The Pantheon

New Friends

The morning sun streamed through the window of Venus's recovery room, casting soft golden light across the tidy space. Ashley was perched on the edge of the bed, carefully tying the bright blue scarf back around Venus's neck. "There," she said softly, scratching under her Eevee's chin. "You're officially back to being the best-dressed member of the team."

Venus chirped happily, her fur fluffed and shining after Nurse Joy's care. She looked stronger, her energy slowly returning, though her movements were still careful. Across the room, Damian stood with his arms crossed, his expression somewhere between guilt and hesitation. Beside him, Hitmonchan stood tall and poised, while Haunter floated lazily, grinning like he had no care in the world.

"You sure you don't need me to stick around?" Damian asked, his tone uncharacteristically serious. He scratched the back of his neck, glancing at Venus. "I mean... after everything that happened yesterday—"

Ashley spun around, hands on her hips. "Damian, if you don't leave now, I'm going to start thinking you're scared of losing that contest."

"Scared?" Damian shot back, his grin returning. "Please. I've got this in the bag." But his confidence wavered as he glanced at Venus again. "I just don't want to bail on you guys when—"

"Bail?!" Ashley interrupted, pointing dramatically at the door. "You are not bailing. You are going to walk out of here, get on that stage, and show every other coordinator what a Hitmonchan can do. Right, Venus?"

Venus gave an enthusiastic squeak, puffing out her chest. Ashley chuckled. "See? Even Venus wants you to go kick some butt. And don't worry, we're gonna cheer you on from here."

Damian laughed, though it was tinged with a bit of nervousness. "Alright, alright. You win." He crouched slightly, meeting Venus's gaze. "Thanks for letting me off the hook, partner. Get some rest, okay?"

Venus nudged his hand gently with her nose, her expression soft and understanding.

Hitmonchan gave a low bow, his movements precise and disciplined. He straightened with a faint smile, as if silently saying, We'll make you proud.

And then there was Haunter. True to form, the ghost darted forward, sticking out his tongue and floating upside down as he made exaggerated faces. Venus tilted her head, unimpressed, but when Haunter's antics became even more ridiculous—complete with spinning in the air—Venus let out a small, chirping laugh.

Ashley blinked. "Wait. Did she... just laugh at Haunter?"

Damian smirked. "Looks like somebody's warming up to the MVP."

Haunter crossed his arms with a smug grin, puffing out his chest as if to say, Of course she is.

"Alright, alright," Ashley said, shaking her head with a smile. "You saved her life; you get a free pass for being insufferable." She leaned down, scratching behind Venus's ears. "And look at you, letting him tease you. I'm proud of you, too."

Damian straightened up, his confidence back in full force. "Okay, this is my cue. You guys better actually watch my contest, though. I expect loud cheering—even if it's through the PokéNav."

Ashley gave him a mock salute. "You got it, star performer."

Hitmonchan gave Venus one last respectful nod, and Haunter floated lazily toward the door, giving a final wave. Venus lifted her paw slightly in farewell, her tail swishing as the trio left the room.

As the door clicked shut, Ashley let out a breath, flopping back into the chair beside Venus. "Well, there he goes. Think he'll win?"

Venus tilted her head, then gave a small, determined chirp.