Big thanks to Foxboy614 for writing this with me. Hope you all enjoy!
Darkness and Light, Into the Chaos!
Karu came in for a landing at the Unova League building with a sigh. Andre Dakari, leader of infamous the Nightmare Gang, had called his Unova agents together at his base of operations. "Let's see what the boss wants." he muttered, heading for the gate.
The guard nodded to him. "Mr Karu. The Champion is not in yet, but he encourages you to wait." He informed.
"Thank you." Karu replied. "Has my sister arrived?"
"Yes, but Ms Caitlin is keeping her company." The guard replied rufully.
Karu chuckled. "Alright then, I'll leave them be."
He stepped inside the building, waiting at the statue. "Might as well get some work done." he muttered, opening a notebook. "Maybe if I...no, that doesn't make sense." he muttered.
Soon enough, he was so absorbed in his work, he didn't notice someone come up next to him. A petite trainer clad in dark purple and black. And she was no ordinary trainer. She was a member of the ELITE FOUR. It was the Ghost Type specialist and novelist, Shauntal. "No, that doesn't work any better. Damn it, I'm stumped." he groaned.
"Everything ok?" she asked, startling him.
"What the? Oh, Shauntal. I'm just trying to make a scene I'm writing work." he explained.
"Encountered writer's block, have you?"
"Yeah, it sucks." he groaned. "How do you deal with it?"
"Usually, I just go out and about. Examine the world around me. Often, it helps get the gears turning again."
Karu nodded. "I'll have to try that after meeting." he said.
"What's going on?"
"Hell if I know. He probably wants us to find some criminal that's wandered into Unova." Karu sighed before humming. "Or it may have something to do with that Ketchum kid he's been tailing."
"I think I heard of that kid. Seems like a nice guy. I think I noticed some girl in a long, tight skirt knock him into water once before. How does she even move in that thing? It's so long and tight... is it clumsiness, or the skirt that affects her?"
Karu laughed. "No, Bianca is that clumsy no matter what she wears. She's actually a friend from my hometown." he said. "But yeah, Andre took an interest in him after that Mewtwo Incident way back when. Guess Ketchum was neck deep in it."
"I never heard of that... Aside from him, did anyone ELSE get caught up in it?"
"Yeah, and it wasn't the only time." Karu informed. "According to the Boss, every world ending event that was prevented, Ketchum was at Ground Zero."
"What is he? Like, did Arceus send him as like a Guardian Angel, or something?" Shauntal asked. "I mean, if he shows up at every single event that could have spelled disaster, wh-what is going on? Heck... could he be CAUSING these disasters?"
"Unlikely. Every account of the guy paints him as a sweet if somewhat Pokemon obsessed boy. No, he's probably just very unlucky." Karu assured before smirking. "But I bet his is one hell of a story."
"Certainly seems that way." she replied.
"Speaking of stories, I managed to score a copy of your latest masterpiece." he said, one hand going to his bag.
"That so?"
"Yeah. A bit slow to start in my opinion, but hey, I'm not the master here." he said almost teasingly.
"I tried." she replied, not picking up his tease. "Still, have you thought of writing a story about a guy like yourself? Like, method writing, or something? Not necessarily like a self-insert kinda thing, but... a hero or antihero who goes through similar situations like you do?"
Karu shrugged. "My life isn't exactly interesting. Best I could do is write what it's like to have a hybrid sister."
"I see." she hummed.
"Now a story with Lias, that would be a good one. Living with the blood of a Latias, being able to talk to Pokemon as if they were people, she's amazing. If only everyone back home could see that." he said, grumbling the last part.
"That would make for an interesting story. Would certainly give people more insight into the minds of Pokémon."
"Yeah, though I do hear there's a woman in Kalos who can do something similar." Karu chuckled before sighing. "Bet she was popular as a kid." he muttered sadly.
"I may have to meet her. But... why do you look sad?" Shauntal asked.
"I've seen how cruel humans can be when it comes to something outside the norm, so to speak."
"That is true..."
"Not to say they're all like that." Karu added with a smirk. "Of course, the regional champion being the son of a Darkrai might have something to do with that."
Both chuckled. Andre Dakari made no secret of his heritage, going so far as to brag any time it was brought up. "Again, that is true. Though you seem much nicer than Darkrai."
"You know, most aren't as bad as humans think. They can't help causing nightmares, true, but that's why they tend to isolate themselves." Karu informed. "Little tidbit I picked up from the Boss. But yeah, I'm a decent guy I guess."
Shauntal didn't know that about them. "I see..."
"Weird things you learn, hanging with hybrids am I right?" Karu chuckled.
"It would certainly seem so." Karu chuckled a bit, and a somewhat akward silence fell. "Well, if you need help brainstorming ideas, let me know. I'll gladly help you."
"I might just take you up on that." Karu chuckled before suddenly shivering. "Judging by the temp drop, the boss is here."
Shauntal suddenly began to shiver too. "What is he? A Gengar?"
"Nah, he just rides on that damned Kyurem." Karu replied, pulling his coat tighter.
A few seconds later, the cold vanished and the gates opened to reveal the white haired, black clad form of Andre Dakari as he pulled on his red scarf. "Shauntal, thanks for looking after Karu while he waited." the hybrid said with a nod.
"Yeah, thanks!" the Vulpix on his shoulder chirped.
"Uh, m-my pleasure, sir."
Andre chuckled. "Calm down, you've known me since you became one fo the Four. You know I don't bite." he teased.
"Sorry sir."
"It's fine." Andre waved off. "I imagine Lias is with Caitlin?"
"According to what the guard told me when I got here." Karu replied.
"Probably a blushing mess by now." Andre chuckled. "Better let her know I'm here." with that, he made for Caitlin's room.
"Take care, sir." Shauntal said.
Andre waved over his shoulder before disappearing from view and Karu smiled as he stood straight. "Strikes an imposing figure with that edgy wardrobe, but surprisingly chill as usual." Karu chuckled, packing his things. "It's been wonderful talking to you, Shauntal. You free for a bite later today? I'd love to bounce some ideas off you."
"Mm hmm. I have no plans for the rest of the day. I was going to see if Rosa was up for some training, but she had other plans. Apparently, she's seeing either... Hilbert or Hugh, I think." Shauntal said.
Karu hummed. "Well then, I guess I'll see you later."
She nods, and the two part ways.
Karu sighed as the statue rose back up with him and his sister Lias on board. "Hey bro, think we could hang out for a bit?" Lias asked nervously. "Caitlin and I were going to-"
"Go be a gay disaster around your girlfriend. I've got a lunch date of my own."
Lias froze until the statue clicked into place in the first level. "She's not my girlfriend!" the hybrid shrieked before running off, making her brother chuckle before making for the room on the far left.
Not too far away, Shauntal was reading a book while Chandelure did her own thing.
"Dinner time, Ms Unova bestseller." Karu called, chuckling when the ghost type specialist jumped.
She giggled. "I thought being a Ghost specialist would render me immune to being startled."
Karu chuckled. "Well, whenever you get to a good stopping point in that story, we can get a bite." She nodded and pulled out a bookmark and put it in her book.
"The boss mentioned the League had a great restaurant. Been meaning to check it out." Karu said as they headed out.
"It really does. The food is to die for. Especially their desserts."
"Can't wait." Karu chuckled, the trainer following his companion to the restaurant. They're seated at a nice table and given menus. After they had ordered, the two trainers sipped their sodas. "So, as for the ideas I wanted to bounce off you." he began.
"I'm all ears." Shauntal said, leaning forward a bit.
"So first some context. My story is about a girl who... hasn't been treated well because of something she was born with." Karu began explaining. "She meets another girl who accepts her for who and what she is, they start to fall for each other, but are too nervous to confess. Kind of a Will they-Won't They romance."
"Interesting. Are the people afraid of her because they simply don't understand her, or because they fear what she can do?"
"A bit of both." Karu replied. "There was an incident when she was young where she used her gifts to run off a stampede of Donphan but instead of celebrating her as the hero she was they couldn't understand how she could do the things she did."
"I see."
"Yeah. But when Lisa...my main character, meets Kat when the latter moves in down the road, things change. The people are still assholes, but Lisa can bear it cause Kat is willing to defend her even if it makes her an outcast as well." Karu smiled fondly.
"I already like her."
Karu chuckled. "Yeah, she's great. But the scene I'm stuck on, let's just say the inspiration for the story hasn't gotten that far."
"Alright... What is it? Maybe I can help out. What's the setup?"
"Well, I'm trying to figure out a confession scene that would be believable. Only problem is Lisa is a gay disaster around Kat, blushing, stuttering, unable to make eye contact, the whole shebang. And Kat doesn't seem to realize despite the fact she hangs out with a bunch of psychic types." Karu explained with an exasperated sigh. "If I can figure out a scene that works it might also help in another, more real matter." he added quietly
Shauntal racked her brain, trying to come up with an idea.
"See why I'm stuck?" Karu asked with a lopsided grin. "Really hard to make that happen."
"Hmm... how is she with her actions?"
"How do you mean?"
"Like, maybe if she can't SAY it... perhaps she could SHOW it."
"Not a bad idea." Karu hummed. "But what? I know she loves flowers...wait, isn't there some sort of language for those?"
"I believe so." the plum haired woman hummed.
"Lisa probably knows it, but would Kat?" he wondered, going over his mental notes.
"I heard there was a special flower that grows in the Sinnoh region... Gracidea, I think. I heard it's a special flower for special occasions."
"Oh yeah, Lias begged Mom for a few seeds so she could grow them here." Karu recalled.
"Perhaps we can work with that."
"Yeah, there's no way even someone as oblivious as Caitlin couldn't mistake the intention there." he reasoned.
"True. It's as subtle as a Bouffalant in a china shop." Shauntal joked.
Karu laughed, not realizing his slip. "I'll try it out and see if it works." he assured.
"I hope so."
Their food arrived, ending the conversation for now. After a few minutes, Karu spoke again. "I'm surprised you haven't asked." he admitted.
"Haven't asked? About what?"
"The meeting, the inspiration for my story, either really." he admitted.
"I just assumed we were brainstorming ideas for your story." Shauntal admitted. "And I figured it was about your sister."
"Doesn't take a genius to figure it out, I guess." Karu chuckled. "But I know you were curious about what the boss wanted."
"Was it about that Ash kid?"
"Yup. Turns out the kids pals sold him out." he explained. "We're under orders to keep an eye on Iris and Cilan and crush them if challenged." he sighed. "Honestly, some of those people have known him for years. People like that are why I have trust issues."
"I see... Can't say I can relate... I spend most of my time reading and writing." Shauntal said. "Never was a very social girl."
"Seriously? Pretty young lady like you? I would expect guys would be lining up at your door."
"Most just overlook me."
"That... that's not cool. Anyone as smart and pretty as you should have guys throwing themselves at you. How could they overlook you?" Karu asked, genuinely confused.
"Most either thought I was too nerdy, too creepy, or just plain dull. Then there was one guy I was interested in, but rejected me because of ALL THREE." Shauntal said.
Karu looked at her like she had grown a second head. "Ok, going down the list. Nerdy? Sure, but that adds to your charm. Creepy? The ghost types can take some getting used to, but that's still going too far. Dull? Hell no. No way no how."
"Glad to hear you think so." Shauntal said, trying to hide her blush.
"You ok? Your face is all red." Karu asked.
"Y-Yes. I'm OK. Just not used to hearing compliments like yours before."
Karu muttered something that sounded suspiciously like "Damn blind humans."
"Still, I appreciate it."
Karu smiled, blushing a little himself. "I just call it like I see it. Anyone would be lucky to have you as a girlfriend."
"I guess, maybe." Shauntal said.
Karu frowned slightly at her apparent lack of self esteem, but decided not to push...for now. Soon, they were done and paid for their meal. "It's been nice talking with you, Shauntal." Karu admitted as he spotted his sister and sighed. "But it seems I have to take my poor blushing sister home."
"Ok. Good bye. Thank you for the meal."
The two part ways. "Hey sis, I got something I wanted to tell you about." Karu informed as the two took off.
As they did, Caitlin came to stand next to her fellow Elite Four member. "A new suitor appears, it seems." she said softly.
"Who is it?" Shauntal asked. "I figured someone like you would have quite a few."
"That's not what I meant, my dear." The psychic type specialist replied with a playful smirk.
"Then who's left?"
"I was referring to you, dear." Caitlin giggled. "Karu seemed rather taken with you."
"I don't think so. He's just being nice."
"Like Lias is just being nice to me? I'm not as oblivious as you might think." Caitlin giggled, turning to return to her room with a yawn. "Think about it. You could certainly do worse than someone who has the champion's confidence."
"I'm positive he only sees me as a friend. Besides, it would never work." Shauntal went back to her room.
First chapter done! I haven't decided if I'm going to do one or two more chapters cause the next part is...long. Anyway! Leave a review with your thoughts and see you all next time!