Stella Gold had expected Byjerlfal Airport to be busy. Between the contest finals, the resort traffic, and the general insistence of people existing in large numbers, some amount of crowding was inevitable. What Stella had not expected was for the terminal to become nearly impassable because a Gym Leader had decided to hold court in the middle of it.

She came to a stop just beyond the thickening crowd, one hand resting on the strap of her pink designer handbag while the other held Fantasia’s Poké Ball. In a flash of light, the Galarian Ponyta appeared beside her, shaking out her pastel mane with a soft little whinny. Stella’s pale blue eyes narrowed slightly as she watched the fans gather around the woman in black and yellow.

Valarie. The Bug-type Gym Leader of Honnington. Contest Star. Dream of Byjerlfal.

Stella recognized her, of course. It would have been embarrassing not to. Valarie was famous, visually memorable, and currently making herself impossible to ignore. Stella’s gaze moved over the eccentric dress, the theatrical posture, the fans, and the deeply suffering security woman beside her.

[color=pink]“Of all the Pokémon to specialize in,”[/color] Stella murmured, rubbing lightly at her temple, [color=pink]“she chooses creepy-crawly bugs?”[/color]

Fantasia gave a soft whinny.

[color=pink]“Yes, yes, I am sure she is very talented,”[/color] Stella said, glancing down at her. [color=pink]“That only makes the decision more mysterious.”[/color]

The crowd shifted again, several fans pressing closer in hopes of getting a better look at Valarie. Stella took one step back, narrowly avoiding someone’s backpack as it swung past her skirt. Stella frowned. [color=pink]“Personal space,”[/color] she muttered, [color=pink]“continues to be a lost art.”[/color]

Fantasia stepped closer to her side. Stella reached down automatically, smoothing a stray lock of the Ponyta’s pastel mane back into place.

Then, above the shifting heads of the crowd, Stella caught sight of a small sign held aloft by a pair of tiny arms.

Camphor’s Lab.

Stella stared. [color=pink]“…Of course,”[/color] she said after a moment. [color=pink]“Naturally, Professor Camphor’s idea of a proper welcome is a sign barely visible behind a celebrity traffic hazard.”[/color]

Fantasia neighed.

With a final glance toward Valarie, Stella lifted her chin and began making her way through the terminal. [color=pink]“Excuse me. Pardon me. No, I am not in line. Please move your bag. Yes, I am sure she is very impressive.”[/color]

As she passed near the edge of the crowd, Stella’s gaze flicked once more to the Gym Leader’s dramatic black-and-yellow dress.

[color=pink]“Lovely outfit,”[/color] she murmured. [color=pink]“Tragic specialty.”[/color]

Then she continued toward the little sign, Fantasia trotting neatly beside her. Once close enough, Stella stopped, adjusted the strap of her handbag, and looked down toward whoever was holding it. [color=pink]“Camphor’s Lab?”[/color] she asked matter-of-factly. [color=pink]“Stella Gold. I assume someone here is expecting me.”[/color]