Part 2, here we go. Brace yourself, it's a long one.
Darkness and Light, Into the Chaos!
Shauntal was in her special room, working on her newest book. Since her meeting with Karu, she has gotten quite a few new ideas for stories. Over in Grimsley's room, a meeting with Marshal, Caitlin, and Lias was taking place. They all waited until Andre had returned. "She's in the zone, we have a half-hour at least." the black-clad hybrid informed.
"Alright then, how we gonna pull this off?" Lias asked. "I can convince Karu to come, if only because I have some dirt on him, but getting Shauntal in the same place will be a challenge for sure."
"We could simply use the same pretense that got them dinner before, using their shared love of writing." Caitlin suggested, blushing slightly as she remembered just WHAT that last talk had led to. Lias blushed as well, fidgeting next to her new girlfriend.
"However, we tell them that there's a particular reason for this. Like... that there's a special contest for who can write the best romance novel. And oddly enough, that IS actually going on." Marshal said
"It is a bit risky." Grimsley noted. "That could lead to a more competitive air than we're after."
"But it's also the best bet we have." Andre noted. "And I have a good place for them to meet about it."
"Boss?" Lias asked.
"My White Forest house. I can recommend it to Shauntal to help her creativity. It won't be the first time, so she won't suspect anything."
"And I drag Karu to the White Forest on some pretense I come up with." Lias realized.
"Exactly. We have our plan of attack. Any objections?"
Everyone was silent.
"Well, I think we're in agreement." Grimsley said.
"I'll talk to Shauntal now. Lias, get going." Andre ordered. "The rest of you, thanks for brainstorming with us."
The group dispersed as Andre made for his Ghost Type Specialist's room, no longer phased by the whisps that carried him up. "Remember when this freaked us out?" he asked Tails.
"Good times." the vulpix giggled.
"Hmm?" Shauntal asked as she looked back and saw Andre. "Oh! Hello, Mr. Andre."
"Hey Shauntal. How's the writing coming?" he asked. 'I breach the subject too soon, she'll know what I'm doing.' he thought.
"Going great. My creative gears are practically in overdrive now."
"Oh? And here I was, ready to offer you the usual spot if you were having trouble." he sighed. 'Fuck, now what?' he wondered.
"Well, I heard there was a contest being held for who can write the best romance novel. And better yet, I hear rumors that collaborations are allowed."
"Oh? I heard about that, but I didn't know about collaborations." the black-clad hybrid said honestly. 'If that's true, this might work on our favor.' he thought. "Anyone you might want to work with? Although I'm sure you could win on your own."
"Well... I noticed my work got better shortly after collaborating with Karu."
"Oh? He does have a knack for it, doesn't he?" Andre chuckled. "You know, if you want I can call him up, see if he's available." he offered, pulling out his Xtransceiver.
"Please, sir. If it's not too much trouble."
"I wouldn't have offered if it was trouble, you know that." Andre chuckled, stepping away so he could make his ""Call." After a minute of fake dialogue, he hung up and turned back to his Elite Four member. "He's game, and he'll meet you at my White Forest house in a couple days. The deadline isn't till sometime next month, right?"
"Two months, I believe. I guess they want those participating to have time to get everything in order." Shauntal replied. "I guess for things like spell-checking, making sure the pacing is good, that sort of thing."
"Makes sense. Well, I'll let the others know you'll be out." he said, barely containing his smirk.
"Thank you." Shauntal said as she skipped away.
Andre smirked as he took the teleporter back out where the other Elites were waiting. "Things worked out better than anticipated." he chuckled, the other three cheering. Quickly, he made a call to Lias to inform her of the developments.
...
"This is the place." The house was a modest cottage style place with a nice white picket fence enclosing the front yard. As she was about to enter the cozy home, she heard a voice behind her.
"Hey Shauntal!" Karu greeted, slipping through the gate.
"Karu? What are you doing here?" she asked, forgetting what she had been told.
"Writing competition. Lias said the Boss couldn't reach me and called her about it." he explained. "I was originally going to head to the League, but Lias said you'd be here...or did she get something wrong when she told me you wanted to Collab with me?"
"Well... I did notice my writing improved shortly after our last collaboration." she admitted.
"I'm both honored and flattered." Karu said with a smirk, opening the door for her.
"Thank you." Shauntal said, both at his compliment and polite gesture.
Karu nodded as he entered behind her, taking in the serene atmosphere of the house. "Been years since I was here." he muttered.
Shauntal looked around. "Impressive..."
"Yeah, completely updated with that same rustic feel. No idea how Boss's Mom pulled that off." Karu chuckled, taking a seat on the couch. She continued to look around before joining him. "Anyway, this story. Do you have any ideas?" he asked, opening the notebook he totally had the whole time.
"I think so."
"By all means, let's hear from the master." Karu said half-jokingly.
"Well, let's see..." Shauntal said as she began to think. Karu waited patiently, genuinely eager to hear what she had to suggest.
Shauntal felt her gears grinding to a halt. Karu could practically hear the grinding. "Coming up empty? I know the feeling." he said with an amused smirk.
"Mm hmm..."
"Nothing to be ashamed of." he assured. "To be honest, I'm not sure what we should write about either. I guess we should start with the basics. First off, out MC gonna be the guy or the girl? Or should we do it between a couple of guys or a couple of girls?" he asked, turning to a fresh page.
"Maybe have the girl be the MC."
"I like it. Too many of the stories I've read have it from the guy's perspective." Karu nodded, making a note in his book. "Now, details on our MC. Name, personality, looks." he listed. "I don't know about you, but I've always liked the slightly nerdy girl with a few close friends and a brain the size of Unova."
"Sounds like a nice starting point."
"Yeah, but then again, that's my type so of course that's my go to." he muttered just loud enough for his companion to hear. "Alright, now we need a name and some physical description."
"Hmm... Well... what about... she has fair skin and green eyes, maybe a few freckles on her cheeks..."
"I like it. The freckles are certainly a nice touch." Karu agreed. "Hair color? I'm thinking something on the darker side, like a deep plum purple."
"An odd choice. But we could probability make that work. Now, would it be long? Short? And what kind of style would you think would be most fitting?"
"I admit it's odd, but then again, I hang out with people who can shoot orbs out of their palms. My sense of strange is skewed." he chuckled before thinking. "Maybe about mid back for hair length, but keeps it in a pony tail or bun to keep it out of her eyes while she reads or something?"
"Sounds interesting. I like it. Now, for clothes... Since she's a big reader, maybe something simple. Nothing too flashy."
"Agreed. My wardrobe has always prioritized function over fashion and I have no problem admitting I'm a huge nerd." Karu said, "I'm seeing a somewhat form fitting button up shirt, a skirt to knee level, and some black leggings. What do you think?"
"Maybe boots? Depending on whether or not she's clumsy, boots would be a good idea, as not all rely on laces, so she won't trip."
"Yeah, not a bad idea." Karu said, making a note. "Plus, a somewhat clumsy nerd is just that much more adorable." he added under his breath.
"Now... we know she likes to read, and is likely clumsy..."
"Right." Karu nodded. "And...oh Arceus this is my least favorite thing to think of, we do need to consider her... dimensions."
"Dimensions? Like her body type?"
"Yeah. Always feel like a perv thinking about it."
"I see... Well, what type appeals to you?" Shauntal asked.
"Well," Karu said, definitely not looking at his writing partner. "Well, I do like a bit of an hourglass figure. Decent chest, but not overly large, slim waist, easy to wrap my arms around, hips for days." Karu admitted, his face turning redder with every word.
"I think there was a pixie in a movie like that." Shauntal said.
"I think you're right, actually." Karu said, trying to think of the pixie's name.
"Bet her legs would be a sight to see when not covered by her skirt." Shauntal commented. "They'd drive men wild."
"Oh, definitely." Karu agreed, glancing at her before blushing and turning back to his notes. "I think we have what we need for our MC. Shall we move on?"
"Yes. Now... our MALE character..."
"Well, I gave my idea for the girl, your turn." Karu said with a grin.
"Well... t-t-the guy would... would be... uh..." Shauntal stammered, realizing she had no idea what she liked in a man. She spent so much time reading, she never gave romance much thought. "M-M-Maybe, uh... No-What ab-..."
Karu couldn't help chuckling. "Take your time, we have a couple months after all."
"I just... I can't do it... I know NORHING about romance. I don't have a dream guy, because I only read and write. I can't... I'm sorry, but I'm dropping out." Shauntal got her stuff and walked out.
Karu was on his feet and after her. "Hold it right there, miss Elite Four." he snapped.
Nov 5"No Karu. I can't do it." Shauntal said. "I don't know how to write romance. And nothing I come up with is believable and realistic. So I'm dropping out. You'll probably be better off working without me."
"There is no way that's true." Karu replied. "Writing this stuff is not as hard as you might think."
"Yeah. It's IMPOSSIBLE." Shauntal said. "Just... drop it. I'll just stick to what I know." Shauntal ran away, heading back home.
"One week." Karu shouted after her. "Give me one week, and if we make no progress, I'll let you go, no miss no fuss." he bargained.
Shauntal stopped. "Otherwise I'll just keep bugging you." he added.
"Then prepare to get burned or cursed by Chandelure..." she said. "I'm DONE." She was soon out of sight and earshot.
"Uzu, after her!" Karu ordered, tossing a PokeBall as his Unfezant appeared. He climbed aboard and flew after her. "Where did she go? She's fast for a bookworm." he muttered, scanning the ground.
What neither knew was they were being watched in case something went wrong. Andre was the first to find her. "And what do you think you're doing?" he asked cooly as she ran by him.
"Going back home. I've decided to drop out of the contest, and nothing is going to change my mind."
"Elite Four aren't quitters, Shauntal." Andre hissed. "Or has that changed since I took the Unova throne?"
"This isn't a battle, Andre." Shauntal said. "Now leave me alone." She walked past him.
"Oh no you don't. Fire Dragon Roar." Tails snapped, a Flamethrower cutting off her escape.
"I did not come back to the single most painful place for me to be just to see you throw this away." Andre snapped, his everlasting cool shattered. "Now MAYBE you can't figure out the story and MAYBE you don't win that contest, but you will never know unless you try." taking a deep breath, he continued, "And more than being quitters, I know for a fact none of my people are cowards. Was I wrong to believe that?"
"Yes." Shauntal said without hesitation and ran off again.
"Then what the hell are you doing in the League?" Andre demanded as she continued to run. "What happened to the girl who wanted to be a writer so bad she left home despite her parents wishes? Have you fallen so far?" he got no response and snorted before calling as loud as he could, "Have you fallen so far?"
"...Yes... I have..." Shauntal said. "So... just find someone to replace me. I'm leaving as soon as I get my stuff in order..." She walked back to the League. As she made her way to her chamber, she passed by Grimsley and Marshall.
"Shauntal? What are you doing back?" Marshall asked. He got no response. They watched her come and go, taking one load after another out of her room. Soon, it was as clean as a Minccino's fur.
She half expected Karu to be waiting there for her, but it wasn't him. "How could I have been so wrong about you?" Lias wondered as she sat at one of the chairs in the room.
"You tell me..."
"That's just it, Shauntal. I don't know, because I don't get people wrong. I can't." Lias explained coldly. "Because getting people wrong gets me put in the hospital for the eight time in as many days. It gets my things stolen. It breaks my brother's heart. So, I ask you again, how did I get it wrong?"
"I don't even know." Shauntal said. "Besides, what does it matter? It's just a stupid story contest. Regardless, I can't stay here any longer. Andre doesn't want quitters. So I'm heading back home as soon as we're done talking."
"It was never about the contest, Shauntal. That was just the excuse." Lias explained with an exasperated sigh. "And Andre Dakari doesn't give up on anyone. He's mad, sure, but he doesn't want you gone."
"Regardless, I'm not staying. If I was so quick to quit the contest, what makes you think it won't just end there?" Shauntal asked. "I disappointed Karu, Andre, and myself. I can't allow myself to embarrass the others any longer."
Lias chuckled. "Like you embarrassed yourself when you were ten and a litwick scare you so bad you wet yourself? Like you embarrassed yourself when you tripped over your words when you pitched your first book to a publisher?" she asked. "You're no stranger to embarrassment. Why is this different?"
"Because I wasn't a member of the Elite Four at the time. I didn't have to worry about maintaining a reputation at the time." Shauntal said. "Also, I'm no expert on romance. I have no experience with it, so nothing I could write would be believable. And you know this will affect me in battle, as my mind won't be all there."
Lias stood, crossed the room, and slapped her hard. Shauntal looked at her in rage before tackling her, punching her in the face.
Grimsley and Marshall could hear it and ran in to break up the fight. Caitlin stopped them. "Lias knows what she's doing." she insisted.
Lias shoved her impromptu opponent off of her and smiled.
"That's right, let that anger out." she chuckled. "Show me what Shauntal of the Elite Four is capable of."
She ran and tackled her again, choking her this time.
"Teleport." Lias managed, vanishing and reappearing behind her as she kicked the ghost type specialist in the small of her back. "Going to have to do better than that if you want to beat a hybrid."
As the fight continued, Marshall had to be physically restrained to keep from interfering. "Caitlin, why can't I break the fight up? What do you think this will accomplish?"
"Shauntal is angry with herself for her perceived inabilities. Lias is simply giving her an outlet." the psychic type specialist replied.
Eventually, the two women stood panting. Lias had a black eye and a bloody lip, but seemed relatively ok. "Feel better?" she asked.
"No... I don't..." Shauntal replied. "I'm fact, I'm even ANGRIER." Shauntal stormed past her and left the room before leaving the building altogether.
"Shame, my substitute was doing so well." Lias said, completely unharmed at the entrance.
"Well... now what?" Marshall asked. "Now we need a new member."
"Indeed..." Grimsley replied.
"This will be difficult..." Caitlin added.
"Still one thing we can try." Lias said, grabbing her Xtransceiver. "Caitlin, where do her parents live?"
"I don't know." Caitlin replied. "I have never seen them."
"That's right, you met her after she had already left." Lias muttered. "Damn it."
"Let's just forget it and find a new recruit." Marshall said. "What's done is done."
"I regret to say I agree." Grimsley added.
Karu landed at the bottom of Victory Road and paced. "Damn it, now what? I can't fly up there, she's exhausted." he muttered before noticing someone sliding down the mountainside straight towards him. "Well that was lucky." Shauntal was heading back to her hometown. She sighed heavily and sat down to rest at the bottom of Victory Road.
"What happened to you?" Karu asked, approaching carefully in case she was serious about her threat earlier.
"Leave me alone..."
"You know I won't." Karu replied. "Seriously, what happened? You look like you got into a fight with swarm of Beedril."
"I don't want to talk about it..."
"As you wish." Karu shrugged. "So, what's the plan now?"
"I'm heading back home..." Shauntal said. "I've let everyone down, so I'm quitting."
"That so?" Karu asked, sighing. Then he put a smile on and sat next to her. "So, mind if we stop by the Pokemon Center first? Uzu is kinda exhausted."
"You can go." Shauntal said.
"So, meet up later then?" Karu asked. "I'll take you home after she's rested."
"I'll be here... maybe..."
"Ok, I'll be back." he agreed, heading for the Pokemon Center. About an hour later, he was back. "Ready to go?"
"I guess, yeah..."
"Alright." he nodded before snapping his fingers. "Oh! One thing before we leave. Someone wants to meet you." he said, turning to a little girl she hadn't noticed with him. "Go on, I promise she doesn't bite."
The girl approached nervously, a book in hand. "C-could you sigh this for me?" she asked, handing the book to her.
"I guess it wouldn't hurt." Shauntal replied before signing it.
The girl smiled brightly. "Thank you so much! When I grow up I wanna be just like you!" she said happily before taking her book back and skipping away. "I can't believe I got to meet Shauntal! She's the coolest." The girl added before she was out of earshot.
"She's in for a life of disappointment..."
"Maybe, but it's her choice to follow that path." Karu shrugged before releasing his flier. "So, where we going?"
"I'm going back to my hometown."
"Which is?" Karu asked.
"Black City."
"Alright, let's go." Karu said, shocking his Pokemon. But even so, the bird took off once both were aboard. "Gonna be weird, not seeing you at the league anymore.
"You'll get used to it." she said. They soon arrive at her house.
"Maybe." he agreed, helping her down before recalling Uzu. "Well, this is the place." the two trainers stood there for a moment. "Shauntal, one thing before you go. Look me in the eye and tell me you really want to throw away everything you've worked for because of today. Tell me this is what you want."
"Yes." she replied. "The League won't accept quitters." She then went inside.
"So be it." Karu sighed, turning to leave. "Such a waste." Shauntal went to her room and laid in bed, crying before falling asleep.
...
In the following months, Shauntal kept a low profile, sneaking off to a library to read without being spotted.
At the League, a tournament was being set up to decide Shauntal's replacement. Karu growled angrily at the flier on the wall of the Pokemon Center he was in. This wasn't right.
In Black City, Shauntal had just slipped back into her house, but her mother was waiting for her. "And where have you been?" she asked crossly.
"Library" the former Elite replied quickly.
"And I suppose you simply forgot we were supposed to have lunch with the Richies?" The older plum haired woman asked.
"Yes, thank Arceus."
"Don't take that tone with me, young lady." Mother snapped. "We will discuss your actions when your father returns. For now, you can go to your room and put those writing skills to use to apologize for missing lunch." she ordered.
"What writing skills? I put that behind me months ago."
"You keep saying that, but those horrible ghosts are still here." Mother snorted. "Now go."
"Those 'horrible ghosts' are far better to me than you EVER will be." Shauntal left for her room.
Her mother sighed. "Hurry back, dear. The sooner you find him, the sooner our daughter can be happy again." she muttered, looking at a family picture from before her daughter had left.
Back at the League, things weren't going well. Everyone who challenged them got torn apart. "Pathetic... not ONE OF YOU can do this?" Marshall asked in anger.
"Calm down, Marshall." Andre ordered as the new batch of challengers ran off crying. "I know you're upset about how things went, but you can't let it affect your judgement."
"Andre, we've battled almost half of Unova, and they haven't even beat ONE of our pokemon." Grimsley said.
"It's becoming tiring." Caitlin added.
"For sure, but what does losing our tempers do to solve it?" the black clad hybrid asked with a sigh. "It's going to take a miracle to get a Fourth now. And it's our own fault." The room fell silent. "We never should have tried to push them."
"Let's just cancel it. We'll be the Elite Three."
"The League would never go for it." Andre replied, standing. "I think it's time I pay her a visit." He declared. "Wish me luck."
"Good luck with THAT." Marshall scoffed.
Andre ignored his Elite's tone and walked out into the open air before reaching for his dusk ball. "Frozen, your move." he called, his ice dragon appearing and they took off. Back with Shauntal, she was at a fancy restaurant with her parents and some other classy people. She was about to collapse from boredom. Not too far away, Andre came in to land and recalled Frozen before anyone complained. "Alright, let's track her down." he muttered, beginning to walk the streets like a shadow. He passed the restaurant and spotted her through the window. And she spotted him. "Need a rescue?" the black clad hybrid mouthed.
She looked back at the others talking.
"Guess we wait." he shrugged, looking for something to do. He noticed a street performer a little ways down the street, and he went to enjoy the show, his Vulpix companion looking excited. Positioning himself so he had a good view of the door Shauntal would have to come out, he waited. Some time later, they left the restaurant. Shauntal went straight home. Unfortunately for her, Andre was stubborn and waiting for her. "I'm not here to bring you back." he informed.
"Then why ARE you here? To annoy me?" Shauntal asked.
"You're my only lead. Lias won't say anything, and I know he kept in contact with you. Where's Karu?" Andre asked.
"We haven't spoken in two months."
"That's a lie." Andre snorted. "I've heard him calling you at the League. Look, I wouldn't be here if I had another choice, but the Unova Conference is in too weeks and we need an Elite Four. You made your choice, and I won't stop you if you want to run from your problems. But I need someone to fill the spot and he's the only one who can."
"You deaf, or just STUPID? I HAVEN'T seen him."
"Watch it." Andre growled, energy surrounding his hand.
"Forget it, Andre. We're wasting our time." Tails snapped.
Andre was about to retort when something caught his eye. A smirk found it's way behind his scarf. "You're right. Let's move." he declared. "Sorry to bother you." He left as silently as he came.
"Dumb fool..." she grumbled.
"Please tell me we're not giving up on finding Karu." Tails asked as they reappeared outside.
"Didn't you see it, Tails? Finding him may not be necessary." Andre chuckled. "She had one of our fliers."
Barely two days later, Karu arrived in Black City. "I must admit, I'm surprised you took the time to track me down Mr. Burton." he said to the man who had found him in Iccirus City, who happened to be Shauntal's father
"Yes, well. My daughter seems to trust you." Mr Burton replied, his car pulling into the driveway of his house. "Let's see if she's in." The gentleman replied, entering his house. "Shauntal? Are you home?"
There was no response.
"Strange." he muttered, Karu stepping in behind him.
"Maybe she's in her room and didn't hear?" the trainer suggested. The two made for their target's room.
Mr Burton knocked. "Shauntal? Dear are you in there?"
Again, no response
Mr Burton opened the door, but it was empty. "Now where the devil has that girl gotten off to."
Karu spotted the flier on the desk. "Is there a park around here?" he asked.
"Two blocks away, why?"
"I think I know where she is."
Shauntal was at the library again, hiding from everyone. At the park, Karu sighed. "Damn, really thought she'd be here." he groaned. "Alright, only other place she'd be is the library."
Sure enough, Mr Burton pulled up just as Shauntal was leaving. "Shauntal, dear! There you are!" The gentleman called as he pulled up next to her.
"What is it this time?" she asked, crossing her arms.
"Nothing bad, sweet girl. I simply had a surprise for you and was hoping to get it to you post haste." Mr Burton explained.
Karu watched from the back seat, taking in the image of the young woman he hadn't physically seen in two months. Andre was right, they called each other, usually when her life was getting suffocating and Shauntal needed to come up for air, but never face to face like this.
"Oh... it's just you..."
"Nice to see you too." Karu chuckled. "How have things been?"
"Dull, boring, soul-draining, and overbearing." Shauntal said. "And you?"
"Boring, uninspiring, annoying. So pretty much the same." Karu shrugged before turning to Mr Burton as his daughter climbed into the car. "Now maybe we can find out why your old man tracked me down."
"I don't know, nor CARE, to be honest." Shauntal said.
"And therein lies the problem." Mr Burton explained. "My dear, you've lost your spark. You've stopped caring about anything. Your mother and I thought a familiar face would help."
"So I'm the therapy Lilipup?" Karu asked, earning a small giggle from the former Elite.
But it quickly went away. "So? It's my decision. I CHOSE to extinguish my spark."
"Then why have the flier?" Karu asked. "You say you've closed the book on Shauntal if the Elite Four forever, but from where I'm standing, some part of you wants to open it again."
"Oh yeah. I forgot to throw that away." Shauntal said. "Doesn't matter. None of my Pokémon are fighters anymore. Even Chandelure couldn't even handle a simple Sewaddle."
Karu smirked. "I wouldn't be too sure of that. Pokemon have ways of maintaining their strength when your back is turned." he chuckled. "But let's table that discussion for now."
"There's nothing to discuss. I'm not going back to battling, and that's final. I'm not even WRITING anymore." She looked out the window. "Is this thing gonna be long? I wanna go home."
"Clearly I'm not explaining myself well. Apologies to both of you, I've always struggled with such." Mr Burton said. "I'm not proposing you return to your old habits, I simply wish to see you happy. And Karu here invoked the first laugh I've heard from you in years."
"So I AM the therapy lilipup." Karu snarked.
"What would make me happy is if you would all leave me alone and stop harassing me." Shauntal said. "So STOP. The more you push me, the worse things will get."
"So you can get back to your life of crying yourself to sleep?" Mr Burton shot back. "Sorry daughter, I know I didn't always do things right, but I'm not so incompetent to believe that's normal for a girl returning to her parents' home."
"Look, if I promise not to bring up you picking up battling or writing, then will you be willing to spend some time together?" Karu asked. "I've missed you these past two months. Calls just haven't been enough."
"No. I want you people to LEAVE ME ALONE!" Shauntal yelled in exasperation. "Just... when you can... stop the car."
When the car came to a stop at a red light, Shauntal got out and slammed the door shut before going home to pack her things and leave for another place to call home. Karu sighed. "Damn it, I even promised not to bring up her sore spots."
"It seems her mind was already set in stone..." Mr. Burton said sadly. "Now I've lost my daughter... probably for good, this time."
They continued driving to their destination. By some sort of cosmic joke, Shauntal had gathered her things just as they arrived back at the house. "So that's it? Cut everything and everyone out of your life?" he asked. "You won't even talk to me anymore? I thought we were friends."
"If it'll get you to leave me alone, then YES." she replied. "Just accept that this is what I chose for myself, and MOVE ON. You still have your careers, so focus on those instead of me and mine. Speaking of, aren't they announcing the winner tomorrow? Or is it later today?"
"There is no winner. But that has nothing to do with you anymore, remember?" Karu snapped back. "Just tell me why. What has you so afraid? Or was the woman I had feelings for just a character in a story?" He had one last line of defense if this didn't work, but he honestly didn't want to use it.
"I don't have to tell you a thing. It's my life, and my decision. That's it. And yeah, the girl you like is just a flat, stupid character in a book." Shauntal walked past him. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find a new home."
"Guess you were right two months ago. Little Miki was heading for disappointment." Karu sighed, pulling out his last resort. "I ran into her again. She was really doing well for herself, even gave me a letter to give you." He pulled a little envelope from his pocket and shoved it into her hands. "She asked about you, you know. Asked why you weren't in the Elite Four anymore. I told her you were working some adult things out. I didn't have the heart to destroy her vision of you." Karu backed away, shaking his head. "Such a waste. A total waste."
"You should have told her the truth, rather than lie to her." Shauntal said. "But just to humor you, I'll read her letter, if only to send one back to tell her the truth, and to tell her that you lied to her face about me."She opened the letter and began to read it.
"Dear Miss Shauntal,
Thank you so much for signing my book that day! It made me really happy. I read that book to everyone in my class because I knew you would do the same.
I was sad to hear you had left the League, but you must have had a good reason! So as my mommy would say, "Do what you gotta do, the rest of us will be waiting!" So that's what I'll do! I'll wait for my favorite trainer and writer to come back.
Oh! I met a Gastly a little while ago! My friends were all scared of it, but I knew ghost types were nothing to be afraid of. After all, you aren't afraid of them! And now we're the bestest friends. Smog, that's what I call him, is really funny. Whenever I feel down, he makes silly faces to make me laugh.
I hope you figure out what you want. When I'm old enough, I wanna have a battle with you to see just how far I've come in my journey. Would that be ok?
Alway's your biggest fan,
Miki."
Karu waited for Shauntal's reaction. If this didn't snap her out of it, nothing would.
She felt her heart sink to a depth she never knew was possible. "The person I knew may have been a fantasy, and I can live with that. But what about her? Do you really want me to go back to that wide eyed little girl who thought the world of you that her idol was fake." Karu asked. "Shauntal, do I have to break her heart?"
She inspired a little girl with her skills as a trainer and a writer. And she herself was willing to throw it all away over a dumb contest. She knew if the little girl learned the truth, it'd break her poor heart. She felt her eyes water. But then then noticed something else in the envelope. She took it out and saw it was a picture of her and Miki and their Pokémon, Chandelure and Ghastly, all together and smiling. She was fairly able to maintain her composure. But once she saw the picture, she collapsed to her knees and started BAWLING.
Karu wasted no time, wrapping her in a tender embrace as she cried her eyes out. "Let it all out, I'm here." he assured.
She clutched him tightly. "I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..." she squeaked out between sobs.
"I know, I know. Just let it out." Karu instructed. "Let it all out." After what felt like an eternity, Shauntal's crying came to a gentle end as she sniffled. "Feel better?" Karu asked. She nodded softly into his chest before pulling away. Karu smiled at her. "There she is. There's the Shauntal I know."
"Maybe... *sniffle* I just... I never realized that... I had left that big of an impact on someone... And just seeing that little girl's face in my head, so bright and full of hope... only for me to destroy it all... I... I can't do it... I can't break her poor heart..."
"No you can't." Karu agreed before smirking. "So, now what? What's the next chapter in this story?"
"...Are the others still having the tournament?" Shauntal asked.
"For as long as they can. The rules are simple, Full Six battle, you have to beat at least half of one of their teams to earn the spot. You can challenge each one after another, the Boss handles healing between battles." he explained. "How confident are you in your strategic thinking right now?"
Shauntal took him outside with her and sent her team out. Chandelure, Cofagrigus, Golurk, Froslass, Drifblim, And Gengar. "Whatever it takes to keep Miki's vision of me intact."
"I'll help however I can, of course." Karu assured with a smirk. "I don't remember the Gengar." he admitted.
"Got him before I lost my spark for battling." she said. "Now then... ready to head out?"
"Let's do it." Karu agreed with a nod. Then a mischievous smirk formed. "Wanna have a little fun with it?" he asked.
1h ago"Hmm? What do you mean?"
He explained his, admittedly funny and clever, idea and Shauntal nodded. "I like it. Let's do it." Both gave almost ghost like grins as Shauntal's team cheered.
Two days later, the two stood at the entrance of the Unova League. "You ready?" Karu asked the cloaked Shauntal.
"Ready as can be." she replied.
"Let's do it." he said, the two crossing the threshold. "Guess who's back!" he called, startling the occupants of the room. "And I brought a friend. She's interested in the open slot so I thought I'd bring her along."
"If you're bringing her personally, I see no reason we can't give her a fair chance." Andre chuckled. "But if she fails..."
"I know what you want, and I agree." Karu replied. "Besides, she won't fail."
Marshal snorted. "And just who is this girl anyway? Can't even see her face!"
"Just a girl ready to open the book again." she replied, masking her voice a bit. "And I can tell you now, this chapter is sure to be a grand one. GO! GENGAR!" She threw her PokéBall, sending out Gengar.
Marshal smirked. "I like that fire. Let's see if you can back it up. Breloom, battle time!" he ordered.
Although Shauntal's team got off to a rocky start, everything took a major u-turn once she got her mojo going. Golurk alone took out half his team. Soon, it was just his Conkeldurr. Shauntal sent out Chandelure to finish the fight.
Andre smirked behind his scarf. "Son of a bitch. Karu actually pulled off the impossible." he chuckled.
"Boss?" Lias asked curiously. "Do you know who it is under that cloak?"
"Why spoil the surprise?"
The battle was reaching it's end. Conkeldurr was running low on energy, and he was already at a disadvantage since his fighting type moves had no effect. "Conkeldurr, finish this with Stone Edge!" Marshal ordered.
"Chandelure, Shadow Sneak!" Shauntal countered. Chandelure became a shadow, sneaking under the stone pillars before creeping up behind Conkeldurr. "NOW! FIRE BLAST!" Chandelure shot up behind him and launched a Fire Blast at point-blank range, knocking him out.
The ref called it. "Conkeldurr is unable to battle. Chandelure wins! Which means the victory goes to.. um miss? What is your name?" He asked, realizing he never asked.
She grinned. "Trust me..." she said in her normal voice before removing the hood, revealing her identity. "I don't think I need much of an introduction."
"Sh-Shauntal?" Marshal gasped. He couldn't believe it. It had to be a dream. She couldn't be...
"You're back!" Lias cheered, earning a giggle from Caitlin. Though honestly she felt like cheering too. Her sister in arms had finally returned.
"Now this is not an outcome I expected." Grimsley admitted with a quiet chuckle. "Though thinking about it after the fact, I do feel somewhat silly for not realizing sooner."
"You thought she would never return. It's understandable." Andre said evenly, catching everyone's attention as he strode over to her.
"I know what I said in the past, but..." she trailed off, looking good towards where she saw Miki. "There was a special guest here I couldn't let down."
"So this is real?" Andre asked.
"It is, sir." she replied, looking him in the eye as she said, "I'm back."
Andre smiled. "Welcome home." he said. "Now I think you have someone waiting for you."
Miki was practically bouncing where she sat in the stands, clearly wanting to run right up to her. Shauntal giggled and went over to her, picking her up. "Enjoy the match?"
"You were incredible! I'm so happy I could see it in person!" the girl replied with a gigawatt smile. Then she got a little nervous. "Did you...get my letter?" she asked.
She smiled brightly. "I did. And I loved it. Especially the picture you drew."
"Really?" Miki asked excitedly. "Mommy wouldn't let me bring Smog, but I really want you to meet him." she added. "When I grow up, we'll give you a real challenge!"
"I'll be waiting for you. In fact, maybe I can help you train him." Shauntal said. "That is, assuming your mom will let me."
Miki instantly turned to her mother. "Can I mommy?" she asked, practically vibrating.
"I suppose, if it isn't a bother for you." her mother said after a moment's consideration. "We actually live close by. The new town just before the Eight Gates of the League."
"Yay!" Miki cheered. Standing a bit back, Karu smiled as the little girl began talking a mile a minute about how excited she was, how she would be the bestest trainer ever, and whatever else her little mind came up with. Idly, he wondered if she would ever know how much of an impact she had on the Ghost Type former and now returned Elite Four.
Whatever the case, Shauntal had her spark back.
And done! Well, Both Foxboy614 and I will admit this went way differently than we expected when we started it, and I'm sure I'm not the only one that got frustrated with Shauntal in this RP, but the end result was worth it. Anyway, leave a review with your thoughts, flames will be responded to with a Dark Void attack, and I'll see you all next time!
PS: I don't think this will be the last we hear of Karu and Shauntal. We'll see.