Chapter sixteen: To Strive

Prompt: #20 My Inspiration

Universe: Gameverse

Rating: T

A/N: This used to be rated K... then I added the scene after the letter.

x

Dear Cynthia,

I can't help but think of you whenever I encounter a problem. When my pokémon act up, when I get exhausted, when I miss home, when the trainers get stronger and stronger... I always think of you.

I think of your confidence in spite of everything. I think of your cool demeanor whenever someone spits in your face, rage spewing from their mouth. I think of your posture, straight but relaxed, expression mysterious and actions controlled. I think of your words, wise and calm. But most of all, I think of your eyes, those steel orbs penetrating my very being. Sometimes, I feel that when you look at me, be it in person or through a screen, that you can read my soul, that you know my inner, most private thoughts.

During my travels across the Sinnoh region, I never would've imagined you to be the Champion. I always thought you to be a mythology expert, one who possibly needed protection. I, in my naïve and prideful mind, assigned myself the job of protecting you should the need arise. It was your cool and collected attitude toward Cyrus that inspired me to step forth and battle him. I thought you to be defenseless, relying only on words and psychological warfare to tear down your opponents.

Boy, was I wrong.

I'm sorta glad I was wrong. Our championship battle was the most fun I've ever had. It even topped my battle with Volkner. The battle we had was also eye-opening. I was pushed to the very edge of my abilities. I had to run and jump and crouch to keep up with our battle. I had to push my limits, think up new strategies on the spot and try to sync my mind with my pokémon. My entire being was tense, my soul was soaring and my mind overworking. It was... invigorating. I felt alive.

I wasn't the same after that battle. I felt that every other battle I had afterward was boring, dull. There wasn't the thrill, the rush, the adrenaline coursing in me. My pokémon weren't the same after, either. They had this look in their eye, like they've seen it all. Of course, I met extremely strong trainers... Red immediately comes to mind, as well as a swift defeat... but our battle held something... special.

It showed me how far I could go in terms of potent power, how to sync myself with my pokémon's thoughts and feelings, how to keep a calm head like you did. But most of all, it inspired me to be like you. Even after you lost, you held no grudge, no hard feelings. In fact, you even told me that this battle was what gave you the courage to confess...

Your personality was what drew me to you, more than your looks. I'm sure if everyone got to know you the way I did, they would fall in love as hard as I have fallen for you. I hope not! Or else I'd have some competition that I wouldn't appreciate, traveling and all...

I can't help myself, I really can't. So I hope you won't mind if I put you as my inspiration to strive better, to become a better pokémon trainer, friend, daughter and lover. Maybe you won't, 'cause you always tell me that I should put a goal in front of me, to aspire to become someone. Is it wrong that I aspire to become like you? Strong, beautiful, calm, cool and intelligent... those are your best qualities.

Thank you, Cynthia, for being my inspiration.

Love,

Dawn

Cynthia smiled as she read the letter, glancing at the teen in front of her. Dawn had wanted to tell her something, and had asked to meet her at her Villa in the Resort Area. She was currently nervously twirling a lock of hair around her fingers, face scarlet. Cynthia approached her and took both her hands in one of hers, gently lifting her chin up with the other.

"Did you really... mean all of this?" Cynthia asked softly, gazing into the blues of the younger girl.

Dawn frowned. "Of cour—"

She was cut off by a pair of lips on her own. She closed her eyes and opened her mouth, leaning against the wall behind her to support herself. The older woman released the girl's hands to place her own on the wall, trapping the teen. Their tongues tasted each other. They gasped and moaned, eyes hooded and fingers roaming. Dawn pressed her head hard against the wall for support, Cynthia nipping her neck. Eventually, they came to a stop, panting and leaning against each other. Cynthia closed her eyes and rested her cheek atop Dawn's head.

"You know... you're my inspiration, too," she muttered.

Dawn's eyes widened and she smiled against her lover's collarbone. "Really?"

She nodded. "You and your naïve, prideful mind," Cynthia replied, grinning.

Dawn giggled and lightly slapped the woman's shoulder. "You're so funny."

"I know... hey, you didn't add that to my list of qualities!"

"That's 'cause I'm the funny one in the relationship."

"Hey!"

"It's true!"

"...we'll see about that."

"What's that supposed to—AHH! Oh gosh, stop— Cynthia, for the.. ahah! ..love of Arceus!" Dawn couldn't continue, her voice trailing off into loud laughter and joyful tears.

"Who's the funny one now?"

Dawn kept pushing those sinful fingers away from her sides and glared weakly at the blonde. "M-me..!" she laughed.

Cynthia stopped tickling the girl and smiled gently, noting the relaxed expression and blush her partner had. She leaned forward and kissed Dawn's forehead, sitting beside her and pulling her closer.

"You're so cute when you blush," Cynthia teased.

Dawn hid her face in Cynthia's fur coat. "S-shut up."

Cynthia sighed contently and pulled the teen closer. "You definitely inspire me. From simple things like getting out of bed, to more complex things like remaining Champion. You're a constant thought on my mind."

"I'm flattered," Dawn whispered a few seconds later.

They remained in silence, taking comfort in the fact that they both inspire each other.