Chapter 13 — The Poisonous Rising Star
Night had descended upon the Royal Academy stadium, casting the sprawling arena in a veil of darkness illuminated only by the glow of the edifice's floodlights and the anticipation of the crowd. The announcement had only been made public a few hours earlier, right after Roxie accepted the challenge, but that was enough for tickets to sell like hotcakes. The word had spread like wildfire through Malva's extensive networks and the stands were now packed to the rafters, filling the oval to capacity. Throngs of ecstatic fans filled every seat, clamoring to witness the rock star's debut as an official Pokémon trainer.
Ray stood to profit immensely from the frenzy. This august stadium, part of the Royal Academy complex where he was the majority shareholder, was essentially his property. The influx of fans and the media coverage meant a significant boost in revenue, not just for him but also for the Kalos Government, which would collect substantial taxes from the event's proceeds. Famous brands had eagerly bought ad space, seeking visibility during the highly anticipated matches, ensuring that Ray's coffers would be even fuller by the night's end. Another smooth-running business for the magnate, ensuring a comfortable financial windfall.
In a secluded private lookout high above the edifice, the two key figures responsible for this turbulent evening watched as the spectators filled the bleachers. The room was luxuriously appointed, befitting their statuses. Malva, dressed impeccably as always, stood with a commanding view of the battleground below. She glanced over at Ray, who leaned casually against the wall beside her, his demeanor as relaxed as ever.
"Quite the turnout, wouldn't you say ? Anyway, I hope you're prepared to find a new champion after tonight, sir," the Elite 4 member goaded, a hint of smugness in her voice. "Your protege doesn't stand a chance against the soldiers I've handpicked to face her. This cheeky brat will slink back to her raucous music, where she belongs."
Ray met Malva's gaze with a knowing smile, unfazed by her haughtiness, which he knew would soon turn to stupor. "Your hatred keeps you blind, dear," he replied, his tone measured. "It's a shame that you, who are supposed to embody the pinnacle of journalism, didn't even deign to investigate about Roxie. If you had, you'd already know the outcome of this test. Despite your best efforts to discredit her, she possesses a talent that you underestimate at your own peril."
Malva bristled at Ray's words, her self-assurance wavering slightly. Her subdued expression didn't falter, but inwardly she felt a hint of anxiety. She was well aware of the Ogre's reputation for anticipating every move, rarely doing anything without meticulous planning, and his unshakeable faith in this young competitor was disconcerting. It wasn't in the tycoon's habit to show such reliance in anyone, and Malva knew this well, being one of the few who had earned his trust. That Roxie was now also part of this privileged circle made her uneasy and somewhat angry.
"I suppose we'll see soon enough," the top reporter retorted, but not quite as prickly as she would have wished. Her hopes for Roxie's downfall notwithstanding, she couldn't shake the feeling that Ray's gifts for foresight might prove to be all too accurate.
Meanwhile, Roxie stood in the preparation area, her heart pounding with a mix of nerves and commitment. She could feel the weight of the expectations on her shoulders, but she was all set. "Relax, it's just like a concert, except now you're gonna fight instead of sing," she kept saying to herself to boost her poise.
As the tension mounted and the clock ticked closer to the start of the action, the stage was set for an electrifying showdown. No sooner had the countdown reached zero than the announcer's voice boomed throughout the whole building. "Ladies and gentlemen, many thanks for joining us on this surprising event ! Tonight, the famous rock idol from Unova will face ten seasoned trainers in a series of battles that will test her skill, resolve, and heart. Let's give a warm welcome to our fearless challenger, Roxie !"
Once she strode confidently into the arena, her guitar slung across her back, the stadium erupted in a cacophony of applause. The thunderous cheers washed over her, fueling her determination and sending a surge of adrenaline down her spine. Roxie waved to the fans, drawing strength from their support. She was ready for this moment, ready to make her mark in a whole new business.
On the opposite end of the battlefield stood her opponent, a forty-something boxer looking man with a spade-shaped haircut. Although his stature was far more impressive than the rock star's, he felt dwarfed, almost transparent compared to Roxie's larger-than-life persona. However, he refused to let his apprehension show. He knew all too well the stakes of this duel ; Malva's instructions to win were crystal clear, and the consequences of failure loomed ominously in the back of his mind. Her boss wasn't exactly an indulgent type.
With a deep breath to steady his nerves, he unveiled his first Pokémon to the public. A Sawk sprang up in a deluge of bluish light and landed on the arena floor with a smooth flip. The blue-skinned bipedal being wasted no time, launching into a series of lightning-fast punches and kicks, a blur of motion as it warmed up for combat. But Roxie remained unfazed, a confident smirk playing at the corners of her lips. "Cool, he's got a good sense of rhythm. Too bad it won't be much use against my battler. Scolipede, set this ring on fire !"
The centipede Pokémon materialized in turn, a towering and intimidating creature nearly three meters in length. Its purple carapace gleamed in the stadium lights, casting an imposing shadow across the battlefield, topped off by two pointed horns that oozed a toxic substance. With just her starter, Roxie had already made a big impression. Scolipede exuded a menacing aura, its yellow eyes fixed on its adversary with unwavering focus. With both trainers and their warriors poised for clash, the referee raised a flag, signaling the imminent start of the match.
Roxie wasn't slow to act first. "Scolipede, unleash your Sludge Bomb wattage !" she commanded, her voice carrying over the roar of the crowd.
The venomous centipede opened its mandibles and spat out several bursts of crimson poison, each projectile aimed with deadly precision. Sawk was forced to move quickly, darting left and right to avoid the toxic onslaught. The audience watched in awe as the blue-skinned fighter nimbly evaded wave after wave of assaults, although this would exhaust him from the outset.
As soon as Roxie's Pokémon had run out of shots, Sawk's trainer hurried to give his instructions too. "Retaliate with Focus Blast !"
Sawk leapt into the air, channeling crackling energy into his fist, which was now cloaked in a blazing aura. The strike aimed directly for Scolipede's head, intending to land a decisive blow. But just as the attack was about to connect, the insectoid creature ducked with surprising agility, sliding to the side and dodging the hit. Sawk's punch only met the arena floor, which it crazed with its brutal impact.
Roxie's opponent couldn't believe it, his eyes betraying his astonishment. "Dang it, how can such a massive beast move so fast ?"
"Speed and power are my soldiers' watchwords," the rock prodigy grinned. "Scolipede, destroy him with Megahorn !"
With incredible velocity, the bug Pokémon charged forward, its two massive outgrowths aimed glowing with a fierce light. The centipede's movement was a blur, and before Sawk could react, the horns collided head-on with his body. The blow was devastating, knocking him out instantly and sending him flying across the battlefield. The bipedal Pokémon crumpled painfully to the ground, not only unconscious but affected by the toxins' paralyzing effects.
This first duel ended in a landslide victory for Roxie. The public remained speechless for a moment, then broke into thunderous applause. She did it, her first official win before a live audience. She felt her heart pound with pride and raised her hand in acknowledgment of the crowd's cheers. As Sawk was placed on a stretcher and wheeled into the Royal Academy hospital, Roxie glanced at the conning tower where she could guess Malva's presence. Just picturing her expression change from pretentious to frustrated amused her, but she mustn't lose focus.
The night was still young, and she had nine more opponents to defeat, nine opportunities to leave no doubt about her rightful place in the Kalos tournament. The trainer she had just bested approached her with a respectful nod. "Well done, you're undeniably talented. I wish you all the best in the competition," he admitted, holding out his hand in an act of sportsmanship.
Roxie shrugged, a playful glint in her eye. "It's all about the music and the rhythm, ya know ? You just have to find your beat," she returned with a firm handshake. "Thanks for this clash, I had a blast."
Spectators continued to chant the rock star's name, waving their placards in cadence. The vibe was more electric than ever, and that was just the beginning. The first adversary disappeared backstage, and a second immediately took his place. With his sunglasses and flowery shirt, this one looked more like he'd been at a surf contest than a Pokémon show. But no matter, Roxie clearly wasn't in the best light for judging exuberant styles. He grabbed his Poké Ball and released his partner, a Flareon. The fox-like Pokémon emerged in a burst of flames, its fur seeming to shimmer with fiery energy. Its intense gaze and radiant aura elicited gasps of admiration from the audience.
Deciding that regular substitutions between her various warriors would make it easier for them to sustain their forces, Roxie recalled her Scoliped. "You did great, time for a different approach. Crobat, let's rock this stage !"
A bat emerged from its Poké Ball, its purple wings flapping as it hovered in the air. With its grimacing face and sharp teeth, it looked rather menacing despite its small size. Roxie's opponent seemed relaxed, relieved to be facing what he perceived as a less threatening Pokémon than the towering centipede. "Is that all ?" he taunted as the referee flagged the start. "Flareon, this will be easy. Use Flamethrower !"
The fox opened its mouth and unleashed a torrent of flames, the fire roaring towards Crobat with intense heat. The blasts were mighty, but the bat moved fast enough to pass through, dodging each fireball with graceful twirls and agile maneuvers. The crowd watched in amazement as Crobat danced through the air, effortlessly avoiding every attack. This caused Roxie's challenger real worry, as his Pokémon wouldn't be able to breathe fire forever, and that Crobat was getting dangerously close. "Geez Flareon, aim better than that !" he began to grow annoyed. "Why won't this bloody bug stop moving ?!"
"What's wrong, big guy ? Easy, you said ?" Roxie scoffed in turn, glad to knock his socks off. "Crobat, show them hell for underestimating you. Supersonic, now !" The bat emitted a series of unpleasant ultrasounds, its high-pitched waves causing Flareon to halt its assaults and tense its muscles, clenching its teeth in discomfort. The fox Pokémon's guard wavered, creating a perfect opening for Crobat. "Go for it, Poison Fang !" its trainer ordered.
Crobat swooped down with precision, its spiky teeth glowing with a toxic purple hue. It sank its fangs into Flareon's neck, injecting the paralyzing agent. The effects were immediate : the fire fox staggered, its strength quickly fading. With a final, weakened growl, it collapsed, unable to stir a single nerve. With this second decisive victory under her belt and yet another standing ovation from the ecstatic spectators, the rock star stirred up a sensation. She stretched out her arm, and Crobat landed on it with a halo of satisfaction, basking in the crowd's approval.
"A first-rate performance, pal, you rock !" Roxie praised and patted it affectionately. Then she called it back into its Poké Ball, passing the responsibility for the next match onto another member of her team. The fun was going to be equal for each. "That's two down. Who's next ?"
Her opponent, visibly stunned by the swift defeat, barely knew what to say and simply followed the stretcher-bearers who were taking his Pokémon to the emergency room, shaking his head in shame. This girl was a thundering monster, a monster hungry for triumph. The public's enthusiasm reached new heights as the third duel was about to commence. Roxie's next competitor, a peculiar little man with big round glasses and vibrant green hair, stepped into the arena. Despite the stadium's temperate climate, he was wearing a large anorak that seemed to swallow him whole.
With a confident flick of his wrist, he released his chosen fighter. "Go, Exeggutor !" The tall, tree-like Pokémon with long leafy hair and three smiling heads appeared onto the battlefield, eliciting a mix of amusement and curiosity from the audience. Its presence was both bizarre and imposing.
Roxie appraised this unique Pokémon and decided it was time to bring out the big guns. "Let's step it up. Drapion, it's showtime !" she called out, sending forth one of her strongest partner. A nightmarish beast emerged in a burst of energy. Drapion was a large, menacing purple scorpion with sharp fangs and clawed pincers. Its intimidating form drew gasps from the spectators, setting a stark contrast to Exeggutor's almost comical appearance.
As soon as the starting bell rang, Roxie's adversary seized the initiative and launched the first move. "Exeggutor, use Tera Blast !" The three heads simultaneously fired green spheres of energy toward the purple creature. The stadium watched in awe as the projectiles sped across the field, but the rock star was undaunted.
"Counter with Poison Sting !" she commanded. Drapion's agile movements belied its menacing stature. It swiftly maneuvered around the incoming shots, its tail rising like a spear to intercept and slice through the energy orbs. "Nice try brainiac, but if you hoped to get off lightly with a ranged assault, it's a bust." The scorpion Pokémon backed up its trainer's sneer by effortlessly cutting through the pulsating balls, remaining unharmed.
Not deterred, Exeggutor's owner quickly shifted strategies. "Giga Drain !" he shouted. The grass-type Pokémon placed its hands on the ground and its fingers dug in, growing disproportionately large. Then they burst out like ten roots that encircled Drapion, shifting like elongated plants tendrils. The plan was trivial : capitalize on the scorpion's great size, the better to hobble it and suck out its vitality. Sadly, this approach relied crucially on the opposite side not responding, and that obviously wasn't Roxie's nature.
As the vines drew nearer to restrain it, Drapion snapped its huge pincers and simultaneously slashed across two of them. Then, with a smooth circular motion, its sting sliced through three more. The purple scorpion easily made its way through this vegetal trap, ruthlessly chopping every root that came a little too close. "You're a damn idiot if you expected my warrior to foolishly accept being shackled without reacting. In the end, you're no match for us."
Faced with the large, now free shearing beast charging in their direction, the Exeggutor trainer knew he had to go all out with a frontal attack. "Grassy Glide, quick !" he screamed, desperation creeping into his voice. The leaves on the Pokémon's head turned razor-sharp as it hopped and swirled, mimicking the wobble of a buzz saw. A well-placed, fast and furious hit was all it needed to clinch the win. But Drapion wasn't just brawny, it was also nimble and had already foreseen its riposte. It dodged the leafy blades with an elegant sidestep and intercepted Exeggutor, wrapping its massive claw around the Pokémon's trunk-like body.
"Nice catch. Now, crush it !" The audience gasped as the scorpion lifted Exeggutor effortlessly, despite its considerable weight, and then slammed it violently against the ground. The impact was so severe that it created a large crevasse, with the defeated Pokémon lying unconscious at the center. The stadium erupted in cheers and applause, the spectators both shocked and thrilled by the display of brute strength and ruthless efficiency.
Roxie's victory not only displayed her tactical acumen but also mirrored the toughness she had cultivated throughout her life. Her battle style was a reflection of her personality—fierce, unapologetic, and aggressive. She wasn't just in this tournament to participate ; she was here to dominate. Each duel she won dismantled doubts about her legitimacy in the competition and demonstrated that she brought not only charisma to the battlefield but a ferocious strength that could not be easily countered.
As her Pokémon returned to hers side, the rock star reached out to pat its hard carapace. "Great work, bud," she said with a smirk, her gaze sweeping across the crowd and then locking on the watchtower. Malva knew that this defiant look was meant for her. Roxie was showing her that she'd made a huge mistake in branding her as an outcast, and that she was gonna make her pay for it by vanquishing her foes one by one. Ultimately, Ray had chosen a protege in his own image, unafraid to sublimate her mastery and underscore that she means business. The Ogre remained silent, but his grin betrayed his delight. He looked like a proud father.
Siebold sat alone in one of the grand dining rooms of the Azoth Kingdom palace, his gaze fixed on the television screen. The place, usually filled with the clinks of cutlery and the low murmur of conversation, was silent except for the distant cheers and commentary emanating from the TV. The grandeur of the hall, with its high ceilings and ornate chandeliers, was a stark contrast to the brutal matches unfolding on the plasma monitor. It displayed the aftermath of Roxie's brutal duel, showing the defeated Exeggutor being carried to the stadium hospital by a Primeape and a Machoke, followed closely by his dispirited trainer.
Last season's Pokémon League ended in sour grapes, with none of the candidates really making the grade. But this time, Siebold could already see that it would be just the opposite. Many prodigious young talents were already making a name for themselves, all driven by an unshakeable desire to achieve success in the Pokémon battle scene. His thoughts drifted to his beloved daughter, Kimia. Her climb to the top wouldn't be a cakewalk, as the challenge would be stiff, but he kept faith in her. He knew she possessed the strength and skill to not disappoint, she was a born champion.
Just as Siebold was about to savor the dish he had prepared for himself—a delicate blend of flavors that only a cordon-bleu of his caliber could concoct—the food was suddenly swept from his plate, floating away under the effect of a telekinetic force. Surprised and fairly annoyed, the Elite 4 member turned to see the source of this unexpected disturbance. In the doorway loomed the last soul he wanted to face, a particularly sinister one. It was the daughter of the Minister of the Army, known simply as Child. She was always accompanied by her Chandelure, which now hovered menacingly beside her, casting flickering shadows across the ornate walls.
"Thank you for cooking me such a good meal, I was a bit hungry," she said sarcastically, her demonic red eyes twinkling with mischief. Child levitated the food to her mouth and munched with exaggerated gusto, revealing her abnormally sharp teeth as she chewed in a deliberately unpleasant manner. "Delicious as always, Chef. I love my meat spicy," she teased, her voice dripping with mock gratitude.
Only seventeen years old, Child's reputation was already fueled by discomfort and chaos. In appearance, with her long blond hair, flawless tailored uniform and cherubic face, she was as cute as she was charming. But Siebold knew her well enough to understand the sociopathic streak that ran beneath her deceptive exterior. Her falsely innocent nature made her a dreaded player in the upper echelons of Kalosian society, and her presence always spelled trouble.
Snapping her fingers, Child slid a chair out from the dining table and seated herself, uninvited. Irritated but composed, the Elite 4 member glared at her. "I have no time for childish games. Leave now, go bother someone else," he responded tersely. The less he interacted with this major hassle, the better off he was.
Ignoring his command, Child swept her piercing gaze towards the television. "Please, don't be such a spoil-sport, all this animosity doesn't suit you," she sneered, reveling in the tension she was infusing. "I smell fear, your fear. That's what drew me here. You're afraid of this new generation of trainers, aren't you ? Whizzes like that noisy girl who could steal your place and all the privileges that go with it. I enjoy seeing the old guard squirm, it's delightful. Don't you agree, Chandelure ?"
The spectral entity's violet flames flickered ominously, as if in agreement. Siebold could feel the suffocating aura emanating from both Child and her Pokémon, but he refused to be intimidated, or at least to let it show. He clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. "Don't bury the old guard too quickly, they might startle you. I intend to maintain my position, and once Kimia joins me, our family will be Kalos' foremost influence."
"Oh, I don't doubt miss fencing's talents, but in the coveted ranks of professional fighters she's the norm, not the exception. I could also say the same about you, gent." Child laughed softly, satisfied with the disquiet she had stirred. "It sounds like you've got it all planned out, but your mind is clouded with doubt and anxiety, I can easily feel it."
Siebold's expression hardened and his jaw tightened. Child loved using cutting words, tugging at the heartstrings. Not for nothing did most of the Kalos top dignitaries avoid even discussing or approaching her. "Kimia will succeed because she has earned her skills through hard work and discipline. Unlike you, who thrive on manipulation and mayhem."
"Flatterer, not so many compliments in a row." Child's smile widened, but there was no warmth in it. "Justified confidence or paternal blindness, we'll see in due course. These power plays are very entertaining to watch, don't you think ? There's people like you, clinging to your prestige, terrified of being overshadowed. And then there's the ambitious upstarts, willing to tear each other apart for a chance at glory. Everyone's scrambling and vying just for a taste of what it means to be the very best. It's like a game, where the stakes are real, and the losers fall hard. Stay vigilant, Siebold, or you might find yourself on the losing side."
The Elite 4 member felt his patience wearing thin. He knew that engaging with her any further would only encourage her cruel behavior, so he hastened to draw it to a close. "If you find such amusement in the struggles of others, you are even more immature than I thought. Now, I insist—leave."
Child shrugged nonchalantly, her Chandelure flickering as if in response to her mood. "As you wish. Just remember that in this world, nothing is ever truly secure. Not your status, not your clout, and certainly not your peace of mind." With a flick of her wrist, she sent the remnants of Siebold's meal crashing back onto his plate, splattering sauce across the table. There were only half-shredded bones left. "Bon appétit, and don't brood too much, it's bad for your sleep."
With a last mischievous grin, Child turned and left the room, her sadistic laughter echoing down the grand hallway. Her ghost Pokémon twirled behind her, shining its eerie light that seemed to dance with malice. Finally free of this oppressive figure, Siebold could breathe, his spirit already soothed. However, he knew Child was right about one thing—the landscape was changing. And he, like everyone else in their lofty comforts, would need to adapt or suffer replacement. The thought lingered as he observed Roxie, a symbol of fresher blood, fighting fiercely in the arena below. The underlying message was clear : evolve and rise, or risk being left behind.
Santalune City was unusually quiet. While most of its inhabitants had clustered around screens in bars or shopping malls to watch Roxie's Pokémon duels, Korrina found solace in the tranquility that had enveloped the city square. The skatepark, typically a hive of activity, lay silent and nearly deserted, offering her a rare chance to experience it in solitude. Korrina laced up her roller skates, the familiar click and hum of the wheels grounding her in the moment. She pushed off, gaining speed with each stride, feeling the wind whip through her hair as she navigated the ramps and rails of the layout.
Each jump and trick flowed effortlessly from her, movements that only someone with her professional skill could execute. She soared off springboards, spun in mid-air and landed gracefully, as fluid as her Pokémon in combat. It had been ages since she had the occasion to perform like this, always stuck under her grumpy grandfather's watchful eye. Here, in this place, she was free—free from criticism, free from expectations, free to be herself.
Since leaving her family home, Korrina had felt a significant weight lifted from her shoulders. The constant belittling from Gurkinn were no longer a daily burden. Now, she could breathe easier and enjoy the simple pleasures she loved, like rollerblading. It was her form of meditation, a way to clear her mind and focus on the physical joy of exercise. Back home, Gurkinn had always barged in on her practice sessions, deriding them as a waste of time. He insisted there were more urgent matters to attend to—matters that would prepare her to be a worthy successor and uphold the family's legacy.
But out here, with her ace Pokémon training nearby, Korrina could momentarily forget the pressures of her heritage and just be a young woman relishing her favorite pastimes. Yet, as she skated, a part of her knew that this reprieve was temporary. Korrina paused for a few minutes, catching her breath. Her Lucario followed suit and interrupted his shadow boxing to check on her. She smiled down at her faithful companion, feeling a sense of peace that had been absent for months.
"I'm doing better, Lucario," she said, her voice soft. "Being away from home has helped a lot. But I know this is only a short-term escape. This situation has lasted far too long, and it won't be resolved by fleeing from it."
Gurkinn was not just her grandfather but also Shalour City's Gym Leader, a position of great honor and responsibility. By taking part in this tournament, he was a challenge Korrina couldn't bypass, as obtaining his Rumble badge was a requirement to reach the finals. They needed to have a serious talk about her future and their relationship—about the respect and understanding that was missing between them.
Korrina stopped atop a half-pipe, gazing out over the park. The sky was dark, and only the nearby streetlamps offered a clear view. She reflected on how her situation with Gurkinn pained her. He was the only family she had left, yet he was so distant, so callous. She couldn't understand why life had been so unfair to her, especially when she had never wanted to hurt anyone.
"I wish things were different," she murmured. "I wish grandpa could see how much I care, how hard I'm trying. But instead, he just sees my failures and shortcomings. I'm nothing to him now, except a tool..." Lucario let out a low growl, as if agreeing with her sentiments. Korrina reached down and stroked its fur, grateful for the unwavering support of her Pokémon. "Sooner or later, we'll have to face him. And when we do, we'll stand our ground. I won't let him push me around anymore, it's over."
Korrina took a deep breath, feeling the familiar determination that had driven her through countless obstacles. The confrontation with Gurkinn loomed in her future, and she would need all the courage she could muster to mend her fractured family bonds. But for now, she would savor this moment of liberty, this brief escape from reality.
To be continued