Yes, I'm back! Sorry for the long delay between my last author's note and now.
I'll explain more in the end author's note!
I do not own any of the characters besides my own :)
Enjoy!
I am not the nicest person.
Sometimes, I lash out and hurt those around me.
When someone gets too close…
When someone sees past the pretty picture…
I don't know how to handle it.
That's why I'm good at what I do.
That's why faking a smile comes naturally to me.
Just pose like the camera always says.
One day maybe these smiles will come easy.
Eventually I won't have to be on guard.
It's just…
I am not the nicest person.
The ride to the hotel was a blur. From the moment I was ushered into the limo by Yoshitaka to the deafening sound of paparazzi cameras that greeted me upon arrival to the Corton, I felt numb. It was all so standard, routine, and automatic. My body went into auto-pilot as the backdoor to the limo was opened before me and I took the usher's hand to exit the vehicle. A large umbrella swiftly soon canopied itself over my being as I stood tall in my stilettos. In unison with the rush of the rain, the roar of the reporters soon caved in.
"Hikari-sama! What brings you to the Corton?!" One paparazzi shouted.
"Who are you wearing tonight?!" Another joined in.
I ignored them. I had no voice for talking to the media tonight. I just smiled and waved past them all. Thankfully, the Corton was used to such high-profile guests. Security wasted no time in ushering away any unwanted cameras and visitors as other guests, including myself, made my way into the grand establishment. However, that didn't stop the camera's blinding lights.
Flick. Flicker. Flash. BOOM!
Out of nowhere, a deafening roar of thunder and hot flash of lightning struck the evening sky. My heart leaped inside its chest as I tried my best to steady myself within the chaos. The weather reports were true. The rain was relentless as I hastily made my way into the grand building, Yoshitaka and other personnel right at my side to ensure not a drop hits me.
I tried my best to breathe but everything was just so loud.
Whether it be the rain or the sound of the cameras, I just couldn't focus. I just couldn't think. My mind was in a daze and I just couldn't bring myself back into reality. My eyes softened.
"Hikari-sama! Do you have a date tonight?!"
"Hikari-sama! Are the rumors true you and Takeo are talking again?!"
"Hikari-sama!"
"Hikari-sama!"
All I could think about what I had done a few hours ago.
Back at my apartment as I got ready for the night.
Right at the moment the storm hit.
Empoleon …I am so…so sorry…
There was always something magical about the hour before a night out. The makeup, the sweet perfume, the entire ritual of going from blah to fab was just enchanting to me. No matter the occasion, especially one like this, a girl deserves her sacred few hours to prepare herself.
"Which lip should I wear?" I smiled as I held two liquid lipsticks towards Lopunny, who held a keen eye as I expertly applied my makeup for the evening. My fashionable pokemon took into consideration the bright, bold red color I held in one hand and then looked back at the coral pink I held in the other.
An eternity seemed to go by and a sweat-drop dowsed my face.
"It can't be that hard of a decision, can it?" I nervously laughed but Lopunny shot me a harsh glare before slapping both out of my hand. I jumped!
"Ouch! No need to be so aggressive!"
I heard a snicker from across the bedroom and glared back towards Pachirisu, who enjoyed the entire scene from its cozy corner on my bed. Honestly, it makes me wonder sometimes if my Pokémon really do care about me or keep my around for the laughs…
I sighed before letting out a tiny giggle. Lopunny definitely was passionate about makeup as she was fashion and she sure showed it by handing another tube of lipstick into my hand. This one, unlike the others, was a soft yet sultry nude.
I grinned.
"You're right, this one is perfect!" I smiled before taking the liquid lip.
"Punii~!" Lopunny smiled before skipping away from the vanity, feeling satisfied that her task was a success and that she did indeed claim victory.
Smirking, I turned back to my reflection in the vanity. Any minute now I would be leaving for the dreaded dinner with Reiji and Shinji, and it took my entire being not to cringe as I prepared myself for the endeavor.
Agreeing to a dinner was one thing.
Actually stomaching a civilized evening with Shinji is another.
"Let's just hope and pray I don't throw a plate of meatballs into that pretty hair of his…" I grumbled as I opened the tube of creamy lipstick and applied a luscious amount to my lips. I puckered until perfection and leaned back to admire the overall masterpiece that was well…me.
A flawless complexion. Dark, sultry eyes. Features contoured to perfection. And to top it off, a highlight that could shine to the heavens.
"Yeah, I can slay anyone while looking like this." I couldn't help but a sly smirk as I ran my fingers through my long loose blunette curls before giving an unforgiving pout to the mirror.
Pachirisu and Lopunny both rolled their eyes as they watched the scene and I tried my best to shake them off with an awkward grin.
Okay…maybe this night had me more nervous than I originally thought I would be.
Ring Ring Ring
The sound of my phone broke me from my thoughts as I looked down at my dresser.
"Eh?" I picked up the slender device and instantly grimaced.
A video call from Nozomi.
"Great…the little matchmaker is back for more." I sighed before accepting the call, catching a glimpse of my annoyed expression on my screen's reflection before Nozomi's cheeky grinned took over.
"Oi! Hello hello, aren't you a sexy thing!" She tooted from the other end, whistling.
I hate her. She's my best friend in the entire world…but I absolutely hate her.
"You suck, you know that?" I growled as I slumped my elbow onto the vanity, catching my chin in my hand. "I can't believe you're making me go through with this!"
Nozomi smiled before grinning suggestively, "I have a feeling I won't be the one sucking tonight-'"
"Nozomi-chan! I will end this phone call right now and never speak to you again!" I screamed at her, my face turning the exact shade of red as the lipstick I held earlier. If not even darker.
It was obvious this is what my friend wanted. She howled with laughter as the camera fell from her face and out of view, showing off the modest hotel room she was currently staying in. I grimaced, honestly, who even let her be an adult?
"I'm kidding! I'm kidding!" She sighed, wiping a few tears from her eyes before coming back into focus. "I just really couldn't help myself. I'll hold it back next time."
"No, you won't. You'll be just as bad after dinner." I sighed, "You're going to sex up every detail."
"Oh yeah, no question, no trace of innocence will be spared." She laughed and I couldn't help but sweat drop. Truth be told, Nozomi was and always be my voice of reason. However, give her something to roll with and she'll never let it go.
I just really wish she would let this Shinji thing go already.
"Well, that's reassuring and all but I have to get going soon." I said as I stood up from my makeup mirror, reaching for my black clutch nearby and couture rain jacket. "It'd look really bad if I'm late for Reiji."
"Oh? You don't care about Shinji?" Nozomi asked, a tone of amusement in her voice. "Don't leave the poor guy heartbroken! It is his very first date with the one and only Hikari, you know!"
"It's not a date!" I shouted at my phone, stomping my black stiletto pump on the ground. "And whose side are you even on, Nozomi-chan!?"
"I'm not taking sides!" She laughed, "I'm just enjoying the show from the sidelines! Speaking of, I love your dress! That's one of the ones you designed, right?"
"Y-Yeah," I slowly smiled. "You really like it? I was unsure about wearing it earlier…" I unconsciously smoothed down the sides of the little black number, slowly tugging at the seams.
"That's ridiculous! You look great! It's good to wear something other than designers, you know!" Nozomi's enthusiastic voice was a breath of fresh air. It was good to have someone to smack some sense into me once and a while. That is, until Nozomi opened her mouth again.
"Plus it'll give Shinji something to think about before he rips it off-"
"Nozomi-chan! Can you not-!" I had the perfect one liner ready for fire but before I could even unleash my wrath…a large and horrifying boom shuttered throughout the apartment. Shutters from the nearby windows flew open and specks of intense rain ushered itself inside the room, revealing the dangerous weather that welcomed me from outside.
"A-Ah!" I stumbled backwards a bit as the lights above me flickered, catching myself on the front of my dresser. "Did you hear that Nozomi-chan?" I bit my lip.
Nozomi, too, looked concern. "Yeah, that didn't sound good. This storm really isn't letting up is it? Have you heard from Reiji or Shinji about the dinner?"
I scowled, "No! Why would I hear from that idiot?"
Nozomi rolled her eyes. "Okay, let's be an adult now Hikari-chan and think. If the weather is this bad, maybe they would want to reschedule? I doubt Shinji actually would want to cause you harm trying to get to the Corton tonight."
"Yeah, sure, whatever you say." I rolled my eyes back at her. Really, I don't think Shinji even cares that I inhabit this planet much less am about to embark through one of Yosuga's most dangerous storm yet.
It was like a cry from the pokegods that tonight should not happen.
"But let me call and check, maybe you're right. I'll have to let you go though Nozomi-chan." I smiled at Nozomi but she gave just another cheeky grin and a salute.
"Right! Take one for the team and use that booty!" She winked and again, I scowled her way.
There was no use in defending myself anymore. Scowling, I stuck my tongue out at her and hung up the phone. However, I still couldn't help but shake off a smile that crept along my lips.
Nozomi-chan really did know how to lighten the mood when I was nervous. From our first contests as kids to nights out as adults…who would have thought we would have come this far?
Hesitantly, I dialed Reiji's number and waited for an answer. Maybe if tonight is cancelled, I can walk away from this entire situation with dignity. I mean, I didn't back out? I accepted the offer and still managed to come out as the good guy without losing my pride! That would be the dream.
All the glory without all the Shinji.
My phone hummed as I patiently waited for the older of the two brothers to answer the phone. However…with each passing hum…I grew nervous.
"C'mon, answer…answer…" I whispered impatiently, gazing over at the harsh weather outside my window with worry.
"Hello you have reached the mailbox of-"
I hung up the phone. Great, just great. No response.
"I don't know how to leave a voicemail without sounding desperate in this situation…" I muttered to myself as I looked at my phone in defeat. What was I going to say?
"Hey, it's me! Just calling in hopes that tonight would be cancelled because your brother sucks and I really don't want to be seen in public with the bastard!"
"Yup, that would be perfect." I grimaced before looking at my phone's screen again. I didn't want to keep bothering Reiji if he wasn't going to answer his phone…yet maybe I could…
On an impulse, I pulled up Shinji's contact information.
"Nope. Out of the question. I am not calling Shinji." I furrowed my brow at the screen, my reflection scolding me for even considering the idea. "I want the least amount of contact with him tonight!" My reflection from my phone's screen nodded with me in agreement.
"I was hungry. Now I just feel sick."
His words from earlier were still fresh in my mind. Anger again rose from within me from my very core.
"Yeah, no way in hell I'm calling him!" I threw my phone in frustration towards my bed. But then, as soon as the device hit the soft mattress, Pachirisu sprung up from its resting spot.
"Pachi?" It ran towards my phone in wonder, sniffing at it before grabbing it with its mouth!
"Pachirisu, no! Give that back!" I tried my best to run towards my pokemon but my stilettos could only carry me so far! I nearly tripped trying to catch the small pokemon but alas it jumped away!
"Pachi pachi~!" It cheered its giddy glee as it ran across the room with my phone in its mouth, little sparks flickering from its cheek. Oh geez, I need to leave any minute now and I don't have time for this!
"Give it back! I'm going to be late!" I shouted as I finally gained on the creature, but as I drew closure to Pachirisu…I heard a sound come from the pokemon's mouth…coming right from my phone!
"Hello...Hello?" A cool voice grumbled from the other end. My eyes widened.
I knew that voice…
"S-Shinji!" I nearly gasped. How could I be such an idiot?!
My not-so-innocent pokemon just dialed Shinji's number!
"Troublesome, is that you?" I heard Shinji once more speak on the other end of the line. His tone was as usual. Annoyed, bothered, disgusted. Like it was a chore to even answer the phone. I panicked as I tried to snatch the phone back but that's when Pachirisu came up with the brilliant idea to toss the phone to Lopunny!
"N-No!" I panicked as Lopunny caught the phone and giggled with glee as she played with its buttons, simultaneously putting the phone on speaker as she did so.
"I don't have time for this. Are you there?" Shinji's voice was annoyed. Very annoyed. And ironically, I couldn't agree with him more in this situation.
"Give that back, Lopunny!' I shouted as I wrangled the phones out of her paws. At last, I finally had the device back into my possession! Yet…that didn't mean the phone call was over…
I suddently panicked. Shinji's was on the other line and I was just standing here like an idiot! My heart was pounding and without thinking twice, I hung up the phone.
"Great! Like that's how I wanted to start the night!" I wiped a cool sweat from my brow. Oh Arceus…that was so humiliating…
I heard Pachirisu's snickering laughter from behind me and soon I heard Lopunny join in. My blood began to boil.
"That wasn't funny!" I snapped back towards them.
How many times am I going to have to go through with being humiliated today? When is everything going to stop being a joke to everyone? First Shinji, Takeo, Nozomi, and now my own pokemon…?
This had to keep happening, didn't it? How many times in one day am I going to be humiliated in one way or another by Shinji? How many times is this idiot going to ruin my day? My week?
My perfect image?!
"Please, stop it! Stop fooling around!"
Both of my pokemon stopped cold in their tracks as they looked up at me, the laughter in their eyes completely gone. They could tell I was angry, enraged, and honestly I don't think they've ever seen me like this before. Because I've never been this way towards them before…
"I'm absolutely tired of being humiliated by everyone!" If my mascara wasn't designer, I would have let the few tears gathering at my eyes to trickle done. But no, I couldn't even allow that satisfaction. I quickly grabbed my bag and coat before stomping out of my bedroom door. I could tell the two pokemon quickly hurried after me, worried, but I did not care. I simply did not care.
As of recently, my life has become a fucking joke to everyone! My career, my love life, Shinji, and now my own pokemon mock me?! When did I lose control?!
"Poise a little bit for the camera, darling." Takeo's rich voice still haunted me…
I stomped my way to the downstairs of my apartment, where Empoleon and the rest of my pokemon were waiting for me. At first, they all had bright smiles on each of their faces. That is…until they saw the unusual look of anger plastered on my face.
I didn't care.
I absolutely did not fucking care.
I'm tired of my life being treated as some joke!
All of my pokemon but Empoleon took a step back as I huffed past them. Even little Swinub scampered away from its eating and hid itself deep within its large bowl of food.
"Leon…" Empoleon gruffed as its flipper caught my arm, a strong effort to keep me from storming off. I snatched my arm away. Empoleon took a step back, stunned.
"I don't want to be bothered." I scowled.
The sound of harsh lighting boomed throughout the apartment as intense thunder soon shuttered its way soon afterwards. The rest of my pokemon shook in fear at the sound. Empoleon, however, did not back down.
Empoleon again made an effort to reach out to me. Once more, the harsh storm resonated throughout the apartment. However, it was nothing compared to the frustration swelling inside of me.
"Leon!" Empleon furrowed his brow towards me in anger. I could tell what he wanted. He wanted me to calm down. He wanted me to breathe.
And I knew it too. However, I just couldn't. For some reason, my body fueled off this unexpected anger and I just fed into the hate.
"Leave me alone Empoleon! I'm fine!"
The hate was the only thing keeping me from feeling worthless in this situation.
The storm outside crashed and boomed, and my pokemon jumped once more at the sound. Ambipom covered her eyes with her hands. Togekiss used her wings to conceal herself in the corner. Neither never looked so frightened. I couldn't help but falter at the sight. This storm was getting to be too dangerous…
My eyes turned towards the basket sitting on the counter where I kept their pokeballs. The capsules rarely were touched besides for the occasional trip, otherwise they were used mostly as mementos.
I never really thought about putting my pokemon away…
Until now.
"Everyone…return." I spoke, firmly grabbing the pokeballs from the counter and reaching them out to my team. Their eyes were stunned, shocked even when the red light absorbed their beings back into their capsules. The warm red light receded back into my hand and I looked down at the balls with mixed emotions. Then, I realized I wasn't the only one left in the room. Solemnly, all but Empoleon accepted the call.
Thunder crashed once more. It was just me and Empoleon.
His strong, icy eyes watched me as I placed the pokeballs back into the basket. He then looked back towards the harsh weather outside and then back at me. Empoleon then walked next to me and ushered towards the door. It didn't take much for me to realize what Empoleon was thinking.
He wanted to come with me. To protect me from the storm.
"I-I'm fine Empoleon, you don't have to worry about me!"
The emperor penguin didn't believe my words for a second. Swiftly, it put both of its flippers on either sides of my arms and tried snapping me back into focus. His ice cold eyes met mine and it only took me a second for me to realize.
He knew.
He knew everything. He knew how weak and pathetic I was feeling right now. He knew that everything was just becoming too much. He knew…that the person I've become was just a shadow of who I used to be. As much as I didn't want to believe it, I failed him as a trainer. Against his will, I evolved him from his Piplup form for my own gain and in the end still gave up on him. The contests were gone. The battles were over. And yet he still chose to stay by my side…
I shook my head to shake off any excess tears that threatened to fall. And it wasn't just Empoleon. It was the rest of my team as well. Why do I even keep them here? Pent up in this city while they watch other trainers come and go with their pokemon…competing as a team.
"Don't look at me like that, Empoleon." I looked away, "I'm okay. I'm okay on my own."
I can't hide from reality…
"Leon..." Empoleon could only watch as I released myself from its grip.
We really aren't much of a team anymore.
"I don't need you right now." I firmly stated, gathering my composure. "Return to your ball." I held out his pokeball but Empoleon grew angry. I didn't care.
"I said, return!" And just like that, I widened the capsule and hit the button to force my starter back into its ball. The last look I saw on Empleon's face before he became immerse withiin the warm glow was one of sadness…and betrayal.
"From now on Piplup, you and I are going to be partners!"
The room was quiet. Too quiet. Finally, I was alone. The pokeballs in my hands were still warm from my pokemon yet…I still was alone.
"D-Damn it…" I stifled a short cry as I couldn't help it this time. I let the tears fall frees as I held my pokemon close, "Damn it…"
My pokemon…when did I become this person? When did I treat them just as pets and nothing more? I held the balls close to my chest and tried to breathe. I just want them to be happy…for us all to be happy…for me…to be happy…
RING RING
I didn't have to guess who was calling me. It was the limo ready to take me out for the evening. I looked up at the clock and figured it was time to put everything aside, to put on yet another smile once more. My stomach churned deep within me as I placed the pokeballs back into the basket and threw on my jacket. Switching off the main lights to the room, I sighed and tried my best to steady myself as I left for the door.
"Everything will be okay…" I told myself as I glanced once more back at the basket. I felt a deep churning once more in my stomach and I winced. Instinctively, I reached inside my tiny black clutch and found comfort within the tiny toothbrush that would help purge the troubles away.
"It just has to be."
The Corton.
A dazzling, opulent hotel built upon only the grandest of luxury. From celebrities to world-class pokemon trainers and coordinators, many travel far and wide to take in the venue's glamorous surroundings. Breathtaking architecture, impeccable cuisine, five star accommodations, even specialized pokemon battles occur within the Corton's rich walls. It is, without a doubt, one of the many not-so-hidden gems found within the Sinnoh region. Paradise on earth, they say.
"This is a nightmare…" I muttered softly to myself as I took my first few steps within the grand foyer of the building, instantly regretting my decision to accept this invitation. The sound of delicate piano music accompanied my entrance as I made my way through the rich lobby. Charming, elegant, the music was a staple for the hotel's grand dining room where I, inevitably, will face my ultimate demise.
"HIkari-sama, your things?" Yoshitaka beckoned for my wet rain jacket and umbrella as we approached the host's podium to check in. I obliged as my limo driver, among other hotel staff, tended to me as I settled in. Meanwhile, many within the hotel, all men and women finely dressed for the evening despite the storm, stopped and tried their best not to stare upon my arrival.
I, as well, tried my best not to flinch. After all, the last time I was seen within these walls I was linked to Takeo's arm. Precious little arm candy. An accessory. I'll be sure to never make that impression ever again…
"Good evening, Hikari-sama," A gentlemen approached me and bowed, "Welcome back to the Corton. We are glad to be having you this evening, especially during this unfavorable weather. We hope everything tonight will be to your liking. "
I recognized the older gentlemen as one of the hotel's managers. Well-dressed, elegant, and very quick to kiss ass when a celebrity walks through those grand doors.
"Thank you," I smiled, charmed as I greeted the host. "I'm sure everything tonight will be delightful." If I wasn't a professional model, then there was no way I could have pulled off that smile as perfectly as I did.
"I have a reservation tonight," I began, "I think the name is under Reiji-"
"She's with me."
Before I could even finish my request to the host, I paused and looked over my shoulder. My jaw dropped and my chest grew tight.
Standing there, in the midst of all of the celebrities, was a man I definitely did not recognize. Well-dressed in a gorgeous dark suit with a button-up collar left sexily undone. Deep lavender locks tied messily back in a short pony that left his bangs in perfect shape over his cool features. Smooth coal eyes that met with mine intense in wonder and determination.
My heart jumped right out of my chest as he approached me. I nodded towards the host and gazed back over at the trainer.
"Good evening…Shinji."
Spotted: A gorgeous girl all dressed up for a night out, seen with a dashing young gentlemen.
My my Hikari-chan, doesn't this scene sound a little too familiar?
Be very careful now. You're in dangerous territory and you simply cannot afford yet another slip up.
After all, there is more on the line than you'll ever even realize.
Take it all in, sweetheart. The madness is about to begin.
Mwah! -HG10
Honestly, it feels really really good to be back again. Even more so that I have received so much support from you guys! Last year when I wrote my author's note, I never even dreamed that I would receive as much positive feedback as I did! It honestly made me so so happy :') Again, I want to apologize for such a massive hiatus in my writing. The last time I updated a story on here I was just a freshman in college but now here I am, a college graduate. Oh boy, I feel really old. If anything, however, it certainly has given me the experience I needed to build confidence as a writer.
Truth be told, these past couple years I was terrified to write. As some of you may recall, I stated somewhere on the internet that I dreamed of pursuing a career in writing. Well, come my sophomore year in college, I did just that and picked up a minor in creative writing. I have taken a class in high school and absolutely loved it. However, I'm sure those who could relate know that reading and sharing your work in person is 100000x more difficult than sharing it online. Anyway, I went into my college's creative writing class with high hopes.
Now, I understand other writers have their own taste for how they like to write. I get that, and that's why I love the craft. Yet...the class I took in college was absolutely insufferable. Not everyone in the class was bad, don't get me wrong, but there were a few rotten apples who made up a good chunk of the class that just got to me. I wasn't a creative writing major like some were and I certainly wasn't published like the others either. I was just a girl whose only writing background came from writing at her own leisure. I felt like I couldn't contribute much to the class and when I did on the rare occasion, I was shot down by my professor and actually laughed at by some peers. I was instructed that a lot of my writing was too melodramatic, supermarket fiction, and I had to adjust that. It became the running joke in my class that I had a tacky taste for drama. It was actually kind of humiliating, especially when those who criticized my work ( and not in a constructive way) was praised for their own material.
I never want to insult someone's work to the point where they feel ashamed. In my writing groups, my peers enjoyed pulling a part my stories and then when promoted to mention the good parts about it...they just sat there silent. That was the kicker for me. It wasn't constructive criticism at all. Maybe I was too confident going into that class, sure, but man...you just can't be like that to a fellow writer. I can go on and on about how awful my experience was. But long story short, I just felt like I was being molded into a particular type of writer instead of growing upon my own traits. Let's just say I did not graduate with a minor in creative writing.
However, there is a good sign to this story. Last spring I spent a semester in Italy where I took a few writing courses for journalism. This was after the creative writing fiasco and I hesitated to touch anything fiction related. Guess you can call it writer's PTSD? Anyway, I had a professor there who reached out to me and said I had a gift. A professor who somehow managed to remind me that I have a passion for writing and that I should never let it die. I owe it to her because if it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have reached out to you guys last year with that author's note. She gave me the confidence to reintroduce myself into the world of writing and give me the time I needed to recover.
Sorry for rambling on about my problems. I just wanted to explain to you guys, my precious readers, why I took so long to pick up writing again. This chapter is a little shorter than usual because I'm getting my feet wet again. I want to hear from you guys if you like it! I'll be updating again very soon ( AND NOT YEARS LATER I PROMISE). Now that school is done for me ( for now) I feel like I have more time to breath and relax and finally focus again on what I love.
Until next time!
HarvestGirl10
