Chapter 12 — Elusive Eevee
The press conference unfolded in a dedicated hall within the hotel, the air buzzing with anticipation as Roxie stepped up to the podium, surrounded by flashing cameras and seas of journalists eager to hear her words. One by one, they fired off their questions, ranging from inquiries about her motivations to enter the Pokémon League to speculation about her battle strategy. Others, however, carried a subtle tone of skepticism, with reporters attempting to rattle the rock star with pointed queries.
But Roxie was unfazed. With a confident smile, she met each topic head-on, delivering sharp, witty responses that left no margin for doubt. With each snappy interventions, she deftly turned the tables on those attempting to undermine her, leaving them momentarily speechless. She was mainly reputed for her improvisational skills and her outspokenness, which sometimes bordered on insolence, particularly useful for situations such as this. Then came the inevitable moment, the question Roxie had been anticipating.
A journalist in the front row addressed the Donphan in the room. "Gabby from Hoenn TV," she introduced herself, raising her microphone to the interviewee. "Miss Roxie, many trainers claim you have no place in this Pokémon competition. What do you have to say to them ?" she asked in a deliberately provocative tone.
Everything went surprisingly silent as gazes focused on the rock star, all ready to immortalize what she was about to retort. Roxie's gaze hardened, but she maintained her cool. She took a moment to gather her thoughts before addressing the audience with a sly smile. "To those trainers who doubt my legitimacy, I say this : you're quick to hurl insults from the safety of your keyboards, but would you show the same aplomb if I issued you a challenge ?"
A ripple of murmurs spread through the room as Roxie's words hit their mark. She stood tall, unflinching in the face of scrutiny. "Don't mistake my confidence for arrogance. I've faced obstacles in my life that would make your toughest battles seem like child's play." She leaned forward, her gaze piercing through the crowd. "I dare any and all Pokémon fighters to step up and test their skills against mine. Let's settle this in the arena, face-to-face. But mark my words, don't come crying to me once you've been humbled."
Roxie's bold statement left the reporters in a state of shock, their pens hovering over their notepads as they were already scribbling drafts of their upcoming articles. It was clear that the rock star meant business, and her determination to confront her detractors, one battle at a time, was palpable. As they exchanged uncertain glances, the throng parted to make way for a figure who commanded attention the moment she stepped into view. Roxie's gaze narrowed as she watched Malva approach, fully aware of the power the woman wielded in this region. As well as being part of the Elite 4, she was the dominant baron of virtually all Kalosian press.
With an air of authority, Malva strode over to the rock star, a predator's stare in her amber eyes. "It seems you're not content with stirring up trouble in your own region, kid. You're here to make waves in Kalos as well," she began, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "But talk is cheap. Are you prepared to prove that you're more than just a musician playing at being a Pokémon trainer ?"
Despite never having met her in person, Roxie was well aware of the disdain the Elite 4 member held for her, as evidenced by her unsavory online comments about her. She plainly faced a tremendous enemy, which further encouraged her to tackle her back, motivated by a sin of pride. "Bring it on," Roxie snarled back, her voice laced with defiance. "What do you have to suggest, pinky ?"
A nasty grin played across Malva's lips as she regarded Roxie with thinly veiled amusement. "Tonight, you'll be invited to a series of matches where you'll face off against ten trainers meticulously vetted by me. Defeat them, and I'll admit your boasts aren't just mere idle bravado. Or, if you prefer, you can always retreat back to Unova with your tail between your legs."
Roxie's jaw clenched at the taunt, her eyes narrowing in contempt. She despised the way Malva sought to goad her, but she refused to back down. With a steely resolve, she shot back a retort of her own, "Retreat ? That's for the paltry paper-scrapers of your ilk. I'll take on anyone you throw at me, and when I emerge victorious, you'll be the one eating your words."
Malva's wry smile faded for a moment, a flicker of irritation crossing her features before she regained composure. She wasn't unfamiliar with verbal jousting, but rarely did anyone put up such a cheeky row with her, particularly publicly. This girl had guts, Ray hadn't picked her for naught. "Fine, we'll see about that. The eyes of Kalos will be upon you, so be worthy of that honor." With a dismissive wave of her hand, she turned on her heel and strode away, the tide of journalists swelling anew shortly after she passed.
In the end, this unexpected confrontation was the best thing that could have happened to Roxie. It was the ideal launch pad for her career as a Pokémon trainer. She wanted to impress the Kalos Elite 4, and that's precisely what she intended to do by knocking down this snobbish lady who had the gall to treat her like a pestilence. Once the meeting was over, Roxie settled back into the quiet of her room, her mind focused and clear. This was her moment, and she was determined to seize it.
After a bit of searching, the four buddies finally found a suitable place to workout. The open space was surrounded by bushy trees, providing a natural and serene setting for their Pokémon training. Just as Jude was about to give initial practice guidance, Serena hesitated for a moment before speaking up, "Hey, guys, I think I'm going to head off on my own for a bit."
Shauna looked over, curious. "Everything alright, pal ? What a waste to leave now, when we've managed to get a training ground all to ourselves."
"I know, but as you rightly pointed out yesterday, it's time for me to add a second Pokémon to my team," Serena replied with a smile. "I want to take this opportunity to explore the Santalune City forest and see if I can connect with the perfect partner."
"Cool, do you want me or the boys to come with you ?" Shauna immediately offered, always up for heading out to discover new Pokémon. "You know, to help you choose and stuff..."
Serena shook her head gratefully. "Thanks, but I think I'd prefer to go alone. I want to really focus on finding the perfect companion, and I think I'll find it easier to bond with it by myself."
"Okay, but please be careful," Tierno chimed in. "These woods can get pretty dense, and teeming with unpleasant creatures. Don't forget that Jude fought a furious snake there."
"Don't worry, I'll be cautious. Besides, remember I've been training with you guys long enough to handle myself," Serena reassured them. "Wish me luck !" With a wave goodbye, she immediately set off to fulfill her new objective. As she made her way out of the town, wildlife reclaimed the urban landscape. The sounds of cars and people gradually faded away, replaced by the rustling of leaves, the chirping of wild Pokémon, and the gentle babbling of nearby streams.
The dense canopy above filtered the sunlight, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. With each step, Serena felt herself becoming more attuned to the natural rhythm of the forest. She knew that within these ancient woods lay her next fellow adventurer. Stopping at the edge of a small clearing, Serena took a deep breath and released her loyal Fennekin from its Poké Ball. The fire-type Pokémon emerged with a flick of its fluffy tail, its eyes bright and wary. The fox glanced inquisitively at her trainer, surely awaiting instructions or explanations about why they were both here, apart from the rest of the group.
"Alright, sweetie," Serena started to explain, crouching down to meet her Pokémon at eye level. "We're on the lookout for a new teammate today. Keep your wits about you and let me know if you spot anything interesting. Be ready in case of threats, too," she concluded, patting her head tenderly.
Fennekin nodded eagerly, its ears perked up as it scanned the surrounding foliage. With its keen hearing and natural instinct, Serena trusted her Pokémon to assist her in finding the perfect addition to their team. As they walked, the duo couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the surrounding panorama. Tall trees towered overhead, their branches reaching towards the sky like outstretched arms. The air was cool and fresh, carrying with it the earthy scent of moss and fallen leaves. Occasionally, Fennekin would pause, its nose twitching as it tried to detect any potential presence by smell.
Serena followed suit, her own senses on high alert for any sign of movement or activity. They proceeded prudently, aware that the forest held both beauty and danger in equal measure. After a few moments of quiet searching, the fox abruptly stopped in its tracks and motioned for her trainer to crouch down behind a large boulder. Serena obliged, her heart pounding with excitement as she peered over the edge of the rock to see what Fennekin had spotted.
There, on a grassy lawn bathed in daylight, was a graceful Eevee, moving with elegant fluidity as if it were dancing to some invisible melody. The young trainer seemed hypnotized, enthralled by the performance before her. The way this Eevee moved, its lithe body twisting and turning with effortless poise, spoke to Serena in a way that words couldn't describe. She knew in that moment that this Pokémon would make an excellent ally for the tournament. "Isn't it beautiful, Fennekin ?" Serena whispered softly, her eyes never leaving the dancing Eevee. "No need to look any further, our ideal candidate is obvious."
The fire fox nodded in agreement, her eyes reflecting her trainer's excitement. Determined not to let this opportunity slip away, Serena began to inch her way out from behind the rock, taking slow, deliberate steps towards Eevee. She held out a hand in a gesture of peace, hoping to convey to the Pokémon that she meant no harm. "Ey, hello there, how are you ?" Upon hearing this, the little Eevee suddenly caught sight of her and bolted away in fear. Serena's heart sank as she watched the elusive dancer disappear into the underbrush, its graceful movements replaced by panicked flight.
"Eevee, wait ! We won't hurt you !" Too late, it was already long gone. She missed a chance to gain its trust, but that's to be expected with a wild Pokémon. Living in a predominantly inhospitable habitat, most of them were either aggressive or shy. She turned to Fennekin, who regarded her with a curious expression, as if silently asking what they should do next.
"We're not giving up just yet, eh ? Let's find it. With the right approach, I'm sure we can make it our new friend." Serena knew that forging a bond with a Pokémon would require patience and persistence, but she was willing to do whatever it took to make it happen. "Fennekin, use your scent to track it down."
After several hours of hiking through the rugged mountain terrain, Kimia finally arrived at a small town nestled on the edge of the rocky slopes. Known primarily for its oil wells, the place had an industrious atmosphere, with the scent of gasoline mingling with the fresh mountain air. Kimia's noble heritage did not deter her from embracing the physical challenges of the journey. She prided herself on her active lifestyle, shunning the luxury and privilege that often weakened the body and mind. Her father had proposed giving her a private car and chauffeur to facilitate her trip, but the young woman had declined. Bending to the same rules as an average trainer was part of the goals she had set herself.
Kimia found a quaint inn and decided to take a break. She ordered a cup of tea and sat by the window, enjoying the view of the surrounding mountains. As she sipped her beverage, letting its warmth rejuvenate her, she reflected on the importance of fitness workouts. Idleness in opulence, she believed, led to complacency, to feebleness. Kimia was determined to be different, to embody the discipline and strength that her noble lineage demanded. She had no intention of becoming one of those lazy upstarts who just barked orders without showing any commitment ; she'd feel utterly disgraced.
Once she finished, Kimia approached the innkeeper, a kindly old man with a weathered face and a ludicrously long gray beard. "Excusez-moi," she began, her tone polite but firm. "I noticed there's an empty training ground behind your building. Would it be possible for me to use it ?"
The owner looked at her closely, recognition dawning in his eyes. "Of course, Lady Kimia. It would be an honor. Please, feel free to use it as you wish."
"Très aimable, merci à vous." Kimia nodded her thanks and made her way to earthy soil of the practice field. This training ground was simple but spacious, with a flat, open area perfect for her exercises. Kimia stood in the center, her posture poised and confident.
As she prepared her gear, a few curious townspeople gathered nearby, always intrigued to see a Pokémon trainer hard at work. Kimia was unfazed by the attention ; she was used to it. She welcomed the opportunity to inspire others through her dedication and skill. With a fluid gesture, Kimia threw her Poké Ball into the air to summon the fighter that would be her sparring partner. A Gallade materialized in a deluge of light with a graceful bow. It was a bipedal creature with two long green branches reminiscent of scythes.
Kimia unsheathed her sword, its polished blade gleaming in the sunlight. She took a deep breath, her mind focusing on the task at hand. Gallade mirrored her stance, its blade-like arms raised in readiness. "Gallade, même s'il ne s'agit là que d'un entrainement, je veux que tu m'affrontes avec la même fougue que si nous disputions un affrontement officiel. Donne-toi à fond et ne retient pas tes coups," Kimia's authoritative voice rang out, baffling the crowd with her flawless fluency in Kalosian language.
Kimia was one of the few who still regularly spoke her region's native dialect. Since the Supreme Monarch had instituted a universal language to facilitate communication and unity across the six conquered regions, the ancient tongue was becoming less common. But for Kimia, it was a cherished part of her identity, a link to the storied past of her homeland.
The audience watched in awe, whispers of excitement rippling through them. It was rare to see someone engage directly in combat with their Pokémon, let alone using fencing. Typically, trainers commanded from the sidelines, but Kimia's approach was different. She believed in mutual growth and learning, both for her and her Pokémon.
"En garde !" Kimia called out, her voice ringing with command.
Gallade moved first, its honed excrescence slicing through the air with precision. Kimia parried effortlessly, her movements fluid and controlled. The clash of metal echoed across the practice field, a rhythmic symphony of skill and strength. Gallade thrust forward with a quick strike, but Kimia sidestepped, countering with a swift slash that her Pokémon barely deflected. She pressed her advantage, her sword dancing through the air in a series of expertly executed attacks. Gallade met each one with its own impressive skills, the two locked in a fierce but respectful duel.
The trainer and the Pokémon moved as one, their bond evident in their synchronized movements. She lunged, and Gallade deviated. Gallade attacked, and Kimia repulsed. The battle was intense, yet graceful, a testament to their rigorous training and mutual respect.
Among the growing throng, several oil extraction company employees enjoyed their break to watch this display with rapt interest. "Did you guys spot that ? That's one hell of a toff, says I !" exclaimed one of them. "Don't see this every day."
"Is this what an elite trainer looks like ?" another murmured, eyes wide with stupefaction. "She's incredible, like something out of a movie."
Kimia's focus never wavered. She was aware of the spectators but remained immersed in the sparring match. This was more than just training ; it was a demonstration of her philosophy and selflessness. She wanted to show that true strength came from hard work and discipline, not from prestige or status. She pushed Gallade to its limits, testing its reflexes and endurance. She knew that to win the tournament, she had to be at her best, and that meant driving herself and her Pokémon to new heights.
After a particularly fierce exchange, Kimia and Gallade halted, both breathing heavily but with smiles of satisfaction. The trainer lowered her sword and bowed to her Pokémon, who returned the gesture. "Belle performance, mon ami," Kimia congratulated, her voice filled with pride. "Tu ne cesses de t'améliorer, je suis très fière de toi."
The crowd erupted in applause, the spectators thoroughly impressed by this exhibition of skill and teamwork. Kimia acknowledged them with a nod, appreciating their support but never losing sight of her purpose. As the onlookers began to disperse, the inn's owner approached her, his eyes shining with admiration. "Thank you for allowing us to witness your training, Lady Kimia. It was truly uplifting."
As Kimia sheathed her blade and returned her Pokémon to its spherical home, a young boy – seemingly the old innkeeper's grandson – approached her, his eyes gaping in wonder. "Miss Kimia, you're the strongest trainer I've ever seen. You think I could ever be as strong as you one day ?" he asked shyly.
Kimia smiled warmly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Of course you can. Remember, it's not about where you come from, but how hard you're willing to work. Dedication and discipline are the keys to success. Our proud country is founded on these two principles, and whoever follows them rigorously will sooner or later be rewarded, never forget that."
The youngster beamed, energized by her words, and this made Kimia feel deep satisfaction. This kid reminded her how fondly her little brother used to look at her before he became so aloof. Inspiring her compatriots to pursue their dreams with as much passion as she did was always very gratifying.
As Serena and Fennekin pressed on through the dense undergrowth of the forest, the trail of Eevee seemed to grow colder with each passing moment. The fox did her best to follow the scent of the wild Pokémon, but the winding path through the trees made it difficult to pinpoint its exact location. Eventually, they emerged into a vast field blanketed with tall grass, the golden stalks swaying gently in the breeze. Serena squinted ahead, trying to catch a glimpse of the shy dancer amidst the sea of green. The thick foliage made it difficult to see more than a few feet ahead, forcing her to grope her way.
Suddenly, a rustling from above caught Serena's attention. She looked up to see Eevee perched on a low-hanging branch of a nearby tree, its eyes fixed on something in the distance. Fennekin let out a soft growl, sensing the tension in the air. Confused, the young trainer took a cautious step forward, but Eevee let out a warning cry and gestured for them to stop. Serena froze, her heart pounding in her chest as she tried to make sense of the situation.
Then, it dawned on her. Eevee wasn't demanding that they leave – it was trying to protect them. With a sinking feeling, Serena peered ahead and realized that they were standing perilously close to the edge of a steep cliff, hidden from view by the tall grass. One more stride and they would have plunged into the abyss below. "Eevee… You just saved our lives," she whispered, her voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you so much."
Eevee regarded Serena with a cautious gaze before darting away once more, disappearing into the trees as quickly as it had arrived. Serena felt a pang of disappointment that they hadn't been able to properly thank the wild Pokémon, but she understood its skittish nature. At least this sign of attention proved that it didn't perceive her as a threat. Perhaps there was still hope of winning the elusive Pokémon's trust and convincing it to join her team. For the next hour, Serena and Fennekin scoured the forest, following any signs that might lead them to the timid fox.
Just as she was starting to lose hope, a distress cry echoed through the trees. Serena's heart leapt into her throat. "What's that ?" she exclaimed. "Come on, Fennekin, we have to help !"
They sprinted towards the sound, the cries growing louder. Bursting through the underbrush, Serena saw Eevee entangled in the vines of a menacing Victreebel. The meat-eating plant had its prey wrapped tightly and was preparing to swallow it whole. Serena's eyes widened in horror. The acid inside this Pokémon's stomach was highly corrosive, enough to dissolve little prey in a matter of minutes.
"Fennekin, use Scratch to slice those vines, quick !" Serena commanded.
The yellow fox sprang into action, her claws igniting with flames as she slashed at the shifting creepers. The intense heat and sharpness cut through the bindings, freeing Eevee, who dashed behind Serena for safety. Victreebel, furious at losing its precious meal, turned its wrath on Fennekin. With a swipe of its sharp leaves, it knocked the fire Pokémon back.
"Fennekin, no !" Serena cried out as her starter dropped painfully to the grassy ground. "Courage, I know you can beat it !"
Fennekin struggled to her feet, her body suddenly enveloped in a bright, white glow. Serena watched in awe as her Pokémon's form began to change, growing larger and standing upright. The light faded to reveal a newly evolved Braixen, its eyes burning with newfound vigor.
Serena's eyes sparkled with joy. "Bravo Braixen, you're the best ! Let's show Victreebel what you can do, attack with all your might !"
Braixen's new strength surged through her as she charged the carnivorous plant, engulfed in flames. The powerful slam forced Victreebel to retreat, its leaves singed and body trembling with fear. The predatory Pokémon fled into the forest, unable to withstand the intense heat.
Serena rushed to Braixen, hugging her tightly. "It was brilliant, you fought beautifully. Keep up the good work and we'll get our revenge on Astrid." The now bipedal fox nodded, her eyes still fixed on where the vegetal hostile had withdrawn, just to make sure it didn't try to strike back in any way.
Serena then turned her attention to Eevee, who was shivering but otherwise unharmed. "Are you okay, cutie ?" she asked gently. "It's alright now, you're safe." The little furry Pokémon peeked out from behind the trainer, its eyes filled with relief. It nuzzled Serena's leg, a clear indication of its gratitude. "Eevee, if I've followed you this far it's because I think you're an extraordinary Pokémon, and I'd love to make you my new traveling companion," she explained, bending down to cuddle it affectionately. "I won't force you if you prefer to stay wild, but would you agree to become my partner ?" she offered, holding out a Poké Ball.
The little fox seemed to ponder for a moment. Finally, it consented enthusiastically, tapping the Poké Ball with its nose, allowing itself to be captured. The ball clicked shut, and Serena felt a rush of happiness. She had not only saved Eevee but had also gained a new friend and teammate. The trainer released Eevee from the sphere, and the little Pokémon danced around her, overflowing with joy. "Welcome to the team, Eevee. I promise I'll take good care of you."
With Braixen and Eevee by her side, Serena felt a renewed sense of confidence. She had expanded her team and strengthened her bond with her partners. As they made their way back to the town, Serena knew they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. It was sure to be a bumpy journey, but with her loyal Pokémon, she was prepared for anything.
Latias Airlines' agent had reserved an exclusive battlefield for Astrid to continue her rigorous training. Might as well spend a little more time than planned in Santalune City, and make the most of it. The air was thick with anticipation as the blonde girl stood poised, a bundle of boomerangs at her feet and her feline Pokémon by her side. This practice session focused on the precision of Absol's ranged attacks.
Astrid stood at one end of the field and threw a boomerang into the air with a swift flick of her wrist. "Use Shadow Ball !" she ordered.
Absol's eyes glowed as it fired a dark, pulsating orb of energy. The swirling sphere shot through the air, meeting the projectile's erratic path and exploding it into pieces mid-air. Astrid threw another, her movements fluid and controlled, making each trajectory unpredictable. Absol responded with precision, destroying each target with remarkable accuracy, fragments scattering in all directions.
"Good job, Absol," Astrid said, a rare genuine smile touching her lips. "Again."
As she prepared to throw the next boomerang, Astrid's concentration was suddenly broken by the sight of a child running towards her. The girl, no more than seven or eight years old, stood there clutching a small notepad and a pen. The kid hesitated before speaking, her voice trembling with excitement. "Miss Astrid, I saw your battle against Viola. You were amazing ! Can I please have your autograph ?"
In the distance, the Latias Airlines representative noticed this unexpected interaction. He had been momentarily distracted by a phone call and now felt a surge of anxiety. He knew Astrid's temperament and worried about the potential fallout. If she traumatized this little fan by speaking badly or making fun of her, it could spell trouble for their public image. Astrid looked down at the child, her usual harsh demeanor softening slightly. For a moment, she saw herself at that age, filled with dreams and hopes, before the harshness of reality had set in.
The ace trainer took the girl's autograph book and pen, her movements careful. "Sure," she said neutrally, signing her name with a flourish and adding a small smiley face beside it. "There you go."
The little kid's face lit up with joy. "Thank you so much, Miss Astrid. You're my hero !" She ran off to show her family, waving the notepad in the air.
From a distance, Astrid watched as her enthusiastic fan proudly displayed her autograph to her parents, who beamed with pride and complimented their daughter. The scene tugged at something deep within Astrid, something she rarely allowed herself to feel. Sadness washed over her as she thought about her own parents. They had never been proud of her, never shown her the kind of love and support she saw in this family. Why couldn't she have that ? Why were her parents such horrible bastards ? Her mind drifted back to her own childhood, filled with neglect and exploitation. The contrast was painful, and Astrid felt the sting of that injustice acutely.
The sponsoring company official let out a sigh of relief, holding his heart as if he'd almost felt faint. He had anticipated the worst, but it seemed things had gone well after all. Astrid's exchange had been devoid of malice, a small victory in his eyes. He made a mental note to commend her later, since at least she'd made an effort not to terrify her young supporters.
"We're going to change things, Absol." Astrid turned back to her white Pokémon, her sorrow quickly transforming into a cold determination. Life really was unfair. She had been denied the affection and comfort she so desperately craved, but she wouldn't let that stop her. If anything, it fueled her resolve. "By joining the Elite 4, no one will ever look down on us again. Forced or not, people will love us."
The feline creature nodded, sensing the shift in her mood. It readied itself for the next round of practice, eyes locked onto the sky where the next flying target would soon appear. Her trainer threw another boomerang, her movements more forceful than before. Absol responded by unleashing a blast of dark energy, obliterating the projectile. Each successful hit, each display of precision and power, brought them one step closer to their goal.
As the workout continued, Astrid's mind was filled with visions of victory. She saw herself standing among the Elite 4, her name respected and feared. She imagined the changes she would bring, the new order she would establish. And in those dreams, she found the strength to keep pushing, to keep striving for the future she believed she deserved. Life had been unfair, but Astrid was committed to tip the scales in her favor. And nothing, not even the shadows of her past, would stand in her way.
As night settled over Santalune City, the sky painted in deep hues of purple and blue, casting a warm glow over the cobblestone streets. Jude and his friends were wrapping up their workout session, their Pokémon tired but content after a long day of practice. The training ground they had been using was quieting down, the hum of evening settling in, with only a few trainers still scattered around, finishing up their own routines. "Great job today, pals !" Tierno praised, patting his Noivern on the head. "We really pushed ourselves."
Shauna stretched, her Chespin mimicking her movements. "Yeah, I'm beat, but it was worth it. We've grown tougher, which is great."
Just as they were about to pack up and leave, Serena came jogging over, a bright smile on her face. "Hey guys, I've got some exciting news. I've caught a new companion, er... albeit a mostly self-caught one. Take a peek." Everyone turned to look at her, curiosity piqued. The trainer grinned and held out a Poké Ball, releasing a small, agile Eevee. The little fox looked around shyly, its large ears twitching as it took in the new faces.
Shauna's face lit up with delight. "Oh my gosh, it's super cute ! Can I hug it ?"
As she moved forward, Eevee quickly darted away and perched on Serena's shoulder, nestling against her neck and eyeing the group warily, its body trembling slightly. Serena laughed softly, giving her new Pokémon a reassuring pat. "Eevee's still a little timid, but I'm sure it'll warm up to everyone soon."
Tierno stepped forward, a proud smile on his face. "That's awesome, Serena. I've got something cool to show you too." He grabbed a Poké Ball from his belt and released what was supposed to be his Squirtle. Instead, a larger, more robust turtle emerged, its ears and tail now adorned with white fur.
"Whoa, is that... ?" Serena started.
"Yep ! Squirtle evolved into Wartortle during our training today," Tierno announced, beaming with pride as his Pokémon twirled deftly on his head, showing its increased strength and agility.
"Wonderful, congratulations to both of you !" Serena exclaimed at the impromptu performance. "I see you've taught him to dance like a pro, it's staggering."
With their new buddies in tow, the four friends made their way back to the Pokémon Center, chatting excitedly about their training and recent captures. As they entered the lobby, they noticed a crowd gathering near a giant screen in an adjacent room, part of the building's motel wing. Curious, they approached a nearby guy to find out what was going on. "Hey dude, what's happening ?" Shauna asked.
The boy turned to her, a look of excitement on his face. "Roxie is about to have some Pokémon battles, and they're being broadcast live. It's going to be epic, everyone's here to watch."
"No kidding ? Extra, we can't miss it !" raved Tierno as he began to push a path through the packed throng to get a front-row seat. "Out of the way fellas, Roxie's biggest fan is in the house. Watch your toes, coming through ! Hurry up, let's get in before the best spots are filled." The foursome settled into a cozy corner with a clear view of the large TV.
The room buzzed with anticipation, trainers and fans eagerly awaiting the start of the spectacle. The giant screen flickered to life, and the familiar sight of a stadium filled with lights and the roar of the frenzied public appeared. Tierno and Jude leaned forward, ready to analyze every move. Perhaps a high-caliber opponent would soon arise in front of them, so they shouldn't miss a single beat.
To be continued