An hour had passed since the intense semifinal match. The sun began to lower on the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow through the windows of the League's medical wing. The atmosphere inside, however, remained still and quiet—until the subtle shift of a body disturbed the silence.
Kira's eyelashes fluttered. Her breathing, once faint and erratic, began to steady as her consciousness returned. Slowly, her eyes opened.
Her gaze met the familiar ceiling of the infirmary… and then drifted down to the warmth in her hand.
Ray.
He was seated beside her bed, holding her hand gently in his own. His expression was calm, but his red eyes were rimmed with worry, fatigue clinging to the corners.
"You're awake," he said with a relieved smile. "Don't try to sit up just yet. I'll call the nurse and your family—"
Kira gripped his hand slightly tighter, stopping him. "Ray… wait."
He blinked. "What is it?"
"…Thank you," she said softly, her voice hoarse but sincere. "For catching me. For staying with me."
Ray's smile softened, and he gave her hand a light squeeze. "Of course. I'll always be there when you need me."
Kira's cheeks flushed a gentle pink at his words. She looked away quickly, trying to hide her expression, but Ray caught it and chuckled.
Just then, he stood up. "I'll give you some space. I'll let the nurse know you're up."
Before he could leave, the door opened, and in came the nurse accompanied by Kira's father and mother, both visibly concerned but relieved to see her conscious.
The nurse checked her vitals, did a quick scan, and nodded. "She's fine. Just extreme exhaustion from overexertion, especially due to the aura synchronization. She needs rest, food, and calm. Nothing a bit of time won't heal."
Her father sat beside her next. "You scared us, Kira…"
"I'm sorry," she said. "But I had to give it everything."
"You did more than enough," her mother added, gently brushing Kira's hair back.
Ray stood at the doorway, smiling faintly at the sight. Kira turned toward him. "Ray…"
"Hm?"
"You have your match in two hours, don't you? Against Aurora."
Ray nodded. "Yeah. And it won't be easy."
Kira's face grew serious. "Then you need to get ready. You can't underestimate her."
Ray took a breath. "I know… but don't worry. I'll win. I'll beat her, and then I'll beat Ritchie. I'll avenge you."
But at that, Kira shook her head slowly. "No."
Ray blinked. "You don't think I can win?"
She met his eyes with firm determination. "No, that's not it. I believe in you, Ray. I truly do. I know you'll win this tournament… But I don't want you to fight for me."
Ray stared at her, confused.
She smiled softly. "What happened between Ritchie and me… I'll deal with it in my own way, when the time comes. I don't want your victory to be about revenge. Win because you want to win. Because it's your dream."
Ray's eyes widened slightly at her words, then slowly, a smile bloomed on his face. "You're right… Then I'll win for both of us. For our dream."
Kira gave a nod. "Now go get ready, Champion."
Ray turned with renewed resolve and left the infirmary, fire igniting in his steps.
Elsewhere…
Inside a dim, icy chamber not far from the stadium, Aurora Chevalier sat in still meditation. Her long silver hair shimmered under the low light. Around her, the room pulsed with a chilling energy, her Pokémon waiting silently in the shadows.
Her eyes suddenly opened.
A dark, ominous aura flared briefly from her pupils—cold, ruthless, calculating.
"I must win," she whispered, her voice as crisp and sharp as a glacier.
Outside, the wind howled through the corridors of the stadium, as if sensing the approaching storm.
To be continued…