The Nacrene Gym was quieter than Nyra remembered.
Not empty, never empty, but still. The massive bookshelves loomed like silent witnesses, their shadows stretching across the polished floor. Sunlight filtered through high windows, catching dust in the air, turning it into something almost sacred.
Nyra stood at the entrance, fingers curling slowly into fists.
She breathed in.
Then out.
Grant stood beside her, hands in his jacket pockets. Dewott's Poké Ball rested at his hip, unused, a reminder rather than a promise. He didn't say anything at first, just shifted closer, enough that she could feel his presence without it pressing.
"You don't have to rush," he said quietly.
Nyra nodded. "I know."
She glanced at him, just once. "I'm not here to prove anything today."
Grant met her eyes. "Good. Then fight like you."
They stepped forward together.
Lenora waited at the far end of the arena, arms folded loosely, expression calm but attentive. She studied Nyra for a moment longer than last time, really studied her.
"You came back," Lenora said.
Nyra bowed. "Yes."
"And you brought support," Lenora added, eyes flicking briefly to Grant.
Grant inclined his head, respectful, silent.
Lenora smiled faintly. "Very well. The rules are the same. Two Pokémon each. One-on-one battles."
She stepped back, raising her arm. "Show me what you've learned."
Nyra's heart thudded, not wildly, not panicked. Steady. Present.
She reached for her Poké Ball.
"Pignite," she said softly. "Let's start."
The ball burst open in a flash of light, and Pignite landed heavily on the field, flames flickering along his shoulders. He snorted, stamping a hoof, eyes locked forward.
Lenora didn't hesitate. "Watchog."
The sentry Pokémon appeared in a blur, tail twitching, eyes sharp and calculating.
"Battle, begin!"
Watchog moved first.
"Watchog, feint!" Lenora called.
The Normal type darted forward, then abruptly stopped, eyes glowing faintly as it shifted its stance.
Nyra didn't flinch. "Don't chase. Flame Charge, controlled!"
Pignite surged forward, fire building around his legs, but not recklessly. He slowed just enough, flames tightening instead of flaring wildly.
Watchog pivoted, slamming its tail into the ground, throwing Pignite off balance,
"Arm Thrust!"
Pignite roared, charging through the disruption, fists hammering forward. The blows landed, solid and heavy, forcing Watchog back.
Grant watched closely, jaw tight.
She's not overcommitting, he thought. She's reading.
Watchog recovered quickly, darting sideways. "Counter," Lenora said calmly.
Watchog took the next hit head on, and struck back immediately, slamming into Pignite's chest with brutal timing.
Pignite skidded back, grunting.
Nyra's breath hitched, but she didn't shout.
"Circle left," she said. "Wait for it."
Pignite obeyed, steps slower now, fire dimming as he focused. Watchog advanced cautiously, eyes flicking, waiting for an opening.
"Now," Nyra whispered. "Flame Charge."
Pignite lunged.
The two Pokémon collided in a burst of fire and force, and both went down.
Silence followed.
Smoke curled upward as Watchog and Pignite lay still.
For a heartbeat, no one moved.
Then Lenora raised her hand. "Double faint."
Nyra closed her eyes briefly.
When she opened them, there was no panic. Only resolve.
"Good work," she murmured, recalling Pignite. "You did exactly what I asked."
Grant exhaled slowly.
One Pokémon left.
Lenora didn't waste time. "Herdier."
The loyal Pokémon bounded onto the field, fur bristling, stance aggressive but disciplined.
Nyra released her final Poké Ball.
"Whirlipede."
Whirlipede hit the ground rolling, spines clattering softly as he uncoiled, eyes fixed on Herdier.
"Begin!"
Herdier charged immediately, fangs bared.
"Poison Tail!" Nyra called.
Whirlipede spun, tail glowing violet as it lashed out, but Herdier leapt back, claws scraping the floor.
"Take Down!" Lenora ordered.
Herdier slammed forward, colliding with Whirlipede in a heavy impact that sent both skidding.
Whirlipede groaned, struggling to regain balance.
Nyra's fingers trembled.
Don't rush.
"String Shot!" she said.
Threads burst forth, tangling Herdier's legs, slowing its advance.
"Break through!" Lenora snapped.
Herdier powered forward anyway, tearing through the strings, slamming into Whirlipede again.
Whirlipede cried out, rolling unevenly now.
Grant's hands clenched at his sides.
She has to choose, he thought. Now.
Nyra swallowed. "Whirlipede, roll back. Then… Poison Tail. Full commitment."
Whirlipede hesitated.
Nyra's voice softened, but didn't waver. "I'm here. Trust me."
Whirlipede roared and surged forward, spinning faster than before. Herdier lunged, and Whirlipede's tail struck first, poison coating sinking deep.
Herdier staggered, still standing, still fighting.
"Last push!" Lenora called.
Herdier charged one final time, a push
"Finish it!" Nyra shouted.
Whirlipede slammed into Herdier head-on, both tumbling across the field.
When the dust settled, Herdier collapsed.
Whirlipede remained upright, shaking, battered, barely conscious.
For a long moment, the gym was silent.
Then Lenora smiled.
"Well done."
She stepped forward, placing the badge gently into Nyra's hands.
"You didn't win by overpowering," Lenora said. "You won by choosing when to act, and when not to."
Nyra bowed deeply, hands shaking.
Outside the gym, the sunlight felt warmer.
Nyra leaned against the wall, exhaustion finally crashing over her.
Grant stood beside her.
"You did it," he said happily.
Nyra laughed breathlessly. "Barely."
Grant shook his head. "No. You did it right."
She looked at him then, not triumphant, not relieved. Just honest.
"I was scared," she admitted.
Grant nodded. "So was I."
They stood there together, badge heavy in her palm, the future stretching forward, not easier.
Just clearer.
And that, for now, was enough.