Chapter 19 — Shadows of Perfection

The rhythmic clatter of the train wheels rolling along the tracks was the only sound filling the otherwise quiet compartment. Kimia sat alone by the window, the Kalos countryside rushing by in a blur of green and yellow. In her hand, she turned her small, gleaming Bug Badge over and over, watching the way it caught the light. She traced her finger over the intricate design, the gratification of her victory lingering, though muted. The battle had been a mere formality for her—Gallade had easily outmatched Viola's team, cutting through their defenses with graceful precision. There had been no real challenge, no thrill, just another step on the path she had laid out for herself.

And yet, despite the flawless triumph, Kimia's mind wasn't happy. The satisfaction of winning had been fleeting, quickly replaced by a familiar unease that gnawed at her. She leaned back in her seat, her eyes staring out the window, but her thoughts were elsewhere. Child's mocking voice echoed in her mind, those cruel words that seemed to cut deeper than any sword. The sneer in her tone, that sadistic delight she took in exposing others' insecurities, still stung. Kimia clenched her hand around the badge, her jaw tightening.

Child had always known exactly where to strike, and this time was no different. No matter how malicious she was, she had a point. Her relationship with her younger brother was... strained. Kimia was twenty years old now, and Raleigh was just ten—a decade between them, a chasm that seemed to grow wider with every passing day.

Kimia had always been the golden sibling, the one who embodied perfection in everything she did. She had been raised under the demanding eye of her father, a powerful and glorious member of Kalos' Elite 4. From an early age, she had learned to live up to the expectations placed upon her, mastering skills that would make any eminent aristocrat proud : fencing, music, and, of course, Pokémon training. To most, she was the epitome of poise and accomplishment, and Siebold had never let her forget how important it was for her to maintain that persona.

But what about Raleigh ? Kimia's heart ached as she thought of her brother. He had always been in her shadow, struggling to find his place in a family where excellence was the standard. She had been so consumed with meeting her father's expectations that she had barely noticed Raleigh's growing resentment. To him, she was too gifted—unattainable, always ten step ahead, always the one receiving praise. He was jealous, understandably so, and Kimia hadn't done much to ease his pain. Unwittingly, she had neglected the one person who needed her the most.

The most glaring reminder of this had come two years ago, a day of great importance in her life, a day Siebold had meticulously planned. The patriarch had invited Lysandre, the enigmatic philanthropist and visionary, to spend the day at their mansion. Kimia was delighted : this was an unhoped-for opportunity to expand her professional network, a chance to amaze one of the most influential men on Kalos. The memory came flooding back, clear as day.

Kimia had practiced her harpsichord for hours that morning, her fingers moving over the keys with expert elegance. She had mastered every note, her mind focused entirely on impressing the CEO and, more importantly, her father. Siebold had always been proud of her skills, but he was never one to offer praise freely. Merit was required to earn his accolades.

Punctual as ever, the notorious businessman had arrived with his usual calm confidence, his presence immediately commanding the room. The evening had been filled with displays of Kimia's abilities : she had played the harpsichord with practiced grace, her fingers dancing over the keys with flawless precision ; she had sparred with her father, their fencing blades clashing in a demonstration of skill and discipline ; and finally, she had battled, showcasing her prowess with Gallade, her flagship partner.

Lysandre had been deeply captivated. His eyes had lit up as he watched her, and after the demonstration, he had approached her with a smile that seemed genuine. "You are remarkable, Miss Beaumont," he had congratulated her. "Your talent and dedication are clear, I see a bright future ahead of you. To help you make it a reality, I'd like you to accept this gift."

With a flourish, he had presented her with a Key Stone and a Mega Stone for her Gallade, a rare offering that left even Siebold visibly pleased. It was the culmination of years of hard work, and Kimia had felt her chest swell with satisfaction. But in the midst of this triumph, Raleigh had come into the room quietly, holding his schoolbook, his small figure dwarfed by the grandeur of the estate's ornate furniture. His eyes had been wide, watching the gathering with a mixture of curiosity and awe. He had waited until there was a lull in the conversation before timidly approaching their patriarch.

"Father, could you help me with my lessons ?" he had asked, his voice small but hopeful.

Siebold's response had been firm and cold. "Not now, Raleigh. This is an important moment for your sister, don't spoil it. Go study on your own, don't disturb us."

Kimia had seen the hurt flash across Raleigh's face. His shoulders had slumped, and he had retreated silently, slipping away as though he had never been there. The exchange had been so brief, so inconsequential to the adults in the room, but to Kimia, it had felt like a fissure had opened between them. She had wanted to say something—to call after him, to offer some small comfort—but she hadn't. She had been too wrapped up in maintaining her image of the model heiress, too conditioned to never question her father's judgment. Querying him in front of their distinguished guest would have been unthinkable ; viewed as a disgrace.

And so, she had remained icy silent, her mind already spinning with the compliments she had received from Lysandre, the Key Stone heavy in her hand. Since then, things had only worsened between them. Raleigh grew more distant with each passing day, quietly spiteful of her success, of the way she seemed to eclipse him at every turn. She hadn't intended for it to happen—had never wanted to hurt him—but it had become clear that, in her pursuit of perfection, she had left him behind.

And naturally, Child had seen it. She had rubbed this wound with cruel precision, knowing exactly how to make Kimia feel like a failure in the one area that counted most. The train rattled gently as it sped toward Cyllage City, the rhythmic motion lulling the other passengers into a quiet stillness. Kimia knew that her next Gym event awaited her there, but her thoughts were nowhere near the battlefield. She glanced down at the emblem in the palm of her hand, its gleam now dull in her eyes. Winning Pokémon fights came easily to her, but nurturing the relationships that mattered most ? That was a task she hadn't yet achieved.

Child had used Raleigh's pain to belittle her, to make her feel unworthy of the Elite 4. But perhaps, in a twisted way, this chaos-merchant had given her something to think about. Perhaps it was time to allow herself to be something else, something better. Kimia would need to face her brother, not as the prodigal daughter or the rising star, but as the sister he had needed all along.

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a brilliant orange light over the towering cliffs that surrounded Ambrette Town. The city itself, nestled at the base of the rocky walls, seemed to glow in the warm sunset, its quaint buildings and narrow streets bathed in a golden tint. Jude and Tierno, having walked for several hours from their last stop, finally reached the outskirts of the coastal community.

Tierno let out a long sigh of relief, stretching his arms high above his head. "Finally, no more of that ridiculous Battle Chateau suit. I can actually move again !" He looked down at his casual clothes with a satisfied grin, glad to be back in his usual comfortable attire. "It's like I've been freed from a straitjacket."

Jude chuckled at his friend's relief. "You definitely weren't a fan of that outfit. But hey, you looked sharp in it."

Tierno waved him off. "Sharp or not, I'll take my hoodie and shorts any day. Penguin costumes aren't easy to breakdance in."

As they made their way through the downtown core, the duo marveled at the beauty of their new destination. The place had a certain charm to it, with its seaside cottages, small shops, and cobblestone paths. The sea breeze carried the fresh scent of saltwater and sand, and in the distance, the sound of gentle waves lapping at the shore could be heard. It was the perfect place for a reunion after the excitement of their first official tournament matches.

Tierno pulled out his phone, glancing at the message he'd received earlier. "The girls are already here," he informed his pal. "They're waiting for us at the beach."

Jude nodded, and together they strolled through the quiet streets of Ambrette Town. Unlike the hectic pace of a megalopolis like Lumiose City, this location had a tranquil air about it, with only a few people out and about, many of them heading toward their homes as the day drew to a close. As the pair marched forward, the towering granite titans loomed over them, the fading sunlight casting long shadows across the ground. The beach lay at the far end of town, its vast stretch of sand nearly empty at this late hour.

When their feet reached the sandy shore, the two buddies were greeted by the calming sight of the ocean, the water flowing endlessly into the horizon. The sky was painted with hues of orange, pink, and purple as the sun dipped lower, and the sound of the waves created a soothing soundtrack to the serene scene. "Wow," Tierno murmured, taking in the sight. "It's nice here, we should come more often."

It didn't take long for them to spot Serena and Shauna, lounging comfortably on their rectangular towels near the water's edge. The beach was largely deserted, with only a handful of guys roaming along the coastline with their fishing rods, so the two girls were easy to find. When they saw Jude and Tierno approaching, they stood up, smiling and waving. Shauna was the first to greet them, her excitement palpable. "Finally, the gang's all here !" she exclaimed, running up to them. "And in such a beautiful place ! This is perfect."

Serena followed, her smile more reserved but no less warm. "It's good to see you both," she said, her voice calm but pleased. "We've been waiting for you for ages, worried that you might be lost or that something might have happened to you."

Tierno sheepishly laughed, scratching behind his head in embarrassment. "Sorry, we stopped off at a campsite to train our Pokémon and didn't see the time go by. But we're here now ! I guess we all deserve a little break after those intense Gym battles, huh ?"

Shauna agreed enthusiastically. "Exactly ! I can't believe we actually won our first badges, it feels so surreal. We're stars, now !"

Serena seemed thoughtful for a fleeting instant before she spoke again. "I heard from Trevor earlier. Finally, he's spending the summer vacations in Shalour City, at his grandfather's house. He said he's happy for us and our first competitive wins."

"That's great to hear," Tierno replied, glancing at a Pelipper swooping down onto the undulating expanse to snatch its evening meal. "I hope Trevor's feeling better since last time. I know it was hard for him after his loss to Viola, but I'm sure he'll bounce back stronger."

Serena nodded. "When I spoke to him on the phone, he sounded more relaxed, which is a good sign. Ultimately, I reckon you were right, taking a step back did him well. We'll visit him when we go to Shalour City, I'm certain he'll be pleased."

Shauna flung her arms out wide and let out a contented sigh. "Sure, but for now, let's just enjoy this day. It's been a while since I've been this chilled out." She flopped back down onto her pink towel, gazing up at the colorful sky. "I'm glad we're here together."

Jude smiled as he sat down beside her, the warmth of the sand beneath him a pleasant contrast to the cool breeze coming off the ocean. The air was filled with the sound of the waves and the distant calls of Wingull flying across the skyline. There was something undeniably peaceful about this moment, a reprieve from the challenges they had faced and the ones still waiting for them. This was exactly what they needed—a peaceful respite, with the promise of new adventures still lurking ahead.

The sun had long since dipped below the horizon, leaving behind a sky awash in deep purples and blues, the stars slowly twinkling into view. The beach was now a shadowy patch of sand and sea, which made it look a little eerie. The sound of the waves gently crashing against the bank had become more pronounced in the quiet of night.

Jude lay back on the sand, listening to the peaceful rhythm of the ocean. It was easy to lose track of time here, especially after the thrill of the day. But as he glanced toward the far end of the beach, he spotted movement—figures clad in Kalos police uniforms. The rangers were beginning their patrols, making sure no one stayed on the beach after dark. It could be dangerous, especially with wild sea Pokémon occasionally venturing onto the shore at night.

With a sigh, Jude sat up, brushing sand off his clothes. "We should head out," he informed to the others. "Rangers are coming this way, and if they see us we'll be scolded."

Shauna groaned in protest, still lying on her towel. "Already ? But it's so nice here."

Tierno, who had been lounging with his eyes closed, sat up as well. "Yeah, I could stay here forever. But Jude's right. Better to leave before we run into any fierce Tentacool or Sharpedo. Not the friendliest creatures in the world, I'm afraid."

Serena nodded, though she also seemed reluctant to leave. "I suppose it's better to be safe and avoid getting into trouble with the authorities. We can always come back tomorrow."

The four pals gathered their things, folding up towels and shaking off the last remnants of sand. They returned to the cobblestone roads, leaving behind the peaceful sound of rolling water. Jude led the way, guiding them through the quiet streets of Ambrette Town, which had grown even more still now that night had fully fallen. They approached the Pokémon Center that Jude had spotted earlier on the way in, its welcoming lights spilled out onto the alley, casting a warm glow.

Like the one in Santalune City, this facility had a motel section reserved for tournament participants, offering small rooms at a low price—ideal for traveling competitors. Ray's son stepped inside first, heading straight to the counter to arrange for their stay. "I'll take care of the rooms," he said over his shoulder. While Frogadier's owner handled the booking, Shauna and Serena wandered over to one of the large billboards lining the lobby walls. Their eyes widened in awe as they gazed at the poster that dominated the space.

It featured none other than Diantha, the famous actress and Kalos region's number-one trainer. She was dressed in an elegant jockey outfit, seated atop a slender Rapidash, with the title of her latest movie, The Rapidash Whisperer, emblazoned in bold letters behind her. Diantha's presence was magnetic, as always, a figure of grace and strength, a symbol of what it meant to be both a brilliant warrior and a role model for her compatriots.

"Look, it's wonderful !" Serena screamed, her eyes sparkling as she took in the image. "I can't believe she's in another film, which will be her twentieth. She's so amazing !"

Shauna nodded, equally captivated. "She's not just an incredible actress, but such a talented Pokémon fighter too. She's everything I aspire to be !"

Tierno strolled up behind them, grinning mischievously. "You two are acting like crazy groupies. Diantha this, Diantha that… It looks like she's hypnotized you."

Shauna turned to him with a mock-serious expression. "And you're any better with Roxie, maybe ? Don't think we didn't notice how you drank gallons of Poké'Cola after she advertised it last year."

Tierno threw his hands up in mock defeat, laughing. "Okay, okay, you got me there. But can you blame me ? She made it look so cool." Shauna smirked triumphantly, while Serena giggled. The playful teasing helped shake off some of the lingering tension from the day's tough challenges, and for a moment, everything felt light and carefree again.

Meanwhile, Jude finished paying for the motel access and walked over to rejoin his buddies, who were still gathered around the Diantha panel. He couldn't help but glance at it too, though his reaction was much more subdued. He wasn't as vocal about his admiration for the Star of Kalos, and the sight of her brought back a flood of memories—some of them not as joyful as the others were feeling.

For Jude, the Elite 4 master was a constant reminder of expectations, of perfection, of the unspoken pressure to always be the best, never falter, never fail. His father had often pointed to Diantha as an example, a standard to surpass. Jude turned away from the billboard, not wishing to dwell on the past right now. He didn't want to worry his friends with his family issues. "Rooms are ready," he announced, his voice even as he addressed the group. "Two of them, one for the girls and one for us," he continued, handing one of the keys to Serena.

Shauna tore her eyes away from the poster, smiling brightly. "Super. Thanks, dude. Let's get settled in."

Without further ado, the gang split in two as each went back to their respective quarters, guided by the room number on their keys. The modest chambers were cozy and simple, with just enough space for two trainers and a couple of small Pokémon to rest comfortably. As they unpacked, the excitement of the day finally began to catch up with them, the adrenaline slowly fading.

"Damn, I'm beat," Tierno stated with a yawn as he slid into his bed. "'Night bud, tomorrow we'll take a dip."

A few minutes passed, but Jude still couldn't drift into slumber. He lay awake at the top of the bunk bed, staring up at the ceiling. His roommate, meanwhile, had literally fallen asleep and was beginning to snore like a locomotive, loud and persistent. Outside, the occasional hoot of a nocturnal Hoothoot punctuated the night, blending with the distant sounds of waves crashing on the beach. But none of this kept Jude awake. The sight of Diantha's picture had brought back still-fresh thoughts from his graduation ceremony.

The young Sharp remembered it perfectly, he could almost hear his father's voice again, echoing in his mind, reminding him of the demands, the feats he'd need to accomplish to earn his heritage. Jude closed his eyes while memories sprang to life into his head. The Royal Academy was abuzz with excitement, the kind that only came once in a lifetime. Jude had stood among his peers, dressed in the ceremonial robes of the academy's awardees, the culmination of years of study and rigorous training. The glorious event had been a blur of cheers, speeches, and handshakes.

Jude had received his diploma, his name called out to thunderous applause, but even then, the satisfaction was fleeting. He hadn't had a moment to bask in the achievement because his mind had already been occupied by what would come next. Shortly after his meeting with Child, the students were led to the Royal Academy's august stadium.

The open-air structure was enormous, capable of holding sixty thousand spectators, and on this special occasion, it was packed with the families of graduates, academy officials, and notable figures from across the country. Jude, seated among his classmates, couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement. There was going to be an exhibition Pokémon battle, one that would cap off the ceremony and inspire the new alumni. But it wasn't just any duel—this would be a match between two of the most prominent members of the prestigious Kalos Elite 4.

As the crowd quieted, the announcer's voice boomed through the stadium. "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our esteemed champions, Madame Diantha Laurus and Monsieur Siebold Beaumont !" The stadium erupted in ovations as the notorious duo stepped into the center of the arena. Diantha, with her stylish white dress and charming charisma, was a figure Jude had always admired from afar. Beside her, Siebold stood tall and confident, exuding the calm strength of a seasoned veteran.

The public watched in awe as the two renowned trainers took the microphone, addressing the audience of graduates and their families. "You all have worked hard to reach this point," Diantha said, her voice steady and reassuring. "You are the future of Kalos, the ones who will carry the torch of our region's legacy. As you move forward, remember that you represent the elite. And with that comes responsibility. You must always strive to be better, to be stronger, and to prove yourselves worthy of your talents."

Siebold followed, his tone more serious but just as encouraging. "Whatever career you choose, remember to always show discipline and learn from both your victories and your defeats," he added, his eyes sweeping over the spectators. "You've reached a new level today, but this is only the beginning. Keep pushing yourselves. The world is watching."

Then, the battle ensued. Siebold released his Pokémon first, calling forth Clawitzer, the potent Water-type with its massive cannon-like claw. The blue crustacean let out a deep, rumbling growl, its eyes locked onto its opponent. Diantha responded with her signature companion, Gardevoir, whose elegance belied its immense power. It was a humanoid entity whose celestial form floated above the ground, swaying like an angel's garment. The crowd went wild again, knowing they were about to witness something extraordinary.

As the pair of mighty brawlers commenced their fray, Jude felt the presence of his father behind him. The Ogre was here as an overseer, of course, though his attendance was more about appearances than anything else. Jude could feel Ray's piercing gaze even without turning around. The mogul leaned forward slightly, his voice low but steely.

"Watch carefully, Jude," Ray instructed, his tone leaving no room for objection. "Observe how they fight. This is the level you will need to reach—no, surpass. Your duty is to replace Diantha in the Elite 4, and this is where it starts." Jude swallowed, the knot of pressure in his chest tightening. The tournament hadn't even started, and already the tycoon was setting impossible expectations. Jude nodded, knowing better than to argue. He turned his attention back to the duel, doing his best to focus, even though his mind was anything but serene.

On the battleground, Gardevoir and Clawitzer clashed with awe-inspiring force. The angelic warrior moved with fluid grace, its psychic surges warping the arena, while the nimble crustacean countered with devastating blasts of boiling water. The public gasped and cheered at every move, but Jude could barely take it all in. His father's commands weighed heavily on him.

The combat wore on, each soldier showcasing the skill and strategy of its trainer. Clawitzer fired off a Hydro Pump, the beam of energy crackling toward its adversary. But with a flick of its hand, Gardevoir generated a protective shield that stopped the attack dead in its tracks with an explosion of light. Then, suddenly, the angelic Pokémon vanished, only to reappear behind its opponent in a flash. Before Clawitzer could react, Gardevoir imprisoned it in an electric sphere with a simple touch. The assault was terrifying, sapping the azure crustacean's forces and leaving it unconscious on the ground, totally overwhelmed.

Diantha and her guardian angel stood victorious, proudly waving to an ecstatic audience. The applause was so tumultuous that it could surely be heard throughout the capital. Jude's heart raced, but not with excitement—rather, with a gnawing sense of anxiety. "This is what you're up against," Ray's deep voice echoed behind him. "The best. But you're my son, and I expect you to be better. Knock Diantha off her pedestal, teach her the bitter taste of failure." It wasn't a request—it was an order.

Jude didn't reply. He couldn't. He simply acquiesced, his stomach twisting into knots as he stared at the Star of Kalos in all her glory. The tension was suffocating and the goal seemed unattainable. The praise he had earned as valedictorian felt hollow in comparison to the looming ambitions his father now laid before him.

The young Sharp finally opened his eyes, his memories immediately slipping from his thoughts. Since slumber was still far off, he decided to take one of his pills to make it easier to sleep. Jude let out a slow breath, trying to calm his nerves. He didn't know if he could live up to what the Ogre demanded of him. But he knew one thing—he would have to try, even if the path ahead seemed impossible. His conditioning naturally urged him never to give up, to fight with all his might to the very end.

In the vast fortified palace of the Azoth Kingdom, Child sat motionless on the edge of her bed, her small frame almost swallowed by the sheer size of the room. Despite being one of the largest and most luxurious chambers in the fortress, it felt empty, cold, like a gilded cage. The dark walls, decorated with lavish tapestries and old paintings, did little to chase away the sense of isolation that hung in the air.

Chandelure floated nearby, its eerie flames casting flickering shadows across the walls, filling the place with a dim, haunting light. It twirled gracefully around its trainer, its violet blaze flaring slightly as if to ask a question in its own silent, spectral language.

Child remained mute, her gaze distant and unfocused. She barely noticed the servant who timidly entered her room, pushing a small rolling table laden with her evening meal. The houseboy, well aware of Child's wicked nature and volatile temperament, kept his eyes averted as he nervously placed the tray beside her. He moved quickly, hoping to escape before she acknowledged his presence. He may have been new to the job, but he had heard the stories—everyone in the palace had. Child's cruelty was infamous, and few were brave enough to linger in her company.

But tonight, Child didn't seem interested in causing discord. She merely moved as the attendant retreated from the room, grateful to have avoided her ire. The heavy door closed behind him with a soft thud, and the place once again fell into an uneasy silence. Chandelure twirled once more, hovering close to its mistress. It seemed to be asking if she wanted to start eating, its fire sparkling with curiosity. Child finally stirred, her red eyes blinking as if shaking off a daze.

"I'm not hungry," she muttered quietly, her voice soft but hollow. She raised her head slightly to glance at the phantom entity, her only companion in this reclusive life. "You can have it if you like."

Chandelure's flames flared brighter for a moment, and then it descended toward the tray of tasty dishes. Despite being a Ghost-type Pokémon, Chandelure could somehow ingest food by absorbing it into its ethereal blazes, an odd yet mesmerizing process. It began to feed, its purple light wavering gently as it consumed the feast intended for its trainer.

But Child didn't care, her mind was elsewhere. She stared blankly at the darkened window across the room, her thoughts swirling uncontrollably as flashes of her past resurfaced, images she had long tried to bury. They were more than just memories—they were nightmares, vivid and raw, and they clawed at the edges of her consciousness.

She saw herself as a small girl again, no older than six. The night had been dark and cold, the kind of night that made the stars seem distant and unreachable. Child had been in her family's small farmhouse, nestled deep in the sprawling Kalosian countryside. She remembered the smell of damp earth, the sound of wind howling through the cracks in the wooden walls. She had been assisting her relatives with their work on the farm, as she always did, her tiny hands covered in dirt from tending to the crops.

But that night, everything changed. She remembered the sudden arrival of royal guards, their armor clinking ominously as they stepped into the farmhouse. The way the cold air had rushed in when they opened the door, making her shiver. Her parents had been tense, silent, standing off to the side as if they had been expecting the soldiers but didn't dare speak. Child had been confused, unsure of what was happening, but she soon found out.

Carelessly, the guards seized her, their rough hands pulling her away from her berth, chaining her wrists with cold, iron shackles. She remembered the panic that had surged through her small body, the terror in her voice as she screamed and struggled.

"Let me go !" she had cried. "I didn't do anything wrong ! Please !" But her tormentors didn't listen. They were there on orders—orders from King AZ, the absolute ruler of Kalos at the time. They had no interest in her protests.

Child had looked to her parents, desperate for help, for some explanation. She had begged them to stop these brutal men, to save her. But these cowards didn't move. They didn't even look at her. They had stood in the corner, their faces pale and blank, as one of the guards handed her father a generous purse of money. A transaction. She had been sold, like livestock.

The betrayal had cut deeper than the shackles around her wrists. "Why are you doing this to me ? Answer me ! Please, somebody help me !" Child had screamed louder, had thrashed with all her might, trying to break free. But she was just a kid, and the soldiers were strong. One of them, tired of her resistance, had struck her hard across the face with the handle of his spear. The pain had been blinding, and then everything went black.

Child's body shuddered involuntarily as these tortuous thoughts dissipated. Her breath came in short, ragged gasps, and she pressed her hands to her face, as if trying to push the memories away. She didn't understand why they still haunted her after all this time—Over three centuries of conquest, of survival, and still the pain was fresh, as though it had happened yesterday.

Chandelure noticed the distress in its mistress and stopped eating. Its hazy embers dimmed slightly as it floated closer, circling around Child protectively, its silent presence offering some form of comfort. It nudged her gently, the soft light of its flames casting a faint glow over her bleak face.

Child didn't flinch at the touch. Instead, she let her hands drop into her lap, her scarlet eyes staring ahead, glassy and distant. She didn't cry—she hadn't cried in ages—but the turmoil within her was unmistakable. "Why now ?" she whispered to herself, her voice thinly audible. "Why does it still haunt me ? After all these years…"

She clenched her fists tightly, and her sharp teeth gritted. No matter how powerful she had become, no matter how high she climbed in the ranks of Kalos, the scars of her past still bled in the quiet moments. The betrayal of her family, the callousness of her sovereign—none of it had faded with time.

Child's crimson eyes twinkled with anger, then sadness, then back to cold detachment. "It doesn't matter," she mused. "None of it matters anymore." Chandelure nestled closer to her, its flames casting soft shadows over the walls. It didn't speak, but its presence was enough. Child hugged her Pokémon like a stuffed toy, a rare gesture of affection she was still capable of. For now, it was all she had to keep the darkness at bay. The past could never be undone. But the future… the future still held possibilities, and she would stop at nothing to carve out her place in it.

To be continued