"Aw, yeah! Gather round, children, and behold the epic that is Lê Chiên Kim!"
"Yeah, the epic fail."
"I dare you to say that again, Kubdel!"
"You can't make dares until the year is over, meathead! Or did ya forget?"
Barely two minutes since reuniting and already Kim and Alix were at each other's throats, figuratively. Their intense stare-down practically generated huge amounts of sparks that could fuel Prism Tower and half of Lumiose City. The day of their second class reunion had arrived and nearly half have come early, mostly due to helping Rose set up as well as the contagious eagerness of seeing one another again. Most of them had taken the opportunity to get up to speed how each other have been doing since Parfum Palace while those with more personal rivalries decided to make dramatic spectacles out of themselves.
"Called it," Alya smirked. "They just can't keep their eyes and hands off each other."
"Hey!" Alix yelped indignantly, sporting a bright furious blush from overhearing her remark. "No one asked you!"
"And I'm not even laying my hands on her," Kim argued, holding his hands up high. "I won't stoop as low as to harm her like that. Humiliating Alix through sheer power in Pokémon battles is a better option anyway."
"Somehow, I get the sense that wasn't what Alya meant, Kim," Max hummed, adjusting his glasses awkwardly.
"I'm glad these jokers haven't changed a bit," Alya said fondly, carrying over a large covered plate of pastries and placing it on the snack table.
"I really want to thank Rose for setting this up," Marinette agreed, placing her tray next to Alya's.
"I think you ought to be fine," Alya pondered. "You and your parents helped out big time. Your family's bakery is the best out of the rest in Lumiose."
"Then by extension, you're also exonerated, Alya," Marinette smiled. "You did help out this morning with the baking and transporting of goods, after all."
"Girl, I would've done it anyway," Alya winked. "I'll think of something cool we can do for Rose, and probably Juleka too. I'm a hundred percent sure she had a huge hand in helping Rose pull all this off."
"Hmm, I think I might know," Marinette spoke up, pulling out her phone. "Isn't Rose a huge fan of Prince Ali?"
"Ali, the heir of the Mirage Kingdom in Hoenn?" Alya questioned, eyes slightly widening upon realizing where she was going with her idea. "Oh, I got ya. I also saw that recent article that said he's gonna travel to Kalos in a couple of weeks and attend a couple of Showcases and other important meetings as a guest of honor. Interesting."
"Rose said that he's involved in a lot of Pokémon charities," Marinette added.
"Well, I'm not sure how you're gonna pull this off, especially if Rose is up to date with current events," Alya reminded. "I hate saying it, but it's not like you have an inner connection with Prince Ali for the sake of setting up some alone time for Rose to be with him."
"I know," Marinette sighed. "Guess it's back to the drawing board then."
"Speaking of drawing board, I think you can gift Rose and Juleka with the Master Showcase dresses you were designing for them," Alya suggested.
"But that was already promised," Marinette argued. "I was going to work on their dresses and complimentary accessories either way. I want to do something new for them."
"Darn," Alya frowned with a snap of her fingers. "Fine. We'll think of something else. Let's just enjoy having everyone from our class together again."
The second reunion had just started minutes ago as scheduled with Rose announcing her bubbly delight of seeing everyone again while Caline, their former homeroom teacher, presided. Well, almost everyone as there were a few stragglers that were going to arrive late. It was easily narrowed down to three people missing. Ivan and Mylène, the only class couple, and Chloé, surprisingly, were not seen. Sabrina, who had been with Rose and Juleka, had no idea where she went after explaining her loss to Marinette back in Coumarine City, which resulted in some praises thrown the dark-bluenette designer's way for humbling Chloé. Not even Adrien knew when asked despite his history with her. Apparently, he did not hear from her since Coumarine City as well.
"Hmm, I know I sent Chloé the message too," Rose mumbled, checking her phone again. "Do you think something happened to her?"
"Dunno," Juleka shrugged.
"Well, Mylène texted she and Ivan are on their way from Laverre City," Rose mentioned. "She said in about ten minutes they'll be here. Let's keep looking out for them so we can welcome them to the party!"
The petite blonde girl then ran off while giving her salutations to every attendee she bumped into while Juleka followed along at a more casual pace, smiling when Adrien greeted her while in a conversation with Max and Nathaniel.
"I can approximate that within two months given your current rate of travel that you'll acquire the eight badges needed to compete for the next Kalos League, allowing an additional two months to train for the occasion," Max construed. "That leave a slight deviation of two point seven three percent comparison between our respective progress."
"That's… impressive how you figure these things out within minutes, Max," Adrien chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "I doubt I'll keep up the pace though."
"How so?" Max inquired.
"I don't feel as driven as when I started," Adrien shrugged.
"Isn't winning the Kalos League your goal?" Nathaniel asked.
"A goal, yes," Adrien admitted. "Battle the Elite Four? I suppose. Succeed my father? That's what I'm expected to do."
"It sounds like your heart isn't into it," Nathaniel surmised.
"That doesn't sound well, taking into account that your father's challenge is still active until the day of the Kalos League Conference," Max voiced disapprovingly. "If you, Adrien, were in better spirits with the right motivation, you would be the ideal surmountable wall to overcome as to be recognized as the strongest Pokémon Trainer of Kalos, something I actually look forward to as to challenge myself."
"That is bad, but actually, I wanted to ask you something else, Adrien," Nathaniel admitted, looking away diffidently.
"What's up?" Adrien prompted.
"Um… it's a matter of perspective," Nathaniel began. "I just need your opinion on how you would go about making a certain decision."
"Is it about Marinette?" Adrien guessed, causing the redhead to blush and stammer.
"What does Marinette have to do with it?" Max questioned skeptically.
"No! No," Nathaniel waved his hands defensively. "It's not her, not anymore. What made you think that?"
"There was that incident back at the Academy," Adrien placed a hand behind his head, appearing hesitant as he wanted to carefully arrange his words to not offend the artist with his assumptions. "You know, with Chloé giving you a hard time that one day while you were sketching our Pokémon."
"Oh," Nathaniel nodded in understanding. "Y-You still remember that?"
"Kind of hard not to, but the way she revealed your crush on Marinette was totally uncalled for and indiscreet," Adrien continued. "But that was almost two years ago. I didn't want to pry, but how do you feel about Marinette now?"
"I… I figured out that she liked… likes someone else back then," Nathaniel answered, slightly narrowing his eyes on Adrien, though the blond Ace Trainer didn't notice. "I respect that and am glad to just be friends with her. As long as she's happy, that's all that matters. I've moved on since then."
"How did this conversation shift from competing in the Kalos League to Marinette?" Max muttered, though he was ignored.
"I see," Adrien smiled sympathetically, sending a light tap to the shorter boy's shoulder. He understood what it was like to have unrequited love, though for Adrien's case, it revolved around a Ledian-themed heroine. "Well, don't give up in whatever you hope to do next?"
"That's what I really wanted to talk to you about," Nathaniel asserted. "The truth is I'm not really sure what I want to do or get out of my journey. I've been sketching different Pokémon in their habits and even attempted to recreate moments of Pokémon performing their special moves in Showcases. I want to find something more."
"And we're getting back on track," Max narrated, adjusting his glasses by pushing up the bridge. "You didn't particularly excel in battling, if I recall, Nathaniel."
"It's… not a passion I want to pursue," Nathaniel said, brushing a red fringe to the side only for it to fall back over his eye. "I still train my team to stay in shape. For protection, you know. Given that there's Team Akuma causing all kinds of havoc right now. But I have no desire to compete in the Pokémon League like the rest of you."
"You're trying to find your place in the world, is that right?" Adrien guessed. "A dream you can feel ambitious towards?"
"Yes," Nathaniel confirmed. "I want to think that my drawing skills would land me somewhere, but I think it's still too far off for me to see it. I mean, I could work my way up as a professional artist that's sketched tons of gorgeous Pokémon, but… part of me also craves action that can closely associate with that goal."
"Hmm, I'm not sure what to say, to be honest," Adrien hummed. "If you're trying to ask for a solid confirmation on what you want to do, then I'm afraid I'm not much help in that department. This is coming from a guy who's expected to follow in his father's footsteps no matter what. So in short, I don't even know if what I'm doing is what I really want."
"I… I understand," Nathaniel sighed. This is the guy Marinette is in love with?
"However, I can say this," Adrien offered. "Whether it's becoming a Pokémon artist or something else, take pride in your talents and make the most out of them. Believe in yourself, just like your friends do."
Nathaniel processed his advice and came to an astounding realization. The answer had been in front of him all along and he wound up overthinking his situation. Adrien was correct, in which he should continue pursuing his passions and have them guide him along his journey. As short and vague his words indicated, they were sincere as though Adrien truly considered him a friend. He also came to a better understanding on how and why Marinette fell for him despite the lack of interaction he and Adrien had back at the Academy. The guy, as cool and charismatic he came off on top of being Champion Agreste's son, went out of his way to see the good in others, including Chloé. Marinette was in good hands as far as Nathaniel was concerned, but that was if the blond Trainer in front of him ever got a clue on her feelings in the first place.
"Excuse me, if I may interject," Max waved, getting their attention. "I believe I have a few career options Nathaniel may be interested in pursuing at the meantime after careful analysis of his style and performance from Lumiose Trainer Academy despite his frequency to daydream and doze off. Might I recommend trying the path of a Pokémon Coordinator? Its functions are similar to that of a Pokémon Performer, but aside from the obvious difference of gender equality, Pokémon Contests have regulations differing from Showcases, one of which include battling."
"That is a cool option, Max," Adrien voiced. "What do you think, Nathaniel?"
"That's… not the first time I was recommended to give Contests a shot," Nathaniel replied. "Rose kept urging me to try it out, but there aren't any Contest Halls in Kalos."
"Ah, so you're building up the strength and confidence to eventually venture out and visit the regions that do host Pokémon Contests," Max deduced. "In that case, may I suggest either the Hoenn region or the Sinnoh region? The former is where Pokémon Contests have originated from while the latter have a slightly different format called 'Super Contests.' I'm afraid my knowledge behind the Sinnoh Super Contests is rather deficient to the point that I cannot list off immediate differences between them and the Contests from other regions."
"I'll think about it," Nathaniel held his hands up, feeling overwhelmed by the amount of information Max threw his way within seconds. "Thanks, Max. You too, Adrien."
"What are friends for?" Adrien smiled.
At the meantime, Marinette stood a short distance away from them, watching her crush appearing to help Nathaniel out with some sort of problem with Max. She couldn't catch what they have been talking about due to the various conversations also taking place around her, but any opportunity she had to admire Adrien was one she'd take in a heartbeat. All the while, Alya was next to her with folded arms.
"Y'know, you're able to talk to him," Alya reminded. "This time's no different than the past few days."
"We haven't really done anything together since I got the Voltage Badge," Marinette sighed. "I was sure he was going to leave town until I remembered he was going to stay and see everyone again."
"Give him some more credit, girl," Alya poked her elbow into her side. "I think those boys are done talking. Go to him before he starts talking to someone else."
"B-But what am I supposed to say?" Marinette asked worriedly.
"… You're seriously asking me that after all this time?" Alya questioned with a raised skeptic brow. Marinette still appeared to be ready to panic. "How about: 'I love you! Please don't leave me!' That a good convo starter?"
"Alya!" Marinette screeched through gritted teeth, face turning almost as red as Nathaniel's hair.
"Uh-oh," Alya gasped, face dropping. Marinette was now confused. "I told you that you should've just gone up to him."
Marinette then turned to face what Alya was looking at, which was at Adrien's direction. To Marinette's horror and disgust, a familiar female figure had snuck her way into the boys' circle and was now coyly sliding a finger on Adrien's chest. Both Max and Nathaniel were rendered speechless by the shameless flirting display while Adrien remained civil despite the bashful discomfort he was experiencing.
"Mmm, it's so nice getting to meet all of your friends from your class, Adrien," Lila purred. "Really an impressive assortment of characters you've gotten to know, me included."
"Yeah, they're really cool," Adrien chuckled nervously.
"Pardon my interruption, but your face seems familiar," Max said, adjusting his glasses as though he needed a better look of the chestnut-brunette girl.
"I hope it is," Lila beamed, turning around and instantly hooking an arm onto Adrien's, much to Marinette's irritation. "Lila Rossi of Alto Mare, at your service. Oh? And you, the quiet redhead from Coumarine City who was with Adrien. Nate, was it?"
"Nathaniel, but it's pretty much the same thing," Nathaniel mumbled.
"If you really were a friend, you would've done a better job in properly remembering names," Marinette intervened, stomping up to them while Alya judiciously held her back from doing anything reckless. The girl had a terrible temper when pushed. "Lila."
"Marinette," Lila smirked, tightening her hold on Adrien, eliciting an inaudible yelp from him. Marinette felt her right eye twitch. "It's been a while. Glad to see you're in good spirits as ever."
"Glad to see you're the center of attention… again," Marinette responded with a strained smile. "Do you have to drag Adrien down as well?"
"Drag him 'down'?" Lila repeated, attempting to innocently gape at the accusation. "Oh, no. Of course not. Perish the thought! I know he doesn't mind being under the spotlight with yours truly, given that we're both given high expectations for the Kalos League."
"Now I remember," Max announced. "You were a highlighted contender from the Johto and Hoenn Leagues the previous years."
"You're not helping, Max!" Alya hissed subtly, remembering how she made the same mistake back at Coumarine City.
"Huh?" Max could only respond.
"What are you doing here anyway?" Marinette asked bluntly, hands on hips. "You weren't exactly part of our class, so you shouldn't have any business with us."
"Maybe not, but Rose didn't seem to mind, neither did your teacher when I arrived," Lila answered, finally letting go of Adrien just to take her phone out. "As a matter of fact, Rose sent me the invite. Here it is if you want to check."
"I'm curious how you convinced Rose to let you in," Alya spoke up. "She wanted to keep things simple and have only our ex-classmates and teacher join in."
"I promised to introduce her to Prince Ali," Lila shrugged before holding up a hand and intertwining her index and middle fingers. "We're pretty much like this. Simply put, I had the chance to visit the Mirage Kingdom and got to help Ali with some issues. I can guarantee which Showcases he'll be attending in order before the news releases his schedule. Rose will meet her idol in no time."
It was ironic that not too long ago Marinette had discussed with Alya the possibility of introducing Rose to Prince Ali, only to fall short because of their lack of connections to the Mirage Kingdom heir himself. And here was Lila, who was said to have met the young foreign prince himself during her travels. Marinette never felt so outplayed before. It didn't help that her frustration was building up once Lila dared to lay her hands upon Adrien again. She had won over Rose and was on the verge on winning over Adrien. The poor boy was confused and was trying to remain polite about it. She knew that because she recognized the same expression he had when dealing with his clingy childhood friend, only in that case, it was clear that Adrien didn't feel the same way for Chloé as she did for him. Marinette find herself wishing she was dealing with Chloé instead of this tricky girl with the shifty olive-green eyes.
Alya, Nathaniel, and Max exchanged awkward wary glances between each other as the air around them had inexplicably become very tense. Alya was wondering how much longer Marinette would stay calm. Nathaniel wondered if Adrien was worth all this grief. And Max was downright baffled by this turn of events.
"Everyone, if you're interested, we're about to have a Pokémon battle," Caline announced. "The battle between Alix and Kim will begin shortly."
"Come see!" Rose encouraged. "It'll be so exciting!"
"The probability of this happening was eighty-seven point three percent, though with Kim and Alix involved, I'd say there was a ten percent increase, resulting in a ninety-seven point three percent probability for at least one battle taking place this reunion," Max stated. "Though the exact timing of the announcement interrupting a tense moment like this is less than—."
"We get it, Max," Alya interrupted, annoyed with the formal statistics talk that spouted practically endlessly out of his mouth. "… Thank you."
"That's not a bad idea," Lila mused, placing her hands demurely behind her back as she slowly strutted closer to Marinette.
"Where are you going with this?" Marinette demanded cagily.
"After this Pokémon battle, let's have our own," Lila suggested airily. "Unless you feel you're not ready to take me on, in which case, is perfectly fine with me." Marinette held her tongue back. She knew she was merely goading her on. "I can battle with Adrien instead and together we can experience the joys that only skilled Pokémon Trainers can face."
That did it. Alya wasn't even going to hold her back for this.
"I'll have you know… that I won my fifth badge recently, and from the Lumiose Gym, no less," Marinette rebutted.
"Hmm, so you have five badges too," Lila summarized coolly, pretending to inspect her fingernails. "Then you must be skilled. There shouldn't be a reason for you to turn down my challenge."
"Then I accept, Lila," Marinette followed up heatedly.
"Something tells me their battle will be more intense than Kim and Alix's," Nathaniel remarked.
"How about we move this little party over to the battlefield?" Alya suggested.
One quick, albeit awkward transition later and they all reunited with the rest by one of Lumiose Academy's Pokémon battlefields. Ivan and Mylène arrived in time to catch everyone getting ready to watch the battle. There weren't any questions asked that pried into Ivan's previous situation as Team Akuma's first Bond Hybrid, opting to respect his privacy on such matters and as warned by Caline before the reunion began. He and his girlfriend were greeted as old friends, as though nothing changed.
Kim and Alix were already at opposing sides with their respective starters, Swampert and Blaziken, standing next to them. Caline was at the side as the referee.
Everyone was sitting at the nearby bleachers, eagerly waiting to see how this battle would turn out. Marinette was glad to have snagged a seat next to Adrien before Lila did while Nino took his other side, resulting in her sitting with an overanxious Rose, Juleka, and Sabrina nearby. But she wasn't going to let her get to her now, not with a Pokémon battle that was expected to be epic coming up.
"You sure you're gonna go with your Blaziken for this, Alix?" Kim mocked. "You're at a huge disadvantage against my Swampert, not to mention that there's no way that Blaziken can overpower him. His neck is bigger than your Blaziken's thigh!"
"Idiot, Swampert doesn't even have a neck," Alix scoffed. "And pure power isn't everything. Just an obnoxious excuse to overcompensate for something else."
Her narrowed sly eyes really sold her roasting as their ex-classmates hollered over it.
"… So?" Kim huffed after a few awkward seconds of scouring for a comeback, not helped when some of their friends began laughing.
"This is a one-on-one battle with no substitutions," Caline relayed. "The battle will end when either Pokémon is down and unable to battle. Are there any questions or objections from any of you?"
"None from me," Alix replied.
"I don't need to make a wager to make you taste the bitterness of defeat," Kim quipped.
"Guess I shouldn't drag this out any longer," Caline remarked, feeling amused and nostalgic from witnessing her former students' personalities flare out. "Let the battle begin!"
Alix Kubdel (Blaziken) VS Lê Chiên Kim (Swampert)
"Why don't you go first, Alix?" Kim offered. "I've been told I need to be 'more of a gentleman,' whatever that's supposed to mean."
"Chivalry strangely doesn't suit you at all, meathead," Alix smirked. "Blaziken, Bulk Up!"
Blaziken flexed her arms together as an empowering red aura emanated from her body, followed by a brief glow that signaled a raise in her attack and defense. Swampert crouched forward, ready for the command to attack.
"Swampert, use Water Gun!"
"Dodge and use Flame Charge!"
Swampert sprayed a particularly strong jet of water out of his mouth, but given that he was Kim's Pokémon, power would be a defining trait in his team. Of course, strength would matter had it landed a hit on the target. Unfortunately for them, Blaziken proved to be swift on her feet upon engulfing herself in flames as she dashed about the battlefield, appearing as a speedy red fireball while Swampert stumbled about trying to keep his eyes on her.
The Mud Fish Pokémon faltered slightly from the direct hit, easily shrugging it off, but was unable to keep up with Blaziken's increasing speed. Blaziken was practically a red blur as she circled around Swampert at a safe distance.
"Ugh! Try again! Water Gun!"
"Flame Charge!"
Needless to say, it was a repeat performance with Swampert missing his mark, Blaziken landing a hit, and her speed increasing by another level. To say that Kim was annoyed with the same outcome was an understatement.
"Come on!" Kim was taken back by the speed.
"You're too slow!" Alix taunted. "Sky Uppercut!"
Before Swampert knew what was happening, he found himself launched up in the air after feeling a strong blow from below the jaw. Blaziken was discovered in front of him, glowing fist raised high in the air from using Sky Uppercut. Swampert was sent sliding on his back a couple of feet, having dug his fingers into the ground to stop himself.
"Swampert, get up! Rock Slide!"
"Use Fire Spin!"
A spiraling whirlpool of flames was unleashed, surrounding Swampert in a ring of fire. He got back up despite fighting against the rising heat to summon falling boulders to rain upon Blaziken. The Blaze Pokémon wound up fighting her way through the rocks, punching and kicking them away before the number of rocks eventually overwhelmed and buried her.
"Now that's power!" Kim boasted. "Now get out of that Fire Spin!"
Alix scowled as she watched his Swampert muscle out of Blaziken's flames with minimal damage. There went that attempt in whittling down Swampert's stamina. At least she had her fallback plan of having her Blaziken out speed them, especially after all those Flame Charges. And Blaziken was faster than Swampert to begin with.
"Blaziken, I know that's not gonna stop you!" Alix called out. Responding to her words, Blaziken freed herself from the boulders with a mighty flex, knocking them aside with her fighting power. "That's the fiery spirit! Use Blaze Kick!"
"Grab Blaziken!"
The Blaze Pokémon leapt high in the air and dived down with a leg ignited in fire. Swampert held up an arm in defense to block the kick while using his free hand to secure his hold on Blaziken's leg. The rest of Blaziken's body fell as she struggled to free herself.
"Blaziken, throw him off!"
"Spin Blaziken around and then throw her!"
Before Blaziken could get a grip on the ground, she found herself unable to do so with Swampert swinging her around by the leg. He threw her into the air after four full dizzying rotations, leaving her vulnerable and airborne.
"Blaziken, get a grip!" Alix yelled. "Straighten yourself and use Flame Charge!"
"Mud Bomb!"
Swampert was quick to the draw by heaving up a compact yet volatile ball of mud towards Blaziken. She barely ignited herself before being struck dead-on by the Mud Bomb, which exploded quite messily upon contact with her fire. Blaziken resumed falling back to earth, covered in dirt with a smoke trail following her as she crashed into the ground with revealed swirled eyes.
"Blaziken is unable to battle!" Caline declared. "A valiant effort on your part, Alix, but victory goes to Kim and Swampert."
"Ha! I told you no one can overpower my Pokémon," Kim bragged. "Good battle, Alix, but maybe next time you might have a chance beating me with the right Pokémon, little girl."
"Next time you won't be so lucky, Kim," Alix snorted, comforting her Blaziken. She exhaled before recalling her into her Poké Ball so that she could rest. "But yeah, it was a good battle."
"A good battle, I agree," Lila spoke up, sending a glance at Marinette. "But I'm sure the next battle will be something else, won't it?"
Marinette didn't respond, but merely got out of her seat between Adrien and Alya and made her way down to the battlefield. Lila merely shrugged as she followed along, disregarding the cheers the others made over Alix and Kim's battle while taking in Rose's active encouragement that a new battle was about to take place.
"Hey, guys!" Rose shrilled. "Next battle is between Marinette and Lila! Be sure to cheer loudly for the both of them!"
"Does anyone know how strong that Lila girl is?" Kim asked as he and Alix joined them on the bleachers. "Aside from the fact that she qualified for two League Conferences?"
"Beats me," Ivan shrugged, holding Mylène close.
"Sorry, Kim," Mylène apologized.
"Oh, hey, you two Luvdisc," Alix greeted. "Glad you guys finally joined us."
"Yeah, have to give you guys props up on… well, you know, that whole episode you guys went through at Geosenge Town with… you know," Kim added lamely, trying to be tactful around the couple after being given the heads-up to respect their previous trials with Team Akuma. "… Hey, you're here."
"Ever the eloquent one, Kim," Ivan remarked.
"Hey, I may not be 'elophant,' but I'm still the big winner from today's battle against Alix," Kim scoffed, taking his seat a few rows up next to Max while Alix sat next to Mylène.
"Critical observation shows that she wears a Key Stone in a necklace, indicating that she is potentially capable of Mega Evolution," Max answered.
"That's not good for Marinette," Nathaniel mumbled.
"You think Lila will actually show off her Mega Evolved Pokémon?" Sabrina asked.
"I think Marinette will be just fine," Alix assured. "She won at my family's Gym and defeated my bro's Mega Lucario, a feat only a few of us accomplished without using Mega Evolved Pokémon of our own."
"She'll use Mega Evolution very soon," Alya added. "Once her Kirlia evolves."
"I think Lila will hold off on using a Mega Evolved Pokémon for now," Adrien inputted. "Something tells me she just wants to test Marinette for herself."
"Either way, you better be rooting for our girl, pretty boy," Alya warned. "Nothing against Lila, but it's only natural you'd want the hometown favorite to win." She clamped her mouth shut for her next sentence, opting to keep it in her mind instead. And Marinette won't like it if you showed support for her rival instead of her.
"This should be one wicked match," Nino commented. Alya facepalmed. No one was getting the big picture here. "Let's get it on!"
"You said it, Nino!" Rose cheered. "C'mon, Marinette and Lila!"
"Awesome," Juleka smiled.
"Well, it'll be the same rules as the last battle," Caline said as the two girls took up their opposing sides on the battlefield. "Please select your Pokémon."
"I'll go first," Lila smirked, holding the Poké Ball close to her face. "Spotlight's on!"
Bursting out of the thrown Poké Ball in a bright flash was a gorgeous Pokémon with luxurious golden-white fur and nine long tails billowing from behind as she made her majestic appearance upon the battlefield.
"A Ninetales," Marinette muttered in awe.
"My Ninetales is beautiful and deadly," Lila responded matter-of-factly upon seeing Marinette's look. "She's also a long-time partner that has traveled with me from the beginning. So, who's going to be your Pokémon?"
"As much as I wanted to go with Tikki for this, I can't let her one-up me over a type disadvantage, especially not in front of Adrien," Marinette mused to herself. She picked out the Pokémon that she was sure she can match and overcome Lila's Ninetales with based off of the criteria of power and experience. "Kirlia, I need you!"
As much as she wanted to go with Feebas and give her a chance to shine, she wouldn't be able to do much, not when she didn't know any Water moves and was still working on her Ice Beam. In any case, Kirlia appeared on the field with grace, catching the attention of her many friends. Marinette noticed Lila frowning at the sudden change of lauds from the crowd and smiled to herself. As petty as it was thinking this way, keeping the attention on her and Kirlia might throw Lila off her game.
"Whenever you girls are ready," Caline alerted.
"Your Kirlia is cute, that much I'll say," Lila commented, strangely calm despite the palpable envy she showed when Kirlia was temporarily the center of attention. "But can your Pokémon even touch mine?"
"You just like trying to get me angry, don't you," Marinette replied wryly. "You're gonna regret everything, Lila. Kirlia, use Thunderbolt!"
"Dodge and use Calm Mind!"
Ninetales closed her eyes and relaxed despite her about to be bombarded by a strong Electric attack. Her lithe body slipped away from the Thunderbolt strike before resuming her meditative stance. She began to glow with her special attack and special defense being enhanced. Marinette was really disliking how overconfident Lila was placing herself on top of her with how her Ninetales calmly carried herself.
"Kirlia, Thunderbolt one more time!"
"Use Flamethrower!"
This time, Lila opted to counterattack. But once the two attacks met at the center of the field, the Flamethrower proved to be stronger as it gradually pushed back against Thunderbolt. Kirlia ceased her attack and leapt out of the way before she could be scorched. Ninetales was relentless with her attack as she moved her head and continued the stream of fire bursting out of her mouth.
"Kirlia, jump out of the way and use Thunderbolt into the ground!"
It took several quick pirouettes across the field to get out of Ninetales's range, but once the Fox Pokémon stopped her attack, Kirlia placed her hands into the earth and channeled the electricity into the ground. Many, including Lila, were surprised by the tactic, only to witness the end result as the built-up power underground caused a shattering eruption that flung large chunks of ground debris into the air before they rained down upon Ninetales.
Her ears perked up and her red eyes sharpened down. She moved with the agility befitting her kind as she anticipated every falling rock before they could touch her. Lila gasped when a stray rock struck one of Ninetales's tails, but to her relief, she was still fine.
"Okay, so I underestimated you," Lila scowled. "Common setback, but no matter. Dark Pulse!"
Once the rocks had stopped falling, Ninetales stopped in place and released a beam of black rings towards Kirlia, who could only take on the blast by holding up her arms to block. She was sent tumbling back in the dirt, landing on her knees before she could take on more damage.
"We're not done yet," Marinette retaliated. "Confusion!"
She noticed the tilted smile on Lila's face turn up higher. Marinette sensed that she made some sort of grave mistake with her command, but it was too late to turn back now as Kirlia sent a telekinetic blast towards Ninetales. The Confusion waves were seen instantly repelled upon contact with the Fox Pokémon, as if they couldn't touch her.
"Whoa, wait, what just happened?!" Kim yelped.
"The Confusion had no effect?" Sabrina questioned.
"That's impossible," Max stated as he developed multiple theories in his head. "Unless…"
Their group immediately broke out into a discussion regarding factors of Confusion suddenly failing. They reviewed all moves and tactics used during the battle, wondering how Lila and Ninetales could prepare a defense against Confusion. All the while, Adrien remained quiet as he observed the ongoing battle.
"I should've known your battle style also relies on deception," Marinette growled. "That's not really a Ninetales I'm facing, is it? What else have you lied about?"
"I haven't lied about anything," Lila shot back. "And I don't like that accusatory tone you're aiming at me. It's not my fault your brain was fooled by what your eyes perceived."
"Okay, so tell me then, Lila," Marinette demanded. "Is that really a Ninetales? Do you even own a Ninetales?"
"Land a solid hit on Ninetales and you'll find out," Lila goaded. "That is, if you have the power to stand up to me."
She knew how to press her buttons, if nothing else. It only meant that Marinette couldn't lose no matter what. She couldn't let Lila get away with riling her up by flaunting her alleged superiority and swaying Adrien away. She won't let her get away with this.
"I'm more capable than you think I am, Lila," Marinette began. "I'm taking you dow—."
Marinette didn't finish her declaration as nearby screaming suddenly erupted from around the block. Everyone got up from their seats to see various citizens and their Pokémon running in hysteria. Marinette and Lila exchanged glances, immediately coming to a mutual temporary truce and recalling their Pokémon upon sensing a disturbance. They regrouped to the battlefield where Caline managed to pull a man aside for answers.
"Sir, please calm down," Caline requested. "What is going on?
"… What are you doing?" the man panted. "… You gotta… You gotta get out of here! Team Akuma is raiding Lumiose City in numbers!"
"What?!" everyone, particularly Marinette and Adrien, yelled in outrage.
"… They came… from all sides of the city," the man explained. "… The police force… they tried holding them back… but more somehow appeared within the city and attacked from behind… They're trying to drive us out of our home."
"More like trying to lure out Lady Ledian and Liepard Noir," Alya mused, getting all eyes to looking towards her. "I know those two heroes are still in the city. I'm gonna go catch them in action."
"Alya, wait!" Caline pleaded, but it went unheard.
Marinette shook her head disapprovingly, but she knew it couldn't be helped no matter what. Speaking of Lady Ledian, she needed to contact Liepard Noir so that they could drive off Team Akuma together. What a day this was turning out to be.
"Excuse me, sir, but do you know if another Bond Hybrid was with them?" Marinette asked, worrying a good number of her classmates with her inquiry.
"I didn't see one… and I don't think I want to," the man breathed out. "… Imagine the devastation they'll bring to our city."
"That settles it," Caline muttered. "Everyone, get back to the Damocles Pokémon Lab for your safety."
"No way," Kim contested defiantly. "I'm not letting these Akuma jerks take over our home. And my family is in danger!"
"A number of our families are in danger," Nino surmised. "There's no way we can sit back and wait for the police, Lady Ledian, and Liepard Noir clean up shop."
"I agree!" Rose nodded. "We're not going down without a fight!"
"I'll help any way I can," Sabrina volunteered. "I know my dad will be here to guide the police force, so I'm going to fight with him."
"I've got some payback for them," Ivan pounded a meaty fist in his hand.
"I guess there's no point trying to hold you all back," Caline relented. "Please be careful then. Go to your families and protect them. Stay together so that you don't get overwhelmed."
They all immediately broke off into groups simply by heading into the directions where their families lived while passing through the panicking populace, at least regarding the Lumiose natives. Rose, Juleka, Ivan, and Mylène were one group. Kim and Max teamed up as it helped that they've been friends and neighbors for a long time. Sabrina went to the police station while being escorted by Lila and Nathaniel, who needed to go in their direction anyway. Marinette wanted to make sure her parents and Alya were safe, but she wound up being followed by Alix while Adrien went with Nino to protect his family.
"Yo, Marinette, wait up!" Alix shouted. "You can't go alone!"
"Okay, but hurry," Marinette responded. "I need your help in protecting my parents while I go find Alya. And get a hold of Liepard while I'm at it."
"Ah, no, you're not ditching me that easily," Alix rebutted. "We'll make sure your folks are safe and then we'll get Alya and scold her for being a hotblooded idiot."
"Thanks, Alix," Marinette smiled.
"Y'know, it's too bad Adrien didn't go with you instead," Alix joked.
"Not now, Alix," Marinette sighed, blushing over the thought but worried for his safety big time now that it was clear in her mind. I'll definitely go to his aid once I make sure Alya is safe. Please be safe for me, Adrien.
"I'm just saying it would've been the gentlemanly thing for him to do for you, but I guess Nino took precedence," Alix shrugged. "It's as the saying goes: 'bros before Florges.'"
"Is that how it really goes?" Marinette rolled her eyes.
"Don't know, don't care," Alix replied. "Let's crack some Akuma heads at least."
And now the attack on Lumiose City begins. It was to be expected, after all. I wonder how many casualties can be avoided, but we'll see what more happens next chapter.
I'm a bit disconcerted over the lack of feedback from last chapter and the decreased amount of views overtime. Is the story or my writing going stale? Lack of engaging action or plot? I won't know that unless you say something. Of course, if it's the case that there's nothing you could comment about the chapter itself aside from saying it's nice and please update more, then I understand. I've run into stories that were also good, but lack the words to leave a decent review.
Thank you to those that have stuck with me so far. Your support is greatly appreciated and has helped motivate me to continue this lengthy fic.