The animation looped seamlessly, every detail vibrant and polished, from Vivi’s flowing electric-blue hair to Spark’s perfectly synchronized wand twirls. Isabelle tucked her knees up to her chest, resting her chin on them as she watched, the excitement building in her chest with every pass of the animation.
The chat was already buzzing, scrolling too fast to keep up:
PokéFanatic_89: LET’S GOOOO ????
Trainer_Glitch: FENNEKIN IS THE BEST STARTER, DON’T @ ME!!!
BerryQueen99: Spark is sooo cute ?? but we all know it’s Braixen > Delphox ?
SilverTalon76: WHO ELSE HYPED FOR TONIGHT?!
xXPokéDreamerXx: Vivi’s streams always make my week ??
CoolRanger8: FENNEKIN SUPREMACY ??
GigaBlast420: Imagine thinking any starter beats Froakie lol
ShinyHunterMax: GigaBlast420, take your Water types and go ????
MoonlitCharm: STARLET HYPEEEEE ????????
AuroraTrainer34: Spark’s moves are SO GOOD, I wanna train my own Braixen now ??
Isabelle’s eyes lingered on the chat. Her fingers hovered uncertainly above the keyboard before pulling back, rubbing her palms nervously against her legs. “What would I even say?” she muttered, glancing at Azzy. The little Pokémon nudged her arm encouragingly with her tail, letting out a soft chirp.
The truth was, Isabelle had never commented on a stream before. She loved watching Vivi’s streams, found comfort in the humor and energy, but the thought of typing something felt daunting. What if no one notices? she thought. Or worse—what if someone does? Her mental projection appeared, waving a tiny sign that read, Just Stay Silent. It’s Safer. Isabelle sighed, leaning back into her pillow.
Azzy nudged her arm with her tail, chirping as if to say, Come on, just try it! Isabelle gave her Pokémon a faint smile but stayed quiet, instead watching as the dance animation looped again. Vivi’s confident, stylish energy radiated even through a simple starting screen. It wasn’t just entertaining—it was aspirational. Isabelle couldn’t imagine ever being that comfortable in front of an audience.
The chat continued to buzz with excitement, flooding the screen with emojis and enthusiastic comments. Isabelle’s gaze flitted across the scrolling messages, catching snippets like:
FlameThrowerX: FINAL COUNTDOWN!!! ????
BraixenFanGirl: VIVIIIIIII LET’S GO ??????
PixelWanderer: this is my first stream, y’all are wild lol
GoldenBadgeHunter: Welcome to the Ember Collective, Pixel! ??
FennekinLuvr: Only 30 secs? BRING IT, VIVI!!! ???
Pokémon_Mastery101: WHERE IS SHEEEE?! HYPE LEVEL 1000!
On the other side of the screen, Cierra Isaure adjusted her electric-blue wig in the mirror, tilting her head to ensure the waves cascaded perfectly over her shoulders. Her natural auburn hair was tucked securely beneath, hidden like her true identity. The violet contacts were already in place, enhancing the sparkling effect her fans loved so much. She leaned in closer to the mirror, checking for any imperfections in her makeup—there were none, of course. Everything about BraixenVivi’s appearance had to be flawless.
She took a deep breath, her hazel eyes lingering on her reflection for just a moment longer. This never gets easier, she thought, her chest tightening slightly with anticipation. Even after years of streaming, with thousands of fans eagerly awaiting her next appearance, there was always that flicker of doubt. Would tonight’s stream meet their expectations? Could she still bring the energy, the charisma, the magic that had turned her from a small-time streamer into a rising idol?
Her Braixen, Spark, perched beside her, twirling its twig wand as if sensing her anxiety. The Pokémon gave an encouraging yip, its fiery eyes meeting hers in the mirror. “You’re right, Spark,” Cierra murmured, smoothing the hem of her glittering outfit. “They’re here for the fun. For the energy. For us.”
With one last glance at the sparkling Ember Collective logo on her backdrop—a fiery emblem representing her loyal fanbase—she turned to her streaming setup. The camera was perfectly angled, the lights casting her in a glowing aura of pink and gold. She took one more breath. Then, with a practiced smile, she hit the “Go Live” button.
Isabelle sat up straighter, her heart fluttering with excitement. Even though she wasn’t commenting, the chat’s energy felt tangible, buzzing through the room like an electric current. She caught a few usernames she recognized from other streams, their consistent presence giving her a strange sense of community despite her silence.
The timer hit zero, and the “Starting Soon” animation faded into a burst of glittering embers, the transition smooth and theatrical. The camera feed switched on, revealing Vivi in her full idol glory—electric-blue hair flowing over her shimmering outfit, violet eyes twinkling as she struck a confident pose. Spark, her Braixen, stood at her side, twirling its wand with practiced precision.
“Good evening, starlets!” Vivi greeted, her voice warm and lively, instantly commanding attention. “The Ember Collective is back, and tonight we’ve got battles, fashion, and maybe even a surprise or two! Are you ready?”
The chat erupted:
ShinyHunterMax: THE QUEEN HAS ARRIVED!!! ????
AuroraTrainer34: SPARK LOOKS SO COOL ??
BraixenFanGirl: VIVI, I LOVE YOUUUUU ???
FlameThrowerX: READY FOR WHATEVER YOU’VE GOT, VIVI!!! ????
Isabelle sat up straighter, her heart fluttering with excitement. Vivi’s charisma filled the room, drawing everyone in like she’d lit a spark inside each viewer. Even Azzy was captivated, hopping closer to the screen, her tail wagging as if Spark might notice her from the other side. Isabelle reached over to give her a small pat, grinning as the chat exploded with energy.
“See?” Isabelle whispered to Azzy, her voice soft and filled with quiet warmth. “I told you it’d be worth it.”
The screen transitioned seamlessly as Vivi and Spark appeared live, standing against an animated background of sparkling embers and flickering flames. The chat buzzed furiously, filled with emojis, caps-locked excitement, and a flurry of messages that were impossible to follow. Yet Vivi, radiant as ever, greeted her fans with an energy that felt as if she were speaking directly to each of them.
“Alright, starlets!” Vivi said, twirling dramatically as her Braixen, Spark, mimicked the motion with its wand. Tiny embers flew around them, vanishing before they could reach the edges of the screen. “We’ve got a lot to cover tonight—Pokémon news, a Q&A, and maybe if we have enough time, the highly anticipated ‘What’s in My Bag’ segment. But first…” She gestured grandly as the background shifted to a sleek newsroom setting, complete with a ticker at the bottom displaying Breaking PokéNews!
A small chime played, and a PokéBall icon spun in the corner. Spark stood at attention, its wand raised like a microphone. Vivi leaned toward it dramatically. “Breaking news, Spark! What’s our first headline?”
The chat erupted:
Trainer_Glitch: SPARK REPORTING FOR DUTY!!! ????
AuroraTrainer34: PokéNews LET’S GOOOOO ??
CoolRanger8: Vivi better drop the tea ??
The screen transitioned smoothly to Vivi standing before a sleek virtual news studio, Spark poised beside her with its wand held like a microphone. A ticker scrolled along the bottom: PokéNews Spotlight: League Circuit Developments & Travel Safety Updates!
Isabelle leaned forward slightly, her legs crossed beneath her as she sat on the bed, VireBand propped on a pillow. Azzy chirped quietly, perched beside her, the little Pokémon’s tail gently wagging as Spark twirled its wand in dramatic fashion on the screen.
“Alright, starlets!” Vivi began, her voice taking on a playful, journalistic tone. “Let’s dive into tonight’s hot topics! First up—safety and travel improvements for Trainers on the League Circuit. The League has announced plans to enhance safety along major travel routes, focusing on better infrastructure, monitored rest stops, and more accessible Pokémon Centers. Great news, right?”
The chat practically erupted:
Trainer_Glitch: ABOUT TIME! I’m so tired of avoiding shady areas on routes.
SilverTalon76: Sounds good, but who’s paying for it? ??
CoolRanger8: Pokémon Centers are already packed; are they adding more?
Isabelle frowned slightly, her fingers resting against her lips as she watched Vivi scan the chat. “Better rest stops?” she murmured under her breath. “That’d be nice… if anyone could actually afford to get to them.”
Azzy chirped in agreement, her tail twitching.
Vivi nodded on-screen, her expression thoughtful. “I hear you, starlets. But here’s the kicker—the League’s also rolling out sponsorship programs for Trainers who can secure spots. They’re saying it’ll help with costs, but we all know how competitive those slots can get. It’s creating some interesting opportunities, but… also a lot of controversy.”
A new graphic appeared beside Vivi, illustrating the rising costs of travel essentials for Trainers—PokéBalls, potions, food, transportation—all climbing steadily upward. “Let’s be real, starlets. The cost of being a Trainer isn’t what it used to be. Inflation, rising prices for essentials—don’t even get me started on dirty corporate tactics driving small businesses out of the market.”
The chat exploded with raw, unfiltered opinions:
BerryQueen99: UGH, YES! My favorite shop closed last month ??
PokéFanatic_89: Big Corp doesn’t care about us. It’s all about $$$.
GoldenBadgeHunter: PokéBalls used to be affordable! Now it’s like 500 PokéDollars for BASIC ONES?!
Isabelle winced at that. She knew the prices were bad, but hearing others voice the same frustrations made it feel even worse. She thought of Verdantia’s small-town stores, the mom-and-pop shops where people barely scraped by, often losing out to bigger, shinier franchises. How long until there wasn’t room for anyone who wasn’t rich?
Azzy tilted her head, nudging Isabelle’s arm as though sensing her unease. Isabelle gave her a small pat, her gaze still fixed on the screen.
Vivi sighed softly, her violet eyes scanning the chat as she nodded. “I hear you, and I see it. For small-town kids or Trainers with limited resources, it feels like the League Circuit’s becoming a stage for the privileged. It’s not right, but it’s where we’re at. All we can do is support each other and keep pushing for better opportunities.”
The chat surged again:
ShinyHunterMax: That’s why people love YOU, Vivi. You give us hope ??
MoonlitCharm: SPARK FOR PRESIDENT ???
AuroraTrainer34: We need more voices like yours!!!
Isabelle tilted her head, a faint smile tugging at her lips. Vivi always had this way of lifting spirits, even when the topics felt heavy. “She’s good at this,” Isabelle murmured, glancing at Azzy. “She makes it feel like everything could get better, even when it’s... messy.”
Azzy chirped softly, curling up closer to Isabelle as Vivi’s expression brightened on-screen.
“Thank you, starlets,” Vivi said warmly, her confidence returning as Spark spun its wand with a dramatic flourish. “Your voices matter, too. Together, we can make a difference. Even if we’re just a small ember now, we can grow into something bigger. But for now…” She twirled in place, her background transitioning to a new segment graphic filled with glittering flames. “Let’s keep the mood high and our spirits even higher. Spark, hit it!”
Spark waved its wand, sending animated embers flying across the screen, and the chat erupted with cheering emojis:
Trainer_Glitch: VIVI FOR CHAMPION! ????
BerryQueen99: KEEP THE FIRE ALIVE!!! ????
CoolRanger8: LET’S GOOO!!!
Isabelle chuckled softly, her shoulders relaxing. “She’s always so positive,” she said, more to herself than anyone. “I don’t know how she does it.”
The screen shimmered with glowing embers as Vivi transitioned effortlessly into her next segment. The header “Q&A TIME! Ask Your Questions!” appeared in bold, sparkling letters above her, and Spark twirled its wand dramatically as Vivi struck a playful pose beside it. The chat lit up instantly, messages flooding in as fans scrambled to get their questions noticed.
Isabelle leaned forward slightly, resting her chin on her palm as Azzy chirped curiously beside her. “Here we go,” Isabelle murmured, watching Vivi scan the sea of comments with an almost supernatural ability to multitask.
“Alright, let’s see what we’ve got!” Vivi said, her violet eyes scanning the chat as Spark mimed scrolling with its wand. “You there—AuroraTrainer34! You asked, ‘What’s the best way to train a Braixen for contests and battles at the same time?’ Great question!”
Vivi launched into a detailed explanation about balancing move sets, focusing on both practicality for battle and flair for contests. Her voice was as energetic as ever, seamlessly weaving tips for move synergy with styling suggestions to wow judges.
Trainer_Glitch: SPARK IS ALREADY A WINNER ????
ShinyHunterMax: Vivi, how are you so SMART?! ???
MoonlitCharm: I NEED THIS ADVICE RN OMG
Isabelle nodded along, taking mental notes as Vivi talked. “She’s like a walking Pokédex sometimes,” Isabelle muttered, impressed by the level of detail.
Azzy chirped in agreement, her tail wagging softly.
The next question Vivi picked brought a cheeky grin to her face. “Oho, this is a fun one—‘If Spark could learn any move, what would it be?’ Easy: Close Combat. Just imagine Spark punching like a Machamp. Unstoppable.”
Spark puffed out its chest dramatically, miming punches as embers flickered around it. The chat exploded with laughing emojis.
Trainer_Glitch: LMAO SPARK THE BOXER
BerryQueen99: Braixen + Close Combat = World Domination ??
CoolRanger8: DON’T GIVE HER IDEAS!!!
The stream’s rhythm was interrupted by a sudden blare of music—the opening notes of Vivi’s theme song, “Blazing Matsuri,” playing loudly as a banner exploded across the screen:
? SIR LUX HAS DONATED 50,000 POKéDOLLARS! ?
The chorus roared triumphantly:
Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
Dance now, hearts alight,
Feel the flames, they burn so bright!
Through the sparks, we’re blazing free—
[scream]
This is our matsuri!
The chat collectively lost its mind:
AuroraTrainer34: HOLY ARCEUS!!! ??
Trainer_Glitch: WTF SIR LUX IS BACK!!! ??????
BerryQueen99: 50K?!?! HOW RICH IS THIS GUY?!
ShinyHunterMax: Lux strikes again lol
MoonlitCharm: HOW DOES HE EVEN HAVE THAT MUCH MONEY?!
Isabelle’s jaw dropped as she stared at the notification. “Fifty thousand?” she whispered. “Who even—” She stopped mid-sentence, her brain screeching to a halt as she read the name. “No way,” she muttered, leaning closer to the screen. “Veyron_Lux?! That… that can’t be him, right?”
Azzy tilted her head, chirping inquisitively.
Isabelle’s mind raced. The Veyron Lux from the Glow Dome? The walking enigma wrapped in a power suit? He’s watching BraixenVivi? It didn’t make sense. She’d never noticed his name in the chat before, but then again, she didn’t tune in to every stream. How had she missed this?
On-screen, Vivi’s usual radiant smile flickered for the briefest moment—a subtle crack in her flawless persona that Isabelle caught immediately. It wasn’t obvious, just a slight tightening of her lips, but it felt out of place. “She feels weird about this too,” Isabelle murmured, her voice low.
Vivi recovered seamlessly, her voice steady as she addressed the donation. “Wow, Sir Lux,” she said, bowing her head slightly. “Thank you so much for your generosity—Spark and I are humbled by your support. Truly.”
The screen zoomed out to show Vivi and Spark standing side by side. They both performed a deep bow as the chat filled with emotes and special effects, golden sparkles cascading around them.
Trainer_Glitch: LOOK AT THAT FORMAL BOW ????
AuroraTrainer34: LUX REALLY OWNS THIS STREAM LMAO
BerryQueen99: VIVI IS TOO GRACEFUL FOR THIS CHAT ??
When Vivi straightened, she clasped her hands in front of her, maintaining her professional tone. “Sir Lux asks…” She paused briefly, scanning the question that accompanied the donation. “Oh, a deep one tonight: ‘With the current meta shifting toward hyper-offensive teams, how do you balance defensive synergy without sacrificing momentum?’”
The chat immediately divided:
MoonlitCharm: WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN?! ??
SilverTalon76: This guy’s playing 4D chess.
ShinyHunterMax: Vivi’s got this. She’s always smart with this stuff.
Isabelle blinked, rereading the question on the screen. “Okay, that’s… a lot,” she muttered. “Why does he sound like he’s prepping for a League seminar?”
Azzy squeaked, tilting her head at the text as if trying to understand it herself.
Vivi nodded thoughtfully, her tone measured as she launched into a response. “Great question, Sir Lux. Balancing defensive synergy in a hyper-offensive meta is all about strategic switching and understanding your team’s role compression. For example, a bulky pivot like Corviknight can maintain pressure while providing utility through moves like Defog and Roost. Meanwhile, a secondary wallbreaker complements momentum by exploiting forced switches—think something like Garchomp with Swords Dance. It’s a tricky balance, but with proper planning, it’s doable.”
The chat filled with mixed reactions:
CoolRanger8: SHE ANSWERED THAT LIKE A PRO WTF
BerryQueen99: VIVI = GIGA GALAXY BRAIN ????
AuroraTrainer34: I need to watch this stream on 0.5x speed just to understand.
Trainer_Glitch: Sir Lux really asking the hard-hitting questions lol
Vivi took a breath, her smile warming slightly as she added, “I hope that helps, Sir Lux. Thank you again for your incredible generosity.”
Isabelle exhaled slowly, watching as the stream transitioned back to the next segment. She shook her head in disbelief. “What kind of person just… drops fifty thousand PokéDollars like it’s nothing?” she murmured. Her mind wandered briefly to Veyron Lux’s enigmatic aura at the Glow Dome, piecing together what she knew of him. “Rich, mysterious, and apparently a BraixenVivi superfan. What the hell?”
Azzy chirped, nudging Isabelle’s arm as if to say, Focus on the stream. Isabelle chuckled softly, giving her Pokémon a small pat. “Yeah, yeah. You’re right. Vivi’s got this.”
Vivi leaned closer to the camera, her violet eyes twinkling with curiosity as Spark perched beside her, its twig wand glowing faintly. “Alright, starlets, next question! Ooh, this one’s fun—‘What do you think about the upcoming Detective Pikachu: Unlocking the Enigma Files! movie?’”
The chat erupted instantly, messages flooding in faster than usual:
Trainer_Glitch: DETECTIVE PIKACHU IS A LEGEND!!! ???
AuroraTrainer34: I’VE HAD MY TICKETS RESERVED FOR WEEKS ??
MoonlitCharm: CAN’T WAIT! WHEN DOES IT COME OUT AGAIN?
SilverTalon76: The guy solved that Rocket loyalist mess in Kanto last year!!!
Vivi grinned, resting her chin in her hand. “I mean, how could anyone not be hyped for this? Detective Pikachu is a total icon. His cases are legendary—not just in Ryme City, but cross-region! That whole thing with leftover Team Rocket loyalists in Kanto? Amazing. No one knows how he shut it down so quickly, but he did it. Spark and I are super excited to see how this movie unpacks his latest case.”
Spark twirled its wand dramatically, as if declaring its own excitement.
Trainer_Glitch: SPARK WOULD BE HIS BEST SIDEKICK!!! ???
BerryQueen99: Detective Pikachu AND Spark team-up WHEN?!
CoolRanger8: I NEED A CROSSOVER NOW!!!
Vivi laughed, glancing at the comments as they flew by. “You all are too much. Unfortunately, Spark and I probably won’t be seeing it right away. We’ve got an upcoming event—super top secret, can’t say anything yet, but I promise it’s worth the wait. Stay tuned to my social media pages for the big reveal!”
The chat immediately buzzed with speculation:
BerryQueen99: AN EVENT?! WHAT EVENT?!
ShinyHunterMax: VIVI’S ALWAYS GOT SOMETHING AMAZING PLANNED.
Trainer_Glitch: NEW MERCH DROP MAYBE?!
AuroraTrainer34: ARE YOU GOING TO BE IN THE MOVIE?!?!
Vivi smirked, wagging a playful finger at the camera. “Nice try, but my lips are sealed. No spoilers here, starlets. You’ll just have to wait and see!”
As the chat buzzed with excited guesses, the screen shimmered, transitioning seamlessly to a glowing header: “What’s in My Bag?” Spark spun its wand dramatically, embers floating around the screen as Vivi leaned toward the camera with a conspiratorial grin.
“Alright, you’ve been waiting for it, and it’s finally time—‘What’s in My Bag?’! Let’s see what essentials this Pokémon idol keeps handy for training, battling, and, of course, staying fabulous.”
The screen split, one side showing Vivi’s cheerful expression and the other a stylized image of her bag—a sleek black and gold satchel embroidered with tiny flames. As she opened it on-screen, Spark mimed rummaging through its own imaginary bag, drawing a cascade of emojis from the chat:
Trainer_Glitch: SPARK IS SUCH A DRAMA QUEEN. ????
MoonlitCharm: THAT BAG IS SO CUTE, I NEED IT. ???
CoolRanger8: I BET SHE HAS FULL RESTORES FOR DAYS.
Vivi began pulling out items one by one, narrating each with her signature mix of humor and practical advice. “First up, the basics: Potions, PokéBalls, and Revives—because you never know when you’ll need to save the day. And yes,” she added with a dramatic pause, “I do carry Max Revives, because Spark insists we travel like we’re already Champion-level Trainers.”
Spark puffed its chest out proudly, twirling its wand as a flurry of embers sparkled on the screen.
AuroraTrainer34: MAX REVIVES ARE SO EXPENSIVE!!! ??
BerryQueen99: SPARK IS SUCH A MOOD. ????
Trainer_Glitch: YEAH, FLEX ON US, VIVI.
Vivi continued, pulling out a tin of Spark’s favorite snacks. “These? Lifesavers. Spark gets grumpy if we don’t have at least three packs on hand at all times.” She winked at the camera as Spark let out an exaggerated yip, twirling its wand for emphasis.
The next item was a compact mirror with a flame-shaped logo etched on the cover. “You’d be surprised how often a mirror comes in handy—not just for looking fabulous but for checking your surroundings or even signaling during emergencies. Multi-purpose, starlets!”
As the segment went on, Vivi highlighted everything from a travel-size first-aid kit to a sketchpad she used for brainstorming content ideas. She even showcased a promotional item from a sponsor—a lightweight, foldable field tent emblazoned with her Ember Collective logo.
“Gotta love a good sponsorship,” she said with a playful smile. “But seriously, this thing is amazing. If you’re a Trainer on the go, it’s worth checking out!”
The chat lit up with admiration and jokes:
ShinyHunterMax: EVEN HER GEAR IS ON BRAND. ????
BerryQueen99: I WANT THAT TENT SO BAD!!!
Trainer_Glitch: SPONSORED CONTENT BUT MAKE IT COOL.
As the segment wrapped up, Vivi leaned closer to the camera, her smile warm and inviting. “And there you have it, starlets—‘What’s in My Bag?’ I hope it gave you some ideas for your own adventures. Remember, the key to being prepared isn’t just having the right gear; it’s knowing how to use it.”
Spark added a dramatic flourish with its wand, sending a final cascade of embers across the screen. The chat exploded with applause emojis and cheering messages:
AuroraTrainer34: BEST SEGMENT EVER!!! ???
MoonlitCharm: THANK YOU, VIVI!!! I LEARNED SO MUCH. ????
Trainer_Glitch: SPARK FOR PRESIDENT.
Vivi chuckled, her violet eyes twinkling. “You all make this so much fun. But that’s all we’ve got time for tonight. Spark and I had a blast, and we hope you did too!”
Spark mimicked her pose, holding its wand high as embers danced across the screen.
“Remember,” Vivi continued, her tone softening, “keep chasing your dreams, no matter how big or small. And don’t forget—you’re all stars in your own right.”
As the timer for the livestream began its countdown, Vivi struck a dynamic pose, Spark twirling beside her. The screen flooded with emojis and cheers:
AuroraTrainer34: WE LOVE YOU, VIVI!!! ????
MoonlitCharm: BYE SPARK!!! ???
Trainer_Glitch: UNTIL NEXT TIME!!!
Isabelle smiled as the stream faded to a sparkling “Thanks for Watching!” animation. She sat back against her pillows, Azzy curling up beside her with a satisfied chirp. “Well,” Isabelle said softly, giving Azzy a gentle pat. “That was worth it, huh?”
Azzy squeaked in agreement, her tail twitching sleepily as Isabelle grabbed her notebook from the nightstand. Writing down a few notes from Vivi’s tips, she yawned. “Okay, bedtime, Sous-Chef.”
Azzy chirped once more before snuggling into the blankets as Isabelle dimmed the light. “Tomorrow’s going to be interesting,” Isabelle murmured, letting her thoughts drift to Vivi, the chat, and—most surprisingly—Veyron Lux. “What a weird world…”
As the stream timer hit zero, Cierra Isaure leaned back in her chair, letting out a deep breath. The glowing embers of her stream overlay faded, leaving the plain backdrop of her private room in the Lumora City Pokémon Center. Spark hopped down from the table, carefully placing its wand on the stand by her makeup kit.
“Another great stream, Spark,” Cierra said, her voice softer now, stripped of Vivi’s confident tone. She reached up to remove her electric-blue wig, revealing the auburn hair neatly pinned underneath. A few strands escaped as she shook it free, her natural hazel eyes meeting Spark’s fiery ones in the mirror.
Spark yipped encouragingly, nudging her hand.
“I know, I know,” Cierra said with a faint smile, carefully placing the wig on its stand. “But these streams take a lot out of me.”
She moved to the sink, wiping away her sparkling makeup with practiced efficiency, revealing the calm, practical face of Nurse Joy. Her uniform was neatly folded on a nearby chair, ready for her next shift.
Cierra adjusted the light on her desk, her fingers pausing over the keyboard as her gaze shifted back to the donation history still open on the screen. The bold line of 50,000 PokéDollars stood out at the top, fresh from tonight’s stream, but it wasn’t alone.
Her eyes scanned down the list, her breath catching slightly as the numbers added up in her head.
- Stream Date: 3 Days Ago
Donor: Veyron_Lux
Amount: 25,000 PokéDollars
Message: “Keep inspiring the Ember Collective, Vivi.” - Stream Date: 1 Week Ago
Donor: Veyron_Lux
Amount: 40,000 PokéDollars
Message: “Spark’s flames light up our world!” - Stream Date: 2 Weeks Ago
Donor: Veyron_Lux
Amount: 30,000 PokéDollars
Message: “Every ember counts.” - Stream Date: 1 Month Ago
Donor: Veyron_Lux
Amount: 75,000 PokéDollars
Message: “Thank you for everything you do for us, Vivi.”
- Special Event: Ember Collective Fan Celebration (6 Weeks Ago)
Donor: Veyron_Lux
Amount: 100,000 PokéDollars
Message: “A small token of appreciation for the brightest star.”
Event Notes: Attended in person, received exclusive limited-edition merchandise signed by BraixenVivi. Interaction respectful, with a signed check donation presented directly.
- Stream Date: 2 Months Ago
Donor: Veyron_Lux
Amount: 50,000 PokéDollars
Message: “The Ember Collective shines because of you.” - Stream Date: 3 Months Ago
Donor:Veyron_Lux
Amount: 60,000 PokéDollars
Message: “Your passion is unmatched. Keep burning bright.”
Cierra’s fingers hovered over the mouse as she scrolled further. The total donations from Sir Lux alone in the last three months exceeded 400,000 PokéDollars. The sheer magnitude of it made her stomach twist.
“Arceus,” she muttered under her breath, leaning back in her chair. “That’s more than some people make in years.”
Spark chirped softly, tilting its head as if sensing her unease.
“It’s not just the amount,” Cierra said, her voice low. “It’s how consistent he is. Every stream, every event... How does anyone have that much disposable income?”
She glanced at the earliest donation entries, marked from when she’d just started streaming years ago. Sir Lux’s name was there, too—back then, the amounts had been modest, maybe a hundred or two PokéDollars at a time. She’d chalked it up to a generous fan, someone who believed in her content before she even had a real following. But somewhere along the line, the donations had grown exponentially, ballooning to the point where they felt almost... unnatural.
Her eyes lingered on tonight’s 50,000 PokéDollar line. It wasn’t just the money. It was the message beneath it.
“Greatness deserves to be supported.”
Cierra’s gaze lingered on the message: “Greatness deserves to be supported.” The words hung in her mind, heavy and strange, like an unfamiliar melody she couldn’t quite place. It wasn’t the kind of overzealous flattery she’d seen from some fans, nor was it casual praise. It felt pointed, deliberate, like the sender wanted her to understand something deeper.
But what exactly?
She rubbed the back of her neck, her fingers brushing the small clasp that held her wig in place. Greatness? she thought, her lips pressing into a thin line. Did Sir Lux really believe that about her? Was that what he saw every time he tuned in, every time he sent a donation with one of these carefully crafted messages?
Her chest tightened with discomfort. The word itself—greatness—felt too big, too grand for what she did. She wasn’t solving world crises or making groundbreaking discoveries. She was just... BraixenVivi. A performer, a streamer, someone who made people smile for a couple of hours a week.
“That’s not greatness,” she murmured, glancing at Spark, who was tidying up with its usual efficient charm.
Yet the message gnawed at her. Did Sir Lux see something she couldn’t? Or was this just another layer of the mystery surrounding him? He was one of her first followers, always supportive but never intrusive. His words were carefully respectful, his presence constant but not overbearing. Still, the enormity of his donations and the weight of his messages left her uneasy.
“How does one person even have this much money?” she murmured, shaking her head.
Spark gave a small chirp, hopping up to help pack away the props she used for the stream.
“I know,” Cierra said, her tone thoughtful. “He’s been at every public appearance I’ve made, too. Never oversteps, but… it’s unsettling, isn’t it?”
Spark nodded, its ears twitching in agreement.
Cierra sighed, tucking the last of her equipment into its case. She leaned back against the desk, her gaze distant. “He’s never done anything to cross the line, but… I don’t know. It’s a lot. I’m glad no one knows who I really am.”
The room fell quiet, the only sound the hum of the Pokémon Center outside her door. Cierra let the calm settle over her, grateful for the privacy her role as Nurse Joy afforded her. She’d be leaving Lumora City soon, transferring to another Center to stay ahead of anyone who might get too curious. It was the balance she’d learned to maintain—being BraixenVivi and Cierra Isaure without letting the two worlds collide.
Taking a deep breath, she smiled faintly at Spark. “Ready for bed?”
The Braixen chirped happily, following her as she turned out the lights. Another stream done, another day to prepare for. For now, the two of them could rest, the embers of the day quietly fading into the night.
Azurill: Bubble, Tail Whip, Bubblebeam, Bounce
Idol Culture in Virelia Further Explained:
Traditional Roots in Virelia: Idol culture in Virelia can be traced back to the region's ancient festival traditions, where performers entertained crowds with music, dance, and Pokémon displays. Martial Clans often hosted elaborate celebrations where entertainers performed alongside Pokémon. Over time, these performances became more organized, paving the way for professional entertainers.
The Modern Boom: The introduction of broadcast technology in the 90s led to the rise of televised performances, bringing local talents to wider audiences. This trend exploded in the 2000s with the advent of streaming platforms, allowing idols to connect directly with fans from across the region. Idol performances grew from being purely localized events to massive productions, blending cutting-edge technology with age-old performance techniques.
Through their platforms, idols have become influential voices. Whether advocating for Trainer safety, championing small businesses, or highlighting the struggles of underrepresented groups, idols use their visibility to raise awareness and drive conversation through connections.
The idol industry is a multi-billion PokéDollar enterprise. From merchandise and live performances to brand endorsements and tourism, idols drive significant revenue. Events like BraixenVivi’s fan meet-ups bring visitors to cities and events, boosting local economies.
beauty, behavior, and performance. Every detail of their lives is meticulously controlled by their agencies, which market them as flawless, multi-talented individuals. While agency idols benefit from stability, extensive resources, and guaranteed exposure, they sacrifice autonomy and often work under grueling schedules with strict rules.
Independent Idols: Like BraixenVivi, operate entirely on their own terms, without the backing of an agency. These idols rely on personal effort, creativity, and the loyalty of their fanbase to sustain their careers. They manage their own branding, schedules, and public interactions, often wearing multiple hats as performers, marketers, and entrepreneurs. Unlike agency idols, they retain full control over their careers, but this freedom comes with significant challenges, including financial instability and the constant pressure to remain relevant. Independent idols thrive on direct fan support, generating income through donations, merchandise sales, livestreams, and short-term sponsorship deals. Their success depends entirely on building and maintaining a strong relationship with their audience, making fan engagement a cornerstone of their careers.
For a chart section if it makes it easier detailing the differences between Agent-Signed Idols and Independent Idols: Yes, Idols will play a sub-role in the story. No, it's not a story about idols. It's still a Pokemon Fanfic. I just had too many ideas.