We hope you enjoy the battle; we had a lot of fun writing it and figuring out how things could work on a more realistic scale outside gaming constraints, meaning we're aware we've 'broken' a few things.
Warnings for clear and overt ableism in the last part of the chapter.
The smile was sharp and predatory as two duskballs were pulled from the 'belt and held up for the crowd to see. Haru did the same as she straightened, head lifted and golden gaze unreadable, but her gleaming luxuryballs came from a purse, not a 'belt.
An image that suited arena battles.
Niko's smile grew to that of a glutted and sated gengar, and they liked to think the crowd waited with bated breath. Niko couldn't blame them if they did. By the myths of the earth gods, from appearance alone, she'd make a fine wife, and she was theirs. That she didn't look half bad in the white-collared, high-waisted and flared black dress only helped her image.
But, now was not the time to drink in the woman's looks. "Tch."
With little fanfare, the pair tossed the 'balls onto the field -Niko as if half-tossing a Frisbee, and Haru underhand. They hit the arena's ground and sprung open. From Niko's came spiralled tyrian light with heliotrope flashes, while Haru's opened to sun-bright yellow flashes with golden sparkles.
(While neither trainers nor crowd cared (some even took it for granted), it was a specially trained psychic-type that fetched the empty 'balls and returned them to the owners.)
From the duskballs came two pokemon, and, even before the light show faded, they were on the move. The first was a large, brutishly built monster; it had an orange-red carapace and cream-white underside, marked a vivid blue V-stripe on the 'neck'. A Focus Band wrapped around its golden crest, and the band's ragged ends fluttered as the crawdaunt skittered across the field. Behind it came a deceptively slender creature; it was the colour of desert greens after the rains, and sported enough spikes to resemble a walking cactus. A crooked 'grin' and baleful golden eyes promised pain to any foolish enough to get close, and a Razor Fang necklace nestled close against the cacturne's neck.
Unlike the hulking crustacean known as Dara, Yoru moved with the languid, fluid grace of a predator stalking its prey. A fed one, and Niko planned to play it up as long as possible, assuming the woman hadn't done her homework re: dark-types and possible ones they'd field. Doubtful she hadn't, but they'd ask after it after the battle.
Over on Haru's side of the field, a pale spring-green bellossom bounded forth. The pale green-yellow petal skirt fluttered in time to the bounce of a Big Root necklace. It looked sun-starved, sick even, but there could be many, many reasons for that. Mattered little in the end; if it was on the field, it could fight. It settled down with a smile after a few twirls and curtsy, while its companion circled upwards and shimmered under high-powered stadium lights.
Niko cocked their head, eyes instinctively searching out the airborne monster; a raptor-hawk, fire-flying and likely slaved to Haru, with an iapapa berry nestled against breast feathers as a Held Item. Cute, and even without Zorn's excited commentary, they knew it was a young fletchinder just out of the fletchling stage.
The tail angle gave it away.
While they couldn't recall having ever seen one in person, they had thought the line sported white-silver undersides, but Haru was from Sinnoh. The creamy gold underside was likely a colour difference between Kalos and Sinnoh, brought about via a reduced breeding stock. Those things happened, but either way, it was a colour variance they liked; it suited the black-gold wings and fire-red body.
It also matched the filigree along the sides of their wife's leggings under the black dress.
But, for all they found Zorn's excited chatter interesting, the Gym Leader tuned him out as pokemon stats flashed up onto one of the many, many big screens and the innumerable Rotomi screens via various apps. Levels, hit points, stats and whatnot. All of it fodder for bookies, and it was cute how many people thought numbers mattered when the numbers merely indicated statistical averages gleaned from millennia of mathematical formulas. It was the same with what Comp-category a monster likely fell into.
Useful, yet Niko ignored it.
Power was key, and the numbers gave an edge in working that out. 'Abilities' helped as well, and they wouldn't deny Dara's Hyper Cutter was useful, as was Yoru's Sand Veil. Yet, for that mattered, so did how well trained a pokemon was, how creative and flexible the trainer was in the thick of things. A lesson they'd painfully learned several years ago, and one they hoped to impart on Haru.
Still, they noticed the abilities of the two she'd sent out.
Odoriko's was Chlorophyll. That could explain the sun-starved look, but, more importantly, it would be faster than typical. They'd have to account for that. Karasu sported Flame Body, meaning it ran hotter than the typical fire-type, to say nothing of the three-in-ten chance of being Burned.
"Hmph." They tore their eyes from the screen. Ideally, they'd have had Hashi out, but they'd decided they didn't need the combo of Yoru and Hashi today. Still, this worked in other ways too; if Haru thought this was going to be easy, she was blinder than blind. A professional battler such as Dara could withstand a Thunder, Solar Beam or the like better than if it were wild, and they'd seen both Dara and Shiko tank Thunders in the past.
Though, in Shiko's case, how much that was training and how much leftover from Then was best left unthought.
They didn't know if Haru'd trained her things the same either, nor had they asked. The blinder they fought, the better the show. And, if by some miracle Haru won, no one could accuse them of going easy on her.
Niko snorted, boots creaking against the dark grey lino as they shifted slightly. Please. As if they'd do that. Gym Leader or no, they still had their pride and ego. Even if they were so inclined, the bright indigo symbol of the Indigo League emblazoned on the lino was enough of a reminder to 'play by the rules'.
Never mind the League Officials that ringed the field.
Haru would win by merit or not at all. That was the way of the world.
Thirty seconds later -a lifetime yet not; just enough time for the crowds to settle and the remaining Rotomi zip from pockets- the main screen swapped to the countdown.
A nice neon gradient of bright green and dark purple; better than the neon piss-brown Father had used. Had claimed was a 'nice neon earth tone'.
"Five." The crowd's cheer was a distant, muted roar. A reminder of where they were. Who they were right now.
"Close in!" Niko barked out, one hand clenched and knuckles white. They were the Viridian Gym Leader and a Shinoda.
Neon numbers continued to count down as pokemon sprang into motion.
"Four!"
Dara's claws snapped with anticipation, and Niko could almost hear the cackle from Yoru as the cacturne cocked its head in thought. It wasn't a Nasty Plot, Niko knew that much. They'd trained Yoru from the seed for battle. It -he- knew better than to attack before it was time.
"THREE!"
Haru's grass-type showed off with a twirl as it -she- launched itself into the air and landed a good dozen metres from launch point, pale petals on its -her- head open wide as it rose. The sun-starved thing was no doubt soaking up whatever light she could get.
"TWO!"
The fletchinder climbed high, yet there was a limit to the height a flyer could climb. It was also, based on Zorn and Hirota's yelled exclamations and the camera flashes from the crowd, a Shiny. Status likely, but if it was out on the field, then it -he- was trained enough for battle.
Hmph. At least Haru was practical. Others might say otherwise, but to Niko, a shiny that couldn't battle was useless.
"ONE!"
Niko drank in the electrified atmosphere as they pulled themselves up to their full height with a wide, toothy grin and eyes that sighted only victory on the horizon.
"ZERO!" Without the sound dampening, the dull roar of the crowd would have been deafening.
The pokemon exploded into a flurry of action, and the battle was over in under ten minutes.
However, every trainer swore up and down that in every battle, every fight, time slowed to a crawl as pokemon fought, fired off attacks, broke apart, circled the field, only to attack again. They fell, were recalled only to be replaced, and the battle-dance repeated in a show of dazzling, dizzying attacks and speed. A trainer thought on their feet even when the pokemon pulled back to their side of the field and barbs traded before another round played out.
For Niko, it was an eternity where nothing else mattered but the field, the fight, and the thunderous adrenaline crashing through their veins to the sound of a beating, pounding heart as the world melted away.
There was only this moment, this space and time where they were alive. Where adrenaline reduced the world to a single pokemon battle, time crawled, and they knew everything.
"Sci. Whis!" The redhead snapped, commands sharp, short and to the point, yet the finger point was a dramatic side on affair. It was practically signature by this point; later replays would show it in slow motion, as always. It showed off the black leather jacket with its golden, three chain-clasp that glinted in the light, the double belts with golden accents, dark jeans and the pair of golden, twin-strand belt chains. The toothy smirk was real though, as was the way red hair half fell in the eyes.
They knew the image it gave: just a touch of danger as the hand fell. If Haru had one, they didn't notice or see it when the only thing that mattered was the battle-dance about to unfold. The replays could give the answer later.
Dara and Yoru moved with a speed even the fastest human runner would be hard-pressed to match. The fletchinder climbed into the sky, wings fast and powerful as it -Karasu- suddenly pushed upward with enough speed it -he- was forced to bank after several seconds. Its wingtip brushed the edge of the barrier before it dove and left behind a quivering sphere of orange-gold in its wake.
Sunny Day.
Interesting, but it was likely a Tailwind before that just to push out the setup for a fire-based move or-
A white-green beam, easily as bright as the Sunny Day, lanced across the arena and struck Yoru. Though it staggered back, the cacturne easily brushed the attack off, and Niko's mouth twitched with a hint of a smirk. Never mind the few broken thorns left in its wake, nor the sap that dripped from them.
The pair pressed forward, Dara dodging another Solar Beam along the way, and all too soon, glowing pincers struck true and forced the flora-class pokemon back amidst the after-explosion of energy. The kicked up bits of dust, dirt, and sand did little to cover the damage done. Not as much as expected, but it was clear in the sticky, sap covered abrasions and cuts.
That didn't look as bad as they should, but whatever. They could think about it later.
At the same time as the X-Scissor hit, green energy washed out over the field, and, while the fae whistle-tune went unheard due to the barrier, its effects did not go unseen. Dara didn't even stumble while the fletchinder -Karasu- faltered in the air yet was otherwise unaffected as it continued to circle the field as the bellossom tripped on her roots and tore a few of them from the ground as it face planted into the ground under the heavy, heavy urge to 'sleep'.
Niko's face split in a mockery of a feraligatr's smile that lasted as long as it took to whistle twice, eyes hard with approval as the faint, psychedelic purple of a Dragon Dance washed over Dara, while another Grass Whistle washed over the field to no avail.
Hnn... It had been worth a try, but groudon willing, the bellossom would remain like that for even six seconds. Better yet, long enough to get another X-Scissor into it, even if that would more than likely wake the thing up.
But that was the risk with 'sleep' in an arena battle.
Another whistle, sharper, higher this time. Yoru cocked its head to the left, mouth curved and open enough to show needle-teeth. Nasty Plot, and the faint, dark glow as it readied a-
Tiny, black bugs swarmed up and over the cacturne, and it dropped the attack to swipe at them. Had it been the breeding season for the thing, Niko didn't doubt its flowers would have been Infested as well.
Or, the Gym Leader thought bitterly as they sighted several of the face planted bellossom's 'skirt' petals in the air, it could already be awake.
Was it another Solar B-
Chlorophyll-boosted vines whipped out, faster than the eye could follow, to entangle and still Dara. Four in all, they glowed the colour of a Giga Drain for several moments, and then, just as fast, retreated and left behind a carapace riddled with boreholes. Dara jerked forward with a snap of claws and a missed Vice Grip, meaning some had likely breached the shell entirely given the boost a Big Root gave.
Eyes flicked up to a screen, then back to the field. True; Odoriko's wounds had rapidly sealed off as good as any super-potion. The plant-creature seemed to smile, and Dara jerked forward again, head lowered in what Niko recognised as a Headbutt.
Red eyes flashed dangerously. Darkly. Dara had been a terrible choice.
"Sci!" The order was curt, voice clipped tight, and ended on a sharp, harsh tongue click. Dara jerked -good, it remembered training at least- then the crustacean's claws glowed as they gathered energy, yet Niko knew they needed to re-break it to their will. Maybe even figure out a way to slave it to their mind; it had used 'illegal' attacks in the arena, and people would talk.
They could play it off, but it still wasn't good. Not when they had so much riding on the carefully crafted image of a child returning to the 'right' path. They could reach out to a water/dark expert, but the only one they could think of came with strings attached.
Later. They could consider it later.
They had a battle to focus on, and given the fletchinder hadn't attacked, that meant either another Tailwind, or a setup for a Sky Attack. They'd been too focused on Dara to the point they'd missed what it'd done. Well, they'd know soon enough, but this could prove problematic.
Red eyes flicked to the screen that showed their wife's satisfied face.
Tailwind, then. Niko smirked and keyed the mic to Box-only. "You're not the first to try such a thing."
"I wouldn't dare presume to be," Haru responded lightly, face unreadable as the X-scissor clipped the bellossom on the side. It sheared off a few of the petals, tore several others, and left a deep gash on the thing's arm.
Niko didn't know if that was a good sign or a terrible sign that the Umiyari had raised her to view them as things. Hopefully not; Kris and Kotone would have a field day when they found out, and the last thing needed was the Indigo Champion and -no, their best friends- on their case.
If it got out, 'scandal' wouldn't even cover it.
Something to follow up on later. They needed to focus on the now. On the damage done to the grass-type.
Lips quirked in approval. Haru'd trained it to better resist the type's weaknesses.
But, it didn't seem to like the dust and debris kicked up that not only hid Yoru from view, but irritated the bellossom's wounds as sap dripped down her body and arm. Even discounting the Ability, by pokemon standards, pure grass-types were rapid healers, and the damage done would re-grow within the day, or with a quick-heal such as a potion.
Or, within a battle, given the speed Odoriko reacted to things. Possible, but unlikely, so Niko ignored it. So, all Haru would need to do was give it a day in the sun once this was over.
"Heh," they said, and switched the mic back to Arena and Public.
Or, they guessed, take it to a Pokemon Centre and put it into one of the healing machines there.
Deal with it later.
"Le'id."
Niko smiled, teeth and all, when gold eyes widened as Yoru appeared from seemingly nowhere, and towered over the bellossom, far closer than the cacti had any right to be. But, even if she'd given a command, neither Ingrained grass-type nor the strangely non-attacking yet faintly glowing every so often fire-type were fast enough to escape the Leech Seed filled Acid hurled from Yoru's 'claws' in the wake of the X-scissor.
The attack clipped the bellossom on the side and clipped the fletchinder's left wing. As weak as the gunk was, both pokemon had no doubt shrieked in pain as the attack ate through skin and feathers. Again, Niko didn't see Haru react, even as Odoriko flinched back and Karasu wheeled away on a downward arc, the grass-type following its lead.
Though, not before it rather blindly hurled out another Solar Beam; thankfully the green-white beam missed and impacted harmlessly against the psychic barrier.
(the crown heard Yoru's defiant, mad cackle of a hoarse yell, while Dara's claws clicked ominously. Threateningly.)
Both pokemon headed towards Haru, and Niko let them go. Neither Dara nor Yoru knew Pursuit, and, even if they wanted to hurl a Dark Pulse, Solar Beam, or Payback after them, the pokemon needed a short breather. For all they could fight on command until they dropped, hurling Infinity Energy -bioenergy or PP in common parlance- around was no mean feat even for the most unskilled of monsters.
Another lesson they'd learned years ago, this time at Kotone's hand. So, as much as a battle was war, this was a show. And a 'Seed might have taken root on either, but Niko didn't know just yet.
That it heightened the tension and anticipation of the match wasn't lost to them, either.
A hand found the Rotolet.
"You've raised them well," they said, both Box and Public, voice radiating approval. "But it's only just started, you know that."
"I do," Haru said, eyes flicking to her pokemon; the bellossom, as wobbly as it was, soaked in the Sunny Day, no longer pale as petals spread wide and Ingrained roots no doubt sucking up they could, while the fletchinder perched on a rock as it preened gunk off the faintly glowing wing in a futile attempt to dislodge the Leech Seed. Even a recall wouldn't help; only unconsciousness or death would do the trick.
Niko's eyes hardened, and they held a hand up in the 'wait' gesture before they flicked the mic to Box only, then tapped the 'private' command on the Rotolet's screen, followed by the one that would bring in the Gym's Security Porygon, Tokiwa Security Systems Network-DLR. The screens showing their faces flicked to a view of the field from above, and an opaque psychic barrier sprung up around both Trainer Boxes, ensuring it was a truly private conversation.
The only thing now that showed their faces was the Rotolet in each Box.
The public would assume this privacy break had to do with Haru's status as GED. Red eyes flicked to the bottom right, and they relaxed at TSSN-DLR's symbol. Good, this was as secure as it'd get now. "You forfeit if it's to the death."
Haru stiffened, gold eyes wide and face blank; the first reaction they'd gotten in the battle. "I wouldn't embarrass you like that."
"No, but I know what the underworld's like, even in Shin'ō," Niko whispered. "I won't blame you, yet..."
"The public eye. I understand," Haru said as she straightened, and the Shinoda family crest, embroidered on the dress's white collar, shone bright gold under the lights, as if to match the chain-clasps Niko wore. "It is to knock out."
"Exactly," they said, and a wry smile crossed their face. And then the Box was back to Arena/Public, and TSSN-DLR dismissed to go wipe that section from the logs as Odoriko stumbled forward as it -she- glowed until it was as if the main sun had dared descend to Arkean soil, while around her formed a rainbow streaked white sphere. With a flick of her arm, the Dazzling Gleam hurled towards Yoru and Dara. Replays would show the way veins bulged and leaves twitched as the sphere grew faster than it should. But such was the way of Chlorophyll-boosted monsters.
More to the point, give it a day, and the internet would be rife with speculation it had a fairy parent or grandparent.
Speedy or no, the attack still missed.
A possible sign the pokemon was soon for a recall.
"Dah! Be!" Niko ordered. Dark, crimson streaked energy swirled and crackled to life as Yoru hurled the Dark Pulse towards Odoriko, while Dara hurled a Razor Shell at the fletchinder. Only the Dark Pulse hit, catching Odoriko head-on, while Karasu shot up out of the dust cloud faster than it had any right to be thanks to the Tailwind.
But it was a touch too fast-
Odoriko swayed as it fought to remain standing; clearly, whatever healing it'd been trying to gain had failed, and it pitched forward. The remaining Ingrained roots cruelly -painfully- ripped from the ground-
Haru recalled it in a burst of light, hidden signal amplifiers doing their job; her face was still unreadable, but even Niko knew what that'd been. Poison affected worn out monsters more than typical, and from the way it'd reacted, a Leech Seed had made it onto the grass-type. At least it hadn't been a Toxic.
Either way, it wouldn't see the field again this battle.
Hardly a moment passed before her next pokemon entered in a flash of light, moving -and likely howling, or at least snarling- before the canid fully materialised, and out of the corner of their eye, they noticed the screens light up with the new monster's stats.
Kiba. Its name was Kiba.
Niko snorted, clicked their fingers, and Dara dug down into the rocky ground of the arena.
If their wife wanted to be cocky, then so be it. It wasn't as if they hadn't faced similar situations in the past. Yet, the creature was well cared for. A glossy and shiny coat was one thing -good food brought that out no trouble-, but it was the cartilage calcifications -the so-called 'horns and bones'- that gave it away.
They were starting to get a picture of how the Umiyari had wanted her to look.
A tongue click and sharp 'Acid' had Yoru moving, claws dripping with purple gunk while Karasu darted into the sky as it wheeled around, faster still now, flames licking at its beak-
Groudon's tail, that thing ran with Agility too?! No wonder it hadn't been attacking; it'd been setting up a Tailwind and Agility chain. And here they'd thought the bellossom'd been the threat. Tch. Lessons learned.
The bird dove and flames lit up the area over the trio of monsters, while Yoru hurled the Acid up towards the airborne threat as he contorted himself to avoid the Flamethrower. Though it cost the Acid its target and the gunk sailed on to splatter harmlessly against the arena floor. Dara weathered the fire as expected, yet the houndoom moved as if it'd been born to catch the flames as they twirled around its -his- horns and tail before vanishing-
Flash Fire-!
-Kiba lunged at Yoru, fangs sharp and gleaming, though powerful jaws snapped shut around the air as the faint, white gleam of a Super Fang dissipated. But the canid soon fell victim to Dara's Dig as the crawdaunt caught it in the side with a pincer and threw it into the space between him and Yoru, though it'd soon be up on its feet. The houndoom species had never been slouches with defence.
One of the reasons they liked the species.
A tongue click and Dara dug back into the ground, while Yoru shifted, claws raised as it soaked up what sunlight it could from the rapidly fading Sunny Day.
Not enough left to mean an instant Solar Beam. Pity, but the false sun of a move never lasted long.
Later, they'd seen on the replay the way Haru's mouth had curved slightly as the Viridian Gym Leader had played into the trap. As it was, there was no warning or even lead up. One second Kiba was struggling to its feet, the next, a blast wave of thick, fiery orange energy erupted from the now standing hound, while Karasu circled back to where the Sunny Day had been and left a new one in his wake as fiery energy slammed into Yoru and Dara.
While Yoru remained standing, they couldn't deny the dull, orange tint of a Burn that overlaid the pokemon. Nor deny the actual burns that covered its body, thorns and spines blackened with scale and flesh dried and cracked. Dara wasn't much better; it too was Burned, and its already damaged carapace cracked around many of the boreholes, as if steam and heat had rather explosively escaped.
Well. Wasn't this wonderful, they thought with a sharp intake as teeth ground against each other, eyes narrowed and hands briefly clenched before they forcibly exhaled.
Swallowed back the words they wanted to hurl at the monsters on the field.
Anger would not do them any good right now, and there was a fine, fine line between 'arsehole but responsible' and 'arsehole and an abuser', and if they tripped over that (again), there'd be hell to pay. Possibly even a few dunks into the Distortion.
Another breath in and out as Kiba and Karasu circled, while Yoru wobbled unsteadily and Dara's claws clacked as its Dig missed.
Niko's mouth twisted as they stared at the field, one hand half held up in a 'hold' signal all Gym Leaders used when they needed more time to think. They could make the pokemon fight, could so easily press the two past their limits; Myths of landorus only knew they'd trained that into the pokemon. Yet this was a show, and neither pokemon could fight. To make matters worse, if they pushed on, it'd be a double-knockout, and there was something galling and unpalatable about experiencing that within their Gym.
At their wedding match no less.
"Hmph." Duskballs in hand (instead of within the purpose-built rig with a button on top), they pointed them towards the field then hit the central button to trigger the recall. "Return."
The word wasn't needed, but again. Gym Leader, and this was a show. They wasted no time in sending out the next pair of battlers and ignored the stats as they flashed up onto the big screens.
Tobi and Hashi were not the best combination for this. Still, given they'd started the battle expecting a much less experienced opponent and treated it as such, up to not giving orders even as the pokemon materialised, they had to deal with the consequences of their assumptions.
It galled. Twisted and churned their gut until their jaw ached. Somehow, it felt like the single battle Kotone'd won three years ago at the Alph Ruins, back when they'd grossly underestimated the now researcher. Ah, well. They would make do, and they would win this.
After all, all bets were off now, and they knew the first monster that'd be targeted.
"En, air! San!"
Tobi's glossy black wings thrust the large, crow-like pokemon from the light show, while down on the ground, something heavy landed with enough force it kicked up enough dust to obscure the area; there was barely a chance to glimpse the monster before a Sandstorm kicked up around it. Up in the air, Tobi's red tail was wide, and the signature crest flicked back as it climbed as high as it could and fired off a sinister ball of dark, bloody crimson-streaked purple-black energy seconds later. Then, ignoring the results and the Sandstorm, concentrated around the still mostly hidden steely grey egg-like monster at its centre, Tobi dove and pivoted on a wing so its flight path would take it back to Niko as it started to circle the field.
Doubtlessly cawing its superiority for the world to hear.
Niko and the crowd did not ignore the surprise attack of a Night Shade; it hit head-on, and Karasu rocked in the air as it struggled to stay airborne amidst the sand and debris that buffeted it about like a child's kite. It wobbled, dove as its body pitched to the left-
-Something flashed white in the centre of the sandstorm, and the spiky, egg-like monster wobbled as Kiba raced away from it-
-the Sandstorm expanded outwards to lightly obscure the field-
-the fletchinder rocketed up at an unseen signal (replays would show a hand gesture and verbal order), then, at the last possible second, it twisted, wingtip brushing against the barrier as it dove.
Talons first, it slammed into Tobi, and for a bird so small, the force was impressively brutal as the pair tumbled down several feet. Talons yanked feathers as out as the fire-flying whirled up and back towards its owner, leaving Tobi's wings flailing for several seconds before the honchkrow eased into a dive then climb, while, as soon as the Karasu was within amplified range (roughly half the field baring medical emergencies), the recall beam triggered, pulling the hawk-like monster back into its' ball.
U-Turn.
Cute. (How many had won yen on that bet? At least a few, Niko knew that much.)
Eyes briefly flicked to Hashi and the shallow gashes left on the rocky scales of its shell. Super Fang, then. One of very few things that could scratch a pupitar's shell, and given the glow of the eye-like markings, Hashi wasn't impressed.
"Con the 'doom!" They said, more to press the advantage on the houndoom, as Haru tossed in a luxuryball to replace the flechinder. It hit the field, and her next pokemon entered the Sandstorm in a burst of bright light, while Kiba hunched and started to cough and gag. Even so, Tobi flew over it, and its wings flicked out several spinning, eerily sinister balls of almost strobe-like light.
With unnerving accuracy, they headed towards its opponents.
-An almost depleted firestone glinted amongst all the lights, the flash of cream-gold fur and tails tipped darker gold (Johto breed-line, then? They'd only assumed red tips at the meeting then, but never actually seen them)-
So it is battle worthy, they thought as the well cared for kitsune's tails flicked a little as swirling sand, dust, and debris struck it. Otherwise, it didn't react, merely stood there, still as a statute even as the Confuse Ray hit it and its companion.
Niko snorted.
To be expected of a monster slaved to a GED, and implied Haru was likely planning something outside the impending Toxic. A pincer attack, maybe? The largest threat to the field was Hashi.
Red eyes narrowed as Kiba paused, wobbled-
Perfect.
"Ro," Niko said, teeth bared in a smile and dramatic, side on point with the left hand as the houndoom lost its balance and slammed face-first into the arena floor. Pity it couldn't poison itself, but at least the Confuse Ray had worked in a dramatically satisfying fashion on one of Haru's pokemon.
A replay would show Haru's nose had briefly wrinkled with displeasure.
Hashi rose a good foot in the air as the rocky arena ground around the pokemon seemed to rattle as near literal, glowing 'chunks' of the stone floor rose up and looked like a wall of stone and dirt. A wall that seemed no taller than a female tyranitar yet somehow, seemed larger still. Then, the pupa-like creature jetted forward, only to abruptly slam into the ground, and the glowing wall became chunks hurled toward the two fire types, burying them under rock and dirt for several long seconds before it dissipated.
For all the pair'd no chance to dodge it, neither seemed terribly hurt; only modest scrapes and cuts were visible. Niko made a small, near soundless huff as their mouth twitched upwards in approval. She'd trained against weakness. Good. That'd make the battle more interesting, but there was a little she could do to turn the ti-
A shock of green-tinted energy slammed into Hashi, and the egg-like monster rocked backwards as the grass-type energy crackled across its shell and left faint grass-burn marks and a now revealed scorched eviolite in its wake. The ninetales looked on with a looming nobility, as if to indicate this directly resulted from his actions, while Hashi's shell hissed as it expelled air from the vent like spaces. The red glow of the 'eyes' was dark. Angry.
Energy Ball? Leather creaked as Niko shifted. Probably one of the Eselian TMs then.
A tail flicked, precise and controlled, and yet another Sunny Day shot up into the sky.
What was she playing at? An attempt to replicate a desert? Niko eyed her image, but it gave nothing away.
"Bi! Ro!" Niko said calmly as they settled back on their heels to watch the battle unfold into a victory for them. And it would be one; For all the Energy Ball had knocked Hashi around, it had done little damage as expected, and unless she got lucky with a 'critical hit', there was little chance Haru'd win unless a victory was pulled from thin air. It wasn't impossible- just very unlikely.
It didn't mean they could let their guard down.
(Looking back at the replays, they'd learn they'd been on the backfoot since the beginning of the match. Pride before the fall indeed.)
Tobi spiralled high as the arena would allow, and the honchkrow almost seemed to glow against the backdrop of the stadium. Or maybe that was just the way the lights hit it. Hard to tell, and that's what Niko liked about Stadium matches; it could often be hard to tell a set-up from lights, or even just the barrier's faint colours. At the same time, Kiba's mouth opened wide as it surged forth with whiter than white fangs that glinted bioenergy, only to trip on a hole from one of Dara's Digs.
It slammed snout first into the ground.
Niko snickered. Poor thing, but such was the way of the Confused until it could be shaken off. Yet, some part of the teenager hoped it hadn't bitten its tongue off. Pokemon Centres and their healing machines could fix many a thing, but they couldn't regrow a body part if it couldn't be reattached first. Nor could they realign broken bones.
At the same time as that, another Rockslide tore through the arena. Even with the obfuscation Sandstorm brought, Pyxis easily dodged the majority, though it was still pummelled somewhat. Kiba, though... the canid's confused attempts to avoid the chunks of rock instead led to it being buried under rock and dirt once again in what had to have been a critical hit.
Red eyes flicked to the big screen, searching for the flinch they knew should have happened. Yet... no replay came. Instead, the only indication she'd felt anything was in the white-knuckled grip on the rail.
I need to monitor that. There was a show match, and then there was forcing their no-doubt-linked wife to withstand the pain of battle.
Only one would win them brownie points with the people of Viridian.
"Xic!" They ordered with a click, watching as the vents between the shell's scales flared, the pokemon sucking in the air as it readied the Toxic, only for the ninetales to surge forth, and seconds later, Hashi weathered a Heat Wave from the fox monster. Again, it did little damage, on the outside at least. Sucking in the super-heated air wouldn't have done its insides any favours, and it rendered the Toxic useless, but no matter. Hashi was a tank; it could weather something like that, and Tobi was almost ready. If they had to guess, the predator hadn't taken its eyes off the ninetales the whole time it'd been circling.
Good. Now if it could hi-
Even muted, the roar of the crowd was enough for their attention to snap back to the field, just in time to watch a point-blank Energy Ball slam into Hashi as it again tried for a Toxic, right into the gash left by the earlier Super Fang. The pupitar slid and tumbled across the field, leaving a good furrow in its wake. Niko didn't have to know it'd likely lost consciousness.
Wonderful-
And Tobi had dived-
A hand slammed down onto the recall button, and within a second Hashi had been recalled, leaving only Tobi on the field. Luckily, that was all they'd need, even if Haru was allowed a full belt. Hitting a flyer in the air was often hit-and-miss, and they planned to bank on it.
"You got lucky, there," they said, eyes glued to Tobi as it circled the arena, glow brightening until it burst into white feathery-flame that wreathed dark wings. Wings that now seemed far, far larger than they had any right to be as terrifying, awe-inspiring momentum and speed carried the bird closer and closer to its target. Its claws opened, ready to dig into flesh as if it were a true raptor-like monster the likes of braviary or pidgeot.
Hands braced against the rail as Niko leaned in, razor grin splitting their face as Tobi drew closer and closer. This would be the fox's last-
A blur of black and tan jumped between Pyxis and Tobi at the last possible moment, and from there, it was an explosion of energy as bright as a flash. It lasted barely a second, and as it faded, Niko made out one form, clearly bloodied with at least one broken rib, as it dropped to the ground in a cloud of dust and debris. At the same time, the other tumbled up into the sky, wings fighting to stabilise the crow-monster (also bloodied and missing feathers) before it lost momentum.
"RECALL IT!" Niko bellowed into the mic, now keyed to both Public and Box, as they stared at Haru's bloodless face, gold eyes wide with pain and knuckles white and elbows locked as she gripped the rail. A blink and then she was blank and poised (but still paler than they liked. Too pale, even), the houndoom recalled a second later.
They held up their hand to signal a wait/hold, yet even as they did so, Haru was already sending out another monster (this toss overhand? Hadn't the others been-). Niko tried not to curse, but at least she was obeying the wait/hold signal outside that action. At least the hound wasn't dead; if it was, it wouldn't have been able to be recalled.
Another breath, then they barked into the mics, now firmly switched to Public. (Tobi and Pyxis could use the breather.) "Get me a replay, now."
"Rodger," came the voice of one of the League officials. "Nia says she's shielding."
Of course she is, they thought bitterly. Fucking Umiyari. They swapped to Box only. "Haru?"
"I can continue," she said back, and Niko wished they knew her better. "I'm fine."
"You sure," they asked, even as they watched the replay. One that proved Kiba had not only taken the 'wing' damage, it'd also made contact with Tobi's claws, and that'd prevent Tobi from escaping the attack unscathed. "League says your shielding."
"Ah-" They could hear the swallow. "They wish to check I am as I say I am?"
"Yeah." They could force it; was within their rights as Gym Leader. "Standard-"
"I assure you, I'm fine." Was she worried they'd pry? Niko'd ask later and then correct any misconceptions their wife had. "I can continue with the battle."
Fuck it. "I'm not asking; I'm telling as Gym Leader."
"I understand," Haru said blankly.
"She's shaken, but she's otherwise fine," Nia's voice said a few seconds later. "I don't think she likes others in her mind."
No shit Wattson, Niko thought. Not if Arata invaded her mind as he pleased. "Thanks," was all they said instead as they eyed their wife. Fine, huh? Likely not, but if she said she was, and Nia said she was fine, then they had no true leg to stand on in calling the match early. They could, of course, but the public would want to know why, as would Haru.
And they had promised themselves they'd treat her like a person, not a tool or ornament. To respect her wishes.
"Tch." Niko shrugged and turned their attention back to the field as the crowd counted down, while on the screen the moment the delcatty entered the field was replayed, and Niko raised an eyebrow.
They'd been right, then. Haru had thrown the luxurayball over-handed, while all previous to this had been under-handed throws. She was up to something, then. Though what, they didn't know, and a glance at its stats told them nothing (outside its name and how did you even say 'Andromeda?' Was it Keltan? Orren? Guyanan?
They'd later learn it was Delacoren.)-
Sweeper. It was a fucking sweeper while the ninetales was defensive-sweeper, and that told them Haru was, at the very least, on the Competitive level, not simply 'I have monsters for defensive reasons'.
Hands fisted then relaxed as Niko straightened. It wasn't as if they hadn't faced something like this before, yet still... It galled, even if they could win this if they thought things through and didn't allow the growing humiliation to grab them. Maybe, if they'd paid better attention to the stats, they would have won already- no. Deal with all of that later. It was go time-
At some point, the Sunny Day had vanished-
"En, air!" they bit out, mic already switched to Public and Arena once again.
Maybe they shouldn't have done that, they thought as Tobi dodged an Energy Ball (and they could imagine the angry bark-yips from Pyxis and the caw-cackle from Tobi), only to return it with a critical hit of a Night Shade of its own that the fox took instead of the cat.
It remained standing, but part of its fur was blacked and signed.
Disto Dunk it.
"Psy!" They ordered as Tobi pivoted on a wingtip, eyes brighter than they had any right to be, and it was damn gratifying to see how Haru's eyes widened as a dark-type (half, but details) literally flung Andromeda across the field with a flick of its signature crest. Yet that didn't seem to ruffle the cat even as it climbed to its feet, eyes closed as if deep in some sort of tr-
Calm Mind. It has to be, they mentally added as they eyed the delcatty -then jerked their attention back to Pyxis as the kitsune's tails fanned out and waved in intricate patterns as it twirled around-
"BI!" It was a demand, not an order (they would wince at that later, but it could be spun a certain way) as another Sunny Day shot into the air, and Niko snorted even as they made a mental note to deal with the ninetales if - when - they next fought. Clearly, the defensively bent sweeper and Haru's plans needed the fake sun and all the heat it brought. Yet, stillness continued to command the delcatty, and the only sign of life from it was the way its fur moved, as if in a gentle wind-
Land's shit. Yet, even as they wiped sweaty palms on jeans, they knew Pyxis had to go-
Tobi was diving again-
"Fox!" They barked into the mic, knowing the corvid would adjust its path to hit the kitsune first.
White wings closed around the ninetales, even as Tobi had already moved onto the cat-
Blistering orange heat exploded from the wounded yet still standing fox (and Haru, they'd later learn, was white as a sheet with a white-knuckled grip around the rail (and damn her for saying she was fine when she clearly wasn't-)) and slammed into Tobi from behind and Niko damn near bit his tongue off as the crow, far from attacking the cat, tumbled to the ground, tail over beak thrice before it rolled into said cat-
Who'd somehow intercepted the dark-flying-type while its eyes remained shut-
Niko's eyes widened. "Up-!"
Yet, as if on cue, Andromeda's eyes flashed opened as it did its mouth, and for once, Niko was glad for the sound damping the field around the arena. They would later learn it had been on cue; Haru, though paler than pale, had been verbally directing the cat.
They'd heard Uproar before, and it was an unholy sound, the likes that belonged solely to the realms of the deep earth, with its quakes and its magma chambers, or better yet, the Distortion. It was the likes that would have, had the dampening not been there, had hands to ears and eyes clamped shut. As it was, they flinched back anyway, breath hitching as red eyes sought out Tobi.
They hissed as the honchkrow flailed into the air, got maybe two feet up before it took a nose dive into the ground. It did not get back up.
Hands fisted as Niko lowered their head and glared out at the field. This was... there was no denying Tobi was out, yet-
Their hand hit the recall button, instinct and knowing how many League eyes were on them right that second, working ahead of their brain. "I yield this match to the victor."
They almost winced at the crowd's volume. Then again, feelings aside, it had been a noteworthy match.
"Thank you," Haru said with a small but pleased smile on her face. "It was a good battle."
"Yeah, same," Niko said with a shrug, while around them, cameras flashed as League sanctioned reporters moved in for brief interviews. "Not often I do doubles."
"I couldn't tell," Haru said, and Niko cracked a smirk.
Of course she'd have been able to tell. Groudon's tail, she should have been tested at 8th. Would have been less humiliating. It was a bitter thought, more so when there was no way they could have known, and if they had and a hint had gotten out, then 'favourites' and 'match' rigging would be the least of their worries when it came to how vicious the people of the Viridian sub-region could be.
Yet, for all the bitterness defeat brought, they were proud of Haru. She'd managed to take them completely by surprise, and from the way the crowd was reacting, they approved, wholeheartedly and without reservation, of her. Of the fact Haru was strong, was worthy of Niko. Was worthy to stand at the Gym Leader's side as yet another Protector.
"People of Viridian," they said with a grand, sweeping gesture. "I give you my wife: Shinoda Haru! May she bear the Green badge with pride and also protect you in times of need!"
This time, they flinched at the volume.
-/-/-/-/-
Her head throbbed in time with the cheers.
Cheers that, for all they were muffled, were terrifyingly deafening, and she couldn't recall a single time in her life she'd even shared a building with so many people.
The majority of whom cheered for her.
It was new. It was exhilarating, and Haru could barely focus on the words exchanged over the microphones, both with Niko and with others. But she knew this: canned responses and a poised appearance. She'd doubtlessly need to watch videos of it later so she didn't forget what she'd said.
All that mattered right now was that she said the right thing.
Like all GEDs, she felt their feelings, and that included pain, and even though she'd only partially slaved her pokemon, the psychic backlash was very much real. Unfortunately, it was the price she paid to better control and alert her tools. Only experience and training against that pain (amongst other things) had kept her standing when the blow that felled him hit, to say nothing of the remainder of the battle.
He was in his 'ball, yet, 'ball induced stasis or not, Kiba's pain still infringed on her consciousness, and that made it harder to focus, training or not.
It was, as far as she understood it, a problem unique to Golden Eyed Children' graded' at or over high Class-3. Not that accepted science believed them. Leftover backlash, they said.
She knew what it was, and it wasn't that.
At least she hadn't collapsed and further shamed Niko on Live TV.
However, that didn't make it any less unpleasant or distracting to experience the dull throb that reverberated through her skull. There was stinging as well, as if it were a fresh wound yet to be cleaned and dressed. She could still function with the appearance of being unruffled, but only for so long. Thankfully, Kiba being in his pokeball made things less immediately urgent.
At least the public wouldn't accuse Niko of going easy on her, not when she'd been shamefully visibly weak in the knees from that hit.
(At least it hadn't been Surf.)
Yet, try as she might to focus, the pleasantries seemed to go on forever. Realistically they only took a few minutes as any true discussion would happen after they'd both seen to their pokemon. It was selfish, yet she hoped the treatment would numb Kiba's pain enough she'd be able to present a more serious front while speaking.
That was important if the public wasn't to see her as some vapid little thing. Graces willing it'd be so, yet, if she had to interview with this pain, she would need to sleep for days after. Days she didn't have the leisure to waste.
When at last the required exchanges were over, and she had taken an extra moment to thank the crowd for witnessing their marriage match, Haru made her way back to the challenger's tunnel under the stands. There, safe in the shadows and away from the cameras, she slouched for a moment and took a series of deep breaths.
In for three, hold for four, then out for three. Repeat at least five times.
Composure regained for the moment, she hurried to the designated medic station.
They were already prepared for her.
"His 'ball?" One nurse asked, even as she procured it for them.
"Here."
"Right. Go, take a seat." The nurse said before she hurried off and vanished into one of the treatment rooms.
Haru wasn't sure when she found the seat.
"We can do the check over of your others here," another nurse said, and Haru blinked up at him. About the only thing that stood out was the shock of pink hair styled into a mohawk.
"Ah... Here is fine." Haru said with a slight nod as he released them one by one, trying not to flinch as the throb slowly grew into a headache with each fire-type. At least de-seeding was a far less serious procedure than checking a monster for broken ribs, and she couldn't halt the irresistible flinch that accompanied Kiba being released from his pokeball.
She swore she heard the sound too, or was that one of her other pokemon? Didn't matter, Haru decided as she settled back into the out of the way seat while the nurse and aides gave them a once-over, glad to be sitting, even if all she wanted to do was curl up and nurse her headache.
No. With the way her vision and mind swam, it was a migraine—a sharp one. What was worse, her torso ached with phantom pain. Her breathing was shallow, meaning there was almost certainly a broken rib or two. At least it wasn't hers (and her mind was as untangled from Kiba's as it could be), but she'd still have to deal with it as they took imaging and poked around to make sure the bones would heal right.
Every time she was in a position such as this, she wished that healing machines would advance to the point that realignments were unrequired. At least imaging as a process had been made so much easier in recent years, in large part thanks to someone finally figuring out how to better integrate magneton and magnezone into the process.
Haru took a deeper breath and closed her eyes as she pondered the future in an attempt to distract herself.
No doubt an interview would be next, possibly without her spouse by her side, but they'd be there for the Victory Lap after said interview. She could handle that, though she would prefer Niko's company on principle alone. Her hair would have to be redone, a nice fishtail braid with both the clips she wore now, and a ribbon the colour of the newlywed band would be a good option. She could braid her hair in any number of ways in her sleep, so she should be able to when in pain - if it came to that.
Hopefully, it wouldn't, she thought as she took a sip of water, only to pause as she noticed the mug. Then, she shrugged and took another sip, trying not to gulp it down. She must have asked for it.
She finished the mug in a long sip, and another one was in her hands soon after, fingers wrapped around it tight enough to shatter glass. Gold eyes slid over her pokemon, watching as the medical staff continued to check them over.
The de-seeding was going well-
Haru looked down at her clothing in an effort to corral her thoughts back towards something useful. Hmm. Would it be enough for an interview? Possibly. The dress was simple. Black with the Shinoda family crest embroidered in a deep gold against the crisp white club collar, with a high waist and an A-line skirt. White leggings with gold-threaded details, simple black heels, tasteful accessories, and a delicate white pochette purse in which she stored the luxuryballs rounded out the ensemble.
It'd be fine, she decided as the sound of pokemon being recalled filtered through the general fog-haze her brain was attempting to settle into. It was suitable for both battle and a general social setting. Perhaps, if she had to battle again, she'd make it into the battle outfit. Or perhaps the outfit that accented Niko's Gym Leader one.
She'd ask them when she saw-
A gasp-sigh of relief came from her mouth unbidden, and it took everything she had to keep from sagging into the chair.
The pain was rapidly receding as the healing machine worked its magic. Faster than normal, but Gym Leaders had access to cutting-edge technology.
The fog-haze was lifting and she could think again.
Quickly, Haru ran over her thoughts. The Victory Lap was without question, and of course there would be an interview; the Viridian people would want to know her thoughts, and her outfit had been chosen with this in mind. It would likely be a one-on-one, and while she didn't mind, any future interviews related to this battle and the status of their marriage were to include Niko. She'd insist on it; they were married, and her family was related to the Kazoku of Sinnoh.
Never mind Niko's own status; it was prudent and wise to provide as united a front as often as possible. The people of Viridian needed to see them as a complementary couple, or they would have concerns for their future.
Maybe there already were. She had reacted worse than normal to Kiba's agony, and Haru internally cursed herself for allowing the pain to take over her senses enough that she could do little more than grasp for memories. It was shameful, and she would have to train harder. Maybe Niko could help.
Yes. She'd have them help. She wouldn't shame them in public, just as they wouldn't her.
"-Haru?"
She blinked up at the Gym Leader as she straightened. Noted a moment later was the small entourage they seemed to have brought with them. Surge, for one, the Orren's height making him stand out. The Indigo Champion was another she recognised (though her hair was now midnight black, not steel-grey-blue. A rinse, then?), but the brunette she didn't. Or, if she did, no name came, and Haru dismissed it. She'd remember a brunette with almost copper-brown brown hair, brown eyes, and a white coat over jeans and a red shirt. Another man stood alongside Surge, but his name escaped her. He seemed familiar, though, as if she'd seen his picture before, yet still, no name came to mind.
Annoying, but she could adapt.
The ultraball on Niko's belt stood out like a sore thumb. "Niko?"
When had they arrived? Had she been so lost in thought as to not have heard them? She must have been if she'd had to straighten.
"How're you feeling?" They asked, concern clear in their voice as she forced her grip on the mug to relax.
"Fine. I can think again," Haru said simply as she fought to regain her equilibrium. She had an image to maintain, after all. "When did you arrive?"
"A few minutes ago," the Champion said with a small smile that reached blue eyes. Darkened Blue eyes. Teacher had been right when he said the Champion was a Darkened.
That was unexpected, yet... no. It wasn't. No one had ever seen the Champion teleport, yet everyone knew the woman could. Later. Think about it and ask Teacher for details later. "Forgive me for making you-"
Niko snorted and waved a hand. "'S fine. Nothing to be sorry for with psychic backlash and's not like Kris ain't waited longer."
"Ignore Niko," Kris said with an eye roll. "They're being a prat."
Ah... Yobisute with her? There was history there that spoke of a past outside the odd battle, and she wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not. Was this a threat to her marriage? The contract had clearly stated they weren't allowed to take lovers outside of it. She'd ask later.
"They've been like this since they met," The brunette said with a small laugh while in the background, Kris and Niko glared at each other, only for the glaring match turned into a scuffle as Niko attempted to pull Kris into a headlock. "I'm Utsugi Kotone- one of Niko's Rivals."
Haru blinked as she returned the bow. Perhaps she wasn't as fine as she'd claimed as she felt; she should have known that, and it was possible the Champion was another -the other?- Rival. It could explain the yobisute and Niko's comments about her back in Eterna. No matter. She'd functioned under worse and would get details later. "The pleasure is mine, Utsugi-san-"
"Kotone. Utsugi-san's for my mum."
"Kotone-san, then. I am deeply sorry to have made you all wait. It wasn't my intention, but I assure you I am fine now."
"Are you sure?" Haru blinked at the question, and the man-whose-name she'd blanked on continued. "We can delay the Victory Lap longer if you want."
Again, Haru found herself lost, and it wasn't a pleasant feeling. She'd said she was fine, yet they still asked her? Odd- or perhaps not. This wasn't the Umiyari. She mentally sighed and made a note to do more research to decide how she was to act around these people. Unless they were taking her formality as nerves. She could work with that...?
She wished the fog-haze would lift faster. "Victory Lap? I was under the impression-"
"There'd be an interview first?" Niko finished, now on Surge's left, while the Vermilion Gym Leader looked on in amusement at the teenage antics.
"Yes," she said with a small nod. Then her brain caught up and replayed what the man - Totomi. He was Sabrina's younger brother and the Saffron Gym Leader now. While no psychic himself, he did train them- had said. "Delay?"
"Yeah. You were linked to your hound when it happened, right?" Surge asked as he stared at her.
Haru swallowed under the hazel stare. "I was. I apologise for any-"
"Honestly, I'm surprised you remained standing." the electric specialist interrupted. "Seen lesser injuries to 'mons collapse GEDs."
Haru blinked as she became the centre of almost everyone's attention. She wished she could look to Niko, to find out what they wanted her to say. Or, better yet, that they spoke for her. But no. Her spouse was ... oddly backing up a few steps from both the Champion and Kotone's very pointed Looks, hands half-raised. "I would have called it off if she collapsed, ok?"
Interesting and good to know, but that didn't help her.
"I've had worse," she said at last, even as she racked her mind for a suitable lie that would sound genuine enough. "I lost one of mine when I was younger."
Everyone winced at that, and it seemed no one had any idea what to say. She hadn't meant to silence them, but it was a useful lie.
It was the brunette who broke the silence first. "We do mean it, though, and Niko'd be happy to do it, wouldn't you?"
"Yeah, yeah," the redhead grunted, shoulders hunched and arms crossed as they shot a venomous look towards Kotone (who looked away) before they sighed and raked a hand through their hair. "Look, it's up to you. I have Kaede out there doing a show-n-tell on nokutasu and ryobushi..."
They motioned to the wall-mounted, muted TV that displayed an older woman with a cacturne. Behind her, perched on a rock, sat a large, dark grey falcon-like creature, the remains of a rattata pinned under a talon.
"I..." Haru paused as she considered her options. She could force herself to continue on; she'd done so before. But this was not the underworld, and the matter was not immediately pressing. Perhaps... Perhaps it would be alright to delay it for a few more minutes, just to be sure. "I believe I'll wait a short period before we do this lap."
"Awesome, you wanna meet Ryoki now?" Niko tapped the ultraball.
"Ryoki?" Her eyes flicked from the 'ball to Niko, then to the entourage before they returned to Niko in silent question. "Yes?"
While Niko unhooked the 'ball, the quartet moved to loosely ring a space big enough to release a large pokemon into. Haru didn't have time to question it before a rather large cat-like creature materialised within the space.
Yellow eyes started out of a vaguely feline face as it honed in on Niko, ears pricked towards its master. Its fur was grey-black and midnight blue, with a grey-black patch in the centre of its forehead, as if to mimic the crest of a persian. The fur was also long in places, yet short in others, as if it couldn't make up its mind. A panumbra, her mind whispered. This so-called demon cat of Kelta stood near six foot at the shoulder, though it seemed larger thanks to the way the shoulder fur flicked up several inches.
"Ryoki?"
"Yeah. You'll ride her for a lap of the stadium," they said as they rested a hand on the feline's shoulder.
"The Victory Lap," Haru said more than asked. "My pokemon?"
"If you want, but no one's going to fault you if you don't have 'em out."
She wasn't sure she believed that. "I am unsure how to ride a cat..." Horses, she could do. "Or what their roles in this are."
"Side-saddle and all of them bar Kotone are nosy League people," Niko said with a huff and glare directed Kotone's way. The brunette didn't seem to notice. "Kotone's just a pain."
"Actually, one of us'll be seeing you off and meeting with you at the end of the lap," Totomi said. "As will your father..."
"I'm glad," Haru said with a nod, thankful they'd had some time to go over general basics with the man. She didn't doubt Niko would have set the man a psychic shield, either. Not everyone knew how to shield or arrange thoughts as to hide more private thoughts. "May I choose who's to see us off?"
"Sure."
Haru considered, then affected a small shrug. "Totomi-san. I ... I feel it'd be wrong for the Champion; she is Niko's Rival, is she not?"
"I guess?" Kris said with a blink. "I can separate-"
"I mean no disrespect, yet I have heard many Rivals-"
She didn't get to finish as Niko, Kris, and Kotone started sputtering eyes wide or faces twisted into revolted looks as they waved hands in front of their faces with adamant denials. "-bad breath-" "-an arsehole-" "Me? With them?" "No way! She shaves-" "I'm aro-ace!" "We'd kill each other!" "They snore!" "-attractive as a stick-"
"Haru-san," Surge said over the spluttering trio. "Put them in a room together, and I promise they'll find a way to be at each other's throats soon enough."
Somehow, she felt she was missing something. Something important, and she would get to the bottom of it. If Niko was lying to her... well. She wasn't above spilling blood to remind her spouse of where loyalties must lay within the union, nor to eliminate rivals. "I see. I still feel it would be more appropriate for Totomi-san."
"Right," the Saffron Gym Leader said with a nod. "Well, when you're ready."
Haru nodded as she sank back into the chair. "A few more minutes, then."
In the end, it was more like another ten minutes, during which time Niko fitted the feline with a saddle, then recalled it, and the entourage filtered off. Surge and Kris back to box seats, while Kotone and Totomi ended up engrossed in some sort of talk she was too tired to focus on. Niko also wandered off to talk with the nurses.
Doubtless about the status of her monsters.
And then, just like that, it was go time, and she found herself sitting atop the penumbra as they waited out on the field strip, one hand gripping the pommel while the other held the halter's show reigns. Yet, it wasn't Niko who held the lead rope with the ease of someone who'd practised, but Totomi.
For someone who trained psychic-types, never mind his status as the younger brother of one of the most powerful psychics currently living, he seemed rather comfortable around dark-types.
Something to consider later, perhaps, when it wasn't show time.
A small inhale to settle herself, and she beamed as Katsuo led Niko out, the Sinnohan dressed in a fine suit while Niko was still in their battle outfit. They made for an odd pair, but she didn't doubt they'd practised it until it looked natural. And, it seemed her beaming, happy face put the man at ease, even if nervousness could be played up to being under the spotlight, or coming so close to the so-called Keltan demon cat.
Nor did it escape her mind why he was leading Niko out.
She didn't have a mother, nor any female siblings or aunts or even a grandmother, meaning it fell to the father to take up the role.
"O Victor of the Match, I humbly present your spouse," Katsuo said with a small bow as he gestured to Niko, who bowed, deep and formal.
"Rise," Haru said simply. "Please, show me the Gym and the crowd."
"As you wish," Niko said as they rose and gingerly accepted the lead rope. "Which way?"
"Clockwise," she said. It was traditional and just another marker to show how she wished to fit into the fabric of Viridian's public life.
A tug on the lead, and they were off, Haru falling back on her horse-riding skills, though she couldn't say the gait of a giant cat was an easy ride. She'd have to commandeer the massage chair when they returned home.
The Victory Lap was just that: a lap around the stadium, designed more to show off to the crowds than anything, and it gave her time to look at all the front row box seats with the rich and famous of the sub-region (or across Kanto) and to sign a few autographs -and wasn't that a novelty, she thought. To now be so public when before she hadn't been allowed to formally exist.
Novel, yet terrifying. At least her cover allowed her time to grow used to the idea and establish something of herself before Teacher returned.
She would be pregnant by then, she swore it and she'd make Niko see reason if she must. The stronger the foothold in her public life, the less chance Teacher would have to push her back to the shadows, to relegate her as little more than an ornament.
She was... enjoying the freedom she had now. It was nice.
The Victory Lap also allowed her to see some of the more famous faces that had come to watch the match. Over there, that box seat held the Oaks, the League Professor chatting away to a younger woman (his eldest daughter) and a young man (her... partner?), while his second daughter was pointing her out to a pair of teenagers. The boy wore noise-cancelling headphones, and there was an electrike with a bright blue collar on his lap, while the girl -a blonde?- talked excitedly at him.
"Unia hair?" Haru whispered into the earpiece, eyes wide. It wasn't any blonde, but the mountain-blonde so distinctive to Yamatai's native populations. The girl was a native.
"Archer's brat," Niko said with an audible shrug (and Haru wasn't sure what to make of that). "Asai Ayumi."
"Oh-" Was this Ayumi a Rocket too? Or-
But the boy had signalled them over -electrike now at his heels- and they pulled up to the box. Haru blinked and cocked her head.
"Autograph," the boy said as he thrust a near tome of a book on the uses of electricity out, eyes focused on the top of her head. Odd, but, given the headphones and near ten layers of clothing he wore (in summer, end of it or not!), perhaps not so... "Please."
"Of course. Who's it to?"
"Ōkido Shin," the boy said, voice monotone and curt. "And Karen."
"Karen?" she asked as she dutifully signed the book.
"Karen," the boy said again with a serious nod.
"His service mon," Ayumi said with a grin and nod towards the electrike.
Ah... Perhaps they'd allowed the clearly mentally crippled boy to signal them over; it wouldn't be the first time a crippled sibling was used like that.
"I see," Haru said, smile never leaving her face. Image was important, even in the face of an obvious cripple. "Do you want-"
"Nah, I'm good. I think they might, though," the blonde said as she nodded towards the older teenagers, and Haru blinked at seeing so many famous faces together. Daisy Oak, the Oak heiress. Satoru Oak - who Haru noted was trying and failing to look uninterested. Eva Iden'no, the youngest Champion in the history of the League. (She remembered watching and studying that Championship battle.) All of them hopeful, while Niko had been coaxed into signing a book and plastic pupitar doll for two giggling girls, both children and clearly related to one of the adults in the box.
Perhaps one day she'd get an autograph from the Iden'no woman herself. But, that was not the point here, so she dipped her head in agreement. "It would be my pleasure."
It didn't take long to sign, and then they were on the move again. By the time they returned to the start, Haru's hand was tired, and her face felt stretched, but it was worth it. She'd signed a myriad of things, posed for selfies (taking great care to do them with cripple and non alike), and even had a young boy, no more than four, blurt out he wanted to be a great wife like her one day.
It was cute in its own way, but the more important thing was she now had the start of a public image, and it would grow from there.
The question now was: would it be enough for when Teacher returned to her life?
As she looked out at the stadium, at the crowd and the faces of her nascent fanbase, Haru decided she would make it enough and make it so he'd have a hard time forcing her back into the shadows.
This was her life, and she'd be the one to live it.
Thanks for reading this far. Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated.