Chapter 7 — A Bitter Disappointment
Santalune City hummed with activity as Jude and his friends skirted its pavements, delighted to be back in this place so familiar to them. The picturesque town exuded a charming blend of traditional architecture and modernity, creating a harmonious urban landscape that was both inviting and enchanting. Gleaming under the radiant sun, the cobbled streets were lined with quaint shops, cafes, and vibrant gardens, making it a place where history seamlessly intertwined with contemporary comfort. As the group strolled through the city, Trevor spotted a familiar building. It was his old school, a spot he was particularly fond of.
"Ah, the good old days," Trevor said wistfully. "It feels odd to no longer belong there, after so much time spent inside."
The two girls of the band nodded in agreement, their own memories of school days flooding back. Serena recalled the afternoons spent studying in the library, while Shauna smiled at the thought of their secret hangout spots around town. Astrid's nuisance presence was the only downside, but fortunately she had spent more time in detention than on their back.
Tierno, however, doesn't share his pal's enthusiasm. "Like hell, just say we're finally free not to go back to that wretched hole," he snorted, rolling his eyes. Sitting for hours in a classroom without being allowed to stretch his legs had always been pure torture for him. Plus, the monotonous lessons and tireless note-taking hadn't helped to make the whole thing pleasant. Just struggling to stay awake during class was an ordeal. "My only motivation for graduating was to never set foot here ever again…"
Shauna chuckled, poking fun at her friend. "Don't forget, dude, you may not have been an academic genius, but you were the king of the playground and the physical education. You could outrun anyone, and your dance moves ? Top-notch !"
Tierno raised an eyebrow, a cheeky grin spreading across his face. "True, true. Fitness and Pokémon battles were the only activities that kept me from sneaking out."
In the distance, the fivesome spotted another familiar edifice, a grand structure crafted from yellow bricks and adorned with vibrant green tiles. It was Viola's gym, the city's main tourist magnet. Clusters of people from Hoenn and Kanto had gathered around and posed for photos in front of it. To them, it was more than just a banal gym ; it was a historic monument, a testament to Kalos' rich Pokémon battling traditions.
"Is this where we'll face Miss Viola ?" asked Shauna as she fidgeted with one of her pigtails.
"No," Serena shook her head in reply. "As long as Viola remains Santalune's gym leader, this residence is also her home, provided to her by the government. But when it comes to Pokémon battles, everything takes place in the city's grand stadium."
The majestic stadium was set back from the rest of the town, but the five buddies could see it from their vantage point. It protruded from behind the other buildings, its singular appearance never going unnoticed. Tension and excitement intensified as they approached the imposing arena, looming as their first hurdle in the tournament. Loud clapping echoed through the large structure, suggesting that a Pokémon battle was currently underway.
"Here we go, our first steps in the Big League. We're gonna bring down the house, I'm telling you !" Tierno exclaimed enthusiastically.
"Must feel weird to have so many eyes glued to us, I hope it won't make us lose all our cool..." Serena fretted.
"You're unusually relaxed, fellas, while I'm so nervous I can hardly move," Shauna replied, clearly not used to putting on a show in front of so many spectators.
Strangely enough, the shyest of the bunch actually seemed the most resolute about jumping into the ring. Trevor, an unexpected aura of confidence surrounding him, decided to volunteer to lead the way. "Guys, please, let me face Viola first."
His boldness surprised his friends, as he had often been known for his more cautious nature. Shauna raised an eyebrow, curious about his newfound determination. "For real ? Wow, it's not like you to be such a go-getter. Are you sure it's not stress that's twisting your brain ?"
Trevor flashed a rare, self-assured smile. "Believe it or not, I'm at least as anxious as you are. But if I don't go right away, I'll start thinking too much and I might give up out of fear. It's now or never." With purpose, he pulled out his Pokédex and checked the available time slots for a duel versus the bug expert. "Let's see... The next opening is in half an hour, bingo," he said while pressing the inscription button. "Trust me, I'll give it my all, promise."
"Yeah, well put buddy, we're with you !" Tierno endorsed, giving him a friendly slap on the back. "Sadly, we don't have enough cash to get stadium tickets. Those things cost the earth. How are we gonna support our pal properly ? He'll need our presence to be comfortable amidst this crowd."
"Maybe we could watch the match broadcast live from a bar or a Pokémon Center," Serena suggested. "It's a major event, it'll be transmitted everywhere."
"Don't worry, it won't be necessary," Jude reassured her. "As long as we're in the fray, a special wing of the stadium is dedicated to competitors. So we can cheer on Trevor without breaking the bank."
Inside the Santalune Stadium, a sumptuous lounge reserved for VIPs buzzed with excitement. In this exclusive section, the atmosphere was charged with a sense of prestige and conspicuity. Distinguished guests from the Kalos region had gathered to watch the thrilling battles unfold in comfort and style. Among the prominent figures in attendance was a representative of Latias Airlines, one of the most renowned corporations in the aeronautical domain.
The auspicious firm was known for its exquisite services, including luxury travel options and an unwavering commitment to the world of Pokémon. Their president was himself a dedicated fan of Pokémon battles, and never missed a golden occasion to use such high-profile competitions to boost his brand's publicity. The prodigious trainer who had just caught his attention was none other than Astrid Hunter, Serena's fierce nemesis. Upon his instruction, his agent carried a sponsorship contract for this promising newcomer.
With a respectful bow, the company executive greeted the blonde-haired trainer in the VIP box. "Welcome, Miss Hunter. Our CEO was highly impressed by your performance, and he believes in your potential. We want to offer you our sponsorship throughout the tournament," he began to explain with that theatrical touch so typical of salesmen. "As long as you win your matches, you'll receive financial support, hotels accommodations, and even access to some of our exclusive services."
Astrid's eyes gleamed with arrogance as she perused the contract, her fingers tracing the lines of the document. Her Absol, standing smugly beside her, shared in the triumphant aura. The bond between trainer and Pokémon was evident, but it was a bond foremost fueled by ambition and competitiveness. Indeed, their stunning display didn't go unnoticed by the frenzied audience. Astrid's ace Pokémon had demonstrated remarkable prowess in its battle against Viola. One swift attack was all it took to defeat each of the gym leader's warriors with minimal effort.
Shortly after her first-rate win, the ardent girl felt elated when a security guard came to inform her that a local dignitary wished to meet with her. Normally, major groups wouldn't initiate partnership offers until trainers had proven themselves in the competition by collecting at least three badges. But Astrid had immediately drawn attention with her exceptional skills and an intimidating presence that even the elite couldn't ignore. With a snide chuckle, Astrid signed the contract, her fingers gliding over the paper with a sense of victory. The terms and benefits were clearly generous, and she saw this as an ideal opportunity to kick-start her career in style.
As she looked up, her attention was drawn to the giant screen fixed above the bleachers, announcing the next Pokémon duel. Her trademark sadistic smirk lent her a demonic air as she saw the face of Viola's next opponent unfold for all to see. Trevor, that ungainly, insignificant nerd she found even more pathetic than foolish Serena. She relished the thought of witnessing Trevor's crushing failure at the hands of Santalune's Gym Leader.
"Check it out, Absol, this puny chap was brazen enough to try his luck, how naïve," she sneered wickedly, stroking her feline Pokémon's head fondly. "It's bound to be a kick to see him sorely humiliated in front of all this rabble. Amateurs have no business here."
The Latias Airlines employee couldn't help but shudder at Astrid's malevolent gaze. This girl was a formidable force on the battlefield, but her thirst for success and her delight in her rivals' misfortune made her an daunting threat both inside and outside the arena. She was pulling out all the stops to stimulate her insatiable fighting spirit.
Guided by a staff member, Jude and his friends ascended into their assigned area. The room looked like a sort of watchtower, large enough to house around twenty visitors. There were no seats, but this place offered a Pidgey's-eye perspective of the stadium below, with the battlefield in clear sight. It was a vantage point that allowed them to follow the whole action with ease. They weren't the only ones here ; other trainers also occupied the platform, undoubtedly competitors just like them. They were present to observe Viola's Pokémon in full swing before facing them in turn, planning to examine their fighting styles and devise a strategy accordingly.
Down below, the spotlight was on Trevor as he made his way onto the battlefield. He tried to maintain an air of confidence, but it wasn't hard to peer through the facade. Trevor wasn't just about to confront his opponent, but also his own diffidence. The Challenger and the Gym Leader exchanged a sporty handshake at the center of the battlefield, as tradition dictated. The audience in the stadium roared with enthusiasm, their voices echoing through the stands. The time for pleasantries was over, and each trainer retreated to their respective ends of the field, ready to send out their first Pokémon.
Tierno's heart swelled with pride as he watched his pal mustering up all his courage to face this throbbing battle. "Go on little bro, butcher that two-bit insectologist, show her who's boss !"
"For Heaven's sake, don't yell like that Tierno, he can't hear you from here," Shauna complained, covering her ears. "And don't insult Miss Viola, she's not to blame if you didn't like school…"
The referee signaled the start of the first round, asking both opponents to choose a Pokémon. Viola made the first step, unclipping a Poké Ball from her belt. "I'm always looking for the perfect shot. And the quickest way to the perfect shot is by capturing the perfect win ! Surskit, go !" she declared, releasing her first fighter from its spherical home. The graceful spider Pokémon materialized, its tiny feet barely touching the ground.
On the other end, Trevor opted for a much larger brawler. "I'm counting on you, my friend. Raichu, time to shine !" The sturdy orange mouse lurched into combat stance, his body crackling with a glowing aura.
"Good choice, the Surskit are very vulnerable to electrical damage," Tierno pointed out. "Just one well-placed blow and poof, bye bye petty spider."
"I wouldn't be too quick to claim victory if I were you," Jude inquired doubtfully. "Gym Leaders are fully aware of their Pokémon's natural weaknesses and do their utmost to offset them, so let's stay cautious."
"Please Jude, don't be that fatalistic..." Serena sighed, crossing her arms. "You make it sound like Trevor's already lost."
No sooner had the referee lowered his arm to start them off, than Trevor wasted no time in giving his first order. "Raichu, show it how strong your thunder is !"
Lightning bolts burst from the big rodent Pokémon's cheeks and flew straight at its opponent. Far from looking alarmed, Surskit flexed its four legs, and just when the first yellow flash was about to land, it swiftly slid aside, evading the blast which only met the dirt floor. Fast and nimble, it repeatedly dodged whenever a sudden surge loomed over it. The way he moved was similar to an ice skater, zipping and jumping to safety. It even generated frost under its feet to glide faster. Despite the thunderous rain battering the arena, Surskit sailed easily through the electric shower, more elusive than ever. Its small size coupled with its sonic speed made it a tricky target to hit.
"Damn it, stop ducking like a coward and just fight, you buggy soap !" Tierno snarled, forced to admit that the spider was proving much tougher than he'd expected. Even when Viola was coaching them, her Pokémon had never been that stalwart. She obviously saved her best assets for sporting highlights.
"Shut up Tierno, you're screwing up my eardrums !" Shauna snapped back, clenching her teeth. "The mood is strained enough already, don't pile on."
Frustration rippled across Raichu's face. All his assaults were missing their aim, and he was making a fool of himself against a supposedly much weaker Pokémon than him on paper. Moreover, the boisterous crowd cheerfully chanting Surskit's name didn't help calm his nerves. Trevor then undertook to switch strategies without delay. If his Pokémon persisted any longer, it would exhaust his electricity reserves, and that could deplete his energy. "Raichu, keep your cool and carry on striking. Use Iron Tail !"
The orange mouse charged at the blue spider as briskly as it could, its tail covered in a shimmering silver coating reminiscent of forged steel. With a circling movement, he tried to swipe at Surskit with the blade-shaped tip of his tail, but to no avail. The bug Pokémon whirled in the air like a top, passing over the sharp zigzag. Taking advantage of its proximity to the opponent, Surskit spat a gooey substance right into Raichu's eyes. This cunning trick gave Viola a significant upper hand, as her opponent was now blinded and disoriented.
"The bastard, it didn't dare ?!" Tierno huffed, aghast at the insolent fluency with which Surskit dominated an adversary double its stature.
"Calm down Raichu, you'll be fine. Please, try to concentrate on my voice !" His trainer tried to reassure him, albeit in vain. The electric Pokémon was in distress. He couldn't get the tacky silk off his face and was no longer able to regain its focus and composure. Without his vision, he felt too helpless to battle properly.
"There's no point in chaining powerful attacks if they can't hit their target, it's like flailing at the air," Viola couldn't resist a taunt, her confidence and experience shining through. "Sometimes, a well-timed, cleverly executed move can be more effective than sheer force. Your Pokémon is too slow, and for that reason it will NEVER defeat mine. Surskit, hinder it entirely !" she commanded with a sly smile.
The spider responded by creating a sticky, gossamer web that swiftly enveloped the big mouse, ensnaring him in a vicious trap. No matter how hard Raichu struggled to break out of this glutinous mesh, it was no use. "Use your thunderbolt, the web might snap !" his trainer shouted desperately, understanding the gravity of the situation. His fellow fighter promptly obeyed, wrapping his body with jolts of electricity. But instead of shattering, the silken net absorbed the crepitating energy, growing thicker and stickier.
Viola chuckled at Trevor's predicament. "Don't bother, this cage is flawless, there's no escape. Your Raichu's electricity only makes the web tighter." Her mischievous grin widened as she glimpsed her chance to deliver the final blow. "Now Surskit, use your picture perfect Ice Beam. Finish him off !"
Surskit amassed considerable power in its antenna, radiating it with a glittering light. Then it released the full blast of energy as a mighty frozen laser, encapsulating its opponent in a solid block of ice. Raichu had definitely lost the match, trapped in his frigid prison and no longer mobile in the slightest. Trevor watched in dismay as orderlies carried his Pokémon into the clinic section of the stadium, while the referee ceremoniously heralded Viola as the first-round winner. He felt miserable and ashamed, out of place among all those overexcited spectators rooting for the gym leader, waving their placards and bellowing her name.
"Oh no, poor Raichu," Serena moaned, compassionate to the Electric Pokémon's pain and bitterness that she could sense deep in her stomach. "I'd never imagined Miss Viola to be such a battler, she's downright terrifying."
"Let's not freak out, nothing's lost yet," Tierno tried to qualify. "There's still a round to go, our pal can climb back into the game if he plays his cards right. Buck up, Trev, there's still hope !"
"What a pitiful show, and this slob dares to call himself a trainer ?" Astrid sighed in annoyance. "He'd be better off converting to popcorn selling, at least he'd be good for something."
The referee's voice rang out across the Santalune Stadium, announcing the start of the second and final round between the two opponents. The anticipation in the air was palpable, and the audience eagerly awaited the next chapter of the battle. Trevor felt a downturn in his mood. His first official duel had been a disaster, and Raichu couldn't even hit Surskit a single time. The professional level was much higher than he had expected. But despite his disappointment, he couldn't allow himself to give in to despondency.
He knew that his Pokémon's dignity was at stake, and he would fight to the bitter end to uphold their honor. The first round had revealed not only Viola's formidable battling skills but also her more meanspirited and aggressive side, a facet that had taken Trevor aback. The heat of Pokémon battles and her fierce competitiveness seemed to bring out this intense part of her. For this crucial second round, Trevor needed to adapt to the challenges presented by Viola's soldiers. Less raw strength and more velocity, the message got through.
"All right, for that I've got the ideal brawler," he said with a hopeful hint. "Bunnelby, it's your turn now. Be strong my boy !" The rabbit Pokémon landed on the arena floor, bouncing vigorously. His trainer was aware of his tremendous swiftness and hoped he would stand a better chance against Viola's fast-paced tactics.
"You've been great Surskit, you deserve a rest," proudly uttered the gym leader as she returned it to its Poké Ball. "I also have my own schemes for this next showdown. Let's do this, Vivillon !" A butterfly Pokémon she was particularly fond of appeared. Its colorful wings and sleek movements made it a beautiful and captivating choice.
The referee's ecstatic voice formally proclaimed the second round's commencement. This time, Trevor was determined to get back on track, and he quickly issued his command. "Bunnelby, get the ball rolling with your Quick Attacks !"
The brown rabbit Pokémon obeyed without hesitation. With remarkable speed, it launched a flurry of rapid strikes, using its long ears as formidable fists. Vivillon exhibited a natural agility, evading the assaults with grace. However, this time, it was not as effortless as the previous match when Surskit had dodged Raichu's slow moves. Bunnelby's pace and acrobatic leaps kept Vivillon on its toes, threatening it even when it soared high into the air.
"Bunnelby is doing great, hopping so high it feels like he's flying," Serena rejoiced, relieved that things finally seemed to be looking up for her friend.
"Yeah, and the more he raids, the harder it is for Vivillon to swerve. If he continues this way it's a lock for victory," Tierno added, equally pleased with this turnaround. "Come on bunny, make it bite the dust !"
Bunnelby sallied forth to amplify his blow and deployed his left ear like a violent hammer flick. Vivillon escaped the worst, but let out a sobbing cry as its right wing sustained damage. Viola wasn't one to be passive. Realizing that the danger was serious as her soldier was now flying crookedly, she switched directly to offensive mode. "Vivillon, push him away using Gust !"
In response, the pink butterfly flapped its delicate wings with vigor, creating powerful squalls of wind that roared through the battlefield. The sudden storm forced Bunnelby to retreat, abruptly hurled backwards. He landed deftly with a somersault, but was now too far away to tackle his target. In addition, the brown rabbit was now almost crippled, scrambling to hold his grip on the currents menacing to wash him away. Trevor scowled at how badly things had changed for him again. Unlike Raichu, Bunnelby lacked sufficient bulk to withstand such a tempest.
Viola seized the opportunity and fired her next instruction. "Now, put him down flat with your Psychic abilities !"
The butterfly imbued greenish shimmer, indicating that it was tapping into its telekinetic talents. Bunnelby's stationary body was lifted off the ground, as if grasped by an invisible hand. Then, with a brutal motion, Vivillon smashed the rabbit Pokémon onto the battlefield. The impact was devastating, creating a mini-crater with an unconscious Bunnelby lying in its midst. The stadium was filled with hushed murmurs as the outcome became clear. Trevor's Pokémon had been knocked out, and Viola had secured a total and definitive victory. The frenzied crowd stirred like a cauldron teetering on fire, erupting in a din of upbeat shouts.
The only one to remain gloomily silent amidst this hubbub was Trevor, immersed in a state of utter desolation. The battle had ended even more ruthlessly and shamefully for his team, leaving him with a heavy heart. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was a mere speck in the grand scheme of the Pokémon world, dwarfed by the imposing might of trainers like Viola. As orderlies carefully placed his Bunnelby on a stretcher to transport him to the the stadium's care unit, Trevor couldn't help but feel like a small and insignificant figure in the shadow of the arena's vastness, like an insect entangled in a giant Ariados' web. Doubt and self-criticism weighed heavily on his shoulders.
It occurred to him that perhaps Astrid was right all along. Her cutting words echoed in his mind, and he wondered if he was indeed destined to do nothing but embarrass himself in the eyes of the world by participating in this tournament. With his head hung low, Trevor exited the battlefield, a cloud of melancholy surrounding him. For him, the competition was over. He strived hard to keep his emotions in check, but it was evident that he was struggling. From their vantage point, the quartet shared their friend's sorrow. They knew that Trevor was experiencing a traumatic moment, one that could shatter his confidence and cast doubt on the career choices he'd made.
"We absolutely gotta go and cheer him up, we can't leave him like this," Tierno decreed as he started to leave the room, swiftly echoed by the other three.
From the VIP box, Astrid hadn't missed a beat of the show, relishing it with unmasked sadistic glee. She couldn't contain her wicked mirth at seeing one of her rivals demeaned in such a way. The thrill of Trevor's loss seemed to invigorate her, and she took perverse pleasure in his misfortune.
"Well, well, it looks like his Pokémon trainer run is done before it even really started," she gloated with a malicious glint in her eyes. "Anyway, I won't pretend that surprises me, what else should I expect from a laughingstock like him ?"
This grim climax had provided her with a cruel source of satisfaction, and she had no qualms about flaunting her disdain in plain sight. However, her enjoyment was short-lived as the air travel group representative resolved to protest her obnoxious attitude. He cleared his throat and raised his voice. "Miss Hunter, a bit of savoir-vivre, please," he implored, rearranging his tie anxiously. "Remember that you're now the official tournament ambassador for Latias Airlines. It's crucial that you remain courteous and respectful, as your actions reflect on our company's brand and reputation. A standard of decorum is essential to avoid causing offence."
Astrid's response was chilling. With her rueful smirk still firmly in place, she reassured him with unnerving confidence. "Oh, don't worry, sir. I'll behave like a blessed angel when the cameras are rolling," she replied, her tone dripping with faux sweetness. "You won't even recognize me."
The employee tried to hide his discomfort beneath his polished businessman airs, but this girl sent shivers down his spine. Astrid's demeanor was undeniably shrewd, capable of manipulating her bearing and hiding her sadistic tendencies behind a facade of professionalism to fit the situation. Putting up with such a lunatic wouldn't be an easy task, but right now her exceptional Pokémon training skills were all that mattered to his CEO.
Yet, the operative could observe that Astrid's conduct varied dramatically around only one entity : the classy Absol that accompanied her. The young girl's affection for her Pokémon was genuine, and she always treated it with kindness and calm. In return, the white-coated feline exhibited a deep attachment to its trainer. It was a unique relationship that seemed to contrast sharply with Astrid's otherwise hard-hearted personality.
Meanwhile, in the Santalune City adjacent lush forest, the vibrant energy of Pokémon duel was in the air, piercing the quietude of these usually placid woods. Amidst the towering trees, Korrina was hard at work, training her valiant soldiers to perfection. The dappled sunlight filtered through the canopy of leaves, casting dynamic patterns on the forest floor that served as their fighting backdrop. Korrina was a master of her craft, and like a seasoned conductor leading an symphony, she orchestrated the battle with grace and precision.
The Pokémon she was currently training were Lucario, the blue steel-clawed wolf, and Pangoro, a black-and-white fluffy sumo panda with titanic strength. The two warriors clashed in a flurry of jabs and parries, engaged in a carefully choreographed dance of combat. Each move was deliberate and precise, and the fierce duo executed them with skill and synchronicity. Korrina's voice was a constant presence, offering guidance and encouragement. "Lucario, use Force Palm !" she pointed to an optimal spot for attack, urging precision. "And Pangoro, circle around and unleash your Hammer Arm !"
Lucario immediately charged his hand with turquoise energy and threw it into his opponent's face. But the panda Pokémon proved to be more agile than he looked and pivoted to avoid the onslaught. He completed his rotary motion with a sharp backhand, his strong arm glowing with a blazing aura. The bipedal canine stooped just in time to dodge and flipped sideways to create a safe distance from his massive opponent. "Now, Lucario, let's focus on your Aura Sphere. Concentrate your energy and release it !" Korrina instructed. Her discerning eyes scanned the scene, analyzing everything like a chess master.
Lucario gathered his power, forming a glowing ball of aura between its paws. With a burst of might, he launched the Aura Sphere, which sped toward Pangoro. The impact sent the huge Fighting-type Pokémon tumbling backward. Pangoro nimbly landed on its feet with a backflip, very supple for his stature. Then he adopted a boxer's stance and went back into action. Both brawlers performed with practiced finesse, executing movements as though it were a well-rehearsed routine. They drilled and sparred, honing their combat skills and challenging each other to reach new heights. Korrina's guidance was instrumental as she provided real-time feedback, directing the flow of the duel.
Minutes passed like seconds as the intense training continued. The forest echoed with the sounds of battle, a harmony of punches, kicks, and elemental attacks. Finally, Korrina called a halt to the battle, her tone filled with pride and satisfaction. "Alright, that's enough, you two. Great work today ! You're all set for your first official showdown on public soil. Don't worry if you're nervous, I am too."
With a confident and exhilarating glide on her rollerblades, Korrina led the way, her two impressive Pokémon following closely. In the distance, the first buildings of Santalune City emerged on the horizon, and the stadium, the hallowed ground where battles of strength and strategy would be put to the test, beckoned them. Korrina's determination and leadership were a testament to her unwavering commitment to the world of Pokémon events, and she aimed to prove it beyond doubt by earning her first badge, the first of many.
To be continued