A dilemma and Deal

Misty: I was to become strong

Looking at the battle that unfolded or one-sided beat down, I clenched my first with frustration.

None of my Pokemons could have won against that Pokemon in one on one battle.

Forget one, that Pokemon has the power to destroy my entire team.

Charizard defeated such Pokemon effortlessly. I still remember that weak Charmander who was crying for being abandoned; now he was this strong. All the credit goes to Aoki.

When will I reach Aoki's level of skills?

He is already leagues above me and every day the difference in power keeps on increasing. It still feels like I am taking advantage of him in everything…

I want to get stronger too and don't want to stay dependent on him. I want to stand beside him in his journey…

I train …train hard and try to do things he does to make his Pokemons stronger but it doesn't work…why..what am I doing wrong.

He was kind enough to make me see most of the moves of Venusaur but my Pokemon still would not stand a chance.

I somehow understand why my father didn't want me to take up the position of gym leader.

I lacked patience and always looked for a method to become strong without working hard.

All the gym leaders I have come across have raised such strong pokemon themselves and have become worthy to take on that position.

As for me...I was simply asking my father to hand me down the position for nothing. Somehow my sisters got the gym leader position was justified as they had started raising Pokemon before me and didn't take everything for granted.

I had even given up on convincing Gyarados at one point until I met Aoki.

Yes, It was his presence that started bringing change in me. It was after him being in my life that I truly started putting effort into raising Pokemon.

I started seeing him as a shining star that I must reach.

That smile that my father gave when I told him that I have started to collect badges, that smile he gave somehow felt more genuine.

If not for Aoki, I would never reach this position. That is why I must become stronger…stronger than ever to replay all the help that he gave me.

People say that the star that shines the brightest, falls the quickest. Even though Aoki is very strong, he too might someday come across situations when his light starts to fade away.

For that, I must be there with him to re-ignite his light.

He is the person I gave my heart after all

************

"Hey Misty, let's wait outside"

Aoki's voice made Misty come out of her dazed state.

"O-Okay"

Sitting in the waiting area, Aoki asked if something was wrong with her.

"Nothing, I was just thinking about the battle. She is strong…very strong " Misty said

Aoki sensed that she was in a bit of a trance.

"So what? isn't standing up to the impossible a part of being a Pokemon trainer?

The place Erika stands today is due to her years of training and hard work. The level you have reached in less than a year of training already makes you an exceptional trainer.

Every time I see your family's face in video calls, they appear to be extremely proud of you.

So what you cannot beat Erika today?, you have a lot of time to improve.

If you are weak today, that doesn't mean you will be weak tomorrow.

Being weak is not wrong but staying weak is

You wanted to prove to your father right, demonstrate your ability in the upcoming tournament.

And remember one thing, if you can defeat the yesterday's you every day, you will be the strongest in no time " Aoki said to her.

"Thanks for the encouragement, I needed that I guess, " Misty said resting her head on Aoki's shoulder.

They stayed like that for a few minutes but their silence was broken by the arrival of somebody.

"Oh Liam, do you need something? " Aoki asked.

"You two are a couple right ? " he asked.

"Yes"

"Well…I indeed needed help with something," Liam said nervously.

"Apart from being a gym apprentice, I work at an acting and modeling agency.

The company I work at takes contracts from different magazine companies and advertisement agencies to provide them with photographs of models with their merchandise.

A few days ago the female model who worked with us fell seriously ill and is undergoing treatment so all of our deadlines are near.

So, for the past few days, I have been looking for someone to replace her.

Today, when I saw Misty, I realized she could help us. " Liam said.

"Here is the sample of the magazines that we photoshoot for," Liam said handing out three magazines to Misty and Aoki.

There were fashion magazines for both males and females. One of them was the well-known magazine Aoki sometimes reads.

Aoki saw Liam on various pages in various attires.

One thing to note was all the picks taken were solo picks of the male and female models. All the clothing was very interesting and had very less amount of skin exposure.

"Have you asked Erika? it would have been easier with her right? " Aoki asked.

"I have asked Miss Erika various times but unfortunately she refused every time," Liam said regretfully.

Looking in one corner, Aoki found a picture of Agatha and some words from her.

"Is Elite four Agatha affiliated with you?" Aoki asked.

"Not exactly affiliated but she sometimes gives us a visit as she knows our photographer,"Liam answered.

"What do you want to do MIsty? " Aoki asked.

"Hmm…I think I should give it a try. I change of pace wouldn't be bad." Misty said.

"I don't have to pose wearing a swimsuit or similar things right ?" she asked.

"Of course not! we don't deal with photoshoots like that. " Liam answered.

"Okay then, I don't mind trying it out "

"You agree !? Thank you so much!!" Liam almost shed tears of happiness hearing that.

Aoki informed us that he would be leaving Celedon City in 4 days as they had to reach their next destination by the end of the month.

"No problem, I will most probably be tomorrow

Now that I have both of your contact numbers, I can inform you about the time.

"Sure"