Chapter Ten
Pastoria City was south of Veilstone and had pretty much nothing in the way of attractions along the route. There was Lake Valor but it was closed to visitors. Its closure had been ordered by a man named Cyrus, who was apparently an ardent conservationist. She wasn't familiar with the name but the Pokémon egg in her arms jumped upon hearing it. She kept repeating it, experimenting with its reaction but it seemed rocking was all it was capable of doing.
She thought that maybe it was a Clefairy and regretted not showing the egg to Lucas. Surely he would've recognized it. Maybe he would have a better time looking after it than she did. In all honestly, she had forgotten about it until she went to check out at the Pokémon Center and even then, the nurse had to remind her it was there. She wanted to be on her bike, speeding down dirt roads and chasing adventure. If her current state of caution due to having to take care of the egg was similar to having kids, she decided she never wanted any.
The road went on until it hit the ocean and branched off into a fork. To the left was Route 222 to Sunnyshore City but it was blocked off due to the city currently suffering a power outage. To the right was Route 213 and spread across it was Hotel Grand Lake. The hotel had one big building that served as the reception center and housed economy suites; the luxury suites were private bungalows that clustered together like a small suburban community. It was also home to the Seven Stars Restaurant.
Currently, the restaurant and its famous hotel were decked out in banners, streamers, balloons, and other decorations. A camera crew was on-site broadcasting the festivities. They were busy interviewing a large gentleman who was dressed sharply in an expensive pinstripe suit.
He had a warm smile on his face and punctuated his sentences with laughter. Despite his ease, there was another, elderly man standing next to him that seemed to be working hard to hide his anxiety. Amira politely walked to the side to stay out of the shot when the large man spotted her and extended his hand.
"Of course! Of course! I am most proud to be sponsoring this young lady!"
She and the other gentleman shared similar looks of confusion but before she could say a word, the camera crew descended upon her.
"And what's your name," a reporter asked. The flurry of questions continued before she could even answer the first one.
"How do you feel about being sponsored by one of the wealthiest men in Sinnoh?"
"How do you and Mr. Backlot know each other?"
"You must be excited about the tournament!"
"Of course she is," answered the man as he draped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her next to him. "Why, this little lady and I go way back! I practically raised her myself! I know for certain she'll win the tournament, isn't that right, angel?"
Though blinded by the bright lights, she made out the figure of the elderly man frantically nodding his head to her.
"Yes...?" She answered meekly with flushed cheeks and hugged the egg defensively.
She stood trembling with a fake smile plastered across her face as the interview continued. Luckily this Mr. Backlot person seemed to have all the answers. She was glad to no longer have the attention of the reporters and once the party moved, following Mr. Backlot as he continued his boasting, they seemed to forget about her. She fell behind and hoped to escape the crowd before anyone noticed but was caught by the anxious gentleman from earlier.
"I am most sorry about that," he said with a solemn bow. "My name is Mr. Butler. I am the personal valet of that gentleman, Mr. Backlot. I'm sorry for the trouble. He has a habit of, excuse my phrasing, 'stretching the truth'. He doesn't mean any harm by it, really. I honestly think it might be a condition."
Mr. Butler explained the situation that she had just been put in. The restaurant was holding a Battle Tournament to celebrate its anniversary. It was open to all trainers, and in addition, businesses could choose to sponsor a trainer to represent them and raise money for a cause of their choosing. Mr. Backlot had been expected to find a Trainer for his own charity but had failed to follow through.
"I feel terrible for asking you to keep up this charade, but in order to protect Mr. Backlot's reputation, I am prepared to pay you handsomely for your cooperation."
She tried to think it over and failed to see a downside. After all, it was just battling and her Pokémon could use the experience. She shrugged off the money and offered to help for free but immediately began to reconsider once she found out the conditions of the tournament. The entire thing was to be televised. She and the other participating trainers were expected to dress elegantly. She was rushed backstage where she and her Pokémon were immediately primped and polished to look presentable.
They at least seemed to enjoy the attention. Prinplup was especially receptive to being groomed. Murkrow originally had trouble with the idea of being handled by anyone but calmed down after seeing the glittery jeweled dust that would be added to his feathers. Luxio and Ponyta enjoyed being brushed and didn't care one way or the other about the accessories they were to wear.
Even their Poké Balls received makeovers. Their Poké Ball's were put in clear capsules and then covered in stickers. While they looked ordinary, they were actually special effects that would activate when her Pokémon came out of their Poké Balls.
She herself was forced to dress up in a blue semi-formal dress modeled after Piplup's color pattern. Though it originally had problems fitting, the immodesty of her ample posterior was amended by the addition of a tulle petticoat. Her normal clothes were tucked away as a team of stylist took charge of her hair, painted her nails, and slathered what felt like pounds of makeup on her face. To heighten her discomfort, she was forced to wear high heels that she could barely walk in. Heaven forbid the tournament required more from her than being able to stand in one place.
She looked herself over in the mirror and kept trying to adjust her clothes to cover more skin. She kept her arm over her chest and crossed her legs but nothing made her appear decent. She knew very well how she looked in such a small skirt and Ghetsis' words taunted her current attire. She bit her lip as her face burned red in anger at the last time she wore a sailor suit.
She had given the Pokémon egg to Mr. Backlot for safe keeping and was ushered out into a makeshift arena that had been set up on the beach front. She discovered there were still more conditions to her participation. Thanks to her employer's bragging, she was to take on two trainers in a double-battle by herself. At the very least, she was allowed to heal her Pokémon in between battles.
Her first opponents were a couple representing an art club with a team of Mr. Mime and Finneon. Murkrow emerged from his Poké Ball in clouds of black smoke and spread his wings to reveal the dark glitter that had been dusted on his feathers to the cheer of the crowd.
Luxio's Poké Ball gave off sparks of lightning and his fur shined as stray jolts danced across his coat. Murkrow took on the foes Mr. Mime with Pursuit while Luxio took out Fineon with Spark. Both of the opposing Pokémon were knocked out in one hit.
Even though it had been extremely short, her Pokémon were still tended to after the match. This was of course in between hiding from reporters. Sooner or later, her hiding spot would be discovered and she would be pulled into another media blitz by Mr. Backlot. Mr. Butler noted her introversion and cleverly came up with various excuses as to why she had to be dismissed from interviews. He led her to a private room and told her it'd be safer to hide there then in the dressing rooms and she was deeply grateful for the peace and quiet.
The next couple she faced in battle were from a Pokémon Breeding Society. Their Pokémon, Kadabra and Starly, were tougher then the first duo she faced but not by much. They had a third Pokémon, a poisonous skunk called Stunky, and it gave Ponyta a chance to get some exercise. She sprung forth from her Poké Ball in a blazing inferno as if she had come up from hell instead of descended from heaven.
Her winning streak continued for four rounds straight. Luxio was turning out to be her main sweeper while her other Pokémon acted as support. This didn't sit well with Prinplup at all who had yet to make his debut. His agitation reached a fever pitch when Luxio evolved in the middle of a match.
His mane now grew full and complete. His top coat was thick and black with a soft down coat of blue that lay underneath. His ears, though still large, finally fit his face. His yellow eyes now stood out as the formerly white sclera of his eyes were now red. He no longer looked like a goofy kitten and was now a fully grown lion.
'Luxray, the Gleaming Eyes Pokémon. It is the evolved form of Luxio and final form of Shinx. It has eyes that can see through anything.'
The rivalry between the two Pokémon came to head as she rested in the room provided for her. She had brought her Pokémon out to enjoy their break and to have them healed by the staff from a local Pokémon Center specifically hired for the event. Prinplup shoved aside his handlers to take aim at Luxray with Bubble Beam. Luxray bore the attack and responded with Tackle.
Their impromptu battle startled Ponyta, who reared up on her front legs, knocking over a water cooler. Murkrow began flapping his wings, blowing glitter everywhere.
She called for the two Pokémon to stop but they refused to listen to her. Luxray charged up for an electrical attack as he stood in the puddle that had been made. Very few people had noticed and those that had were too late to say anything as he unleashed energy and shocked them all.
Luxray was the only one left standing. The attack was super effective against Prinplup and Murkrow. Ponyta took normal damage but was still too young to take such power unharmed. She and the rest of the crew lay doubled over in pain. It was sometime before things were sorted out.
She and her Pokémon were taken to be healed more extensively in the hotel's main building. This time, they were all taken to separate rooms. Try as they might, there seemed to be nothing that they could do to stop the two Pokémon from fighting on sight. The disturbance they caused riled other Pokémon in fear as they carelessly tore through the halls of the hotel. She called them both back into their Poké Balls but they burst forth only to resume their battle no matter who got hurt. Her fifth and final match had been put on hold and now there was talk of it being canceled all together.
Mr. Backlot refused to hear such talk and ordered the whole affair to be fixed. One man stepped forward claiming he could resolve the issue with only sand. She wondered if he was some sort of magician but then considered him to be an outright charlatan as his claim got even more absurd.
He called himself 'Dr. Footsteps' and said he could read the hearts of Pokémon through their footprints.
She and Mr. Butler doubted the matter entirely but Mr. Backlot was willing to try anything. They were all gathered on the small beach behind the hotel. As Luxray and Prinplup were currently being held back, it was decided that one of her other Pokémon should go first. She held onto Ponyta and took a few steps, walking along the beach until Dr. Footsteps yelled for them to stop. He then examined the footsteps through a magnifying glass.
"Hmm... Hm... Mm-hmm..."
"Well, what do you see," demanded Mr. Backlot.
"Your Ponyta," he began, addressing only her. "It's bored."
She narrowed her eyes in annoyance as if to ask was that seriously his answer. He beat her to the punch by suddenly elaborating on his analysis.
"She's hesitant around you as she has been mistreated by humans before. However, she is making an effort to be friendly to you. She feels bored because you don't play with her very much. She questions what's in your heart and wishes you weren't so cold."
She looked at Dr. Footstep in surprise and then turned to stare into Ponyta's eyes. She patted it on the head and quickly looked down as she tried to apologize. It hurt to know that her own Pokémon thought she was cold but knew it was the truth. His surprisingly apt assessment got both Luxray and Prinplup's attention and they stared at the man in curiosity.
Next was Murkrow's turn. Starting again at the beginning, she walked side by side with Murkrow as it hopped in the sand.
"Your Murkrow doesn't really understand you as a human. As a trainer, he thinks you have potential but he feels shunned. He will not open itself up until he thinks you have done so first."
Mr. Butler looked at her as he too tried to figure out what kind of person she was if all her Pokémon had to say about her were bad things. Next was Luxray's turn. She had to jog alongside him as he stomped his feet into the sand as hard as he could.
"Your Luxray is fond of you. He enjoys being with you but doesn't think you return the sentiment. He feels as if he barely knows you as a person despite having been with you for so long. He wants a chance to prove himself, thinking that'll win over your kindness."
Luxray stared at her and though it looked angry, he let out a soft mewl. She reached down to pat him on the head. This gesture sent Prinplup practically running over to them but it didn't attack. Instead, it pointed its flipper up at her and then down into the sand where it had made its footprints.
"Prinplup feels neglected. He thinks you're nicer to the others even though he's your starter Pokémon. He feels it's unfair since he's seen you at your weakest. You don't call on him much for battle and like Luxray, he wants to prove himself for your affection."
She winced and reached down to pet both of the Pokémon. They still glared at each other but the gesture seemed to calm them down.
"I'm sorry you guys..."
"Well then, that settles that," huffed Mr. Backlot. "We can't continue to sponsor a Trainer who mistreats her Pokémon! No, I simply refuse!"
Both Prinplup and Luxray seemed to object to this idea. They roared and chirped in her defense, which further sparked Mr. Butler's curiosity.
"Perhaps the doctor could read the young lady's footsteps," he asked. He was curious how she could seem nice as a person yet be cold to her Pokémon.
She took off the ill-fitting heels and wriggled her feet in the sand in relief. She walked down the beach alone, with each shoe in hand. Neither her facial expression nor her footprints could hide how she was feeling.
"You're feeling guilty," said the doctor as he examined her footprints.
"Of course she feels guilty," interjected Mr. Backlot, "as she should!"
"No, no," he said waving him away as he continued. "There's a deeper guilt. It has calloused your heart but not entirely. You feel as if you're walking alone even though your Pokémon are right beside you. Its fear that keeps you closed. You want to stop but you keep going because you feel you have to."
Mr. Backlot stared at the doctor in confusion but Mr. Butler seemed to understand the situation entirely.
"Have you...," he asked, "have you lost a Pokémon before? Perhaps prematurely?"
Mr. Backlot stared at her, waiting for a reply. She said nothing, only giving a small nod of her head.
Luxray was the first to move towards her, closely followed by Prinplup. Ponyta came near only after they did but Murkrow kept his distance. They crowded around her, all nudging and pushing as if trying to comfort her. She stood still as stone and let them smother her in consoling gestures.
"I see..." said Mr. Butler.
"Of course," said Mr. Backlot. "Anyone could see that! We can't pressure the poor girl to go on!"
Luxray and Prinplup objected again. They didn't fully understand their human but now that they knew, they wanted to prove themselves for an entirely different reason. They wanted to show that there was no reason for her to fear for their safety. They wanted to reassure her that they were strong and they trusted her, and that it was time for her to trust them.
"It looks like your Pokémon would like to finish the tournament," said Dr. Footsteps. "But they need guidance to be able to battle to the best of their abilities."
She did her best to wipe the tears from her eyes. Her fake smile became a small genuine one as Ponyta gently bullied her by taking a nip at her shirt collar.
"Okay. Yeah, we'll do it."
The party returned to the arena, all except Dr. Footsteps and Mr. Backlot, who were discussing his fee.
She and her Pokémon were made up once again to take on their final opponent, the owners of the restaurant and hosts of the tournament, a young man named Roman and his fiancée, Kylie. Roman sent out Sudowoodo, a Pokémon that looked like a tree despite its rock body. Kylie sent out a Pikachu.
She analyzed the opponents Pokémon and made her choice. From her party, she sent out the two best to take on the pair. Luxray emerged from his Poké Ball in a shower of sparks and fierce roar as his fur glowed bright. Prinplup appeared in a burst of bubbles that coupled with Luxray's sparks to create a shimmering fireworks effect. The two Pokémon eyed each other. They looked down the opponents across the field, each trying to be the more intimidating the other.
"Trainers," announced the referee. "Let the battle... Begin!"
"Prinplup, go for Sudowoodo! Use Bubble Beam! Luxray, you get Pikachu! Tackle it!"
"Sudo, get that Luxray with Rock Throw!"
"Pika, Volt Takle to Prinplup!"
All opponents had type advantage in mind and the win was anyone's guess. Prinplup had managed to hit Sudowoodo with Bubble Beam but was knocked off his feet as Pikachu attacked. Luxray watched him land with astonished eyes. He turned angrily to the opposing team and let out another, wilder roar that stood his fur on ends.
Prinplup chirped to the Luxray as it rose onto its feet. Despite the attack being super effective, he still wanted to battle. As Amira watched their interaction, a strategy suddenly came to mind, one that she was certain they could now pull off.
Roman and Kylie repeated their called attacks. This time, Sudowoodo's Rock Throw was blocked by Bubble Beam, and Pikachu's Volt Tackle was taken by Luxray, who was not only resistant to his own kind but unharmed by the much smaller mouse Pokémon. The enemy Pokémon tried their attack again only to meet the same results. Prinplup and Luxray defended the other then used their openings to attack their respective targets.
They called a truce as their new trust in each other won the match and the tournament.
She congratulated all her Pokémon with tight hugs. Murkrow disliked the embrace at first but dutifully accepted. It turned out the prize of the tournament, other than the boost to Mr. Backlot's reputation, was a seven course meal for the winning trainer. Now it was her turn to show reluctance until she found out she could choose seven courses of whatever she wanted.
She cried tears of joy when she was brought hamburgers, hotdogs, French fries, onion rings, fried cheesesticks, milkshakes, fruit pies, ice cream, and other American comfort foods and desserts. It had been too long since she had any of her home food. Now Mr. Butler had a legitimate reason as to why she was unavailable to give an interview, she was too busy eating.
The award extended to her Pokémon as well, who weren't as picky eaters. Prinplup and Luxray were no longer fighting each other directly but kept up their rivalry nonetheless as they challenged each other to see who could eat the most in the shortest amount of time.
"Young lady?"
Mr. Butler had come to find her and return her Pokémon egg to her after the festivities had died down. She was currently wolfing down an ice cream sundae and looked at him with some embarrassment.
"Please, don't speak on my account," he said with a chuckle. "About your plight, I assume you're on your journey, yes? I think it might be of some benefit to you to head to Pastoria City. You should speak to a man by the name of Wake. Mr. Backlot and I will be taking our leave. His mansion is just west, a ways further then Pastoria, south of Hearthome. Feel free to stop by if ever you're in the neighborhood. Until then, Miss Amira."
She nodded to him that she understood and he left with a bow. She wondered what kind of man Wake was and how he'd be able to help her but didn't spend too much time on it. Her goal first and foremost was to eat herself sick.