Odds Against Us Ch15

☆Odds Against Us☆



Part 15 – Piecing Together


Exiting the Gym in Opelucid, I felt a slight chill go up my spine. And it wasn't from the late autumn breeze. Dex bumped into me, since I had stopped in my tracks, with him right behind me. The messy haired boy blinked at me and asked, "You okay?" Not answering at first, I frowned. I have a feeling... I shook my thoughts away, and replied to Dexter, "Yeah." Then, in an attempt to change the subject, I inquired, "So, what'd you think about the Gym battle?" It took a moment for Dex to answer; he seemed to be mulling over his choice of words carefully. Then, "I-it wasn't terrible..." He was staring at the ground, his Tepig in his arms, "But... I don't really believe in Pokémon battles." I stared, surprised, "So... you don't battle... at all?" Shaking his head, Dex smiled uneasily - "Uh... I used to kick Trainers' knees to get away..."

I didn't know whether to laugh or to smack him. So I did a combination. Ninja-chopping the top of his head, I giggled, "You idiot!" He blinked at me, stunned at my chuckling. Then, the shiver was back. I felt it travel up my spine, and I unconsciously looked over to the North. Something's wrong. I couldn't place it, but... I had a feeling that whatever was causing trouble, N had something to do with it. Speaking of N... "Team Plasma kinda vanished after their speech earlier, huh?" I commented idly, not really paying attention to much else. Out of the corner of my eye, Dex tensed, but laughed uneasily; "M-maybe they've gone to the Elite Four—" The sound of him slapping a hand over his own mouth made me turn. I raised a curious eyebrow. What's up with him? Then it hit me – and I got up in Dexter's face, cerulean eyes narrowed, "How do you know they would go to the Elite Four?!" Ghetsis hadn't mentioned the Pokémon League at all in the part of the speech I heard, so unless it was mentioned ahead of time... "Dex, what do you know that I don't?"

His retort shocked me; "A lot! But why would it matter to you if they're going to the Elite Four? It's not like you have some vendetta against them or something." I gulped, and looked downwards, staring at the ground to my right. But Dexter wasn't done. "C-can I tell you something...?" Instantly, a flash-back sent me to the ferris-wheel. With N sitting beside me, looking out the glass windows, the brim of his hat shading his eyes as he spoke the fated words. I saw N turn towards me, and his mouth opened, but it wasn't his familiar tone that spoke to me; "I'm in Team Plasma." It was Dex's voice. All at once, I snapped back to reality, the memory shoved back in the corner of my mind, and I stared.

"Y-you're... what?"

To my repulsion, my words came out shaky, and I swallowed nervously. Please let me be hearing things. He didn't answer me, simply staring down at his Tepig. Then his words finally sunk in. My feet seemed to weigh a thousand tons, rooting me to the spot, making me immobile. "Oh..." I managed to say after awhile. If he doesn't know who I am... The silence was agonizing. It reminded me of when I encountered N on SkyArrow Bridge. Slowly, I managed a strained smile, saying reassuringly while patting his arm stiffly, "That's okay. If you believe in their views, you have the right to join them." But I blinked, spotting his Tepig, and added, "Don't you have to give up your Pokémon, though?" "Oh," Dex seemed almost relieved at how I slightly veered the subject away, "Well, N made an exception for me—" He gasps, cutting himself off at the same moment my heart reacted to N's name. There was more silence. "Dex..." I begin cautiously, "Isn't N..." My true love? The man I haven't seen in quite some time? The one I'll have to fight within a couple days?"... Team Plasma's King?"

"Y-yes..."

"Are you two friends?"

He sighed reluctantly, "Yeah..." "You don't sound happy about that..." I murmured. The Pokémon collector sighed again, and looked at me; "Let's find a place to sit down."

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The chatter of aimless passengers and returnees filled the blue-haired woman's ears. She wore an inconspicuous dark hooded sweatshirt and dark leggings - like a human shadow. Her eyes glinted beneath the rim of the fabric as she peered at the travelers mingling around her. It was a docking station, with large yachts floating aimlessly in the water, people boarding and leaving in a stream of colors. Waiting in line, she glanced around at Castelia City's large skyscrapers and office buildings. Never again would she set foot in this region, unless ordered to by Boss. "Tch," she clucked her tongue distastefully. Not that she desired to, of course. She preferred the solitude that was within the headquarters of Sinnoh.

"Ma'am?"

Jolting back to alertness, the woman snapped her head to look at the boarding man in charge of ushering people into the ships. Not saying anything, she starts to move past him onto the exclusive-access ramp. "Hey, you can't—" She felt him reach after her, and automatically whipped a hand back to snatch his wrist in midair. A collective gasp sounded from onlookers. Slowly, the woman turned her head to gaze icily at the now trembling worker. So low. So pathetic. "I believe," she uttered low, as to not let outsiders hear, "That my boss has given the correct amount of payment for my access." Gulping, the man shakily nodded, and the woman released her grip on his flimsy arm. "Ah, pardon me. I didn't recognize you at first, Com—" "Imbecile!" she hissed, eyes flashing. "Never call me by that in public. You should recall my other name, before I leak word of your disrespect."

He gaped, paling, and bowed low. "My apologies..." Hesitating, it was clear that he was searching in his head for her name. In a flash, the woman had the front of his shirt in a tight hold. Many passers-by's stared in surprise. Pulling his face close, the blue-haired woman purred menacingly, "It's Tora."

She dropped him, and he nearly crumpled, trembling under her fierce gaze. Sniffing in disdain, the woman spun on her heels and marched off.

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In a small daze, I began my trip to Victory Road. My footsteps were slower than normal, as I was mulling over the information that had been shoved into my noggin only fifteen minutes ago.

Dexter and I sit at a bench, isolated from large groups of people. The boy next to me shuffles his feet nervously. I wait, patiently, for him to explain away some of the confusion. The first words out of his mouth were: "I used to have a thing for Burgh."

I couldn't hide my surprise, and I didn't say anything. Dex went on, not looking at me, staring anxiously at the ground instead, "I-I didn't realize my sexuality until after I started my journey. I met Burgh in Pinwheel Forest, and..." A dry laugh comes out of his chest. "Well, it startled me. But, when I told him, he rejected me..." A lot of pain was in his voice as he finished the statement. My hand reached out and rubbed his arm comfortingly. He finally looked at me, smiling shakily. Dex continued; "I'd met N before that, though, and we were only simple acquaintances. In fact, I ran into him at Nacrene City as well, right as I was passing the Gym. Heh, that day was crazy. But, eventually, it led to me joining Team Plasma and... falling in love with N."

I stiffened, quite noticeably, causing Dexter to stop talking and stare at me. "Something wrong, Lotta?" Immediately I shook my head, stammering out for him to keep going. He shrugged, chuckling, "Not much else left to say." Soon, we were both standing again, ready to part ways. At first, we didn't know what to say – then Dex grinned broadly as he made a two-fingered salute to me. "I'll be rooting for you while you're at the Elite Four, Lotta…" Without waiting for my response, the Pokémon-lover, Team Plasma member, and my friend, walked away.

My eyes close for a moment, and I stop. "N, why didn't you tell me you had a friend other than me?" Not that I was jealous or anything, but… I wish that he could trust me. Unless, of course, he was worried to tell me – after-all, Dex is a Plasma.

"Lotta!" A voice calls from behind me, and my eyes snap open. Half-turning my head, I spot both Cheren and Bianca heading towards me in a fast jog. Bianca trips several times, almost sprawling onto the dirt path as she desperately tries to keep up with our other friend. That said friend came up to me and placed a hand on my shoulder, out of breath, using me for support. A small blush crept up my neck, and I smiled at them, trying to ignore how invasive Cheren is being in my personal bubble. The fact that the last time we saw each other was when he confessed to me didn't help.

"How are you, Lotta?" Bianca asks, placing her hands on her knees as she catches her breath. Her green hat is slightly skewed, of kilter on her usually tidy head of hair. Man, did they run a marathon? "What are you two doing here?" I bluntly ask, blinking once. Cheren straightens, not removing his hand; "We came to see if you really were going to challenge the League already."

Our old rivalry flashes in his eyes, and I feel somewhat relieved. "Yes," I answer, "I've got all Gym Badges, so why not?" I obviously know the other reason why he was here. He wanted to see, for once and for all, who is really worthy. And now, I don't think he'll hold back.

Yes, he's been holding back. His feelings towards me had probably made him go easy on me all those times – and that really irritates me, as now I will have no idea of what to expect. Was he going super soft on me, or was he just barely holding back? I can't help but wonder that as I pull out my Pokéballs. He nods, knowing that I had received his hidden message, and takes out his own.

The loud pops echo through the air as we start our match.

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Grimsley gasps for air as his last Pokémon falls. "No…" he whispers, staring at the green-haired opponent across the room. "You… didn't even need to switch Pokémon…" That was true. Only the powerful legendary had ever entered the battlefield, the other team-members remaining a mystery. A tiny grin morphed on the teenager's face, and he calmly told Zekrom to head outside. In an instant, the black dragon was gone. Slowly, the victor strode over the threshold, finally stopping in front of the third Elite Four member. Grimsley had collapsed, now on his knees, staring blankly at the ground. He hadn't lost since… In fact, he'd never lost before. Not while he was a part of the League. N bent slightly, so that he could speak in an undertone to the dark-haired man: "You were defeated not because your Pokémon are weak, but because you have trapped them against their will. They are unhappy with you – you say you're the best, but you never were. Without your Pokémon, you would be nothing."

The Hero left, not even glancing back at his former opponent once.

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"… You beat me again, Lotta."

Those were the first words that Cheren spoke after his Liepard collapsed to the ground, fainted. I had won – and it had been much more difficult than the other battles I had had with him. Was it because he had gotten stronger? Or had he really been holding back a ton during the other times? I'll never get the guts to ask him. I probably won't like the answer. My response to Cheren is a friendly nod, as I return my Krookodile to his Pokéball. Bianca had watched the shared blows with awe, and finally managed to find her voice, "Wow! You both are amazing!" Cheren and I didn't break eye-contact. I could tell he was hurting on the inside – no one wants to be defeated in a battle like that. We gripped hands in a firm shake, and a faintly disappointed grin was curved at the edges of his mouth. "Lotta, you're going to totally beat Alder. And, if worst comes to worst, you'll definitely win against N." The loathing in his voice was unhidden as he mentioned N's name. My smile twitched, threatening to turn into a defensive frown. But Cheren wasn't done, "But, anyway, I wish you the best of luck."

And then he kissed me.

Cheren had lightly pulled my arm so that I leaned towards him, right as he went in for the kill. Our lips touched softly, and I felt my eyes grow large. Shock coursed through me, making me unresponsive. Just as quickly as it happened, Cheren pulled away. He released my hand, and stepped back. I wobbled, my words stumbling over my tongue as I tried to say something, with it only coming out as incoherent stuttering. My mind is a pile of mush, and I can't really define what I'm feeling. Definitely surprised – also, I'm reluctant to admit, that I sort of… liked it.

Without another remark, Cheren turned and started to stroll away leisurely. My blonde friend look just as flustered as I felt, her face slowly turning red with either envy or embarrassment, "Uh, well…" she somehow said, "Y'know, I hope you do great, too." An awkward pause followed, and Bianca quickly rotated on her heels, starting to jog after our friend. Calling over her shoulder, she waved goodbye, "Good luck, Lotta!"

I watch despondently, as my two friends walk away together, the choices they make not having an effect on the entire region – or even the world. How is it, I wonder, that I'm supposed to be the Hero of Unova, and yet… still feel so alone?

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Gasping, I slide down yet another slope on Victory Rode. Despite this being my fifth time – yes, I have been counting – going down the steep hill, my feet still automatically scrambled for solid ground. Suddenly, my shoe caught on something, dislodging the culprit and myself, sending me tumbling head-over-heels down the slanted earth. "GYAAAAHH!!!!" I screamed, and finally hit the dirt below. For a moment, I laid there. That was painful. I thought, at last sitting up again. I glanced back behind me, spotting the cause of my abrupt trip downhill. A small amber-red stone, with rounded-points sticking out of the circumference, was perched beside my foot. I picked it up gingerly, turning it over in my hand. "Huh." I muttered, sticking the interesting rock into my bag. I got to my feet, and headed into the closest cave entrance.

A few minutes later, I emerged at the top of the mountain known as Victory Road. I wandered over to the lip of the path. Wind whipped my hair around, blown by an updraft and ruffling my black vest. It seemed so high up from the entrance, so far away…

Turning, I spotted a magnificent gate. It arched over an opening, leading into a long pathway, the end misted with an impenetrable fog. I gulped, gradually forcing my sneakers to step forward. Bit by bit, I made my way down the gulley, glancing around anxiously. I seemed so utterly alone…

The mist parted.

I saw a large, grand building looming before me. A circular platform was fenced in, with a marvelous statue in the center, four sets of steps leading off into different towers. Mountainous rocky hills framed the entire League, the tips hidden by more mist. A man sat on guard, and noticed me. He stood, starting forward and began to say, "If you wish to challenge the Elite Four, you'll have to register – unless you're here to watch the current competitor."

My heart stopped. "… 'Current competitor'?" I repeated, my voice a hushed whisper. The world around me swayed, and I felt the man grip my arm, steadying me. "N… he's here…" I blubbered, my mouth no longer working. "He's here, he's here, he's here, he's already here…" "Miss, are you okay?"

After taking a few steady breathes, I regained my senses. Eyes darting to the League, wondering which building N might be in, I state, "I'm fine." Sighing, I shut my blue eyes. "Where do I register?"

He directed me towards a smaller building to the far left. I was there within a second, standing in the practically empty structure. A nurse waits to assist me, offering to heal my Pokémon while I sign up. Taking the sheet, I fill it out.

Full Name: Lotta White
Age: 15
DOB: March 16th, 2006
Starter Pokémon: Oshawott
Health Ailments: None
League Attempt: 1st

I set the pen down, and turn-in my sheet, just as my Pokémon finish healing. Taking back my friends, I casually inquire to the nurse, "Has anyone else registered today?" She thinks for a moment, then nods, smiling; "Why, yes. A small group of people came to register a young man. I heard that he's practically unbeatable."

"…Oh." I say, blinking slowly. He is here.

I walk out, taking out Petal so she can take a look around. I've always had a soft spot for my little baby, and even though I'm reluctant to, I send her out into battles as often as I can. Even though she's still petite, I can tell how strong she's gotten over the weeks since she hatched. She cooed quietly, and I hugged her. Suddenly, she squirmed and hopped out of my arms, landing on my bag, starting to dig around in it. "H-hey!" I gasped out, startled, and grabbed her, pulling her back, "What are you—?"

Petal had the strange stone in her mouth, and her eyes sparkled. Then, her body began to glow blindingly in my hands. Instantly, I felt her growing larger, so I tossed her in front of me, so that she expanded in mid-air. With a graceful landing, the light dimmed, revealing something much more beautiful than the Petilil she used to be. A gorgeous Lilligant stood before me, her flower-bloom opening elegantly as she called out, "Lilli!" The apparent Sun Stone was no longer in her maw, and she dashed over to hug me tightly. My Lilligant was about the same size as me now, and I felt joy overwhelm me. "Petal – you evolved! And you're simply stunning!" Amidst the celebrating I was having with my friend, I didn't hear the person approach behind me.

That is, until she spoke up. "Lotta." Her voice was familiar, and I blinked. I spun around, and smiled. "Hi, Ailis!" I greeted brightly. She grinned as well, only it was more timid. Her black hair layered around her face as she tipped her head a bit. "Lotta, remember when I first met you? And how I told you I wanted to battle you someday?"

Ailis lifted her head, staring me in the eye, her own dark ones glinting with a fiery determination. "Today is that day."