A New Journey - Ash Ketchum {2}

Chapter 90 - Stage of Dreams

Emma, Ash, Misty, Molly and Brock at the Pokémon Center that evening. Emma sat at a table in the corner with Ash, Misty, Brock, and Molly, the warm glow of the overhead lights creating a cozy atmosphere.

Molly was animatedly recounting her favorite parts of Emma's performance, her little hands gesturing wildly. "And then when Sneasel did that spin! It looked like it was flying!" she exclaimed, wide-eyed with excitement.

Emma laughed, her heart swelling at Molly's enthusiasm. Nurse Joy walked closer with her smile. "Emma, you have a phone call."

Emma blinked and looked at her friends before getting up. They all went to the phone booths and looked at the opened screen.

They all smiled when they saw Jane on the screen. She was in hospital robe, but looked alright. "Hey there!"

"Jane!" Emma said as her female Pikachu waved.

"How are you?" Ash asked.

"I'm alright," Jane assured. "I heard from Hanna everything! And I watched on TV with Ryan. Emma, I'm so proud of you, you did amazing with Sneasel and Houndour. Your brother excitedly jumped out of his seat when you were shown passing."

Emma chuckled. "I hope you filmed it!"

Jane chuckled. "No, sorry."

"How's the baby?" Misty asked, her curiosity getting the better of her as she leaned closer to the screen.

Jane chuckled softly. "Still kicking away! I think he or she is just as excited as you all are," she said, placing a hand on her belly. "And it seems like you have some real competition in this contest!"

Emma grinned, feeling a rush of energy at Jane's words. "You have no idea! The competition is fierce, but it's so much fun! The girl that I'll be battling against, her name's Cara, and we actually became friends really quickly backstage. I was surprised I have to battle her right from the start."

"I'm glad to hear that," Jane replied, her eyes sparkling with genuine happiness. "Having a friend as a rival can make things more exciting. Just remember to have fun out there!"

Emma nodded earnestly, her heart swelling with confidence. "I will! I promise!"

Ryan and his male Pikachu peered into the screen. He smirked. "Well, look who it is."

"Hey, bro!" Emma exclaimed, her face lighting up at the sight of her brother. "Did you see my performance?"

"Sure did," Ryan said. "I knew one day you will want to do what Jane used to do. It had it written all over your face since you were little."

Emma blushed. "Oh, come on," she said as her friends chuckled.

"Just remember," Ryan started. "You're a Pierce, I know you've got this."

Emma smirked and nodded. "Yeah. We live our name, aren't we? I'll show everyone what it means to be a Pierce!"

"Good luck, sis, give it everything you've got," Ryan said as he, his Pikachu and Jane waved.

Emma waved goodbye and the call ended. Emma turned back to her friends, a determined glint in her eyes.

...................

Emma leaned against the cool metal railing of the balcony, her eyes fixed on the twinkling stars above. The night air was crisp and carried the faint scent of blooming flowers from the garden below. The city lights stretched out before her, a glittering tapestry of hope and dreams.