So yeah, I promised we'd get back to the tournament this chapter, and while that's technically true, the battles haven't started just yet. There's still some more stuff I wanted to handle first. Don't miss this one, though, some important information is given out.
Superblal: The relationship between the two of them is way more complex than it seems to be, which makes it really annoying to write.
Darkhammer: Not yet. I'm just letting him have a break. He still has much left to accomplish in the story.
ReallyRaichu: Don't worry about it, no harm done.
Pokemon Academy: Beginning of Beginnings
Chapter 67
"Kanone, are you really not going to watch the rest of the matches?" Rin stood at Kanone's side while the man was busy reading a magazine, leaned up against a tree deep in one of the forests covering the island.
"Nope~" Kanone hummed. "I've already gotten all the information I needed, so there's not really much left of interest there. I'm much more interest in that girl with Harmonia… but even then, watching the tournament any further won't tell me anything I don't already know."
Rin frowned.
"But your brother is battling in the quarter-finals today," Rin gently reminded him. "Are you sure you don't want to watch?"
"What would be the point?" Kanone asked sharply. "It doesn't matter how far he manages to get. A scared child who ran away to a school like this won't be able to win."
Rin's only response was silence.
"I despise the current Blake," Kanone continued. "He can't get any further on this path. I have no interest watching a frog kicking about in his little well because he's too frightened to venture out of it."
"Yes, but he-" Rin's objections were silenced by a surge shooting through her chest, her eyes widening. That sensation was…
"…What's wrong?" Kanone asked, turning to her.
"I just… just now…"
"You felt something, didn't you?" Kanone's expression turned grave, and he rose to his feet.
"Just briefly, but… yes," Rin said, nodding. "A surge of power nearby… somewhere on this island."
"Well then," Kanone said, closing his magazine, "let's get to work."
"Geez Kitty, I can't believe you overslept!" Julia gently chastised the short girl. The two were running toward the central arena of campus, The Grand Coliseum, where the final matches of the tournament were to take place. Nick was with them, and so was Sango, although she was running fairly ahead. The two had agreed to Julia's request to go pick up Kitty, and now they were slightly regretting it. If they were all late, they wouldn't be able to get seats to cheer for Blake and Cynthia. Reiner was pointedly absent from their little group, not having come home either of the previous nights. It seemed he was off sulking somewhere, at least that's what Julia had assumed.
"It's okay, we're almost there," Sango called back. "We can see it from-"
"Uwaah!" Having looked back at the others, Sango wasn't paying attention to where she was going, and crashed into a young woman, knocking her backwards. Sango managed to keep her balance, but the short girl was sprawled on the dirt.
"Oh, s-sorry," Sango apologized, reaching her hand out. She helped the girl to her feet. She was quite strange. She looked to be about their age, but was only slightly taller than Kitty, not even Julia's height. She had oddly colored hair, a purple, lavender color, and not even dyed, either. She wore a white shirt with a light red dress over it, leaving an opening for the sleeves and chest, and flowed out around her knees. Her legs were covered in white socks and finished small, dainty red shoes. It was like an outfit straight from a dollhouse, complete with a big red ribbon in her hair.
The girl looked up at the group, and her golden eyes widened.
"Sango!" she hugged the taller girl in a big glomp, smiling widely. Sango inhaled, the girl gave off an aroma of lilac and mint.
"Uh…" Sango looked back at the others, confused by the affectionate stranger's action.
"It is me, Ryoko!" The girl insisted. "Do you remember? We met on that boat, and-"
She let go of Sango with a gasp, giggling, smiling sheepishly.
"My apologies, quite often I find that I get a little ahead of myself. My name is Ryoko." She turned to the others. "And are these ones your friends?"
"Uh… yeah?" Sango still didn't remember this girl, but it was clear the girl knew her.
"So where is it are you all off to in a hurry?" The girl had a strange way of speaking, and a strange style of dress. She was strange in all sorts of ways, but didn't appear to be a bad person. But none of them could remember meeting her before, and she wasn't wearing a school uniform. Was she even a student?
"Oh, um, we were going to the Grand Coliseum," Nick explained. "Our friends are gonna be fighting in it, so we wanted to go cheer for them."
"Oh! Is that what day it is? I had no idea it was happening now!" Ryoko gasped. "We must be off, then! We can not have you all being late, can we?"
The strange girl joined them and they arrived at the Grand Colisseum soon after. Much to their surprise, it seems they had made better time than they thought, the stadium was only about half full. They managed to get inside with no trouble, and found five seats grouped together, fairly close to the front. Sango sat in the middle, with Ryoko and Julia on either side of her. Kitty sat next to Julia, and Nick sat next to Ryoko.
"Amazing, this place is so big!" Ryoko said, awe clear in her voice. "It is nothing like the pokemon stadiums back where I am from!"
"It should be," Julia said. "After all, this is the quarter-finals we're talking about."
"Really?" Ryoko asked. "Your friends must be pretty good trainers to get this far, with all these students?"
"Yeah, they are," Sango said. "But now they're fighting against each other, so…"
"Still thinking about that?" Julia said, frowning. "Cut it out, neither Blake nor Cynthia would want you to be worrying about stuff like this. Just cheer for both of them, if you don't know who you want to win. That's what I'll be doing."
"Yeah, I guess," Sango said, nodding.
"Cynthia AND Blake?" Ryoko gasped. "Wow, is that so?"
"Yeah, you know them or something?" Julia asked.
"Well, no, but I have heard a lot about them!" Ryoko said. "Sango just could not stop talking about Blake! It was Blake this, and Blake that, and-"
"I-I did not!" Sango cried, her face red. Wait, why was she getting so flustered? This girl was talking nonsense, she'd never said a word about Blake! There wasn't any point in getting so embarrassed!
"Oh, really?" Julia said, smirking.
"Really!" Sango said. She turned to Ryoko. "Look, Ryoko, you seem like a nice girl and all, but really, I don't know what you're talking about. I'm sorry, but I don't remember anything about what you're talking about, I don't even remember meeting you."
Sango expected the girl to wear a face of dejection, sadness at being rejected like that, but nothing of the sort could be seen. Instead, she just gave a playful smile.
"No, it is fine," Ryoko giggled. "Of course you would not remember, never you mind it."
Sango was about to ask what she meant by that comment, when suddenly the stadium lit up. The opening procession was starting.
"Look! There they are!" Kitty said, smiling eagerly. Blake and Cynthia could be spotted among the other six students who had stepped out onto the stadium.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" Darla and Lila stepped onto a large stage at the rear of the stadium, the eight quarter-finalists lining up in front of them. "Today is very important day. We've entered the most critical part of the tournament! And now, without any further ado, we hand the floor over to Headmaster Albreicht!"
Darla and Lila parted to make room for the pale man who joined them on stage, looking over the students before him with his piercing red eyes. He accepted Darla's microphone graciously, and stepped forwards.
"I would like to begin by extending my congratulations to the eight students before me. You have proven yourselves to be among the best of your fellow students. Whether by strategy, skill, or raw power, you and your pokemon have fought your hardest to be standing here today, and you all should be recognized for your accomplishments.
"I am especially happy that there are so many freshmen among your numbers. This tournament is held each year, so that we may measure the growth and potential of our freshmen and sophomore classes. Right now, your upperclassmen are the best this school has to offer. But you all represent the limitless potential and growth for the future. This academy was founded with the goal of polishing one's skills through constant competition with their friends and peers, so that you all may grow stronger together. Whether you go on to be pokemon masters, gym leaders, coordinators, rangers, professors, or breeders, there is an endless future of possibility ahead of you. Do not ever let yourselves be satisfied with where you currently stand, but always take strives forward, into the future. Today, you are the prospective hopes of this academy, but very soon the day will come when you will be the strongest this academy has to offer."
He turned to look at the other students, in the stands.
"Those of you who failed to make it this far, those of you who never even took the risk, and those of you who had no interest in this path whatsoever, take a look at the students before you now. They are the walls that you must overcome, to move ahead and become the best you can be. Trust in yourselves, trust in your pokemon, and keep training to reach the next level of strength. That is all I have to say."
Blake flinched at the headmaster's words, they sounded so much like his brother's. Cynthia, on the other hand, looked excited, inspired by the speech.
"Yeah! Now that's what I'm talking about! Let's get these matches started, headmaster! I can hardly wait!"
"Er, yes," Headmaster Albreicht coughed. "Before that, though, we still have some level of ceremony, so if you would please…"
Cynthia sighed and stepped back in line.
"Now, Miss Drake, Miss Seelie, if you would please sing our school anthem?" The headmaster handed the microphone back to Darla, the two girls nodding, and began to sing.
"What a beautiful song…" Ryoko said, her eyes tearing up. "I am sure those kids out there must feel inspired to be standing there right now."
"I'm just surprised that Cynthia is actually following instructions," Julia laughed.
When the anthem concluded, the headmaster bowed to the two girls, and then to the eight quarter-finalists, and then finally to the stadium itself. He turned and walked off the stage, head held high.
"Let's give a round of applause for Headmaster Albreicht!" Darla cheered.
"And let's not forget our eight students who fought tooth and nail to get here," Lila reminded her.
"That's right, Lila! But we can't stop now!" Darla continued. "Our eight quarter-finalists are going to be departing for a short while!"
"Oh? But why would they do that, Darla?" Lila asked.
"Each of our contenders has their own room prepared, so they can rest their pokemon and watch the matches. We want them to be in the best shape mentally and physically for the matches today. So if you want refreshments, or need to use the restroom, now's the time! The matches will begin in half an hour!"
"Good luck to all of you, we hope you'll do your best!" Lila and Darla finished, the stadium applauding.
Blake walked into the stadium halls, finding the room that had been assigned to him. Just as Darla said, it was rather nice. There was a healing station, restroom, comfy couches, a tablet for ordering food and items from, and just as promised, a TV tuned to the stadium, broadcasting the matches that were to come. It wasn't particularly relaxing, though. If anything, Blake felt it would increase the tension.
"The battles are just going to get harder…" Blake said to himself, staring at his pokeballs. "Starting with Cynthia… for better or worse, I guess."
His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. He glanced at the door, shrugging. It was probably Sango or Nick coming to wish him good luck. Ugh. Maybe Claire. "Come in, he sighed, flopping down on the couch and turning to look at the television.
"Well, don't you look relaxed, Blake Harker." The sharp voice jolted Blake off of the couch as he whirled around to look at his guest.
"Elaina…" Blake said, frowning.
"I thought that before the matches begin, we could have a conversation first," Elaina said, her expression unreadable behind her pale mask. "I believe that is also something you would like."
"…Yeah," Blake said, nodding. He gestured for her to have a seat. "I've wanted to talk to you for some time now, actually."
Blake was not the only quarter-finalist to receive an unexpected visitor. However, unlike Blake, Will's guest had already invited herself in before he had even arrived.
"Who are you, and why are you here?" Will asked, frowning. Standing at attention in the center of his room was a girl, a student he hadn't met before. She was dressed in the school's uniform, but it wasn't standard. She was missing the vest and her shirt was unbuttoned, revealing a sky blue top underneath with a raised midriff that exposed her cleavage. She wore a bright yellow armband as well, marking her as an upperclasswoman, and in the Research course.
"Will Harmond." The girl's voice was even, and hollow-sounding, devoid of tone and emotion. She stared silently at him with a dull yellow eyes. Her hair was an electric blue and fell down her back in a messy tangle, as though she'd never run a brush through it.
"No, that's my name."
"I am Misato Daisan." She said. "Spelled 'Beauty' and 'Wisdom' as well as 'The Third"."
That's an… interesting translation.
"What are you doing here?" Will asked a second time.
"I have come here to relay you a message."
"I see." It was like pulling teeth with this girl. "What message?"
"Are you aware of Richard Valon?" Misato asked. She followed, "that is not the message. It is an inquiry. You needn't answer. Your awareness is already on record."
"Yeah, everyone knows that guy," Will said, frowning. "'The Phantom' right?"
"Correct."
"And you're what, his messenger?"
"Negative. I am the President of the Computer Research Club. We are associated with the Phantom's group. As one of the seniors closest to him, he asked for my assistance in contacting you personally."
"…That's what I'd call a messenger," Will said, rolling his eyes.
"Understood. I will update my understanding of that phrase."
"Yeah, you do that. Now, can you leave? I have a match coming up, and I need to relax."
"Your match is against Sylvia Driscoll." Misato stated. "She is an associate of the Phantom's. He requests that you throw your match against her."
"What?" Will asked, his mouth dropping open. "You're not serious."
"I am always serious." Yeah, he could believe that.
"Well, that's pretty gutsy of you. You don't honestly think I would do something like that?"
"Not regularly. Valon respects your integrity in such matters. That is why I was asked to come speak with you directly."
"Oh? And you're supposed to convince me to drop out, huh? And how are you gonna do that? Seduction?" Will cracked a smile for the first time. If his joke affected her, it didn't show. Her face remained an impassive mask.
"If you would be open to such things, I was told it was a valid line of persuasion. Your file says you have a predilection for strange girls, and I can assure you I am quite suited in that regard."
"…Yeah, that was a joke, I'll pass," Will sighed. He walked past her and sat down on the couch. He looked up at her. Her gaze followed him, but she made no effort to change her position any further. "…You can sit down if you want."
"Understood." She tooked a seat across from him. Will was surprised, he had half-expected her to move like a robot, but her movements were fluid, perfect.
"For the purpose of clarity and completion, it is my duty to inform you that Valon does not expect you do drop out of this competition for nothing." Misato explained to him. "This is not a request. You could consider it closer to an interview."
"And interview?" Now, that was something that caught Will's interest.
"Affirmative. Valon watched the previous matches of all the students in this tournament, and I have the data recorded on them. Of the students in the quarter-finals, he would like to extend to you an offer to join his ranks as an associate."
"An associate?"
"Affirmative. This tournament is intended to find future members of the Eight Leaders. However, it also serves the function of finding prospective talent to bolster the strength of the Four Holy Swords."
"And you want me to lend my strength to him? As an 'associate'?"
"Conditionally. You are talented. But your talent is only to such a level. There are multiple factors that make you an appealing candidate. But first, there are two conditions that need fulfilment before you can join us."
She held up one finger.
"One. You are to throw your match against Sylvia Driscoll. This is non-negotiable. You must lose, and lose convincingly. You may attempt any level of performance to aid in this regard, but you may not cause undue stress or strain on any of her pokemon."
"That's-"
"Two. You must continue your work in the Pokemon Gym Leader Training Club. Do not let on that you are associated with us, and inform our organization of anything noteworthy that you come into contact with."
Well that was an interesting condition.
"So you're saying you want me to be a spy?"
"Affirmative. You will report anything of note, and rise up into a high-level position."
"That means you guys want something from Gerard, or Elle, right?" Will said, frowning. "So maybe I turn you guys down, and tell them about this little backroom deal?"
"Negative. That decision is not an option for you."
"What?"
"As the president of the Computer Research Club, I have unfettered access to all data flowing through this school's network. Should you mention this conversation to anyone, I have been instructed to upload your search history online and forward it to every student on campus."
Will began coughing.
"Are you nuts? That's impossible, you can't be serious."
"As I informed you previously, I am always serious."
"If you could do that, then why are we even having this discussion?" Will asked angrily.
"Valon wishes your cooperation to be voluntary." Misato explained. "I am informing you of the viable options ahead. I have no personal desire to do such things, nor have I been instructed to use it as a tool of coercion. I am simply informing you of the consequences of your actions should you intend to subvert our operations."
"That sounds a lot like you're blackmailing me."
"Negative. I have presented you with a consequence that you do not find desirable. Now I will present you with a consequence that you will find preferable."
Carrot and stick, huh?
"As I'm sure you're aware, the position of 'strongest student' is often a point of contention at this school. Right now the Four Holy Swords are in a power struggle to obtain powerful allies so that their factions are unquestionably the strongest. And conversely, the students allied with them benefit as well. Are you aware of what is most important at this school?"
"Pokemon?" Will asked.
"Negative. At this school, at any school, what is most important is not strength. It is not skill. It not even knowledge. It is connection. The people you meet. The people who you can get to pull strings for you, put in a good word, solve searching for work with a shake of the hand or a phone call. If you desire to be the strongest trainer? Knowing people who can teach your pokemon the best moves and strategies are essential. If you want to be a famous Pokemon Ranger? Getting in close with professionals in the field who will recommend you for positions later on. Researchers need to know who to go to for funding, and can only do so if they've established themselves. Caretakers can do nothing without the trust others put in to their ability to raise pokemon. And Coordinators by their very nature exist to broadcast their brand to the public, and live and die on popularity. What truly matters is not the strength of the individual, but the strength of the connections that individual can make. That is what is being offered to you. The power of association.
"If you tie your flag to the Phantom's faction, you will be participating in a circle that will be most beneficial for you going forward. Right now, the five schools at Pokemon Academy are divided among the Four Holy Swords. The Phantom holds an unquestionable lock over the School of Research, and also has significant inroads into the School of Battle. However, this is not comparable with the Commander's hold over it. The Empress has dominion over the School of Appeals, and seems content with that lot. Similarly, the Mermaid has both the School of Rangers and School of Caretakers under her protection, but has similarly held her position. With the Four Holy Swords in conflict, the Phantom will emerge the victor."
"You sound pretty certain."
"Negative. It is not a certainty. The probability of it occurring is less than 25%." Misato corrected.
"Then why would you-"
"Richard Valon will overthrow that probability." Misato stated evenly. "My ability to objectively calculate and state the fact of the matter is what he values me for. And in spite of my assessment, he remains fully confident in his ability. And now here we are."
"Sounds to me like you're nothing more to him than a robot maid," Will noted. Misato did not seem perturbed by his comment, so he continued. "Or, more like a computer. Is that all you do, relay facts like some program? Doesn't sound like you know much about how people think, huh? You're asking me to join up with you guys, but your own facts won't guarantee you'll win. Sounds like a pretty measly carrot, if you ask me."
"Negative. It is not a carrot. It is an incentive."
"Yeah, well, if you're such a wiz with numbers you should know that telling me such poor odds isn't exactly going to make me want to give up my shot at winning this tournament," Will said, frowning. "All this stuff about factions and incentives, I already know about all of it. Gerard's not as in the dark as you might think, he told me and Reiner this crap already."
"I am aware. But directly informing you of such matters should serve as a proper motivator for you to make the correct choice. I would be remiss to ask you to make a decision without having all of the evidence."
"And if I say no?"
"It would be unfortunate. But you are the only one who will lose out in the long-term, by denying yourself the Phantom's patronage. Perhaps you are under the assumption that because of your skill, if you keep winning the offer will come again at a later date. Do not mistake yourself in thinking that way. If you do not take the offer presented I cannot confirm that another will be extended."
"Geez, you take way too many words to say something so obvious," Will said. "But that's a load of crap. If that Phantom is so desperate to win and needs strong trainers to win, then if I can beat Sylvia I'll prove I'm stronger than she is. And if I keep winning, I'll keep proving it. And even if I lose, I don't intend to keep staying down. I'm going to get stronger either way, until the Phantom will come begging to let me join him."
Misato stared at him without blinking, processing the information.
"Too clever by half." She stated, her eyes sparking in a way that was almost human.
"Now, you've delivered your message, and I've given you my response. So you can go." Will said, frowning. "But you're still here. And since it can't be that you enjoy the pleasure of my company, you must still have something to say."
"Too clever by half, indeed," Misato repeated. "I gave you my message. I told you the conditions for your joining. But I did not inform you why we wish you to lose. I was remiss in that respect. Once you hear the data behind our decision, I expect your position will change."
Will highly doubted it.
"It is imperative that in this tournament Elaina Bishop be defeated." Misato stated, as if that explained everything. She stared at him, as though anticipating a response.
"Why?"
"Elaina Bishop is a tool of Gerard Alkwest. He is using the power that she possesses to strengthen his own position. I have no current data what his motives are, but Elaina Bishop is too great of a threat to go unchecked."
"Why are you guys so out to get Gerard anyway?" Will complained. "I thought all you seniors were just fighting it out over yourselves."
"Are you aware that over 95% of the clubs in this school are allied with one of the Four Holy Swords?" Misato asked. Now THAT was a surprise.
"The ones that are not are independent from our influence because they are currently run by members of the Eight Leaders." Misato explained. "Alcea Vermeil and the Gardening Club. Callie Crawford and the Pokemon Fight Club. Rafe Crawford and the Pokemon Friends Club. Mirar Christian and the Newspaper Club. Gerard and Pokemon Gym Leader Training Club. Not many, but the influence they represent is a large swathe.
"Last year, the Commander had control over the Pokemon Fight Club through his brother, Raizer Volt. But Raizer retired as club president and joined the Eight Leaders, leaving the position vacant. When Callie became president, and joined the Eight Leaders as well, the club fell from the Commander's territory and the level of the Commander and the Phantom became roughly equal. So to state it clearly-"
"The two of them are in a struggle to gain ahold of the remaining clubs that are still up for grabs, huh?" Will said, frowning.
"The Gym Leader Training Club is quite influential." Misato claimed. "Controlling it is essential. That is where you will come in. Gerard can maintain his hold on it through his position and his strength. But if his strength were to be challenged… if Elaina were to lose…"
For the first time Will had seen, Misato demonstrated a knack for subtlety. She didn't need to say a word, he could see it for himself.
"But it's not like I'm anyone so high up. Having influence over me won't do you much good. If Gerard retires, the one to become president next would be…"
"Precisely." Misato said, nodding. Will's eyes widened.
"Man, you lot are a shady bunch, you know that?" Will sighed. "Isn't this a high school, for Pete's sake?"
"Affirmative. This is indeed a high school."
"Yeah, that's not what I meant. So if I've got this right, you lot want to beat out Elaina to show how weak Gerard is, and how he doesn't deserve his position. Then, you want me to back Gabrielle in a power move to take control over his club and vote him out, and then because she's presumably with you guys, that will bring the Phantom's faction into possessing a majority of the student body's influence, making him the frontrunner for strongest trainer on campus. Do I have that right?"
"Your assessment is sound."
"Yeah, but… How is me throwing a match going to help Elaina lose?"
"I have done simulations." Misato said. "Defeating her is certainly within the realm of possibility. Even if that ability of hers makes calculating outcomes less reliable than one would prefer."
"Great, so you understand that the girl is some sort of super Pokemon-booster."
"Blake Harker's victory over Oscar Silph confirms that defeating a harmonia user is possible without the use of harmonia. Using the result of that battle and factoring in Elaina's display of power it is possible to develop several hypothetical scenarios in which she is defeated. Even if those probabilities are unfavorable."
"So what does that have to do with me?"
"If you are not already aware, then know that the chance of you defeating Elaina Bishop in battle is 4%." Misato informed him. "That is in a direct fight with your pokemon in the state they are now, undeterred by fatigue from the bout prior to facing off with her. Knowing that, the chances of you emerging successful and winning this tournament are statistically insignificant." Will narrowed his eyes.
"Similarly, the chances of you defeating Sylvia Driscoll are only 27%. I am confident in stating that whether you accept our offer or not the chance of you making it past this round is low."
"Yeah? Well they sound like pretty good odds to me." Will shot back. Truthfully they didn't sound very good, but it wasn't like they were the worst. 27%? More than doable, no problem. Besides, as smart as this Misato girl sounded, he wasn't about to take her word for it. Pokemon Battling was about more than just numbers.
"Besides, if my chances were really so low, then why even come to me in the first place? Why make me such a generous offer? Why have me throw the fight if Sylvia can win legitimately?"
"The result of your match is not the primary concern." Misato explained. "What is of importance is the match that follows it. The odds of Elaina Bishop defeating Naya Nadeshiko is 78%. Which means that tomorrow the winner of your match will most likely be fighting her. With her pokemon as they are in their current state, the odds of Sylvia being able to emerge victorious tomorrow are on 54%."
"That sounds pretty high to me."
"Negative. In fact that number is quite low. But that is factoring in a performance in which her pokemon have sustained minimal damage and maximized their time to recuperate and prepare. In other words, if Sylvia fights you today, her pokemon will exhaust energy and sustain wounds they otherwise would not. If her pokemon are forced to expend that energy, her chance of winning drops down to 17%. Valon wishes to maximize the probability of Elaina's loss be it to Sylvia or to you. And the most efficient method is for you to throw the match and allow Sylvia to move forward undeterred. Knowing that, will you accept our offer? It is within your best interest to comply. By my calculations, you are going to lose your match today either way. If you struggle futilely, all you do is weaken Valon's position by strengthening Gerard's."
"And did you ever stop to think that I might be on his side in all this?"
"I ran the calculations. I dismissed them as being statistically insignificant. Your goal in the future is to become a gym leader. Gerard can only help you with that goal tangentially, through training. He lacks connections and influence. He only possesses his own strength. Someone like that is useless to helping you fulfill your goal."
"And did you also run a calculation on the likelihood of me taking you up on your offer?"
"Affirmative." Misato confirmed.
"And what did it say?"
"Irrelevant. The fact that I am here proves that the probability is statistically significant."
"…And you really think statistics will tell you whether or not I'm gonna throw away my pride as a trainer to help someone else maybe stand a chance down the road of beating someone else in a power struggle that's none of my damn business in the first place?"
"I do not know. I am merely delivering a message to you about how your decisions are within the mutual interest of yourself and our organization."
Misato rose to her feet.
"I will await your response. You have until you step out onto the battlefield to give your answer. Should that not happen, then win or lose our deal will be off. Have I explained the terms and conditions of our arrangement satisfactorily?"
"Whatever."
"I will need positive confirmation."
"Yeah, it was satisfactory, whatever, now get out."
"Understood." She turned and walked to the door. She glanced back at Will one last time.
"And you are sure that you have no interest in being seduced?"
Will coughed again in shock.
"Wh-what?"
"That was a joke. Ha ha." Misato gave a laugh devoid of emotion, turned, and exited the dressing room.
So the conflict begins to reach the head. Next time we'll get to a battle, I promise.