what an heiress calls home [ dia ]

[PLATINUM BERLITZ-SILPH]

Platinum was fairly content to exist as she was. She had been through a tough few months after the supposed death (that she knew was faked, but would not say out loud) of her husband, she had been through the processes that a widow had to follow, had come out as a mourning wife to society and had since recovered as someone having moved on. Her father was encouraging her to remarry into another more welcoming member of society but she had since been comfortable dodging the phonecalls and had been conveniently missing when he had come to call in her small apartment.

It was new to be out of her mansion and in her own small piece of paradise, but she was happy to say that it was working the way she wanted it too. Platinum had turned eighteen in the time since Fernando's death and she had never felt more like an adult. Certainly she still had her maid to assist in the daily practices (and make her breakfast and dinner, since without Diamond around it was rather difficult to come by a good meal) but otherwise she was almost entirely independent.

She had sent information to both Diamond and Pearl via their Pokedexes of her new address away from her family but she assumed they were both greatly busy. She and Diamond were still waiting for contact from Pearl at all, but she did hope that her other friend would come and visit at some point.

Like any good Pokedex holder, Platinum had been investigating the circumstances behind the Knights quite extensively. After all, she was the dex holder of wisdom, she had to have some advantage when it came to figuring things out in the public eye. She had to be seen knowing what she knew, and focusing on doing what was needed to save the world. After all, that was their job.

It just seemed liked some of the other Dex Holders had forgotten that.

[DIAMOND]

When Diamond read the new information on his Pokedex, a message from Platinum, he wasted no time in suiting up and preparing to go to where she was. He must have looked too excited and eager, but partly that's because this IS Platinum, after all, and his lingering feelings still play up from time to time.

But at least he wasn't alone. His teammates were as happy as well to meet up with the Lady and fully supported Dia's eagerness to go. Too bad Pearl was still out of contact, but for now, he and Platinum could meet up and take it from there. With them together at least, looking for Pearl wouldn't be hard.

Now, he was at the street indicated in the address. Dia walked on, looking at the buildings for the number of the residence of the female Sinnoh Dex Holder. It's got to be right around here...

[PLATINUM BERLITZ-SILPH]

The handmaiden whom Platinum had hired to help with the cooking and cleaning was polishing a window when she glanced down at the street below and saw a young man looking remarkably like the one she had seen once when she had been working in the Berlitz mansion. With a hurried yelp, she had run over to Platinum and let her know exactly who was visiting. After a few hurried and exhasperated yelps of 'Mr. Dia, Mr. Dia!' Platinum had quickly got to her feet and ran away from the little side table she had set up beside her comfortable arm chair.

The book she had been reading now abandoned, Platinum straightened the way she looked and flattened her skirt out obsessively. And then she burst through the front door and directly out in front of Diamond. She almost collided with him but before she rushed into his personal space and enveloped her arms around him. "Diamond!" She exclaimed, "I am so glad you have come, it has been lonely without company. Do come in, I would like you to see this new place in which I live."

Her hands quickly folded as she drew away from her friend, and she smiled warmly. "It is not a villa nor is it the Berlitz mansion, but is slowly starting to feel like home. Especially now that you are here."

[DIAMOND]

Oof! If Dia wasn't a steady giant like his Pokemon were, he would have fallen from Platinum's surprising enthusiastic tackle (she can do that?). As it was, he managed to right himself up and return her sentiments, a smile to go along with it. "Hello, Miss Platinum! It's good to see you too!" He barely stopped himself from adding "I missed you" and now just waited for her to lead him along to her house.

He chuckled a little at that. "Eh he heh~ Thank you. It isn't about the size of the house, but it's about who occupies there and how they get along that makes a good home." He gave a small sheepish smile. "My mom used to say that."

[PLATINUM BERLITZ-SILPH]

Platinum was mildly embarrassed by her uncouth behaviour but she could not help her excitement at her friend's presence. She had chosen her own furniture and truly felt independant for the first time in her life, so the little things like a friend visiting for the first time meant the most to her. She smiled back in a far more collected manner and let her eyes reflect the tue level of happiness she had at his coming, before she tugged softly on his wrist to pull him towards the house.

"It is still somewhat empty as just myself and my handmaiden Lucy live here for now, but she is helping me to adjust. And whilst she is a wonderful chef, her meals still do not compare to yours when you were cooking for us." Platinum smiled as she lead him inside, closing the door behind her. "For now I suppose the house does not have a whole lot of character, though I have chosen things I liked most to fill it with. I hope that perhaps in the coming months we may use it as a homebase for some of our operations against the Knights. I have kept the sale as private as I can."

She compulsively straightened a photograph on the mantle of she, Diamond and Pearl so that it was facing her armchair, and she smiled warmly. "I am sorry to report no new news on the Pearl front, I only hope that soon we could hear from him to know that he is safe and sound."

[DIAMOND]

This time there was no hiding that blush. He always felt delighted whenever people praised his cooking, but Platinum's always made him flutter, because he knew that she meant it, and knowing that with her wealth giving her access to more costly and sophisticated food, her appreciation for his cooking felt so special.

"I'd definitely be willing to help Miss Lucy out with the food if she needs it." He gladly offered.

As he followed Platinum, he took the time to examine his surroundings. It was a nice house. It wasn't as extravagant as Platinum's mansion was, which he'd been overwhelmed by when he'd first been there, but it was still nice. And it definitely spoke of Platinum's taste in design and it suited her.

At the mention of Pearl, he said, "He has been out of contact as of late but..." He gave a determined stare. "... He's strong and I trust him." A reassuring smile was on his face. "I'm sure that just like us, he's getting himself involved in this to protect Sinnoh."

[PLATINUM BERLITZ-SILPH]

Platinum was pleased that her compliment was one that her friend could appreciate. She gently patted his arm in agreement and she let a small but sincere smile dance on her lips as she made certain the door was closed behind them. Closed and locked, because you never knew who would try to sneak in or who was watching when there was evil afoot in the world. "I am sure she and I would both appreciate it, being able to taste cooking of your standard will help me work harder, I am certain!"

With a guiding few steps she lead him into the living area and pointed him toward a chair. "Please have a seat, Dia. May I get you some tea or a cool refreshment? I am sure, though they would not taste as lovely as yours, Lucy could bring us some sandwiches or fruit." She took a seat herself in her plush armchair and rested her wrists delicately on her knees. "You are surely right, I am just worried due to the lack of contact and the many pains people have faced."

Her eyes softened at his reassurances and she nodded. "I have been mildly concerned by the lack of attacks in Sinnoh lately. Do you think that perhaps they are making their home base here in our home region?"

[DIAMOND]

Dia accepted the seat. "Thank you." He removed his bag from his shoulders and put it down on the ground next to him. "Anything is fine with me, whatever you can offer for snacks is good!"

While they waited for the snacks, Platinum began the serious discussion already. Dia thought hard. "Hmm... I'm not sure. They haven't attacked us yet so it's either a sign that they're not interested in Sinnoh, or maybe they're just preparing for something. Like Team Galactic." Dia shuddered at that second option. "I hope it's not what it is, Miss Platinum, but this is too similar to dismiss, I think."

[PLATINUM BERLITZ-SILPH]

As if on cue, Lucy looked up and Platinum nodded. The hand-maiden (who herself was flushing faintly where she cleaned around the apartment) bustled off into the kitchenette before the heiress turned back to Diamond. Unfortunately she had been subjected to too many serious conversations lately, and it was hard to keep oneself on the niceties of polite conversation. Dia had seen both the good and bad of Platinum, and unfortunately for the heiress in the current climate, most of her bad side had been brought to light. Too much seriousness and focus on intellect.

She was the Pokedex Holder of Wisdom, but that didn't ­mean in common life it was wise to be so blunt. Sometimes she had to really think about normalcy in order to obtain it. "That is a very good point, Diamond. I had considered the possibility myself but having heard it from your mouth too concerns me. I do ponder the chance that they are also planning on changing things with another region-wide strike. After the disaster that befell Johto, I believe that people may choose to follow them in order to have their families spared. It is a frightening thought to me."

[DIAMOND]

Dia looked sad, his head bowed as he tried hard not to think about it, but the images still kept coming to him: Sinnoh in ruins, his family, friends and Pokemon hurt, and the innocent citizens scrambling and screaming.

He didn't even notice when Lucy arrived with the food and drinks as he stared down at his hands.

He sounded close to tears as he said, "I... I don't want that to happen..."

The Dex Holder then looked up at the heiress. "So what can we do? What should we do, Miss Platinum?"

[PLATINUM BERLITZ-SILPH]

The sadness on her friend's face made Platinum feel slightly bad for having brought it up. But in the current time, it was impossible to talk about much else. There was no chance to chat about futures and happy things, all there was was the darkness and the depressing topics that had guided them through conversation after conversation. She did not know truly how to console him, as unlike Diamon and his expertise in emotion and feeling, Platinum had always fallen short of being able to lend a calming hug.

Never-the-less, she let her voice take on somewhat of what she hoped was a soothing tone, and began to speak again. "I believe it is time that we attempt to rally our own forces. If we set up defenses before they have time to attack Sinnoh, surely we will have some semblance of hope?" That was her best strategy, and the heiress picked up a bite-sized sandwich, nibbling at it delicately and attempting to soften her gaze at her friend.

It was probably slightly comical, considering she had never been good at much past a stern sort of smile, but she wanted to offer him some consolation, and that was the best she could do at short notice. It was hard when the person who was best at those sort of things was the one who needed them done for him. She would have to take classes, or do some reading, on how to make your friends feel better. That would be the first thing on her list once they had defeated the Knights.

"If we organise rallies with the aide of our senior and junior pokedex holders, if we ask for the assistance of the professors, perhaps we may stand a chance at defending Sinnoh at the very least."

[DIAMOND]

When he heard Platinum's words, Dia raised his head quickly and upon seeing her determined face, a realization dawned in his heart.

He shouldn't be like this. They were Sinnoh's heroes. If he was scared, then what about his companions? Sure, they must be too, but Platinum (and surely, Pearl) would face these bravely and determinedly because if they wouldn't, no one else will.

"Y-you're right." Dia gave a small embarrassed smile as he brushed away tears that have gathered at the corners of his eyes.

"That sounds like a good plan. At least this time, we don't need to do it with just the three of us." He remembered back against Team Galactic. It had been tough and they weren't able to prevent Azelf, Mesprit and Uxie's capture. Though later on they had help from the Gym Leaders. This time, they've got to get everyone's cooperation from the start and fight back.

He took a couple of sandwiches from the table and began eating. Hmmm~ They were good! It could give his own sandwiches a run for their money.

[PLATINUM BERLITZ-SILPH]

"We are a good team. In pairs, all three or on our own. No matter how hard the battle, I am certain we will overcome, the same way we have succeeded in the past. We, an unlikely trio, have managed to defeat Galactic. Who is to say we cannot accomplish other great deeds?" The fact that Diamond had perked up meant that at least for now she had managed a somewhat decent pep-talk. Willpower was Pearl's strongpoint and emotion was Diamond's, so all she had was the wisdom to attempt to work through the dilemmas that were before her.

"Exactly my point. I believe that if we make contact soon enough we can ask for the assistance of seniors and juniors alike. With our strength as well as the strength of the Pokemon League, we are certain to succeed." She watched him take a few sandwiches and let the smallest of amused laughs out of her lips.

Diamond certainly loved his food. Even when there was traumatic disruptions occuring outside their very door, he could enjoy a sandwich. It was what made her appreciate him, and it gave her hope that she and the other people of Sinnoh and the rest of the Pokeworld might someday too be able to appreciate the smaller, finer things in life once more. She certainly knew that she would be happy when she could once more take a sip of wine without feeling as if the world may come crashing around her.

"I do not know, however, whether we should visit or attempt to make contact in other methods. What do you think, Diamond?" She needed his opinion, after all. There were just some decisions she no longer wanted to make on her own.

[DIAMOND]

Dia finished up his fourth sandwich before speaking up, "Well, I think..." He paused. Was Platinum really asking for his opinion on this? Back then, it was always either Pearl or Platinum making the decisions while he just agreed and went with the flow and helped however he could (except for that one time he disagreed).

Shaking his head of that stray thought, he continued, "... we've got nearly everyone's number so we can contact them and tell them about what we plan to do. We could even go and talk personally to them. The Gym Leaders and Miss Cynthia and Mister Riley helped a lot back then and I'm sure we can depend on them this time too!" He was just about to take a bite of another sandwich when a thought occurred to him and he looked at Platinum worriedly.

"Um, but I guess that would mean we'll be very busy if we want to put a full effort on it but um..." He lowered the sandwich down. "Miss Platinum, what about you and your company and family business?" How would she manage? She might have difficulty or overexert herself. "Oh, but I'm sure Pearl and I can do a lot more if needed!"

[PLATINUM BERLITZ-SILPH]

Platinum had to stop and really appreciate her friend for a few moments as their whole conversation sank in around her. What they were planning was a strong chance of battle, it meant that they would all be working hard to keep the world the way it was against a group of people who really wanted change. Wanted it enough to attack innocent bystanders who didn't deserve the backlash they'd gotten.

And with that, Platinum realised what he was telling her. That he and Pearl would pick up the slack so that she could still do what it was she was supposed to as an heiress. So she could still run her company and work the way she was supposed to. But when she thought about it, Platinum wanted nothing more than to be fighting beside her friends and associates. There was nowhere she would rather have been than defending her world.

With a slight crack in her voice - very slight, very uncharacteristic - she smiled warmly at her friend and folded her hands together to keep from hugging him outright. "You do not have to worry about my company, Diamond. In these times, in this matter, I would not want to be focused on it. I can leave my father in charge for now whilst I work hard beside you, as it is my duty and my wish to do so. Do not worry at all about that. I would much rather be working with you and Pearl." She nodded once, before she glanced out the window.

"I have a close friend in Hoenn who too is very powerful. Perhaps he may be of assistance also. He was once the Champion there, and has dealt with a great deal in his lifetime. I am sure he too would be able to help us in our mission to stop the Knights, should we ask him. Is there anyone else you believe could be of help?"

[DIAMOND]

Dia had been happily enjoying his food, but when Platinum stopped and remained silent for a long moment after his question, he blinked and turned his full attention back at her. Moments later, he lowered the hand holding the sandwich to his mouth and the Dex Holder just stared at Platinum, his eyes seemingly scanning her emotions and expressions as she answered his question.

He too remained silent for a while, his gaze unwavering and his mouth set in a neutral line even when she smiled at him. Whatever he was thinking, it didn't show up on his face. But eventually, he smiled. "All right, if that's what Miss Platinum wants to do, then I will trust your decision."

Dia took a bite of his sandwich as he listened to Platinum's tale of her Hoenn acquaintance. "Really? The former Champion of the region? That must mean he's as good as Miss Cynthia. He must be really strong!" He took another bite as he thought of his answer to Platinum's question. "Maybe we could ask the other Dex Holders, but I think you know more of them than I do, Miss Platinum."

[PLATINUM BERLITZ-SILPH]

For some reason, despite her own generally emotionless disposition, Platinum found it incredibly unsettling when she couldn't tell by looking how it was that Diamond was feeling. Of all three of them, he was the most openly readable with his emotions and he was always the one to be upfront about them. Watching him with her own golden gaze had the heiress feeling uncomfortable until his stoic look settled into a smile. That was the Dia she knew and loved, that was the man whom helped her through her darkest hours. She knew she could rely on him to smile. Even if it had taken some time. "Thank you. I would only do what I thought was best. I believe that you and I are alike in that regard."

In some ways, Platinum was wanting to know what had been on his mind in those few moments of hidden emotion. But she dared not ask, for if Diamond had wanted her to know, he would have told her. They rarely kept secrets unless there was a good reason behind it.

Cynthia was, in Platinum's humble opinion, one of the best people on the planet. She was wise beyond her years and had a vast knowledge of the myths and legends surrounding their region and the Pokemon that had once ruled it. She was also, perhaps, their best source of information on Arceus, if they could perhaps get hold of her. Platinum put the Sinnoh champion on her list of people with whom to attempt to speak, but knew there was a chance Cynthia would be unavailable. Either way, Platinum would still admire the older woman from afar.

"I believe Senior Green and Senior Red are some of our best chances at heroes. I am sure in some way or other, we will find the path to contact them." She nodded, "Steven is a master of Steel-type Pokemon. I witnessed his battle for the championship at the league, and would like to perhaps someday see him battle again. I think you would like him." It wasn't entirely reasonable, considering that she had considered Steven a friend long before she had watched him battle, and she didn't know exactly how well her two opposing friendships might mesh, but the heiress did believe that if Steven was as good to everyone else as he had been to her, he was definitely someone worthy of admiration.

"I am certain with all the wonderful people we know, we will be able to find some source of security. Perhaps even Sir Riley would be able to assist? We must find a way to contact him too."

[DIAMOND]

"A master of Steel-type Pokemon? Just like Mr. Byron!" Dia cheered as he took a drink from his glass, back to his usual demeanor. "I think I would. If Miss Platinum says he's a good person, then he must be!" If Platinum had faith in this Champion' skills, then Dia saw no reason to question her. Hopefully, he won't be difficult to get in touch with, but knowing Platinum's status, she would have a way to connect and contact with all those people she mentioned. And, since when did Dia not make a friend easily? Even enemies were not spared!

He waved excitedly. "I can contact Mr. Riley! I met him from time to time when I traveled around." He took another sandwich (what number was it now?) before his face turned a little somber and wistful and he whispered, "I really still hope we could contact Pearl..."

He really missed his first, bestest friend.

[PLATINUM BERLITZ-SILPH]

"I am glad you agree." Platinum replied smoothly, amused at her friend's enthusiasm. She herself picked up another sandwich to eat it slowly, going quiet as she did so in order to retain her poise. She was pleased with the fact that he trusted her opinion of Steven, and she was certain there were many more to add to her list of people she trusted and admired that could help them, but there was much else to be done.

"Oh, that is wonderful. We will all have to work hard and that you know how to contact some of the others is greatly appreciated." She gave him another reassuring look however, and stood up, walking over to the window. "We must have faith in Pearl as we have faith in ourselves. He is probably on his way home now, sensing that we are in dire need of the completion of our group. If we cannot rely on each other, and we cannot trust in one another, we are not going to get as far as we should."

She moved to stand by the window, looking out over the street below. She was rather pleased by the fact that she had found a place of her own and wasn't completely uncomfortable with the fact that it was only an apartment. It was unusual and her parents weren't entirely pleased that she wasn't already moved in with a new husband, but it felt like something right to her. Something right indeed.

"You are worrying, I know, he is your best friend. But we will all be together soon."

[DIAMOND]

Dia gave a small smile, reassured by Platinum's words. "Yes, he will. Pearl will be there with us for sure! So... So, until then, we ourselves have to do our best too, right?"


His eyes were lit up with hope, enthusiasm and determination. They'd definitely do their best together, and they can defeat whatever evil force was trying to create destruction in their home region. And they wouldn't be alone, lots of people will aid them in their cause for sure.