you, Honey Pot. I’m watching you. O_O

Rhea giggled while swiftly renaming her purple-eyed teammate, still a little surprised Amira of all people would tattle. She’d have to get back at the redhead somehow. 

9:47 a.m. Fire Stone – I just was updated by Lori. If you lost the QR code to the hotel room I sent you then let me know. It is a bit more costly, if you’re wondering when you look at your account, but it’s worth it for the location. Jason asked me to give him your hotel and room number, and I thought it would be fine. Other than that, I am happy to enter a double battle tomorrow. Have fun with Jason and stay out of trouble. (͠≖ ~ ≖ ) 9:48 a.m. Honeypot – I see someone has been reading my Great Grandma Carolina’s posts online if you’re using text emojis. 9:49 a.m. Fire Stone – Lol. I thought you might notice. She’s really cute with how she messages your aunt for help all the time with technology. Her research papers are phenomenal, though. Catch up with you tomorrow. Have fun. 9:50 a.m. Honeypot – You too! I’m just about to get to the front of the line…to get inside the building! They’re packed here. Pro-tip, bring sunscreen. 9:51 a.m. Fire Stone – Always.

Rhea breathed out a long sigh and put away her phone as she got inside, noticing an extra section being opened up, which allowed for more people to wait for registration to enter the city. She took a ticket and sat down, swapping Shae out for Mya as the Ralts grew sleepy. Lulu had slipped into her shirt front to hide from all the looks she got and snuggled in to rest, as well.

She gave Mya a leery-eye as her Mawile sat next to her, kicking her feet in the air and looking around with interest. Did Lulu and Shae stay up late talking again last night or exploring that alleyway to find that thief Ghost Pokemon?

Mya looked away, whistling and shifting a bit as Nova answered her with what felt like a strained laugh. It took Rhea a second to interpret it.

You…joined them to make sure they’d be okay? Something tells me you were the one who wanted to explore, Nova, since you’ve been watching those Detective Pikachu episodes. I knew it!

Her Eevee sheepishly impressed on her that they’d made some headway, and talked to some undercover Ninja Pokemon that were also looking into it.

As long as everyone’s safe. We aren’t ‘officially’ Gold-tier yet, though, and we need to take some courses and get some licenses for that. We can work on that later.

She felt her fluffy girl practically glow at the offer. However, she already had a full schedule with the upcoming movie she was supposed to star in with her dad and mom.

Rhea glanced at Mya, amiably happy to be out and sitting next to her. The Mawile was far more battle focused rather than doing Contests, movies, or detective work. She was sure Nova could convince Mya into it if it meant she could chase down bad guys, though.

Alice could do some Contests, or anything really; the bun was just trying to discover herself. Of course, Lulu was a natural disaster villain in the making, who thought she was the heroine, which was a tad concerning, considering her power. Now, Nova and Lulu were pulling Shae into their trouble.

Her thoughts were interrupted as her ticket was finally called at least forty-five minutes after getting into the building. A short check-in with some scowling eyes on Lulu, and she was allowed inside the city with a two Pokemon out limit for city use, and, naturally, that didn’t include poor Onix or Snorlax—it was probably rough for Tissa, Rylee’s Crystal Onix. 

Sending a text to her Wooloo friends to see how they were doing, she was a tad surprised they hadn’t responded to her text sent last week. A quick check showed little to no activity on their social media either.

A pin jabbed her gut while thinking about what might have happened to them, considering Hannah was so active on social media. Deciding to swap targets to Cami, Jade’s older sister, she did notice a recent post showing off her Oddish’s recent evolution into Gloom, her Skorupi, and her Exeggcute. Apparently, she was working toward both a Leaf Stone and a more difficult-to-obtain Sun Stone , which would be expensive.

Sending her a message to check-in to see if everything was okay, Rhea turned her sights to the cityscape with a smile. It was a dazzling blend of modern architecture and lush natural tropical beauty with its strategically placed palm trees.

Sleek hotels and resorts lined the shoreline, their facades reflecting the shimmering waters. In the distance, the iconic Cinnabar Park loomed, its design a tribute to the island’s fiery history with motifs of flames and lava flows etched into its exterior. The actual Cinnabar Gym was located on Blaine’s own private island off the coast, where a boat brought viewers and challengers daily—the Encrusted Challenge day was Tuesday, which gave them two days.

Rhea breathed in the scent of the ocean mixed with the hint of smoke from a nearby barbeque stand. This is incredible.

She felt a thrill of independence while proceeding through the streets with Mya by her side. Her Mawile twirled with delight, her large jaws snapping playfully at the air.

It was less intimidating than she’d feared, even as a solo traveler for the moment. Her Pokémon shared her excitement, and Nova finally got her turn after Mya finished the ice cream she’d bought for her.

Nova perched on her shoulder, flicking her ears at the cacophony of sounds from the bustling nearby supply harbor—calls of sailors, laughter of tourists, and cries of Wingull swooping overhead.

Before heading to the ‘fancy’ hotel, Rhea decided to call Jason. It brought back memories of exploring around their small forest on the opposite side of Pallet Bay and their hikes through the mountains together. However, that image soon shattered as his teasing voice came through the phone, crackling with the energy of the seaside.

“Hey, Rhea! Guess what? I’m hanging out with a really cute girl at the beach—plenty of them here on Cinnabar. You should join us!”

Rhea laughed, rolling her eyes while hearing this ‘cute girl’ on the other end.

“Lapras!”

“Ra-raboot?”

“Oh, really? Should I be jealous? And is that Sunny asking if Alice can come play because she’s been saving her time out today for some reason.” She could picture his grin, and it made her heart flutter while recalling their last encounter the previous week with the taste of his lips.

“Jealous? Never!” Jason scoffed. “I mean, you have some blackmail on me, babe, so I’ve got to play it safe, ya know?”

Rhea’s mouth twitched as the memory of her boyfriend’s locker room fashion show bubbled to the surface. “True. I hold a lot of power here. I might just let it go to my head…but you can always tell me to delete them as your slave for two whole days.”

“And why would I do that? I’m not ashamed of those cream masterpieces. Actually—”

“Jason, is that your girlfriend?”

Rhea’s mouth tightened as a real girl’s voice came through. “Yeah, is it, Jason?”

“Haha! Yeah, Lesley, it’s Rhea. She just got into the city.”

“Awesome! Me and my girlfriends are setting up a volleyball net right now. We’d love to have you two join in. They’ve got some of their boyfriends coming, too. There’s a beach party on the southside tonight, as well. It’s a local thing. You two should come! I play a mean guitar.”

“I’ll ask…”

Rhea’s stomach did flips, her heartbeat rising. Our first couples outing?!

“Yes! Yes, we’d love to join!” Rhea instantly replied before Jason could ask. “I’ll be over as soon as I drop my stuff off in the hotel and change.”

“Yeah,” he chuckled, his voice deepening slightly. “She said she’d love to, and she’ll be here in like…thirty, forty minutes?”

“Sounds about right!”

“Great! Hehehe. We’ll get our warm-up in so we can kill you guys on the first serve! See you soon, Rhea.”

The young woman broke away, leaving Jason to lower his voice. “They were actually asking about you a lot. I’m pretty sure they’re in your fan club and noticed me in a few of the public pictures of us together in Saffron. They’re hardstuck Gold-tier but wanted to see if we’d do a double battle later against them—I’m pretty sure Couples Battle Night is what they’re talking about.”

“Cute! I love it. We’re a package deal.” She looked over at Nova on her shoulder, who chirped, ready for battle. “My Pokemon are up for it.”

“Oh? Can I get a bow with that? You know I’ve got a nice neck, and a red bow could bring out my eyes, ya know? You can tie it!”

“Jason, you’re incorrigible,” she teased back, shaking her head as she walked along the bustling street, taking in the lively atmosphere; she felt so liberated, as if she was an adult. “Maybe I’ll come to save those poor girls from your terrible jokes.”

“Hey, my jokes are classic!” he protested. “And they love it.”

“Pika!”

“Breloom.”

“What? Haters. But honestly, it’s great here. You’ll love the beaches. We can have a picnic or maybe go surfing after a few games.”

“Surfing? Are we talking Squirtle because we know what happened last time,” Rhea snickered, imagining him trying to keep his balance as she bumped into him.

“Well, if someone didn’t have a huge butt, then it wouldn’t be a problem, would it?”

“Oh, shush!” she giggled, the heat in her face rising.

“Facts are facts, babe. I’ve been practicing, and you’re rusty, so I’d say I’ve got a good chance! The waves are perfect. You have to try it with me. It’s a date.”

“Alright, alright. But don’t get caught off-guard and throw on me if you get blinded by my hair off the sun again.”

“One time!”

“More than enough! But you owe me a sundae if I wipe out.”

“What’s with that lopsided bargain? Uh, deal! Now I have an excuse. Love you, bye!”

“Eh!” She pulled the phone away from her ear with a light glare. “You win this time.”

The ended call left Rhea with warm fuzzies as she navigated the streets, absorbing the vibrant energy around her. She was changing, and she liked the girl she was becoming.

Soon, she reached the hotel Amira had mentioned, placing her hands on her hips and looking up at it with her salt-and-pepper Eevee. It stood tall and elegant, overlooking the ocean, with a rooftop terrace that boasted breathtaking views of the sunset over the sea.

Don’t tell me this is another Rocket front that Amira got us into because there’s no way this place costs as much less than 1,000 credits a night.

As she entered the lobby, Rhea marveled at the sleek, modern design, a harmonious blend of luxury and comfort that resonated with the island’s fiery aesthetic. It really reflected the island’s Fire Pokemon theme with its reds, yellows, and blues.

A soft chime announced her arrival as the automatic doors whooshed open, and she stepped inside, feeling the cool air conditioning brush against her skin. The receptionist greeted her with a small smile, offering a welcome drink infused with Occa Berry flavors.

“Welcome to Cinnabar Shores Resort, Miss Rhea. We have a reservation for you and your team tomorrow. Is there anything you’d like to arrange in advance? Our resort does its best to accommodate any request of our patrons.”

Rhea considered for a moment, glancing at the digital brochure on a nearby screen. It showcased various activities—snorkeling, volcanic tours, and Pokémon-themed events.

“Yes, actually. Can you arrange for a scuba diving guide for us at 2 p.m.? I’d like to surprise my boyfriend later today with it.”

“Of course! Consider it done,” the receptionist replied, tapping swiftly on the screen. “Anything else you need with your rooms, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Thank you, but I should be fine,” Rhea said, appreciating the smooth efficiency of the service.

As she rode the elevator to her room, Nova snuggled against her neck, curiously eyeing the digital panel that indicated their floor. The anticipation of the coming days bubbled within her, a mix of excitement and the subtle nervousness of exploring a new place with Jason and her team. Only, all of that went out of the window with her brain as the door swung inward.

Rhea scanned the room with wide eyes, her heart fluttering as she absorbed the thoughtful details Jason had orchestrated for her arrival. The room was bathed in a warm, golden glow from the setting sun streaming through the large windows. A small table near the balcony had been elegantly set up with a bottle of sparkling Berry Juice and two glasses, glistening under the soft light.

The air was filled with the sweet, delicate fragrance of Pallet Razz Berries, which were scattered artistically across the room. On the bed, a neatly arranged selection of her favorite snacks sat waiting, alongside a handwritten note from Jason, resting against a plush, Eevee-shaped pillow.

Rhea picked up the note with a tender smile, feeling her cheeks warm as she read his familiar handwriting:

Hey, my little Joltik, Surprise! I hope this makes you smile as much as you make me smile every day. I can’t wait to see you at the beach! P.S. I thought you’d like a taste of home with the Razz Berries. Enjoy! Love, Jason

Nova nuzzled against her cheek, as if sensing her emotions and sharing in the moment. Rhea let out a soft laugh, hugging the note to her chest while taking in the atmosphere again. The gesture was pure Jason—thoughtful, considerate, and just a bit cheeky, given the nickname.

Mya had already made herself comfortable, exiting her Poke Ball to munch on a Poké Puff from the tray, while Lulu floated around, examining every corner of the room with her usual curiosity. Shae peered from her Poké Ball, excited by the surroundings but unsure if she should come out while Alice remained patient.

The details made Rhea’s heart swell with gratitude and affection. Jason always knew how to make her feel special, even from afar. The anticipation of meeting him soon added to her excitement as she twirled around the room, letting herself bask in the happiness of the moment.

With a deep breath, she gathered her things and changed into a fresh outfit, perfect for the beach. She picked out the olive-green one-piece with the front-twist that she’d gotten with Dawn before throwing over it a light, flowing dress that matched the vibrant colors of Cinnabar Island.

Snatching her sandals and perching aviator glasses over her eyes, she smiled, feeling the Butterfree. She lingered a moment to admire the view from the balcony, looking down where Jason was probably setting up more surprises below. She watched the waves crash against the shore as the sky continued to brighten as it drew closer to noon.

This was exactly what she needed—a reminder of the joy and adventure that awaited her beyond the challenges she’d faced throughout her journey. With a renewed sense of confidence and happiness, Rhea grabbed her small carrying bag, checked her phone for messages from her friends, and headed out the door, ready to embrace the vibrant life of Cinnabar Island with Jason by her side.

Meeting Jason on the beach, she couldn’t help but smile at his enthusiasm, showing off his larger and more muscular frame in Kanto-themed shorts, repping the region. “Ready to hit the waves, Joltik?” he called out, jogging over to meet her with his Pokemon.

“Only if you promise not to laugh when I—mmh?!” she quickly lost her train of thought when his arm wrapped around her lower back, pulled her in, and kissed her. “You just can’t not, huh?”

“Nope.” he grinned, pulling back and breathing into his hand with a dubious hum. “Wait, do I… Nope, Berry breath. Nice.”

She laughed as he guided her to meet a larger group of people than she thought, all of them paired up as a couple and ready for a beach day of fun. It was something new Rhea had never experienced, and it wasn’t long until she was tugging off her dress to get dirty in the sand with her boyfriend, diving for beach balls with their Pokemon absolutely killing it.

By the time their side won—handedly—it was nearing 1 p.m. She took a moment to catch her breath, lying back on the warm sand with the sound of the waves crashing nearby. Nova curled up beside her, the Eevee’s fur slightly damp from the ocean mist.

That was so much fun! she thought, her heart still racing from the excitement of the games and how it felt to be on a team of couples with Jason.

Jason flopped down next to her, grinning widely. “I knew you’d be our secret weapon!” he said, his eyes twinkling with pride while lightly kicking sand over her ankles and making her giggle. “You were amazing out there!”

Rhea cheeks flushed, electricity sparking through her limbs. “You weren’t too bad yourself, Mankey Butt,” she snickered, nudging him playfully with her elbow. Their childhood dynamic was something Rhea was growing to cherish deeper every day, a reminder of the playful and supportive relationship they shared growing up, only more now.

As the group slowly dispersed, some heading off for snacks or a dip in the sea, Rhea took a moment to appreciate this new aspect to her life that she didn’t know she’d been missing. Jason made it feel natural, like a perfect summer day, filled with laughter, competition, and the promise of more adventures to come. Of course, the occasional touch or kiss always helped liven things up.

Sitting up, she glanced over at Jason, who was busy untangling Sunny’s bright red ears from a stray piece of seaweed he’d gotten caught with in his tussle with Alice. The bun was nearby watching carefully so she could help him out next time. Naturally, if it were up to the rabbit, it would never happen again, but that was a missed opportunity in Rhea’s book.

“So, I have something else on our agenda—a surprise,” she said, playing with her toes. “After that we can do some Squirtle surfing.”

Jason looked up, brushing sand off his hands. “Oh? Color me intrigued. What’s on the books for our next adventure? Some food first, I hope, because I’m starved.”

“Well, yeah, I was thinking we could grab some lunch, but I kind of have a scuba diving guide reserved for two, as in, two p.m.,” she off-handedly shrugged.

“Ooh! I like it. And it’s nice that I have reservations at this shack for two already! A quick bite to eat, and then we’re off on a new date. We’re on the same wavelength,” he laughed.

Rhea raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at her lips. “Oh? Look at you, all organized and romantic,” she teased. “I’m impressed, including the room.”

“I was wondering when that would come up!” he sighed, rubbing his neck and getting up to stretch out. “And, hey, I’m just trying to keep up with you, Miss Legs. Can’t let you down on our first real couples’ outing.”

She snorted, glancing down at her tanned legs. “I think you’re thinking about Lori or Amira with that comment, not me.”

Stretching his hands over his head and releasing a low grunt, he chuckled. “I said what I said, and I mean what I mean. What, you didn’t catch it with the arachnid comments?” he asked with a wink, making her smile. “Ready to go?”

“So, I’m still a spider sticking you to my web, huh? Wait…Joltik have short legs. And, yup. Lead the way.”

“Cute legs,” he corrected, holding out a hand to help her up. “And I think your legs are just perfect.”

Rhea felt a flutter of butterflies at his words, the sincerity in his voice making her heart skip a beat. “You’re doing great so far,” she sighed, allowing him to help her up and feeling somewhat lacking. “I’ll get you one of these days.”

“Keep trying, babe, but we both know who is the real victor here.”

“Can you stop!”

“No can do,” he laughed, pulling her against his side before holding her hand. “I wouldn’t want you to get lost.”

As they gathered their things and headed towards the beachfront café, Rhea felt a sense of contentment settle over her. The simple joys of spending time with someone who understood and supported her.

The café was a charming little spot, nestled between palm trees and offering a stunning view of the ocean. They were seated at a cozy table by the window, where the gentle breeze carried the salty scent of the sea. Nova and Sunny settled at their feet, the rest of their Pokémon seemingly content to relax and enjoy the ambiance.

Over plates of fresh seafood from local fish farms and tropical fruit, they chatted about everything and nothing. Rhea shared stories from her travels, keeping the time she’d spent with his mom private since he could see the results of that in photos that they could go through together when available—more couple stuff.

Jason took the lead in recounting his latest training escapades and what he’d been through in Kalos, which was some intense stuff. Although, not quite as tough as Maria was on her.

The conversations were easy and comfortable, and as they laughed over shared memories, Rhea realized just how much she valued these moments…how much she loved him.

After lunch, they wandered down the boardwalk, stopping to admire the various stalls and street performers on their way to the scuba diving area. Rhea found herself drawn to a booth selling handmade jewelry, her eyes catching on a delicate bracelet woven with tiny seashells that would compliment her Ghost channeling wrist band she’d gotten from Lavender.

“See something you like?” Jason asked, noticing her lingering gaze.

She nodded, tracing the intricate design with her finger. “It’s beautiful,” she softly said, imagining how it would look paired with her favorite outfits.

Without hesitation, Jason stepped forward and purchased the bracelet, holding it out to her with a smile. “Consider it a souvenir from our date,” he said, fastening it around her wrist.

Touched by the gesture, Rhea smiled warmly. “Thank you,” she said, admiring how it caught the light. “It really does help me remember all the times we went searching for shells on the beach back home… Oh, we should go, or we’ll be late!”

Jogging through the streets, they made it just in time. On the dive to lower depths of the shelf to see all the Pokemon in their natural habitats, with Swimmers trying to befriend local Pokemon to join their teams, Rhea noticed how active the sea really was—far more than what it was like back in Pallet. It was the holding hands underwater as they swam that stuck with her, though, with Nova in her Vaporeon form swimming around with Serenade. 

As the afternoon wore on, they eventually made their way back to the beach, where the group had reassembled for a friendly surf competition. Rhea watched as Jason expertly navigated the waves, his laughter carried on the wind as he encouraged her to join him—it was a couple’s activity, after all.

Despite her initial reservations, she found herself caught up in the excitement, the rush of adrenaline as she balanced on the local Squirtle’s back and rode the waves alongside him. It was exhilarating, freeing, and as she caught Jason’s eye, they shared a look of mutual triumph as they took third place, which was big for country-surfers who had never done it at an island.

Later, as the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange, Rhea sat beside Jason on the sand, their hands intertwined. The day had been everything she could have hoped for and more—a celebration of their relationship and the adventures that lay ahead.

She’d conquered her fear of Annila, gaining her approval, and Jason had probably done the same with her dad, or so she liked to think they had similar experiences.

With a contented sigh, Rhea leaned her head on Jason’s shoulder, feeling the warmth of his skin against hers. “I’m glad we did this,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jason wrapped an arm around her, his thumb tracing gentle circles on her arm. “Me too, and I know this is just kind of a ‘today’ thing. You’ve got your team to do things with. I don’t want to come between you and your journey. Plus, I need to get stronger, too,” he gently replied. “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else…but I’m wondering if I should go back to Kalos to finish up their Silver Cup. It starts soon, and I want to be back for yours.”

Rhea felt differently this time. It wasn’t him saying he was going, but more like he was trying to figure out her feelings and his own. “I think that’s a great idea. You’ve proven to me you can keep up, and I’m not so clingy that I need you here all the time now that I know how I feel… So, tomorrow you should get a ticket and meet up with Len and Julian again.”

He was quiet for a moment, head leaning in to rest against the top of hers. “Did I tell you how much I love you?”

“Only like fifty times today,” she snickered.

“Not enough then… Oh, what about ‘you’re beautiful?’ ”

“A little less, but that’s because the ‘love you’ part was substituted,” she laughed.

“What a lacking guy, I am,” he mused. “Rookie numbers, I need to boost those up. Anyway, tonight, I’ve still got you all to myself, and I did it without using my daily slave coupons. Score.”

“Pfft!” Rhea lightly pulled her head away to lightly bonk him. “Loser. Well played.”

As they sat there, watching the sun set over the horizon, Rhea felt a profound sense of happiness and peace. It was a day she’d remember for a long time, a cherished memory that would always bring a smile to her face. This was what her mother was telling her about—this was love.

Eventually, the cool evening air prompted them to gather their things and head back to the hotel. Rhea felt a pleasant exhaustion settling over her when standing with him in front of her door. His amber eyes stared into hers and they shared a long but simple kiss, the warmth, softness, and emotions transferred through it in a way she hadn’t felt before that moment.

“Night, Mankey Butt.”

“Sweet dreams, Beautiful… Catch you on the flip-side.”

Watching him go, Rhea breathed out a long, satisfied sigh. And there it is… A perfect day.

Back in her room, she took a moment to reflect, her heart full of gratitude for the experiences they’d shared that she would cherish for the rest of her life. Eventually, she prepared for bed, looking forward to the future, to the adventures and challenges that awaited them. Tomorrow was a day with the girls.

Her brain suddenly jolted as Shae slowly walked across her belly and chest to poke her in the nose.

“Ralts?”

“Oh! My bad!”

She reached over to snatch her phone to call Jason. He answered on the third ring.

“Already missing my voice, huh?”

“Haha. Sure, Mr. Humble. Umm, can you delay that ticket a bit to have a Baby Double Battle? Amira on one team and Lori on the other? They wanted to show off their new Pokemon, too. Lori was being cryptic about it.”

“Haha. Absolutely. I’ll change it for a night flight. See you tomorrow for the final showdown… Night.”

“Night, babe,” Rhea mumbled, feeling her cheeks heat at the name and she quickly hung up after using it for the first time. “Yes! Progress…”

Snuggling under the covers, with her Pokemon snuggled around her and Shae chirping sleepily, Rhea closed her eyes, a smile still playing on her lips. She knew that whatever came next, she had Jason, her team, and her Pokémon by her side, and together, they could face anything.

With that comforting thought, she drifted off to sleep, her dreams filled with the promise of new beginnings and the unbreakable bonds of friendship and love carrying her into sweet bliss.

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