In this chapter, we meet lots of manipulative jerks who take advantage of women with their dubious acceptance of it.

Jay Hayden: Good for Reiner, the best advice is usually underfoot.

Just a Bad Writer for Fun: Why do we fall, Master Bruce? So that we may rise.

Pokemon Academy: Beginning of Beginnings

Chapter 78

Will finished getting dressed, tying his pokeballs around his waist. He was out of the tournament, but there was no harm in going as an observer to see how it was all going to turn out. The match between Elaina and Sylvia was something he was looking forward to. Due to… issues in the matches, the semi-finals would be the only match today, and then the finals would be tomorrow. Which meant that there would be a free afternoon after these matches were over. He turned and stepped out of his room…

…And promptly bumped into the girl standing in front his door.

If Misato was at all bothered by Will being pressed against her, it didn't show on her face. She stared blankly at him with cold, dead eyes as their faces touched. Realizing that she was not going to move anytime soon, Will stepped back rather awkwardly, putting some distance between the two of them. He had no idea that a girl's body felt so… soft.

"What are you doing here?!" Will demanded.

"I was waiting for you." Misato answered in her usual monotone way.

"Yes, but why?"

"I was ordered to bring you to the Phantom. He requested that you watch the upcoming matches with him."

"Couldn't you have, I don't know, texted me?"

"Negative. You never provided me with a method I could use to contact you. I could have accessed your log-in records with the campus wi-fi and used that to determine your email and phone number. However, my assessment determined that you would find that act to be intrusive. The chance of you ignoring the message was too high."

"…But this isn't intrusive."

"My data suggests that most men show a positive reaction to being greeted in the morning by a pretty girl." Misato replied. "Good morning master. How would you like this maid to service you this morning?"

"Are you just doing this on purpose or something?" Will asked, her deadpan tone more annoying than arousing.

"Affirmative. Every action I take is with purpose."

"That's not what- You know what? Nevermind. There's no point." Will shook his head. "Fine. I'll accompany you or whatever. But I can't do that if you're standing in my way."

"Understood."

Without turning, Misato stepped back to allow Will to leave his room. She then turned and walked forwards, Will following her down the hall. As he did, he kept a close eye on her. She just seemed so… off. Every movement was precise, and her appearance was so… immaculate. It was like she wasn't real. She didn't blink. She didn't flinch. Her ears didn't twitch, she didn't even slouch. Whatever she was… it wasn't normal.

They stepped out of Will's dorm, Charmander House, when something new had to be addressed. Misato waited for Will to catch up to her, then slipped her arms around his left arm, nestling against him in a cuddle that would normally seem romantic, but lacking any affection or warmth. So much so it was off-putting.

"…What are you doing?"

"I was told by the Phantom that you would be most receptive to being provided with an accommodation known as 'The Girlfriend Experience'." Misato explained. "This action was among the maneuvers that he suggested I should implement."

"Well, can you stop?"

"Negative. It is my assignment to escort you to The Grand Coliseum."

"Yeah, but people are staring at us." Will glanced at the other students walking to the stadium. Some were giving the duo confused looks, a few others turned away when he met their eye. A couple of girls were giggling.

"Irrelevant."

"Yeah, well, I'm not feeling comfortable with it, so I would like you to stop."

"Understood. There are several actions I can perform to alleviate your discomfort. Would you like me to list them?"

"No, thank you, I'm good," Will said, a little too loudly.

"Understood."

The two arrived at The Grand Coliseum, presenting their student IDs to the checkers at the window. They got their tickets and entered into the small crowd of students walking into the stands.

Misato was still holding Will's arm.

"Um, you can let go now," Will said. "We're at the coliseum.

"Affirmative." Misato dropped her hands to her sides. She stepped ahead of Will, gesturing to her left. "This way."

"But the stands are in that direction, so aren't we going to sit over there?"

"Negative. The Phantom has his own private box for key members of his organization. That is our destination."

"Wait, we're going right now? We aren't going to get some food first?"

"Negative. I have no need for sustenance."

"Yeah, well, I do. I'm going to go get food from the concessions, you just stay here and wait."

"Affirmative. I will stay here and wait."

Will rolled his eyes and walked away from Misato, glad to finally be free of the strange girl. He contemplated just leaving. He had no desire to spend the next few hours watching the pokemon battles with a walking answering machine sitting next to him, but he was admittedly curious about the idea of meeting the Phantom. After he picked up his hotdog and ice cream cone, he turned back in the direction that he came from. As we walked, he finally decided that if he didn't come back, it was entirely likely that the girl would stand there all day without moving an inch.

"I'm back," Will greeted her, to which she acknowledged with the briefest of nods. Indeed, she had not moved a single step from where he had left her. He guessed that had been problematic, as she had been standing in the entrance to one of the hallways.

Misato turned on her heel and walked down the hall, Will following after her, food in hand. She came to a stop in front of a large door, stepping aside to make way for Will.

"He's in here?" Will asked.

"Affirmative."

Will swallowed, feeling more than a little nervous at the prospect of meeting one of the strongest trainers in the school. But he wasn't exactly doing anything just standing around outside, either, so he turned the knob of the door and stepped inside, strengthening his conviction in preparation for what might be behind it.

The box was rather large, with a wide window facing out onto the battlefield and enough seats to hold at least two dozen people. It even had its own buffet table, which would have been nice for Misato to mention before he had spent his own money on food. Although the room was large, it was strangely empty, save for one person facing away from the door.

"So this is our new prospective?"

"Affirmative," Misato said from behind Will. She stepped past him and walked to the seated student's side, turning away from the window to stare silently at Will.

The man let out a sigh, rising to his feet. He turned to Will, and Will got his first look at the so-called "Phantom". He was rather nondescript for one of the strongest students in the school, but Will had to admit that was probably fitting for someone known as the Phantom. The strangest thing about him was his hair, which was short and white as snow, but what was the most unnerving was the look in his cold, green eyes. If Misato's eyes were notable in how empty they were, this man, Valon, had eyes that burned with energy Will couldn't begin to understand. Will suddenly felt very uncomfortable. The smile he wore seemed anything but genuine. It all seemed… off.

"You seem nervous."

"You could say that," Will nodded, swallowing.

"Don't be. Come here, sit! I'm glad I finally get to meet you, Will!" He beckoned Will over. "Most people know me as the Phantom, but you can just think of me as Valon, your senior. It's a pleasure to have you working with us!"

The Phantom's smile could easily be mistaken as genuine, but Will was cautious, walking uneasily toward the senior, taking his hand and shaking it warily.

"Where is everyone?" Will asked, glancing around, feeling like he was being set up. Like at any moment, a group of people would burst from behind a door and attack him. It was a ridiculous thought, but the predatory look in the man's eye kept him from relaxing and ignoring those fears.

"Simple, they're down there, in the stands," Valon said, turning to face the window, looking out over the stadium. "Today, you're my private guest. I wanted you here so I could see the kind of person you are with my own eyes. You should feel lucky! I don't usually meet with my supporters one on one like this, but I thought that you deserved special treatment after all you've done to help our goals."

Valon gestured to one of the seats, right beside his.

"Come, sit! Wouldn't you like to see the fruit of your sacrifice first-hand?"

Will felt his blood run cold. Misato had warned him. She had told him how much winning this battle meant to the Phantom and his associates. He had thrown the match to try and get in good with them, but it seemed that he wasn't officially "in" yet. If Sylvia lost in spite of his actions… he had no idea what Valon's reaction would be, but the look in the man's eye was terrifying. Will couldn't let his fear show, however. He nodded silently and took his seat, Valon sitting down as well.

Misato walked around him and sat down at Will's other side, and now Will felt like he was trapped. Misato was even more impossible to read than Valon. Her features were imperceptibly flawless in a way that was almost inhuman, letting on nothing about her true thoughts. It was like the face of a doll, still and unmoving and perfect. No. She wasn't his ally. He wouldn't fool himself into believing that.

"If you wanted it to just be the two of us, then why is she here as well?" Will asked Valon.

"Oh, you needn't concern yourself with her," Valon laughed. He reached over and placed a hand on Misato's head, patting it like one would a dog. "Just think of her as part of the furniture."

"Huh?"

"Misato is a quite useful partner for a wide range of reasons, but most of all is her obedience," Valon chuckled. "Her brilliance and efficiency is only matched by her loyalty to our cause. She won't reveal anything we discuss in this room unless I order her to. She's a perfect little robot maid, isn't that right?"

"Affirmative," Misato confirmed.

"Would you like to test her out?" Valon suggested. "Misato, for now, I'd like you to follow any orders Will would like to issue you as though they came from me, understood."

"Understood." Misato turned her head to stare at Will with her blank gaze. "Order me to do whatever you wish."

"…No, that's fine," Will said, shaking his head, exceptionally disturbed by the girl seated beside him. It was… it was just unnatural. The sooner he could get away from her and this supposed master of hers, the better.

"Well, you'll change your mind," Valon confidently declared, turning back to face the stadium. "Her talents are far too convenient not to take advantage of."

The stadium was filled to bursting as the matches were soon to start. With only ten minutes on the clock, Elaina and Gerard walked down the hall to Elaina's waiting room, Elaina's thoughts scrambled in her attempts to calm down her emotions. That morning she had woken up plagued with guilt by her actions the past day, but her guilt was mixed with a different emotion, one that was concerning her greatly. She had enjoyed it. The rush of just letting go and letting her abilities loose had been intoxicating, and the pleasure she had experienced could still be felt on the tips of her fingers. It was no longer something she could dismiss as being in the heat of the moment; those feelings were a part of her now, and she would have to accept that. She wasn't sure what awaited her down this path… but if it led to her gaining greater control over these abilities… if it meant she could be of more use to her dear Gerard… she would plunge down into whatever depths it took.

"Elaina, are you nervous?" Gerard asked.

"…I am."

"Are you afraid of losing control again?"

"Not anymore," Elaina said, shaking her head. "If I am going to be hated either way… then I will do what I must, for your sake."

Perfect. Gerard thought, smiling.

"Still, do try not to exert yourself in this fight," Gerard gently insisted. "The finals are tomorrow, and you must conserve your strength for that. As well as… what comes after."

"Yes…" Elaina said, nodding.

"As the victor of this tournament, you will earn the right to challenge anyone here to a battle and not be refused. That match will help cement my position here. That is why victory is imperative, understand?"

"Of course. I know full well how important this is." Elaina said, her voice cold and detached as she prepared to steel herself for what was to come. Shut down your feelings. Stop caring about anyone who stands in front of you. All that matters is winning.

Elaina turned the corner, and her heart skipped a beat. Blake was leaning against her door, his headphones over his ears. He opened his eyes and turned to face her, pulling his headphones down to his neck. She hadn't expected to see him here, of all places! She swallowed, trying to regain the composure she had just lost. Thankfully, her face was protected by her mask, otherwise he would be able to tell how flustered she was.

"What are you doing here?" Gerard asked. "You've already lost. Someone like you has no place here."

"Hey, Elaina," Blake said, ignoring Gerard and walking up to the girl. He held his hand out to her, smiling. "I'm just here to wish you luck in your upcoming match."

Elaina didn't take his hand.

"Why would you want me to win?" Elaina asked slowly.

"It doesn't have to be that complicated," Blake sighed. "Come on, I just want to wish you the best."

Elain nodded, reaching out and taking his hand. Her mask concealed her look of surprise from Gerard as she felt something soft and square slip into her hand. She smiled in spite of herself. Blake's hand was so warm and kind.

"Thank you for your well wishes," Elaina said. They separated, and Blake stepped out of her way. She walked past him and placed her hand on the doorknob.

"I'll see you soon, Gerard," Elaina said, entering her waiting room and leaving Gerard and Blake alone in the hallway.

"Well, Blake, I believe this is the first time you and I have spoken alone," Gerard said, smiling, Blake turning to face him. "I wonder if you might like to talk?"

"…Sure," Blake said, narrowing his eyes. "I've got some things I'd like to say as well."

"Then let me start by politely asking you to refrain from interfering with Elaina in the future," Gerard said, his veneer of civility cracking. "Her abilities are, to put it simply, astounding. She has the talent and ambition to become the greatest trainer of her generation, surpassing even your older brother. It's my duty to nurture that talent of hers, and someone like you will just get in the way."

"I know your game, Gerard," Blake said calmly. "'Nurture' her talents? You're just exploiting her for your own gain."

"And what's wrong with that?" Gerard asked, smirking. "People and pokemon, they're all tools. We make use of those around us to strengthen ourselves. The strong exploit the weak, that's simply a factor of the world. On her own, Elaina's talents would simply go to waste! Do you really think you can use her better than I can?"

"She isn't some tool you can use!" Blake growled. "She's a person! You're exploiting her insecurity to take advantage of her, when all she wants is to live a normal life and be accepted! But that won't happen as long as you keep forcing her down this path!"

"So?" Gerard scoffed, rolling his eyes. "She's not someone who should just waste her power as a simple little schoolgirl. She is destined for greatness, to be the pillar to support my rise. No one else could do for her what I can. What is it you want from her? To give all of that up? To be normal? To have friends? What worth is there in any of that?"

"It's what she wants. It's what she deserves."

"I didn't expect you to be that naïve," Gerard laughed. "You, more than anyone, should know that those with harmonia can't live normal lives. She'll never be accepted by anyone here. They'll always look at her like a freak. A life of loneliness and freedom? Or happiness in being a tool? Which do you think she'll actually accept?"

"Even if no one else accepts her, I'll accept her," Blake said, frowning.

"And how well has that worked out for you before?" Gerard asked. Seeing the look on Blake's face, he smirked, and continued. "You know full well how dangerous harmonia can be. After all… your mother exhausted her own harmonia abilities protecting you. The backlash, tragically, was too much for her, wasn't it? And now she'll never wake up again…"

Blake's only answer was a cold and silent glare.

"Surprised? That's right, I did my research. I know all about you, Blake. Although your records only go back to the age of 7, when you were adopted by the Harker family."

"You need to stop talking."

"Your older brother is Kanone Harker, of course," Gerard said, "your father's name is Richard Harker, your poor mother's name is Cynthia Harker, and your sister's name is-"

The sound of flesh hitting flesh rang out through the hallway as Gerard fell backwards, his glasses clattering to the ground.

Gerard sat up, cradling his cheek, staring up at Blake, who was rubbing his knuckles tenderly.

"So that's your real face," Gerard said.

"You don't talk about my family again." Blake coldly stated, looming over him.

"Fine, fine," Gerard laughed, reaching down and picking up his glasses, sliding them over his nose. They hung crookedly. He rose to his feet, touching a hand to the red mark on his cheek. It would probably bruise by the end of the day. "But you know full well that you won't be able to help that girl. You couldn't even help your own family. Only I can help her. Only I can give her a purpose for using those abilities, a reason to live. So stay out of my way, Blake. Otherwise, you may find yourself on the receiving end of Elaina's abilities yourself."

"That's just what I'm looking for," Blake snarled.

Elaina was completely oblivious to the fight going on outside her door. She sat down on the couch and looked at the small piece of paper Blake had slipped into her hand. She took a deep breath, and folded it open.

"Elaina. Don't lose yourself to your harmonia. I believe in you. I know you'll be able to do it. Good luck. Your friend, Blake."

Elaina smiled behind her mask, folding the note back up and holding it to her breast.

Next chapter will be Elaina vs. Sylvia! Whose plans will emerge victorious in this tense exchange?