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As much as Yumi wished to be immune to flattery, she was anything but. Girard's comment brought a smirk to her perfectly painted lips.[break][break]

"Those honeyed words will get you far, Woodsman," she commented idly, subtly drawing even closer to him. Her hand moved from his shoulder to the nape of his neck.[break][break]

"It makes me wonder: are you the kind of man who is quick to praise, or are you careful about who receives your adulation?"[break][break]

Yumi had been raised to assume power would be hers; it was only a matter of time. She had trained for it. As much as she hated to credit her grandparents or parents for anything, they taught her how not to abuse what power she claimed for herself.[break][break]

For they were right about another thing: someone could easily rip it right out of her hands.

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BY GUNSMILE

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Yumi had not expected Parker to show up in suspenders and a tie. The sight of the other woman's attempt to look fancy brought a smile to Yumi's lips.[break][break]

"I do social media. Instagram, YouTube, that kind of stuff," she replied absently as she leaned in to straighten Parker's tie. Their knees bumped together momentarily, until Yumi sat back again. "At first it was my only means of revenue, but now I do it for the hotel as my full-time job. I still update my personal accounts, though."[break][break]

She took a sip of her wine. The full-bodied flavor of the Syrah washed over her tongue, delicious and rich.[break][break]

"I can't be the only one drinking tonight. Want to see the menu? The negroni is a customer favorite — if you like gin, that is."[break][break]

She plucked up the little black booklet and handed it to Parker.

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BY GUNSMILE

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Yumi arrived at one of several art studios owned by Slateport University's Arts and Architecture Department. A handful of which were dedicated to its Fashion Program, which offered fashion design workshops spanning three months. The cost had not been insignificant, but neither was it exorbitant; a couple hundred PD, at most. Whatever the price, Yumi thought it was worth it.[break][break]

She made her way to her usual seat, at a high table with stools, carrying her tote bag and a cardboard cup holder with two iced coffees nestled inside.[break][break]

"Hey," she said to her partner, one Leif Logan. The workshop had required its participants to pair up, and she and Leif had ended up together. Yumi handed him one of the iced coffees. "We're gonna need these."[break][break]

That day, the last day of the workshop, they had three hours to complete their project, a haute couture dress inspired by the winter season. However, depending on what they still needed to accomplish, they might have to remain for longer. Their project, hanging unfinished on a mannequin, waited for them by the back wall of the studio.[break][break]

From her tote bag, Yumi removed her sketchbook and started flipping through the pages. "What's left to do today?"

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BY GUNSMILE

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Though Yumi did not often stay at The Nimbus after her work shifts ended, she did occasionally enjoy a glass or two of wine before leaving for the night. The alcohol was well received after long days of stressful meetings, strongly worded emails, and necessary phone calls.[break][break]

On that night, however, Yumi was not leaving for a little while. Instead, she had planned to meet her friend parker jones for some drinks and conversation. She sat at the bar with her usual glass of red, still dressed in the outfit she'd worn for work, though she'd taken the time to freshen up, reapplying her lipstick and perfume.[break][break]

Amusement filled Yumi at the thought of Parker coming to The Nimbus. The hotel was grand, even luxurious, with a gorgeous interior that suited the elegant Yumi more than the rough-and-tumble Parker. She wondered what the other woman would think and how she would act.[break][break]

As if on cue, the doors to the bar area opened, and Yumi caught sight of the redhead. Yumi raised a hand to catch Parker's attention and beckoned her over with a slight wave of her fingers.[break][break]

"Glad you could make it," Yumi said, meaning it. They looked like an odd pair, but Yumi had decided she liked Parker ever since that extortion job they'd done together. "I just finished work for the day, too."

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BY GUNSMILE

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[break]

The end of the song brought an end to Yumi's dance with @girard. Now that she knew his identity, she could not hide the knowing smirk that crossed her face. She dropped into a graceful farewell curtsy and turned away, shaking her head with obvious amusement.[break][break]

Now that her curiosity about the mysterious woodsman was satiated, her dark eyes sought new entertainment.[break][break]

Ah, there was fern delaney, standing by themselves. She made her way to his side, snatching up a flute of champagne as she went.[break][break]

"Finally," she said upon reaching her friend's side. She immediately looped her arm through his, fully intending to drag him off to a sofa so they could chat. "Come sit with me."

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BY GUNSMILE

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Despite outward appearances, Yumi was a woman who could appreciate a night out clubbing. She often went with friends while attending university. They had drunk and danced until the early hours of the morning, only to stumble back to their apartments by Corviknight taxi or daddy's chauffeured limousine. Yumi remembered those nights fondly, even if she often couldn't remember what had happened during them.[break][break]

In contrast, her visit to Walpurgisnacht possessed an entirely different intention. Though the nightclub reminded her of her university years, she had arrived not with any friends but with her boss, vincenzo de luca. And instead of the typical clubbing outfit of a revealing blouse and miniskirt, Yumi had chosen a sleek, cream-colored faux pantsuit with a crystal-studded corset top and matching heels. [break][break]

"Interesting choice of decoration," she commented to him as she took in the Giratina-inspired décor on the walls. "Why did you choose this place?"[break][break]

They had come for conversation in a setting away from The Nimbus, somewhere the context of their relationship — as employer and employee — needn't be so relevant. Here, they could simply be mentor and protégé.

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BY GUNSMILE

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Yumi was not a heavy drinker. The flute of champagne and the backforth club were already starting to take their toll on her senses and inhibitions. Her movements were looser, and so was her tongue. However, she still maintained an impeccable posture and an imperious demeanor as she and Girard began their dance, her steps confident and precise.[break][break]

"You're correct. Beauty alone does not determine a person's worth, though women in particular are judged more harshly for it," she remarked, allowing him to dip her.[break][break]

When she was upright again, she continued, "Chivalry, wealth, style — they are all well and good, and people of all kinds have them in spades, whether they possess all three qualities or just one. None of them are enough."[break][break]

Yumi was never the kind of woman to hold her cards close to her chest. She made her interests and desires plain, much to her family's lament. They'd always tried teaching her to be secretive, but for a woman who wore her emotions on her sleeve, that was impossible.[break][break]

"No, Woodsman. There is one thing in this world that not everyone can enjoy by the simple virtue of its nature."[break][break]

She twirled in perfect time with the music, the skirts of her gown flowing around her like ebbing waves. From behind her mask, she looked Girard in the eye, then leaned to speak a single word.[break][break]

"Power."

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BY GUNSMILE

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When Lex smiled back, Yumi felt herself relax. The redhead had recognized her as a friend and accepted her. That was all Yumi needed to know — that their relationship had not changed despite the years.[break][break]

Upon the Shadow Gardevoir's summoning, Yumi looked curiously at the Pokémon. She was undeniably a Gardevoir, but she possessed an otherworldly, almost deathly quality to her. A wraith from the beyond, ready to kill at her mistress' word.[break][break]

"Gorgeous," Yumi agreed with a nod of approval. "How did you obtain her?" She could not recall Lex owning such a creature back in Johto.

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BY GUNSMILE

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"Then I'll just have to refine my technique," Yumi replied, frowning now.[break][break]

The expression of her emotion had always been a careful balance. While she never felt the need to mask her true feelings, she also preferred to seem that everything troublesome was beneath her. That she was stronger than that which tried to tear her down.[break][break]

Yet Mei seemed to insist that Yumi could acknowledge the hurt her family had inflicted upon her. The dangle of a supposed friendship over her head was tasteless, but the two women did get along well enough. Yumi had no reason to find fault in Mei — at least until that moment — and Mei seemed to take Yumi's personality in stride.[break][break]

"There's nothing to vent." Yumi speared her salad with the tines of her fork. "I'm not a child who can only throw a tantrum. If you want to learn about my family, fine. I can talk about them. What do you want to know?"[break][break]

She chewed the forkful of vegetables as she waited for Mei's questions.

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BY GUNSMILE

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Yumi raised her eyebrow at Parker's lament, but it did not surprise her. Parker seemed like the kind of woman who thrived on violence, who one might find in an underground fight club. Yumi had known plenty of men and women with such proclivities throughout her life; finding another among the ranks of Team Rocket was like expecting figure skaters to wear ice skates.[break][break]

"How would you prefer it? A five-on-one free-for-all?" Yumi asked, tapping the coordinates Cal had given them into her phone's map app. It produced a destination just a few blocks away. "Oh good, it's not far. Walk with me."[break][break]

Maybe they could get some street food and take some selfies along the way. Despite her posh upbringing, Yumi was no stranger to the allure and decadence of street food. Goldenrod City held festivals year-round on its streets; she often attended them with her family. It was all part of politics and being seen.

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BY GUNSMILE

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"Oh, I don't doubt that at all, Mr. de Luca."[break][break]

Contrary to what some might believe, Yumi could be quite negotiable. It all depended on whether she could gain, and Enzo's offer provided the opportunity for just that.[break][break]

There was no better time than the present. After all, why would Yumi stay at such a boring event when Enzo dangled the opportunity to improve her situation right in front of her nose? Anything was more exciting than having to socialize at a charity gala.[break][break]

She accepted his arm, her own movements smooth and refined. "Lead the way."

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BY GUNSMILE

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The man in the autumnal mask approached Yumi, his stride and demeanor full of intent. She met his gaze with a neutral expression, though her heartrate quickened with every step that drew him closer.[break][break]

When he extended his hand to her, she maintained her apathy while she finished her drink and set the glass down on a nearby Bulbasaur's tray. But then she quirked her eyebrow at Girard, skeptical.[break][break]

"Even the most beautiful woman in the world can enjoy her own company," Yumi replied, haughty, "and it's often preferable to spending even a moment with undeserving men."[break][break]

A smile finally curled her lips, though it was full of challenge. She rose to her feet without the aid of his outstretched hand.[break][break]

"Prove to me you're worthy."[break][break]

She glided past Girard until she was alone on the dance floor, then turned and looked right at him, expecting him to join her there at once.

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BY GUNSMILE