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"And he does it again! Our new Kalos Champion Jabari Revere has successfully defended his title against Drasna!" the announcer exclaimed as the cheers reverberated through the stadium. Even the people watching it on the large plasma screen TV at the small cafe in Lumiose City could feel the glorious atmosphere in the stadium as the newest champion Jabari celebrated his win by hugging his Greninja. The young champion looked stunning in a Tapu Fini-inspired wetsuit, his shoulder-length dreads flowing behind him as he rushed to embrace his starter and ace.
The cheers got even louder when his boyfriend, Cyllage Gym Leade Grant rushed onto the field to give him a celebratory kiss on the lips. Even Drasna who was comforting her fallen Altaria had a genuine smile on her face.
"Jabari has really taken to being a champion hasn't he?" said Sycamore as he primly sipped his espresso while glancing at his companion.
"Yes...he sure has," said Diantha softly. Anyone who just knew Diantha as the acclaimed actress would not be able to detect the trace hints of sadness in her tone. But the professor knew the now former champion better.
"He's still ignoring your calls to help with the transition?"
"Blocked my number and everything," Diantha said with a small laugh “Unless it’s a mandatory league meeting or a champion’s conference he won’t even speak to me”
"You know Diantha I can talk to Jabari to see if we can arrange an-"
"No, no it's fine" Diantha cut in her hands held out in a placating manner. The serene demeanor she held in public usually dropped for a second. It reminded him of simpler times. Him, Diantha...and Lysandre...up in the dorms of Lumiose City University complaining about exams and essays due.
Arceus, Lysandre...why? the professor thought bitterly
On the large plasma screen, the tournament now forgotten by the two old friends, shows Jabari holding his second gold champion trophy. He pushes up his glasses as they slipped slightly down his face. His deep dark brown skin seems to glow under the Kalosian Sun.
"Di" Sycamore said as he reached out to grasp one of her hands. Diantha shook her head
"I have no right to be involved with him after failing to help and his friends," she said simply, bowing her head as a recent, painful memory flashed before her eyes
----
Diantha was in her champion's room watching Jabari calmly walk in. She had been told by the league to be expecting a challenger that morning. He was already at her chamber by noon. Jabari was not in his champion wetsuit get up as he was on the screen in the cafe. Instead, he wore simple blue jeans, a black t-shirt with Greninja's shuriken etched on it, and simple black lace-up boots.
It pained her to admit it, but she didn't recognize the young man at first as she began her usual spiel as champion.
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"Welcome at last, dear Trainer. As you must know, I am the Champion, Diantha," she started.
"Really? Could've sworn champions help out when a madman attempts genocide" Jabari responded simply but pointedly, his brilliant blue eyes locking on to her own blue ones.
A jolt went through the young woman at his words. There was endless guilt she felt at not being there to stop her old friend. Maybe he'd still be alive, maybe those children wouldn't have had to put themselves in danger.
It was then she recognized him
"...Oh, but you are... You're the one I spoke to in Lumiose City and Coumarine City, aren't you?! Then that means that you are also the one that dear Augustine said... Of course! How could I--?! " she said, the flush of embarrassment filling her cheeks. Good glory to Arceus this was going south quickly.
"How could you've known when you weren't even around" Jabari finished her sentence he said with a resigned sigh. Diantha could see the young man's aura twitching around him furiously. If it was anyone else, someone who couldn't see auras like Diantha could...they wouldn't realize how (rightfully) upset he was at her.
He'd make a good actor, controlling his emotions like that , she thought
"Oh, I must look like such a fool not to recognize you sooner!" she continued, receiving a small nod from her soon-to-be opponent. Ouch, but fair.
"You and your Pokémon are the ones who stopped Team Flare for us all! It seems wrong of me to say this, but thank you!"
"Thank you...for doing your job?" Jabari asked, his eyebrow quirking upwards.
"Yes, you did what I should've done" Diantha admitted "You saved us all..."
Jabari closed his eyes and turned walking away from the actress, to stand at the challengers' side. The referee, who had stepped in during the tense back and forth looked at both trainers nervously. Jabari took a deep breath, his aura steeling into absolute resolve as he looked at Diantha, not with a look of anger or hatred, but with pure determination.
His aura spoke what his mouth refused. Don’t trip, I'm gonna take that champion title off your hands for you.
And that he did.
----
"Di?" Augustine said quietly but urgently, snapping the now ex-champion out of her memories. Diantha lifted her head to meet the gaze of her old college friend. Augustine gasped at the unshed tears in her eyes.
"You know, I play many roles both on-screen and in real life. Sometimes you're just the extra. Other times the plucky sidekick. At times the dashing hero...and others...the villain," Diantha said. "It's clear the role I play in Jabari's life. I can't expect forgiveness from him so soon, if ever. The toll he and his friends paid for my absence. I can barely forgive myself"
Augustine sighed at his friend's words. He was grateful they were in a more secluded part of the cafe where prying eyes couldn't see his friend. He wanted to console her, tell her not to blame herself. The league as a whole didn't help, and there were investigations as to whether Malva was interfering with the league’s intelligence on the situation
But regardless of that, when Lysandre sent that final message on the Holo Caster...something should've been done. The gym leaders, the elite four, Diantha should’ve done something.
Yet it was left to five youths who just wanted an ordinary journey.