A/N: Just going to address a few questions up here for you guys. :D The reason I don't use the Japanese names for everything, is because it would be too confusing. I, for one, don't the Japanese names for all the towns and Pokemon, so I figured a lot of you don't either. I just use the Japanese names for the characters, because, honestly, I like the name Jun better than Damion or Barry. XD And, I doubt I'll be able to place Kenny/Kengo in here, because I don't watch Diamond and Pearl that much. I might put him in as a side-character, but not as another love interest. XD Sorry, and enjoy!

Hikari opened her eyes, feeling as if she hadn't slept a wink. A glance at the clock told her otherwise; however, she had woken up much earlier than usual. Unable to get back to sleep and not wanting to wallow in her thoughts, Hikari trudged out of bed, slipping in the shower for a long, hot bath. She let the warm water clear her mind, washing away all the negative emotions still lingering after the unfortunate hot springs event.

She brushed and blow-dried her hair, and after a moment of debate, decided to leave it down. A glance outside told her that there would be no skiing today; the snow had picked up considerably from the previous night. She couldn't see anything through the swirling blizzard.

Hikari dressed quickly, sliding into a baby-blue turtleneck sweater and a brown, knee length skirt over blue tights. It wasn't like she was going to be going out, anyways. She debated on wearing her scarf for a moment. Shrugging, she wrapped it around her neck, figuring if it could get her through Pokémon battles, then it surely could get her through this. She clipped on her belt with her Pokéballs and tugged on her brown boots, headed for the door.

Déjà vu washed over her as she bumped into someone on her way to the hallway. However, when she looked up, it wasn't Jun she was staring at.

"Oh, s–sorry, Hikari." Kouki looked down at her, face slightly flushed. "I was about to get you up."

The girl closed her door, puzzled. "I was already up." She glanced behind Kouki, her confusion growing. "That's odd…Jun's not with you?"

Kouki looked away from her, eyes troubled. "Well…actually, he's not up yet."

Hikari's did a double take, utterly astonished. "Wait, what? Not up? Jun?!" She gaped at Kouki, stunned.

He glanced at her, looking worried. "I know…I was surprised myself." He rubbed chin, eyebrows knit together. "When I came back to the room after…well…" he coughed, trying to contain his embarrassment. Hikari could feel her cheeks flaming, but looked at the boy calmly. He continued after a brief moment. "Well, I explained to the staff what happened, since you and Jun were both gone."

Hikari scratched her face bashfully, feeling guilty for leaving all the trouble for Kouki. "I'm sorry…I was just a bit…"

Kouki shook his head, giving her his small smile. "No, it's okay. You were…preoccupied." His face grew red again. "I…I'm really sorry for last night. I didn't mean…I mean, I didn't see…" He sighed. "I'm just really, really sorry."

"Hey, it wasn't your fault." She managed to smile through her embarrassment. "Don't worry about it. I know you didn't mean to…you know."

Kouki heaved a relived sigh, the tension leaving his body. "That's good." After a moment, his face clouded, remembering the issue at hand. "Well, back to what I was saying earlier…after I helped the staff out with the cleaning, I headed back up to our room, and Jun was already in bed."

Hikari frowned. "That's…strange."

"Yeah…at the time I just figured he was worn out from all the heat or something. But when I woke up this morning, he was still in bed." He looked up at the ceiling. "I tried to get him up, but he just said he wasn't feeling well."

The frown on Hikari's face deepened, furrowing her eyebrows. "That's extremely strange. Even if he wasn't feeling well, he would still be bouncing around, especially since it's a new day…I've never seen Jun sleep in for anything."

Kouki's expression echoed Hikari's. "I know…I tried to ask him what was wrong, but I couldn't get anything out of him."

She thought for a moment. "…I'm going to try to see if I can get anything. Why don't you head down for breakfast?"

Kouki nodded reluctantly, patting her on the shoulder. "Good luck."

Hikari opened the door slowly, squinting through the gloom. Grasping blindly in front of her, she managed to find the lamp, flicking it on. The light dimly lit the room; sure enough, a big lump jutted from the bed closest to her. She found herself whispering, afraid to disturb the silence. "Jun? …Are you awake?"

The only response she received was the mass shifting, Jun turning his back to her.

She approached the bed, trying to peer into the blankets. "Jun?"

No response.

"…I know you're awake, Jun."

Still nothing.

Hikari sighed, feeling a bit burned by being ignored. Yet, her irritation was drowned out by her worry. She laid a hand on what she thought to be the mass's shoulder. "Jun, what's the matter? Why are you acting like this?"

The mass shifted again, Jun rolling up into a tight ball. "…I just don't feel so good right now."

"You're lying."

"No I'm not…"

"What's really the matter?"

"Nothing, I just don't feel so good."

"Jun, I've know you almost all my life. I think I can tell when you're lying–"

"I'm not lying!"

Hikari was stunned by his forceful reply, feeling like the boy had just kicked her in the stomach. In all her years of knowing him, Jun had never acted like this. Sure, he would get mad and pout for a while, and they had their squabbles from time to time, but he would always tell her what was on his mind. Not knowing what had gotten him so upset hurt her the most.

Jun seemed to understand what he had done. "…I'm sorry, Kari. I'm really not feeling well right now. Just…leave me alone."

Hurt and sorely unconvinced, Hikari moved away from the bed. "…Fine." Her voiced cracked a little, and she hated herself for it. But to see Jun act so distant to her…It was like he had just ripped out her heart. Wordlessly, she turned off the light, closing the door with barely a sound.

The silence of it all hurt Jun the most. He knew he had hurt her, but he didn't understand himself anymore. He was physically fit, but his mind was a train-wreck. What was he doing to his best friend? Why did he say things he knew would hurt her? Why was he pulling away? What was he trying to protect himself from? What was he trying to hide from himself? He pulled the covers tighter over his head, willing himself to disappear.

Hikari picked at her food in silence, starring off into the white abyss churning outside. Kouki watched her, worried. She hadn't spoken a word since she came back from her talk with Jun, and she looked like she would burst out in tears any second. He yearned to comfort her, but had no idea how. He opened his mouth, closing it moments later. Asking what happened wouldn't be the best move. He looked outside. "…It's really coming down now, isn't it?"

The girl didn't even acknowledge Kouki had spoken. She continued to stare vacantly out the windows. Kouki inwardly sighed, unable to come up with any ideas to cheer the girl up.

Laughter burst from the back of the room; a group of people had sauntered in the lounged, their laughter bouncing off the spacious walls. A frown fell across Kouki's face; he already didn't like the look of the newcomers. A tall, older boy with long, light-blond hair lead the group in the laughter, spinning a Pokéball on his fingertips.

"I think I almost made the little boy cry, the poor thing! His pitiful Pokémon couldn't even handle my first attack!" His voice carried over everything else in the room, dripping with contempt. He plopped down on a couch easily, crossing his legs and stretching out his arms. "I mean, who honestly would pick a wimpy Pokémon like Wurmple to fight with? Pathetic! He should go back to Trainer School!" More cruel laughter emitted from the group.

Kouki scowled, disgusted. "How can they say horrible things like that? Trainers who act that way make me sick." Hikari continued to stare out the window as if she wasn't listening, but her fork had frozen in midair.

The blond newcomer flicked his hair back, his face twisted in a patronizing smile. "I can't believe we've been out here for a week, and we still can't find a trainer worthy of battling me." He chuckled. "I bet the Champion couldn't even beat me!"

"Would you like to put your money where your stupid mouth is?"

The older boy stopped laughing, the twisted smile becoming strained. "Who said that?"

"Are you deaf? I asked you if you wanted to put your money where your mouth is." Hikari spoke quietly, but her voice easily filled the silent room. She twirled the fork in front of her, staring at it absentmindedly. "Although I don't know if the Champion has time to waste on scum like you." Kouki stared open-mouthed at her, both frightened and worried about the girl's sudden change.

The other boy's façade of pleasantry was dropped; his ice-blue eyes glared daggers at Hikari. "What are you implying, kid?"

"Wow, you are slow aren't you?" She stood slowly, looking at the blond with deadly eyes. "I'm saying, do you want to take on the Champion?"

After a moment, the blond only laughed, the group around him joining in. He gasped for breath, gripping his sides. "Are…are you trying to tell me, that you…that a little girl, is the Champion? Ha!" He brushed his hair back, smirking at her. "What a joke! You're funny, kid."

"Are you scared?"

The glare was back on the blond's face instantly. "Scared? Of a pipsqueak? You've got to be kidding me."

The girl stood slowly, grabbing a Pokéball off her belt. She faced the blond, smirking. "Let's battle, then."

Kouki was too afraid to even try to speak to Hikari at the moment. A murderous aura surrounded the girl; he could almost feel the heat of her anger in the air. What had happened to her?

Luckily for Hikari, they wouldn't have to go outside to battle. The resort had a battle arena for visiting trainers. She knew she was acting immature, but she had to work off her frustration somehow, and battling was the only way she knew.

A chorus of "go, Takayuki!" erupted from opposite side, the blond confidently posing for them all. The only person on Hikari's side was an uncomfortable looking Kouki. He tried desperately to convince Hikari to re-think her actions. "Hikari, please…I thought you didn't want to battle during your vacation!"

Hikari didn't look at him, fiddling with the straps on her boots. "What? Do you think I can't win?"

He laughed nervously. "That's not what I'm saying at all! I know you can win, I just think you shouldn't battle him out of spite! It's not good for you, or your Pokémon!" He glared across the field. "And especially not good for him."

Hikari paused, staring at the ground. "…I know, I know I shouldn't, but—"

"Let's get this battle on sometime today, little girl! Your boyfriend can comfort you after I make you cry!"

Kouki's face exploded in red; Hikari tensed up, the heat of anger rising throughout her body. Grabbing a Pokéball, she flung it into the middle of the arena. Her Infernape emerged, already fired up from his trainer's passion. She forced herself to speak calmly. "You can use all of your Pokémon at hand; I'll use only one."

Hysterical laughter met her comment. Takayuki shrugged, still chuckling. "Fine, girl. Your funeral!" He activated his Pokéball. "Go, Gyarados!" He wasted no time. "Use Hydro Pump to wash that pipsqueak away!"

Without a command from Hikari, Infernape easily dodged the powerful rush of water, jumping high over the other Pokémon. She smirked. "Infernape, ThunderPunch!" The Pokémon changed direction in midair, drilling an electrically-charged punch directly onto Gyarados's head. It was a one hit KO; the Pokémon flopped heavily to the ground.

The blond recalled his Pokémon, easy smile becoming forced. "You had one trick up your sleeve, so what?" He flung another Pokéball. "It'll be your last!" A Golem appeared, immediately rolling into a ball. "Golem, flatten it with Rollout!"

"Focus Punch!" Infernape drew back its fist, delivering a devastating blow to the spinning Golem, sending Pokémon flying backwards. "Now, Aerial Ace!" Even faster than the flying Golem, Infernape zoomed up to the Pokémon, slamming it to the ground.

The crowd behind the blond was silent as he withdrew his second Pokémon, yet to even land an attack on the girl. He gritted his teeth, tossing another ball. "Tyranitar! Earthqua—"

"Infernape, SafeGuard, NOW!" Before the attack could reach it, a barrier had surrounded the Pokémon, taking the brunt of the Earthquake. "Now, use FirePunch!" Infernape charged at Tyranitar, hot flames growing around the Pokémon's right fist.

"Tyranitar, use a SafeGuard of your own!" A barrier shot around the Pokémon, Takayuki grinning once again.

Hikari was unmoved. "Feint!" Switching fists, Infernape obliterated the barrier, then used the still blazing right fist to knock the Pokémon off it's feet. "Now, Aerial Ace!"

"Tyranitar, Flamethrower!"

"Fire Blast through it, Infernape" The attacks connect in a fiery explosion. For a moment, they seemed equally matched, but Infernape's Fire Blast ripped through Tyranitar's Flamethrower, bathing the grounded Pokémon in flames. "Another Aerial Ace!" Infernape soared through the flames, slamming into the big Pokémon. The Tyranitar slid back a few more feet, but struggled to its feet.

Hikari was merciless. "Return!" It was a overwhelming blow from Infernape, sending the other Pokémon flying behind his trainer. Kouki watched on, a shiver racing up his spine. He had never seen Hikari battle so violently, with absolutely no regard for the other trainer's Pokémon. He wanted to stop her, but couldn't summon up the courage to defy the girl's rage.

Both trainer stared at each other, Hikari with an abnormal calm, and Takayuki with unrivaled loathing. The crowd behind him was whispering fervently, the blond shaking with anger. "You…bitch!" He threw out his remain three balls all at once, his face livid with fury. "Tentacruel, Houndoom, Carnivine! Combined Hydro Pump, Flamethrower, and Solar Beam!" The three powerful attacks swirled together in the air, veering toward the unprotected Infernape with surprising speed.

"COUNTER!" Infernape took all three attacks head on, glowing with power. A tense moment passed, then the attacks suddenly changed direction, screaming toward the three Pokémon with more speed than before, blowing back the crowd of people with the force. "Finish them with Flare Blitz!"

With that attack, the battle was over. The field was filled with an eerie silence, the bystanders speechless by what they had just witnessed. Takayuki called back his final three Pokémon, storming out of the arena. Not once did his attacks connect.

Kouki now full understood what power Hikari possessed; no wonder she was the only one who was able to tame the Legendary Dialga and Palkia. He approached the girl cautiously, laying a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Hikari…"

She fell to her knees, staring blankly into the field. Exhaustion hit her like a brick to the face; through her anger, she hadn't realized what destruction she had wrought. The arena was in complete ruins. She shivered uncontrollably, hugging her shoulders. "What…what did I do?"

Her Infernape staggered up to her; he had been unhurt in battle, but was physically drained from the force of the attacks he had delivered. He squeaked a worried sound at the girl. She flung her arms around the Pokémon, body still shaking. "I'm sorry, Infernape, I'm so sorry."

Kouki helped her to her feet, leading her out of the arena.

After a visit to the onsite Pokèmon Center, Hikari looked for Takayuki to apologize. She and Kouki searched the resort high and low before they found him in the lounge, looking out into the gloom of the night, the blizzard still raging.

Hikari approached him slowly, looking at her feet in embarrassment. "Um…I'm sorry I did that to you and your Pokémon. I shouldn't of let my anger take over like that. So, I'm deeply, sincerely sorry."

The blond stood motionless, continuing to stare out the window. "…You make me look like a fool in front of all those people…and you think a sorry's just going to fix it?"

Kouki glared at the older boy, but kept his mouth shut. No matter how much he wanted to tell Takayuki off, it wouldn't help Hikari out at all.

The girl was taken aback. "Well, I know I shouldn't have, but you just got me upset—"

"Shut up, bitch!" His hand swiped for her face, but Hikari managed to block it with her arms. However, she was knocked off-balance, teetering backward.

"Hikari!" Kouki tried to grab her, but end up falling with her over the back of one of the couches. This time it was Hikari who ended up on top of Kouki, her face inches from his. She felt her cheeks heat up, Kouki's breath warming her face.

A sound behind her broke her from her stupor; she looked up, meeting stunned amber eyes. "J–Jun!"

Jun had dropped the box he was holding; he turned and ran off without a word. Hikari scrambled off of Kouki, following the boy. "Jun, wait! It's not what you think!" She ran with everything she had, but Jun was much faster; he plowed past people and reached the door leading outside into the storm.

She was much too slow to stop him. "Jun, don't go!"

He paused for a moment, flashing a sad smile. "Bye, Kari." And with that, he was gone.

A/N...again: HIKARI SMAAAAAAASH! D:

Heh...Heh heh...I didn't mean to make her so...pissed when I first started writing this chapter...but, I kinda just let what happens happen when I write this fanfiction. I don't really plan much untill I start writing...I don't even know how it's going to end! So, it'll be a surprise for all of us. The running into the blizzard is the only thing I planned for this story when I started.

I hope Kouki didn't seem wimpy to any of you, but Hikari was PISSED, so... XD I would do the same thing, Kouki! And, I don't know if all the moves for the Pokemon excluding Infernape are possible...but oh well!

A present from me to you; an early update! Hopefully, the next one will be out just as fast. Thanks for all your wonderful reviews! They really get me excited to write this story!