So sorry for the wait!

I do not own pokemon or any of its characters :)


"You may have cheated in your relationship, but I sure as hell won't let you cheat me out of the Championship."

The shatter of glass echoed in my ears.

Such a sharp, piercing sound.

Cold and numb.


All eyes in the loft paused and turned towards our table. Murmurs and whispers carried about as I pulled myself away from my shock and glimpsed down at the shatter wine glass upon my feet. It was just as if life skipped a beat, unable to recall dropping the moment the glass fell from my hands.

But here I am.

Before I could even slide my seat back to pick up the red-speckled remains, before I could even process how much of a scene transpired right in front of me, a waiter was quick to jump to my aid.

"Are you alright, Hikari-sama? Here, watch the glass. Are you hurt?" The waiter's smooth voice was calm, relaxed, by the book for procedures like this. Am I shocked that he wasn't outraged by the excessive puddle of wine upon my feet? Of course not. It was a simple mistake…just a casual slip of the hand…

All I could do was shake my head as the man cleaned up.

"Hey."

I turned my gaze from the waiter back to the sound of Shinji's voice. He who seemed a little taken back by the incident as well. However, any signs of concern disappeared once his eyes recognized my gaze and that usual stoic look of his appeared once more. As if he too had a slip of hand.

Instinctively, my guard shot up as well.

"Well," I exasperated a sign of annoyance as I took the napkin off of my lap and placed it on the table before me. I nodded at the waiter at my feet that his company was not desired which he quickly understood. He finished picking up the glasses pieces and scurried away, leaving me alone to deal with this unforeseeable mess.

"Tell me Shinji," I began, twirling my fingers before me in feign disinterest. "Which ridiculous tabloid did you hear that one from? Hold on, let me guess." I let out a bittersweet chuckle, "Was it Galactic Star magazine? Or was it Weekly Blitz?" I tilted my head in curiosity.

Shinji cleared his throat but I caught him off before he could utter another ridiculous rumor. "Or wait," I gasped in feigned excitement, "It must have been Sinnoh Superstars! You should watch out for that one most of all, those guys are the worst!"

With my fake amusement waning and a scowl gracing my features instead, I stood up from my seat. I've had enough of this nonsense.

"You don't know me at all." My words were cold as I made eye contact with the trainer one last time. The expression he held appeared as if he wanted to say something, but he could not find any words to say. Not that I gave him the opportunity, however.

"This evening is over." I let out the words bitterly as I turned to leave the table, keeping my head low as I avoided numerous gazes. I refuse for anyone to see me this upset. I absolutely refuse to stoop down to anything but the glamorous Hikari that the world knows. As far as anyone would know, this evening wasn't worth my time and nothing more.

"Hey, hold up!" I heard Shinji's voice finally call out for me. But I didn't turn back. I let my stilettoes do the work as I strutted away from the table with no clear destination in mind. However, I do know one thing. I had to get as far away from Shinji as I could. For as long as I could.

I don't know how he did it but that man alone was able to dig up my unfavorable past and shove it right back in my face. As if it was a joke by the gods that I couldn't fully be free from my mistakes. That he was put in my life as a constant reminder of my failures and everything I'll never amount to be. And now he is here to mock me? Absolutely not.

I swiftly strutted down the grand loft's staircase back towards the main floor, getting farther and farther away from him. My rage was about to hit its breaking point.

But yet, for some reason still, my mind drifted back to the night I found Shinji battling in the park. He was so cool, well-mannered, dedicated, and most of all in perfect sync with his pokemon. He already had it all.

His goals. His aspirations. A wonderful team. A loving family.

And somehow I became the horrible person in this pretty picture.

Well screw him.


Finding solace at a nearby ladies room, I quickly found myself opening its doors and completing my quick escape. Once the door closed behind me, I let out a huge shaky sigh of relief as the sight of an upscale bathroom boudoir in front of me. All alone from all the stares, the gossip, the chaos…I could finally breathe. Perfect.

The harsh pitter patter of the storm softly echoed from the room's exterior, making its reminder quite clear to me that there was still no leaving the building anytime soon. Not with this hell of a storm.

With what I could do, I steadied my hands upon the delicate porcelain in front of me and evened out my breaths. Looking up at the bathroom's mirror before me, not a single stray of imperfection graced my features. And yet…my insides felt like a wreck. A twisted storm far worse than the threshold outside. Instead, it was something Twisted. Tainted. Toxic.

"You may have cheated in your relationship, but I sure as hell won't let you cheat me out of the Championship."

Shinji's words echoed over and over again. I couldn't shake them. No matter what I could do, those words kept hitting me over and over again like a plague. Especially that one word.

Cheated.

Striking me to the very core.

Cheated.

To the feelings I felt

Cheated.

When I fell to my knees.

Cheated.

Cradling everything I knew.

Cheated.

In my trembling hands.

I stared at my own reflection in the mirror. My stomach was twisting itself into its deep knots and here I was hovering over a sink trying to keep myself together. But how could I? What I could gather from Shinji's words…Takeo had a stronger grip on me than I thought. Of course he would find some way to sink his teeth back into my life. After I finally got away…he found another way to trap me again. He must be set to ruin my reputation with such horrible lies. That had to be it.

Quickly, I blinked away whatever tears threatened to fall.

As if he didn't ruin me enough.

I can just hear Takeo's rich voice now, sputtering out each and every syllable of my accused infidelity to every professional he comes in contact with. Shinji was only just one, who else out there currently believes am I the one at fault?

Turning the faucet on, I took a breath as I dabbed fresh water onto the nape of my neck. Deeply I inhaled, and shakily I let out my breaths.

I can see now that Takeo has been planting his seeds. Little spurts of rumors here and there…a likeable face to believe…Arceus…I just hope that I can overcome this sinking, tainted feeling. I'm such an idiot. Here I am, back in this tangled web of socialites and games. Silly, foolish me thought running away would solve everything. And here I am. Back in the middle of this dangerous game.

Dazed, I mindlessly turned the water off and gazed upon the reflection before me once more. A beautiful woman stared back at me, the glamorous Hikari who could do no wrong in her perfect contour and rich stilettos. However, as far as appearances went, nothing compared to the large pit in my stomach. A huge lump formed in my throat as I swallowed before biting my lips.

Amongst all things, I knew there was relief to be found from within this game.

"Do it." My confidence inside urged me on. She was the Hikari that I was. Confident, fabulous, and sexy. My reflection smirked deliciously, "Take some control". My insides churned in anticipation. If I could escape this sinking feeling, I will do it. If I could feel some type of control, there is no question.

Mindlessly, I went to reach for my clutch but paused when I felt nothing. My eyes grew wide as I looked down and realized my small bag was not in my possession.

"Oh no…" I murmured. If my clutch wasn't here, it must be there. Left on the table. Back to that scene. With Shinji.

A lump grew deep in the pit of my throat and dug itself deep in my stomach. I had no choice. The room grew smaller as I grew more and more anxious. It couldn't be helped. I must do without it…I must!

Leaning over the sink, my locks curtaining over my shoulders, I shakily dug my finger down my throat. Too short. I couldn't reach. Leaning further over, I shoved my finger down and a scratchy gag was produced. I weezed. Nothing.

Hot tears poured through.

I couldn't stop them.

Not this time.

Once more, I tried again. Another throaty gag. Nothing but spit. If I just try one more time…just one more then I'm sure…

The sound of a door slamming open echoed through my ears, snapping me from my sick reverie and jolting my spine upright. Quickly, I stepped away from the sink.

"Listen here you bit-!" Shinji defiantly stormed into the bathroom before halting in his tracks, eyes wide in disbelief. His angered expression melted away instantly into shock, as if he couldn't process the sight before him. I stared back at him, fumbling whatever words I could think of at that moment. H-How did he find his way here?! And what gave him the right to just barge in?!

"What the heck are you looking at?" I sniffed as I attempted to glare his way. Turning away, my reflection once more caught itself in the mirror and then I froze.

She was gone.

The beautiful, confident, glamourous model that the world knew.

And she was back…

Arceus, she was back.

Red eyes.

Wet cheeks.

Frayed curls.

A Shattered Mask.

Just like the time when it all fell apart…


"I said get out!"

I blindly threw whatever I could find at the figure approaching me.

My face thick with sobs.

Blind in a haze.

"I can't! I can't!" I screamed once more, my voice thick with sobs as the figure tried its best to reach out to me. I couldn't see anything. I couldn't hear anything… I couldn't breathe… I didn't want…

"Hikari-chan! Snap out of it! It's okay, it's okay! I'm here!" Nozomi's voice. It was all I could hear. However, whenever I tried to open my eyes, I didn't see her. I didn't see anything. It was all just a blur...

She reached for my shoulders, trying to shake me from my hysteria but I kept pulling away. I didn't need her pity…it'll only make this nightmare worse. My body fumbled in its crippling state, stepping on the thick pieces of glass as my legs shook.

"N-No…No!" It was all I could gasp out as the pit in my stomach grew deeper. Stronger. Unbearably alive. My cheeks felt like they were on fire and something sickeningly dark started to cloud my vision.

"Just breathe." Nozomi placed her forehead against mine, her wispy bangs concealing my shaking self. "C'mon Hikari-chan…!"

But her comfort meant nothing. Nothing helped, nothing could help. I felt weak.

Violated.

Used.

And my body could only take so much…

Slowly yet surely with Nozomi's support, my legs slowly gave out as I allowed myself to slide down the wall to my knees.

"H-He's gone, Nozomi-chan…" The world grew dizzy. Everything was spinning, the world itself was tuning out. I felt Nozomi's weak attempt at wiping the tears from my cheeks.

"It'll be okay…Hikari-chan. It can only get better from here." Her voice was drifting off now. Weakly, I tried pulling myself away before being pulled into a stronger embrace. My voice was finally shot. All I could do now was…cry.

She was wrong. She was wrong. She was wrong. She was wrong. She was…wrong!

The pit in my stomach collapsed.

It can't be over.


"G-Get out! This is the ladies room!" I screamed at him, grabbing one of the soap bars off the sink and shakily chucking it his way. Since the gods hate me, I missed and Shinji seemed the least bit impressed by my attempted throw. Slowly enough, the shock on his face melted away into a blank expression. My cheap, pathetic effort to defend whatever dignity I had probably left no impression on him after all.

Sighing, he turned behind him and locked the doors. Something that dawned on me that I should have definitely done.

"Hey! W-What are you doing?" I again tried to sound mean and nasty. Confident and intimidating. But instead my voice cracked and I felt my legs tremble slightly in my stilettos, a disgrace to all models everywhere.

Shinji looked back at me. He didn't say anything as he approached me, which I responded by nervously taking a step back.

"Yeah yeah, say it now!" My voice shook, "I'm pathetic for holing myself up in here or that I actually have feelings! Something you obviously can't relate to!"

I took another step away from him. He responded by wordlessly taking another step closer.

Frustrated, I turned away but before I could…I felt my wrist snatched from within his tight grip and suddenly I was spun right back around.

In an instant, my eyes met his.

Like a predator and its prey.

This is what it must have felt like to know there was no escape.

His face inches from mine, he just stared right into my eyes. My red, tear-streaked eyes. My unglamorous, smudged beyond smoky eyes. And that's all he did. Just looking at me, taking in the sight of my defeat.

"You…" He finally spoke, his grip still tight. "…made a huge scene back there. Thanks for the embarrassment." His grip softened but still he held on. Shinji then smirked that smug smirk of his as he took his thumb and stroked it somewhat roughly across my cheek. A wad of mascara left its residue upon the tip.

"Let me go!" I steadied myself, but Shinji continued his torture. He chuckled as he glimpsed at his thumb before wiping it on his pants.

"You're more of a mess than my 3 year-old niece." He smirked before letting go of my wrist and suddenly grabbing me at my waist. My nerves shot through the roof at the feeling as shriek escaped my lungs.

"Hey! What the hell are you-?!" I screamed but before I could say anything else, the trainer hoisted me up within his arms and sat me down on the sink's counter. I could feel the blood rush to my cheeks as he placed me right before him, like a little trophy on display.

Shinji could only laugh smugly to himself as I glowered at him.

"How dare you-!" I snapped. The heat in my voice rose but then suddenly, something sleek and black fell into my lap. Looking down, my eyes widened.

My clutch.

Shinji brought it back to me…

"Do you know how annoying it is to chase after a troublesome woman in high-profile place like this?" Shinj sighed in frustration. "And to have everyone watching?" And as he spoke, he put his hands on either side of the counter and leaned forward. His forehead just inches from mine…

The blood in my cheeks started to boil. It had to be the wine from earlier. That must be it. I can't think of any other reason why my cheeks felt so flushed…but he was so close…

"Eh?" I squeaked before throwing my hand over my mouth in embarrassment. Since when did I lose the sound in my voice? Could I really be…that flustered by Shinji? Why all of a sudden is he so…strange?

The man smirked, getting a good look at me one more time. He clearly was enjoying what he saw and all I could do was glare angrily at him- an amusing sight it must have been with the state I was in.

"Go ahead." I said, "Call me whatever name you like. Slut, whore, skank, whatever dirty name you can think of. Kick me when I'm down already why don't ya?"

Shinji looked at me smugly.

"Nah, I don't think that suits you anymore." He said. "I think I'll just stick to troublesome after the little show you put on back there."

His eyes looked away in thought, "Annoying is another one. Maybe even bratty." He turned his gaze back to me, "But I don't think those other words do the job."

"What…" I tried to speak but Shinji pulled away from me, casting his head down as he headed towards the door. Despite his expression being concealed by the lock of his bangs, the trace of smirk was still evident behind his guise. He shook his head, chuckling, before looking up at me one final time.

"Thank Arceus." Was all he muttered before finally unlocking the door and leaving for the main dining room.

I sat there in my confusion, too stunned to move from the counter which he placed me on. What in the world just happened?! Taking in a deep breath, I looked down upon my lap where my clutch laid. Its presence weighed down on me, right where Shinji set it, and a chilling reminder of what I intended to do shot through my spine.

"Did he see…?" I muttered to myself, tracing my fingers on top of the small bag's smooth exterior. My mind played the scene over and over again. Shinji came to find me, regardless if it was in anger or not, he still came after me…

And then…for some reason his anger just seemed to vanish. An unusual kindness that didn't fit him at all.

What in the world…just happened?


It didn't take long for me to recover from that little "episode". Quick to recover whatever dignity and glam I had left, I dashed out of the ladies room before anyone else could join in on such a ridiculous scene. As usual, The Corton's evening still commenced and the world of socialites and fine dining kept turning.

Walking back onto the main hall, I once more was immersed with awing stares and adoring glances. Who was I kidding? The Hikari everyone loves and adores never left. She is still here, and whoever Shinji saw back there was no one. Nothing to amuse himself over or even think he had any upper hand whatsoever. Just a little slip of hand, that's all, nothing to be ashamed of.

But…

My mind drifted back to Shinji.

That look in his eyes.

The feeling of his hands on me…

Ugh! Stop, snap out of it Hikari! Whatever happened in that bathroom meant absolutely nothing. Shinji was still Shinji, an annoying jerk who sees you as just another pathetic stepping stone. I'm sure of it, any feelings I mistook for kindness back there certainly were just another tool to get me to sign that stupid contract. Why else would the jerk track me down? Like some wild crazy pokemon hunt? Um, no thanks.

"Hikari-sama! May I have your autograph?" A nearby diner approached me with a napkin and pen in hand.

"Ooh! Me too!" Another ran by me as well.

"Ah! Please, please sign my menu!"

Before I knew it, I once more was swarmed by adoring fans in the midst of the Corton. Effortlessly, I threw on one of my charming smiles and worked the crowd. Almost as if on cue.

"No need to worry! I would love to!" I smiled sweetly, making my rounds among the group around me. It was almost automatic at this point. Thanking the fans. Sweet talking in response to their compliments. Posing for pictures on their phones. And then in the midst of it all, I felt like someone was watching me.

And I knew exactly who.

Looking up towards the VIP loft, there was Shinji. Looming over the railing with a sturdy hand as he watched me amuse my audience. My eyes met his instantly, bright blue upon dark gray irises, and a little twinkle of delight lit up in his face.

He saw past it. He saw past it all.

"My my, let's let our beloved Hikari-sama enjoy her evening and get back to her meal." The voice of Tokata Araki broke me from Shinji's gaze and brought me right back to the scene in front of me.

"Oh it's really isn't any trouble-" I began but the Corton's owner cut me off with a hush and led me away from the crowd. Without fail, I could hear the sighs of my disappointed fans behind me.

"Nonsense madam," Araki's voice was proud and the smell of cigars lingered on his breath, "Here at the Corton it is my duty to ensure each guest has a relaxing, most decadent dining experience. You certainly can't have that while working, can you?"

"Well no but I'm happy to always greet my fans." A tone of annoyance lingered in my voice. Owner of the establishment or not, the man definitely seemed a little grabby.

Araki turned to me and smiled. "Such a wonderful idol to have here in Sinnoh." I made an effort to remove myself from his arm. Getting the message, he bowed before me and gave me a swift kiss on the hand. It felt…eerily Takeo-like.

"But what host would I be if I don't allow my guests to enjoy their dining experience? Your food should be ready at a moment's notice." And with that, he smiled and bowed once more before leaving me back to the foot of the loft's steps.

Laughing nervously, all I could do was smile as Araki-san walked away. Great, just great. With the storm raging outside, I knew there was no hope for a graceful exit but still. Of all places within this grand building, I'm being led right back to where I started!

Looking up at the staircase, an exasperated sigh left me. I really didn't want to face Shinji or that entire scene again. My entrance would just cause another muffle of stirs and whispers as I reclaim my seat back at that unappealing table with its unappealing food and most importantly its unappealing company. Even worse?

My mind drifted back to the scene with Shinji's smug smirk in the bathroom.

Ooh, I would hate to face him! Who knows what kind of rude remarks he would make once I sit back down? Ugh I can just hear him now!

"Did your entire face melt off back there or what?" Shinji would smirk smugly, taking another sip of his never ending scotch. I, of course, would respond by throwing the distasteful drink right in his face!

Ugh! The absolute nerve of that guy! You know what? I'm going to join him at that table! And I'm going to rip up that contract right in front of him, forever screwing whatever chances he had left of public freedom! That's what he deserves for enjoying my misery.

With that in mind, I marched myself up the steps. With each stride of my stilettos, I slowly feel my legs grow weaker and weaker with each step. As if I knew I was getting closer to Shinj by the second. Arecus. What's happening to me?

Reaching the top of the steps and entering back into the VIP dining area, my chest became lighter at the realization that no one seemed to notice I was back in to the room. My eyes skimmed the area. Everyone was fixated still on their dinners, their cigars, their drinks, their gossip and not a single care was shown for the world around them. Another crash of thunder and a flicker of the lights seemed to testify this point.

Looking around, I was not the least bit surprised. The little "scene" I previously had with Shinji was now just another lingering amusement, it seemed. Something so quick and done with that these people are now just waiting for the next big thing. Just how I remember it.

The Corton is just another charming place for the boring rich…

"So what do you say? Are you up for a little challenge?"

My ears perked up at the voice. What?

I turned my attention towards the voice and my eyes widened at the sight. There was Shinji, sitting at our table, in the midst of a deep conversation with a refined couple. Right away, the demeanor the couple set off was anything short of extravagant.

The man was older, in fact way older, than the girl hanging off his arm. Eye glass, top hat, and cane in all he was the essence of old money. The younger woman on the other hand? She was everything I grew to hate about this life. Young, bubbly, yet not so naïve to work her way up in social ranks. Her type could be spotted miles and miles away…unless you were an old, rich Zubat looking to relive his youth.

At this point, Shinji seemed to have been eating his meal but he must have been interrupted by the rich duo. The voice, belonging to the gentleman, asked once more.

"My wife and I are generous sponsors to this year's upcoming Championship League. We would just love to see exactly what talent our funds are contributing to this year." The gentlemen spoke, rubbing his wife's arm as he did so. The woman in return smiled happily.

Shinji paused, before taking a smooth sip of his drink. He nodded to himself.

"What are your qualifications?" He said, standing up from his seat. The gentlemen beamed.

"A two on two against me and my wife. One Pokémon each, something short and simple so we all can return to our evenings." The gentlemen then tapped his cane in thought as he looked at my empty seat, "I presume, after all, that you have a date that can also partake in the affair?"

Shinji turned towards where I once sat and paused for a moment in thought. Oh no. He better not be thinking…

"As a competitor for the Championship," He said, "It is my obligation to accept all challenge requests." Shinji then paused again in thought, as if he was recalling something from long ago. He better not-!

"As for my date-"

"U-Um, excuse me!" I was quick to rush over and make my presence known. Before it was too late! "I'm sorry but-"

Shinji must have caught the direction of my tone and was quick to grab me by the waist and pull me to his side. That feeling of such close contact came rushing back, and a small peep escaped my lips! Before I could even feel the blood rush to my cheeks, Shinji quickly spoke up.

"What she means to say is that she's so sorry for not catching your introductions sooner." He squeezed my waist tight, almost too tight, as if to say don't fuck this up.

"Ah yes," The lady next to the gentlemen chimed, "It was a bit bold of us to interrupt your evenings on such notice without a proper introduction." She removed herself from the man's arm and sweetly bowed in front of me.

"I'm Yufi Akazawa and this is my husband, Taro. It is such a delight to finally make both of your acquaintances." She spoke, her voice a little bit too high for comfort.

"You may have recognized my wife's work? She often dabbles in…poke egg decorating. It's a trend quite popular in the Kalos region, or so I've heard." The gentlemen mused, almost as if he was trying to convince himself that his wife wasn't wasting his money on such an absurd hobby. Shinji and I could only hold our tongues.

The wife then turned to me, "Hikari-sama, it would be such a pleasure to battle against you when you are finished with your meal. With all your success in modeling, I didn't even realize you were a trainer as well!"

Something cold ran through my veins.

I didn't realize you were a trainer as well.

It's because I wasn't.

"Empoleon, return!"

Not anymore at least.

"Well, I," I didn't know how to respond to the woman. I could feel Shinji's eyes upon me, eyeing up the situation at hand. Before I knew it, he spoke again.

"We accept your challenge but we need some time first to prepare. For the moment, let my partner and I return to our meals. We'll find you then on the main floor once we are ready." Shinji kindly stated. Adrenaline started to pump itself through my veins. Wait! What the hell was he saying?!

The gentlemen nodded happily, "Ah, yes, of course! Please do take your time, and in the meanwhile my wife and I shall gather the proper accommodations." And with that said, the duo bowed before Shinji and me leaving us to return the favor. Shinji's bow was refined, professional whereas mine was delayed, flustered, an accurate representation of the flurry of emotions swirling inside of me.

As the two left, Shinji calmly took his seat once more and resumed his meal. I stood there stunned, trying to process what just happened. Did Shinji just…agree to a pokemon battle? Here at the Corton? With me?! Right now?!

"What the hell was that?!" I harshly gasped under my breath, turning to face Shinji. I kept my voice low but my panic still shrilled itself through. "I-I 'm not battling with you! How dare you agree to such a thing!"

Shinji, smooth as ever, set down his fork and looked up. His gaze was stone cold. "As an official competitor for the Championship, it is not in my best interest to turn down a challenger. Especially high-profiles ones like the Akazawas."

"Well speak for yourself and leave me out of it!"

Shinji smirked as he leaned his elbows on the table. "You're the one who came back to this table after making such a fuss."

"E-Eh.." I was taken back by the truth in his words as a blush once more rose to my cheeks. He had a point there. I did come back… but still, that didn't mean a thing!

The falter in my expression lasted only for a second before my anger once more took its place. Promptly, I sat myself back down in my seat. Looking down at the plate of food in front of me, I no longer felt hungry.

"I refuse to battle with you." I clenched my teeth, "You can't even get me to publish a picture with you! What makes you think I'll agree to a battle?"

There was a pause. An uncomfortable silence.

"And!" I started up again, "It clearly says in your contract that you can't participate in any publicized events unless you get me to agree and sign. " I crossed my arms, "Which I obviously won't do. What makes you even think I am such a good candidate a battle?"

The trainer across the table took in a sigh. Shinji took his scotch glass and finished the drink before he said anything. Solemnly, he looked down at the glass before again looking up at me.

"The contract says nothing about pokemon battles. In that, I am free to do as I please." He spoke, his tone serious. He then paused for a moment, and in that silence I could sense he too has been contemplating the challenge he was just offered. What he said next…left me speechless.

"And if I remember correctly, aren't you a trainer as well? All those years travelling as kids, all those battles, contests, titles, that still means something right? Don't you want to show off all that hard work?"

I didn't know what to say at that moment. As Shinji spoke, memories of my childhood came flashing back to me. Sometimes I forget that Shinji was there for a part of it, but then again he was nothing more than someone in the background and nothing more. It's surprising how much he seemed to have paid attention after all…

"Please," I scoffed, "Do you think that's going to convince me to battle alongside you? You remember all this now and not when we ran into each other at the elevator a few days ago?" He could play up the act all he wanted. But it was the truth. When I fatefully ran into him on the day of that first photoshoot, it seemed like the memory of me was too far back in his mind. How dare he play the suave card now.

"I didn't deny your skills," He said, "And to be fair, you were really quite annoying that day to boot."

I clenched my teeth.

Shinji continued, "But I did fight against you before in a tag team battle," He then smirked, "And even though you lost miserably, it still was a decent fight."

There was a silence that lingered. Shinji's words, against my will, brought me back to a time that I longed to forget. I remember that tag team battle, fighting alongside that perverted Kohei and challenging myself against my friends. It was also right after that time I lost the Yosuga Contest miserably…and I remember how excited that battle made me feel…

My fingers clenched themselves to the hem of my dress. How far gone those days where now, back in another time, another world. Shinj has no idea how much things have changed. He probably still thinks I'm an active trainer, battling alongside my modelling career. He has no idea on what I left behind…

"Look," I finally said. "I can't."

Lopunny. Pachirisu. Ambipom. Togekiss. Quilava. Swinub.

My heart ached.

Empoleon.

I'm a mockery of a trainer. As much as I love my pokemon, as much as they would love the thrill of a battle, they aren't even with me.

"I-I'm fine Empoleon! You don't have to worry about me!"

Shinji began to speak again but his voice was far off in the distance. I couldn't hear what he was saying. All I could hear was Empoleon's stubborn cries as it tried to leave with me this evening, and how I wouldn't allow it.

"-to be honest all I need is someone to just stand there-"

What kind of pokemon trainer am I? To not even allow my own pokemon to join me on a stormy evening like this…? Especially my starter? The one who would do anything for me…

"They aren't even with me…" Mindlessly, the words mumbled out of my mouth.

Shinji stopped his ramblings.

"What?"

"My pokemon…" I muttered again, my eyes caught in a daze as I stared into nothing. "I didn't bring them with me tonight…"

Shinji's face said it all.

"Ladies and Gentlemen!" An announcement echoed across the grand splendor of the Corton, the rich voice of Tokata Araki filling our ears. Looking down from the loft, there the man was standing upon the stage where the band played, microphone in hand.

"It is for your dining pleasure that we here at the Corton have a fabulous event planned for you this evening! We ask all guests to dismiss themselves from the grand dance floor in anticipation for an outstanding battle between the Akazawas and Sinnoh's most acclaimed Championship competitor yet, Shinji-sama!"

"What do you mean you don't have your pokemon on you?" Shinji asked, shock and frustration dripping in his tone. As if he couldn't believe what he was hearing. I looked at him solemnly before slowly nodding. I didn't know what to say to him. What could I say?

"You're a trainer and you don't have your pokemon?!" His whispered harshly in disbelief.

An overwhelming roar of applause echoed throughout the building's walls, everyone turning their attention to our table in anticipation. The thunderstorm boomed once more, as if it too was acknowledging the predicament about to take place.

"I..." I looked up to him but it was too late. The attention was all around us and there was no going back. We were swallowed in the expectations of a grand battle and this time there was no way out of it. A sinking feeling hit my stomach. Could it be…that I was actually upset?

Shinji looked at me and then looked back to the all the cheering. Out of nowhere, a smug smirk graced his lips and a shiver went down my spine. Oh no, I knew that look...

"No matter," He stood up, extending his hand out to me. "Because I have an idea."

And in that moment, through all the cheering, I only saw him there.

His smirk.

His hand.

The daring look in his eyes.

Just like a moth drawn to the flame…he had me trapped.

With just a slip of his hand.


In this world, there are some elements that you just don't mix.

Salt and Sugar.

Fire and Ice.

A Supermodel and a Pokeball.

Disagree all you want, little Hikari, but you must admit that the thought of a battle excites you. After all, what harm could it do?

However. Be very careful, Hikari-sama, you never know who is watching.

If you can't recall your own past mistakes, let me just remind you of one thing.

Those who play with fire always, no matter what, will get burned.

Mwah! –HG10


Again, so so sorry for the wait guys! These past couple months have been total chaos for me and it was hard to find time to sit down to write. On tumblr I announced this chapter would be up by Black Friday back in November and now it's February...ugh I hate myself. Microsoft Word is just a total mess sometimes -.- The word file for this chapter got corrupted twice and it was a butt trying to salvage what I wrote. But at least I got it up now and everything is fine! Thank goodness :)

I'm so happy that I was able to post this chapter tonight! It took me a while to think how I wanted to approach the dinner date with Shinji and Hikari but now I'm confident that everything is heading in the right direction ;) One thing I REALLY wanted to correct this chapter was the language Shinji used towards Hikari. In the earlier chapters, he would call her awful names like slut and whore which back then I thought 'Oh, they're older so they're going to use filthier words towards each other! Of course!' Ugh, I don't know what I was thinking. I was some stupid teenager. So hopefully this chapter resolves that a bit and I could possibly use it as leverage to develop Shinji's character a bit more! I think the best thing about being an adult now is understanding my adult characters and what they're going through. It's definitely going to be a learning opportunity :)

Anyways, I really hope you guys like it! Please tell me what you think in the review section, I can't wait to hear your thoughts!

Until next time!

HarvestGirl10