Chapter 8 — Getting Back on Track

Trevor sat alone in the quiet and sterile waiting room of the stadium's hospital section, where the hum of fluorescent lights seemed to match his subdued spirits. The weight of his defeat was unbearable, and he couldn't shake the feeling that he simply wasn't cut out for the world of professional competition. His two Pokémon were still in intensive care, nursed by medical staff who had been swamped with work since the tournament started.

As he stared at the floor, lost in thought, Trevor was suddenly joined by his concerned friends. Tierno was the first to break the silence, his voice filled with empathy and regret. "Trev, I'm so sorry. I should've stopped you from rushing into that battle with Viola. It's my fault, man."

Trevor looked at his pal, appreciating the concern but also recognizing that he couldn't place the blame on anyone else. He sighed and replied, "No, Tierno, you did nothing wrong. I'm the only one responsible. I was so eager to prove myself that I forgot to think straight. I should've been better prepared, more vigilant before diving into action. I've come to realize that a Pokémon training career wasn't for me."

His comrades exchanged concerned glances. Shauna was quick to protest. "Trevor, don't say this, that's ridiculous ! just because you lost this one fight doesn't mean you should give up on your dream. Remember, even the strongest dudes have faced setbacks."

Serena chimed in, sharing her perspective. "She's right. Look at Malva, for instance. She got off to a very rocky start when she initiated her professional life as a Pokémon battler, incurring the mockery of her peers and even some unscrupulous journalists," she explained, well-versed in her idol's past. "Her future seemed already doomed, but she refused to capitulate. By dint of tenacity and perseverance, she progressed to Elite 4, and today those who laughed at her are keeping a low profile."

Trevor listened to his buddies' words, and their encouragement washed over him like a soothing breeze. He appreciated their support, but a cloud of doubt still hung over his heart. His disappointment was overwhelming, and he couldn't help but draw a parallel between his own experience and the pain Serena must have felt when Astrid's Absol had ruthlessly crushed her Fennekin. The difference was that Serena's anguish had been spared from the prying eyes of thousands of spectators.

Trevor looked down, his voice soft and contemplative. "I hear you, guys, and I thank you for your kind backing. But for now, I need some time away from combats. I want to reflect on my future and what's best for me."

No one said a word, but their divergent expressions were enough to reveal that the group was divided over Trevor's decision. Jude and Tierno showed sympathetic looks, understanding his legitimate need for a break after such a harrowing situation. They believed that sometimes, stepping back to reflect could be the best course of action. Shauna and Serena, on the other hand, appeared to be dismayed by this choice, which they saw as pessimistic. Quitting after just one failure revealed a blatant lack of willpower, and both girls deplored this, especially from Trevor, whom they considered perfectly qualified to be a competent trainer.

The unspoken tension lingered in the air as they grappled with their differing perspectives. But before anyone could express their thoughts aloud, a nurse approached them, gently pushing a cart carrying two Poké Balls. The familiar red and white spheres held Trevor's Pokémon, Raichu and Bunnelby, both fully healed and ready to go. Trevor accepted the Poké Balls with gratitude, and he couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of responsibility toward his faithful companions. He summoned them together, and the two creatures materialized before him. It was a relief to see them intact, with no sign of any visible injuries.

"Boys, I beg your pardon," Trevor addressed them, gripped by remorse. "I didn't train you wisely enough, and you lost because of me."

The Pokémon regarded their trainer with a mixture of understanding and sadness, their solemn eyes reflecting his own disappointment. They didn't seem angry or resentful ; instead, they shared in the collective melancholy of the moment. Trevor reached down to pat their heads, offering a reassuring gaze.

"Let's go back home, staying here will only make us feel worse," he suggested. "We need to unwind before getting a fresh start."

With a common nod, his Pokémon let him know they shared the same view. Leaving the stadium, the group of pals headed for the area reserved for buses shuttling between Kalos' different towns. The atmosphere was bittersweet, a mix of understanding and a touch of gloom. Before boarding the coach bound for Vaniville Town, Trevor turned to his buddies and offered a heartfelt sentiment.

"I'm no longer in the competition, but I'll still be cheering you all on from afar. I'll be watching every Pokémon match on TV and following your progress. I wish you all the success in the world."

"Thank you Trevor, your support means a lot to us," Serena spoke for the band. "We'll do our best, and we'll make you proud."

Trevor's face broke into a warm smile, and he waved as he climbed onto the bus. The engine rumbled to life, and slowly, the bus pulled away from the station, leaving behind a group of now just four friends. As they watched their partner's departure, a sense of grimness hung in the air, a tangible reminder of the bond they shared.

"Now I feel a bit guilty for making fun of him so often," Shauna confessed, lowering her head somewhat ashamed. "It won't be the same without him, I wish he'd stayed."

"Take it easy, you didn't do anything mean, it was just harmless joshing," Jude interjected to stop her moping any more than necessary. "Trevor made his choice, and while some of us didn't approve of it, we all respected it regardless. Now we just have to keep on competing and not let ourselves down."

"Absolutely, currently it's the best we can do," Serena agreed. "Trevor wouldn't like to see us unhappy, so buck up."

In the stadium, the Pokémon battle sequences had just been temporarily paused for a commercial break. Sponsors took the opportunity to air their advertisements, and Viola retreated to her private box to enjoy a moment of respite. She relaxed in a comfortable chair, her trusty Vivillon resting by her side, perched on her shoulder. So far, the gym leader was holding her own, estimating her current ratio of one loss to four wins. Her next duel was scheduled in half an hour, and she welcomed the brief interlude. Suddenly, three knocks sounded from behind her lounge door.

Without standing up, she loudly gave permission to enter. Viola's eyes widened with delight as the door to her room opened, revealing her big sister, Alexa. Unlike Viola, who had pursued a Gym Leader profession, Alexa had specialized in reporting. She had quickly made a name for herself in the journalism world, culminating in a job at Le Monde, the most influential media outlet in Kalos. The two sisters shared a strong bond despite their distinct career paths, Viola even occasionally assisting her eldest with her photographic expertise.

"Alexa, what a fantastique surprise !" Viola exclaimed as she embraced her sister. "I didn't expect to see you here. I thought you were going to Laverre City to cover Valerie's Spring-Summer collection launch."

Alexa returned the hug and then took a step back, her expression a mix of emotions. Viola could sense that something was amiss. "That's my next step, but first I had to see you. I have an important message to share with you."

The gym leader grew concerned, her brow furrowing. "What is it, bad news ? Big sis, you seem troubled, like you've seen a ghost."

"Not a ghost, an ogre," Alexa corrected. "Ray sent me."

Viola's face shifted to one of mild apprehension. The two sisters had a secret nickname for this dreaded man : the Ogre of Kalos. Because, like a ravenous monster, Ray Sharp seized on anything that could increase his power. This mogul enjoyed a worldwide reputation as a major industrialist who held sway over various businesses and had amassed a considerable fortune. Armament, retailing, construction and even new technologies – hardly any flagship sector remained untouched by his seal of approval.

The sprawling empire he had steadily forged touched every corner of Kalos. He held majority shares in companies that suited his interests and had a penchant for controlling every aspect of his activities. His influence extended not only to the economy but also to politics, and even the Elite 4 sometimes had to navigate his shadowed dealings. He was someone to be wary of, someone capable of ruining almost anyone's life who tried to get in his way. Some even rumored that he wasn't shy about committing murders, but It was just mere gossip with no tangible proof.

"Ray... What does that crazy tycoon want with me ?" Viola leaned in, her curiosity piqued and her tone filled with misgiving. "Reassure me, he didn't hurt you in any way, right ?" she promptly inquired, well aware of the ogre's fiendish notoriety.

Alexa's eyes softened, and she quickly soothed her younger sister. "No, don't worry. His aura is as baleful as ever, but he hasn't touched a single hair on my head. Shortly after Lysandre's Holo Caster interview, Ray came to see me. He told me his son was taking part in the Pokémon League Tournament, so he planned to come and defy you."

Viola silently listened. She had never met Jude Sharp, but she'd already noticed what he looked like, as he was in the most recent Royal Academy graduating class photo. Several newspapers had printed this assembly of promising young minds, and Jude was their valedictorian. A sudden flash of her photographic memory occurred. Viola instantly remembered spotting Ray's son in Aquacorde Town, alongside her former students. Fortunately, unlike his father, there was nothing fearful or wicked radiating from him. Actually, the boy seemed more the discreet type, observing before acting.

However, with this new information under her belt, Viola now had an inkling of what the mogul expected of her. "Let me guess, Ray wants me to let his son win ?" she angrily uttered, clearly unsuited to such corrupt methods.

Alexa's response was most unforeseen. "Not at all, quite the opposite in fact. He expects you to show no mercy towards his son, to confront him at your peak."

Viola's eyes widened in astonishment. Mindful of the ogre's deviousness, she had anticipated that he would blackmail her or even physically intimidate her to ensure his offspring's victory. But to her complete disbelief, rather than demanding for leniency or favoritism for Jude, Ray urged her to give her best and hold nothing back. Even Vivillon put on a startled face as it followed the conversation.

Viola immediately expressed her wonder aloud. "Sis, it's a topsy-turvy world ! The ogre gives me his blessing for a fair fight ? Without manipulation or cheating ? Are you sure he didn't catch illness ?"

Alexa regarded her sister with a knowing smile, foreseeing her reaction and poised to enlighten her. "Instead, I think he's fully cognizant of what he's doing. I found that weird at first too, but on reflection, his behavior is nothing to sneeze at."

Viola's curiosity deepened. "Could you elaborate ? It still seems unusual to me."

"Ray has standards, incredibly high ones, especially for his son," Alexa began to explain. "He wants everyone to recognize Jude as an invincible trainer, and certainly not as a daddy's boy who'll never have to struggle in his life because the almighty ogre will already have paved the road to victory for him. This would be an embarrassment for the Sharp legacy and a blow to Ray's magnate image."

"Hum… Indeed, now that you put it that way, it's rather logical," Viola admitted, scratching her chin pensively. "As he's already told us : in the Sharp family, we're either objectively top-notch, or we're not allowed to leave the bottom. Gosh, poor Jude must live with such a maniac."

"You've summed it up well, sis. Ray is thinking long term and his empire's expansion is at stake," Alexa nodded. "He knows that if Jude were to become the next champion through deceit and bribery, he wouldn't be taken seriously. Ray wants his son to earn his place, to face tough opponents and prove himself as a first-rate trainer. That way, when he reaches the top, Kalos will recognize him as the real deal, and his leadership in the Elite 4 will be unquestionable."

"So, the ogre will have a perfect subordinate in Elite 4. A subordinate with unchallenged legitimacy, stronger than ever," Viola concluded, now fully versed in the tycoon's strategy. "Thus, Ray will have control over the government of Kalos, the supreme authority. The whole of Kalos will become his domain."

The insect-Pokémon specialist marveled at the tactical brilliance behind Ray's thinking. It was devilishly clever, a chess move in the grand game of Kalos' political scheming. No doubt the ogre had sent a similar message to the seven other Gym Leaders Jude would also have to face. Ray had a flair for rugged competition and hard-won battles, and obviously showed enough faith in his son to instill the same ambitions in him. The mogul was a risk-taker, and he enjoyed it.

Viola smirked, a competitive glint in her eyes. "So be it, the ogre can count on me. He can rest assured that when Jude steps into the arena with me, he'll face the full force of my abilities. I won't let him win without a worthy duel, and the Bug Badge won't be handed over lightly."

Alexa chuckled, seeing the fire in her little sister's spirit. "That's the Viola I know. Give it your all and show the Sharps that if they want to rule Kalos, they'll have to deserve it. No guts, no glory."

Shortly after leaving Trevor, Jude and his friends had temporarily split up to go about their own affairs. Serena was off for coffee at a familiar pub she'd discovered during her student days, Shauna went window-shopping, and Tierno... Actually, Jude didn't know where he'd been. And this was rather bad timing, as Jude was hoping to count on him and his Pokémon to join in a special training session he'd just devised. While searching for an unoccupied practice field, Jude finally spotted the buddy he was looking for.

Tierno was sitting alone near a sandwich stand, a somber expression clouding his usually lively features. Oddly enough, the one on his plate was always whole, which was unusual from the dancer who never wasted a bite. He must obviously be feeling under the weather to have lost his normally abundant appetite. Concern etched Jude's face as he approached his gloomy pal. "Hey, Tierno, what's going on ? You look like you lost a dance-off or something," he said with a half-smile, attempting to lighten the mood.

Tierno managed a weak chuckle, but his squinted eyes remained fixed on the earthy floor. "It's just... after what happened to poor Trev, I've been thinking. This tournament, the battles, the pressure—it's a lot, man. I wonder if I've gotten myself into something I can't handle, you know ?"

Jude took a seat beside the dancer, understanding the weight of witnessing a comrade's pain. It was unconventional for someone as outgoing and carefree as Tierno to develop such self-doubt, but it showed just how much that duel with Viola had marked him. Now he was afraid of not measuring up, afraid of covering himself with ridicule, afraid of simply trying. "Eventually, I think I got a little too carried away. Perhaps it would be wiser to quit while I still can," Tierno sighed, his usual vibrant energy dimmed.

Jude, however, wasn't about to let his pal give up so easily. He could understand Trevor distancing himself after such a traumatic experience, but he couldn't let Tierno throw in the towel without at least giving it a shot. Knowing him, he'd probably regret it for the rest of his life if he did. Jude took a moment before speaking, choosing his words carefully, "Tierno, let me ask you something. Do you enjoy training and battling with your Pokémon ?"

Tierno nodded, a glimmer of enthusiasm returning to his eyes. "Sure man, more than anything else. Surpassing myself by their side, helping them to become stronger, feeling the rhythm of their moves, that's a real joy."

Jude grinned, "Then you can't drop out. Passion for something doesn't vanish just because it gets tough, must the opposite. If you genuinely love this, you'll keep loving it, even when it's hard. The more driven you are, the better you'll do – just look at your breakdancing skills."

Tierno looked contemplative, as if those simple words were exactly what he needed to hear. "You… You really think so ?"

"Of course," Jude smiled, encouragingly. "I'm not gonna lie, earlier I wandered among the spectators, and I overheard a few jerks badmouthing Trevor, deriding his performance. But you know what ? For every one of them, there were ten more talking about him with respect and admiration. He had the bravery to enter the arena, and his courage didn't go unnoticed. Don't let fear hold you back and do your best, you won't regret it."

Tierno's eyes brightened, a newfound determination replacing the earlier despondency. "You're right, I won't allow dread to stop me striving for what I love, and I'll keep fighting. Thanks for clearing my head, you saved me from pulling off a monumental blunder."

Jude patted Tierno on the back. "Anytime, buddy. Now that you're recharged, I'd like to share with you a training regimen I've imagined while watching Viola in action. It might enable us to defeat her, but I'll need your and your Pokémon's help. Are you up for it ?"

Tierno gave an enthusiastic thumbs-up. "You bet, man ! I'm back in the game, and I'm ready for whatever crazy plan you've cooked up. But first, I've got one little thing to settle." The dancer noticed the sandwich he had left untouched earlier. With a dramatic flair, he grabbed it, declaring, "Wasting food is an unforgivable crime, I'll rectify that right now." Then he devoured it in one impressive gulp, ultimate proof that his morosity had faded. "Ah, a full belly always feels better."

The duo walked to the first available training ground they could find and summoned their Pokémon. Frogadier and Fletchling for Jude and Squirtle and Noivern for Tierno. "If we don't want to end up like Bunnelby, we need to work on our resistance to gusty winds," Jude began to explain. "Vivillon has gained the upper hand thanks to this, so we absolutely must learn to defend ourselves against it. That's where your Noivern comes in."

"Yeah, I can see what you're up to," Tierno replied. "Noivern can also whip up some serious storms by flapping his wings. We'll use him to simulate the same combat conditions as with Vivillon."

Jude nodded in approval. "Exactly. I want your Noivern to create gusts strong enough to knock us off our feet. We need to get used to battling in high winds."

"No problem, he'll turn this training ground into a wind tunnel if need be. Your move, buddy, let's show them the winds they've never felt before !"

With that, the big black bat swooped through the air, drumming his wings to generate massive tempests. As the winds buffeted them, trainers and Pokémon focused on maintaining their balance and composure. It was a challenging dance against the invisible forces of nature, but with each gust, they grew more resilient. "C'mon folks, we'll persevere until we become the rocks that even the fiercest hurricane can't shake !" shouted Tierno to boost the group's resolve.

Shauna strolled through Santalune City's main shopping street, her Combee buzzing contentedly by her side. The sun painted the town in warm hues, and Shauna couldn't resist a bit of window-shopping, the best way she knew to take her mind off things. Her excitement peaked when she spotted a billboard announcing the upcoming Spring-Summer collection by Valerie, her favorite fashion designer. Valerie's creations were a blend of elegance and whimsy, and Shauna couldn't wait to discover what masterpieces straight from her vivid imagination.

The anticipation of exploring new colorful fabrics and intricate designs lifted Shauna's spirits. Although she knew that any of Valerie's clothes would be far beyond her budget, simply admiring them from afar was enough to make her happy, as it would give her ideas for her own pieces. Shauna was eager to immerse herself in a world of style. Abruptly, Astrid's obnoxious voice drew Shauna out of her reverie, much to her displeasure. As she approached an outdoor terrace of a bar, her eyes caught a TV screen broadcasting a live interview. Shauna's mood took an unexpected nosedive when she realized that Astrid was the guest star.

Dressed in a uniform bearing the Latias Airlines corporate logo, Serena's vicious rival spoke to the camera with a sickeningly sweet smile. "I want to wish all the participants the best of luck. I'm thrilled that Latias Airlines believed in me, and I promise to give my all not to disappoint them. Let's all have a fair and stirring tournament !"

Shauna clenched her fists, struggling to contain her frustration. The way Astrid portrayed herself as a friendly and encouraging competitor grated on Shauna's nerves. She knew the truth—the ruthlessness Astrid displayed in battle and the sadistic pleasure she took in causing harm to her opponents. Combee, sensing her trainer's annoyance, hummed in solidarity.

"Ugh, that bitch… Pretending to be the epitome of sportsmanship when she's nothing but a heartless psycho," Shauna muttered under her breath. "How could they agree to sponsor such a scumbag ?"

Fighting the urge to engage in a one-sided argument with the screen, Shauna decided it was best to move on. Some startled customers began to scowl at her and one bartender even approached her to ask if nothing was wrong, so she opted to avoid drawing further unwanted attention. While watching the clock displayed on a nearby pharmacy emblem, Shauna realized that she had dawdled enough for one day. She'd better rejoin her friends before they started worrying about her. However, the young trainer faced a perennial challenge—her notoriously poor sense of direction.

She stood at a bustling intersection, unsure which path would lead her back to her buddies. Santalune City's labyrinthine layout posed a considerable headache for someone prone to getting lost. "Holy moly, I spent all my schooling in this damn town and I still don't know my way around. What a goddamn jinx," she snapped. Then, a spark of ingenuity struck her. "Combee, I'm gonna need your help. Fly up and scout for our pals. Once you find them, come back and guide me, okay ?"

The bug Pokémon chirped in agreement, and with a quick ascent, it disappeared between the towering buildings of the city. Minutes later, Combee returned. It hovered in front of her trainer, seemingly beckoning her to follow. A bright smile lit up Shauna's face. "You located them ? Great job, Combee !"

She keenly tracked her yellow Pokémon through the twisting streets, alleyways and open squares, ultimately reaching a less crowded area near the grand stadium. Rows of training pitches stretched out before her, dotted with Pokémon diligently honing their skills. As she approached, Combee led her to a familiar face leaning against a tree. "Eh, Serena !"

Serena looked up, a warm smile breaking across her face. "Shauna, there you are. I was worried you'd gotten lost."

"Actually, I was... But thanks to Combee, that'll never happen again." Then, Shauna's interest was piqued by the rhythmic sounds of battling moves and high turbulence coming from the sparring zone currently occupied by Jude and Tierno. Both were deep in intensive workouts with their Pokémon. The imposing Noivern soared through the sky, creating gusts of wind that mimicked a storm. Trainers and Pokémon were right in the thick of it, each playing their best tricks to navigate smoothly through the tempest.

Fletchling let itself drift along with the air currents, cleverly adjusting its trajectory if necessary to avoid being swept away. Tierno executed a series of acrobatic street dance moves, matching the agility of his energic Squirtle. On the other side, Jude linked martial arts stances with fluidity, echoing the ninja swipes displayed by his trusty Frogadier. The whole crew behaved in perfect harmony, acting as a single unit driven by the same goal. "When I arrived, they were already hard at work, and I've been watching them for a while," Serena informed her without losing sight of them.

"Wow, now that's sharp training, so typical of them," Shauna praised her fellows in awe. "But I don't quite grasp why Jude and Tierno are exercising the same way as their Pokémon. I mean, they're not the ones battling, right ?"

"It's about building a bond. When a trainer practices with their Pokémon, it fosters mutual respect. Pokémon will always show more esteem for a guy actively putting in the effort than for a lazy oaf who just barks orders without batting an eyelid," Serena explained. "Plus, by sharing their physical challenges, they gain a deeper understanding of their capabilities and how to give more precise instructions during fights."

"Oh, I see. That's actually really smart, even if it mostly looks dangerous," Shauna nodded, impressed. "Anyway, it shows they're serious about this competition, Trevor's defeat totally galvanized them."

Astrid went into her hotel room, a temporary haven provided by her sponsors. The company saw fit to treat her to a suite in one of the town's most upscale resorts to get the partnership off to a good start. Her Absol, ever vigilant, trailed behind with an air of silent loyalty. The room, adorned with the lavish comforts afforded a sponsored competitor, felt both exotic and worldly. Ignoring the luxurious surroundings, Astrid dropped her bag onto a stylish chair with an unceremonious thud. She lay down on the queen-size bed and, for a moment, felt a rare sense of relief.

However, the tranquility was short-lived as her mobile buzzed insistently. Glancing at the screen, she scowled at the series of missed calls from her parents. Her recent interview, where she had officially announced on TV her affiliation with a major group, had apparently triggered a sudden wave of concern from these two opportunists, who seemed to have remembered her existence. "How convenient, right when I become a valuable source of income," she muttered sarcastically, her temper flaring hotter than a Charizard's breath.

With an exasperated sigh, she listed her text messages. Her parents were desperately trying to reach her, their posts a cacophony of fake apologies, cloying affection, pleas, and a hint of financial hopelessness. Now, after years of neglect and exploitation, they decided to play the close-knit family. Their sudden interest felt like a slap in the face, just one more. "They should be glad I'm not sending an army of lawyers after them," Astrid growled with venom in her voice. "After what they put me through, they'd better lie low."

Sensing her trainer's distress, Absol nuzzled against her. Astrid leaned down to stroke its fur, her fingers meeting the softness of its white mane. "Don't worry Absol, I'm in control now. No more chains, no more abuse." With a few taps, she silenced her mobile, erasing all those nagging messages and blocking the two phone numbers she never wanted to see again. "I'm done with them, they won't see a cent of what I'll earn."

Astrid stared out of the window, the city lights below a testament to a world that awaited her conquest. In the distance, the stadium stood proudly, an edifice where she had finally unveiled herself to the eyes of Kalos. Proud of this achievement, her resolve hardened. At eighteen, she was finally free from the oppressive ties that bound her to a life she loathed. The prospect of her newfound independence fueled her determination. A life of servitude was over ; she was on the cusp of greatness. She had a tournament to win, a path to Elite 4 to carve, and no room for the shadows of her past.

"To the future, Absol," she whispered, a glint of ambition in her eyes. "Let's go practice, just because we've won a badge doesn't mean we should rest on our laurels." The feline Pokémon, staunch to the core, bowed its head in understanding. "We're still at the beginning of our journey."

To be continued