[Challenge #21: Patrician] Pokémon: 'I Imagined that I was a Man of Importance'

[but_can_i_be_trusted]

Title: 'I Imagined that I was a Man of Importance'
Fandom: Pokémon (Spoilers for Pokémon FireRed/LeafGreen)
Author: but_can_i_be_trusted
Rating: G
Word Count: 232
Characters/Pairings: Giovanni
Warnings: None
Notes: Crossposted to lyricaltitles
Summary: Once, you were important.

You really thought you had it all, didn't you? And you had yourself fooled into thinking that you always would.

It's humiliating to discover your own hubris.

Once, you had so much going for you: Power and prestige, enough of both to make a patrician green with envy. Lackeys at your beck and call, their hearts filled with loyalty and unquestioning obedience. A name that would strike terror into anyone who dared to cross you.

Once, you were important.

Once. Once wasn't even that long ago. But it might as well be ages away, that precious time when you thought you were at the top.

You're nothing now. As good as nothing, at any rate, compared to what you used to be. On the run, far from prying eyes and probing questions. A ghost of the man you once were. All that you had has slipped right through your fingers, like so much water or sand. If these are your just deserts, then how harsh they are.

Perhaps someday you can build it all back up again. Make the name Giovanni a force to be reckoned with once more. Next time, if there's such a thing as next time, you'll need to do better. Be stronger. Hold on to everything, including yourself, with a far more forceful grip.

For now, you hide away, resentful. Possibly regretful, as you nurse your wounded vanity.