[color=orchid][center][h1]Sophia Danvers[/h1]
[h3]Mesalon Gym[/h3][/center][/color]
[@fer1323]

Before the incident with the Jangmo-o, Sophia had imagined what Oscar's gym battle might be like, the look on his face after finding himself on the receiving end of a total smackdown. This wasn't how she'd pictured things to turn out, particularly her own reaction.

Throughout the entire battle, she craned forward. She shouldn't feel like this. She shouldn't be so... so hopeful, not for someone who'd spoken badly about her family. If that smug know-it-all won, not only would he have gotten a badge before her, he'd use it as another excuse to preach at her and everyone. So why, besides for the dragon, did she want this? Why did that comforting warmth spread through her as he referred to her as a friend? Why was she ignoring her parents' teachings by supporting him instead of trying to outdo him?

Just as the Munchlax looked to be turning the odds around - nearly making Sophia tear her frills by gripping too hard - Roadrunner dealt the deciding blow. Despite herself, Sophia felt a grin of relief spread over her face. [i]Don't let him see that[/i], she told herself, trying to calm down at least on the outside, although Oscar's attention was on the badge and TM selection presented to him.

Once he'd chosen, she stood up, advancing with slow and unsteady footsteps as Lacey scampered behind and Clarus floated by her side. [color=orchid]"You know..."[/color] she said, pausing to take a deep breath. How would she word this in a way that wouldn't go to his head? [color=orchid]"Don't you go and rub this in my face, but just to tell you... You did great."[/color] A little smile brightened her features. [color=orchid]"And... Congratulations."[/color]

She tilted her head, looking at the baby dragon. [color=orchid]"You see?"[/color] she said. [color=orchid]"I told you he's a good trainer."[/color]

That was when she felt something. Despite her abilities not being at their best, an energy flare thrummed at the edge of her consciousness. [color=orchid]"Huh?"[/color] She turned to the source of the aura, Roadrunner, who hunched and tensed to his trainer's distress. [color=orchid]"Roadrunner! What's going on?"[/color] She crouched, trying to tune into him as much as she could. That pulsing sensation welled, ready to spread... Realisation hit. Her eyes widened.

[color=orchid]"Oscar..."[/color] She stared up at her rival, her friend, or however she'd grown to think of him. [color=orchid]"Nothing's wrong with him. If this is what I think, it's a good thing."[/color]

[hider=Notes]
[b]Pokemon Party:[/b] Gothita "Lacey" lv14, Purrloin "Grimalkin" lv13, Staryu "Arcturus" lv13, Darumaka "Lumas" lv11, Shuppet "Fantoccino" lv11, Bronzor "Clarus" lv11
[b]Pokemon in PC:[/b]
[b]Inventory:[/b] Pokeball x1, TM33 (Reflect), Oran Berry x3[/hider]