Please note that this story has absolutely nothing to do with fifty shades of grey.


I felt him watching me. I did not particularly care for the reason; just as I had not on other occasions his uneasy gaze had latched itself upon me. Nevertheless I did find it deeply unsettling all the same. Out of all the staff in the room why did he insist on watching me? Did he distrust me?

This bizarre occurrence had happened twice previously, I would be fulfilling my duty within a room full of my comrades and despite the busy atmosphere -and a large percentage of my concentration fixed on the task at hand- I would be completely aware of his watchful eye, burning into me with such an intensity it should have been impossible to ignore; I however, was currently making short work of maintaining the appearance of said ignorance. I knew that if it weren't for my fear of failure I would have met his gaze, perhaps then he would divulge as to why he had been watching me in the first place.

Perhaps I had made an error in my last Dragonspiral tower report, after all the assignment had been entrusted to me and to me alone, besides it had been stressed countless times by the sages how imperative it was that I make no flaw in any calculations within my research. I was told that it would disrupt the grand goal of Pokémon liberation. I scoffed slightly, as I knew no one would hear it. I for one thoroughly enjoyed the company of Pokémon, in fact I actually considered my Scolipede to be my dearest friend.

It was then I felt the slight sinking feeling in my stomach… when the time came, would I too be expected to release my Pokémon? After all I knew for a fact that Scolipede was just as happy being with me as I was with him, I would prove it to King N himself if need be. I had discussed this issue with my granddad mere weeks ago, he would say, "To conceal selflessness is the ultimate sign of selfishness."

Well… no duh, honestly was that the kind of advice that was deemed wise? Is that why he had been chosen to become one of the seven sages within the syndicate? So that others could seek counsel within a man that only stated the obvious?

But alas I knew I was being cruel, after all it was my grandfather, Rood Sasaki, who had secured my position In Team Plasma in the first place and despite my lack of enthusiasm towards the design of our uniforms, I was grateful to be in a secure job with all reasonable expenses paid.

Shaking my head slightly as to conclude my own reverie, my eyes returned to the screen in front of me displaying the recent calculations I was to run-by Zinzolin this evening. As I scanned the contents of the digital page before me, I noticed the time display within the corner, and realized I was well within my rights to take a break it was 4:17 pm, I had been working for nine hours straight. I confess I had been overexerting myself of late but this… this was ridiculous how had I managed to slave the day away without even realizing it?

Sighing with sudden exhaustion, I sunk forward slightly into my desk, tracing my keyboard lightly before tapping CTRL+S to save my progress. Moments later, after stifling a hearty yawn, I found the off button on my monitor and absent-mindedly watched as the contents of the screen quickly dimmed and faded as the screen went black.

I exhaled in my new-found sense of fatigue, my eyes scanned the room around me… it had quieted down considerably considering most of the grunts had taken their leave by now. I was eager to join them, I mentally conjured up a stealthy plan as to sneak off back to my dormitory and take a nap before my meeting at 7:00.

Yes! Brilliant plan, I allowed myself a triumphant half-smile at the fantasy of taking such a devious break from my work. Needless to say, such thoughts were entirely in vain as I would never be able to summon the courage to follow it through; I just found solace in my often-wild procrastinations.

I felt myself grimace at the possibility of being caught impeding my duties, not only would I be thoroughly publicly humiliated in front of the vast amount of members residing in the underground castle. But my Grandfather would also undoubtedly take a fall from grace also, and affronting my kind kindred's honor was not an option for me.

Hearing a slight shuffle behind me, my eyes subconsciously darted towards my computer monitor in an intelligent attempt to track the owner of the sound in its reflection. My heart rate picked up drastically as I spied the figure enclosing me in my workspace. It was him… the seventh sage… the owner of the intimidating glare… Ghetsis, approaching me with a cool, collected abandon. I could practically feel my panic filter into the air around me. Why was he coming over? He hardly ever approached grunts in his employment, least of all me; In all honesty there had not been an occasion beforehand when I had been in such a close proximity of the man, he had never spoke to me before, that only fuelled my panic… why was he approaching me now?

I eyed the rest of the room in desperation; dread filled my senses as I noticed I was literally the only other inhabitant of the room.

This was way beyond my comfort-zone, why must he address our first encounter with such an intimidating approach? It was bad enough being the subject of his mysterious gaze for the last three days, 'Fuuuuck!' My mind whispered, why was he choosing now to talk to me? I knew the reputation of this man, If and when he chose to address an employee it was either in instruction or scolding, and I was one-hundred percent convinced I was not about to be given orders from him, after all, I wasn't a field grunt. I gulped as my thoughts rushed to the brink of my mind, I personally had never witnessed the extent of this man's scolding, however, I had overheard some of the most horrifyingly vicious tales of his 'punishments' and I knew with utmost certainty that I did not want to be subjected to any one of them. My mind reeled as I searched for any action on my part that would have met his disapproval.

I could think of none.

I wet my lips in fearful anticipation as I tried to contain my pounding heart. It was futile, as soon as I glanced back at the screen, I caught sight of The Sage; he had swiftly cleared the length of the hall, I noticed he walked with an unmatched confidence, I had never seen such a graceful swagger on a man, particularly one wearing the most outlandish choice of wardrobe in the history of… ever.

I pivoted on my chair, rounding through my confines to meet the man halfway. "Good Arceus, He's a tall fucker," I thought crudely, I found myself dumbfounded as to how I had never noticed his overwhelming height before, but it wasn't long-lived as in the back of my mind I recalled how whenever I had seen him, he was always a great distance away.

Why was I thinking about such trivial things? The man in question was mere meters away, I needed to concentrate, and I needed to remain composed. Perhaps if I matched his confidence, he would be so impressed he would forgive me for whatever mistake I made and would exit the room unpunished.

By now my heartbeat had probably accelerated to such an extent that it was actually corresponding to Ghetsis' footfalls. My stomach figuratively dropped as he halted two feet in front of me. The air of confidence that resounded off of him during his stride over here had seemed to vanish, it may have been my imagination; a delusion created by my fear-ridden mind. But I could of sworn in that moment he seemed almost… hesitant.

In an instinctive display of manners I managed to meet his eye, the moment I did I regretted it as I felt heat rush to my face due to the intensity of his gaze. I felt as though I was being read, his one visible eye darted between the two of mine as he towered before me, silent and sure.

"Where is Rood?"

I hadn't even noticed his mouth move, I was ensnared the minute his eye locked upon mine, I felt bizarre, as if nothing else mattered. I was only vaguely aware of the rich caress of his deep, smooth drawl as I remained fixed in place, neck craned as I watched him… watching me… waiting for an answer, Arceus! I hope I wasn't gaping.

I blinked and shied away from his eye, his question spawning in my brain.

"Pardon?" I replied, trying my utmost to prevent the furious blush from reaching my cheeks.

To my surprise I was rewarded with a faint grin, the intensity of his gaze wavered as amusement clearly flooded within the pool of his blood-red iris. He shook his head slightly to gain composure. "Your Grandfather my dear, do you know where he is?" He gently cooed, completely unfazed by my ignorant state.

My dear?

I knew I was definitely gaping now; I had to be, if not for my shock at the term of endearment then for the stifled shiver that coursed through me as if it finally sunk in that we were conversing.

I had witnessed this man perform a speech last Tuesday in Accumula Town; his voice held such charisma, such charm, that did I not completely oppose the thought of releasing my Pokémon, I would -if only temporarily- be swayed by the idea.

Being within an indoor confine, the marvel of his powerful articulation had not deterred, although his tone seemed to have more enthusiasm than it had when I had overheard his speech.

I shuffled slightly in my chair, I felt intoxicated by the intimate tone in his voice.

"He- he mentioned accompanying Bronius to Castelia City… Sir." I muttered, somehow mustering the courage to risk a glance at his face; hopefully he would be pleased with the information and leave without another word. I drank in his every facial feature as he nodded in understanding. I confess I felt an overwhelming sense of relief, many of my comrades often told me how horrifying it was to be put on the spot by Ghetsis; originally I was oblivious to any threat behind him, I even recall questioning how there could be anything remotely frightening about a middle-aged man in an extravagant snuggie.

However that was years ago, I was naïve then, foolish even; for I now knew that no matter how enticing his voice may sound, there was something very uneasy about his very presence that no amount of seductive vocalization could ever conceal.

I snapped out of my thoughts as I noticed his brow furrow in an unreadable emotion.

"Sir?" he smirked, stepping slightly closer to me. I backed up on my chair a fraction, in an attempt to ease the discomfort of having to crane my neck, if he saw me doing so he showed no indication of being affronted.

I tilted my head at his seemingly taken aback expression. "As much as I-"He sunk forward slightly, "-love the sound of that-" If an eye could smile… "- I am merely a humble servant of the King, like yourself…"

I found I could not avoid the sudden urge to match his grin, truthfully it was a pleasant sight, aside from the large looming eye-piece resting over his right eye; he was a handsome man, there was no sense in denying it. I watched as his lips parted and revealed a flawless set of teeth. He was handsome yes, but I skeptically watched the curve of his lips as he smiled and suddenly whether his smile was feigned or not I found I could not care less as I felt the corner of my mouth twitch in response to his contagious beaming.

"Tell me Delilah, do you address all the Sages in such a way?"

I blinked once more, it must have been all too obvious how thrown off I was with his use of my name, I mean Arceus… how poetic it sounded falling from his lips. Nevertheless I considered his query. I realized then that I did not; Rood was my grandfather so it was only natural that I'd address him as such and with the other five I would use their given names, respectfully. Why then had I chosen to give such an authoritative title to this man? Despite being Lord N's guardian and most trusted confidante he didn't differ in rank from the other six…did he?

"No… no I do not." was my response; my voice did not waver or skip a beat as I replied, because of my thoughtful reverie my skittish demeanor around this man had subsided if only for that moment.

By the time I heard his chuckle I was already scolding myself for my bold reply. Ghetsis, on the other hand seemed to enjoy the temporary boost of confidence.

"Well then my dear, equality is key… perhaps you could agree to… calling me Ghetsis?"

There it was again, that burning intensity behind his eyes, pinning me into submission. As I carefully processed his challenge, I had a sinking feeling that he wasn't asking so much as demanding I use his name. Whatever for? He seemed to relish in being called 'sir' moments ago.

I nodded meekly, clearing my throat and finding my voice, I muttered my compliance "Uh, sure… I mean, if- if that's what you want then-"

"That is what I want." He interjected fiercely, and his smile changed drastically, I didn't like that smile.

I could do nothing but stare at him then, his reaction catching me off guard. Was he angry? I honestly couldn't tell as he hadn't raised his voice and his expression hadn't hardened however there was an abrupt finish in his tone, it sounded faintly like exasperation.

"Alright then," I mumbled meeting his eye, hopeful he would approve.

He stared back at me expectantly, as if not quite satisfied. I nodded then, a signal to him that I knew what was being hinted. My smile appeared naturally, which was strange considering my nervous state of mind; I really should not have been able to smile so earnestly.

"…Ghetsis." My second attempt, I didn't stutter or mumble and my smile didn't subside. His name rolled off my tongue as if I were made to utter it. It was a bizarre musing, but I rejoiced nonetheless.

As I spoke I matched his gaze with equal vigor perhaps that was why his expression had altered so dramatically.

The Sage before me could easily be mistaken for an entirely different man from the one who approached me, this Ghetsis stood slightly more relaxed, a school-boy smile etched onto his usually stern face.

He leaned towards me then, I froze, for his movements were so slow and deliberate I was expecting to feel his kiss upon my cheek.

"Perfect!" He hissed into my ear, the gentle caress of his warm breath against my ear, caused every hair on my body to stand on end, I was suddenly thankful for my ridiculous uniform as it hid the gooseflesh that undoubtedly pricked my skin, I was also grateful that I was sitting down as I feared that the mixture of both the pleasure and the surprise of the contact would have undoubtedly caused a weakness in my knees. He pulled away slowly, calmly; I on the other hand was subtly trying my best to resume the façade that my ability to breathe had not been impaired.

He smiled at me warmly and scanned my reaction, I silently prayed he wouldn't.

Ghetsis' eye shone with a sense of amusement he seemed to think it imperative remained hidden as he drank in my expression, noticing along the way my scarlet face and labored breathing. There was another emotion flickering within the cherry-red depths of his left eye, if I had to put my finger on it, I would say it was pride. Smug prick!

"You're trembling Delilah," He stated, there was a gruffness in his voice that I did not recognize, needless to say it was not there moments beforehand. How humiliating. No really, I wanted to die in that moment. Ghetsis' stood before me, a man who was essentially my boss, whom I had only became acquainted with in the last three minutes, and was now ridiculing me for becoming a little flustered by his actions.

Was that the norm? Did he make it a habit to breach people's personal space and get them hot and bothered? Perhaps he was merely lowering my guard before he scolds me for some unknown error I've made recently.

I didn't know what to say. What the fuck was I supposed to say? I considered nodding, but at the last second opted for remaining quiet. I shifted in my seat, hoping he would relieve me soon; otherwise I would be forced to sit here and stare at him out of politeness. I knew Ghetsis could practically taste my humiliation by now, so in turn I expected him to goad me further; however what he said next was the single most merciful thing he could have possibly said regardless of what anyone thinks.

"I suspect you are weary, no doubt from exerting yourself all day?" There was an elevation in his tone; he of course knew the real reason for my fluster, and yet he had obviously sensed my humiliation and remedied it by helping me out the hole he dug.

I nodded slowly. It wasn't a complete lie I was genuinely very tired, I had been planning to take a nap the minute I had seen the time. I hoped my eyes conveyed the gratitude I would be contradicting our joint lie by expressing.

An hour ago if anyone were to of asked my opinion of Ghetsis Harmonia, I wouldn't have had one to give but I quickly decided to settle for calling him a decent person.

"My dear I hope you'll forgive me for saying so, but weariness definitely becomes you," The level of mischief residing in his smirk was uncanny. Everything I had ever heard or thought I knew about this mysterious Sage quickly vanished into thin air. Only he and I would ever understand the true meaning buried within that compliment: He liked the reaction he caused within me. I felt my jaw drop, but it tensed in agitation the moment I realized he was still taunting me, only this time with his pseudo-backwards compliment.

He straightened immediately after seeing this, his face hardened into its usual solemn state. "Are you always so adverse to compliments?" He chided dryly.

"That would depend on the compliment," I replied. Bold Delilah, very bold.

"Tread carefully," He warned half-heartedly, "You may offend me."

"Right, sorry…" I smiled then, if not for the humor in the situation then for the strangeness. What type of dangerous game had I been hauled into?

I found I did not know how to cumulate my next sentence. I desperately wanted to rest, to excuse myself, but I found that sharing this strange encounter with Ghetsis was far too tantalizing to end abruptly.

"You certainly are Rood's granddaughter," He broke the silence with that random musing, whether he meant it as a compliment or an insult I did not know, I thought better of it than to ask. "You've worked efficiently today Delilah, if you wish to reside for the rest of the evening, I assure you, you need not linger." His coo was both soft and sharp; I let it drown my senses for a brief moment as I reveled in the idea of retiring early for the day.

"T-thank you, Ghetsis, but I can't."

I noticed his eyebrow shoot up in questioning, if I had to guess I'd say that it wasn't often he showed moderate kindness to anyone, so to have someone refuse him was even more strange.

"My my, aren't you quite the dedicated little worker?" His face was the same stoic mask I had seen from afar; however I could hear the amusement laid bare in his voice.

A smile graced my face at his teasing; it disturbed me to no end how I had let myself be drawn in out of my combined fear and sudden attraction of him.

"It's not that I don't want to," I exhaled, straightening from my chair and finding my feet before slowly taking my stand. "I have a meeting with Zinzolin at 7:00, concerning my research of the light stone." As I stood I automatically noted the considerable difference in height between myself and the Sage before me, my measly five foot four stood in delicate contrast to his overwhelming six-six… six-seven? "You're very tall…" I whispered in awe, as soon as the words left my lips I wanted to retract them immediately, what on earth made me think that such an inconceivably childish statement was acceptable in our current conversation?

The corners of his mouth twitched slightly, but he didn't reply, instead he remained looming over me. His eye bore into me as he appeared to be deep in thought. Being subjected to his gaze from afar had been unsettling at best but up close and personal, was down-right unnerving.

It seemed as if a decade had passed before Ghetsis finally filled the void of our muted state.

"I'll take care of it," He finally reasoned, as if the most important meeting of my career could be subsided without any qualm from him.

I felt my brows knit together in confusion. "But… Zinzolin, he-"

"-Will be more than happy with the knowledge that this evening you are otherwise occupied and that your report will be thoroughly looked over tomorrow morning, by me." He interjected softly as if he went out of his way on a daily basis to ensure every grunt was comfortable in their tasks. Suddenly a surge of questions swamped my brain; why was he doing this? Could he do it? Just make and break rules whenever need be?

Had I been more versed in the ways of men, I would not have missed the greed upon his face as he propositioned our own meeting.

I allowed the information to sink in, slightly bewildered, "Are you sure? I-I mean I don't want to get you in trouble…"

Ghetsis suddenly threw his head back in laughter, well in reality it sounded a lot more like a roar than a laugh, and I was not sure I liked the sound. It was a vicious sound. I could clearly hear the venom within it.

"Oh naïve girl, believe me…" He spat, sobering briskly from his laugh and wiping the lower lid of his eye as if he had deemed what I said to be a subject of utmost hilarity. "…Zinzolin will do what I command as and when I command it. If I say plans need to be altered, they are, without hesitation."

The sheer aggression in his voice startled me, it was at that precise second that I realized why he was considered a terrifying individual. If I he could summon such an aggression into his laugh, then Arceus only knew what he would be capable of in a sheer rage.

I could feel my nerves returning, as if all too quickly I had become aware of every receptor in my body at once.

I stumbled internally, searching for the politest was to thank him, and perhaps if I constructed it properly, it would even distract him from his strange change in disposition.

After realizing he was most likely searching for some kind of acknowledgement on my part, I used every shred of effort to keep my voice even as I chimed the words: "Thank you, Ghetsis." I felt a small jolt of triumph as I witnessed his face soften immensely. In truth I was expecting him to drawl out a deeply satisfied 'you're welcome' as he subjected me to his unadulterated benevolence, but alas he remained silent, edging closer as he sized me up with his coveted gaze.

Despite the unfathomable thrill that stirred within me as he made his impending advancement towards me, I found myself retreating nonchalantly from his presence, to such an extent that my backside brushed the frame of my desk. I hadn't backed away out of fear, only instinct, needless to say his being so close was undeniably daunting. Ghetsis' continued proximity was beginning to dizzy me, I could've sworn I saw stars as his stimulating scent reached my nostrils; He smelt suspiciously of L'Eau D'Issey with an overwhelming addendum of potent masculinity.

"Remove your hood." He commanded voice full of authority and malice although within his expression there was a certain…excitement?

I blinked idiotically. Had I heard him right? He wanted me to take off my hood? If so, why? I admit I found the required conduct as to how we were to wear our abhorrent medieval uniforms to be far from tasteful; howbeit I was not certain that I was grateful for his instruction.

Quickly sobering into my senses, I did as he bid, hesitantly bringing my hands up towards the grey fabric, sweeping it over my head. As my auburn curls fell from the departed hood and framed my face, I found I could not look at him; and I needn't have to know he was now examining me with more ardor than ever.

I actually felt exposed. How laughable! It was only the removal of something as platonic as a hood and yet I felt that in doing so I was now stripped before him. I needed to get out more; I needed to find myself a boyfriend, fast!

Eventually my attention was drawn back to him as I heard a quaint, low growl cavort within his throat.

His next words were uttered so deliberately slow that I could have mistaken them for laziness.

"It is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, Delilah."

I swallowed, hard. This wasn't right; the man in front of me was the seventh Sage! He didn't acquaint and merrily converse with grunts, no matter how high in rank. Perhaps this was all a cruel trick? Maybe this was his tactic for punishing female grunts? To lure us in with his feigned concern and sexy cologne, before turning the tables and vaporizing the sense of security he had previously created… if that was not enough to convince someone to confess their mistakes, I didn't know what was. I pondered why else would he have waited until we were alone to 'make my acquaintance'? I was revived from my theories by the sound of his dry chuckle.

"Ah, Silence. Do you not feel the same?" I could practically feel the challenge emanating off of him, was he daring me to agree, or to disagree, I confess the wording of his inquiry threw me off slightly.

"Yes," I spoke softly, praying that my grammatical ability had deciphered the correct answer. I was about to continue, however as I peered up at him I noticed his face conveyed a victorious grin. My initial brief answer must have pleased him.

"Mmm…" I practically felt him hum. If I had somehow managed to forget just how close he and I were currently standing, that should have been reminder enough.

"I…" He faltered slightly as if deciding what to say next. "… must confess- I find you exceedingly entertaining." I eyed his expression in disbelief; he seemed marginally remorseful, as if he felt that what he had just said was somehow inappropriate. I giggled then. I fucking giggled of all things! What was I doing? Stop, I needed to stop! Thankfully I managed to coerce myself into stopping by placing a hand over my mouth. I faced him once more with dread. Could I do anything else to embarrass myself? I mentally groaned.

My blush had reappeared in all its glory, kindling my face like a Litwik's flame. "I'm sorry, I-I don't know what came over me." I started, I felt like sinking into the floor and vanishing from existence.

"When I said it before it was just mild speculation, but now, I'm starting to think you really are adverse to compliments." How was it possible for a man with such a warm smile to convey such a mocking tone?

He stepped backwards slightly. I felt as if I could breathe again.

"Or perhaps it is my complements you find unfavorable?"

There it was again his strange humor, wrapped in an iron-fisted challenge. I heard myself stutter, I was lost for words. Ghetsis seemed to grow taller and taller as I dragged the silence on.

"Have a pleasant evening my dear," I heard him sneer, distancing himself entirely with his elegant strides. He considered me momentarily before relaxing once more. "I will see you in the morning." He exclaimed, in a complete alternate to his previous tone.

I fiddled with the chainmail at the base of my throat as I watched him pivot on a graceful heel and depart without another word.

After moments of staring committedly after him, I found myself let out a vast exhale.

What just happened? I heard my mind scream, as the oddity of the surreal encounter bloomed within my memory.

That was quite possibly the most tense, most terrifying, confusing and exciting conversation I had ever had; and to think… that was only the first encounter with him. Would every encounter promise to contain equal thrill as that?

I was certain I'd find out, considering I was to meet him tomorrow morning.

After reviving every word he said to me, I stood slumped, restlessly looking around at everything, and yet nothing at all. I felt my lips twitch as I shut down my computer.

Ghetsis Harmonia just gave me the night off. I shook my head as I quickly fled the room, eager to get in bed.

It wasn't until I reached the marble staircase on the fifth floor did my heart plummet into my stomach.

I had to read my report to Ghetsis in the morning.