So sorry for long wait again! Life has been crazy, I'll explain in the author's note, but for now enjoy! I made sure to write a long one for you guys :)
I don't own pokemon or its characters. Just my OCs.
The first pokemon battle I've witnessed was my mother's.
"And time! That's it, folks! The winner of this year's Grand Festival goes to…Ayako-sama!"
The roars of the crowd shook through my tiny body, almost startling me off my feet. Confetti rained from the sky and all around wonderful fanfare began to play. It was the victory of the year, or so they said, a Grand Festival to remember. My little eyes couldn't even blink. Waving to the crowds, embracing her pokemon with tears of happiness, mom never looked so happy...
"…Mama!" My voice squeaked with joy. I jumped out of my seat, dashed right under security's gaze, and ran to her out onto the arena. Her eyes met mine with such a warmth that to this day I can still picture her loving glow. The crowd's cheers grew louder.
"Aren't you Ayako-sama's daughter?" The announcer smiled as my mom picked me up and held me in her arms. Bashfully, I hid myself into her shoulders.
"Don't be afraid, sweetheart." My mom soothed as she waved once more to the crowds. "Tell them your name."
Peaking up, I looked back up to the announcer and did my best to smile. "Y-Yes! I-I'm Hikari!"
"Why, looks like we have a legacy on our hands!" The announcer smiles before she turned back to the crowd, "Everyone! Let's give it up for Ayako-sama, our Grand Festival champion, and her daughter Hikari-chan!"
More cheers erupted, even louder than before, as mom bounced me in her arms. I shut my eyes tight as I couldn't help but laugh with excitement, clapping my hands, the feeling of confetti kissing my nose.
Nothing was more perfect than this moment.
Until I opened my eyes once more.
And there I was, fully grown.
The night was dark, silent, and from there I stood facing my own reflection in the comfort of my bathroom mirror. It was a solemn feeling, really. Deep in the early morning and yet the alcohol wistfully still held its own over me. My reflection wavered. So tired…and yet so indifferent. How funny is that the party remains with you once all the guests leave?
A breeze from the window creaked open the bathroom door, and there Takeo's nude body slept blissfully amongst the sheets. It was only a daze, but my eyes could still catch the smirk resting upon his lips. Another late night for the fashionably famous Hikeo. Another night full of lust and publicity. He would never grow tired of this. He never seemed to feel this solemn feeling.
How could everything feel like such a blur yet be so clear? Drifting down to my trembling fingertips, I felt that fine powdery substance. Such quant, neat little lines of snow. Just leftovers from before but now…I resolved to never touch it again.
"Aren't you Ayako-sama's daughter?"
My lips part to speak but yet-
Nothing.
The Corton was truly known for being one of Sinnoh's most luxurious hotels but the most accommodating? That was the biggest understatement of the night. My eyes grew wide as the grand ballroom transformed into an opulent arena with the infamous Corton chandelier dazzling high above.
Diners murmured enthusiastically amongst themselves with their champagne glass in hand and already I could see bets slyly being passed about. Gloved hand to gloved hand. Statistically, Shinji would be the preferred winner of course but I can just see the skepticism in some of those eyes when they look at me. To them, I'm not a competitor. No renowned coordinator or pokemon trainer of any standard.
I'm a celebrity and nothing more than dead weight to Shinji's fight. And for the onlookers…that makes for a good show. Yeah, the rich of this world certainly love a good show. I should know...I've been on their side long enough to know this is just another dazzling attraction. To Shinji, this is his world. His passion. To them? Just another show to pass the time.
"Taro Akazawa and his wife have challenged you, Shinji-sama, to battle!" The Corton's owner, Tokata Araki's voice, boomed proudly into the mic, gesturing over to where Shinji and I stood at the other side of the arena. "Who do you claim as your partner in this battle?"
Shinji coolly looked towards me. His gaze was brief yet certain. Chills ran down my spine at this moment. This was really happening, wasn't it?
"The diamond of Sinnoh and my date for the evening, Hikari-sama." He confidently said, his focus on the crowds around us. More murmurs erupted from the crowds and in that moment my heart stopped. Wait, what did he say?
Amidst the whirling gossip, Shinji looked cool and collected as ever. Did he realize what he just said? My face aflush I looked quickly back to him, and then I saw it. That little smirk he cleverly hid under his calm demeanor. Of course he knew what he was doing.
I could just smack him. Any attention Shinji could get towards himself he's going to want, especially after the little legal setback Takeo as put him in. I should be mad. I should be furious that he just name dropped me like that in front of Sinnoh's elite. But for some reason…I'm not boiling up. And I don't know why. My heartbeat slowly steadied itself into a softer pulse.
Maybe it's because despite the fact of it all…I never heard him say my name before until now.
And for some reason I wasn't angry about it.
"Here." Shinji's bluntness broke my thoughts as he shoved a pokeball in my hand. Nervously, I took it as I looked down at the ball.
"Y-You're letting me borrow one of your pokemon?" I harshly whispered under my breath, "Isn't that against League rules?"
Shinji looked away, disinterested. "This isn't a formal battle so those rules don't apply. Besides," He sneered in such a way that only I could feel his coldness, "What else am I supposed to do when a so-called trainer forgets her own pokemon?"
"I didn't forget them." I bit back with a glare and the moment I did, I could see the slight shock on Shinji's face. As if he couldn't imagine any other alternative.
'It doesn't matter at this point," I said as I looked away from him and back to the pokeball in my hand. "Who do I have? Torterra-?"
"Froslass." Shinji sharply cut me off, "She's an ice type so she can easily-"
"I know what an ice type is!" I defensively snapped back, and Shinji just rolled his eyes away from me as he took out another pokeball of his own.
"Then let's get on with the battle, ladies and gentlemen!" Araki's voice once more boomed over the crowds, "Battle….START!"
"Aggron, prepare for battle!" Shinji called out, throwing the ball onto the field with his usual bold confidence. The ball collapsed upon in a dazzling array and Aggron appeared with a mighty roar. The crowds cheered at the sight of the steel type meanwhile I just didn't get it. Again, he went with a pokemon other than Torterra. Huh, how strange…but who am I to question it.
"My my, what a wonderful specimen Shinji-kun! After seen a few of its battles it'll be a pleasure to see what Aggron can do myself!" Taro, ever the wise old gentlemen, shouted across the field as he tapped his cane.
"But it's my turn to show you what I can do!" He held up a glistening luxury ball in his hand, "Empoleon, let's go!"
My heart fell at that moment as the ball collapsed on the field and a large, strong Empoleon stood up proud.
No way…
"And it's time for you to shine my little pretty! Jigglypuff let's play!" Yufi bounced up in glee as she tossed her pokeball onto the field, revealing a very pink and happy Jigglypuff. The young wife and pokemon looked almost identical to the other as they giggled and bounced about. Such a contrast to the strong, intimidating presence of Taro's Empoleon…I couldn't take my eyes off it…
"Leave me alone, Empoleon!"
His Empoleon was much bigger than mine.
"I don't need you right now."
Looked much stronger than mine.
"Empoleon, return!"
But most of all, looked much happier than my Empoleon…
I bit my lip. What kind of cruel punishment was this? Was this another terrible joke? I felt my legs grow weak as I met with the Empoleon's stare-
"Hikari!" Shinji snapped, "Throw the ball!"
And just like that, I was brought back to reality and away from Empoleon's gaze. I felt the intensity of the arena fall on me and nervously, I clutched the ball to me as I shut my eyes. Now is not the time for this. Pull yourself Together Hikari, there's no need to worry.
I threw the ball onto the field. "Froslass, let's go! Spotlight!" I didn't realize the words that left my mouth until the ball collapsed onto the field and a pokemon, that wasn't my own, appeared. I couldn't believe it as my eyes went wide…I haven't said those words in so long…
Froslass looked to Aggron and then back to Shinji with doubt. Shinji only nodded confidently towards his pokemon.
"Consider this your training for the evening, Froslass. Follow her orders but utilize everything we've worked on. Show me what you can do." Shinji stated, "And Aggron! We are at a type disadvantage here but don't let that be an excuse!"
Both Froslass and Aggron confidently nodded at the sound of their trainer's remarks. Taro tsked happily as he tapped his cane in thought, "Such an encouraging boost of morale from you, Shinji-kun. But…I'm afraid your pokemon will need it, "Taro shout his arm forward, "Empoleon! Charge forward with Earthquake!"
The penguin pokemon roared as it leaped forward towards Froslass, causing an eruption to echo through the arena. The entire ground shook as I did my best to steady myself in my stilettos, covering my face as I tried to look forward.
"Quick, dodge!" Shinji shouted, leading Aggron to plant itself steady to the ground while Froslass swiftly glided away from the attack. Shinji snapped back towards me, "You have to stay alert!"
"I-I'm trying!" I shouted back as I looked back over to a smug Taro and Yufi. The arena before us was now all disheveled with gravel and Yufi only took advantage of the opportunity.
"Jigglypuff, quick! While they're distracted hit them with Disarming voice!" She cheered in unison with the pink pokemon as it bounced about the field, letting out a bellowing voice that brought hands quickly to our ears. Froslass and Aggron winced they directly took the hit, and then something inside me triggered. A feeling I haven't felt in a while.
An instinct.
Froslass is an ice type so that means I can…
"Froslass, quick! Cover the field in a wintery haze!" I shouted. The pokemon nodded as its Snow Cloak ability activated, swirling about a wintery fog. Shinji looked over to me and nodded.
"Aggron, push through with Metal Claw!" The command was swift as Aggron lunged itself towards Jigglypuff, but the pink pokemon bounced away only for Aggron to meet Empoleon instead!
"Now use hydro pump!" Taro shouted, grinning ear to ear as Empoleon blasted a direct hit to Aggron causing massive damage! The whole arena gasped as Aggron fell back, Shinji grunting in annoyance.
"What a little trick that back fired on you, Hikari-sama! Tsk Tsk but you should know water types aren't as easily blinded by such a haze!" Taro teased. Yufi cooed as she clung to his arm, "You're so cunning Taro honey!"
I faltered in my steps. I should have known that. Of all things, I should have known that! With Empoleon as my own starter I should have known better and yet…due to a lack of training…it was a foolish error.
"Oi," Shinji called me back to reality. "Don't let that intimidate you." He gestured to Aggron, who stammered back to its feet. "It's going to take more than taunting to bring us down." Who knew at that moment if Shinji was referring to his team or by the two of us standing here together…but nonetheless I nodded in understanding.
"Right," I breathed, turning back towards the field. Jigglypuff continued to bounce around the haze with its balloon body while Empoleon remained in the center as the true threat. It was clear Yufi's pokemon was a decoy and nothing more, so targeting Empoleon had to be the main priority. Perhaps Taro is thinking we are using the same strategy, seeing Shinji as the real threat and me being the decoy as well. If that's the case, his attentions will remain on Aggron and only then on Froslass once the larger pokemon is defeated.
Shinji looked at me and I nodded back at him. Without words, we understood what we had to do.
"Aggron, use Double-Edge!" Shinji commanded again as Aggron lunged at Empoleon who dodged the first blow but missed the second! The crowded gasped and cheered but it was short lived as Empoleon stood up! Shinji smirked, "Now, Flash Cannon!
A bright light pounded from Aggron as the two collided head on with the other, causing a frenzy on the field. Empoleon absorbed in the energy from the hits and then, something triggered. A perfect plan. Jigglypuff bounced around in the fray as I noticed Yufi staring wide eyed at the current scene before her. She was distracted, and I saw my chance.
"Froslass! Quick, Ice Beam!" Froslass nodded as it charged up at Jigglypuff but the pink pokemon giggled as its jiggly body bounced about and missed the attack!
"Ha!" Yufi cheered, "Good luck hitting my cutie pie! Now Jigglypuff, use sing-!" Her words were cut short as a smirk grace my lips. The crowd gasped as my plan perfectly fell into place.
My intentions never were to hit Jigglypuff at all but to freeze its trail instead. Memories of utilizing the entirety of the contest stage were slowly coming back, and upon instinct my trap was set. Jigglypuff, untrained in such situations, could only stop in its tracks as the madness before it unfolded. It didn't utter a peep. The slippery crowd surrounded Aggron and Empoleon fight as the two battled, Empoleon completely focusing on Aggron the "true threat".
"Quick Empoleon, take it down with Hyper Beam!" Taro shouted, a fire burning within his eyes. The large pokemon took a few steps back to release its deadly beam at Aggron, but in its distractions step right onto the ice and slipped!
"Aggron, step to the side and use Iron Defense!" Shinji ordered as the steel pokemon did so, cloaking itself in sheer iron amidst the wintery blur. In that second, Froslass swiftly intensified the haze as Jigglypuff bounced blindly and boom!
It bounced right into Empoleon's hyper beam!
"JIGGLYPUFF, NO!" Yufi screamed out as the smoke cleared, revealing a fainted Jigglypuff. The crowds cheered again at the clever play, Shinji smirked in satisfaction, and I just stood there…stunned. I can't believe…I really pulled it off!
"Ah!" I cheered, "Great job Froslass!" I couldn't contain my excitement as a rush of energy ran through me. Froslass grinned as it took side by Aggron, teaming up against the only threat now: Empoleon.
"Nice tactic, troublesome." Shinji said to me, "But it's not over yet." Our gazes turned back towards Taro's Empoleon which was trying to catch its breath from the attic. Taro nervously gulped as he quickly tried to regain his composure…as best as he could with a wailing wife next to him.
"Taro honey!" She screeched, "They hurt sweet Jigglypuff! Stop them! Beat them! Beat them! BEAT THEM!" She screeched, her voice mimicking that of a temper tantrum.
"As I shall, darling!" Taro shouted back, "Empoleon, end Aggron with Waterfall!" Empoleon struggled to its feet and within moments, tried to prepare its attack. Shinji was quick to counter.
"Quick Aggron, use Iron De- "
"Don't." I whispered harshly to Shinji, who looked back at me. He raised an eyebrow and before he could call me an idiot I cut him off-
"Empoleon, my Empoleon, or any other Empoleon could not regain such energy for an attack so quickly after a hyper beam. It's a decoy and the moment you lower your defense, enough energy will be reserved for real attack." The words came out so instinctively even I couldn't believe what I was saying.
Shinji looked at with skepticism, but I only met him back with a firm gaze.
It was the truth.
For evolving Empoleon for my own selfish gains, for watching Empoleon struggle with its new form after all these years, the two of us have come to learn its limitations. As much as it pains me to admit it, for not being a practicing trainer I had to learn the hard way that Empoleon's size can not bounce back like it used to when it was a Piplup. It was an unfortunate truth.
And it won't matter how hard Taro has trained his Empoleon. It had the same body, same makeup, same limitations. That couldn't be denied no matter how much money you throw at it.
A nod was shared between Shinji and I before he turned back towards the field.
"Aggron, finish Empoleon off with Metal Claw!"
And just as I predicted, Empoleon did not have the energy to use Waterfall or any attack for that matter. It faltered back before Aggron landed its blow, creating a cloud of thick smoke amongst the field. Gasps and murmurs echoed throughout the arena as the blow sent my ears ringing. I looked up and I couldn't see anything, only a white thickness that concealed the results of the attack.
Suspense hung in the air. And a heavy feeling in my chest, one that a long time ago was once familiar, settled in. I glanced over at Shinji to catch his expression and, he too, stared at the smoke with heavy anticipation.
Finally, the heavy smoke cleared, and only light tufts of a haze remained. From it, two large figures stood. One dark. One blue. And it looks like a final showdown still was about to take place…until…
Empoleon collapsed to its knees and fell backwards, completely blacked out! No…way…
"Well it looks like its unanimous ladies and gentlemen! It's clear we have our victors, Shinji-sama the Champion competitor and our very diamond, Hikari-sama!" Araki-san's voice boomed over the mic followed by wild cheers from the crowd. The Corton erupted into celebration as cameras flashed amongst the diners and chanting. Blood raced through my veins and a feeling of excitement rushed through me like never been. I couldn't help but grin from ear to ear, this was so exciting!
Taro Akazawa fixed top hat as he took in a sigh and smiled, returning his pokemon. "Good show ol' chap." Yufi could only respond by pouting and stomping her foot next to him.
"Tarooooooo honey I didn't win!" Her voice was such a high one, it must have been her true form. I'm not sure what her old husband whispered into her ear then, but one could only guess that it must have been a promise to a few jewels or something like that to make up for the loss. Instantly, she was as giddy as ever.
"Aggron, return." Shinji called out for his pokemon, who bowed its head before returning to the ball.
'Ah, that's right!" I broke from my excited trance, "Froslass, great job! Return!" I called Shinji's pokemon back to its ball, smiling giddy.
"I can't believe we won!" I shouted happily towards Shinji who could only smirk at my expression.
"Do you think I would have let us lose?" He coolly said with his coy expression that he always wears. I felt a pang of annoyance hit my forehead.
"Hey! It wasn't just you, ya know!" Riled up, I fired back at him which only seemed to amuse him further. As if he enjoyed my angered reaction.
"Let's give it up to such an amazing duo everyone!" Before I knew it, Araki-san was back at our side. Cheer erupted once before, and I was quick to put back on my smiling face. "And in honor of such a wonderful victory, The Corton would like to distribute these two ribbons as favors!"
In his hand the owner held two gold ribbons decorated with a glistening shine. They were small but significant enough to catch the dazzle of the Corton atmosphere as light reflected off their surface.
"Now, I know we don't have proper badges or anything similar to the sort but it's an honor we'd be happy to bestow upon any victor who walks through our doors!" Araki-san said as he handed us each a ribbon.
"Thank you," Shinji bowed in gratitude towards the host and I soon followed suit.
"Thank you so much!" I smiled happily and once again the cameras flashed all around us. I could only imagine the news stories that will be posted in the morning but in this moment, I could care less. I never felt so happy before, I can't even imagine the last time I felt this good.
I won a battle!
How many years has it been since I could say that? I won a pokemon battle! After all these feelings of feeling inadequate or not good enough I finally did it! I finally-
"I don't want to be bothered."
Harsh lightning. Booming Thunder. The hurt expression on my Pokémon's faces.
Just like clockwork, the sound of the storm once again echoed outside as I stopped myself. What was I doing? Celebrating, feeling like I accomplished something, it doesn't change the fact that what I did was terrible. I won a battle all right…a battle where I left my pokemon in the dust…
I felt a hand on my shoulder and a tingle down my spine. I jumped and turned around to see Shinji.
"Hey," Shinji said. He wore his usual stoic expression on his face, but something seemed a little off by the way he looked at me. It was odd, but nonetheless, I quickly regained my composure.
"What-" I began but was cut off by the sound of Taro and Yufi approaching us.
"What a fantastic battle! Never in my old age did I experience something so exhilarating!" Taro began, "I can see why you are the favored competitor for this year's Champion."
Shinji bowed in return to the old man's kind words, "Thank you. I'm humbled by your words."
Taro nodded in returned and then Yufi piped up.
"And Hikari-sama! You were so glamorous on the field!" She clutched herself to Taro's arm, "And your dress! You must tell me where you got it, it's too die for!"
I looked down at the dress I was wearing, the very one I designed myself, and faltered. "Oh well…" I blushed, not sure what to say. "It's an original piece."
"Ooh! How amazing! I'm sure lots of designers want you to be the very first one to wear their pieces before they hit the runway!" She chimed happily, and I couldn't bring myself to correct her. Of course, what she said was true but how could I burst her bubble by saying it was something I made? After all, she probably wouldn't even believe me, and I'll just look like a fool. Just like how condescending Takeo was when I first told him about my designs, I'm sure under Yufi's cheery demeanor she is no different than he is.
I only nodded along with her. The last thing I would want would be to face such criticism, especially when I have Shinji alone to deal with!
"It's from an up and coming designer from the Kalos region," I tucked a piece of hair behind my ear and smiled, "I often find myself checking out the work of students from many of their fashion schools and I pick out some designs to help jumpstart their careers. It really is trending amongst the runways when they're looking for some fresh talent."
It was a lie. A straight up lie. But to some social climber like Yufi, she of course would never know. As expected, she ate it right out of my hand.
"Oh, why, of course! I myself have been doing the same!" She flustered together, "In fact, I think I may be flying to Kalos shortly to pick up a few more pieces!"
I smiled sweetly at her statement, "How great."
I know lying is wrong, I know I should have told the truth, but at least now maybe Taro Akazawa's money will go towards a good cause. All it takes to win over someone like Yufi is just status and charm, I might as well do some good with it.
"Shinji-kun, you were amazing as well." Yufi took Shinji by the hands graciously and smiled, "Let's all have a rematch soon, okay?"
Shinji said nothing, he only nodded. The couple then walked away, Yufi draped over the old man's arm, and before I knew it Shinji and I were remaining still on the arena's floor.
Well, I guess you can say dance floor as in no time at all, The Corton's staff quickly made the area presentable once more for its guests. Suddenly, one couple after another made their way to the floor and a soft yet sensual melody began to play.
"How about we celebrate such a wonderful victory with a dance?" Araki-san said over the mic and once more the crowd among us cheered. All eyes were on us and suddenly my heart started to race.
No way. No way. No WAY am I dancing with Shinji! Eating dinner with him, fine. A pokemon battle? Bearable. But dancing with him?! As in bodily contact-NO WAY!
As if that photoshoot wasn't enough to last me a lifetime!
But then I felt it. The eyes of everyone in the room, right on me and Shinji. I wonder what they were all thinking right now. Where we a couple? Friends? Why where we out to dinner tonight? If only they knew the real reasons behind this unfortunate matchup, maybe then they wouldn't be cheering as much as they did.
"Troublesome," Shinji reached his hand out to me and I could barely believe what I was seeing. Other dancers filled in all around us, but I could only see him standing there with his hand, his eyes set on me.
"You have got to be joking." I scoffed at him, finding the situation hysterical. "You just want some free publicity, don't you?" I whispered bitterly towards him, and in that moment, I felt a spark ignite between us two.
He grabbed my hand and pulled me in close, so close that I felt his chest upon mine. In an instant, he wrapped his arm around my waist and secured his position over me. My face grew pink and suddenly I was breathless.
"Yes." He smirked and soon we were moving along to the sound of a violin's rich tango. I placed my hands on his shoulders as we moved, step by step, and although I knew he just got what he wanted, my body instinctively went with the motions.
Then, I leaned in closer and brought my lips to his ear.
"You don't dance." I scowled at him. I heard him smirk and then he extended me out and whirled me right back against him, my back to his chest. I breathed heavily as it was his turn to whisper in my ear, "All just part of my cover, then." His breath was hot on my neck and a warm flush spread across my chest as the music swayed on.
I scowled once more as I whipped back around and eased myself back into our position with his hands draped along my waist. I was met with that infamous, stupid smirk of his I swear to Arceus I'm going to do something about it this time! We took a few steps back and right when the moment presented itself, I draped my leg around his waist and leaned back. Red and stunned, Shinji was led into a dip which brought us face to face. Now it was my turn to smirk.
Quickly, he lifted me back up and the music continued.
"If you think you are leaving here with that paper signed, you are mistaken." My voice was stern but low. Besides all that's happened, I can't forget the real reason why Shinji brought me here tonight. It was a ploy, nothing more, to get me to sign a paper to release my image and allow Shinji to escape Takeo's legal bond.
I felt Shinji's grip on me tighten. As he did, I couldn't help but bring a smile to my lips.
"Am I the one whose mistaken?" Shinji shot back smugly, a sultry gaze in his dark eyes. Once more I felt a heat between us as the music continued. As we moved to the beat a stare down took place. His eyes didn't leave mine. Mine didn't leave his. And worst of all, that stupid smirk stayed on his face.
"Stop that." I said.
"Stop what." He said back, almost cynically.
"What you're doing." I glared at him. He spun me around once more and once I landed back in his arms, his face was smug.
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
And as if on cue, the tango faded to its end. Some couples left the floor, some lingered. Yet Shinji and I stayed still, stuck in that moment, until another song began again. It was a familiar song, I swear, I must have heard this melody before. It was softer, gentle, almost as if from a faint memory I could recall…
And then I remembered. My eyes grew wide.
"Stop." Nervously, I loosened my grip on Shinji as I nervously looked around. I've heard this song before, in this place before…
"Hikari, let us have this dance."
"Huh?" Shinji's grip only tightened, I don't think he heard me. This song, this was the song.
"Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?"
"Shinji, stop. I need to go." I tried my best to stop my feet and Shinji was even more confused. Meanwhile, my heart started racing and I felt stomach flip over. Anxiety washed over me and suddenly, I felt panicked. I couldn't be here!
"Would you say that you love me?"
"No, what's wrong?" Shinji stopped moving as well and he placed his hands on my shoulders. He tried looking me in the eye, but I looked away, startled and anxious. The thunder outside boomed and lightning blinded through the windows, flickering the lights severely inside the hotel. The people around us gasped and murmured at the flickering, yet I felt so distant from it all. In a moment, the musicians stopped the music.
I tried to speak but I couldn't. Instead, I just wanted to run away from this place, this memory, yet Shinji still held me close.
"Hikari, what's wrong?" He said my name again. It was the second time he said my name. It was small, but it was enough to snap my gaze back to his.
"Because I love you, Hikari."
And then suddenly, a large deafening clasp of lightning hit the hotel along with the echo of its thunder. One may not have thought it, but it was enough. Enough to short circuit The Corton's electricity. Enough to send everyone in the hotel into darkness. Enough to cause panic amongst the diners and staff.
Enough to have Shinji bring me tight into his arms.
Chaos.
That's a word to describe it, alright. It was what you would expect from a typical blackout in a high-class hotel. From women screaming to men panicking, an evening full of refined taste and riches quickly descended into scrambling aristocrats demanding what is going on. Amid it all, I just stood there frozen in Shinji's arms. I couldn't see anything. I couldn't sense what was around me.
At least here I know where I am.
And that at least…Shinji was here.
I didn't want to admit it but even if it was just Shinji, having someone's arms around me tight during a moment of panic was reassuring. I stayed close within his hold and my panicked heart, for some reason, started to slow. Breathing became easier and just like that…I felt okay.
The lights came back on in a whoosh along with the humming noise of what seemed to be a generator. Everyone looked up from where they stood and suddenly, I was able to see exactly what situation I was in. Quickly, I pulled myself out of Shinji's embrace and turned away from him, cheeks aflush.
"Ah, I am so sorry ladies and gentlemen! Truly, I am!" It was the sound of Araki-san's voice once more in a microphone. With him, several of his staff where around him as well as a few firefighters.
"It looks like the storm outside has been issued as a class 5 level storm, which has knocked out the building's main supply of power. We have got the backup generators running but all other extra amenities have unfortunately been shut down." He cleared his throat, and the expression he wore on his face made it clear the next thing he was about to say made him uncomfortable.
"We have received word from safety officials and law enforcement that the streets have been flooded and electrical poles have collapsed onto the streets." He continued, frantic whispers started to carry about the room. I felt a lump form in my throat. That really didn't sound good.
"As a safety precaution for our guests and staff, and at the request of the local police, The Corton has been placed on an overnight lock down until travel conditions outside have been deemed safe."
And just like that, chaos.
"What do you mean we have to stay here!?"
"Someone call my driver!"
"There is no way I'm staying here like this!"
"I have a flight in the morning!"
"Do you have any idea who I am?!"
"Stay…here?" I muttered to myself in shock. No way. No fucking way. I turned back around to Shinji and he too seemed trouble by the event.
"Ladies, Gentlemen, please" Araki-san took back the mic, obviously sweating from all the pressure. "We here at The Corton provide only the best for our guests and want to make sure everyone remains safe-"
"This is such bullshit!"
"Someone call my lawyer!"
"Do you know I know many important people?!"
"How dare you!"
"This can't be happening…" Quickly, I thought to grab my phone to call Yoshitaka but what good will that do? If people weren't on the floor already they certainly were now…swarming Araki-san with questions and threats.
"Hmph." Shinji huffed has he put his hands in his pockets and turned around, completely disinterested.
"And where are you going?" I turned back towards him, only to catch him already walking away.
"Not here." He said bluntly.
"But," I followed him, "We can't leave!" I didn't want to say I was panicking, but to be frank, I was panicking. How could Shinji not care?! I bit my lip. What about my pokemon? They should be expecting me home soon. I have to release their balls. I have to see Empoleon. I can't just stay here!
Shinji just turned to me and sent me one of his usual glares. A glare far off from the expression he gave me just a few minutes ago.
"Don't worry about it." He said before he walked away, leaving me alone in my confused state.
Great, just great. I should have followed my gut in the first place and not even come to this stupid dinner. Because what did it get me? Overpriced food, Shinji's stupid behavior, a fight with my pokemon, and…
I looked down at the gold ribbon that I neatly tucked away into my dress.
A victory that felt so long overdue.
A sigh escaped me. Well, at least Shinji was finally out of the picture now. Freaking out like all the other aristocrats would just do me no good and certainly would not look good on page 8 of the tabloids. If I had to stay here, I might as well embrace it and at least get a good night's sleep in preparation for my talk show appearance tomorrow with the famous Kiku Matsu.
It didn't take long for me to grab my belongings and make my way to the concierge counter, which unsurprisingly, already had a long ling of angry socialites demanding the best rooms. When it was my turn, a star struck girl waited on me.
"Y-You're Hikari-sama! The Diamond of Sinnoh!" She gasped, completely flustered in the face. I smiled sweetly back at her.
"Hello, nice to meet you. I'm sorry to be a bother but I need a room to stay for the night." I laughed it off, "Seems like I'm stuck here."
The girl grew more flustered as she quickly shuffled papers desperately, trying not to make eye contact with. Such behavior was something I became used to being a celebrity. Everyone looks at you like you're walking art and not even a smidge human. It's flattering…but only to a point.
"A-Ah, I'm so sorry Hikari-sama…b-but…" The girl grew flustered as she quickly looked through her system.
"But what?" I could tell my sweet demeanor was failing. Whatever this girl was going to say, I knew it was going to screw me over. After all, nothing good comes after 'but'.
"B-B-But we're currently at a full occupancy tonight. M-Many guests tonight already took what rooms we have left." She didn't even make eye contact as she said it, the poor thing, but I don't blame her. Because right now, I felt my patience being tested.
"I'm sorry?" I smiled back at her, "You mean you have nothing? I don't need a suite or anything like that. Check again." I wasn't one to pull the whole Do you know who I am card, but I felt dangerously close to it. After all, I knew it wasn't the girls fault. It's just…is she fucking kidding me right now?
"I-I-I'm so sorry Hikari-sama," The girl looked like she was going to cry. "B-But these are the orders Araki-sama gave us. W-We do have cots coming in from the supply rooms to help accommodate guests in the ballroom."
I looked at her, completely dumbstruck. A cot. A COT?!
"Please tell me this is a joke." I said, desperation in my voice. I can't believe this. First, I had to spend a miserable dinner with Shinji and now I have to sleep on a cot in a large ballroom with possibly a hundred other strangers?
This must be some sick, twisted punishment from Arceus himself. I finally understood why all the guest around me were getting pissed, they must be in the same boat. All this money and here we are…stuck like children in a room until we're told to leave. Ridiculous.
"I'm so sorry Hikari-sama…please don't hate me…" The girl was absolutely about cry at this point. I felt bad, but seriously, what the fuck.
"No no, it's not your fault. It's okay, really." I sighed, "Thanks anyway." I slumped away from the counter in defeat. What the hell was I going to do? Why did I have to get myself in this mess? My eyes started to tingle, and I could tell I was about to cry.
If I had my pokemon here, if I had Empoleon here, they would be here to protect me. They would make sure I didn't feel so alone like I did know. I'm an idiot. A stupid, stupid idiot. I wiped a tear from eye. And if I'm over here feeling scared, I can only imagine what they are feeling back home stuck in their balls.
I'm truly the worst person ever…
"Oof! Watch where you're going!"
Without realizing where I was walking, I bumped right into a complete stranger!
"A-Ah! I'm sorry!" I quickly looked up and to my surprise, it was the nervous waiter from before! My mind quickly recalled the nervous waiter from before whose service Shinji dismissed for being too shaky and nervous. Looking at the man now, my heart felt for him. Despite a few out of character moments he has shown tonight, Shinji really is still such a jerk…
Once the waiter recognized who I was, his demeanor quickly changed.
"H-Hikari-sama! Oh my goodness, are you okay?! I'm so sorry!" He bowed probably about a million times before I placed my hands on his shoulders.
"It's okay! No need to worry!" I smiled at him, "I hope you are okay!"
The waiter turned a dark shade of red at my contact. He quickly grabbed my hands into his, to my shock, and right away I can tell how sweaty he was.
"I-I'm okay now! Hikari-sama, please forgive me!"
I couldn't help but sweat-drop. "I-It's fine, really!" But his grip on my hand only got tighter.
"Let me make it up to you for being so rude! Let me find you a nice room and some space and then-"
Before the poor man could even finish his offer, a figure came out of nowhere and pulled me back into a familiar set of arms.
"Get lost. Now." That voice. That tone. No way…
"S-Shinji!" I gasped.
I could barely believe what I was seeing. Just when I thought I was rid of this guy!
The waiter, upon seeing Shinji and his icy glare, shrieked and ran off.
"H-hey…wait!" I called out to the poor guy, but it was too late, he was long gone. Furious, I turned towards Shinji with an angry glare in my eyes. He, however, seemed indifferent.
"How could you be so mean!" I said, trying to pull myself out of his embrace. Shinji, however, kept his grim firm.
"How can you be such an idiot?" Shinji recoiled back. "Of all people, you should look out for creeps like that!"
"He wasn't a creep! He was just a nice, nervous guy who was going to help me get a room." I said, but Shinji wasn't hearing it.
"Yeah, right. With him." He said. I wanted to slap him!
"That's not what he meant!" I retorted, Shinji just rolled his eyes as he let me go.
"Whatever, I come here to help you and this is how you act. You really are troublesome." He shoved his hand in his pockets.
"I didn't ask for your help!"
He again rolled his eyes, looked around him, and then back at me. "Look, I'm not going to have this argument with you. Not here at least. Let's go." He then reached out and grabbed my hand.
"Let's go? Like I want to go anywhere with you!" I tried to pull back but before I knew it, Shinji led me away from the concierge counter.
Shinji didn't even look my way as he spoke. "Do you want to stay here? Do you want to sleep on a cot in a large room full of strangers?" His grip got tighter.
"N-No but…"
"Then you're coming with me."
"B-But where?" I couldn't help but feel confused. Where exactly does Shinji think he's going? We can't go outside, they have security personnel all around the exits to make sure of that. And there's no two rooms left to be booked, so I don't know what he's thinking of doing!
Shinji stopped walking and turned towards me. "I have a room here. This is where Reiji and I have been staying so that's where we're going."
Maybe it was the innuendo of it all. Heck, maybe it was the absurdity of the statement. Regardless, once Shinji finished his offer my entire body grew a bright pink! Immediately, I tried to snatch my hand away again, but he wouldn't let me.
"You must be out of your god damn mind if you think-!" Suddenly, Shinji placed a hand over my mouth until my voice was nothing but muffles.
"Listen, you need to wake up and realize the severity of this situation." His voice was low and stern. "Yeah, I get it. You're a hotshot supermodel who can do whatever she wants because she makes a lot of money and has a lot of fans. But you're not invincible. You're a person. And there are a lot of creeps here and you sleeping out in the open on a cot is just an invitation for some weirdo to pounce."
His hand dropped from my mouth and for once, I didn't know what to say. I was taken aback, whether it was from Shinji's kind sentiment or the truth in his words… I wasn't sure. All I know is that I'm completely dumbfounded that Shinji…in his Shinji way…cares.
"If you want to really stay here, then fine stay here. But that's my offer take it or leave it." He was blunt about it and before me laid my choice. As much as I hated him, as much as I can't stand his presence, he was right. It would be unsafe for me to stay down here with all these strange people. If anything where to happen…I can't even think about it.
I looked up at Shinji. Arceus, I really didn't think my night was going to end like this.
Hesitantly, I took Shinji's hand again yet I kept my eyes low as he led me out of the ballroom and to the nearby elevators.
"I'm still not signing anything." I muttered under my breath.
Shinji sighed, "Shut up about it, troublesome."
According to local sources, the one and only Hikari has been out spotted with a new man.
Shinji, the famous Champion competitor, and the supermodel have been spotted at the luxurious Corton for a romantic dinner for two.
Shortly after, the pair battled against business tycoon Taro Akazawa and his wife in a couple's battle with the two coming out on top!
Some reports even state that Shinji was seen exiting the women's bathroom shortly before Hikari emerged, slightly disheveled in demeanor.
With the Corton on current lockdown, the couple was last seen hand in hand heading towards one of the hotel's suites.
This is all after the speculation that Shinji and Hikari met on the set of a photoshoot for a deluxe cologne campaign…but again, this is speculation.
Of course, the couple has yet to confirm any relationship rumors.
Stay tuned for all the latest celebrity gossip! Mwah~!
-HG10
Ahhh so sorry guys for yet another long delay. After checking my last update, it looks like I updated last about a year ago. I'm so sorry! This past year has been crazy for me. I was working a dead end retail job before so I took some time to focus on finding a new job. I finally did in the summer (yay!) but it's a little more demanding than my previous job so I come home pooped and sometimes I pass out before I even have time to do anything ^_^; Sorry about that haha but anyways, I had a snow day today so I had time to finally sit down and write this! And I wrote almost 20 days too so I'm glad I was able to give you guys something worth the wait!
I'm really glad that I finally am getting this story to where I want it to be. It seems like Hikari and Shinji have been at this dinner FOREVER and I just want them out of it haha so anyways, I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter and look forward to the next! Please leave a review I would love to hear what you're all thinking!
Until next time!
HarvestGirl10
