[Yandere Meowscarada x Reader] I'll Make Them All Disappear!

22 | Count Your Blessings

It's nigh impossible for you to get the sound of applause out of your head. The noise throbs through your mind, playing on and on until the walls of your skull are riddled with aches. There would be no problem if those cheers and that collective applaud were directed at you. Much to your disappointment, it was not. The crowd around Mesagoza's battle court had sprinted forward, encircling Nemona and her Skeledirge, some eagerly requesting autographs, others plainly congratulating the girl to no end. In the meantime, you stood on your side of the court, the lonely side, wondering if anyone would bear the thought of outstretching congratulations to you. Not for winning, for your effort.

Alas, not a single soul paid attention to you. The alleged Legendary Trainer was left to wallow in their defeat. The only speck of attention you received while Nemona upheld praise of the world was Nurse Joy's appearance. She tended to Meowscarada as quickly as possible, and although you were grateful, you couldn't shake that cold, bitter feeling gnawing at your flesh. That putrid taste in your mouth. A taste you hadn't tasted in a long, long time.

That was the taste of defeat.

* * *

Back at home, you sit on the couch staring absentmindedly into space. Into nothing. The TV is off, the blinds are shut. Even the soft sparkling of the Christmas lights, that of which you have yet to take down in hopes of sustaining some good vibes in the house, are unable to draw your attention. Worse yet, Meowscarada is in the corner of the room, striking the wall with her fists. You lift your chin and look to her, watching the feline constantly shift from paw to paw, hitting the bare wall over and over.

Thud. Thud. Thud.

"Stop that," you say.

Thud. Thud. Thud.

"Meowscarada, I'm talking to you."

Thud. Thud. Thud. Meowscarada continues striking the wall, hitting harder with every word you utter. She doesn't turn around, doesn't hesitate, just keeps punching the wall to let out her frustration.

"You're gonna break the wall," you warn her. "Stop."

Thud. Thud. Thud.

"Hey!"

Meowscarada finally turns to you when you shout. Her eyes are still as red as they were before and during the battle. She's still peeved. Her anger is nearly palpable; it's like whatever emotion she's chock full of has burst out of the seams, now filling the air within the house. It grows heavy and thick, weighted beneath Meowscarada's stony glare. You clear your throat, trying to mimic her display of hostility, yet you just don't have it in you right now. You're angry too. You had a long victory streak going for some time against a few wandering trainers as well as the gyms. Today, that streak ended. Meowscarada knows it. You know it. You're both certainly feeling the sensation of guilty defeat.

Quiet, you pat your lap, gesturing for Meowscarada to sit in it. She looks between you and the wall, poised to strike the house some more before reluctantly giving in and coming over to you to take solace in the warmth of your lap. Settling in, your partner leans into your chest, allowing you to reassuringly pet her.

"Cheer up," you say, "it's not the end of the world. One little loss. That's it."

"Meow."

"Ugh... I know that look in your eye..."

"Meow-scara!"

"We've talked about this. We don't need that Tera Orb. I know almost everyone has one, but we're strong without it."

Meowscarada shakes her head. "Mrow."

"I know, I know. She beat us because of that thing. I get it. But you're already plenty powerful without a little upgrade."