Chapter 5 — The Weight of Legacy

Shortly after this formal agreement was sealed like a signature at the bottom of a business contract, Clemont had to leave his friend to return to his own obligations. As a skilled mechanic and notorious inventor, Clemont was naturally chosen to head up the stadium's technical control department. He had to make sure that everything was up to standard and safe to welcome the roughly sixty thousand spectators who would soon flock to watch the many Pokémon combats to come. Clemont was hard at work and rarely had any free time, but this didn't seem to bother him - quite the opposite, in fact.

"Sorry man, but I have to go," he said, gesturing to his Helioptile, which immediately leapt from Jude's shoulder to land on his arm. "The trumpets of duty are calling and I'm already late."

Jude nodded, understanding the demands of Clemont's new position. "I get it, guess you've got your hands full with the tournament and preparations. Say hi to your sister for me and keep pushing forward."

Clemont's gaze turned serious, "You too, Jude. Practice well and meet us in the arena." With that, his footsteps led him off where his many tasks awaited him. Once Clemont was out of sight, Jude retraced his path to his old school's hospital section. His heart felt lighter after reconnecting with his old friend, but now it was time to check on his other friends.

As he entered the healing area, a wave of comfort washed over him at the sight that greeted him. His four fellow travelers were gathered together, their worried expressions replaced with smiles of relief. The atmosphere was a stark contrast to earlier, and it felt like a weight had been lifted from their shoulders. Jude approached them, his own smile widening as he saw his friends' Pokémon in much better spirits. They felt vibrant and energetic again, their injuries mere memories. It was as if they were saying : we're back and ready for action !

"Jude, you're here at last," Shauna enthused as she walked over to him, her trusty Chespin perched on her shoulder. "You were right, everything turned out fine."

Serena's gaze turned fondly to her beloved Pokémon, who seemed to sense her emotions and nuzzled her affectionately. "I'm so sorry, Fennekin, for putting you in such a dangerous situation. I should have listened to Tierno and refused this wild showdown. You deserve better."

To her surprise, the fire fox nestled against Serena's cheek, offering reassurance and forgiveness. Serena smiled softly, her bond with her Pokémon stronger than ever. "Fennekin, you're amazing. I promise I'll be a better trainer for you." Fennekin let out an excited yip, as if agreeing with her sentiment and even suggesting a rematch in the future.

Tierno's concern shifted to a more practical matter, his Squirtle cozily propped up on his head. "Sorry to interrupt such a touching scene, but I'm a bit worried about the cost of medical care. I suppose it's not cheap, and since we're not rolling in money..." This also applied to Jude, for although his father was obscenely wealthy, he wasn't someone to be generous with allowance.

Trevor quickly reassured him, his usually timid demeanor replaced with confidence. "Don't worry, medical care for Pokémon participants in the Kalos League is completely covered as long as they remain in the fray," he explained with a pedagogical flourish, his index finger held aloft. "This allows less well-off people to compete without cutting corners. That way, everyone starts with the same odds."

The Bunnelby trainer showed them how to proceed by placing his Pokédex in front of the machine normally used to debit credit cards. A beep sounded to confirm that the monetary transaction had been carried out via the Pokémon League's dedicated bank account. His pals then imitated him in turn, reproducing the same operation with their own Pokédexes.

"Helpful hints, it's one less thing to stress about," Shauna mused reassuringly. She too was troubled by this question, but Tierno had pre-empted her by asking it directly. Then she looked around the group, her eyes alight with curiosity. "So, what's our next move ?"

Jude looked out the window, where rain still poured from the sky. The big thunder clouds were still hovering over the city, and clearly weren't planning to leave for a long time yet. "Considering the weather and how late it's getting, I suggest we spend the night here."

Shauna gave a thumbs-up, nodding in agreement. "That sounds like a plan. But are we even allowed to stay here ? I mean, we're not enrolled in this school, and now that you've graduated you're no longer a student either."

Jude assured her that this wouldn't be a problem. His favorability rating was very high here, considering he was both a valedictorian and the son of the man who mostly funded this establishment. He could easily arrange to rent two student rooms for one night at a reasonable price. Hearing this, the group exchanged approving glances. They were well aware that in Lumiose City, even the smallest hotel must cost an arm and a leg, so this backup plan was perfectly timed.

Jude headed straight for the school's administration office. He exchanged a few words with the staff, and soon enough, he emerged with two student room keys in hand. "Got 'em," he announced with a satisfied grin.

Shauna's eyes lit up with excitement. "Awesome ! So, it's going to be one room for you and me, and the other for you guys," she said mischievously, wrapping her arm around Jude's.

Serena couldn't help but chuckle at Shauna's assumption. She gently shook her head, setting the record straight. "Don't even think about it, naughty girl. The reason Jude booked two rooms is because in this kind of strict school, boys and girls aren't allowed to sleep together... for obvious reasons."

Shauna's face turned a bright shade of red as she let out an irritated huff. "And who's the big hung-up dude who came up with this bullshit thing ? What's the point of a co-ed academy if you can't even have fun ?"

Jude's expression was a messy mix of embarrassment, puzzlement and flattery. He knew that his cute friend occasionally showed signs of flirting with him, but here she'd taken it to the next level, and he hadn't expected it. Nevertheless, Serena was ethically right, and he had to side with her. "Sorry Shauna, but rules are rules. If we get caught, we'll probably be kicked out." This point sufficed to convince her, and Shauna didn't insist any further. She didn't want to wind up in the heavy rain and catch a cold.

Figuring it would be better to switch topics as soon as possible, Jude made a new suggestion. "Now, how about we grab a bite to eat at the campus cafeteria ? It's still open, and Pokémon are also allowed to snack there. Provided they're disciplined and calm, of course."

Serena's eyes brightened. "That sounds like a great idea. I'm sure Fennekin would appreciate a good meal."

Tierno nodded, a grin forming on his face. "I've promised Noivern a buffet and Squirtle also needs to eat well to recover all his strength, so this works perfectly."

The group made their way to the cafeteria, where the aroma of food filled the air. They each stuffed their trays with their choices, making sure to grab extra for their Pokémon. As they sat around a table, sharing stories and laughter, the bonds of friendship they had formed shone brightly. The meal was a welcome respite from the challenge they had faced, and the camaraderie was palpable. After dinner, they finally retired to their rooms, their exhaustion and the day's events catching up with them.

Serena lay in her bed, gazing at her Fennekin rolled up like a ball and snuggled up to her. Her heart still carried the weight of that previous uphill battle, but the unwavering support of her friends had given her newfound hope. Shauna's energy and enthusiasm had hardly dimmed as she settled into her own bed. She couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement for the adventures that awaited them in the days to come. The very next day, they would set course for Santalune City, where their first gym competition would await them.

At the same time, high above Shalour City, nestled within its iconic Tower of Mastery, Gurkinn stood in contemplation. His gaze was focused on the horizon, his thoughts as deep and mysterious as the practice he had dedicated his life to perfecting. From his high-rise window, he had an unobstructed view of the restless sea and the lightning that zigzagged across it. The violent downpour had not ceased, persistent as the harbinger of a nefarious event. Mirroring this grim tableau, an atmosphere of tension reigned around Gurkinn. The man turned to face his granddaughter, who had joined him at his request.

Korrina stood before her grandfather, her posture rigid, her expression determined. As her newly delivered Pokédex testified, she had just returned from her town's registration center. Gurkinn's gaze bore into the blonde girl, his demeanor stern and unyielding. "Korrina, have you entered the Pokémon League tournament, as I ordered ?"

Korrina met his gaze with unwavering resolve. She foresaw this competition as an opportunity to display her skills and make a name for herself as a Pokémon trainer. "Yes, Grandfather. I've entered, and I intend to win."

Gurkinn's response was unexpectedly harsh, his words like a sudden gust of breeze that knocked the wind out of her sails, much like the waves crashing outside. "Such pretentious words, especially coming from you. You're all talk, but I want results." Gurkinn's lips curled into a dismissive smirk. "Winning the League is one thing, Korrina. But before you can even think about that, you need to master Mega Evolution. And that, my dear, is something you are far from achieving."

Korrina felt as though the floor had dropped out from beneath her. She had expected support, encouragement, even a trace of pride. Instead, her grandfather's words were like a cold realization that her efforts had fallen short. "But, Grandfather…" Korrina's brow furrowed, her frustration barely concealed. "I've been practicing hard, I swear. I know I have much to learn, but I've made progress."

Gurkinn's voice turned colder, his disappointment palpable. "Judging by your recent performance, I doubt it. Your dedication to Mega Evolution is lacking. You must be the embodiment of its power and potential, and you're still far from what I expected."

His words struck Korrina like a blow, her pride wounded by his harsh assessment. She fought to keep her emotions in check, to show him that she was strong enough to handle his criticism. Korrina's gaze dropped slightly, a mixture of emotions eddying within her. She wanted to make her grandfather proud, but his demands felt overwhelming.

Gurkinn's tone grew even sharper. "You've disappointed me time and time again, and I won't tolerate any more. You are my heiress, and you must honor our lineage. This tournament is your last chance, Korrina. Your final opportunity to show me that you are worthy of the title you carry. If you fail to win and, more importantly, to master Mega Evolution, then I will have no choice but to disown you. You're of age now, and there's no place for incompetents under my roof."

Korrina's heart sank, her emotions swirling into a tempest she struggled to contain. The weight of Gurkinn's words fell heavily on her shoulders. The realization that her grandfather wouldn't shrink from acting so callously towards her was a bitter pill to swallow. She had always done everything to please him, and now she was receiving harsh treatment. Why couldn't she have a normal grandpa who'd love her unadorned ?

Korrina's facade wavered, the hurt in her eyes briefly exposed before she quickly masked it. She forced herself to respond, her voice steady. "I understand, Grandfather. I will do as you say." Without further ado, Korrina turned on her heel and made her exit, her steps quick and purposeful. She withdrew into the solitude of her bedroom and locked the door behind her, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Seated in the far corner of the place, an old man had followed this tense interaction in silence. Although he was feigning a deep absorption in a book cataloguing the Jotho region's botanical wonders, he hadn't missed a beat of the exchange. The man was dressed like a gardener, all in green and wearing an orange scarf. He didn't like what he'd just witnessed, and now that Korrina had left, he felt the need to voice his thoughts. He straightened up and put the book back on its shelf, noisily sliding it between two of its kind.

Disturbed by this sudden sound, Gurkinn turned to the old man advancing towards him. As soon as their eyes met, the herbalist spoke plainly. "My friend, did you really have to be so unkind to her ? Korrina is young, only eighteen. Your expectations are demanding and perhaps too rigid for someone of her age." His voice was gentle, a stark contrast to Gurkinn's severity. "Should I remind you that you and I didn't master the art of Mega Evolution until our forties ?"

Gurkinn's expression remained firm, but a hint of conflict glinted in his eyes. "Please Ramos, spare me your moralizing. Korrina is capable of greatness, and I will not allow her talent to go to waste, no matter how adamant I must be."

Ramos's voice remained steady as he offered a different perspective. "And you expect her to fulfill this potential by shattering her psychologically ? These wicked ways are not like you. Denying her for the sake of an inheritance affair is cruel, unworthy of the Gurkinn I have always known and respected."

Ramos stood resolute, his gaze unwavering as he confronted his old friend and classmate. The venerable botanist had never been one to shy away from difficult conversations, especially when it came to the welfare of those he cared about. He wouldn't give up until his peer spoke frankly to him. "Tell me straight out…" Ramos began, his voice filled with concern. "Why do you treat Korrina with such harshness ? She is your own flesh and blood, and once, you cared for her deeply."

Gurkinn's aged features betrayed no emotion as he responded, his voice carrying the weight of his convictions. "I do it for her own good. These days, prodigies are emerging left and right, mastering Mega Evolution at a young age. A case in point is Lumiose City's new gym leader, also eighteen, whose skill in this art is already impressive. Korrina cannot afford to lag behind, she must keep up with today's excessively high standards."

Ramos raised an eyebrow, a hint of skepticism in his eyes. "Are you truly pursuing her interests, or your own need to regain the recognition you once had ?"

Gurkinn's eyes flashed with a mixture of anger and nostalgia. His silence was revealing, a tacit admission of the truth in Ramos's words. There was a time when only a tiny handful of chosen few were astute enough to fully exploit the benefits of Mega Evolution in a Pokémon battle. In those days, Gurkinn was the best of them all, receiving the coveted nickname of Mega Evolution Guru. He was very proud of his position, and losing it was all the more painful. For him, it was like being dispossessed of his art, sidelined by a new generation that no longer needed him. Now he felt like a relic of the past, overshadowed by the young wunderkinds who have risen to prominence.

He saw Korrina as his last chance, the ultimate means of recapturing his former glory. If his granddaughter in turn became the very best of her generation, it would be irrefutable proof that despite the weight of the years, he had lost none of his superbness and that his teachings would always be worthy of praise. Unfortunately, his project wasn't going as he'd planned, and his fear of fading into oblivion had never been greater. Ramos knew this, and while he sympathized with his friend's distress, he wouldn't tolerate poor Korrina paying the price. She didn't deserve it, she had nothing to do with it.

With Gurkinn still completely mute, Ramos continued, his words carrying a warning. "You're Korrina's only family, and you risk losing her love. A love that cannot be replaced with titles or legacies. Is sacrificing the affection of your granddaughter worth the pursuit of past accolades ?"

Gurkinn's eyes, once unwavering and cold, now held a glimmer of uncertainty. He was confronted with a question that reached deep into the recesses of his heart, forcing him to consider the consequences of his actions. Before leaving the room, Ramos stopped in the doorway and said, "Please, don't make this mistake. You will live with regret if you persist on this path." Then he left, feeling that his peer needed time alone to think things over. Gurkinn's features remained conflicted, his thoughts caught between his expectations and the words of a friend who spoke with wisdom.

Meanwhile, in the next room, Korrina's thoughts swirled in a vortex of despair. Behind closed doors, the facade crumbled, and tears welled up in her eyes. She was sitting on her bed, her hands trembling with frustration and anger. So, was this all she meant to her grandfather now, just a tool to keep his notoriety afloat ? An instrument he wouldn't mind getting rid of because it didn't work well enough for his taste ? Glancing down at her bedside table, she stared at her Key Stone, the very symbol of Mega Evolution that had become a painful reminder of her struggles.

The artifact seemed to be mocking her, laughing at her misfortunes and failures. With a cry of rage, Korrina seized the Key Stone and hurled it against the wall, the impact resonating with her own inner turmoil. "It's all your fault, I hate you !" she screamed at the inanimate object. The artifact rolled to the ground, its surface still intact. Korrina sank to her knees, sobbing her eyes out, her emotions overwhelming her.

Suddenly, there was a gentle knock on her door, followed by a familiar voice. "Korrina, may I come in ?" She immediately recognized the reassuring tone of Ramos, the only person who still showed consideration for her.

Korrina's voice was barely a whisper as she gave her consent, while removing the lock. The door slowly creaked open to reveal the old gardener. His expression was one of concern and empathy as he entered her room. "Korrina, I'm truly sorry for what's happened to you. Gurkinn didn't have to hurt you like that, his behavior desolates me."

"I'm just... sad, Ramos. Sad about everything," Korrina's voice trembled as she confessed. "Grandpa doesn't love me anymore, he only sees me as a mere vessel for maintaining his own fame and reputation. It's been months since we've had a single civil conversation, now it's always threats and hurtful words every time he opens his mouth. It's too much, I can't take it any longer."

Ramos nodded, his expression understanding. "Such attitude is a real letdown. I don't recognize my old partner, he's becoming what he used to hate."

Korrina's eyes welled with tears, and she spoke with a heavy heart. "And that's not all... I'm also upset with myself. I'm not making any progress, I feel pathetic. Despite all my efforts, I'm not good enough."

Ramos approached her with a comforting smile and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You're wrong, you've made tremendous progress. Trust my experience as a gym leader, your level of skill is impressive for someone your age. But your grandfather's expectations are exceptionally high, and sometimes, it's hard for him to see just how far you've come."

Korrina sniffled, her eyes filled with a mixture of sorrow and uncertainty. "What if I disappoint him again ? What if he rejects me ? You heard him, he won't hesitate to throw me out."

Ramos's voice was filled with a steadfast resolve as he spoke. "Heaven help him if he dares. As long as I'm alive, I will never let Gurkinn do such a thing without a fight. Your well-being and happiness are important to me." The old man stooped down and picked up the Key Stone, placing it gently in Korrina's hand. "Don't give up, you are far too young to be worried about failure. Keep striving for your dreams. You've got a heart full of potential."

Korrina clutched the artefact tightly, her determination rekindled by Ramos's words. She wiped away her tears and nodded. "Thank you, Ramos. If you weren't here, I don't know what I'd do. You've always been like a second grandpa to me."

Ramos smiled warmly. "You're like a granddaughter to me as well, Korrina. You're strong, and you'll get through this. Now, my dear, the Pokémon League tournament awaits you. I want you to give it your all, just as you've always done. Forget all that legacy business and do it for yourself."

With a renewed sense of purpose, Korrina hugged her mentor joyfully. She knew the road ahead would be challenging, but with support like Ramos's, she was determined to face it head-on. Korrina reached for the travel bag on her coat rack and began to gather everything she would need for her journey. The very next day, she would set out to conquer her badges.

The rural trails stretched out before Jude and his group, the early morning sun casting a warm glow on the tranquil landscape. The rain that had been their companion during the night finally ceased, leaving behind a revitalized world that beckoned to them. As they walked along the winding path, the soaked ground had transformed into a pleasant and inviting path. The fresh air and gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze had lifted their spirits, making it a perfect day for hiking.

After leaving Lumiose City as dawn broke, the five friends had wasted no time in continuing their journey, equally eager and nervous for their first official gym fight. However, not everyone seemed entirely invigorated. Amidst the serenity of the moment, Trevor's voice broke the tranquil ambiance. "Um, guys, do you think we could make a quick stop ? My feet are killing me and I'm dead tired."

Shauna, always brimming with energy, was the first to protest. "Again ?! Trevor, if we stop every time your feet hurt or you need a nap, we'll never get anywhere ! We'll be hiking until the Tauros come home."

Trevor tried to defended himself, his voice carrying a hint of annoyance. "I hardly slept all night, you know. Tierno was snoring like a truck, so it was impossible to catch a wink of slumber. I wonder how Jude managed to sleep with such a din."

"Earplugs," Jude simply replied as if it were obvious.

"And that's not the worst of it," Trevor added, still quite exasperated. "Since we had bunk beds and Tierno took the top one, he was basically crushing me from above. My body's all numb..."

Tierno looked apologetic, realizing the inconvenience he had unintentionally caused. Shauna, meanwhile, couldn't help but burst out laughing at the absurdity of the situation. Trevor was definitely born under an unlucky star. Now that everyone had temporarily stopped moving, Jude took a brief moment to survey their surroundings. Unlike yesterday's treacherous forest, the route they followed meandered mostly between arable fields and glades, and hardly any hostile Pokémon were roaming around. So, halting here wasn't risky.

"Actually, a short break might not be a bad idea," Jude finally agreed, much to Trevor's delight. "The zone is safe, and it's a good opportunity for us to train our Pokémon. It would be foolhardy to underestimate Viola."

"I can confirm that," Tierno nodded, reminiscing about those few times the famous gym leader had tutored them. "Her bugs Pokémon may look cute and harmless at first sight, but they can be bloody tough in combat."

The group found a picturesque spot along the trail, with lush greenery and a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the nearby trees. It was the perfect place for a hearty morning workout. Each Pokémon left its temporary spherical home to stretch its legs and practice. As Tierno and Trevor were used to sparring together on a regular basis, they ventured further afield to have their Pokémon battle without disturbing their friends or accidentally injuring them by a misdirected attack. Shauna, by contrast, opted for a more relaxed approach, examining her Chespin's different moves one by one and looking for ways to upgrade them.

Serena, however, couldn't shake the memory of her grueling duel with Astrid, and those parasitic racing musings kept her from focusing fully on her Pokémon's training. She knew what she needed to do, but she had no idea how to go about it. Seeking help, she turned to Jude, whom she knew well for his strategic mind and dedication to practice. If anyone could give her a hand, it was him.

"Hey Jude," Serena began, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "I've thought it through, and the most urgent thing to improve is Fennekin's speed and accuracy," she said, fondly stroking her fire fox. "With more velocity, I'm sure her Ember blast could have hit Absol. Might you have a solution for us to achieve this ?"

Jude considered his companion's question, scratching his chin pensively. After a fleeting moment, he picked up a sturdy tree branch from the ground. "I think I've got the ideal exercise to fix your problem. Fletchling, please come to me." With a red flash, the small bird Pokémon flew in and perched gracefully on his shoulder, its eyes filled with curiosity. With a practiced motion, Jude tossed the branch into the air. "Your move, buddy !"

Fletchling's eyes locked onto the branch as it soared upwards. With incredible speed and precision, the bird Pokémon darted into action. Its talons extended, and in a blur of movement, it caught the branch mid-flight. Fletchling twirled the branch with lightning-fast precision, creating a swirling blur. Serena watched in awe as the branch danced through the air. She was gradually getting the hang of what her friend was up to, and his next explanations reinforced what she'd suspected.

"The idea is this : your Fennekin will practice hitting the branch with its fire attacks. It'll require precision and speed to strike a target that's moving rapidly," Jude clarified. "That way, Fennekin can improve both issues at the same time."

Serena's eyes lit up with enthusiasm, and she nodded. "That sound like a smart plan, let's give it a try. Fennekin, use Ember to ignite that branch !"

Eager to embrace this new challenge, the fox released a series of small fireballs, all aimed at the twisting piece of wood. Sparks flew as the fire bolts connected, but for now they all missed their target. It was a challenging task, requiring not only speed but precise timing. "Don't worry, it's normal to struggle at first, but you must persevere," Serena cheered on her Pokémon. "Focus your Ember. You can do it !" Boosted by this support, the fox continued to practice, each attempt bringing more accuracy and finesse. The fiery Pokémon's determination mirrored its trainer's, and together, they pushed their limits.

For Jude, this training had a deeper purpose. He wasn't doing this just to benefit Serena, but mainly also to gauge his Fletchling's speed. Since they'd set off again at dawn, Jude had begun to put his Pokédex to good use. This device provided access to a valuable source of information about the gym leaders and their various fighting skills, notably through reruns of their past battles. His research on Viola led him to note that speed was the core of all her strategies. Her bug Pokémon lacked robustness, but offset this with dynamic mobility, putting them very hard to hit. If Jude hoped to challenge her successfully, he and his Pokémon needed to match her pace, which implied getting much faster than they currently were.

To be continued