Chapter 10
"Trainers, get ready. Pokémon, begin !" exclaimed the referee as he raised his flag, signaling the match to start.
The battlefield crackled with energy as Vivillon and Fletchling faced off, the intensity of the crowd's cheers echoing the fierceness of the battle. Viola wasted no time and issued her command, "Vivillon, smash it with your psychic skills !"
The butterfly responded swiftly, enveloping itself in a vibrant green aura as it unleashed its telekinetic abilities. It tried to immobilize the avian Pokémon in its tracks and throw it headlong onto the ground. The audience held its breath as everyone anticipated the impact of this brutish move. However, to the astonishment of both Viola and her Pokémon, the invisible force had no apparent effect on the little red bird. Unfazed, Fletchling continued to soar through the air and swooped down on its opponent.
The nimble butterfly whirled away in just the nick of time to dodge Fletchling's sharp beak, showcasing its remarkable speed. Viola's eyes widened with surprise. "Could it resist ? But how ?" Her Pokémon had avoided the worst, but its stroke had failed, something that almost never happened. "Vivillon, try again !"
Determined to overcome this unplanned threat, the butterfly once more channeled the powers of Psychic. The green aura surrounded it as it attempted to freeze its foe from afar. Sadly for Viola, this new attempt was no more effective than the previous one. The fiery bird continued to fly swiftly, evading the unseen pressure exerted on it. Fletchling instantly retaliated with an abrupt swing of its hooked talons, forcing Vivillon to loop in haste to duck. Some spectators rewarded the challenger's combativeness with thunderous applause, others even chanting his name.
"The training has paid off," Shauna rejoiced. "Bravo Fletch, keep up the good work !"
"Wow, what the hell did this guy feed his Pokémon with to be so buff ?" Korrina marveled, stunned by the raw strength it must have required to withhold the psychic pull.
Viola's usual calm demeanor was tinged with a hint of frustration. The ogre's son had thoroughly coached his Pokémon, making it robust enough to withstand telekinetic assaults. It was quite impressive, but hardly sufficient to alarm her. Adapting to the unexpected was part of the job, and the Gym Leader had far from shown her full potential. Jude wasn't out of the woods yet.
"You've got some chops, but let's see how you cope with this," Viola grinned, her competitive spirit undaunted. "Vivillon, Hurricane !"
The butterfly's wings flapped with newfound vigor, triggering a tempest of wind within the arena. Viola anticipated the chaotic maelstrom to disorient her adversary, a technique which had already proved useful on numerous occasions. However, this time it was different, as Fletchling handled the storm with grace. Jude's Pokémon utilized the howling currents to its advantage, turning and gliding with the precision of a practiced aerial acrobat. The Gym Leader's expression shifted from confidence to concern as Fletchling, boosted by the forceful winds, closed in for an attack.
"Flaming Peck, now !" Jude ordered.
Fletchling's beak ignited with glowing blaze as it aimed for Vivillon. The fire struck true, causing Viola's Pokémon to recoil from the impact. The butterfly took a direct hit, but it was resilient and dealt little damage. Vivillon rolled backwards and spread its wings parallel to the ground to regain a steady flight.
"Awesome, that workout with Noivern was worth it !" Tierno enthused upon watching the fruit of their labors become a live reality.
With a sharpness in her voice, Viola called out, "Vivillon, retaliate with Air Cutter !"
Jude mirrored her initiative, shouting, "Fletchling, defend with Air Slash !"
Both Pokémon's wings crackled with energy as they collided in mid-air, the white radiance of their moves illuminating the arena. Like skilled fencers engaged in a duel, they parried and clashed amidst the storm. The battle hung in the balance as both flying creatures showed equal strength, neither conceding an inch. The stadium was hushed, every spectator on the edge of their seat, eyes fixed on this ethereal display.
The combative dance between the two opponents was in full swing, their cutting wings clattering with a resonating force. Each movement was met with precision, each wingbeat echoed through the stadium. The audience didn't miss a beat, and even Astrid seemed genuinely enthralled by what she was seeing. Suddenly, Jude's elation turned to concern as he noticed a subtle change in Fletchling's performance. Frowning, the trainer scrutinized his Pokémon carefully.
The red bird was slowing down, its once agile maneuvers now sluggish and confusing. It was apparent that something was amiss, and Jude's heart sank as he realized the gravity of the situation. His Pokémon now seemed worn out, as though under the influence of a sedative drug. Capitalizing on its enemy's incipient fatigue, Vivillon exploited the first major breach in its defense to charge. Receiving a powerful hit, Fletchling was sent spiraling away into the distance. It managed to recover mid-air, but an odd weariness clung to it, like a sleep-inducing fog.
Viola's smile widened into a triumphant sneer. "You fell into my trap like a cocooned fly," she taunted, her demeanor exuding a sinister satisfaction. With unconcealed pride, the gym leader revealed her masterstroke, "The gusts deployed earlier by Vivillon wasn't limited to causing bedlam, but mainly served to spread Sleep Powder all over the battlefield. Your Pokémon starts to feel the drowsy effects and will soon succumb to slumber."
"Boy, that's a devious scheme !" Shauna snapped. "Is she allowed to do that ?"
"Of course, Sleep Powder is a substance naturally secreted by Vivillon and not an outside weapon, so it can be used at will," Serena replied, her eyes glued to the duel which was dangerously veering in the Gym Leader's favor.
Jude clenched his fists, acknowledging the effectiveness of Viola's strategy. Her perfect grasp of her bug Pokémon and their various aptitudes enabled her to always stay one step ahead of her competitors. "Fletchling, be brave, you must stay awake !" he tried to encourage her, although he knew it wouldn't help much. The trainer and his bird partner were entangled in the vicious web carefully woven by the Gym Leader, waiting to be tied up and subdued.
"It's futile, my plan is perfect," Viola, with a predatory scowl, laughed. "My Vivillon can snooze a wild Nidoking in the blink of an eye, there's nothing you can do to thwart it. Now, watch as your soldier submits to the Sandman's call."
Jude knew he had to think quickly, his mind racing to devise a solution to bring his Pokémon back into the match. If Fletchling dropped off to sleep, it would be equivalent to an incapacity to fight and therefore a first-round loss for him. As Fletchling descended into the drowsy abyss, its trainer was thinking at breakneck speed to save it. Losing to such a wicked gambit wasn't an option, his father would never excuse him for such an outrage.
Viola, sensing her imminent victory, felt in a defiant mood. "So, will you surrender, or shall I finish off your napping bird with a fantastique finale ?" she inquired, her tone dripping with overconfidence.
Jude, however, remained sure-footed. "Surrendering to you, showoff ? Not in a million years. Fletchling, we're not done yet. Ember !"
With a swift motion, the little red Pokémon conjured a small, fiery orb and sent it hurtling towards its enemy. Viola smirked at what she perceived as a desperate attempt. As she expected, her butterfly skillfully evaded that half-hearted attack. "Your efforts are pointless. In its current state, your soldier can't even aim properly."
But Jude, with a wry smile, responded, "Are you sure about that ?"
Indeed, just as Vivillon gracefully sidestepped the incoming fireball, a sudden twist unfolded. The burning sphere arced through the air, swinging back like a boomerang. Viola's mocking gaze faded into anger as the blast struck its launcher head-on. Instantly, Fletchling's eyes snapped open, the fiery impact jolting it awake. The previously fragile-looking bird was now bathed in a glowing sunlight. It seemed completely revitalized, no longer burdened by the anesthetic dust.
Viola, now visibly agitated, gritted her teeth. "What trickery is this !?"
"Fire types Pokémon draw strength from flames, Ember acted as a last-chance remedy. What a brilliant idea, Jude clearly hasn't neglected his groundwork," Serena congratulated him with a thumb up.
"Ah, in your face Viola ! You didn't see that coming, huh ?!" Shauna squealed with delight.
"It's official, this girl isn't alone in her head..." Tierno grumbled, observing her doing all the things she'd reproached him for.
The stadium crackled under the crowd's outburst as both opponents locked eyes, the intensity of their showdown reaching a new zenith. Viola, undeterred by Fletchling's recovery, maintained her steely resolve. "Awake or not, it won't change your fate. Vivillon, Psybeam !" The butterfly collected extra power in its antennae, which it released in a flurry of crimson rays that zigzagged towards the enemy. This was its most devastating move, and the Gym Leader had deliberately saved it for last like a trump card.
Jude's response was immediate, "Counterattack with Hot Wave !" A torrent of searing warmth erupted from Fletchling, enveloping the bird in a red-hot shield that prolonged its body. Then the Pokémon spun around like a drill as it dived straight at the homing psionic laser. The two forces slammed together in a spectacular shower of sparks, each trying to dominate the other. The air was charged with anticipation, the audience collectively holding its breath as the arena was engulfed in an epic brawl of elements.
Then, amidst the fray, an unexpected turn of events occurred. Fletchling, still submerged in the intensity of the struggle, was shrouded in a blinding radiance. It grew larger, its plumage transforming into a fiery hue, its claws and beak steadily sharpening. When the light faded, Fletchling was permanently gone, replaced by its evolved form, Fletchinder. Jude witnessed his Pokémon's metamorphosis with pride and wonder. The valiant bird sparkled with a renewed potency, a much more assertive presence.
Viola didn't like how things worked out. This mid-battle transformation didn't benefit her at all, as it boosted her opponent's overall clout. Nevertheless, she continued to encourage her beloved Pokémon all the way. "Vivillon, don't let up ! Push with all your might !"
But despite its persistence, the butterfly was beginning to lose ground. Its psychic ray was swallowed up in a vortex of scorching flame fuelled by Fletchinder. Vivillon propelled itself upwards to avoid being draped in this fiery tornado too, but was instantly caught by the ardent bird that had anticipated its escape trajectory to better snatch it. Fletchinder's hooked talons delivered a resounding blow to the elegant flying Pokémon, knocking it out cold.
"Vivillon, no !" Viola screeched as her brave warrior crumpled to the ground, defeated.
The crowd's cheers echoed through the stadium, celebrating Jude's hard-fought victory in this first round. Fletchinder glided back down to his trainer and perched on his outstretched arm, basked in the adoration of the audience. "Great job buddy, you were amazing," Jude praised his Pokémon, gently stroking its fiery feathers.
With a gentle nod, a staff member carefully took the fainted Vivillon to the medical department for treatment, leaving the stage clear for the next duel. The Gym Leader, gracefully acknowledging her loss, stepped forward with a sincere smile. "You've proven your skill, challenger, and your Pokémon is undoubtedly strong. But don't get too comfortable, because your downfall starts now. Stand ready to face my mightiest brawler." With a swift motion, she retrieved another Poké Ball, her fingers dancing expertly over its surface. She hurled it into the air, and in a burst of light, an imposing figure materialized on the battlefield.
It was Ariados, a spider Pokémon whose sheer strength could be gauged just by staring at it. Its crimson body, covered in shimmering silk, seemed to exude a latent power that filled the stadium with an eerie tension. Unlike its peers, this specimen was colossal, standing over a meter tall, towering over the arena. Jude couldn't help but feel a shiver run down his spine as he caught sight of the arachnid Pokémon's acute scrutiny. The confidence he gained from the first victory didn't overshadow the realization that fighting Viola's ace Pokémon would be a tough ordeal.
Serena, with a hint of concern in her eyes, whispered to her friends, "That Pokémon looks incredibly robust. This won't be an easy trip for Jude."
Tierno, visibly uneasy, muttered, "Why did it have to be a big spider ? Spiders creep me out, man. Their legs and the way they move... it's like a horror movie. I hope Jude knows what he's doing."
Korrina flashed a toothy grin, satisfied that Jude had spurred the Gym Leader to use her flagship Pokémon. It was precisely this one she wanted to see in action, fully aware of its sterling reputation as a skilled combatant. "Perfect, everything is going exactly as I hoped. Do your best, challenger, show us the full range of your abilities."
Astrid, who rarely offered compliments, candidly admitted, "Although his Pokémon's evolution was a sizeable help, Jude handled this first duel quite well. Against Ariados, though ? I have my doubts. Let's see if he can prove me wrong."
The scarlet arachnid, with its six spindly legs, moved gracefully onto the battlefield. The crowd hushed in anticipation as Viola, with an air of theatrical flair, declared, "Meet Ariados, my most trusted companion and the source of my title. Now, let the true test of our battle commence, Jude. Are you prepared for the dance with the Spider Queen ?"
Aware of how tired Fletchinder must now be, Jude lifted his arm so he could peer into his Pokémon's eyes and asked, "Buddy, do you think you can keep fighting ? I'd understand if you were too exhausted to continue." The red bird chirped defiantly, flames flickering in its eyes. It wasn't ready to back down. Encouraged by its Pokémon's determination, Jude nodded, his expression resolute. The referee's signal echoed through the stadium, and the second round unfolded with intensity. Jude wasted no time in initiating the duel. "Alright, let's keep the pressure up. Fire Spin !"
Fletchinder released a flurry of flames to create a swirling spiral around her. The blazing cocoon raced towards Ariados, aiming to engulf the spider Pokémon in its searing embrace. Viola's Ariados, however, was not to be underestimated. With swift reflexes, the arachnid blocked Fletchinder's fiery advance with its sturdy forelegs, proving its tremendous strength to anyone who still had doubts. Then, with a deft motion, Ariados effortlessly threw the bird back, requiring it to execute a series of loops mid-air to regain its stability. But the scarlet spider wasn't about to cut it any slack and already lunged towards it with a spectacular jump.
Venom-glistening mandibles reached out to catch Fletchinder in a nefarious clutch. Nimbly flicking its wings, the bird Pokémon deftly dodged this would-be decisive strike, showing exceptional agility. As the arachnid landed gracefully back on the arena floor, Viola's strategic mind was still at play, and another cunning trap loomed in her brain. "Don't think you can escape us by staying aloft. Ariados, Toxic Thread !"
From the spider's mouth sprang strands of silk, soaked in a purple liquid that could easily be identified as heavily poisoned. The threads crisscrossed the battlefield, forming a complex labyrinth through which Fletchinder now must hastily navigate. The bird twirled and weaved, narrowly evading the toxic-laden lines, but it got harder and harder as the web thickened. Jude frowned, analyzing the situation. The increasing number of threads would soon make ducking impossible, and the weaver was cleverly hidden behind her silky craft to shield herself from any potential ranged blows.
Viola wore a satisfied smirk and ran a pointy tongue over her lips, delighted at seeing her scheme unfold exactly as anticipated. "Impressive, n'est-ce pas ? Careful about touching the strands, any slight contact with this toxin causes instant paralysis."
Jude tread warily. If he still had any hope of a second victory, he would need to shatter this troublesome web by all means. "Fletchinder, use Ember to break free !" The red bird unleashed a cascade of hot sparks, each aimed at incinerating the venomous cage. Unfortunately, to her dismay, the fire had minimal impact on this unusually resistant silk.
The Gym Leader gloated, "You'll find, young Sharp, that all my spiders' webs are extra durable. Perfectly suited for capturing prey." Satisfied that the cobweb was large enough for the next stage of her plan, she issued a new order, "Ariados, stop weaving. It's time to attack with Poison Jab !" The spider immediately went on the offensive. It cleverly leapt from thread to thread to reach its prey, displaying astonishing speed and flexibility for a Pokémon of its size. As she neared the bird, Ariados unleashed her long spiked legs, each drenched in crippling venom. Just like a samurai using six blades at once, the spider relentlessly targeted Fletchinder with swift, precise strokes.
Jude's eyes widened with concern as his Pokémon maneuvered desperately to avoid the poisonous onslaught. The versatility of Ariados' attack from the high wires left Fletchinder with limited options for evasion. Wherever it roamed, the arachnid chased it tirelessly, cavorting on its strings as if it could fly too. Viola's pride resonated in her words, "Looks like your demise is near. My Ariados can strike from any angle thanks to this exquisite web. It's only a matter of time before your little bird succumbs."
The arena echoed with the clash of Poison Jabs and the crackling of threads. The audience watched in tense anticipation as the battle reached a critical juncture. Jude knew he needed to retaliate, because as much as Viola liked to bluster she was true : one hit and his Pokémon would be finished. Then he had an idea. He remembered that a spider's weakest point was its belly, so that was where he should focus his assault. He quickly relayed the information to his warrior, "Fletchinder, aim Flame Charge at Ariados' abdomen !"
The red bird immediately altered course and darted behind the spider with a deft pirouette. Its talons flared, poised to pierce its opponent's sensitive part. Or so it would have wished, but Ariados had already plotted her riposte. The arachnid leaned on its string to whirl around like a gymnast, orienting its hind legs to counter the enemy's onrush seamlessly. Fletchinder was stopped and abruptly ejected backwards. Unable to adjust its trajectory, its wings got snagged in the spider's adhesive fabric. Jude's Pokémon could no longer move, already suffering from the venom's paralyzing bite.
"A picture perfect opportunity," Viola enthused, mimicking a camera with her fingers. "Ariados, take it out with Venoshock !"
No stranger to lethal precision, the crimson spider moved with a grace that defied its menacing appearance. Its horn, laced with a sedative toxin, smashed the bird with full force, incapacitating it in a flash. The valiant Fletchinder collapsed in its trainer's arms, unconscious and defeated. Even if she couldn't hear him, Jude wanted to congratulate her properly. "You've been wonderful my friend, thanks for everything." Then he delicately placed the bird on a stretcher so that it could be taken to the stadium's care center.
The crowd, caught between awe and sympathy, erupted in cheers for Viola's strategic prowess. The Gym Leader paused gloriously as her spider Pokémon returned to her side, stately and proud. "You fought well, challenger. But in the end, my Ariados' web proved too formidable," she declared, her green eyes gleaming with an almost predatory confidence. "Please, call your second soldier. We're still hungry for victory."
The fight's aftermath sent ripples through the gathered spectators. Among them, Shauna was one of the most saddened for the poor firebird who had struggled so much. She clutched her stomach, mirroring the impact as if she had taken the blows alongside Jude's fallen Pokémon. "Poor Fletchy, that pesky spider's got her badly banged up."
Serena, trying to console her friend, said, "Don't worry Shauna, it's not over yet. Jude still has Frogadier, and you know how strong he is."
"Yeah, this azure samurai is going to rock the stage !" Tierno chimed in. "Ariados might be scary, but we've got our ace up the sleeve."
Korrina had been observing the unfolding events with a keen eye. This duel enabled her to collect valuable information that would help her prepare her companions accordingly. "Viola's Ariados is no pushover, she trained her bloody well. I'll have to be on my toes when I face her, it's a Pokémon worthy of respect."
On the other side of the emotional spectrum, there was Astrid, her expression a mix of disappointment and subtle amusement. Her expectations for Jude had evidently been higher, and she didn't hesitate to let it show with a scornful sigh. But her curiosity was still piqued, and she longed to watch this ninja frog at play. Astrid hadn't forgotten how he had threatened to slash her mercilessly if she dared to hurt Jude. Frogadier was a loyal Pokémon, obviously in perfect harmony with his master. It was definitely interesting to see how this duo would fare on the battleground.
o0o
In the dimly lit hotel bar, Roxie's sapphire eyes were fixed on the screen, and her enthusiasm was palpable. Ariados' impressive display of power seemed to resonate with the rockstar, having built herself a team of brawlers dreaded for their toxic blasts. Poison-type Pokémon held a special place in her heart, and seeing one in action ignited a spark within her. "Venomous warriors are friggin' awesome, huh ?" she mused, her gaze glued on the majestic spider. "They don't get the love they deserve sometimes. But they're fierce, unpredictable, like a wild guitar riff."
"Looks like Viola's key card has made an impression on you," Ray replied, sipping his whisky beside her.
Roxie nodded, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the bar counter. "You bet, sir, it's giving me ideas. The Kalos League is the stage, and I'm gonna rock it. I'm here to win."
"Easy there, superstar," Ray cautioned her, always the pragmatic one. "You've got the talent and your fighting spirit is encouraging, but keep your guard up. Such a major tournament is no walk in the park, it takes more than passion to conquer it."
Roxie's expression turned more serious, and a shadow crossed her face. "Of course I know, which is why I've spent all this time practicing behind the scenes. I've conquered one world already—music. This... this is my next big gig. I'm going to give my best performance ever, even the Elite 4 won't know what hit them." Then her words took on a more personal note. The fervent drive remained, but a hint of melancholy crossed her eyes. She spoke with a touch of vulnerability, "I have a score to settle, sir. Those... trashy parents who tossed me aside like I was nothing. Well, I'll be something. I'm gonna leave my mark, a mark they won't be able to ignore."
The lounge's atmosphere seemed to absorb Roxie's solemn vow, carrying it into the ongoing battle on the screen. As Jude and Viola prepared to start a new round, another contender, far from the arena, pledged her own journey of conquest, stirred by the echoes of her past and a steely resolve to carve out her destiny. The ogre preferred to remain silent, but slyly kept his ears open.
This young girl lacking a father figure could prove a suitable foil for his plan if his son turned out to be a disappointment. Roxie's sadness and desire to take revenge on life were things he could easily use to mold her to his will. His collection of pawns was growing, and one of them would soon control the Elite 4 on his payroll. Kalos was within his grasp, ripe for annexation to his sprawling empire.
o0o
Kimia wandered through the bustling streets of her hometown, her eyes absorbing the peculiar blend of historical architecture and ever-present machinery that defined this metropolis. Cogs turned and pulleys hummed, keeping the place alive with movement and energy. The city's layout was unlike any other in Kalos, with various floors interconnected by escalators and elevators, creating a maze of hectic activity.
As she strolled, Kimia's history lessons played in her mind like a vivid tapestry. She recalled tales of a time when her adored metropolis was known as the Azoth Kingdom, seat of the former king of Kalos whose reign was abruptly cut short by the current rulers. Monarchical dictatorship had been replaced by military supremacy, symbolized here by the Elite 4 and the Minister of the Armed Forces. These entities had taken up residence in the defeated sovereign's ancestral palace, a veritable rock and metal fortress standing at the core of the city.
This legendary landmark now served as a reminder of the new order in Kalos, a symbol of the authority that had been seized after a fierce war. Kimia couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and respect for the rulers who now resided within its walls. After all, she'd been raised by one of them. Yet, amidst the grandeur and heritage of her region, the blonde girl harbored her own ambitions. She dreamed of joining the pantheon of Kalos' greatest champions, just like her father did.
With each step she took, Kimia's conviction grew. The cheers from the big crowd, the clash of Pokémon, and the hopes of aspiring trainers all echoed in her ears. This mythical fortified palace was not only a cultural icon, it was a beacon of aspiration, pointing toward a future where she would stand tall among Kalos's defenders. As she looked up at the towering fortress, a silent vow echoed in her heart. The Pokémon League was her path, her journey to ascend to greatness. And Azoth Kingdom, with its layers of lore and milestones, was the backdrop to her daring quest.
Kimia boarded a funicular which promptly rose, smoothly carrying her to an upper floor of the city. She emerged onto the terrace of a buzzy restaurant, the aroma of various cuisines filling the air. The blonde scanned the area until her eyes settled on a figure standing a few meters away, gazing out at the expansive view of the town's seafront section. The urban fabric stretched below him, its harbor protected by formidable walls adorned with watchtowers.
The man Kimia had come to see was Siebold, an emeritus member of the Kalos Elite 4, and more importantly, her father. His tall, elegantly dressed silhouette exuded authority and experience. However, no sooner had she approached him than the young trainer could sense an unease in his demeanor. The usually serene Siebold was draped in tension like a cloak. "Father," Kimia said softly, drawing his attention to her. "I'm here, just as you requested."
The elite trainer turned to face his daughter, a faint smile gracing his features as he greeted her. "Kimia, before you set off on your journey, I must ask you to remain vigilant. Ray has already started to make his moves by recruiting trainers under his banner. I've heard whispers of his desire to reshape the Elite 4 with his devotees."
Kimia nodded, her expression grave. "I see, here's the best way to maximize his influence within our government. An Elite 4 staffed entirely by his followers would give him significant political clout."
"Absolutely, and that's why it's imperative that you win the tournament and gain a seat in our ranks. Together, we'll have enough leverage to secure our family's hierarchical position," Siebold replied. "I have faith in you, so please surpass yourself, use all your talents to be triumphant."
Kimia felt the weight of responsibility settle on her shoulders. The expectations of her legacy, the honor tied to her name, and the looming threat of Ray's shenanigans all converged in that moment. Now was the chance for her to act as a worthy successor, to prove that a bloodline of brilliant Pokémon handlers ran in her veins. "Have no fear, Father. I'll do everything necessary to ensure that Ray's plans do not come to fruition. Our family will retain its dominance, I pledge it."
To be continued