Chapter Five: Prize
Claire sat on the bleachers on the beach. The race started on the beach all the way to the mountain and back. Kai always won every year but Gray felt over confident. He felt he can win and do anything with Claire around. Gray pulled out a pok'eball and out came an Arcanine. "Well Haiku, let's try our hardest this year." Gray said. Haiku barked with agreement. "Haiku, I want you to meet Claire. Claire, this is Haiku. When he was a Growlith, I read him short stories and poetry so he can sleep. That's why I called him Haiku." Haiku greeted her and licked her face. "He likes you."
"Oh he is beautiful. I didn't know you have an Arcanine." Claire said, petting him. "He is amazing."
"I caught him a few days ago and gave him a fire stone for this race." Gray said. "I know we are going to win this year."
"Why is that?" She said, giggling. He moved to her and kissed her on the forehead.
"Because I have the best cheerleader ever…" He teased. She giggled some more as she hugged him. "Claire, does this mean that you are my girlfriend?"
"I thought I was your cheerleader." She teased. He pulled her back and stare into her sapphire eyes. "Gray?"
"Claire, I am serious. I know that I was not the best person to be with before but I just want you to know that I really…"
"Hey Gray, save your speech for later…" A voice said. They turned and found Kai with a Dodrio. "Claire, I am going to win this race for you."
"Who said you were winning?" Gray said, crossing his arms. "I am going to win this year and I am going to win it for Claire." They were giving each other intense evil glares. I am not going to let this guy take Claire.
I am not going to lose to him. I am always going to be on top no matter what. Kai thought, glaring at him.
Then Claire kissed Gray on the cheek and his icy glare was softened. "For good luck..." Claire said, smiling.
"Thanks…" Gray said, blushing. He then turned to Blaze. "Blaze, protect Claire and Amber for me okay?"
"You can count on me." Blaze said, doing a salute.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, it is time for the Summer Pok'emon Race to begin. The track has white flags so our racers won't get lost. It would start here on this beach and the checkpoint would be at the mountain." The Mayor explained. He was a short man with a mustache in a red suit and was wearing a red top hat. "Our races must reach the mountain to get their card stamped and raced back to the beach. The winner for this race would get the Race Cup." A woman was carrying a huge golden trophy. "Please give it up to our racers." They all screamed in excitement. Gray was using his Arcanine. Kai was using Dodrio, Cliff was using Rapadash, Rick was using Tarus, and Doctor Trent was using Tropius however, he is not allowed to fly.
Wow, there are a lot of people. I am getting a little nervous. Gray thought, shaking a little. Come Gray, not now… You have to win this.
"What's wrong Gray? You are not scared are you?" Kai teased. Gray turned to him and let out a smile. "What are you smiling at?"
"You are being bitchy because you are afraid of getting your ass kicked." Gray said. "And besides, I am not the only person you should be worrying about. We have other racers as well and they seem tough."
"You really think we are tough." Cliff said.
"Of course, I watched you train your Rapadash and he is quite fast." Gray said. "And Rick and Trent's pok'emon are not pushovers either."
"Thanks." Doctor Trent said.
"It means a lot coming from you." Rick said.
"I know. You have to thank Claire for that." Gray said. He then let out a chuckle.
"Well, I am going to win Claire over." Kai said.
"We will see about that Kai." Grey said.
"EVERYONE ARE YOU READY!" The Mayor screamed. All the townspeople cheered. "LET'S THE POK'EMON RACE BEGIN!" The Mayor pulled the trigger to the gun and all the racers swiftly dashed away.
"Wow, Haiku is very fast." Claire said. There were cameras throughout the track so they can see the racers. Then Karen sat beside her with Eva on her head. She was still wearing her maid outfit. "Karen, why are you still wearing that?"
"I didn't want you to feel left out." Karen said, giggling. "After all, you are still wearing your maid outfit."
"Thanks Karen, you are the best." Claire said. Then a woman with curly pink hair walked towards them. "Hello Popuri…"
"I don't say hello to the likes of you." Popuri said.
"Hey, she is just being nice." Karen snapped. "You don't need to be a bitch about it."
"You are the one to talk." Popuri said. "I heard that Kai has taken a liking on her. Kai is mine so stay away from him."
"I don't want anything to do with Kai. I am with Gray." Claire said.
"Oh, that grumpy blacksmith…He must be very desperate to dig to the bottom of the food chain to look for a mate." Popuri said. "I mean, you are not attractive at all and he probably wants you to satisfy his urges. But I don't think you can give him that." Claire was gripping her fist and gritting her teeth. Amber warned Blaze and Eva that Claire was going to burst.
"Claire?" Karen said. "Don't listen to her…" Claire stood up from her seat and gave Popuri an intense glare. "Claire…"
"So I am bottom of the food chain? Well, if I am that ugly, why is your man in love with me? Not only Kai but even your brother Rick." Claire snapped. "It goes to show what true beauty is. Popuri, look at a mirror and rethink this because you are fucking ugly inside and out. I don't give a rat ass what you do or say to me but I don't like the fact that you talk shit about Karen and Gray. I don't know what your fucking problem is but you need to get off your high horse and stop being an annoying bitch." Karen and Popuri eyes were widened. They were astounded that the goodie two shoes was cussing. "So if you can excuse me, I am watching my boyfriend kick your man's ass in this race so please move away from my sight." Popuri left without a word but you can see the fear in her eyes as she left. Then Karen broke the silent with a laugh.
"Wow Claire, Gray told me about your sailor mouth but I didn't know it was that bad." Karen said, laughing. "You even made Popuri speechless."
"I was always patient with her but when she insulted Gray. I couldn't hold it in." Claire said, letting out a sigh.
Gray was in third. Kai was in the lead and second was Cliff. "Alright Haiku, it is time to speed things up." He said. Haiku nodded and dashed swiftly through the track. He was right beside Cliff and his Rapadash. "You are doing great Cliff."
"You are not half bad." Cliff said. "Rapadash, use flamethrower on Gray."
"Haiku, use extreme speed to take the lead and get away from the flamethrower." Gray said. Haiku started glowing and dashed swiftly through the flames and passed Cliff. "Great job…" Kai was in the lead and he was a few inches away from him. "Haiku, lets win this." Haiku dashed faster to get ahead and manage to pass Kai.
"Dodrio, use quick attack." Kai said. Dodrio speedily raced towards Haiku and attacked him. Gray flew up in the air while Haiku took the hit.
"Gray…" Claire said, looking worried. I forgot that they can battle during the race. I hope he is alright.
"Claire, I am going to win this race for you." Gray said, smiling. We were making our way to the beach and it felt good holding his hand. It felt so warm and I can trust him. I felt happy that he accepted me and my love. "It is a tough race but I am going to win it for sure."
"I believe in you Gray." I said, smiling back. "You were always a winner to me."
"Really?" He asked, blushing.
"Yup, I know you are going to win." I said.
He is so confident and brave, just like before…
"Haiku, counter with Flame Charge." Gray said, while being tossed in the air. Haiku's body was covered in flames and tackle Dodrio. After the attack, Haiku jumped in the air to catch his trainer. "Great job, let's get that stamp." They made it to the mountain and found Mary at the checkpoint. Gray jumped down of Haiku and gave her his pass. "Hey Mary, can you stamp my pass please?"
"Sure…" Mary said, stamping his pass. "Good luck." Gray jumped on Haiku and raced away. Soon Kai and Cliff arrived and Doctor Trent. Rick wasn't giving up even though he was last. Gray just said please to me. Is he sick or something?
"I can't believe it, Gray is ahead and already has his pass stamped." The Mayor announced. "However, the other racers are hot on his tail. Would he be able to win?"
"Wow, Gray raised that Arcanine very well." Karen said.
"Well, he was doing that to impress Claire." Ann said, joining them.
"What? Impress me?" Claire asked, blushing.
"Of course, my brother has strong feelings for you. He trained Haiku when he was a Growlith because he wanted to win this race. He told me that he was going to confess to you today after the race." Ann explained.
"That explains why he was so eager to bring you here." Karen said. Claire just smiled as she watched the race. "I think this is his year."
"I believe in him so I know he would do well." Claire said.
Kai was behind him and was furious that he couldn't catch up to Gray. I am not going to lose to him. "Dodrio, use tri attack…" Fire, Ice, and lightning burst towards Haiku. Haiku ended up frozen and Kai passed them. Half of Gray's body was frozen as well. "Try next year."
"It looks like Gray's Arcanine is frozen in ice and is swiftly getting pulled back into dead last." The Mayor announced. "What would Gray do?"
"Damn that Kai…" Gray cursed. I am not going to lose here. I am not going to let him take Claire. "Haiku, I know you can do this. I need you to use Flame Charge to melt the ice. Don't mind me, I can handle the heat." With all his strength and power, Haiku was on fire and melt the ice swiftly. "Great… Now, let's catch up." Haiku speedily ran through the track and since he used Flame Charge twice, he was faster than ever.
"Kai is almost to the finish line." The Mayor said. Everyone from the bleacher rouses up and cheers for him. Claire, Karen, and Ann didn't bother to stand up. But there was a dust cloud not too far from Kai. "But wait… It seems it is not over yet. Something is coming in fast." The dust cloud cleared and it was Gray. "I can't believe it. It's Gray and he is not giving up without a fight."
"Wow, he really pulled through." Ann said.
"Haiku, use extreme speed." Gray said. Haiku added more speed to his pace and caught up to Kai. Kai was shocked to see Gray beside him. "Hey Kai…" They were neck to neck and were almost the finish line.
"How did you get out of that ice?" Kai snapped.
"Are you scared?" Gray teased.
"Fuck you, I am not going to lose." Kai snapped.
Claire stood up from her seat along with Karen and Ann. "COME ON GRAY, YOU CAN DO IT!" Claire cheered. "COME ON HAIKU!"
"GO BIG BROTHER!" Ann screamed.
"KICK KAI'S ASS FOR ME!" Karen screamed. They were so excited with the suspense and jumped for joy as they watched the race. Gray took a glance at them. He can feel his heart pumping so fast that he let out a smile.
"Sorry Kai but I am not planning on losing either." Gray said. "Haiku, use Extreme Speed one more time."
"Dodrio, use Quick Attack." Kai ordered. The two pok'emon were moving swiftly towards the finish line. The crowd was roaring and when they passed the line. As they stopped running, the two men were anxious to see who won.
"The winner for this Pok'emon Race is…" The Mayor said. "Gray… Congratulations!"Gray was overwhelmed that he won. He finally beat Kai. Everyone raced to the winner circle and Mayor walked towards him with the trophy. "You put on a good show Gray. I am honored to give you this trophy. Congratulations to you and to your Arcanine."
"Thanks…" Gray said, taking the trophy. He then lifted it up in the air and everyone cheered. I can't believe I won. I can't believe it. Haiku nuzzle his face and he let out a chuckle. "Thanks Haiku, you were great out there. This wouldn't be possible without you." Haiku barked proudly. Ann and Karen raced towards him and his little sister hugged him tightly.
"Wow Gray, you were amazing. I am so proud of you and Haiku." Ann said.
"Thanks sis." Gray said.
"Gray, you were great. You kicked Kai's ass so bad." Karen said.
"Thanks Karen…" Gray said. Then he let out a sad look. "Hey, where is Claire?"
"Amber and Blaze were hungry when you won. So she went to buy them something at the food stand while we come to you. She would be here soon." Ann explained.
"I can't wait. I want to see her." Gray said.
"Then go get her lover boy." Ann teased. He raced away from them and searched everywhere for her. Then he heard Amber and Blaze screaming. He followed the voice and found Kai kissing Claire on the lips. Her eyes widened as he kissed her. Claire pushed him away and found Gray in shock.
"Gray, it is not what you think." Claire said.
"I can't believe you. I thought you were different." Gray said, shaking. This can't be happening. This can't be real.
"Gray, please… listen…"
"I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ANYTHING FROM YOU! MATTER OF FACT, I DON'T WANT TO SEE YOU AGAIN!" Gray screamed. I love her… I really love her and now Kai has her. Why does Kai have to take everything? "I DON'T WANT TO HEAR YOUR LIES. YOU WERE JUST MESSING WITH MY FEELING NOW I HAVE ENOUGH. I HATE YOU!" She started to cry and raced away from them. Amber raced after her and Gray just angrily left without another word. Blaze followed his trainer as well but he was sad of what had happened.
"You can be such a jerk." Cliff said, walking towards Kai.
"What? That girl deserves better." Kai said.
"Did it ever come to mind that this is the first girl that Gray ever loved?" Cliff asked. "I have never seen Gray so happy in his life and you have to ruin it for him."
"Come on, there are plenty of girls out there for him." Kai said. "It is not the end of the world."
"But you are always in the way and he couldn't open his heart to a girl. You keep stealing them all." Rick said, walking beside Cliff. "Claire was persistent of being his friend and she finally succeeded."
"He needs this more than anyone. He finally felt love." Doctor Trent added. "Now, he is just going to turn bitter and Claire is going to be heartbroken."
"Fuck you all, I am not going to stay here and listen to all of this." Kai said, walking away. They don't know anything. They don't know a damn thing. Why are they concerned for that stupid blacksmith? Why do they even care? Kai walked away from the beach and to the waterfall. When he made it there, the sky was already devoured by the darkness. He sat on the soft grass and let out a sigh. "They would get over it. I know they will." Kai then pulled out a pink shell from his pocket. "I don't need Gray. I don't need him at all. Claire would probably survive. She wouldn't kill herself for something this stupid" He tossed the shell in the water and let out another sigh. "I don't know why I did that."
"Because you were jealous…" A voice said. He looked behind him and found the Harvest Goddess, holding his shell. "I am not a fan of shells but I love this shade of pink."
"Go away…" Kai snapped.
"I see that you made a mess of things." She said, sitting beside him.
"I really don't care." He said.
"I don't believe you. I remember when you first moved here. You were an outsider and no one wanted anything to do with you but Gray took the time to know you. He became your only friend." She said.
"We are not friends. We are rivals and this is what rivals do, they make each other miserable." Kai said.
"Gray may be your rival but he never made your life miserable." She said.
"Great, you are defending him too." Kai said, rolling his eyes at her.
"I am not. I am just stating the truth." She said. She then touched the water and it started glowing. There was a reflection of Gray and Claire, sitting in a garden.
"What is this?" Kai asked.
"Just shut up and watch…" She replied.
"Hey Gray, do you have a rival?" Claire asked.
"Yeah, his name is Kai. He only comes during summer but he is a tough cookie when it comes to Pok'emon battles. I have never won a single battle against him." Gray said.
"He must be very tough." Claire said, smiling.
"To be honest, I am envious of him. He is not afraid of anything and does things his own way. When he first got here, no one wanted him but he worked hard to be acknowledged by people even when they were distanced. In the end, people loved him but mostly the ladies. I couldn't do that. I was too shy and afraid but he was bold and brave. I always look up to him but I never told him because he would never let me live it down."
"He sounds like a great guy." Claire said. "He sounds more like a friend than a rival."
"He does but I want to prove to him one day that I am not a weakling and I can be a worthy opponent." Gray said. "And maybe, he can just forget the rivalry and be a friend. He is an amazing person."
"He really said all that." Kai said, looking at the water in shock.
"Yup, Gray thinks highly of you and respects you so much." The Harvest Goddess said, smiling. "I granted his wish that he would find his purpose to win and that purpose was his love for Claire. He was amazing out there."
"Yeah, to be honest, he was the best. His Arcanine was amazing and well trained." Kai complimented. "I saw something in Gray that scared me. I saw the willpower to beat me and it was powerful." He then gripped his fist. "Jealousy took the best of me and made me do something stupid. I kissed his true purpose and now I don't know if he cares for me anymore. I am such a jerk. Why did I do that?"
"Then you should set things right and this time be a friend." She said.
"Thanks…" Kai said, standing up. "I would give you more pretty shells later."
"I am looking forward to it." She said, disappearing. Kai raced up the mountain. He knew that Gray would be there. Gray would always go up there when he is stressed or troubled. When he made it to the mountain top, he found Gray sitting and staring at the sky with Blaze.
"Gray…" Kai said. Gray turned and swiftly stood up. Blaze stood beside him with a worried look on his face.
"Are you here to rub it in my face? I don't want to hear it." Gray snapped. "You have some nerve coming here. What more do you want from me asshole?"
"I came here to apologize." Kai said.
"That's bullshit and you know it." Gray snapped. "You are always surrounded with beautiful women and I don't know why you have to take the only…"
"I forced her to kiss me. I grabbed her and stole a kiss from her." Kai interrupted. "She was looking for you and she was always talking about you. When she bumped into me, I wasn't in a good mood. I was angry and jealous that I wanted to make your life a living hell so I kissed Claire." He then let out a sigh. "I was wrong and I know that now. I am such a jerk to you and you were my only friend. I hope you can forgive me." Gray walked up to him and punched him in the face. He collapsed to the ground. Blaze covered his eyes when he saw the punch.
"That's for kissing my girl but I forgive you." Gray said, letting out a small grin. "You never apologize to anyone and here you are. I guess you are very sorry." He offered his hand to him and helped Kai up.
"Thanks. I think I deserve that punch." Kai said. "So what are you going to do now?"
"I don't know. I blamed everything on Claire. I don't think she wants to see me anymore." Gray said, letting out a small frown. "I shouldn't have let her explain herself to me instead of screaming at her."
"If I can make amends with you so can you." Kai said. "I know she would forgive you. She has a kind heart and also she is crazy in love with you. I couldn't get her to like me." Gray let out a chuckle. "You know Gray, I think this rivalry have gone too far. I think it is time to just be friends." Gray was shocked.
"Sure Kai…" Gray said.
"Well, you should get your girl before someone else does." Kai said. "And again, I am sorry for ruining everything." He then offered his hand to him. "And congratulations Gray for kicking my ass in that race."
"Thanks Kai." Gray said, grabbing his hand and shaking it firmly. He then let out a sigh. "I hope I can make things right with her and I think I know how to do it."
Claire locked herself in her room, she has been crying ever since the race. Amber was there to comfort her but the tears couldn't stop falling down her face. "Amber, I finally confessed to him and now look, I ruined everything." Claire cried, hugging her pillow. Amber didn't like to see her trainer like this. It was too painful. "If only I was strong enough to push Kai away from me."
"It is not your fault Claire. It is that stupid purple bandanna jerk. I shouldn't have set his body on fire." Amber said.
"I am just happy that he wasn't my first kiss." Claire said, touching her lips. It would always be him. My heart would always be for him. But I don't know anymore. He doesn't want to me anymore. Not again, why does this always happen to me? I finally got close to him again and now it's ruin. I can't be with him anymore. Then there was a knock on the door.
"Claire, it's Gray. Please open up." Gray said, knocking on her door once more. "Please Claire, let's talk." She walked towards the door but didn't open it. "Please let me in." She opened the door but only a little bit so Blaze can come in. When Gray was about to entered she slammed the door on him. "Traitor…"
"Fix the problem hothead…" Blaze said. Gray then sat on her doorstep and lean onto the door.
"Claire, I am very sorry. I guess I was so mad that Kai kissed you and I didn't give you a chance to explain." Gray said. "Kai was someone I envy so much and he always gets what he wants. When I saw you with him, I was hurt. The thought of not being good enough for you and being forgotten took over me." Claire was sitting by the door as well, listening to him. Amber and Blaze were by her side. "Please forgive me." She didn't respond. All she did was weep silently and watched her tears drip on the wooden floor. He then pulled out his acrostic guitar and started playing. I hope this works.
I'm sorry
Two words I always think
After you're gone
When I realize I was acting all wrong
Claire was surprised to hear singing and a guitar outside her doorstep. She stopped her tears and listen to his song. That voice… It has been awhile.
So selfish
Two words that could describe
Oh actions of mine
When patience is in short of supply
We don't need to say goodbye
We don't need to fight and cry
Oh we, we could hold each other tight tonight
Claire let out a small smile and patted both Amber and Blaze. He always was good with that guitar. Gray hope she was listening to him. He made sure to sing his heart out just like she did in the Inn.
We're so helpless
We're slaves to our impulses
We're afraid of our emotions
And no one knows where the shore is
We're divided by the ocean
And the only thing I know is
That the answer isn't for us
No the answer isn't for us
We don't need to say goodbye
We don't need to fight and cry
Oh we, we could hold each other tight tonight
Tonight x4
He was done but the door still didn't open. He frowned and let out a sigh. He stood up and started shaking. It didn't work. I ruined my chances with her. "Claire, before I leave, I just want to say that I am in love with you." He said, holding back tears. "I love you Claire Maple and I am sorry." He was about to leave until the door opened. He found Claire in a nightgown and her eyes were flooded with tears. "Claire…"
"Did you mean it?" She asked. "Did you mean what you said?"
"Yes, I do. You mean…" He was interrupted when she hugged him tightly and was crying in his arms.
"I love you too Gray." Claire cried. "I love you so much." He hugged her back and for once in his life, he let his tears run down his face. "I didn't mean to kiss Kai. I didn't mean to."
"I know, Kai told me and apologized." Gray said, lifting her chin up so he can stare into her beautiful and unique sapphire eyes. It is like all the dazzling stars in the night sky were in her eyes. I did it. She is finally mines. "You mean a lot to me Claire. I wouldn't have won that race without you cheering for me. I wouldn't be here if you didn't save me from Shark Fin. I wouldn't know what love would feel like if you didn't try so hard to be my friend. You make me happy and gave me strength to do better. Heck, I like going to work now because I wanted to be a better Blacksmith for you. My old man doesn't even scream at me anymore because I was into my work and I took pride in it. You taught me that Claire."
"Gray?" She cried.
"I would always love you if you let me." Gray said, wiping her tears.
"I wanted you to love me for so long now." She said, giggling. He then pulled out a brooch out of his bomber suit pocket. It was a silver band brooch with a sapphire pendent.
"I wanted to give this to you after the race." He said. "I worked on it for weeks now and it is finally done."
"It is so beautiful." She said, blushing. Wow, he made this for me. I can't believe it. I can't believe he made this beautiful brooch for me. Gray helped her put it on. "I promise to take care of it."
"I know you will." Gray said, cupping her face. "So do I get a prize for winning that race?" She let out a giggle and wrapped her arms around his neck and took off his hat from his head. He grabbed her waist and pulled her closer.
"The trophy is not enough for you." She teased.
"You know very well that I was not aiming for that." Gray said, moving closer to her ear and whispered. "I was aiming for your love and it far more better than that trophy." He then moved to her lips and sealed it with his. And for that moment on, Amber and Blaze's wish came true. Their stubborn trainers finally confess and sealed their love with a kiss.