Pokemon: Alexandrite & Topaz

Chapter 48: The Room Where It Happens

11:09 PM.

Kimyona sat at the diner, looking down at the table and taking occasional sips of her hot coffee. She completely forgot she would be facing Sentoki since they were the last two finalists.

"There is literally no way for me to beat him. The way his Pokemon and him communicate and work together ... it's impossible for me to win," thought Kimyona to herself. Her moment of victory and triumph didn't even get to last five minutes; now, she just feels hopelessness and despondency.

"Hey, you busy?"

Kimyona looked up. It was Hikaru.

"Oh, uh, no," said Kimyona as she looked back into her now almost empty mug. Hikaru examined her posture. Drooping eyes, her mug clutched in her hands, head low, back slouched, elbows in.

"You're scared. No, nervous. Of tomorrow," spoke up Hikaru.

Kimyona was still looking down. Then she finally spoke up, "Where's Sentoki?"

"No idea. Probably training like he always is."

Kimyona was quiet once again.

"Hey I-" Hikaru suddenly withdrew her words. "I... umm..."

Kimyona lifted her head very slightly but just enough for Hikaru to notice.

"I came here to help you win."

Kimyona lifted her head even more.

"I'm sorry but," Hikaru sighed, "I really don't think you are, um, capable to beat Sentoki."

Kimyona's head dropped and she began to get up.

"Hey wait," Hikaru grabbed her arm, "I want you to win. Someone 'ought to teach Sentoki that he can't always win and I want that person to be you."

Kimyona looked down at Hikaru's hand then at Hikaru. "How exactly do you plan on doing that?" she questioned in a hopeless manner.

"Ever since I witnessed his first battle, I have been analyzing his fighting style. And with just the right training and communication, you can do what it takes to beat him. I know you can do it. I know it. Please let me help you," pleaded Hikaru.

Finally, a small sense of reassurance came to her, "Fine."

"Awesome," said Hikaru with relief, "We're gonna meet at the nearest practice field from here tomorrow at 10. Besides, we still have two days." Hikaru let go of Kimyona.

The two girls parted ways with Kimyona heading back to their room first. Hikaru exited the diner and turned a different direction than Kimyona and headed to the Pokemon Center. She fired up the PC and made a call.

"Oh hey Hikaru! How are things?"

"Good, thanks for asking. Question: when will he be here?"

"Oh yeah! He should be there tomorrow in the morning, I'd say around 10?"

"Excellent! Sounds great."

"Alright Hikaru, you take care now."

"Thank you, Lance."

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9:51 AM.

"Shit," said Kimyona as she woke up and checked the time," I have to meet with Hikaru at 10."

She scrambled to her feet and got ready. Kimyona quickly grabbed her Pokeballs and ran out to the field where she was supposed to meet Hikaru.