It's not like I'm in love or anything Chapter 2: I want to help, a pokémon fanfic

Calem

"I don't deserve your kindness..."

Those were her words, spoken with great difficulty as she was overtaken by a very strong tension that was even stronger than her. And everyone knows how strong Tari is, especially in battle. Yes, I know most of that is because her team is so overpowered, but it's the bond she shares with those pokemon despite the majority of them coming from trades that makes her stand out from everyone else. Especially Garchomp: she might as well say that he was her starter and everyone who wasn't with her from the beginning would believe her right away; it's as if they are literally a part of each other, a beautiful occurrence that everyone should see. And the way she gets into battles is really something: the way she gracefully releases her chosen pokemon with a swift underarm throw; the clear and professional way she delivers her strategic commands, followed by her large grin as her partner pokemon lands a hit; the playful way she taunts her opponent and the way she rewards her partner with treats and hugs- you could say that she's the perfect girl. Well, for a lowly rival like me anyway, because most people shoot dirty looks in her direction. It saddens me deeply to see such a lovely person being bullied that way, especially Tari. However, she never seems to let that get in her way. I admire that confident part of her. Along with everything else.

I guess I should provide more context on her behalf, so I will. Ever since the beginning, Tari always sought after the greater things in life. In fact, when we got to Lumiose City for the first time (which to be honest was a really early point in our journey as trainers) she had already traded her Chespin for a Gabite that would later become her beloved Garchomp. She also had an Eevee in her party that would later evolve into her bulky Umbreon. She didn't need any other pokemon back then- she had her Gabite and her Eevee and that's all that mattered to her. Then she got her Blastoise who was stubborn at first, but then he warmed up to her, even though she didn't have enough badges to make him obey her every command. But then again, Tari never needed those badges; she always became so close to any newly received pokemon, regardless of their level.

Then before I knew it, she had already received her prized Rayquaza. That was when her gift with pokemon was truly revealed, for it turned out that she was a natural with legendary pokemon; that Rayquaza loves her so much that it literally lets her fly on its back, despite not knowing the actual move Fly. Nowadays, she has an entire team of legendaries stored somewhere in her PC, ready for her to use when she really wants to be the most powerful trainer. Though mostly she just uses Garchomp and Umbreon, saving her Miltank and her Blastoise as reserve pokemon and Rayquaza as an emergency backup, along with a random sixth pokemon that she hasn't actually decided on yet.

Then she beat the Elite Four in record time and went where nobody would find her. Those were the times I worried about her the most. What was she doing? Was she okay? Where was she? She eventually came back to Kalos, much to my relief and I immediately told her that I was in Kiloude City waiting to be reunited with her. She went there upon receiving my request and let me tell you: when I saw her, I felt like crying tears of joy and holding her in my arms, never letting her go. That's when I realised that I loved her, and that my love was permanent.

However, I know she won't accept me- she clearly sees me as just another weak trainer compared to her. I think the reason why so many people hate her is because she's extremely pretentious. That doesn't stop me from loving her though- she really is a nice person deep inside. She just doesn't show that side of her very often.

So when she broke down yesterday, obviously I was concerned for her- I wanted to help her, I wanted to protect her: I wanted to be there with her, because I'm not there for her enough. After all, that's what neighbors do, right? Help each other when they need it the most. And yet, at the same time, I saw a new side to her: a precious fragile flower. Okay, maybe a thorny flower, but still a flower that needs that little bit of love and support. Though I do think I was being a bit too close to her. I should have considered her boundaries, her personal space. Tari's not known for being particularly close to people, so I really should have thought twice before holding her fragile trembling hand. Also I think I startled her.

Ah, I have a solution now: tomorrow, I will stay out of her presence in order to give her the space she needs to recover. I'll also give her a note so that she knows that I want to support her in every way- because she does deserve my kindness, no matter what she says or thinks. She truly does, because I really do want the best for her and I will stop at nothing to make her happy.

I close my journal and recline on my chair, pondering over the situation. Where should I go tomorrow? No, I'll figure it out on the day. I'll also check over her from time to time, just to see If I'm actually helping or not.

I turn off my tablelamp and head to bed; I might as well call it a day now.