Chapter Text
Dear Diary,
I think my brain still can't process the fact that it’s actually over. We did it. We did all the celebrations and grieving and cleaning and rebuilding, and now… I don't know what's next.
I’m not going back to my parents, that's for sure. I’ve made enough of a place for myself here that I don't have to worry about being forced back there due to financial troubles. I mean, I had a plan for finding a job here, but that kind of all went out the window as soon as I left the platform and ran into Taunie. And got my bag stolen. I’m glad most Pokémon and people in Lumiose City don't act like that.
…I can't believe I’m writing about this next part, but I really just have to get over it and put my thoughts onto paper.
Corbeau. It feels embarrassing just to write his name here!! I mean, I’ve written about him here before but that was when I thought of him as the Rust Syndicate, and a loan shark… And called his glasses ugly. But then I realized he's just making people do some community service in return for sizable amounts of money. He just talks all scary and has a lethal resting bitch face. But his face… UGHH I can't deal with this anymore!!!
I didn't write about it here at the time because I kinda had bigger things going on with, you know, saving Lumiose and all that, and I felt stupid writing about this sort of thing when that was going on, but now it's done. And… I really like Corbeau. Romantically, I mean.
OKAY LISTEN. I think it started with finding out that he just makes people do community service instead of being an actual loan shark. It was so endearing, I immediately thought he was adorable for putting on such a big scary act when he was actually just a sweetheart. And he seems to genuinely think he is an evil, evil man!! Like, he’s so stupid. I love it.
But then, he started complimenting me. A lot. And he sounds so genuine when he does it, but I really can't tell if it is truly genuine? Because he is always talking about how strong I am in battles, and yeah, I trained my team so that we can deal with everything in Lumiose, but he has so much more to say than just a plain “wow, you smoked my ass!” that I usually get (or, you know, the more backhanded comments). I don't know how to explain it, but it makes my heart rush. It feels warm and cozy. And I just can't get enough of that feeling.
Then he stayed the night here at Hotel Z. In his own room, I should specify. But man, I should have made my move!!! I mean, I was right to not have done it. He would have laughed at me if I told him how I feel. With his heart, looks, and smile (and money tbh) there was no way he would even consider being with someone like me. I’m too socially awkward and struggle to speak, but he’s always quick with his words.
But even still, I could barely sleep the entire night. How could I?? He was in Hotel Z. While I was in Hotel Z. Overnight. I could have gone to meet with him!!! Asked him to talk. Made him realize that I wanted more than just to battle him. But I didn't. Instead, I stayed in my bed and thought of all the possible scenarios that could have happened had I gone up to his room.
That morning, all of the debt was paid off. So technically, our business relationship had ended. But I didn't want to stop talking with him. So, I started visiting Corbeau at the Rust Syndicate. I mean, he did invite me to come over anytime I wanted.
We always battle when I visit. My team loves the challenge, and I can tell Corbeau’s team does as well. Even though I usually beat him, he always has such a big grin on his face afterwards.
At first we would only battle and then I would leave, as I didn't want to overstay my welcome. But one day after our battle, he asked if I wanted to stay for tea. I agreed, trying to seem sooo nonchalant about it, even though inside I was screaming with joy.
We chatted, and man. He is so lovely to speak to. I love his laugh, and his smile. I swear I become the world's worst attempt at a comedian just so I can get even a hint of a smile from him.
And so, that has been our routine. Battle it out, heal our teams, and then chat over tea. Our chats are nice, but they are mostly superficial. There is a layer that we haven't gone past. I want to change that.
My plan is to go to the Rust Syndicate tomorrow like usual, but not carry my team on my belt, so he realizes my goal this time isn't to battle. And hopefully he'll be fine with that?
I feel like I’m being greedy, trying to get more than I have, even though I already have so much. I’m a part of his weekly schedule, an hour or more set aside after his busy work day, just for me. But the way he talks to me, it’s intoxicating, and I can't get enough of it.
Pax
Dear Diary,
Today is the day… Fuck.
I’m sitting in my room at Hotel Z, all put together. It took forever for me to pick out my outfit; I couldn't decide whether I wanted to be dressed up or down, but I knew I wanted it to be different from what I usually wear to meet him. I ended up mixing the two together, so I look nice, but not uptight. I want this to lead to us getting closer, after all.
I have to leave soon. I keep almost backing out, either by putting my team on my belt or cancelling our plans altogether. But I can't do that to him.
I’m going to ask if he wants to go to a cafe with me. I’m so scared he’ll say no. I mean, just because he compliments me doesn't mean he actually wants to hang out with me. He probably compliments people all the time, he’s a businessman! The more people he has on his side, the better. And after everything with the tower, I believe I’m considered a pretty good person to have on your side. Fuck.
I’m leaving now. Help.
Pax
Dear Diary,
Sorry I didn't update you for a few days, things didn't go as planned. They went so much worse than I thought they could. Now, where the hell do I even begin…
I was all set up to do things exactly like I wanted - I left my team in my backpack, and headed to the Rust Syndicate. Except that I was running late, that is. I was putting together all the ways my conversation with Corbeau could go and how I could explain my tardiness, when a crucial flaw in my plan became glaringly obvious.
Too distracted by the fact I was late to pay attention to my surroundings, I made my way down a narrow alleyway. As I reached toward the ladder at the end, I suddenly felt the force of a Pokémon’s attack against my back, knocking me into the metal rungs and forcing the air out of my chest. I instinctively reached for my Poké Balls at my hip, but-
Shit, I thought, Why didn't I at least keep one Pokémon on my belt??
My thoughts were cut off, however, at the roar of the Pokémon behind me. It was a loud, deep noise that reverberated through my chest and skull. Too deep a sound for a regular Pokémon.
Turning around, glowing red eyes confirmed what I feared, along with a rocky form that had too many limbs. An ALPHA Barbaracle? Right now?? Why couldn't you have chosen another night, man. I quickly took off my backpack and reached for the Poké Balls within-
A whirl of water hit my frame, shoving me onto my knees and my bag flying forward. I tried to reach for it, but it moved too fast. My Poké Balls spilled out, rolling along the pavement past Barbaracle.
Panting, I frantically looked around for an escape. I knew I couldn't take the ladder, Barbaracle would attack me as I tried to climb and knock me back down. The only other way out of this narrow alley was to get past the Pokémon, and as much as I looked, there was nothing around to distract it or protect me from its attacks. I had to run for it.
The world felt off balance as I made my way off of my knees and bolted toward Barbaracle, aiming for the right side gap between it and the wall.
The Pokémon started to reach for me with all its hands as I got near, but I leapt through the space at its side before it could grab me. I landed harshly on the other side, but I kept running, I had to keep running… until my knees gave out, and my legs crumpled like paper under my weight.
I desperately tried to push myself back up, but my legs wouldn't move as I willed them to. I threw my head around searching for a Poké Ball, and found one by my foot. Throwing the ball to the ground, my Absol came to my aid. I turned and started calling out commands, but my voice caught in my throat.
Coughing, I squinted to gain sight of the battle. Absol was taking matters into his own hands, working on pushing back Barbaracle without my direction. He was doing a good job, but not doing much damage. I needed to Mega Evolve him, I knew this, but my vision was getting darker, and I couldn't focus. I could barely keep my upper body off the ground anymore, arms shaking with strain.
Suddenly, my Rotom Phone came swooping to my face - I was getting a call from Corbeau. I rushed to answer.
Corbeau started, “You’re late-”
“-Help me, please,” I barely managed to get out. My hands were trembling, but I somehow reached the Share Location button at the side of my screen. “Alpha Pokémon…” My voice trailed as I felt that I couldn't take in a full breath.
I assume that Corbeau responded, but I didn't hear it as my vision went black.