I kneel, my fingers tracing the edge of a bent wing feather on the fallen Pidgeotto, then glance up at Sarah.
[POV: Sarah]
The terror is a cold, sharp knife in my gut. My entire career flashes before my eyes. Takumi's glance is a physical weight, demanding compliance. I need to protect Pidgeotto. My pride is gone, consumed by the need for my bird to live and fly again.
"Recall it—Stabilize the condition." My voice cuts through the ringing silence.
[POV: Sarah]
My fingers are shaking so hard I can barely find the Pokéball. The command is absolute—a lifeline offered in the midst of the chaos. Humiliation burns, but fear is a stronger master. I choke back a sob.
A flash of red beam erupts from her hand, drawing the crumpled form back into the orb.
[POV: Sarah]
The loss of my Pidgeotto feels like the ultimate capitulation. My body aches. He wants to talk—I have to give him what he wants. Every instinct screams to provide valuable information, to prove my utility, to protect my team's future.
I walk away, turning my back on her once more. I lift a fresh Pokéball high—a silent threat to every trainer in the lobby.
"Go," I rumble. "Take the Pidgeotto to a healing pod. I expect you in my suite once its wings are stabilized, if you seek more than your current weakness," I continue, my voice gaining a sharper edge, "I will demonstrate how I raised my Pidgeot. But know that my guidance comes at a price that requires total commitment." My words hang in the heavy air.
[POV: Sarah]
My breath hitches. It's an order, not an invitation. 'My suite'—that means alone. But Pidgeotto needs help. 'Total commitment'… it means I'm giving up my life as an independent trainer, but Pidgeotto's life is more important. My resolve hardens, born of fear and necessity
The Pokéball flashes crimson. A massive form unfurls, eclipsing the arena lights. My Pidgeot, a magnificent creature, hovers above us. Its wingspan casts a wide, predatory shadow that swallows the entire arena.
[POV: Halloway Siblings]
My stomach churns. Sarah's bird is crippled, and now he's displaying this... monster. This isn't just a battle; it's a demonstration. 'Current weakness'… he sees everything. Sarah is falling deeper into his shadow.
[POV: Sarah]
Pidgeot. Its sheer size... it's a living nightmare, a god of the skies. My own Pidgeotto feels like a broken toy in comparison. 'Total commitment' feels like the only way for Pidgeotto to survive. My pride is gone, utterly. I am nothing against this.
Sarah's head snaps up, her eyes glistening with tears. "Y-yes, Master… I… I understand. Whatever you ask. For Pidgeotto. For Strength. My… my total commitment."
I don't answer her immediately. I need the lobby to understand the sheer depth of my reach.
"Poliwrath. Bellossom. Step out."
Two more bursts of light. Poliwrath's muscled frame materializes, damp and blue, beside the vibrant, deceptive grace of Bellossom. I catch the Halloway girl's gaze, ignoring her brother.
"You see this? Your Oddish and Poliwag are children's pets compared to the mastery standing before you."
[POV: Halloway Sister]
He's looking right at me. Not my brother. At me. It feels like being pinned by a Spearow's gaze. He's mocking our team, our life's work. I want to run, but my legs feel like lead. Is this what happened to Sarah? Did she just... stop being able to say no?
"Well?" I prompt. "Do you stay in the shadows of Route 3, or do you follow the path that actually leads somewhere?"
I recall my team in sharp bursts of red light. I turn on my heel.
"Mia," I call out to the assistant. "I am retiring to my suite for the dat. I don't wish to be disturbed by anyone who hasn't already pledged their path."
I stride toward the private wing. Sarah is already moving, stumbling to her feet. Behind her, the Halloway girl finally breaks her brother's grip, following the gravity I've created.
The mahogany doors of my Private Suite seal shut behind me. I settle into the heavy armchair, stretching my legs out. Minutes tick by. Then, the magnetic lock gives a sharp, pressurized click.
The doors slide apart, revealing Sarah and the Halloway girl. Sarah is in the lead, her eyes red-rimmed but fixed on me with a submissive intensity. The Halloway girl stands a half-step behind, her breath coming in shallow gasps as she stares at the charcoal silk of the bed.
"Enter," I command.