Chapter 17 — Meeting of Minds
The moon crossed the dark sky above Lumiose City, weaving its way through endless white dots lining the canvas of obscurity. At the heart of the megalopolis stood the iconic Prism Tower, a beacon of modernity and architectural brilliance. At its pinnacle was the renowned restaurant Chez Gustave, named in honor of Gustave Prism, the visionary architect who had designed the tower. It was a place where the elite of Kalos gathered, enjoying exquisite cuisine while taking in the breathtaking views of the capital below.
In a private, stylishly appointed room, two of the most prominent figures in Kalosian society sat across from each other, their conversation as rich and layered as the meal before them. The first was Lysandre, the distinguished CEO of Lysandre Labs, known for his philanthropy and scientific achievements. His deep red hair and beard framed a face that was both charismatic and enigmatic, a man whose mind was always at work, contemplating the horizon.
Seated opposite him was Diantha, the celebrated actress and head of the Kalos Elite 4. Her presence was both commanding and graceful, her poise reflecting the strength and elegance that had made her one of the most powerful Pokémon trainers in the country. Her long, dark hair was arranged in a star-shaped bun, and her striking features were softened by the warm candlelight that flickered on the table.
Lysandre leaned back in his chair, his eyes distant as he gazed out the window at the sprawling city below. "Time," he mused, "is the one enemy we can never defeat. It strips away our beauty, our strength, until there's nothing left but a shell of what once was. Despite all the technological advances we've made, the wonders we've created, we still haven't found a way to conquer time."
Diantha, ever the contemplative soul, sipped her wine thoughtfully, considering his words. "Perhaps that's for the best," she replied, her voice soft yet firm. "Aging, decay… it's all part of the natural order. Fighting against it seems dangerous to me, since it would be tantamount to defying inviolable principles. Every stage of life has its own unique charm and purpose."
Lysandre's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression pensive. "But aren't you afraid ? Afraid of losing your handsomeness, of watching your body slowly weaken ? You've built a career on your appearance and talent. What happens when the physical beauty fades ?"
Diantha's smile was serene, her voice steady. "It's not an easy thought, I'll admit. Claiming that growing old doesn't intimidate me would be a lie. But I also find it intriguing. I'm curious to see how my roles, both in film and in life, will evolve as I age. I'm prepared to embrace these changes, with all their good and bad sides."
Lysandre's gaze shifted back to her, skeptical. "You speak of acceptance, but isn't that just another form of surrender ? We have the clout to change so much in this world. Why not strive to change our own fates as well ? The idea of losing my vitality and intellect is unbearable to me. I can't help but think there must be a way to overcome it, to preserve the best of ourselves indefinitely."
"Change is one thing," Diantha countered, "but braving nature is another. We must find balance. There's a value in the finite, in the knowledge that our time is limited. It makes every moment more precious. True beauty, true strength, lies in how we live our lives, in the choices we make, and in the impact we leave behind. It's not just about our physical appearance, it's about who we are and what we stand for."
Lysandre looked into her navy eyes, seeing the wisdom and conviction there. He sighed deeply, the tension in his shoulders easing just a little. Their conversation was momentarily interrupted as the large television screen in the room flickered to life, broadcasting a live Pokémon battle. The video lens zoomed in on the battlefield, where Alain was engaged in a fierce match against the Santalune City Gym Leader. Lysandre's eyes lit up with recognition as the camera focused on Alain's Charmeleon, which was locked in combat with Viola's Vivillon. The orange reptile moved with precision, unleashing a Flamethrower that quickly overwhelmed the green butterfly.
Ariados managed to put up a little more resistance, but it didn't last, as its opponent clearly dominated the scene. The crimson spider was knocked out of the match with a blazing claw strike. Alain's fighter's victory was decisive, momentous. "Charmander…" the entrepreneur murmured, a smile playing on his lips. "It's already grown so much since I first entrusted it to Alain. He promised to make it an unstoppable champion, and it seems he's well on his way to fulfilling that promise."
Diantha observed the battle on the screen, her expression one of admiration. "It appears your flair for recognizing brilliance is as sharp as ever. Your protégé is strong, very strong. With the right guidance, he could indeed go far. Perhaps, through these young prodigies, we can achieve something akin to the immortality you seek—their accomplishments, their legacies, could be the answer."
Lysandre nodded, clearly pleased. "Alain is a rare gem, a gifted trainer that will shine brightly in the days to come. Finding such potential is not easy, but when you do, it's incredibly rewarding to see it flourish."
The waiter approached, serving the next course of their meal, a delicate arrangement of exotic ingredients that spoke of the restaurant's world-class reputation. Diantha turned her gaze back to her interlocutor, a thoughtful look in her eyes. "You've always had a knack for spotting talent. But what's your endgame ? What do you hope to achieve by sponsoring someone like Alain ?"
Lysandre's smile widened, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Let's just say I have a vision for the future of Kalos. A future where strength and beauty are safeguarded, where those who have the potential to shape the world are given every opportunity to do so. Alain is a part of that vision."
Diantha studied him for a moment, sensing the layers of ambition and idealism that drove him. The company president was a man of many facets, and while his intentions were often noble, there was always a deeper, more complex motive at play. "I just hope," she said finally, "that whatever tomorrow you envision, it's one where people are prized for more than just their power or their looks. There's more to life than those things, remember."
Lysandre inclined his head slightly, acknowledging her words. "Of course. But imagine a world where we could treasure the best of us, where the brightest flames never fade. Isn't that a world worth striving for ?"
Diantha didn't respond immediately. Instead, she let her gaze drift back to the screen, where the battle had concluded with Alain receiving his first badge. The destiny of Kalos was indeed uncertain, shaped by the ambitions of many, each with their own vision of what that future should be. As the evening drew on, the conversation between Lysandre and Diantha continued, touching on topics both philosophical and practical. But the duel they had just witnessed lingered in their minds, a reminder of the strength and potential that the new generation of trainers brought with them.
The soft rustle of the curtains in the moonlit suite accompanied Jude into a deep sleep, the quiet of the night enveloping him in peace. Yet, within this tranquility, his mind also opened the door to memories he hadn't revisited until now, a flashback to a significant event last month. As Jude drifted, a vivid dream took shape—he found himself at the grand hall of the Royal Academy, decorated lavishly for the graduation party. The main room was adorned with elegant banners and filled with jubilant graduates and their families.
It was a day of pride and accomplishment for Jude, a significant milestone marked by his achievement of emerging valedictorian of his class. Excellence was not merely celebrated in the Sharp household ; it was mandatory. His father's demanding standards meant that Jude had to be the best, always, or face severe reprimand. Despite the festive atmosphere, Jude was never far from Ray's stern gaze, always watching, always judging. As he mingled with his classmates, shaking hands and accepting congratulations from his peers and professors, he felt a strange detachment, as if the feats weren't entirely his own but rather something he had done for someone else.
Amidst the crowd, his attention was drawn to a girl he had never seen before. She stood alone, her long blond hair cascading down her back, her school uniform pristine and immaculate. There was something unsettling about her, a sinister aura that contrasted sharply with her outward allure. Compelled by a mixture of curiosity and the familiar thrill of navigating the presence of oppressive personalities—something he had mastered living under his father's roof—Jude approached her. "Hello," he greeted her a bit shyly. "I don't think we've met before. I'm Jude."
The blonde girl looked up, her expression inscrutable, her eyes a striking shade of red that seemed to bore into his soul. "Bonjour," she replied, her voice soft but with an edge that sent shivers down his spine. "Nice to meet you, Jude. I've heard quite a bit about you—top of the class, aren't you ?"
The recent graduate nodded, feeling a mixture of pride and the familiar urge of living up to his reputation. "Yes, I suppose so. I've had some very good mentors."
There was something about her that made Jude's instincts flare up, a sense of danger lurking just beneath the surface. Yet, their conversation flowed easily, despite the underlying tension Jude felt. This pretty lady was scheming, enigmatic in a way he couldn't quite place. Suddenly, in the midst of their exchange, she brought up a peculiar topic. "Tell me, have you ever heard of the Kodoku ?" she asked, her scarlet eyes gleaming with a strange light.
Jude frowned, thinking. The question caught him off guard, but he was quick to answer. "Yes, a little. It's an ancient poison from the Johto region, right ? But I don't know much more than that."
A sly smirk played on her lips, her tone low and intense as she explained with an eerie fascination. "To create Kodoku, highly venomous bug Pokémon are placed in a large metal jar. They're locked inside, forced to fight each other until only one remains. The venom of this lone survivor, the strongest, is then harvested to make the Kodoku. It's a rigorous method of selecting the fittest insect for the most potent poison."
Jude listened, fascinated by the dark tale. "That's... intriguing," he admitted, though he felt a growing unease over such a brutal tradition. Again, it was a matter of might makes right, a concept almost his entire upbringing had been founded on.
"According to legend, observing how this poison was produced inspired the Supreme Monarch to organize these Pokémon Championships," she revealed, her voice steady and unnervingly calm. "A competition to bring forth only the best warriors, those who will be worthy of building its army and expanding its conquests."
Jude was absorbed in the grim story, the kind of anecdote he'd found no trace of in his lessons or workbooks. There was a cold logic to it, one that resonated with the rigid expectations he had grown up with. The idea of fostering strength through relentless rivalries wasn't unfamiliar to him ; it mirrored Ray's expectations and the pressures he'd been raised with. Just then, something flashed through his head, something so simple that Jude hadn't even thought of it yet. "You've told me so much, but I just realized—I don't even know your name."
The oversight seemed to amuse her, and with a smile that was as charming as it was chilling, she leaned closer. Her gait had become almost predatory, with even her canines abnormally spiked. "You can call me Child," she said, her eyes glinting with a mixture of mischief and malice.
Jude's dream ended abruptly, pulling him from the past back into the present. The moon had traveled across the sky, and the first hints of dawn were beginning to lighten the room. He sat up, rubbing his eyes, not sure why this discussion had popped into his memory now, almost haphazardly. Around him, his friends were all still dozing, even the light-sleeping Frogadier. The blue batrachian was sitting cross-legged in an armchair tucked away in a corner of the space, plunged into a kind of meditative slumber.
Later in the ceremony, shortly after his mysterious interlocutor had disappeared as abruptly as she had appeared, Jude was addressed by Augustine Sycamore. He learned from his teacher that Child was the Minister of the Armed Forces' adopted daughter, which made her among the country's most influential personality. Then he added awkwardly that people usually steered clear of her due to her mocking, often confrontational nature. Jude remembered feeling puzzled ; Child hadn't seemed overtly threatening, certainly intense and perhaps a bit disturbing, but their conversation had been oddly engaging—almost pleasant.
Maybe he had been lucky, that she'd been in a good enough mood that day not to pick a row. Still, the encounter had left a lasting impression on him, one that now resurfaced in his dreams with startling clarity. No doubt he'd be bound to meet her again as he progressed in the tournament, it was almost inevitable given her position. Until then, all that remained was to advance as far as possible, to the Pokémon League, to the top of the world.
The morning sun streamed through the grand windows of the Battle Chateau's lunch room, casting a warm glow over the sumptuously decorated space. The place was a vision of old-world elegance, with intricate chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and rich tapestries adorning the walls. The long dining table was laden with an array of breakfast delicacies, from fresh fruit and pastries to hearty meats and cheeses. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm bread filled the air, adding to the cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Tierno and Jude had already settled into their seats, and the dancer wasted no time in filling his plate to the brim. The selection of food was impressive, and Tierno seemed determined to try a little of everything—or rather, a lot of everything. His Wartortle and Noivern were equally enthusiastic, their eyes wide with excitement as Tierno handed them treats from his overflowing dish.
Jude watched in amazement as his friend and his Pokémon devoured their breakfast with incredible speed and gluttony. "At this rate, you're going to exhaust the castle's entire food stock," he joked, shaking his head with a grin. "You three are hungrier than an army of Snorlax."
Tierno paused between bites, barely managing to swallow before replying with a chuckle. "Hey, the chow's delicious and I don't like waste ! And this is the least they can do after making me wear this absolutely uncomfortable, ugly, itchy suit. If Shauna saw me in this, we'd hear her bursting out laughing all over Kalos."
Jude chuckled along with him, the easy camaraderie between them a welcome relief after the tension of the previous day. Tierno's good spirits were infectious, and even Jude found himself eating more heartily than usual, enjoying the rare moment of relaxation. As they continued their meal, they suddenly noticed a familiar figure approaching their table. He wore a simple, yet stylish smoking, and exuded an air of quiet confidence. "Hi, Grant !" Tierno greeted him with a lively wave of the hand.
The Gym Leader smiled warmly at the two pals. "Good morning, guys. Mind if I join you ?"
"Of course, please do !" Tierno replied, gesturing to the empty chair next to him.
Grant sat down, his movements graceful and relaxed. He took a moment to observe the feast laid out before them, nodding appreciatively. "I see you're making the most of the breakfast here," he said with a sneer, glancing at Tierno's still-full plate.
Tierno grinned sheepishly, wiping a bit of syrup from the corner of his mouth. "I just can't help it. Everything's so good, and well, I like to start my day with a full stomach."
The Gym Leader laughed, the sound genuine and convivial. "Nothing wrong with that. A good meal can set the tone for the whole day. And besides, you've earned it after your combats yesterday. I myself enjoy a tasty snack before a climbing session, as it helps me build up my strength."
"Yeah, speaking of which, I've always been curious to try mountaineering, but I've never had the chance. It seems like it would be an amazing experience, especially with the views you must get at the top," the dancer marveled.
Grant's eyes lit up, clearly pleased by Tierno's interest. "Climbing is more than just a physical challenge ; it's about perseverance, finding your rhythm, and overcoming obstacles. It teaches you a lot about yourself, just like Pokémon battles do."
Jude could see that Tierno was soaking up every word, and he couldn't help but smile at his colleague's enthusiasm. "Maybe we'll have to give it a shot sometime," Jude offered. "Though I'm not sure how well I'd do on a mountainside, it must be quite unsettling the first time."
Grant laughed again, this time with a hint of encouragement. "You might surprise yourself. Climbing is about finding your own pace, your own path. Just like in Pokémon duels, there's no one right way to succeed. It's all about discovering what works for you."
The conversation continued, flowing easily between a wide range of topics, and the different experiences they'd had during their school years. Jude and Tierno found themselves inspired by Grant's stories and insights, and the Gym Leader's down-to-earth attitude made them feel at ease despite his renown. As the meal drew to a close, Grant stood up, ready to start his day. "It's been great talking with you both. Alas, all good things must come to an end, and my duties are pressing. I hope to see you soon in Cyllage City, where we can have a battle of our own."
Tierno's eyes sparkled with excitement. "You can count on us ! We'll make sure we're ready for the challenge, and we'll give you a show you'll remember for a long time !"
Grant nodded approvingly. "I'll be looking forward to it. And remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. Keep pushing yourselves, and you'll find your way." With that, the Gym Leader gave them a final wave and headed out of the dining room, leaving Jude and Tierno feeling both motivated and grateful for the unexpected encounter.
Tierno leaned back in his chair, smiling as he gobbled up the last of his scrambled eggs. "Grant is very uplifting, and it's cool to see famous dudes who haven't gone overboard and kept it simple. If one day I become a big name, I'll be sure to take a leaf out of his book."
"Same here." Suddenly, Jude's Pokédex chimed, signaling a notification. He glanced down at the screen, and his eyes widened in astonishment. "Shauna's match is about to begin," he announced aloud, quickly standing up from the table.
"Really ? We can't miss it !" Tierno gushed. "Hurry, let's go and find a TV. We're in some rich guys' house here, there must be at least one lying around somewhere !" Without another word, the two buddies bolted from the opulent place, leaving behind their empty plates and the stunned gazes of other guests. The grand hallways of the Battle Chateau echoed with the sound of their hasty footsteps as they sprinted through the corridors, weaving around startled staff members and visitors. "Excuse us, sorry, just passing by ! Ey, nice hat !" Tierno called out as they dashed past a group of dignified-looking trainers.
The sight of the two boys racing through the castle's elegant halls was both amusing and perplexing to those who witnessed it. Club goers paused in their conversations to watch, some chuckling at the unexpected spectacle. Even the castle's attendants exchanged bemused glances as Jude and Tierno flew by, scurrying off as if a herd of hungry Mightyena were on their heels. "Damn, where the hell are they hiding their TV, in the attic ?" the dancer complained. "We've searched every space and still nothing. It's gonna start soon, what a bummer !"
Finally, as they rounded yet another corner, they nearly collided with Mr. Lassalle, the head of the estate's household personnel. Turner, ever composed and dignified, looked less than pleased to see two young men running about in such a disorderly fashion. "Halt there," the tailcoat-wearing man reprimanded them, his tone stern. "What on earth could possibly justify this kind of behavior in the halls of this prestigious residence ? You're not on a jogging track."
Tierno, slightly out of breath, promptly explained, "Our pal Shauna is about to have her first official Gym duel, and we promised we'd watch to support her ! But we can't find a TV anywhere. Please, can you help us ?"
Turner's expression softened slightly as he took in their earnestness. He could see the genuine concern and thrill in their eyes, and something about their eagerness to cheer their friend touched him. He straightened up and nodded. "Follow me." The butler in chief led them down another corridor, his pace brisk but dignified. He stopped in front of a large wooden door, which he unlocked with a key from his waistcoat. As the door swung open, it revealed a beautifully appointed reception room, complete with plush armchairs, a fireplace, and, most importantly, a large flat-screen television mounted on the wall.
Jude and Tierno's eyes lit up as they saw the screen, and they quickly settled into the armchairs facing it. Mr. Lassalle, seeing their impatience, picked up the remote and turned on the television, tuning it to the channel broadcasting the Pokémon League combats. "You're just in time," Turner said with a small smile. "Enjoy the show, and please refrain from racing through the halls in the future. We're not at a fair or a marathon here."
"Thank you very much sir, and sorry for all the fuss, we didn't mean to cause you any harm," Tierno apologized, his focus now entirely on the event.
As the broadcast came to life, the camera panned over the familiar setting of the Santalune City stadium, with its web-like structure and the elegant form of Gym Leader Viola standing at one end of the battlefield. On the opposite side stood Shauna, her expression determined yet nervous. The duel was already underway, and the two friends leaned forward, eager to see how Shauna was doing. To their amazement, they saw that Shauna's Chespin had evolved into Quilladin, its new form bulkier and more robust. Even more surprising was the sight of her Combee, which had grown into a majestic Vespiquen, its regal wings shimmering under the lights of the arena.
The battle was intense, with Viola's soldiers demonstrating their usual combination of speed and strategy. But Shauna's newly evolved fighters held their ground, matching Viola's every move. Quilladin's defenses were strong, and its powerful Vine Whip attacks kept Surskit at bay. The two warriors bravely faced off, so much so that the result was a double knockout, with the nimble spider clubbed unconscious and the spiny-armored grass-type trapped in an ice block.
The match reached its climax as Vespiquen and Vivillon faced off in a final, decisive exchange. The butterfly launched a dazzling Signal Beam, but Vespiquen met it head-on with a massive Attack Order, sending a swarm of bees to intercept the pink laser. The clash of forces created a brilliant explosion of light, and when the dust settled, Vivillon was down, hit hard by the Queen Bee Pokémon, which had taken advantage of the opacity to charge stealthily, using only its noise-sensitive antennae for guidance.
"Vivillon is unable to continue !" the referee declared, raising his flag. "The winner is Shauna Hills !"
The camera zoomed in on Shauna's face, capturing the moment her expression shifted from tense focus to overwhelming joy. She clasped her hands to her chest, barely able to contain her excitement as she realized she had won her first Gym emblem. Jude and Tierno erupted into applause, their happiness for their friend palpable even through the screen. They watched as Shauna was handed the Bug Badge by Viola, her smile so wide it seemed to light up the entire stadium.
"She did it !" Tierno shouted, clapping his hands together in glee. "She actually did it !"
"Yes, she's made great progress," Jude agreed. "She's really been working hard, her tactics are very clever."
The sun shone brightly over the sprawling park that surrounded the Battle Chateau, casting a warm, golden light over the meticulously maintained gardens and ancient trees. A crowd had gathered near the center of the green expanse, where Astrid stood confidently in front of the press, her expression a mix of pride and anticipation. The media buzzed with excitement, their cameras and microphones trained on her, eager to capture what was sure to be a spectacular performance.
The ace candidate wore her Key Stone as an elegant earring, the gemstone glinting in the sunlight. This estimable gift had been bestowed on her by her sponsors, and she intended to put it to good use. With a calm, deliberate motion, she reached up and touched the Key Stone, activating its latent power. A soft, ethereal light began to emanate from the stone, swirling around her fingers before arcing towards the Mega Stone hanging from Absol's neck. The reporters watched in awe as the spherical artifact responded, its energy enveloping the feline Pokémon in a brilliant, blinding light.
As the light faded, Absol's form began to change. Its sleek, white fur gleamed even more brilliantly, its horn and tail became sharper and more refined, and most striking of all, a pair of majestic wings sprouted from its back. The newly evolved Mega Absol stretched its wings, their edges glowing with a faint, supernatural light, before taking to the sky with a powerful leap.
The onlookers gasped in amazement as Mega Absol soared above the park, its speed and agility far surpassing what it had displayed before. Astrid watched with a smirk as her Pokémon performed aerial maneuvers with effortless grace, its wings slicing through the air with precision. But this demonstration wasn't just about showing off ; Astrid had a point to make.
With a subtle command from her trainer, the one-horned creature swooped down, its flight path taking it dangerously close to Frank Wintersea, who was standing off to the side, observing the event. The sudden rush of wind as Absol passed by made Frank instinctively flinch, his heart pounding as the Pokémon's intent was clear—not to harm, but to intimidate.
As Mega Absol circled back to Astrid's side, Frank's phone buzzed in his pocket. Pulling it out, he glanced at the screen, and his expression immediately tensed. The name displayed sent a chill down his spine : Henry Goldwin, CEO of Latias Airlines. Frank glanced up at Astrid, who was watching him with a mischievous glint in her eye. She smiled wickedly, clearly enjoying his discomfort. The representative then immediately realized that she'd plotted a nasty scheme against him.
"You should answer that, sir," the fair-haired girl said, her tone dripping with mock sweetness. "You wouldn't want to get into trouble, now would you ?"
Frank's stomach knotted with dread as he stepped away from the spectators, isolating himself as he accepted the call. The voice on the other end was as cold and humorless as Frank had feared. "Mr. Wintersea, I'm very disappointed with you," Henry's grumbles cut through the line like a knife. "I've been informed that you tried to intimidate and threaten our precious recruit. Miss Hunter called me in the middle of the night, clearly distressed by your behavior."
Frank swallowed hard, trying to gather his thoughts. "Mr. Goldwin, I assure you, I was only trying to mitigate the damages. Miss Hunter is... she's very malevolent and hostile. She's likely to cause serious trouble if we don't handle her carefully."
There was a pause on the other end, followed by a sharp intake of breath from Henry. "I don't care about her less-than-charitable personality, I'm not running a welfare agency. There are far greater interests at stake here. Astrid is going to be a hugely profitable star, I'm convinced she'll join the Elite 4, and so are our shareholders. If our company dumps her now, not only will we look incompetent for abandoning such a golden investment, but we'll also make an enemy out of her. And if she becomes a Kalos government official as I foresee, she'll have no trouble making us pay for such a treachery. Is this what you want, to pit such a mighty soul against us ?"
Frank's heart sank as the reality of the situation hit him. "But Mr. Goldwin—"
"Enough," Henry snapped, cutting him off. "I refuse to take such a risk purely based on your sanctimony. The verdict is clear : Miss Hunter stays on board. You will deal with her, or you'll be out of a job. Do I make myself clear ?"
Before Mr. Wintersea could respond, the line went dead, the call ending with a harsh click. Frank stared at his phone in disbelief, feeling a wave of frustration and helplessness wash over him. He had been reprimanded, not for the first time, but this one stung the most. Astrid had manipulated the whole picture perfectly, and now she had him exactly where she wanted him.
Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Mr. Wintersea walked back towards Astrid, who was waiting with an expectant, almost smug look on her face. Her Absol had returned to normal and was sitting right next to her. "You dared to do something so underhanded," Frank began, his voice low but seething with anger, "calling my boss behind my back to lie about me ?"
Astrid tilted her head, her smile never faltering. "Me, lying ? I simply told him the truth. You did try to blackmail me and threaten to terminate my contract, I'm not making this up. You've tried to overstep your bounds, and now, you've learned a crucial lesson : I'm important and irreplaceable. You, on the other hand, are just an insignificant, easily interchangeable pawn. So from now on, remember that it's me who's calling the shots, not some crummy commercial."
Frank clenched his fists, feeling utterly trapped. He had known that dealing with Astrid would be difficult, but he hadn't anticipated just how ruthless she could be. The realization that he was powerless against her made his blood boil, but there was nothing he could do without jeopardizing his career. "Fine," he said through gritted teeth. "But don't think for a second that you've won. This isn't over, you're playing a perilous game."
Astrid's smirk only widened, her purple eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Oh, Frank, it's already over. You just haven't realized it yet. Stick to your job and avoid menacing me, it might make Absol furious."
With that, she turned on her heel and walked away, her flagship Pokémon following her with ominous grace. Mr. Wintersea watched her go, his mind racing with thoughts of what to do next. He was stuck in a bind, forced to navigate along with Astrid's rules. As the journalists began to disperse, Frank remained standing in the garden, the weight of his situation pressing down on him. He had underestimated Astrid, and now he was paying the price.
To be continued