Handling a Serious Rivalry

Alec's POV

As the group continued to Lumiose City, they had stopped in a field to do some more training. Cassidy had brought out Magno so Ash could battle against an electric-type while he used Goodra. "Goodra, Dragon Pulse!" Ash commanded. Goodra fired and it scored a direct hit on Magno.

"Now, Tri Attack!" Cassidy ordered.

Magno's three eyes shot out fire, ice, and lightning. "Use Bind!" Ash shouted. Goodra's body was surrounded by red and he took Magno's attack.

"Let's finish this quickly. Flash Cannon!" Cassidy commanded. Magno fired, but Goodra took the hit again.

"Go for it Goodra!" Ash shouted. Goodra fired the white beam at Magno, doing a lot of damage despite the fact the move wasn't very effective.

"Thunder!" Cassidy ordered. The electric attack fired and managed to knock Goodra out.

"Goodra is unable to battle. Cassidy wins!" Alec declared.

"Wow, you sure are strong Cassidy," Ash commented.

"We train hard. With a bit more work you could match up to us," Cassidy told him.

"Well, I suppose you want to train as well?" Alec asked her.

"Yeah. It would be great for the rest of my team to get some training," Cassidy answered.

"Alright then. I'll be your opponent," Alec told her. Cassidy's eyes widened as she smiled. She seemed really excited.

"Alright then. But don't think because you're the champion I'll let you win," Cassidy told him.

"I'd be disappointed if you did," Alec said as he stood opposite of Cassidy.

"Alright then," Serena said as she stepped into the referee's spot and Ash went to sit by Bonnie. "Alec vs Cassidy. Battle begin!" Serena declared.

"Let's go, Blaze!" Cassidy shouted as she threw out her Infernape.

[Let's battle!] Blaze shouted.

"Blaze huh. Then I'll use-" Alec started as he reached for Samurai's ball, before remembering Samurai's recent injuries. They hadn't stopped by a Pokémon Center after the last one so Alec didn't want to push him any more than possible.

Cassidy seemed to notice Alec's hesitation. "What's wrong?" she asked. She didn't say it cockily, but more concerned.

"I was going to use Samurai, but he's still injured," Alec answered.

"Oh, sorry," Cassidy said.

"You don't have to apologize. I'll just use someone else," Alec told her as he grabbed another Poké Ball. "Let's go Tank!" Alec shouted as the Torterra was released.

[Here we go,] Tank said.

"Alright then Blaze, use Flamethrower!" Cassidy shouted. Flames fired from Blaze's mouth and flew towards Tank.

"Block using Stone Edge!" Alec commanded. Tank slammed a foot on the ground causing stone pillars to rise in front of him, blocking Blaze's attack. "Now Earthquake!" Alec shouted. Tank slammed the ground again, this time breaking the ground apart and the Stone Edge, turning the pillars into smaller jagged stones while hitting Blaze with the move as well. "Send those flying with Leaf Storm!" Tank fired the leaves and they picked up the remains of the Stone Edge and sent them flying towards Blaze.

"Block with Close Combat!" Cassidy shouted to Blaze, who was still recovering from Tank's Earthquake. She managed to stand in time and started destroying the stones coming her way. A few managed to make contact, but the majority either missed or were blocked. "Staying at range isn't going to work, so get up close and use Shadow Claw!" Cassidy commanded.

Blaze ran up to Tank and landed several hits with Shadow Claw, doing a good amount of damage. "Tank, stop their movement with Earthquake!" Alec shouted. Tank tore the ground up again but Blaze jumped into the air to dodge.

"Flamethrower!" Cassidy called out. Blaze fired and the flames connected with Tank this time.

"You alright Tank?" Alec asked.

[I'm good. They are pretty strong though,] Tank answered.

"They are. Right now, we need some breather room," Alec told him.

[Remember when we were in Sinnoh? During the league?] Tank asked him.

"I see. Just get ready," Alec answered and Tank nodded.

"I don't know what you two are planning, but I'm not going to let you implement it. Blaze, Close Combat!" Cassidy shouted.

As Blaze came up for the attack, Alec smirked. "Stone Edge!" Alec shouted. The stone pillars rose again, but this time they made a cone around Blaze, trapping her. "Synthesis!" Alec called out. Tank reared his head towards the sky as the tree on his back started absorbing the sun's energy.

Blaze busted through the Stone Edge and ran towards Tank as the Synthesis stopped. "Leaf Storm!" Alec commanded. The attack stopped Blaze in her tracks, but she held on.

"Flamethrower!" Cassidy commanded. Blaze fired and it stopped the Leaf Storm.

"Stone Edge!" Ash ordered. The attack ended up launching Blaze into the air. "As soon as she hits the ground, use Earthquake!" Alec told Tank, who nodded and prepared to use the attack.

Blaze slammed into the ground and Tank used Earthquake, knocking out the Infernape. "Blaze is unable to battle. Tank's the winner!" Serena declared.

"Nice work Tank," Alec thanked.

[That was fun. Haven't had a battle like that in a while,] Tank said.

"Wow, you are really strong. I can see why you became the champion," Cassidy commented as she helped Blaze up.

"That's Alec for you. And that battle gave me a good idea for a performance," Serena said.

"It did? What?" Bonnie asked.

"The way Leaf Storm and Stone Edge were combined. I'm thinking I could use that," Serena answered.

"I'm sure you'll come up with something great," Ash told Serena.

"Regardless, you clearly are a powerful trainer Alec," Cassidy commented.

"Oh… uh… thanks," Alec said, feeling a bit awkward. He then saw Serena looked at him then Cassidy a few times before smiling at Alec mischievously. "Don't want to know what she's thinking," he thought.

"He's not that strong," someone said, standing by the field. The group turned to look and saw a boy a bit younger than everyone but Bonnie. "I'm clearly much stronger," he stated and Alec felt like he'd seen him somewhere.

"You sound pretty confident," Alec stated.

"Oh, I am. And I'm here to put you in your place," he said to Alec. "Now, let out your Samurott and let's battle."

Alec's eyes narrowed when he heard that. "How do you know I have a Samurott?" Alec asked suspiciously.

"Doesn't matter because I'm going to have some payback for what you did," he answered, sounding angry.

"I'm sorry, who are you again?" Alec asked. That didn't seem to be the right thing to say. His face became so angry that Alec thought it might lock itself in place.

"You seriously don't remember me?!" he asked loudly.

"No," Alec said plainly, not letting anything slip.

"Your second Kalos League win?! The semi-finals?!" he asked.

Alec thought back to that and vaguely remembered the trainer he faced. He didn't really impress Alec and he beat him pretty effortlessly. Despite the battle being six on six, Alec had only used three Pokémon, and Samurai defeated the last three Pokémon in a row.

"Oh, now I remember you. You were the trainer who used cheap tactics to win his battles before I stomped you," Alec answered. "What was your name again?"

"It's Chester, and I'll get my revenge on you for humiliating me! Let out your Samurott and let's battle! One on one!" Chester demanded.

"No," Alec replied, trying to remain calm.

"Excuse me?!" Chester asked.

"If you want a battle, then fine, but I'm not using Samurai just to satisfy you," Alec answered.

"Fine then. I'll prove you're weak another way. Let's take our newest Pokémon and see how they compare," he demanded.

"Fine," Alec answered as he returned Tank.

The two stood on opposite sides of the field and Alec could feel the tension in the air. [Who does this guy think he is? I understand the pain of losing but this seems like it's going too far,] Ethan asked.

"Just keep your eyes open for any tricks. I'm sure they're coming," Alec whispered to his partner.

"Alright then Skorupi, let's go!" Chester shouted as he let out his choice.

"Inferno, you're up!" Alec called out. Inferno appeared in front of Alec and faced his opponent.

Alec then heard a Poké Ball open near his friends and saw that Braixen had released herself. [You can do it Inferno!] she cheered.

Alec smiled before turning back to his Pokémon. "Be ready Inferno. This guy may have a few tricks up his sleeve," he warned.

[I'll be careful,] Inferno said.

"Skorupi, use Pin Missile!" Chester ordered. Green arrows flew towards Inferno, but Alec had a counter.

"Dodge with Flame Charge!" Alec shouted. Inferno sprinted around the Pin Missile, managing to avoid the attack.

"Poison Fang!" Chester ordered.

"Get to the side and use Lick!" Alec called out. Inferno managed to sidestep and use Lick on Skorupi, but it didn't paralyze.

"Night Slash!" Chester shouted. Inferno couldn't dodge in time as the Dark-type move hit Inferno hard.

"You alright Inferno?" Alec asked.

[I'm good. Let's keep going. I will not be dishonored by losing my first real battle,] Inferno said.

"Honor?" Alec asked himself quietly in surprise, but he quickly shook it off. "Flame Charge!" Alec shouted. Inferno surrounded himself in fire and slammed into Skorupi.

"Poison Fang, Skorupi! And don't miss this time!" Chester commanded. Poison Fang connected this time and Skorupi then threw Inferno towards Alec. The fire cat slid across the ground but was able to get back up.

"Use Leer then Flame Charge!" Alec called out. Inferno glared at Skorupi before slamming into him with Flame Charge.

"Night Slash!" Chester ordered.

"Inferno, look out!" Alec warned, but it was too late as Skorupi hit Inferno with the move, doing a ton of damage. "Inferno! Are you okay?" Alec asked in concern.

Meanwhile, Chester was laughing. "Just give up. I've obviously won this. Your stupid little thing doesn't stand a chance against me," he declared.

"You haven't won until Inferno is declared out. And Inferno will defeat you," Alec told him before looking at Inferno. "Come on Inferno. We're still in this. I know you're stronger than that Night Slash. So let's win this battle," Alec told him.

[You can do this Inferno!] Braixen shouted.

Inferno then started to slowly stand up. [I won't lose!] Inferno shouted and his body started to glow blue. The light cleared and Inferno had evolved into Torracat. [Let's do this!] Inferno declared, glaring at Skorupi, who looked terrified at the turn of events. His trainer wasn't impressed however.

"Evolved or not you will still lose! Skorupi, use Poison Fang!" Chester shouted.

Skorupi didn't do anything though. He looked at Inferno completely terrified. "Flame Charge!" Alec shouted. Inferno slammed into Skorupi, knocking him out.

"Skorupi is unable to battle. Inferno's the winner!" Cassidy declared.

"Nice work Inferno," Alec said as he stood by his newly evolved Pokémon.

[Thanks Alec,] Inferno said before sitting down and letting out a heavy breath.

[Congratulations!] Braixen shouted as she ran up to Inferno.

"We're having another battle!" Chester shouted, getting in Alec's face.

"Why? I won," Alec asked, getting really annoyed with Chester.

"You only won because your Pokémon evolved! We're having another battle right now! And this time, I'm battling Samurott!" Chester demanded.

"Samurai's injured and shouldn't be out of his ball. I'm sorry, but until he's healed I'm not going to use him," Alec said.

"Then why don't we see what it wants?" Chester asked with a smile that worried Alec.

"Excuse me?" Alec asked.

"You claim that you can understand Pokémon. So why don't you ask Samurott what it wants? If he doesn't want to battle, then you have nothing to worry about and I'll leave," Chester said. Alec saw what he was doing. He was using Alec's morals against him, and Samurai wouldn't ever say no to a battle no matter how injured he is. If Alec didn't let Samurai have a choice, he'd be betraying himself and his Pokémon.

Alec sighed in defeat then saw a way to make things a bit more even. "Fine, but if Samurai agrees, then we're making it a double battle," Alec said, holding out his hand to shake.

Chester thought about it for a moment. "Deal," he said, shaking Alec's hand.

Alec turned and grabbed Samurai's Poké Ball. Before he could throw it, Serena grabbed his wrist. "Are you sure about this? What if Samurai agrees?" she asked.

"Why do you think I asked for a double battle?" Alec asked her. "He's forced my hand." Alec then let out Samurai.

[What's going on?] Samurai asked Alec when he saw him.

"Samurai, we're being challenged to a battle, and our opponent has asked for you specifically. Do you want to battle?" Alec asked him.

[Yeah,] Samurai said without hesitation.

"Alright then. It'll be a double battle as well. It's not that I don't doubt your abilities, I just don't want to see you hurt anymore," Alec added.

Samurai looked like he wanted to protest, but Alec's almost defeated and pained look caused him to nod.

"So? Do we have a battle?" Chester asked.

Alec turned to face him. "Yeah, we do," he answered, trying to sound strong.

"What?! Alec, Samurai's still injured," Ash protested.

"Yeah. Nurse Joy said he should rest," Bonnie added.

"Please think this through Alec," Cassidy continued.

"I already have. He's forced my hand," Alec told them. Bonnie still looked like she wanted to protest, but Cassidy and Ash's faces shifted to understanding.

"If you are all done with the drama, I have a battle to win," Chester said confidently.

Samurai stepped onto the field and prepared for battle. "Soar, come on out!" Alec shouted as he released the Braviary.

"Big mistake. Emboar, Electivire, go!" Chester shouted, letting out the two Pokémon.

"Battle begin!" Cassidy declared.

"Samurai, Soar, use Hydro Pump and Aerial Ace on Emboar!" Alec commanded. Samurai let loose the jet of water and Soar flew towards his target.

"Emboar, Flamethrower on the Hydro Pump! Electivire, stop that bird with Thunderbolt!" Chester ordered.

The two moves fired and Soar was knocked out of the sky while Flamethrower clashed with Hydro Pump, causing steam to appear. "Razor Shell!" Alec shouted. Samurai moved out of the steam and hit Emboar with both water swords in an 'X' fashion. "Now Hydro Pump!" Alec shouted. Samurai fired and the jet of water slammed into Emboar.

"Electivire, grab Samurott and use Discharge!" Chester commanded. Electivire showed up from the steam behind Samurai and grabbed him around the neck before releasing an electric shock on him.

"Soar, get Samurai out of there with Crush Claw!" Alec called out in a bit of a panic. Soar swooped in with his talons glowing red and clamped on Electivire shoulders, causing him to release Samurai.

[Thanks…] Samurai said, his breathing heavy.

[No problem. No one hurts my friend and gets away with it,] Soar replied.

"Soar, use Brave Bird!" Alec shouted. Soar's body was surrounded by blue flame and flew towards Electivire and Emboar and hit them both.

"Electivire, grab Braviary!" Chester commanded. Electivire's two tails flew into the air and wrapped themselves around Soar. "Now Discharge!" The powerful electric move hit Soar hard, causing him to yell out in pain.

"Samurai, get Soar out of there with Razor Shell!" Alec ordered.

"Emboar, stop it with Arm Thrust!" Chester shouted. Emboar got between Samurai and Electivire still holding Soar and releasing Discharge.

"Breakthrough Emboar! Don't stop!" Alec shouted. Samurai drew his water swords and hit Emboar with them both before continuing to Soar. Despite his injuries, Samurai was moving quite well.

"Block the attack with the Braviary!" Chester shouted. Electivire used Soar's body to block Samurai's attack, causing him to hesitate and Electivire left no openings. "Emboar, Flamethrower!" Emboar fired at Samurai, sending him to the ground before Electivire threw Soar at Samurai sending them both towards Alec.

"Are you two okay?" Alec asked, getting really worried for both his Pokémon.

[I'm okay. You still with me Samurai?] Soar asked.

[I'm here,] Samurai managed to grunt out. Alec could see that Samurai was really struggling to remain standing. He had to end this soon or Samurai could end up with permanent injuries.

Out of instinct, Alec reached for his keystone but remembered that he didn't have a Pokémon that could mega evolve. Ethan then nudged Alec's side and pointed to his Z-ring. "Thank's Ethan," Alec said.

As he removed the Darkinium-Z, Chester shouted at Alec. "Is that it? I expected much more from the 'Champion of Kalos', or maybe you got that title because of that father of yours.

"Don't you dare compare me to my father!" Alec shouted at him. "I'm going to win this now!" he added as he grabbed the Waterium-Z and attached it to the Z-ring.

"Let's go Samurai! We'll show them what we're really capable of!" Alec declared as he activated the Z-ring and started to do the motions for the Water-type Z move. "Hydro Vortex!"

Samurai was surrounded by water and he charged at Emboar and Electivire and went in circles around them, making a massive whirlpool around the two. When Samurai stood by Alec again, Emboar and Electivire still stood.

"That's it? That's what you're capable of? That's pathetic!" Chester laughed. Emboar and Electivire then both fell down with swirls in their eyes.

"Electivire and Emboar are unable to battle! Samurai and Soar are the winners!" Cassidy declared.

As much as Alec wanted to celebrate, he was worried about his team and ran up to them. "You two okay?" Alec asked them.

[I'll… be okay,] Samurai managed to say.

[Been better. I'll just need some rest,] Soar said.

Alec sighed with a bit of relief. "You both did great. Return for now."

"Argh! This proves nothing! You're still weak and I'll prove it someday!" Chester shouted and he ran off after he returned his Pokémon.

"He's a sore loser," Cassidy commented.

"Yeah," Ash agreed.

"We'd better find a Pokémon Center. My team needs a rest," Alec pointed out.

"There's one not too far from here," Serena said, looking at her guidebook.

They followed Serena to the center and Alec, Ash, and Cassidy checked in their injured Pokémon. Once Alec had settled down, he felt a ton of guilt on him for Samurai's state. "I shouldn't have agreed to that. I shouldn't have let that Chester get to me," a part of Alec's mind thought. "But you had to support Samurai's wishes," another part of his mind argued. "He could be severely hurt from this battle," the first part pointed out.

Alec's thoughts ran in circles for the rest of the day, even when Nurse Joy said that Samurai would be alright. No matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't shake the guilt in his chest. Alec stepped out of the center in the middle of the night to look up at the sky.

"Are you feeling alright?" Cassidy asked Alec as she stood next to him.

"I just feel responsible for what happened to Samurai. If I had gotten out of the way of that flaming tree on my own Samurai wouldn't have been injured in the first place," Alec admitted. He didn't know why he was venting off to Cassidy, he'd just met her a few days ago, but it felt right somehow.

"It's not your fault. I know I haven't been with you all for long, but I can clearly see your Pokémon care for you," she stated.

"I know they do. But that doesn't make my burden any easier," Alec pointed out.

"What burden? Serena told me that you feel a lot of weight on your shoulders. Is it because you're the champion?" Cassidy asked.

"No. It's…" Alec started but his voice failed him.

Cassidy noticed his hesitation. "If it's a bad topic you don't have to talk about it," Cassidy said.

"No. If I'm going to be more open with others than I'm going to have to tell you," Alec replied.

"I don't want you to tell me unless you are 100% sure you want to. Not because you think I should know," she told him.

Alec looked at her and she had a pleading look in her eyes. He sighed in defeat. "Alright. If you're willing to wait, then I suppose I can too."

Cassidy gave a small smile before she turned to leave. "Well, goodnight," she said.

"Wait," Alec called out before she could leave. "Can… you stay with me for a bit? I kind of like your company," he asked, feeling a blush on his face as he spoke.

"Sure," she answered as she stood by him again.