Chapter 11 — Caught in Viola's Web (2/2)
Astrid gazed across the stadium, her thoughts drifting back to the days of her initiation into the world of Pokémon training. In her country, the apprenticeship process began within the walls of the educational institutions, where students were introduced to the ties of partnership between humans and Pokémon. At the tender age of twelve, if they so wished, each of them was handed their first Pokémon, a companion who would follow them throughout their entire school life. For Astrid, that steadfast accomplice was Absol, an ally whose presence spoke of loyalty and silent understanding.
School days weren't just about textbooks and lectures ; they were also the sanctuary where aspiring trainers honed their skills. The classrooms echoed with the sounds of Pokémon cries as young students learned the intricacies of the battlefield. Lessons on strategy, type subtleties, and the unspoken language that connected a trainer to their Pokémon were imparted with precision. The transition from novice to adept was a process, a metamorphosis that happened in tandem with the growth of both trainer and Pokémon. And then, after years of practice, a pivotal moment arrived with the day of graduation.
With a diploma in hand, students received more than just a piece of paper. It was a license to enter the world of Pokémon officially. A red-and-white sphere, cradling their first companion, became a tangible representation of the journey ahead. With this certificate, they were authorized to compete in tournaments, buy Poké Balls and legally catch and breed Pokémon. The halls of Kalosian schools were where dreams took root, where trainers were born, and where bonds with Pokémon were forged — bonds that could endure defeats, celebrate victories, and propel them forward into the redoubtable territories of the Pokémon League.
However, Astrid struck a snag in her quest for success. Her mind swirled with recollections of a time when her dreams hung precariously on the edge of obliteration. Despite her flawless scores and reputation as a Pokémon battle prodigy, her path was almost permanently barred by her own aggressive tendencies. Her frequent violent altercations with classmates painted a portrait of discord, a tempest of fury that eclipsed her undeniable talent. Her volatile nature alarmed the examiners, who raised questions about the safety of entrusting her with Pokémon. Ultimately, they opted to play it safe and cancelled her admission.
Dismissal slammed the door on her aspirations, leaving Astrid in the verge of despair. The label of undisciplined troublemaker clung to her like a shroud, a damning verdict that threatened to eclipse her lofty ambitions. Her parents, oblivious to her inner turmoil, saw this rejection as an opportunity to turn her into a housebound servant. Menial chores replaced the thrill of Pokémon duels, and Astrid's spirit withered under the weight of domesticity. In her darkest hour, on the precipice of breakdown, a glimmer of hope held out a salvific hand. A mysterious benefactor, veiled in anonymity, intervened to secure her rightful place as a trainer.
This enigmatic figure, the unsung savior of Astrid's saga, remained unknown. As far as the blonde girl knew, he was undoubtedly an extremely influential patron capable of lobbying examiners directly commissioned by the Minister of Sport. He was also very wealthy, offering the onerous sum of fifty thousand Pokédollars to her parents to ensure their compliance. This pair of nitwits gladly accepted, and spent it all within only a few months. Too bad, but she wasn't gonna pity them, they didn't deserve her compassion.
Whoever this shadowy guardian angel was, Astrid owed him a debt of gratitude. He had rekindled the flame of her passions and forever lifted her out of a suffocating environment. "I'm sure I'll meet him sooner or later. And that day, I'll finally know why he did this for me." Absol snapped her out of her reverie by patting her arm to draw her attention into the arena. Below, the duelists were gearing up for their last combat, from which the clear winner would emerge.
The atmosphere in the stadium grew tense as the third round was set to begin. The crowd hushed in anticipation as Jude confidently released Frogadier onto the arena. The water-type Pokémon appeared, poised and ready, a glint of determination in its eyes. On the other side, Viola's spider, still basking in the glory of its previous win, eyed its new prey with a mix of confidence and curiosity.
The Gym Leader smirked, her confidence unwavering. "Your Frogadier might look tough, but it won't be enough to rattle Ariados. My lens is always focused on victory and I won't let anyone ruin this shot."
The referee, standing at a safe distance, raised a flag. The signal for the next duel was given. The air crackled with energy as the battle recommenced. Jude and Viola locked eyes, a silent understanding passing between them. The stakes were high, and both trainers were prepared to push their Pokémon to their limits. Finally, the challenger started the ball rolling with his first order, "Frogadier, Water Shuriken !"
The frog responded swiftly, conjuring sharp water blades that sliced through the air. The projectiles slashed off the poisonous threads of Ariados' web, allowing the ninja Pokémon to be spared the same hindrance as Fletchinder. Viola was irritated by this, as her toxic trap wouldn't be effective this time. Anyway, it didn't matter, she had other assets to draw on. The shuriken not only destroyed the wires, but also aimed directly at the weaver. However, Ariados was not to be outmaneuvered so easily. Using her exceptional rapidity, the spider skillfully evaded the aquatic onslaught. She glided along its pointy legs, dodging with an almost dance-like elegance.
"Nice job, battler," Korrina nodded approvingly at Jude's tactical move. "By neutralizing that goddamn net while keeping your opponent from countering, the battlefield becomes much less dangerous for Frogadier. Sadly, he's not off the hook yet. Viola's soldier perfectly combines strength and speed. Even without her web, she still poses a formidable menace."
Observing how his shots all missed their nimble target, the ninja frog doubled the dose and fired more Shuriken. The gym leader felt this time that there were too many water blades for her Pokémon to simply duck by zigzagging across them. Viola's voice rose briskly as she issued commands to her warrior, "Ariados, retaliate with Solar Beam !"
The arachnid Pokémon generated a yellowish energy in her horn, then released it as small ultra-bright lasers. Each shuriken was vaporized in mid-air by these burning beams, generating a thick fog that enveloped both Pokémon in a shroud of uncertainty. Ariados maintained her vigil, well aware that in this opaque smog, her ninja adversary was in his element. Suddenly, she detected it, the piercing hiss of a honed weapon. Frogadier had seized the opportunity for a sneak strike, drawing a long curve with his lightsaber. Bolstered by her anticipation, the spider bent its six legs to catapult itself upwards, passing over the cunning swipe.
As the haze cleared, the scarlet Pokémon twirled back gracefully to her trainer's side. Viola coolly remarked on the challengers' approach, "Well thought out, but my ace has an exceptional sense of hearing. You won't catch her off guard so easily. Ariados, show them the finesse of a true sabreur. Poison Jab !"
The arachnid's razor-sharp legs, now coated in a crimson venomous sheen, shimmered with a deadly glow. The potent toxin threatened to paralyze anything it touched. Ariados surged forward, its movements swift and precise. She slashed from multiple directions, creating a complex dance of blades that required Frogadier's agility to evade and counter each strike. With six blades at its disposal, Ariados held the advantage in sheer numbers, but Frogadier's speed and flexibility allowed him to compensate. Jude watched intently as his combatant deftly maneuvered around the venomous onslaught. Those years of swordsmanship lessons under Ray's tutelage were finally paying off.
Frogadier's acrobatics took the lead. It executed a fast tailspin to evade one of Ariados' blades, skillfully parried another with its sword, and then elegantly leaped over yet another with a dazzling backflip. Viola, watching from the sidelines, frowned as her fiery spider soldier to lose ground. In a fluid motion, the ninja frog deflected four of Ariados's blades with a circular sweep of its saber before delivering a powerful roundhouse kick to the spider Pokémon's belly. A mighty combo that sent Arioados staggering backwards. Planting her legs in the ground, the arachnid creature steadied herself, a little bruised but far from out of the game.
Viola's frustration was evident upon realizing that this duel was not nearly as much of a foregone conclusion as she had predicted. She knew it was time to pull out her last trick to turn the tide of the battle. Her green eyes gleamed with intensity as she declared, "You're quite the surprise, challenger. I must admit, you and your partner are much stronger than I expected. To overcome you, I'll use all my resources. Ariados, Dig !"
The scarlet spider swiftly disappeared into the ground, moving with remarkable speed beneath the battlefield. Jude's keen eyes scanned the terrain, anticipating Ariados' next shot. Tense and ready, he warned his Pokémon, "Stay focused, Frogadier ! Keep your guard up, your opponent could appear from anywhere." The blue frog assumed a defensive stance, ready for whatever assault might come. Alertness was required, as the slightest contact with the crimson Pokémon's poison would cause its failure.
Suddenly, the ground rumbled as Ariados burst like a comet, mandibles snapping. Quick on its feet, Frogadier executed a flawless cartwheel, narrowly evading the fatal bite. However, as soon as he sought to counterattack, Ariados swiftly vanished underground once again. Viola's proud proclamation resonated through the arena, emphasizing her expertise as a Bug Pokémon specialist, "My flagship warrior not only excel at web-based subduing tactics, she also utilizes burrows for swift and surprising shots."
Jude, undeterred, braced himself for the challenge ahead. The Gym Leader's new approach was as devious as it was effective, enabling her Pokémon to launch assaults while minimizing the risk of being thwarted. Looking into Jude's eyes, Viola saw that he understood, and in a cocky manner she told him, "This strategy will be your undoing, young Sharp. Get ready to suffer a barrage of attacks without any way to reply."
The spectators were on the edge of their seats, eyes fixed on what would probably bring the thrilling match to a climax. Jude's friends hadn't missed a beat, and the most anxious of the bunch was Shauna. Raising an eyebrow, she made her reflections known aloud, "Guys, I'm really not liking the way Viola's Pokémon fight. It's all so sneaky and underhanded."
"Yeah, I get what you mean," nodded Tierno with an insecure scowl. "It's like they're always one step ahead, playing dirty tricks. That's not much relief when you consider that we're gonna have to deal with them too..."
"I don't see how that's any wonder, it was actually entirely predictable," Serena replied. "Pokémon duels at this level aren't just about brute strength or flashy moves. They're strategic, demanding ongoing adaptation, and sometimes a little bit of ruthless. It's like a game of chess, but with Pokémon."
"I get that, but it feels like there's no honor in it," Shauna retorted, crossing her arms. "I understand that Miss Viola wants to win, but I didn't think she was that desperate. Her Ariados acts more like an ambush assassin than a brawler."
"That's the reality of being a Gym Leader. Honor hardly matters when their position is at stake," Serena began to explain. "Their hierarchy urges them to employ all possible means to maintain their status, as losing too many battles could mean losing their rank altogether. They're under constant pressure to perform, facing the risk of being replaced if they don't meet the continually stricter standards."
Indeed, Viola's thirst for victory immediately grew more comprehensible with this in mind. Gym Leader was indisputably one of the most illustrious careers to be found on Kalos. It provided a hefty salary, a prestigious placement in the region's military structure and lavish, government-funded accommodation. Yet, with only eight vacancies to fill and a threat of demotion if the overall win ratio fell too low, this job was also one of the most stressful. "Okay, I guess I never really thought about it that way," Shauna conceded. "I hope Jude's up for this."
In the arena, the Samurai Frog's quick reactions were put to the test. Time and again, Ariados continued its underground onslaught, appearing with swift ferocity to strike at the batrachian before flashing for cover. Relying on its ninja skills, the blue Pokémon managed to dodge every assault, but the repeated evasions were taking their toll. The relentless pace threatened to drain Frogadier's stamina, leaving it vulnerable to a critical hit. Ariados surfaced, unleashing a toxic web in her adversary's path. In a calculated move, the sabreur twirled his blade, and with a graceful flourish, he sliced the poison-silk fabric in half before it entangled him.
Yet this attack was only an opening burst, and the spider directly followed up with Solar Beam. The surging force stored in her horn blasted out in a massive laser pulse. Tired and hampered by the duel's hectic tempo, the amphibian Pokémon only managed a half-dodge. A sidelong leap allowed him to mitigate the damage, but the strain was evident on his face as he rolled on the ground in discomfort. The audience gasped ; another hit like that, and Frogadier's fate might be sealed.
Jude knew this, and his mind was racing to help his comrade. With a longer-range weapon, his Pokémon could thwart his cunning foe far more easily before her retreat. Then he had a last-chance idea, as abrupt as it was providential. Intriguingly, he relayed a plan to Frogadier through subtle sign language. A nod from the ninja indicated understanding, and armed with a newfound tactic, he got ready for the ultimate clash, where the final result of the match would be settled. Viola's confidence swelled as she observed her poor competitor barely able to stand. She was convinced victory was within her grasp.
However, she'd seen that Jude and his Pokémon had just communicated, but they'd deliberately used coded form so she couldn't understand. What were those two scheming ? "No matter, this frog doesn't have a chance anymore. Ariados, take him out now !"
The spider didn't think twice and spat out another net soaked in paralyzing venom. What happened next astonished everyone. With a fast and unusual maneuver, Frogadier skillfully manipulated his sword and snatched the web, clutching it to the weapon's non-cutting side. The blue samurai had transformed his blade into a whip-like thing, adding the extra reach he needed. Jude watched with satisfaction as his plan unfolded, in stark contrast to Viola, whose snide smirk shifted to a dazed grimace.
Realizing the imminent danger, she yelled to her soldier, "Get underground, hurry !" The bug-type Pokémon obeyed on the fly and scrambled to dig. But before the scarlet creature could evade, Frogadier took action. Missing such an occasion wasn't an option.
He accurately flung his makeshift whip, capturing Ariados' abdomen with her own adhesive web before she slipped below the surface. Then, with a firm pull, he propelled the spider into the air. The Gym Leader's eyes widened in disbelief as she helplessly beheld how the blue frog sprung up to smash her star Pokémon in mid-air with his heel. The impact proved devastating enough to send Ariados crashing headlong into the dusty ground, knocking her unconscious on the spot.
The crowd, initially stunned by the unexpected turn of events, now roared with cheers and applause. Jude could hardly believe it, but he'd won. Thanks to his valiant Pokémon, he had completed the first stage of his perilous journey to Kalos' pinnacle. The young trainer stepped onto the battlefield, his heart pounding with exhilaration. Sporting a triumphant smile, he approached his faithful batrachian partner and assisted him to his feet, letting him lean on his side. This strenuous confrontation wasn't without injury for Frogadier, and his weary body craved care and proper rest.
"Amazing job, buddy," Jude complimented with pride. "You battled brilliantly out there, I'm so proud of you." The amphibian Pokémon croaked appreciatively, acknowledging the words of his trainer. The bond between them grew even stronger after this difficult match.
While Viola felt disappointed, she knew how to remain noble in defeat. She recalled her fainted Ariados into her Poké Ball and entrusted her to a medical team worker, who whisked her off to hospital. The Gym Leader stepped forward with à gracious grin, extending her hand to Jude. "Congratulations on your victory. You and Frogadier fought splendidly, it was an fantastique duel."
Jude shook her hand happily, the camaraderie of fellow trainers evident in their exchange. "Thank you, Viola. You're an incredible combatant, I learned a lot from this battle."
"In accordance with the tournament rules, it is my great honor to give you this." The sandy-blond-haired woman reached into her pocket and retrieved a shining emblem. "You've earned the Bug Badge. May it be a reminder of your skill and the challenges you've overcome."
Feeling an increasing fulfillment inside him, Jude accepted this fine reward, his fingers tracing the intricate design. "Thank you, I'll be worthy," he said, his voice filled with emotion. As he pinned the badge to his shirt, Jude enjoyed the sensation of achieving an important milestone in his training career. This was just the beginning of his adventure, but it was a moment he would never forget.
In the vibrant hotel bar, Roxie hadn't looked up from the screen since the very first second of the confrontation. Noise waves from the frenzied public reverberated through the room as the match reached its conclusion. "Jeez, Ariados is down ! I totally didn't see that coming," she exclaimed, guessing from the outset that the spider would prevail. "That swordplay frog is no slouch, he has some serious moves !"
The rock star was particularly unprepared for this Frogadier's excellent mastery of martial arts, yet it wasn't even a fighting-type Pokémon. Hand-to-hand combat, acrobatic evasions, swordsmanship... It spoke volumes about his trainer's know-how. As Viola and Jude greeted the cheering audience and made their way backstage, Roxie couldn't shake off the excitement of this thrilling encounter. She had been looking forward to her own future battles, and being part of such fierce competition only fueled her anticipation.
Ray, with his customary composure, intervened, "I've arranged a press conference for you in three hours. Kalos' most influential journalists now have their eyes on you, and plenty of questions in tow."
Roxie finished her drink with a sly smirk. "Sure, why not ? It's been quiet a while since I made some headlines." No stranger to the spotlight, she had forged an effusive, outspoken personality, and facing the gutter media was now a mere formality. Her flair for improvisation and sharp wit were two key assets against a gaggle of disreputable reporters.
Choosing to stretch her legs a little, the young girl left her chair and went off alone. She wandered through the opulent corridors that dotted the palace, noticing how her flashy striped outfit clashed with the classic attire worn by the other customers. The mood was a tad bleak for her taste, a stark contrast to the gritty energy of a rock concert. So far, Roxie had resisted temptation, but she couldn't eternally escape the pull of the digital world. Curiosity getting the better of her, she leaned back in a quiet corner and pulled out her phone.
The white-haired guitarist navigated to various forums and social media platforms to gauge the public's response to her decision to join the professional Pokémon battlers' circuit. The majority of the posts she encountered were from her loyal fans, showering her with words of encouragement and excitement. However, amidst the sea of positivity, there were also voices of dissent. Factions of detractors had risen up in all their typical animosity. Some labeled her entry as nothing more than a frivolous celebrity seeking attention, stepping into a domain where they assumed she had no competence.
There were harsh predictions of her imminent failure, with people eagerly waiting to witness her downfall in her first official duel. Accustomed to the scrutiny that accompanied fame, Roxie sighed, her eyes scanning through some particularly hateful comments. It wasn't the first time she faced reluctance when venturing beyond the confines of her musical career, and pretending she hadn't expected this kind of backlash would be a lie. Her transition from rock benchmark to Pokémon Trainer had stirred a mixture of curiosity, doubt, and outright disdain.
Despite her tough-as-nails exterior, Roxie couldn't deny that this hostility stung. She understood the skepticism, but it frustrated her that people were so quick to judge without giving her a chance to prove herself. Tucking her phone back into her pocket, Roxie took a deep breath. The upcoming press conference would be a chance to address some of these misgivings, to show the world that she was serious about this new goal. If she wanted to silence the critics, she'd have to do it in the arena.
Roxie smiled, a spark of defiance in her eyes. "Let them think what they want, they'll regret underestimating me. Actions speak louder than words." With that, she pushed herself to her feet and continued on her way, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Jude accompanied his tired but triumphant Frogadier to the hospital section of the stadium for some much-needed rest and recovery. The fatigue and injuries from the match warranted attention, and the skilled hands of the Pokémon Center's doctors were the remedy. As he entrusted his faithful companion to their care, Jude couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and contentment. Their first official tournament performance was a resounding success, something to be proud of.
Just then, the familiar voices of his pals reached his ears as they rushed over to congratulate him on on earning his first badge. "Jude, that was amazing !" Serena shouted, her eyes shining with admiration. "Frogadier and Fletchinder fought with incredible spirit."
"Sure thing bro, you really shook up the whole place with your battle ! I thought the stands were going to collapse from all the cheering, especially Shauna, I've never seen her so excited." Tierno chuckled and added with a teasing grin, "Seriously, she was like a Whismur evolving into an Exploud right beside us. I bet they even heard her in Snowbelle City."
Shauna's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she hastily covered Tierno's mouth. "Hey, don't compare me to such an ugly Pokémon ! I was just showing my support, no need to exaggerate," she said with a sheepish look. "But no kidding, you really nailed it, I got chills right to the finish."
Jude nodded, his own enthusiasm mirrored in the eyes of his friends. "Thank you all so much. It wasn't an easy task, but I knew you were there to back me up, and I simply couldn't disappoint you."
"Your victory has pumped us up, man !" Tierno, now free from Shauna's hand, glowingly declared. "Now you've shown us that winning was doable, we feel more confident for our own fights against Viola, don't we guys ?"
"Yep, but first we have to return to training like hell," Shauna pointed out, reckoning she wasn't fully prepared yet despite her new-found assurance. Then she gazed at Jude with a glimmer of hope in her sea-green eyes. "Could you give us a hand with the workout ? Your combative tactics were bloody effective, and I'm sure we could use some inspiration. Are you game ?"
"Of course I'm. But first, I'd like to drop by the Pokémon Center to make sure Snubbul is getting better. Just go ahead and reserve a training ground before they're all busy, and I'll catch you up later."
"Wait, we're concerned about his well-being too, let's all go together," Serena interjected, equally apprehensive. But before the four friends could take a step towards the exit, a female voice echoed from behind, prompting them to stay. The quartet turned to meet one of the hospital's nurses.
She stepped in front of Jude and announced with a smile, "Young trainer, there's someone else who'd like to congratulate you on your victory." The small, familiar silhouette of the Bulldog Pokémon showed itself to the group, looking fully healed and brimming with energy. Everyone felt genuinely heartened to see him in such good condition, particularly Jude, who crouched down to greet the bipedal pink canine by stooping to his level.
"Snubbul, what a blessing !" he exclaimed, his joy evident. Having unwillingly crossed his path at death's door, watching him so vivacious and dynamic was exceptionally soothing.
"This little guy is awesome, I've never seen a Pokémon recover so rapidly," the nurse informed them. "Besides, as soon as he woke up, the first thing he wanted was to meet up with his savior, so I brought him here."
"Really ? If so, permit me to ask you something." Springing to a spontaneity that normally wasn't his style, Jude went on bluntly, "I'm taking part in a Pokémon battle tournament, and I'd be delighted to recruit you to my team. Would you agree to become my new partner ?" The bulldog responded with a series of happy barks and tail wags, and without hesitation, he jumped into his new trainer's arms, a clear sign of acceptance. "Welcome to the crew, buddy."
"Finally, that Snubbul is a bit like Jude when you think about it," Serena mused, eyeing the jovial reunion with a sincere grin. "Just like him, he never gives up and struggles valiantly to the bitter end. It was a twist of fate that these two should meet."
"Yeah, it thrills me that this wee fella has someone to mind him after what he's been through," Tierno added. "I've got a feeling he's gonna do big things, I'm tellsin' ya !"
The echoing cheers from the stadium's jubilant crowd played as a background score to Astrid's leisurely stroll through the corridors. Rousing shouts from Jude's recent match still reverberated, a subtle symphony of triumph that danced around her. Though this minor achievement was a mere ripple in the vast sea of battles to come, the ace trainer couldn't deny that Ray's son proved quite capable for a beginner. Sure, he had a long way to go before reaching a sufficiently high level to stand a chance against her, but she found him interesting enough to keep a wary eye on his progression.
With Absol at her side, Astrid approached the entrance to the VIP wing, her pass held aloft like a badge of honor. The guards, ever vigilant, nodded in recognition as they allowed her passage, granting her access to the coveted realm beyond. As she entered, the aroma of delectable delights wafted through the air, tantalizing her senses and drawing her closer to the source of temptation—the lavish buffet spread before her. Astrid grabbed a petit-four and handed it to her Pokémon, which gladly gobbled it up. The Latias Airlines agent in charge of supervising her competitor campaign had arranged to meet her here, but he was obviously running late.
Nevertheless, she'd just found a little something to distract herself before he arrived. Astrid spotted Viola in the distance, taking a momentary respite from that vivid fight with Jude. She observed as the Gym Leader penned an autograph for a little girl, whose father was famous as a prominent local wine producer. As Viola's brief interaction with her young admirer ended, Astrid approached in turn, her posture exuding confidence. "Well, well, look who's here, my dear old high school teacher," she scoffed, her tone carrying a blend of amusement and superiority. "Hard to believe you still have fans after such a pitiful display."
Viola arched an eyebrow, her expression shifting from casual to cautious at seeing her most recalcitrant ex-student address her. She knew this was not going to be a friendly exchange. Preferring to ignore the cutting remark, she maintained her calm, meeting Astrid's gaze head-on. "Miss Hunter… If you've come to gloat, I'd ask you to do it somewhere else. I'm not in the mood for your childish games."
"Oh, but I belong here, whether you like it or not. I must say, life is quite ironic, isn't it ?" Serena's nemesis persisted with a nasty smirk, flashing her spiky fang. "You did your utmost to stop me from becoming a trainer, and here I am, proving to all of Kalos that I'm a far better trainer than you could ever hope to be. You might have tried a bit harder during our encounter, Absol barely warmed up by crushing your dismal team."
Viola's jaw tensed visibly at these belittling words, her frustration bubbling to the surface. Astrid loathed Viola because she had been one of the stern examiners who had cast their votes against her admission as an official Pokémon handler. A deep-seated desire for revenge and hatred were the result of this grievous injustice. Today, the grudge held for months hadn't lessened, and Astrid wasn't shy about showing it. It was payback time at last, and a particularly delectable one at that.
"Your arrogance knows no bounds, just like your hypocrisy," the Gym Leader shot back, her voice firm. "You speak as if I'm some malevolent force hell-bent on crushing your dreams, but you've only got yourself to blame. My first duty is to protect my compatriots, and that includes ensuring that those who exhibit cruel and aggressive behavior are not granted the privilege of becoming trainers. You're not a martyr, just a bully who got what she deserved."
Astrid sneered at this answer, shaking her head in mock mirth. "Such noble aspirations, it's so touching. Wasn't it more your own ego you were protecting ? Denying a genius like me the chance to shine for fear of being outdone and dismissed seems a more honest reason, n'est-il pas ?"
"Save your affabulations for whoever cares, I have no regrets about my past decision. My educational obligations were to foster an environment where students can learn and grow, not be subjected to a hostile presence. Your reluctance to face the consequences of your actions is patently immature, Miss Hunter."
Astrid's rueful smile faltered slightly at this insult, a flicker of irritation crossing her features. However, she quickly regained her composure, her grin returning with renewed vigor. "Agree to disagree, teacher," she quipped, her tone light. "My career is poised to blossom, too bad the same might not be said for yours in the near future. Amateurism doesn't sit well with our Government, so beware of losing your position."
With a final sinister laugh, Absol's master turned on her heel and sauntered away, playfully twirling her Bug Badge between her fingers. Henceforth, the scales were reversed, and the balance of power shifted in her favor. Viola felt an icy anger welling up inside her, and worked twice as hard to avoid baring it for all to see. She was well-versed in dealing with verbal jibes, but sadly this was the first time she'd been so handily trounced. Astrid shared a vanity equal to her gifts, a shame to see such a high-achieving lady act so abhorrently. Currently, all the Gym Leader could do was rely on her counterparts to halt her ascent.
To be continued