Chapter 7: Modesty

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The League Ball sat snugged in Kairi's hand as she entered her key card into its slot and entered her room. They were finally finished with the required Pokémon Seminars for the night. Today's was on the importance of status conditions. Albeit, one of the lesser topics Kairi was familiar with, it was brutal to concentrate when she knew a fully breathing Pokémon was by her side.

Laying down on her bed, she checked the time. The final interviews would be starting in 15 minutes.

Two nights previously, she only had a brief moment with Zorua on stage before she had to return him to his Ball and wait in the next room for everyone else to finish. Kairi had sat there, doing her best to not break down in joy then. She had been glad the cameras weren't on her, especially from what her tears did to her makeup.

Arriving back, Hazel had nearly tackled her in a hug, congratulating her on her pull. Unfortunately, their encounter was very brief, and they had to submit to their curfew. Likewise, Kairi was also told that she couldn't bring her new Pokémon down to the hotel lobby to watch the third night of interviews. A security precaution, apparently. While initially disappointed, Kairi had reassured Hazel that they would both meet both of each other's Pokémon during their training seminar that was to take place after all the challengers had pulled their Pokémon. It was painful for Kairi to watch the third night.

A few hours ago, Hazel had left, along with the last quarter of challengers, to endure the same beauty process that everyone else had. Kairi, knowing she would be alone, made the decision to watch Hazel's interview in her room. It also allowed her to formally meet her new partner.

After a few seconds of admiring the League Ball itself, Kairi tossed it up gently, releasing Zorua, who landed on the bedsheets in front of her.

She admired his black and grey fur along with the splotches of red. Likewise, his blue eyes also stood out. Kairi had concluded that Zorua was absolutely adorable the moment she laid her eyes on him.

"Hey little guy..." Kairi voiced softly. "My name is Kairi...and I'm your new Trainer." She reached out to pet him. It was weird to call herself that.

Your new Trainer. Kinda rolled off the tongue, right? Okay, maybe not.

Zorua slowly backed away, avoiding her hand, watching her carefully. Kairi tried again, slower this time, but he still evaded her.

"Hey..." Kairi responded. "Don't be afraid..." She tried again to the same result, with Zorua retreating under the covers this time.

Kairi knew this must've been hard for him anyway. She could sympathize hesitating to meet a complete stranger. She pulled off the covers. However, instead of Zorua, she saw a complete perfect copy of herself sitting across from her. It was like she was looking into a mirror.

While initially surprised, Kairi quickly understood. She had read about Zorua in the encyclopedia, including the power that it, along its evolved form, had.

The damn illusion ability. It's like watching yourself from a third person narrative.

Zorua, in the form of Kairi, suddenly got up and ran to the bathroom. Kairi, herself, quickly followed, just in time to prevent him from locking the door.

"Zorua!" Kairi called. "I'm not here to hurt you! Please!" She suddenly felt the dread of being rejected by a Pokémon. It didn't happen often in Arim, but it sure stung when it did. Kairi's heart would've shattered if that was the case.

After a few minutes, Kairi managed to push the door open and enter the bathroom. At first glance, Zorua was hidden. He wasn't behind the shower curtains, in the tub, nor around the toilet. Then she saw the small figure hiding under the sink.

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