Ryo Akizuki

[The feed turns on to show Ryo glancing down at the ground, as if "she" had some grim news to share with everyone.]

I...

[However, it was more like something that "she" had a hard time processing in "her" mind finally sunk in. Ryo suddenly raises "her" head to reveal the brightest and most excited smile ever, and is practically bouncing in place!]

I won in my tournament section! Yaaaay! I can't believe it! I didn't actually think it was possible when I entered... but I ended up doing it!

[Ryo calms down a bit, but still maintains an excited smile.]

For those I battled these past few weeks, thank you very much for letting me have the opportunity to test my skills against you. [Ryo gives a slight bow.] You were all very tough opponents, and I was afraid of losing. One day, I hope that we can battle again... That is, if you want to. I really had a lot of fun!

[That seemed to be a good place to end it, and Ryo was about to turn off the feed, but stops in mid-motion as "she" remembers something.]

Oh... wait!  That isn't all!

[Sheepishly, Ryo holds up a shiny new Thunder Badge.]

Eheh! I even got my first Gym Badge ever! Well then, everyone, I have a question... Where could I get the HM for Fly? I've considered getting it as another Kanto souvenir before I head back to Goldenrod... Though I wonder, does being good in Pokemon battles really help me become more cool like Makoto-san...?

[With that mumbling train of thought, the video ends.]



[FILTERED TO IM@S CAST + HAYATE]
[ABOUT A COUPLE HOURS LATER... It seems Ryo had ventured to one of the nearby routes. But for what purpose? Compared to earlier, "she" seems rather serious. And distressed. Distresserious.]

Well, I made a promise to myself that if I won this, that I would finally do something that I never considered before. To be honest, I'm still a little scared, but then I realized... You're all not just my senpai anymore. You're all my wonderful friends, and that even if I'm scared of telling the truth, I should have faith that you won't hate me because of this. Plus, if there's a chance I'm going to be trapped here for years, then... I really don't know how long I can last like this...

[Ryo glances awkwardly to the side.]

Everyone... do you mind... if I tell you a secret?

[Hello, network. Today's video features a very sad smile from Ryo. His eyes seems to be a bit puffy, almost like he's been crying sometime earlier.]

... Good afternoon, everyone. This is Ryo Akizuki. Today, I'm going to sing a song for Ai-chan, who went home recently. This is my first time singing this, so, um... I'm sorry if it offends your ears.

[After taking a deep breath, Ryo begins. True, it does seem that the idol isn't used to singing this type of song, but it is evident that he is giving it his all.

The video doesn't end once Ryo finishes. It seems like there's someone more he would like to add...]

That was "ALIVE", a classic by a former top idol, Mai Hidaka. I think that the song really resonates with the situation of the three of us, and maybe even our senpai. I... I hope that the song reached Ai-chan, and that she knows that I don't want her to give up on her dream.

[The gesture may seem pointless to some, but it was the only way Ryo could think to cope with the loss.]

Um, anyway... I'm a bit conflicted. I'm wondering if I should stay here in Goldenrod a bit longer, or continue traveling to the other towns. I want to become stronger and be a trainer that people could take seriously, but there's also my idol career... Plus, I don't want Eri-chan to be by herself...

I guess what I'm trying to say is... Any advice?

[Good day, network. Today another anonymous text is sent out, as its owner thinks that an okay birthday present would be some advice.]

Hello, everyone. Since no one can tell who is sending what, I thought it would be a good time to talk about my problem. You see, I've been pretending to be a girl, and everyone thinks I am one. Well...

I'm really a man. （ーー；）

It's becoming really hard to hide it, especially when I'm travelling with my friends. Sometimes I wonder if I should tell someone, but I don't want people to laugh at me or think I'm a pervert or something. It's not my choice! Really!!

Um, I guess I should explain why I'm pretending to be a girl, huh? Well, long story short, I accidentally got a job where I have to. No one knows besides my bosses and a family member...

Anyway, I need advice on how to hide this better! I've come too close to being found out several times... It's very stressful!

[It's raining, it's pouring. This really put a dent in the Idol Caravan's traveling plans, but Ryo's making the most of it. Shit happens, after all. Even if it does make some things more... difficult. So the feed opens to the novice idol sitting in a tent, spreading some mayonnaise on a slice of bread. In the background are a Ralts and a Rattata happily muching on some diagonally cut sandwiches that seem to contain some whipped cream and Oran berries. It seems that the PokeGear has been set on the ground, so that Ryo's "cooking" duty can continue during the broadcast.

Ryo lets out a small sigh.]

I feel bad that I can't make a nicer meal for everyone... but I suppose there's no helping it with this kind of weather. Haruka-san and everyone, I'm sorry.

[After glancing back at the Pokemon stuffing their faces, Ryo turns to look at the camera again with a smile.]

The berry sandwiches I made seem to be a hit, though~ I'm glad.

Anyway, I'd like to ask about these Pokemon Gyms, since I'm thinking of challenging them once I'm strong enough. How should I prepare? And how do I know when I'm ready?

[Ryo glances to the side, mumbling in a barely audible and lower pitched voice---]

Then again, I really wonder if this is the answer to my---

[Suddenly, that train of thought is interrupted when the Ralts and Rattata begin to fight over the last sandwich. Ryo quickly drops the unprepared sandwich in hand and picks up the PokeGear to turn it off, since trying to diffuse this situation is probably not something people should see.]

RITSU, NEZU, NO----!

[The camera's view rapidly flies from one crazy angle to another, with a loud "GYAOOOOOOOON!" ringing through the tent before the feed shuts off.]