Chapter 4 — Clash of Rivals
Jude led his group through the packed streets of Lumiose City, slaloming to avoid colliding with the capital's typically colorful crowd. Every step of the way, the azure sky thickened with clouds, a warning sign of the downpour that would soon follow. Fortunately, Jude was bringing them to a sheltered location. Their destination was gradually taking shape in the distance. Among the jungle of buildings, one stood high above the rest, and that was precisely where they were heading. Finally, they came face to face with the mighty tower. Just above the large parabolic entrance portal, capital letters read : Royal Academy, Kalos Elite Institute.
The structure exuded an air of grandeur, which made Trevor uncomfortable. What a spooky place, was his first thought. It looked more like an evil castle than a high school. A comparison reinforced by the dark clusters of clouds gathering atop the edifice and the rumbling thunder. Quite the opposite of his good old school in Santalune City, which boasted welcoming facilities. "Er... Jude, are you sure we're safe in here ?" he asked, his voice tinted with intimidation. "It looks like a villain's lair, such a contrast with the rest of the town."
"Don't panic, I've spent all my schooling here and I've never had any problems," Jude tried to ease his mind. "Nothing's gonna pop out of the shadows to attack you or whatever."
"If you'd rather wait for us here and end up soaking wet, we won't hold you back, wimp," Astrid disdainfully flung without even laying eyes on Trevor.
"W-what ?" shyly replied the nerd as the first raindrops brushed against his hair. "Of course not, wait for me !" he called, following in his friends' footsteps.
Jude exchanged a few words with the staff guarding the main door, and they stepped aside to let the group in. Evidently, the young Sharp had gained a good reputation within these walls. Inside, the atmosphere wasn't any more homely than outside. Everything seemed so grim, so mechanical. With so few windows, the corridors were mainly lit by neon lights hanging from the ceiling, and the pouring rain against the tiles didn't help the mood. When Trevor spotted a group of students, he almost mistook them for a military troop. They were all marching at pace, neatly arranged in single file and completely silent.
He felt grateful he hadn't attended school here. Even for a studious, law-abiding boy like him, it would have been a real nightmare. Eventually, the band reached what they'd come for : the academy wing reserved for Pokémon battles. Sounds of clashing Pokémon moves and trainers strategizing filled the air. The area was usually densely occupied, but since most of the students taking summer courses were in class by this hour, Jude had no trouble finding an open space for the much-awaited confrontation. Serena and Astrid took their positions on opposite ends of the field, their eyes locked in a fiery gaze. Serena wasn't used to this level of stress, and it was palpable despite her best efforts to conceal it.
Jude stepped forward, taking on the role of the referee. "Ladies, you each get to choose one Pokémon for this duel."
With a nod, Serena took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "Fennekin, I'm counting on you ! Show us what you're made of." She threw her Poké Ball, releasing her cherished fire-making partner.
Astrid couldn't resist mocking the choice. "Do you really think you can win with that puny pet of yours ? How adorable," she laughed scornfully. "My Absol will make quick work of that small fry." She followed up her dig with a Poké Ball toss. "Absol, appear and give no quarter !"
The dark-type Pokémon emerged in a blazing blue light, its cutthroat stance matching its trainer's demeanor. Trevor cowered behind Tierno, the Absol's daunting roar sending shivers down his spine. He pitied poor Fennekin for having to deal with this monster. The little fox also seemed to have grasped what kind of opponent awaited her, and struggled to mask her fear in front of this Absol's overwhelming presence.
Shauna, on the other hand, stood tall, cheering her friend on with unwavering support. "Serena, Fennekin, don't let this cheap show-off impress you. Give it all you've got !"
Serena drew strength from Shauna's encouragement, a determined glint in her eyes. She knew the battle would be challenging, but she was ready to face Astrid head-on. Jude raised his arm, poised to give the signal. As a referee, he was obliged to remain neutral, but he had a bad feeling about the outcome. His friend was an ardent trainer, but she still lacked tough practice and drive, unlike her proud rival. Fortunately, he knew exactly what to do if things got out of hand.
"This match will have no time limit, and will end when one of the Pokemon is unable to fight. Candidates, take your positions. On your marks, get set, go !"
Serena stepped forward, her resolve unwavering, and ordered her Pokémon to spring into action. "Fennekin, use Ember !" she commanded, her voice steady. The small, fiery fox unleashed a burst of flames, but it proved too slow and imprecise to catch Absol off guard.
Astrid's cruel laughter filled the arena as her Pokémon effortlessly evaded the assaults, moving swiftly and smoothly. "Is that the best you can do ? You're wasting my time with this pathetic display."
Serena's determination only grew stronger. "Fennekin, don't let it get you down. Try using Scratch !" The fox's claws flared and she pounced on her enemy. But Fennekin's movements were sluggish, and Absol easily dodged the attacks once more.
Astrid's grin widened, reveling in her dominance. "What a dismal spectacle, you're a disgrace to the Kalos trainers. I'm tired of playing around, it's time to end this farce. Absol, Night Slash !" With ruthless speed, Absol struck Fennekin with its dark blade. The hit landed squarely, leaving the poor Pokémon weakened and struggling to stand. Then a second charge, just as powerful as the previous one, threw the fox into the air. Even before she fell back to the ground, Fennekin was smashed hard by Absol's Iron Tail, instantly throwing her unconscious.
"Fennekin !" Serena cried out, her heart wrenching at the sight of her Pokémon in pain. "Astrid, we surrender ! Please, don't hurt her anymore !" she implored, holding her trembling body in terror at the sight of her mishandled Pokémon.
Jude could see the malicious intent in Astrid's eyes. She wasn't just aiming to win the duel ; she wanted to inflict irreversible harm on Serena's companion, maybe even murder her. Fennekin was knocked out, but Astrid showed no sign of stopping. Rather, she seemed hell-bent on lashing out at the fox's poor, motionless form. This was no longer a rules-based match, it was an act of cruelty.
"This duel is officially over," Jude declared, equally anxious to put an end to such barbarity. "Astrid, call back your enraged Pokémon and cease this slaughter immediately."
But Serena's rival refused to listen. She intended to continue her butchery to the bitter end. "In your dreams, Sharp. I'm gonna destroy that mousy girl's reckless ambitions right here, right now. Absol, the coup de grâce, Psycho Cut !"
A horrifying crimson aura enveloped the dark-type Pokémon. It concentrated all its energy in its scythe-shaped horn and released its massive might as a huge purple laser blade. Tierno felt his pulse racing. If Fennekin received this full-force blast, she would surely not survive the impact. He couldn't bear to allow such a tragedy to occur, he knew that Serena would be permanently traumatized. The dancer sprang into action, summoning his sturdy Squirtle who leapt onto the field. Shauna followed the same instinct and sent her Chespin for additional support. Even Trevor had overcome his fear and invoked his faithful Bunnelby to lend a hand to his pals.
The three brave Pokémon shielded Fennekin from Absol's onslaught, taking the hit themselves to protect their friend. Sadly, they weren't yet strong enough to repel such an enormous thrust without getting badly injured. The shockwave propelled them violently backwards, and the trio ended up in a similar state to the fire fox, wounded and unable to stand. For a fleeting glimpse, Astrid was taken aback by such a heroic and desperate deed. For a bunch of faint-hearts, they sure didn't lack guts. But that would only make their defeat more galling. Even with four Pokémon versus one, they were no match for her tremendous Absol.
Astrid's face twisted into a wicked grin. "Oh, What a clever idea, four little vermin to wipe out for the price of one. Absol, crush them all."
The battleground crackled with tension as the dark-type Pokémon prepared to deliver a finishing blow. The air seemed to freeze as Absol recharged with energy, wrapping itself in a scarlet gloaming. But before it could launch its devastating Psybeam, Jude abruptly abandoned his role as the referee and stepped forward, placing himself between the passed-out Pokémon and the menacing white feline beast.
His eyes blazed with determination, and his voice was firm. "That's enough ! The Royal Academy grants sporting meets, not free executions, so back off."
Absol twitched, instantly lowering its offense. Without really knowing why, a wild instinct warned it that clashing with this boy was a terrible mistake. Astrid's face contorted with anger. "You have no right to interfere, get out ! This is a battle, and I'll do whatever it takes to win."
Jude stood his ground, unwavering in his resolve. "There's a difference between a fair bout and pointless cruelty. You've already won, so stop this carnage."
Tierno, inspired by Jude's actions, stepped up beside him, "He's right. You may be an outstanding trainer, but your behavior is despicable."
Shauna joined them, her eyes aglow with indignation. "The only vermin here is you ! Do you enjoy butchering defenseless Pokémon ? I'd be ashamed if I were you."
Even the usually timid Trevor found his courage in solidarity with his friends. "I won't let you bully my Bunnelby any longer. You're a disgusting person, callous and insane !"
Astrid hesitated, her arrogance waning in the face of their united front. It was tricky to risk hurting humans, as this would land her in trouble with the Kalos government. As long as a regulated battle between League contenders involved ONLY Pokémon, ultra-violence and even lethal actions were permitted by law. But if a candidate was directly targeted, the culprit could face punishments including the death penalty in the worst case.
Furthermore, she felt an ominous presence above her head. Clinging to the ceiling, Jude's Froakie stood ready to tackle Astrid, a blue laser dagger whirling in his hand. The Frog Pokémon's eyes glinted with wrath, warning the ace trainer not to test its resolve. Astrid realized that Jude had foreseen a last-resort measure in case she dared to defy the rules by assaulting them. If she persisted in her wrecking madness, Froakie would have no qualms about stabbing her.
Figuring that the situation was no longer to her advantage, Astrid reluctantly cooperated. Cackling, she raised her Poké Ball and retrieved her Absol, which disappeared inside. "Fine. You're all so self-righteous. But mark my words, you won't get very far in this tournament with such shabby Pokémon. You'll just embarrass yourself in front of the world, but sadly, ridicule doesn't kill."
"It's Froakie who's gonna kill you if you don't get the fuck out, slag !" Shauna angrily shouted at her, sounding slightly bummed that the ninja frog wouldn't do it for real.
Astrid gnashed her teeth in frustration, but sensing the sword of Damocles looming over her, she turned on her heel and left, her pride somewhat wounded by their unwavering stance. The aftermath of this intense battle left a somber mood among the group of five. Their first reflex was to use potions to try and heal their injured Pokémon, mainly Serena's Fennekin, which had suffered the most damage. Regrettably, it quickly became clear that the wounds were more severe than they could handle. Basic care items wouldn't suffice.
"We need professional help," Shauna said with concern. "Jude, do you know where the nearest Pokémon center is ?"
"Only a few steps away," her pal reassured her. "The Royal Academy has a hospital ward. Let's hurry."
Each trainer grabbed their fainting Pokémon and all hastened to follow Jude, their steps filled with urgency. The medical facility provided a much-needed respite for the four valiant soldiers. This school obviously had a sizeable budget and could afford top-notch staff. The doctors were experienced and skilled, quickly attending to the damaged Pokémon and administering the necessary treatments. Serena couldn't shake off the guilt that weighed heavily on her heart. Tears welled up in her eyes as she watched a nurse remove Fennekin from her arms and take her to the intensive care unit.
"I-I should have been stronger... I let Fennekin down," Serena murmured, her voice filled with self-doubt. "She could have died because of me, I'm an awful trainer."
Just the thought terrified her. Honestly, she hadn't really expected to emerge victorious from this duel, well aware of her rival's aptitudes. But she never imagined she'd lose it so brutally and shockingly. She couldn't shake the feeling that she'd failed in the ghastliest possible way, and that maybe she wasn't cut out for Pokémon battling after all.
Tierno gently placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Serena, don't say things like that. You're fit to be a Pokémon trainer, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Your only mistake was to face a much too dangerous opponent straight away, but it could have happened to any of us. Don't forget that we're still beginners, but with practice and perseverance, we'll reach new heights."
Shauna chimed in, her voice full of conviction. "Listen to him Serena, you mustn't give up now, not after what that bitch dared to do. You've gotta fight back and make her pay, and count on me to help you do it. Don't let one setback define you, it'd be too daft to ruin your true potential."
Serena felt the warmth of her friends' support enveloping her, their words offering comfort and strength. She wiped away her tears, a renewed determination rising within her. "Thank you, guys. I'll do my best, I promise. I owe you a debt of gratitude for protecting my Fennekin. Without your intervention, I don't even want to picture what would've beenfall her."
"Don't worry about that, your Pokémon is in good hands and it'll be fine, they'll all do well," Jude joined in. "Otherwise, you don't owe us anything, we've simply fulfilled our duty. We're a team, so we help each other out, it's only logical."
Despite these auspicious words, the atmosphere had become gloomy. Everyone had quietly settled into an armchair in the reception room, anxiously waiting for news about their in-patient companions. The air was heavy with worry, each of them lost in their thoughts and concerns. Jude's restlessness got the best of him, and he decided to step away for a moment. He excused himself, called back his Froakie and made his way to a nearby drinks vending machine, his mind still preoccupied with the recent events.
As he pondered over the choices, a familiar presence caught his attention. A small, cheerful Helioptile approached him, climbing onto his shoulder with a joyful chirp. Jude's eyes lit up as he recognized the yellow lizard Pokémon. "Hey there, little buddy," he greeted it with a soft stroke on the head. "So if you're here, that means..."
A homely voice sounded down the hall, confirming Jude's point before he could finish thinking it out loud. As he had hoped, Helioptile's owner appeared next, a warm smile on his face. "What a nice surprise. Jude Sharp, as I live and breathe. Are you nostalgic for this school too ?"
Jude got a mood boost when he saw Clemont, one of his best friends. The two comrades shook hands, happy to find themselves back where they'd first met. Just like Alain, Jude had also encountered Clemont at the Royal Academy. But unlike the reclusive prodigy trainer, Clemont was more outgoing and naturally attracted sympathy. Jude had quickly grown fond of him, intrigued by his unfailing love of science and his zany inventions. Since they hadn't seen each other for roughly a year, with Jude busy completing his last year of studies and Clemont exploring his first full-time job, they hurried to catch up.
Meanwhile, inside the bustling research laboratory, the atmosphere buzzed with activity. Alain and Augustine were hard at work, focused on a challenging task. They were fully engrossed in the delicate process of maintaining ancient Pokémon fossils in good repair. The room was filled with the low hum of machinery and the soft glow of computer screens as they worked tirelessly to bring the prehistoric creatures back to life. If their toil went smoothly, all that remained was to transfer the fossils to the Ambrette Town museum, and their Fossil Restorer Machine would finish the job.
Amidst the flurry of activity, a familiar figure made an unexpected entrance, drawing the attention of both men. A small, bearded man had just passed through the door to meet the two scientists. It was Charles Goodshow, Minister of Sport and President of the Pokémon Leagues Organizing Committee. His presence was as unexpected as a Donphan in a glass store. Moreover, so was his choice of clothing. Outside, the pouring rain lashed down, yet he was dressed in a red shirt with green flowers and sandals. Not exactly the most appropriate attire for such weather.
"Charles ?" Professor Sycamore exclaimed, astonishment evident in his voice.
The old man exuded an air of nonchalance that was in stark contrast to the busy atmosphere that prevailed here. "Greetings, my friend ! I hope I'm not interrupting anything too important," Charles exclaimed cheerfully, his jovial demeanor unchanged.
Alain glanced up from his work, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "President Goodshow, it's always a pleasure to see you," he said with a polite, professional tone.
Augustine shook his head, unable to hide his amusement. "Charles, you're dressed for a tropical getaway, and rain pelts against the windows. What's going on ?"
"It's just to get me in the mood, 'cause where I'm going the sun is shining," the offbeat chairman shrugged nonchalantly. "I have a cruise ship waiting for me tonight in Coumarine City, destination Hoenn. A vacation was overdue, and I simply couldn't resist the siren call of the sea."
Sycamore's eyes widened in surprise. "A vacation ? But Charles, we're on the brink of the Pokémon League. The preparations are in full swing, it's bound to be a hectic time."
Charles chuckled, his expression carefree. "I know, my dear professor, but a promise is a promise, and I promised my wife we'd get away for two weeks. I owe her this, as I haven't been close to her much lately due to the workload I'm constantly juggling. Don't worry, I've left everything in capable hands."
Augustine leaned back in his chair, his gaze as disconcerted as a father's jaded by the reckless attitude of an overindulged son. "I have no doubt that Malva will have a few choice words for you when you get back. She's not one to let things slide, especially during such a critical phase."
"Ah, Malva. She's like a wildfire, fierce and unyielding," Charles let out a hearty laugh, seemingly unfazed by the thought. "Well, I've braced myself for the storm that will likely greet me upon my return. I'll defy it like a fearless pirate, even sporting the beard to fit my role."
Sycamore's stern expression softened, and he offered a wry smile. After all, coming to think of it, his colleague had last taken holidays so long ago that he couldn't even remember. In all fairness, he deserved this soothing trip. "Alright, Charles. Just promise me you'll be back in two weeks' time, ready to jump back into work."
Charles raised his hand, making a mock salute. "You have my word, captain Augustine ! I'll be back before you know it, if Malva doesn't scorch me... But before leaving, I really wanted to know how far you'd got with the fossil refurbishment. How's the project progressing ?"
Alain volunteered to answer the energetic old man. On his workbench, various tools could be seen enabling him to isolate a fossil from the imprisoning rock without breaking it. A painstaking operation that would certainly not suit Goodshow's slightly wobbly hands. "At present, our most promising samples of Amaura and Aurorus fossils are carefully preserved in ultrasonic tanks," the blue-scarfed engineer explained, pointing to the vats. "We still have some testing to do, but we're confident of reaching the final step : resurrection."
Charles beamed with approval. "Splendid ! I knew I could count on the two of you. Let me know when you've finished. I expect to see those majestic creatures in their full glory. On that note, I won't disturb you any longer. Here's to beach parties and sunburn !"
With a cheerful wave, Charles made his exit, letting the two men of science pursue their archaeological activities. As the door closed behind him, Sycamore couldn't help but shake his head with a chuckle. "By Xerneas, this oddball never ceases to stun me. But perhaps a bit of his carefree spirit is just what we need in the midst of all this chaos."
Jude and Clemont were now leaning against the wall bordering the drinks dispenser, a can of Poké'Cola in hand. They found themselves reminiscing about their shared past and the experiences that had shaped them. In the course of their conversation, Clemont revealed that he too had witnessed the heated match between Serena and Astrid. He had watched the whole thing from a control room where he could observe all the school's training grounds at a glance, and react if needed.
Jude's brow furrowed as he listened. "You were there ? Why didn't you intervene ? It's not like you to stay passive."
Clemont's gaze was steady as he explained. "I was about to, but then I saw that you all stepped up to protect Fennekin and the other Pokémon. I realized that you didn't need my help. You showed incredible bravery and can be proud of yourself. I don't know many guys who would dare stand up to a furious Absol."
However, instead of accepting the compliment, Jude's expression remained blurred between gratitude and self-blame. "I appreciate that, Clem. But deep down, I mainly feel I've made up for a big mistake I caused myself."
"What do you mean ?" his friend questioned him, surprised at such a sullen retort.
Jude's gaze fell, the weight of his guilt surfacing. "When Astrid came to challenge Serena to this duel, I could instantly feel that there was a huge gap in power between the two. I had a gut instinct that Serena wouldn't stand a chance, and yet I let the match happen anyway. Worse still, I refereed it," he sighed, feeling torn. "Truth is, I wanted to see a first-rate trainer in action, and get a taste of the level I'd have to reach if I hoped to win the Pokémon League. But Fennekin painfully paid the price for my excess curiosity."
Upon noticing that the young Sharp was glum, Helioptile tried to cheer him up by rubbing his cheek affectionately. Jude returned the favor by patting his neck, but he wasn't any happier either. Clemont listened attentively, understanding his friend's inner conflict. So he was taking part in the prestigious Kalos tournament. Nothing quite so startling, since Jude had already shared with him his interest in joining this renowned event during their school years. His passion for Pokémon battles had come late to the fore, but Jude was certainly pushing hard to catch up.
Clemont's voice was gentle but firm, offering his perspective. "Tell me, was Serena forced into this match ?" Jude replied with a "no" head movement, adding that she'd accepted it herself, even after Tierno had wisely advised her to decline and shrug off Astrid's provocations. "So, I don't see why you should feel guilty about decisions you didn't even make. You couldn't have guessed that Astrid had deadly intentions. It's natural to want to learn from skillful trainers, and the opportunity was golden. You were curious, not malicious."
"I was mostly careless," Jude protested, his voice tinged with regret. "I could at least have taken Serena's place and challenged Astrid, which would have spared her this kind of trauma at the outset of her journey."
Clemont shook his head gently, "Allow me to tell you that it would have been a bad idea. Who's to say Serena wouldn't have felt her self-esteem bruised ? Who's to say she wouldn't have thought you'd think her so incompetent that you'd have to fight yourself to mitigate damages ? Man, you can't always patronize your friends. They have to make their own choices and face the consequences. Believe me, you won't be doing them any favors if you're overly protective of them."
Jude nodded, absorbing Clemont's words. What he liked about his buddy was his scientific mind, which enabled him to quickly weigh up the pros and cons and give relevant, nuanced advice. It hadn't even occurred to Jude that Serena might react badly if he had prevented her from fighting, no matter how much it was for her own safety, and Clemont had stated this as a self-evident fact. Simply by listening to him, he could already feel the burden of his remorse being lifted.
Clemont had yet more to discuss, so he spelled out his next point. "Besides, I assume they've all signed up for the Pokémon League competition too ?" he surmised, which was instantly validated by a nod from his pal. "Then they must from now on prepare to meet foes like Astrid : ruthless and bloodthirsty. In a perfect world, such loathsome people wouldn't exist, but sadly we're a long way from that. Last but not least, don't forget that your buddies are also your potential rivals from now on, all the more reason not to play too soft with them."
Here again, Jude could only agree with his friend. Clemont was jovial and light-hearted most of the time, but when things called for it, he wasn't afraid to put his emotions aside in order to remain as unbiased as possible. It was always gratifying to chat with him, and Ray's descendant couldn't have wished for a better confidant to get things off his chest. Jude's gaze softened, a mix of ease and relief in his eyes. "Thanks Clem, I needed to hear that. You're right, I'll take your advice."
"You know I'm always right, especially when I'm wrong," Clemont joked with a fake swagger. "By the way, on a happier note, I've got big news for you. You are now looking at Lumiose City's new official Gym Leader !" he declared, proudly pointing his thumb at himself.
Jude's smile widened. He knew how much this job meant to his friend and was thrilled that he had achieved it so quickly. Only eighteen years old, Clemont could boast of being the current youngest certified Gym Leader in Kalos history. His main expertise was in electric and ground-type Pokémon. Jude still remembered how invested his pal was in pursuing his goal, to the extent of often spending sleepless nights practicing relentlessly with his partners. Today, his efforts had finally paid off.
"That's great, Clem. I'm really happy for you, it's been your dream for as long as I've known you," Jude congratulated him duly. The yellow lizard promptly flapped on his shoulder to let him know that he'd had his part to play in this too, and that he deserved some praise as well. "Don't worry Helio, I don't forget you. Kudos to you too, I bet you've become very strong." The little Pokémon proudly puffed up its ruff as it squealed playfully, emitting several electric volts.
"Thanks a lot. My first Pokémon battles will take place in two days, in the Royal Academy's grand stadium. I still can't believe what's happening to me, it's like I'm daydreaming !" Clemont gushed, feeling more joyful than ever. "Speaking of which, could you grant me the honor of figuring among my first opponents ?"
Jude hesitated, a mixture of excitement and uncertainty in his eyes. "I'd love to, but alas, I'm not ready for that yet. I know what you're capable of and I'm nowhere near your level," he confessed, a bit embarrassed.
Clemont's smile remained understanding. "That's fair. You're aware of your limits and I respect that. Assessing your own strength and your competitors' is an essential quality for any good Pokémon trainer," he retorted, realizing that his pal wanted to offer him the best possible duel by facing him at his peak. "But I have a feeling you'll be ready soon. How about this ? Once you've earned four gym badges, we'll have that battle. What do you say ?"
Jude's determination flared, "Deal. I'll train hard and make sure I'm prepared."
"It's a promise, then." Clemont's hand rose to seal their pledge officially with a handshake, as had always been their custom. "May this match be legendary..."
"…And may the best trainer win," Jude replied, clinking his hand against Clemont's. Then the two pals emptied their cans and threw them into the nearest dustbin. Now, there was no turning back for either of them.
To be continued