To be the Very Best (Pokémon X Male Reader)

Black and White Part 2 Chapter 9 - Nightmare 004 - Strangled Black

Gretel's breath came in short gasps as she ran through the dimly lit corridors of Team Plasma's castle. The stone walls, once her sanctuary, now felt like the bars of a cage. Each step echoed louder than the last, the sound of her boots against the cold floor matching the frantic beat of her heart. She knew she had to keep moving, had to get out before anyone noticed she was gone. The walls seemed to close in on her as she turned a corner, almost expecting to see the cold, calculating eyes of her father, Ghetsis, waiting for her.

But instead, she ran into someone else—Concordia. The older woman's eyes widened in surprise before softening with understanding.

"Gretel," Concordia whispered, glancing around nervously. "What are you doing?"

"I can't stay here," Gretel replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "I need to leave, Concordia. I can't be a part of this anymore."

Concordia hesitated, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and resignation. She had always been the more compassionate of the two sisters who served her, but now that duty fell to N. She had always tried to balance her loyalty to Team Plasma with her love for the people within it. And she had a special place in her heart for Gretel, who had grown up in the shadow of her father's tyranny.

"I know," Concordia finally said, her voice trembling slightly. "I've seen the pain this place has caused you. But where will you go? What will you do?"

Gretel looked down, her hands trembling. She didn't have an answer. All she knew was that she couldn't stay. "I don't know," she admitted, her voice thick with uncertainty. "But I can't stay here."

Concordia nodded, her expression determined now. She took Gretel's hand and pulled her into a small, hidden room near the castle's exit. Inside, she handed Gretel a Pokéball.

Gretel blinked at the ball in her hand. "What's this?" she asked, her voice shaky.

"A Deino," Concordia replied, smiling sadly. "It was meant to be a gift from... I raised it myself. It's strong, but it needs a trainer who can help it grow. I think it could be of help to you out there."

Gretel stared at the Pokéball, feeling a weight in her chest. She didn't know what to say. She had never expected help, let alone from someone like Concordia.

"Thank you," Gretel finally managed to say, her voice thick with emotion.

Concordia stepped closer, placing a hand on Gretel's shoulder. "I wish you didn't have to go, but I know there's no changing your mind." Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "Just... be careful, Gretel. The world outside is not as forgiving as this place, as hard as that is to believe."

Gretel nodded, unable to speak. She could feel the sting of tears behind her own eyes, but she blinked them away. She had to be strong. There was no room for weakness now.

Together, they made their way to the castle's hidden exit. The door creaked open, revealing the vast, darkened landscape outside. For a moment, Gretel hesitated, the enormity of what she was about to do crashing down on her.

Concordia turned to her, her voice gentle. "What will you do now, Gretel? Now that you're free?"

Gretel stared out at night; the Pokéball still clutched in her hand. The question hung in the air, unanswered. The truth was, she didn't know. She had spent so long planning her escape that she hadn't thought about what would come after. The future seemed like a vast, empty void stretching out before her, full of possibilities but also terrifyingly uncertain.

She looked down at the Pokéball in her hand, then back at Concordia. "I... I don't know," she finally admitted, her voice barely audible.

Concordia gave her a sad, understanding smile. "That's okay. You'll find your way."