Chapter 9 — A New Recruit ?
After completing their group exercise, Jude and Tierno split up to return to their individual training. For this, Jude and his Pokémon headed for the lush expanse of greenery adjoining Santalune City. The thick forest embraced the trio in a verdant cocoon. The air hummed with the sounds of unseen creatures, and dappled sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, painting intricate patterns of shade on the ground. Jude's keen eyes surveyed the surroundings, looking for anything that might be useful for his next workout. Viola's Pokémon weren't just fast, some of them also had psychic powers strong enough to paralyze their opponents and smash them like tiny bundles of straw.
Poor Bunnelby had paid the painful cost, and Jude now needed to protect Frogadier and Fletchling from the same fate. The haunting memory of Trevor's defeat urged him to prepare his Pokémon for the matches that lay ahead. "Okay guys, to escape Vivillon's telekinetic grip, you'll have to level up your physical strength." The blue frog croaked in agreement, ready for the challenge, while the red bird chirped with enthusiasm. The trio ventured deeper into the woods, where clusters of trees stood tall and proud, framed by creeping vines. Jude's mind buzzed with an idea as his gaze fell on the smallest tree in the bunch. Here, in the heart of nature, hard practice would take root.
"Frogadier, we'll require some sturdy logs. Use Cut," Jude asked, aiming his index finger at his target. The amphibian Pokémon crouched low, a nimble silhouette amidst the emerald leaves. Then, with a swift motion, he leaped forward, summoning a glimmering blue sword in his webbed hand. With a combination of quick and sharp flicks, he whirred his blade, slicing through the wood with effortless precision. The severed pieces fell to the grassy floor, awaiting their role in the upcoming training.
"Well done. Now Fletchling, go get us some vines." Obediently, the energetic bird Pokémon soared through the treetops, deftly collecting creepers in its beak and talons. With vines in tow, Fletchling returned, delivering them to Jude and Frogadier. "Good job Fletch, we've had enough. Here's the plan : we're gonna use these chunks of trunk as weights to reinforce ourselves. Rather like a muscle-building drill."
Jude began to tie the heavy timbers to his limbs with the creepers. Two for each of his arms, two for each of his legs, and a larger one on his back. Frogadier instantly copied his trainer by attaching wooden pieces to his body. It wasn't the first time the duo did such a deed, but never before had they carried so much bulk. Jude had obviously decided to step up a gear, considering Viola's potency.
"On my mark... Go." The trainer and the azure Pokémon jumped with perfect synchronism and clung to the branch of a probably hundred-year-old tree, judging by its width and height.
The forest air buzzed with the exertion as they performed pull-ups. Muscles strained against gravity, but determination and habit eclipsed fatigue. Jude gritted his teeth, feeling the strain, but as a role model for his Pokémon he was duty bound to push himself to the hilt.
"Feel the burn, team !" Jude encouraged, his eyes reflecting a blend of mentorship and shared effort. "Remember, Viola won't hold back." Frogadier's steely focus mirrored Jude's, the duo honing both stamina and force.
While they did their pulling, Fletchling practiced flying as fast as possible while lifting a hefty log wedged between its hooked claws. Hours passed as the indefatigable trio tackled various types of intensive exercise. The forest had embraced the trio in its verdant arms, witnessing their rigorous training as the day waned into the soft hues of twilight. Timbers still tethered to them, Jude and Forgadier continued their ninja-inspired training. Hopping from branch to branch, executing acrobatic somersaults, and twirling with grace, they forged their bodies and honed their agility. Fletchling too, carrying its weighted burden, soared like a red arrow through the foliage.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an amber glow across the treetops, a sudden, haunting sound pierced the serene ambiance. A dull thud, akin to the cry of a wounded creature, echoed through the forest. The trio froze mid-motion, senses heightened by the unexpected disturbance. "Something's not right, we need to check it out," Jude declared, his instincts as a trainer compelling him to respond to the Pokémon's distress call. Shedding their cumbersome weights for maximum mobility, they sprinted through the woods, their silhouettes weaving between shadows and rising moonlit branches. The rhythmic beat of their footsteps merged with the urgency of the distant pleas.
Shadows played tricks in the dimming light as the forest whispered secrets beneath its leaves. The muffled roar grew louder, an ominous rhythm that hinted at trouble lurking in the undergrowth. What awaited the helping trio was a scene of perilous urgency. In a small clearing, a wild Snubbull, yelping in pain, was ensnared in the constricting coils of an Arbok's sinister silhouette. Jude's eyes widened in horror as he recognized the imminent danger. This serpent Pokémon was known for its venomous bite, lethal if not rapidly healed. The air was thick with tension as Arbok tightened its grip, injecting the toxic liquid into its captive prey with his spiky fangs.
Jude's heart raced ; time was of the essence. He couldn't let this Pokémon suffer a tragic fate, especially one that could be prevented. "Guys, we need to act fast ! Fletchling, distract Arbok ! Frogadier, be ready to grab Snubbull when we get the chance !" he commanded, urgency resonating in his voice.
Fletchling soared into action, a flurry of feathers and embers. Sensing the threat, the purple snake hissed menacingly, its eyes narrowing as it prepared to fend off the approaching trio. With a swift motion, Arbok sprayed a corrosive acid venom in their direction. "Fletch, show it that its own medicine can sting. Guts !" Fueled by resolve, the red bird flapped its wings with ferocity, redirecting the acid back towards his launcher.
The corrosive poison hit Arbok square on, causing it to writhe in pain and involuntarily slacken its grip on Snubbull. The release of pressure allowed Frogadier to seize the moment. Darting forward with nimbleness that matched the wind, he dexterously snatched the ailing bulldog Pokémon from Arbok's grasp and retreated to safety. "Great coordination, you two. Fletchling, keep attacking !" The flying-type Pokémon had a field day, repeatedly hitting the snake with its flaming beak and talons, even creating an opening for his trainer to deliver the knockout blow.
As Arbok recoiled, Jude did a somersault while extending his leg like a downward axe slash. His powerful kick stunned the snake, putting a stop to its hostile intentions. "Let's get out of here. We need to reach the Pokémon Center, fast !" Jude exclaimed, his focus now on saving Snubbull. "Follow me, I know where it is." They dashed through the forest at top speed, the poisoned Pokémon cradled in Frogadier's protective arms. Snubbull was struggling to hold on to life, and Jude made it his duty to rescue him. As a trainer, assisting Pokémon in peril was also part of the job.
Meanwhile, inside the bustling Pokémon center, Jude's friends had gathered in the lobby, mingling with other trainers. The lively atmosphere, typical of such places, buzzed around them as people chatted about this and that. Shauna couldn't shake off her curiosity about Jude's prolonged absence. "Where could he be at this hour ?" she wondered aloud while glancing at the wall clock, a trace of concern in her voice. "It's late and night has fallen. If he keeps training, it turns into an obsession."
"Relax Shauna, you worry way too much. Stop acting like his mother," Serena tried to reassure her. "We're talking about Jude here, not really the kind of guy to stir up trouble, that's more your thing."
"Ah Ah, very witty..." Shauna pouted, crossing her arms. "Instead of poking fun at me, you'd better hurry up to catch a second Pokémon. You'll need at least two to take on Viola, the rules say."
"I know, but I haven't had a chance to look into it yet. Tomorrow, I'll go for a walk in the tall grass and sort it out," Serena replied, already considering what kind of companion she'd want to enlist.
Suddenly, Tierno's cheerful voice reached them, "Ey girls, come and see what I've just dug up !" he called, beckoning them to join him. They went to find the dancer in the computer section provided for guests. Tierno had spent some time engrossed in the vibrant world of online Pokémon content. His fingers tinkled on the keyboard as he navigated Roxie's official website, the trendy rock star whose career he assiduously followed. A recently uploaded video had captured his attention, especially due to the sheer amount of views it had already achieved in such a short lapse of time.
Excitement lit up Tierno's face as he clicked on the video, unveiling a dazzling stage floodlit by various spotlights. The dynamic rocker, with her signature punk style, addressed the camera, "Hey there, Kalos ! It's your favorite toxic girl, bringing you some Unova vibes !" she burst from the speakers, wielding her electric guitar with finesse. "Get ready, 'cause Roxie's in the house ! I'm stepping into the Kalos Pokémon League ring. That's right, I'm ready to bring my musical flair to the battles, and I want all of you to be there to witness the magic !"
Her iconic Pokémon, a Koffing, floated briskly behind her, expelling mesmerizing multicolored gas that added a psychedelic touch to the performance. "Whoa, Koffing, I'm counting on you to score big in the arena, right ?" Roxie raved on screen, her enthusiasm infectious. Well, almost infectious, since Serena and Shauna weren't exactly responsive. Both girls wrinkled their brows, palpably uneasy with this swaggering rocker. Though they weren't willing to face it, they felt a touch of jealousy towards this proud, self-confident figure who had a whole audience backing her up. Nothing seemed to faze her, and she was a true challenge-taker. No wonder Tierno fancied her a kind of muse.
"You criticize Malva, but at least she doesn't look like she's landed from zany planet, unlike your idol," Serena scoffed, causing Shauna to giggle. "Besides, I thought Kalosian status was required to take part in this tournament. Miss rock'n'roll is from Unova, isn't she ?"
"Turns out Roxie has dual nationality. She's both Unovan and Kalosian," Tierno explained. "So, she's eligible to compete."
Shauna, intrigued, asked, "But should we be worried about her joining ? Is she a strong trainer ?"
Tierno scratched his head as he realized he didn't know. Despite being a devoted admirer, he hadn't known about Roxie's prowess in Pokémon battles. On reflection, no one did, given that the rock star had never communicated on the subject. No matter how much he pondered, no information linking Roxie to Pokémon events had ever leaked out, and yet hordes of journalists were often on her tail. Nevertheless, if she could juggle these two labor-intensive passions fairly effectively, his respect for her would increase all the more.
"Honestly, I have no clue on her skills. I wonder how she can even find time to train Pokémon with her hectic schedule," Tierno sheepishly conceded, guessing she probably didn't sleep much. "But then again… If she's throwing her hat into the ring, I bet she's got something impressive up her sleeve. Roxie may be a braggart, but she's no less reflective. She would never risk disappointing her fans by making a fool of herself at a major show like the Kalos League. If you ask me, she's an opponent to be wary of."
"Indeed, your reasoning holds water, I'm afraid," Serena agreed, albeit nervously. "I guess this means we'll have to face some pretty stiff competition, as if Astrid wasn't hard enough already."
"Hey, the tougher, the better !" Tierno replied with his trademark optimism. "It'll make our victories even more epic."
Abruptly, the doors of the Pokémon Center swung open with a force that surprised the trio, putting an end to their discussion. The lively chatter and the gentle hum of healing machines momentarily halted as the attention of the trainers shifted to the entrance. Jude stormed in, eyes filled with urgency, his two Pokémon by his side. The receptionist, a night shift nurse, looked up from her logbook, startled by this unanticipated racket.
"Damn, something bad must have happened," Shauna interjected, noticing the tension in Jude's demeanor and the paralyzed pink Pokémon the ninja frog was carrying. "Let's take a look, quick."
Without a moment's pause, Jude hurried to the counter, and Frogadier gently placed Snubbull's limp body before the receptionist. "Snubbull's been bitten by an Arbok, he's poisoned. We need help, now," Jude pleaded, his eyes reflecting worry and concern.
Professional and composed, the nurse immediately took charge, recognizing the severity of the situation. "Don't worry, we'll do our best. We need to get it to the emergency treatment area right away." The heavily infected Pokémon was immediately placed on a stretcher and taken to a wing of the center reserved for medical staff.
Jude's friends rushed after him, anxiety evident on their faces. Shauna voiced what they were all feeling, "Poor Snubbull, I hope he will be okay."
Serena, while maintaining an outward reassurance, couldn't deny a slight tremor in her voice. "Yes, modern medicine can do wonders, but Arbok venom is potent. Let's just pray he holds out."
The quiet droning of equipment and soft beeping filled the room where Snubbull lay, connected to a life-saving apparatus that worked tirelessly to combat the toxic agents coursing through its oblivious body. An hour had passed, and now, the sterile white walls of the Pokémon Center seemed to close in on Jude as he stood on the other side of the bay window, never breaking eye contact with the struggling little Pokémon. The device deployed its intricate network of tubes and monitors, orchestrating a delicate dance between venom extraction, counter-poison administration, and tissue repair.
The hospital's technology was at its best, testifying to the advancements made in healthcare since the Lysandre Labs' pioneering innovations. Jude whispered words of encouragement, his voice a gentle murmur, more for his own reassurance than Snubbull's conscious ears. "Hang in there, buddy. You'll pull through, I promise." He traced the glass with his fingertips, longing to be closer to the ailing bulldog. "Tomorrow, after I earn my first badge, I'll come back for you. You won't have to face the outside world alone again," he declared, fully intent on making him a valiant addition to his team.
The place grew quieter as the night deepened, a stark contrast to the turmoil of emotions within Jude. He remained glued to the clear glass, his eyes fixed on Snubbull's still form, wrestling with the silent plea in his heart for the Pokémon's swift recovery.
Shauna, sensing Jude's internal struggle, approached him with a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You've done everything you can, so don't feel bad. The doctors here know what they're doing. Now, you need to think about tomorrow. If you're planning to face Viola, you'll need all the rest and focus you can get."
Serena, her voice gentle but firm, joined the effort to redirect Jude's attention. "Shauna's right. You've been an amazing help to Snubbull, and now you have to trust the professionals to take care of him. Tomorrow is a big day for you, and you need to be at your best."
"Uh, guys… Sorry to bring this up at such a tense time, but where are we gonna snooze ?" Tierno chimed in with a troubled expression. "We didn't plan for accommodations, and the cheapest hotels are surely already full with all the tourists who've come to see the duels."
Jude, a small smile forming, responded, "Don't worry, we can stay here. For tournament participants like us, the Pokémon Centers offer dormitories upstairs. It's not the lap of luxury, but it's affordable, and it's better than sleeping under the stars."
With a collective understanding, the group made their way to the sleeping quarters allotted to them. It was a modest setup, with bunk beds and basic amenities. Privacy was scarce, but camaraderie was abundant. Outdoors, the black sky had woven its tranquil tapestry over Santalune City, casting a serene hush over the streets. As the four friends settled into their respective beds, the air was charged with a mix of excitement and anticipation. Sleep beckoned, a welcome reprieve before the storm of battles on the horizon.
The stadium buzzed with anticipation, the air thick with the energy of thousands of thrilled spectators. Jude strode into the arena, heart pounding to the rhythm of cheers that cascaded around him. The crowd's applause were a symphony of encouragement, though it was clear that most were there to support Viola, the esteemed Gym Leader who had fans in every corner of Kalos. Jude, however, didn't let this distract him and remained focused. He knew he was still a novice, and that getting the adoring public on his side would only come once he'd proved his worth.
Jude was here for the challenge, and challenge he would find. He made his way to the center of the battlefield, where Viola awaited. They clasped hands, a gesture of respect before the impending clash of Pokémon and strategies. Viola's emerald eyes, usually warm and friendly, now bore a spark of competitive intensity. "Welcome to my web, little lost fly. Get ready, for you're about to face the full force of my strongest soldiers. I hope you're prepared."
Jude, a mix of nervousness and determination etched on his face, nodded in acknowledgment. "Let it be so. Send out your best, Viola." But still, something wasn't right. Why did she want to confront him with her top troops, when he was still a newcomer without a single proven achievement ? It almost sounded as if she'd been ordered to give him a rough ride. Yes, that was something HE was definitely capable of.
As they retreated to their positions, it became evident that Viola was serious about putting up a tough duel. "Fantastique, then," she grinned, appreciating Jude's spirit. "For our first round, let's have a dance with beauty and grace. Go, Vivillon !" From Viola's Poké Ball emerged an elegant butterfly, its wings displaying a mesmerizing palette of green and brown. Unlike the pink Vivillon Trevor had faced, this one looked much sharper, considerably more powerful.
"Fletchling, it's up to you !" Jude replied, sending his own flying partner into the arena. The two Pokémon faced each other, a tense stillness settling over the battlefield. The spectators held their breath, waiting for the referee to give the signal that would unleash the clash of wings and the power of elemental moves.
From her vantage point, Shauna couldn't contain her excitement. Putting her hands up like a megaphone, she shouted praises that would wake up an entire graveyard. "Go Jude, show her you mean business ! Destroy her, DESTROY HEEER !"
"Geez Shauna, you're louder than the whole stadium," Serena complained, two fingers pressed into the ears.
"That's right, what's gotten into you today ?" Tierno remarked, a bit bemused. "Yesterday you were yelling at me for being too noisy, and now you're screaming yourself hoarse. Have you turned bipolar or something ?"
"What ?" Shauna cried in shame, twiddling her fingers. "No, not at all, you're the one who gave me the over-caffeinated fan virus, hehehehe !" she stammered, scratching the back of her neck in embarrassment.
Perched in a more secluded area of the stands, Astrid leaned forward, her violet eyes locked onto the battlefield below. Intrigued by what would surely be a fascinating fight, her icy exterior momentarily softened. She had originally planned to leave the city today, but discovering an early-morning notification on her Pokédex announcing Jude's match compelled her to stay just a little longer. Despite her blatant loathing of Serena and her cronies, the ace trainer secretly found a sliver of respect for Jude. Both carried the weight of grueling parents, a commonality that set him apart.
She was careful not to show it, but Astrid naturally felt a reluctant sense of solidarity with those who navigated similar family issues. Just the idea of spending an hour with that dreadful ogre gave her the willies, so she could imagine the ordeal of growing up with such an overbearing presence. No doubt Ray was currently attending the event, pressuring his son to be the winner. Absol, sensing its trainer's interest, stood beside her, equally engrossed in the upcoming spectacle.
"Let's see what you're made of, young Sharp. Will you make your mark, or are you just another Wooloo for slaughter ?" Astrid mused to herself. "I dare to hope that you won't disappoint me."
Korrina was also among the spectators. She stood not far from Jude's three friends in the lookout tower, an ideal spot to quietly observe the match. Before challenging the Gym Leader on her own, she aimed to gather intelligence by observing Viola's battle tactics. Studying the strength and methods of her opponent was a strategic move, one that could provide a significant advantage in the subsequent bout. "Viola, the unpredictable Spider Queen…" Korrina muttered, eyes narrowing as she took mental notes. "Gotta figure out how to crack that sturdy web."
In the demanding world of Pokémon battles, knowledge was power, and Korrina aimed to gather every advantage she could. The fate of the cards placed her before Jude's match, someone she hadn't known at all and would discover through this battle. "Good luck, challenger. Let's see how you adapt, how you strategize." This boy in the arena would become an unintended subject of her scrutiny, providing her with valuable insights before she stepped onto the battlefield herself.
Meanwhile, the Lumiose City airport buzzed with anticipation, a cacophony of excited murmurs and camera clicks, as a crowd of journalists, fervent rock and metal fans, and curious onlookers gathered near the landing strip. The electrifying atmosphere was charged with the expectation of seeing one of Unova's renowned figures, the rock star Roxie, make her entrance into Kalos. Her teaser video clearly didn't go unnoticed, and many of her loyal supporters were keen to follow her path as a Pokémon trainer.
As the plane taxied to a halt, the audience edged closer, eager to catch the first glimpse of their idol. By temporarily leaving the music business to take part in this prestigious tournament, Roxie had generated a great deal of curiosity. Many eyes were now riveted on her, fans and detractors alike. Some hoped she'd wow them, while others longed to see her fail miserably, a fitting punishment for attempting to boldly venture into a field that wasn't her concern. The pressure was overwhelming, but the rock star didn't care. She needed this kind of risky dare to spice up her life.
With a burst of activity, the plane's door swung open, revealing the vibrant figure of Roxie. The admirers erupted into raucous cheers, and the air was punctuated with the rapid flashes of cameras capturing this momentous arrival. Roxie, clad in her signature bold attire, stepped onto the tarmac, and the fervor intensified. However, the walk from the plane to the exit was no easy stroll. Journalists and ardent fans attempted to breach the barrier of security that surrounded the Unovan rock star.
Machoke and Primeape, formidable Pokémon bodyguards, stood vigilant, ensuring a safe passage for Roxie. Their presence deterred the more intrusive elements of the crowd, allowing her to move forward with a semblance of privacy. Hysterical folks and paparazzi were ruthlessly rebuffed. Undeterred by the close quarters, Roxie addressed her fans with a smile that glowed as brightly as the stage lights that often bathed her during concerts. "Hey, Kalos ! I'm stoked to be here. Get ready for some serious rockin' both on and off the stage !" The fans roared their approval, a symphony of applause reverberating through the airport.
With a final wave to the crowd, Roxie gracefully retreated from the tumultuous welcome and entered a sleek black car awaiting her. The door closed, and the vehicle smoothly navigated through the throngs, vanishing from sight. In the plush interior of the car, Roxie settled into her seat, the hum of the engine providing a subdued background to her thoughts. The thrill of that lively reception still echoed in her mind, but a more somber presence now demanded her attention.
Roxie found herself in an unexpected tête-à-tête with the man who had summoned her here : the daunting Ray Sharp. His presence exuded an aura of disquiet, and his eyes, concealed behind dark sunglasses, intensified the mysterious air around him. This sinister host pointed towards a suitcase by her side. Opening it, Roxie discovered a Pokédex and a set of Poké Balls neatly arranged. Ray's voice, cool and measured, broke the silence. "Your registration is taken care of. Your task now is to earn your badges."
Curiosity mingled with a hint of intimidation, Roxie struggled to understand the ogre's motivations. Ray had orchestrated her participation in this tournament, easily getting her manager and business contacts on board so that it would go off without a hitch. It was a lot of effort for someone who still hadn't officially earned her stripes as a Pokémon trainer. "Why me ?" Roxie ventured, surprising herself by using a much less assertive tone than usual. "I've never showcased my skills as a battler yet, even the gossip press ignored this secret. What's your angle ?"
Ray's response was as enigmatic as the man himself. "I gather the finest trainers for this competition. You, Roxie, are undoubtedly among the best."
A subtle flattery, but the rock star guessed that sentiment held little weight in Ray's motives. She sensed an agenda beyond the surface, a motive that extended deeper than a simple appreciation of her talents. The black vehicle eased to a stop in front of a luxurious hotel, and the tinted window rolled down to reveal the opulent entrance. Roxie recognized it immediately — The Carnet Palace, a place of grandeur. The driver opened the doors, and Ray gestured for her to follow him. "Your accommodation for the night. Your room is already paid for," he stated. "Your manager will arrive in the evening with your luggage."
After a brief stop at the reception desk for Roxie to pick up her key, they navigated through the sumptuous corridors and found their way to a cozy bar. The ambiance was refined, and patrons mingled, enjoying drinks as they awaited the broadcast of an upcoming Pokémon battle. A large TV screen dominated one wall, poised to showcase the match between the seasoned Gym Leader Viola and her spirited challenger, Jude.
Taking a seat, Roxie's eyes gleamed with delight, lingering on the screen. She loved the ebb and flow of Pokémon duels, the strategic dance of elements and tactics. Ray joined her, and together they awaited the unfolding spectacle. For the Ogre, this clash held significance beyond mere entertainment. It was a trial for his son, a litmus test to discern if Jude possessed the mettle needed for his grand project. Despite the high stakes, Ray maintained his characteristic stoicism, hiding the depth of his sentiments behind his dark glasses.
To be continued