"Ooh, what do you think of this one?"
"It's… um, okay."
It wasn't that Juleka disliked fashion and window shopping. On the contrary, she enjoyed it a lot when she was still in Lumiose City with Rose and the other girls. Her spirit wasn't jubilant at the moment as she was still recovering from her loss from the Pokémon Showcase earlier in the day, but her apparent fan named Mirabel insisted on making her feel better.
As if she had any control over that.
At least this mysterious Mirabel had quite the eye for fashion with every commentary over every outfit she pointed out among the shops. There weren't many shops in Couriway Town in the first place, preferring to promote its natural waterways to draw in tourism and utilize its popular railway to cross great differences. Still, this change of pace from simply hanging out with her brother and her established friends was a bit of a refreshing new experience for Juleka.
"Hmm, you might be onto something here," Mirabel mused, narrowing her eyes to further inspect the mannequin directly in front of her. "The shirt's pattern comes off a bit too extravagant. It'll draw too much away from the more important features. And the matching accessories are severely limited." She then looked up to see how distract Juleka appeared. "What's wrong?"
"I… I'm not sure if… I'm good company right now," Juleka rubbed an arm nervously. "I'm not exactly… open with people I barely know. And… I'm still overwhelmed from earlier."
"I understand that, but even if you don't trust me now, you still have a good heart," Mirabel offered. "I can see that first glance. It shines even more during your performances in Showcases."
"… Have you… been watching me all this time?" Juleka asked tentatively, eyes slightly widening over such a notion.
"I've watched a lot of Performers and many of them are indeed very beautiful, but your performance style really stands out," Mirabel explained. "You try hard to stay true to yourself, but even then, you have difficulty expressing yourself to others. You were out of your element this Showcase, weren't you? Compared to past Showcases with indoor theatres, right?"
"How… How do you know all this?" Juleka continued.
"Well, let's just say I know what you've been through," Mirabel answered, patting the taller girl on the arm. "Come on. Let's walk some more and swap stories. I can start us off since I already know you more than you know me. Maybe snag some sweet snacks on the way. My treat."
Juleka found herself unconsciously nodding before being taken by the arm by the shorter girl. Her head was swimming. She was able to recover from her panic attacks from the Showcase for the most part and while she did want to go back to the Couriway Pokémon Center to retire for the day, another part of her wouldn't let her leave until she figured out this strange girl trying to show her a good time.
As pleasant as her company was so far, every time she glanced into Mirabel's face, a strange wave of familiarity washed over her body. There was just something about this kind girl that made her feel like she knew her before or at least would instantly know her better if there was some sort of specific indicator to stimulate the connection of identities in her mind.
"… Did you catch that, Juleka?" Mirabel's voice echoed.
"Uh, sorry, zoned out," Juleka shook her head.
"Oh, please keep it together," Mirabel pouted. "Surely one loss hasn't broken you?"
"What? No, I just… I have a lot to process right now," Juleka sighed, smoothing her hair with a hand. "I don't… I don't want to burden you with all this."
"Listen, I know we just met face-to-face, and you're exhausted from the Showcase, but hey, maybe there's something you'd need a stranger's ear to tell," Mirabel offered. "I know it's weird to consider when you have a brother and other friends to talk to, but maybe you'd want a fresh perspective."
"Maybe," Juleka muttered. "No offense, but why are you trying to help me?"
"Well… How should I put this?" Mirabel pondered. "I do genuinely want to help you, Juleka, but part of it also results from a long-lasting regret I've held for years now."
"Regret?" Juleka repeated.
"Out of respect for her identity, I won't say her name, but I once had a best friend who was, by all means, my greatest rival since we were little," Mirabel explained, fretfully tapping the tips of her fingers while looking down at her feet. She took a deep breath before angling her head up to look at Juleka. "We pretty much grew up together, went to school together, and started our journeys around the same time. Around your age, actually. Like you and Rose."
"Best friend," Juleka mumbled quietly, her mind immediately going to Rose. What is she doing now? She suddenly stiffened as she fully registered all of Mirabel's words. "… How do you know Rose?"
"I… Uh, word spreads around," Mirabel internally cursed her carelessness. As much as she wanted to share more of her true self with Juleka, it couldn't be done in public lest she drew unwanted attention. This was her free time and she was going to spend it getting to know this Performer. At least what she was telling now wasn't a total lie, even if she did witness Juleka and Rose's friendship years back in the Academy. "Many fans noted of you girls' closeness from a few Showcases."
"That obvious, huh?" Juleka mumbled. "I get it. I guess I'm glad others think we're close. What about you and your best friend? What happened?"
"Err… It's… something I don't like to remember fondly," Mirabel seemingly froze for a bit. She readjusted her beret and glasses before gesturing to Juleka to follow her along. "Let's just say… the last competition we were in together was also the last moment we were friends."
"Oh… So, this competition, you won, and she didn't take it well?" Juleka surmised.
"In a nutshell," Mirabel sighed before a bemused expression fell upon her. "Wait, how did you guess that?"
"Your body expression… It didn't come off as someone who'd be upset over a loss, so I figured it might be the other way," Juleka reasoned.
"Huh, very perceptive," Mirabel blinked before smiling. "But I'm afraid I also want to point out that the other option could be viable, and I would happen to have gotten better with dealing with losing."
"… But not in this case?" Juleka responded.
"Nope, you were right the first time," Mirabel beamed, swaying her hands behind her back. "You're quite savvy when it comes to best friend dynamics. So, you and Rose are going for the Master Class, eh?"
"That's right," Juleka nodded. "But even if she and I did make it to the Master Class, I doubt we can take on Mireille. She's been a great Kalos Queen the past two years. So many people admire her."
"Three years… I mean, yeah, I-I guess she's doing pretty well for herself," Mirabel giggled uncomfortably. Though her face didn't show any reaction, Juleka did find her fan's behavior increasingly strange and suspicious. At least she didn't prove to be a threat yet. "But enough about Mireille. This time is all about you. Your best friend is somewhere else in Kalos competing in Showcases and getting the Princess Keys needed to qualify for the Master Class Showcase. Have you been keeping in touch with her on a regular basis?"
Perhaps a fresh perspective to hear her out was what Juleka happened to need right now. Even if this Mirabel was aware of her friendship with Rose, it wouldn't hurt to share a few more things until she gained a better understanding of this mystery fan hereself.
"Well…"
"So, here's how this will go down," Kagami declared firmly from her side of the free battlefield. "A quick one-on-one battle, no substitutions, and no time limit. I doubt it'll take the entire evening to finish. Any questions so far?"
"Um, remind me why you challenged me to a battle?" Marinette responded with a sheepish grin from the other end of the battlefield.
"… Please pay attention this time, Marinette," Kagami sighed. "I wish to see your strength for myself. Plain and simple."
"But why though?" Marinette insisted. "I thought you'd be interested in stronger Trainers. And I've only started in less than a year. And I'm not… particularly strong."
"While it is true that I go after Trainers with established repute like Adrien, the fact that he listed you among his list of skillful Trainers deserves to be looked into for merit," Kagami explained. "And far be it for me to misjudge you simply because of the way you carry yourself. No, I won't take that chance and be so callous as to overlook you."
I don't care if you did overlook me, Marinette complained in her head. While she wasn't in a particularly battling mood, she wasn't one who'd turn down challenges, especially now that Adrien was around to watch her. That was when she discovered one silver lining from this abrupt turn of events. But maybe this might somehow turn in my favor. If I can somehow beat Kagami in this battle, then Adrien will get to see how strong I've gotten! And he'll choose me over her! And if I lose, then no big deal, right? Kagami is supposed to be Adrien's level, so odds are I'm going to lose anyway. So then, I have nothing to lose… right? Nothing except… Adrien's respect! Gah! What have I gotten myself into this time?! Kagami's gonna thrash me and everyone, especially Adrien, will see firsthand on how much of a loser I really am! A loser that can't even Mega Evolve properly! She struggled a bit to wrap her head around the idea that Kagami would willingly challenge her, given her station and all. But that certainly didn't mean she would be kept in the dark for too long. She ought to, at the very least, exert as much effort in front of Adrien for him to learn how much she grew. "I see. I was just… caught off guard is all."
"Hmm, there's actually something else I want to test," Kagami continued. "You can call this a personal experiment, if you must."
"Great, now I'm a Test Mankey," Marinette groaned to herself.
Sitting at the side benches, Adrien and Luka had been observing the entire exchange with interest, as well as the astounding contrast between Kagami's intensity and Marinette's spirit at the moment.
"She… doesn't seem to know how to take it down a notch, does she?" Luka noted. "Kagami, I mean."
"From what she told me, she didn't really socialize with anyone in the past," Adrien explained. "She didn't have anyone noteworthy to call a rival when I asked her about her past and she has more experience than Marinette and I combined. She just went through the motions." He thought back during the Couriway Showcase from the small interactions he witnessed between Kagami and her mother. "And I understand why she's like that."
"She's really focused, that's a good thing," Luka added. "I suppose I should be a bit envious. If I had her focus from the beginning, maybe I wouldn't have been feeling lost until I was thrown the Gym Leader position in Laverre City."
"What do you mean by that?" Adrien asked. "I thought you were picked for the position because President Bourgeois saw how great you were with Fairy-types."
"That's part of it," Luka nodded. "But what he refused to let out to the public was that he was in dire need for a replacement when Clara was about to leave to travel the world. A 'right place at the right time' moment, for sure."
"And you accepted his offer because…?" Adrien pressed.
"Well, I'm really no different than you, Marinette, Kagami, or any other Pokémon Trainer out there, Adrien," Luka grinned, holding up the guitar he was carrying around but not questioned about otherwise. "Only slight difference is that I enjoy playing music on the side, much like Jagged Stone does. Truth be told, I'd want to be successful like him one day. A great musician and talented Trainer. Before I accepted the Gym Leader offer, I felt I had no purpose after competing in a recent League Conference. I was drifting aimlessly, training my Pokémon and strumming a few chords here and there. Then President Bourgeois found me and here I am now."
"Wow, I didn't even consider such a thing," Adrien looked at the ground. "Here I thought I'd remain dedicated to my journey after competing in the Kalos League, whether or not I'd win. I didn't think about what would happen after that."
"It's easy to lose sight of your way and fall into disharmony," Luka sighed. "Disillusionment is more common than you think. I told you my dream and what my lack of passion in the past did to me. But with my new role as Gym Leader, I feel like it's a second chance to get it together and try again. No more discords within my soul."
"Interesting," Adrien agreed. "If you perform your role spectacularly, you'll no doubt be noticed and may be recommended to join the Elite Four, just like Jagged."
"You're very supportive and insightful, Adrien," Luka smiled. "Thanks for that. Marinette is really lucky to have you as a friend."
"Thanks, but I think it's the other way around," Adrien shook his head, glancing at Marinette, who was lightly slapping her cheeks to get her game face on. "Marinette is so amazing."
"… You probably should remind her how amazing she is," Luka mumbled knowingly under his breath.
"Pardon?" Adrien responded.
"Nothing, but I think whatever reason you have for not challenging Marinette to a battle should be put on hold," Luka advised. "You probably understand why from both a Trainer's point of view and as her friend."
Adrien merely hummed quietly in contemplation over the older boy's muse. He had a point that him not challenge Marinette to another battle would do her a great disservice, basically signaling to her that he had little confidence in her skills as a Pokémon Trainer. For some reason, Adrien had convinced himself that Marinette was undergoing some major turmoil that shouldn't be stressed further by goading her into battling.
Maybe it's because I mixed Marinette up with my Lady in my head, Adrien considered. He remembered Lady Ledian having trouble maintaining her Gardevoir's Mega Evolution for an entire fight, thinking back to the incidents in the Poké Ball Factory and Frost Cavern against Team Akuma's machinations. Both girls were amazing to him and strikingly similar in a number of aspects. "I think I know what must be done."
Luka smiled faintly from overhearing Adrien's words before shifting his attention to the battlefield with Kagami and Marinette wrapping up their pre-battle tasks. The latter seemed more pumped up than earlier, seemingly accepted the fact that a powerful battler like Kagami was openly challenging her and giving her some recognition.
"Let me start by drawing out my longtime partner," Kagami announced with a Poké Ball at the ready. "Bisharp, prêt! Allez!"
Her resilient Sword Blade Pokémon took to the field, blades audibly jutting out of her wrists once her form fully materialized. Her red body armor gave off quite the polished sheen under the slow descending afternoon sun. The various edges on her body, including her wrist blades, appeared incredibly sharp under the light.
"That's the same Bisharp she used against Luka's Clefable back at the Laverre fashion show," Marinette muttered to herself, thinking back to that battle where she first witnessed Kagami's severe ruthlessness. "A very strong Bisharp, at that. That Pokémon's both a Steel-type and a Dark-type. I might have a chance with this one if I play it by ear." This rare type combination severely limited her options. Feebas was still not ready for high-leveled fights. Gardevoir and Togekiss were considered, but Bisharp being part Steel-type negated the pros she did initially list on mind. They wouldn't be able to land any decisive hits, not against Kagami anyway, and any Steel-type move they would face would spell an instant end. Likewise, Spinda's Normal-type moves wouldn't be effective, and his dodging abilities would only last for so long until Kagami and Bisharp caught on. That only left two choices. Marinette held up her chosen Poké Ball close to her chest, over her rapidly beating heart. "We have a tough foe ahead, but we've been through worse. Let's do this together as always. Tikki, spots on!"
Kagami was certainly caught off guard at Marinette's choice if her slightly widened eyes were of any indication. The expression was fleeting and Kagami's face immediately returned to being stern and unreadable.
"Be on your guard, Bisharp," Kagami warned, to which Bisharp raised her arms up to readily defend. "Her Ledian has the higher ground… for the moment."
"So, Marinette is going with Tikki for this," Adrien commented.
"She also has a Leavanny," Luka added. "A well-rehearsed knowledge of types that gave her another option against Bisharp."
"Actually, it might be better if Marinette didn't go with Leavanny for this," Adrien considered. "In a battle of blades, Kagami reigns supreme in a close clash combat." The imagery of Kagami's Bisharp shredding down Marinette's Leavanny was painted simply in a few words. Leavanny's cutters stood no chance against Bisharp's edges. "Even my Gallade struggled for a tie against her. Anything sharp or with a sword has the Tsurugi family written all over it."
"I've heard of them, too," Luka said, leaning forward with his elbows in his lap. "I actually looked them up after Kagami challenged me after the fashion show. The articles and pics of the family members' battles, particularly Mrs. Tsurugi's, are certainly hardcore. Her ace Garchomp, especially. Adrien, you sat near her during the Showcase. What was she like?"
"Just being near her made the stories true," Adrien shivered a bit. "The online stuff is one thing. Kagami telling me of her training under her against Mega Garchomp during our down time is another. But seeing her live… well, you can practically feel authority radiating off her."
"Huh, I guess this is where I come in to help you relax from all that responsibility," Luka chuckled. "Speaking from pre-Gym Leader experience, remember?"
"True," Adrien laughed along, his eyes going between Marinette and Kagami before falling back to a frown. I know what must be done with Marinette, but what about Kagami?
"Are you ready, Marinette?" Kagami announced. "It would be dishonorable to start if either of us are not prepared."
"I-I'm ready, Kagami!" Marinette pumped her arms together. With Adrien watching her, she was determined to overcome the odds and show how much she really did grow since the last time. This wasn't going to be like her battle against Lila, to which he unfortunately witnessed and wound up becoming involved in a series of unfortunate events at the Poké Ball Factory. Not to mention that Skuntank-bag stole his first kiss, but Marinette wasn't going to cripple herself now with that horrible memory. There was also her losing to Chloé at Anistar City, but Adrien didn't need to know that if Chloé hadn't boasted to him about that yet. "No holding back! No sir! I mean, ma'am!"
"Uh, right," Kagami blinked, bemused by Marinette's sudden enthusiasm. It was then recalled similar energy exuded by past Trainers she had seen and faced. All seemingly content with their mediocrity compared to her. Yet those Trainers had something she lacked back then. This was why she challenged Marinette in the first place. To get the needed proof for herself… and her mother. "Very well then. Come, Marinette! En garde!"
Marinette Dupain-Cheng (Tikki) VS Kagami Tsurugi (Bisharp)
"Far be it for me to turn down the invite to go first," Marinette muttered. No doubt she's trying to size me up. She knew of one move with super effectiveness against Bisharp, but this was also a huge gamble. Expose it now or keep it hidden in her sleeve? Maybe I'll get lucky and knock her out with my opening move. Kagami and Bisharp were anticipating her move with equally steely glares. No, can't risk it. I can't take her lightly. No room for error, not with Adrien watching. I have to make up for my past battles. Outside of the Anistar Gym battle, I have a bad losing streak.
"Make your move now or I'll seize the chance!" Kagami warned impatiently, folding her arms upon her chest. "If you hope to ever triumph over me, don't hesitate!"
"Okay, okay!" Marinette fumed. Just because her own ordinary name didn't carry prestige like Kagami's didn't mean that Kagami could rub it in. She didn't need to be reminded on how low the odds were on her beating her and winning over Adrien. But that's where she was going to prove the more experienced girl wrong. "Tikki, charge in! Acrobatics!"
Her opening move wasn't going to be as big as she imagined had she started off with Mach Punch instead. But even Marinette knew enough not to underestimate Kagami in any way. Odds were that Bisharp would endure it and Kagami would find a way to retaliate tenfold. Not to mention losing the element of a super effective surprise. Marinette was impulsive, but not that careless. She wasn't about to forgo the basics of Pokémon matchups for a huge risk that won't pay off considering who she was facing.
In any case, Tikki charged up her power until her body was alight with blue energy and dove towards Bisharp, who quickly braced her arms up over her face for defense. The collision gave off a harsh clang with Tikki quickly fluttering back and using two of her arms to rub the sore area that made contact while Bisharp barely budged from her spot.
"Interesting maneuver," Kagami remarked. "My turn. Bisharp, Slash!"
"Tikki, watch out!"
Tikki still gained enough distance and speed from Acrobatics to move away from Bisharp's horizontal slice, narrowly getting nicked from the sheer force of her wrist blade alone. The Ledian could feel it without direct contact. The air itself was rent as far as Tikki could tell, a testament to Bisharp's power.
"Use Slash back to back!"
"Dodge them!"
Bisharp proceeded to chase after Tikki, not caring the fact that her smaller foe had nearly limitless space to escape. That didn't guarantee survival though as the Sword Blade Pokémon displayed a rather astounding leap to reach Tikki's current altitude. Tikki had to swing her legs away to avoid getting caught in Bisharp's thrust before picking up the pace.
Another overhead Slash attempt was made. Tikki reangled her body again to avoid the sharpness, but the startling caused her to lose a bit of elevation.
Third time, Bisharp reached her height and swiped horizontally, the wide razor arc nearly catching Tikki off guard and forcing her to dive to evade.
Instead of wasting time and effort to climb back up with Bisharp's fall, Tikki flew forward as fast as she could while Bisharp pursued her back on foot. She was relentless. She was determined.
"Your Ledian can fly away all she wants, but she can't avoid Bisharp forever," Kagami glared. "I have ways to make you come to me instead if you're going to keep playing around like this, Marinette."
She's so scary when battling! Marinette gulped, hurriedly devising more plans in her head while Tikki remained on the move. She would need to do more than dodge. "She's right, though. But that doesn't mean I can't do both! Tikki, Silver Wind!"
Tikki glanced behind her to see Bisharp, who was currently running in a straightforward path. The given command helped her see Marinette's current tactic as she made sure her and Bisharp's path was absolutely linear before taking a pause. The sudden change in her opponent's movements made no difference to Bisharp as she charged in, arms together for upcoming brutal Slashes.
However, receiving a concentrated gale of silvery powdery scales to the face did hinder Bisharp's reflexes to the point of stopping and covering her face while Tikki used the initial propulsion of her special move to boost away.
"Simple, but yielded the results she needed," Kagami remarked to herself, lips curling into a vicious smirk. "Looks like we're getting somewhere. Bisharp, break through! Iron Head!"
Focusing her power to the tip of her head blade, Bisharp resumed her advance through the Silver Wind, her Iron Head tearing through the glittering wind current as she slowly picked back momentum. The Silver Wind appeared to enhance the metallic sheen Bisharp's head blade was emanating as she charged in.
"Tikki, get away!" Marinette yelled.
Though she did gain a bit of distance from using Silver Wind, the Five Star Pokémon had to stay in place to maintain the Silver Wind. Seeing as her move was being torn apart before her eyes, Tikki ceased the winds leading back to her and attempted to ascend high enough in the air to get out of Bisharp's range.
Bisharp's steely gaze narrowed. She wasn't about to let her get away again. Kagami would certainly give her a verbal lashing for being so careless with an opponent, regardless of how unassuming they come off. Almost immediately after Tikki stopped her Silver Wind, Bisharp placed more power in her steps, anticipating the Ledian's liftoff and jumping high to intercept her.
The sight of Bisharp speeding up to her like a bladed missile frightened Tikki into fumbling midair, forcing herself to pull back and out of her foe's path. It was enough to avoid a full-on collision, but Bisharp was too fast to evade completely. Tikki was grazed from the side as Bisharp sailed past her, knocking her out of the air.
"Not this time," Kagami huffed.
"Tikki, can you continue?" Marinette asked when Tikki was holding herself up the ground by her limbs. Tikki managed a free arm and flexed it for assurance. "Whew, thank goodness."
"She didn't go down in a hit, I'll give her that," Kagami remarked as Bisharp returned from her leap, landing back on her side of the battlefield. "But I'm afraid I'm going to have to clip your Ledian's wings to wrap this up. Slash!"
"Nngh… Not gonna hide it anymore!" Marinette growled, fed up with Kagami flaunting her superiority. "Mach Punch!"
Tikki sprung off the ground into a red blur, easily intercepting Bisharp before she could've crossed the center line and smashing a fist squarely in her face. Marinette felt completely justified over the brief gasp of surprise that escaped Kagami's mouth as Bisharp was flung off her feet by the super effective hit. The Sword Blade Pokémon careened even as her back touched the earth until she slid up to Kagami's feet. Even Kagami could feel the sheer power from Tikki's Mach Punch from where she stood. Her knowledge of Pokémon was well-informed to the point she could deduce the force from the Ledian's punch was from the Iron Fist Ability she most likely had.
"Commendable," Kagami sighed, closing her eyes and releasing a calm breath. "… But I know you got more."
"Hey! I got Bisharp on the ground!" Marinette protested. "You're still not satisfied?!" She noticed that Kagami wasn't paying much attention to anything else as her eyes were upon Bisharp, who readily stood back up with a slight bruise on the center of her face. Though at a distance, Bisharp merely looked peeved. "… Oh, you mean your Bisharp."
"Now do you understand who we're facing?" Kagami questioned her Pokémon. "I suppose I share part of the responsibility for failing to direct you properly, but now we know how… unpredictable Marinette can be. Be on your guard at all times."
"What's wrong, Kagami?" Marinette couldn't help herself. The heat of battle, on top of her slight against Kagami, was riling her up big time. She was letting herself any victory she could grasp. Maybe it was because of how close Kagami was with Adrien in terms of skill, among other things, that she was doing so. "Have you finally met your match with me?"
"One good hit on your opponent shouldn't give you a swelled head," Kagami warned, sharp eyes narrowed even more. "It'll only be more painful once I deflate you myself. Bisharp, go!"
"Tikki, keep your eyes on Bisharp and use Mach Punch at the first opportunity you can find!" Marinette commanded.
Her Ledian flew in towards the center just as Bisharp had remobilized into action. Bisharp deviated from her straightforward path with multiple sidesteps, zigzagging about on the field as to not be as readable. Tikki remained on the move while observing Bisharp's patterns. She had to anticipate which direction Bisharp would turn to based off the angle of her turns and her constant velocity.
A readable left turn signaled Tikki to dive in with an outstretched fist. At the rate that the Five Star Pokémon was flying, she would strike and leave before Bisharp could retaliate. Unbeknownst to her, Bisharp's eyes followed her right down to the precise point.
"Sucker Punch!"
A dark aura of black and purple flared from Bisharp's body on Kagami's order. Right as Tikki swooped in for the Mach Punch, Bisharp's reflexes, at that moment, proved to be faster as Bisharp sidestepped the fist. It was as though she skipped over a fifth of a second, but Bisharp was witnessed in sending a backhand into Tikki's face to repel and disorient her. Though Tikki backed off a bit, instinctively covering her face with her free hands, the blindsided attack wasn't enough to fully dissuade her from following through with her Mach Punch.
However, the distraction gave Bisharp enough time to brace herself, predicting that Tikki was attempting to punch her face as revenge for the Sucker Punch. Tikki's attack was absorbed by Bisharp's forearms. Though the force from her Mach Punch was enough to lift Bisharp off the ground again, Bisharp remained in control as she landed back on her hoof-like feet this time, dragging against the earth within a few inches.
"Ugh, I actually know what that move is, and I hate it," Marinette bemoaned, left eye twitching irritably. "… Cheap shot."
"Sucker Punch takes the higher priority in most cases," Adrien explained. "But it only works if the target Pokémon is using an offensive move. So far, all of Tikki's moves have shown to be attacks. Kagami could've used Sucker Punch at any time."
"She must've kept it hidden like what Marinette tried to do with Mach Punch," Luka added. "Bummer, really. She and Tikki were really harmonious from the beginning."
"Tikki is her first Pokémon since the Academy days," Adrien recounted fondly. "I know how close those two really are."
"… I suppose I deserved that for getting too confident, but that's not gonna get me down," Marinette shook her head. "I've got too much riding on this to lose!"
"Her battle spirit, while erratic and prone to rather extreme temperamental changes, is admirable," Kagami commented to herself. "… Hmm. No, it's not enough yet. Not enough proof for Mother."
"I'm coming for you, Kagami!" Marinette bellowed, a bit red in the face amidst her fury. "Tikki, use Acrobatics to confuse Bisharp!"
"Can Acrobatics cause confusion?" Kagami questioned, her expression in bemusement before shaking the absurd notion out. "Doesn't matter. It's still an attack. Bisharp, Sucker Punch!"
Bisharp attempted to move, but found herself trapped by a trail of Tikki's speedy afterimages. As far as she or her Trainer knew, Acrobatics was meant to be an attack that would hit hard if the user wasn't equipped with an item or wearing a flashy accessory. Any seeming attempts that Tikki would use to collide against Bisharp were feints. The tricky little Ledian always bounced away before entering Bisharp's range and never stood still long enough for Bisharp to unleash her surprise attack.
"Now, Tikki! Supersonic!"
"Bisharp, stop!" Kagami gritted her teeth. Sucker Punch was useless against status moves. No sense in wasting more energy on a futile effort. "Huh, now I get it. Acrobatics was a diversion for Supersonic. … But like I said before, doesn't matter. Bisharp, Iron Head!"
Bisharp charged her move and stampeded forward headfirst. At the meantime, Tikki had picked her vantage point from the center of the battlefield and intensely vibrated her wings to generate powerful soundwaves. Marinette watched as her impromptu thinking was unfolding pretty well as imagined. Kagami was too stubborn and proud not to try an attack in the middle of Supersonic. Bisharp would soon be hindered by confusion and, assuming luck would favor her this day, would wear herself out quickly before she could snap out of it.
"Wait… something feels off," Marinette noted unconsciously, her intuition leading back to Tikki. The sound frequency given off from Tikki's wings felt different. More aggressive and irksome. Even the appearance of the soundwaves as Tikki casted her move on an unrelenting Bisharp was different. A forest green instead of the normal clear. And the effect those soundwaves had on Bisharp, though they did manage to stop her in her tracks, were not enraging enough to induce confusion. Rather, she appeared drained instead with a flash of blue emitting from her body, signaling a weakening stat. "What is going on?!"
"What trick is this?!" Kagami demanded. "Is this what it's come to for you to defeat me? Deception over calling out your moves?! I'm very displeased with such conduct out of you, Marinette. I know that's not Supersonic. It's Bug Buzz."
"Whoa! I didn't know!" Marinette held her hands up from the accusatory tone, glaring back defensively. "Honest to Arceus, I swear! Tikki must've picked it up just now! And don't ever call me a liar!"
"I vouch for Marinette," Adrien interceded, standing up. "She never lies about the moves she uses. She hates liars, as a matter of fact. It's not unheard of for a Pokémon to learn and use a new move during a battle. You know that's possible, Kagami."
"I second it," Luka joined in. "Marinette is not that kind of girl."
Kagami's eyes went from the boys back to Marinette. It was out of Adrien's mouth that urged her to challenge Marinette in the first place. She ought to have more faith in his beliefs, especially upon looking back into the previous progress of the battle. It was still too soon for her to make her own judgment based off the misnamed move incident alone. The battle fortunately paused when the Pokémon sensed the conflict among the humans. Kagami soon relented with a sigh and bowed the entire upper half of her body in Marinette's direction.
"… I'm sorry for the accusation, Marinette," Kagami uttered sincerely. "It is… no excuse for me to say that the rush of battle exaggerated my aggression towards you. It's nothing personal. I am… picky when it comes to certain battle etiquette being defied."
"I, uh, don't know what to say next," Marinette replied, fleetingly biting her lower lip. She was caught completely off guard by her opponent's earnestness, feeling bad on how she reacted in turn. "Uh, apology accepted? And… sorry for yelling back at you?"
"I deserved it," Kagami shook her head good-naturedly before a frown overtook her face, already returning to battle mode. "That doesn't mean I'm going to hold back."
"Wouldn't expect you to," Marinette felt herself getting back into the rush, prompting the battle to resume with a determined smile on her face. This prodigy girl from the Sinnoh region wasn't as bad as she initially made her out to be, but the deal between her and Adrien would be sorted out after. For now, she was going to enjoy a Pokémon battle like Trainers should. "Come at me, Kagami!"
"Bisharp, use Iron Head!"
"Tikki, get ready to dodge!"
Bisharp opted to leap high until she was over Tikki before pinpointing her exact area and diving in headfirst, using the natural pull of gravity to build up her speed. Tikki managed to get out of the way, only to witness the creation of a noticeably sizeable earth crater upon Bisharp's impact.
"Wait, has Iron Head always been that strong?" Luka questioned.
"I'm not sure," Adrien answered. He had a hunch, but until more time had passed and certain events took place, it was baseless. Not even he knew all of Kagami's Bisharp's strengths when he faced her not too long ago. And it was up to Kagami whether or not she wanted to share what she knew. "But I think we'll find out soon enough."
"Was Iron Head this powerful before?" Marinette repeated Luka's thought. "What just happened?!"
"I see," Kagami muttered, smirking. "Marinette, it would be fair for me to warn you to not try using Bug Buzz on Bisharp again, but that's up to you. Chances of the occurrence actually happening is pretty low, but you never know how luck behaves. This should prove an interesting learning experience for you."
"Then I'd just be playing into Kagami's hand if I do so," Marinette huffed. "Still, I need to know. I have to risk it. Tikki, use Bug Buzz!"
"Bisharp, dodge!" Kagami countered.
Marinette paid close attention on what effect Bug Buzz had that Kagami was talking about. She had a feeling she was missing some crucial detail. Tikki vibrated her wings to generate bothersome green soundwaves, but Bisharp was on the move. She turned her body to sweep her soundwaves like an arc, the edges of the ring-shaped waves eventually touching a part of Bisharp's body amidst her run and tripping her as a result.
"Hmm, nothing yet…"
Meanwhile…
"On me," Mirabel held up a small cluster of Shalour Sables neatly wrapped in a napkin for Juleka to take.
"All of them?" Juleka asked.
"I did say it was my treat," Mirabel smiled, waving around the shortbread cookies playfully. "Besides, where else outside of Shalour City can you get these? Next to Lumiose Galettes, they're so good! Pokémon love them especially!"
"… Thanks," Juleka mumbled, accepting her gift with a shy smile. "Don't think I'll be able to eat all of it. It's… actually a lot."
"I bought us each a full party pack," Mirabel explained as she placed her Shalour Sables into her purse. "They're meant to be shared with your Pokémon. I wasn't kidding when I said Pokémon especially love these to the point that they can cure them of non-volatile status conditions, including confusion."
"Huh, handy," Juleka remarked. "It's still a lot."
"Just go at your own pace then," Mirabel winked, leading Juleka from the sweets stand that sold her the treats. "Let's keep going."
Juleka felt her head spinning a bit less. She adjusted rather well in Mirabel's presence after getting to know the rather eccentric girl better from her stories of how she and her former best friend frequently competed together in various contests aside from Pokémon battles. Such activities included small fashion contests, Poké Puff contests, and even Pokémon Showcases.
That did explain Mirabel's astonishing familiarity over the subject, as far as Juleka noticed. And yet at the same time, the alarm bells in her head resounded louder than before upon dwelling on those particular thoughts during the girls' continued stroll through Couriway Town. Juleka was pulled out of her mind when Mirabel started speaking again.
"Are you feeling better now, Juleka?" Mirabel asked.
"Y-Yeah," Juleka nodded. "The 'peaceful thinking', counting to three, and breathing exercises you talked about earlier… It's good advice."
"Thanks," Mirabel replied. "Those exercises help me out whenever I'm feeling overwhelmed by life. They definitely help calm you down before a big moment. Try using them when you return to the stage for your next Showcase. Even if you don't compete at an outdoor theatre like Couriway Town, the practices should help with your stage fright immensely."
"Well, yeah, I suppose," Juleka looked away bashfully. "But… I've kinda… already done some of them before. The deep breathing, anyway."
"Then it's a matter of getting your thoughts in line," Mirabel suggested. "Remember that stage fright in any form stems from fear. And by popular interpretation, fear is the absence of love. Or faith." She shrugged, bobbing her head side to side. "Whichever you prefer. And from what you told me, your brother and friends have a lot of faith and love in you."
"Sounds about right," Juleka muttered.
"That narrows the scope down to you, my dear," Mirabel continued. "Do you have faith in yourself? Do you love yourself? Do you believe in yourself? I don't doubt that you don't, but by how much? You were amazing in past Showcases, so think about what was different about this time. The outdoor atmosphere, for one, but that had to use a preexisting fear to nearly throw you off your game."
"… Hmm," Juleka hummed. Mirabel read her pretty well from the basic information she shared about her, but for her to make astute observations from her performances in the Dendemille and the Anistar Showcases, this was worth further personal reflection and investigation. "I… don't know the answer."
"You don't answer to me," Mirabel held her hands up. "It's one of those things you figure out. But… if you're still having a bit of trouble wrapping your head around what's causing your anxieties, then let me offer a question to steer you into a different direction. It's actually something I've been meaning to ask from the beginning, but my cursed memory keeps kicking me down."
"Huh?" Juleka tilted her head to the side.
"Why is it you're going for the crown of Kalos Queen?" Mirabel presented seriously. "Really think what set you down that path."
"Why I… am going for Kalos Queen," Juleka repeated to herself, surprising herself on how she lacked an immediate answer. When was the last time she asked herself that question? Her reason for starting the path of a Pokémon Performer had been through Rose, but some other force had kept her walking on the path despite her anxiety issues and other shortcomings. Juleka smiled faintly. These were questions she would think about, even when she would reach the Master Class. "I see. It's… nice, hanging out with you."
"It's nice hanging out with you, too, especially without heavy restriction," Mirabel beamed.
"Restriction?" Juleka repeated.
"Oh, uh, I'm often under tight schedules from… where I work," Mirabel explained. "I'm… often pulled all around Kalos, so a break like this is always welcome. And I get to do as I please." Juleka picked up on the hesitancy again whenever she asked the shorter girl about herself. And the way Mirabel answered for herself was careful and structured, finding a way to turn it back to Juleka. "And I know I haven't mentioned work a lot, mostly because I don't think it'd be good to waste your time with my issues. Moments like these, for me, are to be cherished. Beauty can be found anywhere in nature. I'm here for you, Juleka."
"Well, thanks and all, but… there's still a lot I don't really know about you," Juleka reasoned. "Um, aside from what happened to you and your best friend. Sorry, again."
"It's not your fault, so need to apologize," Mirabel sighed. "Listen, you know I'm not trying to use you as a replacement for a new best friend. I really do like you for who you are. And I think part of you needs to accept who you are, too. The friends you told me about? Rose, Marinette, Nathaniel, Adrien, and so on? And your brother? They love and accept you."
"Why are you telling me this?" Juleka couldn't help but ask as she was trying to deflect the attention away from her.
"It's just… part of what I do," Mirabel shrugged. "Many hopeful Performers like you need special guidance to be the best you can be if you ever want to become Kalos Queen someday. It warms my heart to be a part of the Pokémon Performer world. You can say I'm… a Performer talent agent. Something along those lines."
She was met with an unsettling silence as Juleka continued to look upon her. Her ability to act was really put to the test when Juleka uttered two particular words in an unwavering tone.
"… You're her," Juleka deduced. "Aren't you?"
"EH?!" Mirabel coughed, mentally restraining herself to keep calm. She couldn't let vague words throw her off, but even she had to admit being careless about dropping hints to her real self. She shouldn't have figured it out until they parted ways at the end of the day. By then, she wouldn't risk getting unnecessary attention from the sudden unveiling of her identity. "I don't… I'm not sure what you're getting at—Oh!"
Her beret and stylish glasses knocked askew when Juleka suddenly went into her for a warm embrace. Mirabel could feel slight tremors coming off the taller girl's body as she placed her own arms around her thin form.
"… Thank you," she could hear Juleka's cracked whisper. "… And… your secret's safe with me."
"… I really did have a pleasure getting to know you," Mirabel smiled, tightening her arms. She slightly turned her head to see Juleka's face. "You know, happy girls are the prettiest. Bring that smile of yours out more. Let your natural beauty shine and there will be no reason to fear." She looked up at the red-orange sky. It would be rude and quite the mood killer to take out her phone to double-check the time. "Hey, evening's coming around. Let me take you back to your brother."
Shortly…
"Hey, you're back!" Adrien waved over as Juleka and Mirabel went over to where he and Luka were sitting, at the side bench of an occupied battlefield. "The battle's almost over. Both Marinette and Kagami are on their last legs."
"Jul, did this girl treat you well?" Luka asked.
"She did," Juleka said simply, small smile adorning her face.
"As much as I'd like to hang out longer with Juleka and her friends," Mirabel drawled, worriedly looking at her phone, vibrating to life at a consistent rate, on hand. "I'm afraid I have places to be. Gotta catch a train and head to the other side of Kalos, unfortunately."
"That sounds rough," Adrien commented sympathetically. "Hope it's a safe trip."
"And get plenty of rest when you reach your destination," Luka added.
"Will do, boys," Mirabel winked before facing Juleka. "Remember what we've talked about. I know you can do it." She rose up on the tips of her toes as she and Juleka chastely kissed each other on both cheeks good-bye. A traditional Kalosian act of greeting and parting that was sometimes upheld and at other times ignored. "I look forward to seeing you soon."
Ending her declaration with a playful wink, Mirabel ran off and went on her way. Juleka still felt warm on her cheeks, mainly from the physical contact, but the selfless inspiration the shorter girl left her was certainly going to last for a good long while. She would dwell on such things later. Now, her attention was back to her friends.
"So… what did I miss?" Juleka asked, taking her seat next to Luka.
"Kagami challenged Marinette to a battle after you left," Adrien explained. "Neither one refuse to give up. I'm impressed the battle has lasted this long."
"Marinette's doing awesome against a veteran Trainer like Kagami," Luka added. "She just has to be very careful now more than ever. One misstep will cost her the match."
"Ah," Juleka nodded in understanding, her attention now on the ongoing battle, in which Tikki narrowly avoided a lethal Slash in the air. Juleka's uncovered eye widened, feeling the remnants of the chilling slice rippling through the air. "Oh, my."
"All that power… I can't believe I'm saying this, but Tikki learning Bug Buzz really backfired on me," Marinette grimaced.
"No, the secondary effect of Bug Buzz happening on a frequent basis was what's backfiring on you," Kagami clarified. "And it just so happens that your opponent today has rare Ability known as Defiant. While Bisharp may have her special defense weakened by Bug Buzz on top of the accumulated damage, her attack power compensates for those losses. So look at it this way. You just have to get me before I get you."
"As if my heart isn't pounding itself out of my chest now," Marinette fretted. "This is so stressful! Tikki, Mach Punch!"
"Iron Head!"
Tikki flew to Marinette to build up her momentum, boosting her speed upon u-turning towards Bisharp with an outstretched fist. Bisharp went on to meet her at the middle with her head blade. A complete contrast on previous defensive tactics when dealing with a super effective Fighting-type move.
The two moves clashed, a powerful shockwave resounding from center that blew across the field and prompting Marinette, Kagami, and the others to cover their faces. Tikki was struggling to push back, her active arm trembling against the force of Bisharp's Iron Head. Bisharp, on the other hand, showed no signs of letting up.
Her glare deepened.
And she pushed through.
"Tikki!" Marinette screamed, watching her Ledian being flung to her side as Bisharp won the power struggle.
Time to end this, Kagami thought, hardening her resolve to finish her little experiment. It was strange to her. She would have any other thought aside from finishing her business, but felt that she should have some fun with it. An effect of being around Adrien? Bringing herself back to the outside world, she saw Bisharp was waiting for her command. "… You will be slapped down!"
"…" Marinette, Juleka, and Luka had absolutely no words despite their hanging jaws, only noting how red Kagami's face was slowly becoming due to the realization over her own botched one-liner.
"Interesting," Adrien placed a hand under his chin, taking her delivery line into consideration for when Team Akuma would attack again.
"Ahem… Guillotine!" Kagami attempted to save face, barking her order louder than her last line.
Brushing off her secondhand embarrassment, Bisharp stampeded forward with her wrist blades glowing and lengthened to a frightening degree. Tikki was pushing herself back up, currently on her knees.
Only to look up and see Bisharp bringing her blades together for a fatal pincer attack.
Bisharp landed behind her, blades receding, as Tikki collapsed back on the earth with no movement after.
"The battle's over," Adrien announced somberly. "Tikki is unable to battle."
"Tikki!" Marinette ran over to her defeated Pokémon and knelt at her side. She turned Tikki over to let her rest her head on her lap. "Oh, Tikki, I'm so sorry. I… I got careless." Marinette shook her head in disappoint and sighed as she recalled Tikki into her Poké Ball to rest. She heard a pair of footsteps approach her, looking up to see Kagami silently recalling Bisharp as well. "Great… Going to rub in your victory after seeing how much of a loser I am?"
"I have absolutely no desire to taint my victory by doing so," Kagami briefly glared. "What kind of Trainer do you think I am? And also, why so self-defeating?"
"You mean… you aren't disappointed that I didn't live up to Adrien's expectations?" Marinette responded.
"… Since when did I announce my judgment regarding your overall performance?" Kagami sighed, hand placed upon her forehead to keep it from falling. It was baffling to her on how Marinette seemed to jump to the worst conclusions from interactions she observed. "Just because you lost didn't mean it wasn't a good battle. After all, I don't lose."
"So, winning and losing aside, I actually did well?" Marinette asked expectantly.
"If you want my very honest opinion, well, I've had more intense battles than this," Kagami shrugged. Marinette wailed and slumped over. "Hold on. Answer me this. How did you feel during our battle?"
"Uh, it was intense, as you said," Marinette rose up and blinked. Though as she gave her answer, she realized the rush of battle that raged within her body had cooled down and left a euphoric sense of accomplishment despite the loss. "Huh, and I gave it my all in it, too."
"Then I think you should be satisfied with that answer rather than what I have to say," Kagami managed an accomplished smile as she offered a hand to the kneeling aspiring fashion designer. "But I guess I should mention that you have potential. Adrien has a good eye."
Relief had calmed Marinette in an instant as she reached her own hand to Kagami's, taking it up and being lifted to her feet. Standing at full height with the equally short Trainer, they were now shaking hands over the exciting Pokémon battle they just finished. Marinette was soon brought out of her reverie upon hearing clapping, courtesy of her friends as they joined her and Kagami.
"I told you Marinette is an amazing Trainer," Adrien lauded. "We'll all be in the Kalos League together. That much, I'm confident in."
"We'll be rooting for you all the way, Marinette," Luka smiled.
"What they said," Juleka mumbled with her own shy smile.
"Th-Thanks, guys," Marinette grinned, warm embarrassment lighting up her cheeks, though the pinkness deepened as Adrien stood right in right of her. "A-Adrien?!"
"There's one more thing I want to do," Adrien continued firmly. "Marinette, do you remember the last time we battled?"
"Parfum… Palace?" Marinette responded, cutely tilting her head to a side.
"Not tag battling, you versus me, one-on-one," Adrien corrected. "It was back when we just left Lumiose Academy. Remember?"
"I do!" Marinette nodded too enthusiastically. "I mean, how could I not? It was my very first official Pokémon battle as an official Trainer, and come to think of it, your official first battle since you became a Pokémon Trainer at the same time as I did, and no one should ever forget their first battle they've ever had starting out as a Pokémon Trainer 'cause—Oof!" Juleka had subtly inserted herself behind Marinette and slightly elbowed her to stop her nervous ramblings, a job Alya would normally do, but she had her own job, as one could call it, back in Lumiose City reporting in for the Lumiose Press. She whispered her gratitude to Juleka before calmly wrapping up her thoughts to Adrien. "Yes, I remember."
"Well, I want to challenge you to a battle like Kagami did," Adrien declared. "But not now. You need to have Tikki rest."
"Uh, yes!" Marinette instantly accepted. "I-I'm free tomorrow! Would that work?"
"Actually, there's more to it," Adrien rubbed the back of his head. "I think it'd be more meaningful if we battle a week from now at Snowbelle City. It's the last Gym I need to qualify for the Kalos League, and I think this also applies to you. You probably have seven badges at this point, right? Same as me?"
"Right," Marinette confirmed.
"So then, the both of you will be getting your eight badge at Snowbelle City," Luka surmised. "Good luck to you guys. Aside from a Trainer's eight Gym battle being the hardest, I've heard the reputation of the Snowbelle Gym to be aptly named for specializing in Ice-type Pokémon."
"I'd hold on giving away the rest of the Snowbelle Gym Leader's info, if I were you," Kagami interrupted. "It'd be more of a challenge to figure out the Gym Leader's battle style around Ice-types for themselves."
"Somehow, I'd expected you to say that, Kagami," Adrien chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck before facing Marinette. "So, let's meet again a week from now at Snowbelle City. Remember to dress warmly before entering. The city name isn't what it is just to sound pretty."
"I got it," Marinette giggled. "Thanks for the heads up, Adrien. And I'm going to train hard until we reach Snowbelle City!"
"I must be on my way," Kagami announced, bowing. "Even as my mother isn't watching me now, she will be checking up on me before she flies back to Sinnoh."
Astonishingly with a heavy heart, Kagami turned her back on Adrien and the others and proceeded to leave. Her mother's strict teachings still drove her to forgo anything considered a distraction to her Pokémon training, even though she started to experience new sensations from within due to interaction with her fellow peers for practically the first time since starting her journey years back at the age of eleven. It wasn't helped by what her own mother told her before she left Couriway Town.
"Kagami, wait!" Marinette's voice caused the sharp-eyed girl to stop in place. Turning around, she saw Marinette catch up to her with a warm grin. "Why not stay with us for the night at the Pokémon Center? Where else do you have to be?"
The invitation was sudden. Kagami felt internally conflicted, though it wasn't as emotionally ravaging compared to her last discussion with her mother before she left. About her own findings regarding her mother's cryptic words before she left on her journey.
Earlier after the Couriway Showcase…
"It was pleasant checking up on you again, Kagami," Tomoe bowed. She and her daughter were at the railway station for the former to head off to the Kalos League HQ with Nathalie. "I trust that you've secured yourself a seat among the challengers for the next Kalos League?"
"I have, Mother," Kagami replied. "I have kept my Pokémon up to standard excellent condition in preparation for the Kalos League during my travels."
"I am pleased to hear this wonderful news, my daughter," Tomoe smiled thinly. "Understand that I would've inquired this of you before the Showcase, but Gabriel Agreste insisted he speak with me beforehand. One of the very few contacts I have throughout the world, but he keeps things worthwhile."
"Because he's Kalos Champion," Kagami filled in.
"Under certain degrees, he is stronger than I, but in other fields, he is blinder than I am, especially concerning the growth rate of his son," Tomoe critiqued.
"What's wrong with Adrien?" Kagami questioned, struggling not to sound defensive on his behalf.
"Do not get me wrong, Adrien is a fine young man with potential to surpass his father at an early age," Tomoe reasoned. "Though further discussion with him alerted me to how he allowed his son to continue his education in a more public setting rather than to keep him under his tutelage."
"You mean the Lumiose Trainer Academy," Kagami corrected. "I heard it's a very respectable institution personally managed by the Pokémon League for Kalos Trainers. Many skillful Trainers come out of it and learn from one another."
"Be that as it may, Gabriel has allowed his son's potential to be diluted by others in a public institution, regardless of prestige, that can come up short," Tomoe shook her head. "I must go now, my daughter."
"Wait!" Kagami demanded. "I'm sorry, Mother, but I'm afraid that's where you're wrong."
"Oh?" Tomoe, though she had turned her back and prepared to board, turned her head back. "You find a lapse in my judgment, my daughter?"
"I do," Kagami replied as firmly as her feet were planted. "Do you not recall the words you parted with me when I left?"
"I left you with many life lessons before you went on your journey," Tomoe responded.
"I am talking about the words once found in the ruins of Sinnoh, originally inscribed on stone in the language of the Unown," Kagami explained. "You know, 'when one life meets another, something is born'?"
"The set of words passed down along the various legends and myths of the Sinnoh region, which happen to be the last set of words I sent you off on your journey with," Tomoe expounded. "Yes, what of them?"
"I… I believe I understand what these words mean," Kagami declared. When her mother made no indication, she proceeded to elaborate. "Before I arrived in Kalos, I was doing as you wanted. Being the best, even when there's someone better come past League final rounds."
"Then it's not being your best when there's someone better," Tomoe rebutted.
"That's not the point, Mother," Kagami protested, teeth close to clenching out of frustration. It was gratingly ironic on how her mother would accuse others of blindness, whether it was warranted or not. "I believe that I can surpass my past League performances this time. The same way Adrien has been preparing for his journey."
"… Friends," Tomoe deduced. "To interact with others your age regardless of status or reputation and form attachments."
"Yes!" Kagami affirmed.
"… I'm not convinced," Tomoe faced forward and took her steps into the train to join Nathalie, who had been patiently minding her own business within the carriage. "You haven't learned yet, my daughter, though I suppose it may be due to your upbringing in Sinnoh rather than Johto. Traditions and values greatly differ from our original home region to where we reside now."
"Mother?!" Kagami cried. "I don't understand! Is it not correct?"
"The conviction of your argument is severely lacking, Kagami," Tomoe left those words with her before the doors began to close. "One instant connection makes no difference. All attachments stand on a groundless foundation, tethered together by fragile ties that can be easily rend. Trust that can easily be betrayed. Until you can face me again with a resolve to challenge even my Mega Garchomp, you still have a long way to go, Kagami."
I still don't understand her, Kagami pondered, unconsciously being escorted by Marinette back to Adrien, Luka, and Juleka. What I saw now, between Marinette and her Ledian… between Marinette and Tikki, I'm more certain about my answer to Mother, but maybe I need more. She was brought to an abrupt stop. "… Hm—What?"
"It's starting to get late, so let's get dinner together," Marinette suggested.
The aspiring fashion designer already surprised herself by bringing Kagami back to the fold, considering that she had been hanging around Adrien for presumably quite a while now as they were together before Marinette arrived in Couriway Town this morning. It probably was because of Adrien that she immediately reached out to the somewhat standoffish Trainer from Sinnoh. But take away her supposed relationship with him and Kagami would come off as an earnest soul also trying to find her way in the world as everyone else, probably in need of a local friend in a foreign land. Then again, worst case scenario, Marinette would at least keep her close by and observe how close she allegedly was to Adrien and determine how much of a threat she was.
"That was really nice of you to bring Kagami back, Marinette," Adrien smiled. "It's times like these that should be treasured among friends."
"O-Oh, right," Marinette grinned. If nothing else, at least I'm earning some good karma from Adrien. She was brought out of her gleeful musings upon being approached. "Luka?"
"At least before we retire for the night, I did promise to play you a song, one that you should be feeling, before we part ways tomorrow morning," Luka reminded. "Is that okay, Marinette?"
Marinette quickly looked to the others, noticing that Adrien immediately welcomed Kagami back and formally introduced her to Juleka. A minor pang afflicted her heart. Adrien was simply helping Kagami be more sociable, considering that all she knew was that she was a serious Pokémon battler who didn't care for much of anything else except for battling the strongest Trainers she could find. Marinette could easily recall the first time she saw Kagami. She was so straightforward and didn't seem enthused over the presented fashion trends at the Laverre fashion show when she took up the traditional one-on-one Gym battle for the Laverre Gym's Fairy Badge. The only thing that stood out aside from how skillful she was in a battle was her pursuit of Adrien Agreste, which led up to this point. As far as Marinette could guess, Kagami's current relation with Adrien was because of her persistence in seeking him out and presumably battling him on the spot, with Adrien's desire to befriend many Trainers coming into play and accepting Kagami as another friend on top of being his rival.
Yet the similarities she shared with Adrien had grown even more when it was announced that Kagami's mother was an official Champion like Adrien's father.
Coincidences or not, I'm not sure how to react, Marinette deliberated. Was Kagami nothing more than another friendly rival for Adrien or was there more to them than that? But… something tells me there's nothing to worry. Even as she watched Adrien head back into the Couriway Pokémon Center with Kagami and Juleka, Marinette felt absolutely no threat of having Adrien's attention being stolen. What should I believe?
"Marinette?" Luka prompted again.
Having spaced out, Marinette managed a blank blink before giving a somewhat proper response of a quiet smile, accepting that things would hopefully work themselves out and for her not to blow steam over. With many things on her plate, from fretting over her Gardevoir's Mega Evolution to preparing for Team Akuma's next public attack, the last thing she wanted to do was add more troubles regarding Adrien, especially if those worries involving Kagami were going to be for naught.
This was the time to relax with friends and call her parents, make sure they were safe and all.
Even as the night passed quickly and the next morning arriving, it was a quiet assurance to Marinette that it was peaceful times like these that helped her keep going despite all that happened so far.
As she, Juleka, Adrien, and even Kagami were seeing off Luka at the Couriway Station as he made his trip back to Laverre City, Juleka's ears perked up upon hearing an ongoing announcement broadcasted from the station's available television monitor setup for waiting passengers.
"It is Lumiose Live's great pleasure to welcome our reigning Kalos Queen, Mireille Caquet, onto the show!" Nadja narrated, gesturing to the young Kalos Queen to take the camera with her Castform floating around her head.
"Best of mornings, Kalos region!" Mireille beamed alongside her Castform. "Have you enjoyed the natural beauty of the morning's gorgeous sunrise today?"
No beret. No glasses.
Just as she expected.
Juleka then glanced outside the station's windows. It was a clear day like yesterday, more or less with few clouds covering the bright blue sky. Unlike the previous day, wherein performing outdoors for the Couriway Showcase threw her off her game and blinded her with fright, this time, the sun bestowed renewed hope.
"… I have," Juleka answered, keeping her smile to herself for now.
Were you expecting another chapter posting within the month despite my notorious half-year procrastination? Since I finished playing the games' main stories I mentioned last chapter's note (FE3H and Pokémon Sword), until their DLC comes out, I had enough free time to write up the chapter and maybe a few more, but my free time availability is arbitrary. I can't make guarantees of consistent updates, even though the only guarantee I can give is that I won't give up on this story.
And don't worry about the main pairing. It's going to stay intact. We all know that. Doesn't mean the character have to know until they grow into understanding that. Hope that makes sense.
Please review!