Chapter 14 — A Shrewd Adviser
Malva could hardly believe it, but the verdict was clear. Roxie had risen to the challenge with all her usual fierceness. The stadium roared with applause and cheers as the rock star won her tenth and final fight, a complete and utter victory. From her vantage point, the Elite 4 lady watched with a mixture of disbelief and irritation as Roxie basked in the glory of her undeniable success. Below, she waved energetically to the crowd, reveling in the adulation, her Pokémon posing triumphantly behind her. Each acclamation from the audience seemed to echo Malva's growing shame.
Malva had always seen this Unovan stardom as nothing more than a low-class artist, a parvenu with an irritatingly exuberant personality and a lack of the sophistication typically associated with the upper echelons of the Kalosian society. But witnessing Roxie not only participating but excelling in the realm of Pokémon battles—a domain Malva held sacred—was almost too much to bear. The idea that Roxie was a prodigy in Pokémon training, coupled with the fact that Ray Sharp, a figure whose mere name commanded fear and reverence, had handpicked her, felt like a bitter pill to swallow.
Malva herself was no stranger to hard work. Everything she had gained, from her place in the Elite 4 to her prowess as a trainer, had been earned through relentless effort and toil. The rise of natural giftedness like Roxie, who seemed to effortlessly succeed without the years of grind and stress, was a direct affront to her own values and achievements. It was a harsh reminder that talent could sometimes overshadow tireless labor, and that reality stung. "This brash, unrefined pest dares to encroach on my turf. Such an embarrassment," she grumbled, nearly breaking her champagne glass so tightly she clutched it.
As he observed her colleague's visible annoyance and almost palpable sadness, Ray chose to remain contemplatively silent. Despite his reputation as a ruthless entrepreneur, he genuinely appreciated Malva. She was one of the few people he respected, and he found no pleasure in seeing her humiliated or upset, especially when she was already down. However, by putting his champion to the test, it was clearly an attempt to make him lose face. This painful setback would teach her a lesson, and she'd think twice before trying again. Nobody braves the Ogre of Kalos without biting the bullet.
Ray stepped closer, his dark glasses reflecting the stadium lights. "No matter why you loathe Roxie, it's none of my business. But she has proven her worth tonight. Sometimes, we have to recognize talent even when it doesn't align with our personal preferences."
Malva looked at him, her frustration softening slightly. The tycoon selected his words to ensure that she didn't feel further humbled, a grace he bestowed on few. "I suppose you're right, sir. It's just... difficult to accept."
The mogul nodded, understanding. "I know. But remember, your dedication have brought you far. No one can take that away from you. And in the end, it's the diversity of skills and backgrounds that make this competition so rich. Wasn't it you who wanted to see rare gems emerge ?"
A fine mixture of flattery and reminder, typical of the magnate's way of speaking. Ray's choice to support Roxie had been strategic, as all his decisions were. He had seen something in this rock star that many others had missed—a raw flair and a ferocious resolve that aligned perfectly with his own ambitions for an Elite 4 rebuild. His pieces marched steadily across the vast chessboard of Kalos, primed to engulf anyone who stood in their path.
The crowd's celebrations reached a fever pitch as Roxie lifted her fist in triumph, her Pokémon mirroring her excitement. Even from their elevated position, the two instigators could feel the energy and adoration that flowed from the stands. Roxie captured hearts, she was a beacon of what could occur when passion and opportunity converged, a shifting tide that Ray had anticipated and Malva was now forced to navigate. "Perhaps it's time I reassess my own strategies," she mused aloud.
In the dimly lit motel lounge, the atmosphere was charged with mixed emotions—admiration, concern, and introspection—after witnessing Roxie's formidable prowess. She was stunning, even stronger than they had expected. Tierno, in particular, was practically bouncing with excitement, his eyes shining with admiration. "Did you see that ? She kicks ass !" he exclaimed, unable to contain his enthusiasm. "My lifelong idol isn't just a rock star, she's a battle star too !"
Shauna rolled her eyes, noticeably less thrilled. Frowning, she crossed her arms. "I don't see how this is good news for us, there's nothing to celebrate. It's not like we're just spectators cheering from the stands. She's one of our rivals in the tournament, remember ? How are we supposed to beat someone so monstrously gifted ? We're screwed, guys..."
Jude, sensing the unease in the room, spoke up with a calm and reassuring tone. "She's definitely daunting, denying it would be lying, yet that doesn't mean surpassing her is impossible. The key is to keep training and studying our opponents, there's no point in labeling ourselves as no-hopers. It's normal to have doubts, but we can't let that become a hindrance. If we do, we'll never improve."
"Good talk, buddy !" Tierno nodded eagerly. "We're gonna bust our butts too, and that's why I'm going to face Viola tomorrow and earn my first badge, just like you did. Watching Roxie today, I'm more motivated than ever !"
"Excellent mentality, count on me to encourage you," Jude lauded him with a high-five.
While her friends debated and made resolutions, Serena sat quietly in the corner, her thoughts swirling. A storm of emotions churned inside her—jealousy being the most prominent. Roxie seemed to have it all : mastery in electric guitar, a successful music career, the adoration of thousands of fans, and now a validated reputation as a top-tier Pokémon duelist.
Serena couldn't help but compare herself to this girl of many fronts. Here she was, still haunted by her past humiliations at the hands of her school bully, and struggling to assert herself in her ideal future career. The disparity in their accomplishments made Serena feel even more sad and small. To judge by her looks, Roxie was only a year or two older than her, yet she seemed already firmly rooted to the top of the world as she labored to climb off the mountain bedrock.
As Tierno and Jude continued to discuss their plans and tactics, Serena's mind wandered. Sometimes, life really did seem unfair. She looked at her Eevee, who was curled up next to her, and sighed softly. Why did some people sound born brilliant, while others had to fight for every bit of recognition and success ? "Reality can be so demotivating," she murmured.
Shauna, catching the tail end of Serena's mutter, reached over and gave her a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder. "Hey, are you okay ?" she asked gently.
Serena forced a small smile, but she still felt the sting of inadequacy. "Yes, don't worry. I'm just a little... intimidated, but no big deal."
"Yeah, Miss Toxic Showoff gave me the heebie-jeebies too," Shauna confessed, fidgeting with a lock of her hair in annoyance. "That weirdo is totally freaky."
"Relax, there's nothing wrong with being afraid. On the contrary, it's often the fuel that drives us to surpass ourselves," Jude explained serenely. "So we practice harder, we learn more, and we push forward. That's how we get better, that's how we overcome our fears."
His words seemed to galvanize Shauna, and even Serena felt a flicker of hope. Sadly, it wasn't enough. Fathered by one of the most dreaded men in the country, Jude had been forced to live in constant anxiety, using it as ammunition to keep him from snapping. Serena didn't share the same approach to fear, which often threw her for a loop. Even if she had gained in confidence with age, it still proved insufficient to compete alongside the tournament's titans.
As the evening wore on, the trainers slowly dispersed to their rooms, each lost in their thoughts and ideas for the next day. The four pals eventually did the same, each rejoicing in a good night's sleep. Serena lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. Roxie's matches had been a wake-up call, a reminder that the journey ahead was tough and demanding. She clenched her fist in determination and closed her eyes, her spirit heavier than she'd wished. Among all these rising stars, would she find her own way to shine ? She owed it to herself and to her Pokémon to give it her all.
The cheers and the roar of the crowd still echoed in the stadium as Roxie made her way backstage, her partners safely recalled to their Poké Balls. The cool, dimly lit corridor provided a stark contrast to the bright lights and intense atmosphere of the battlefield. The adrenaline of victory coursed through her veins, she had never felt so alive, so proud, as she did now. As she turned a corner, she almost gasped, catching sight of a familiar silhouette resting in the shadows. Leaning casually against one of the walls was Ray, his iconic black glasses reflecting the dim crimson lights of the hallway.
"Geez, sir ! What's the big idea, throw me a heart attack ?" Roxie shouted, visibly tense. "It's not funny to scare people like that."
The mogul remained unfazed, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Congratulations, superstar. You exceeded expectations."
Ignoring his compliment, Roxie glanced around, noticing the absence of the pink-haired woman. "Where's Malva ? Too much of a coward to come and apologize for treating me like an outcast ?" she said with a snide look. "I thought the Elite 4 dudes were fairer-minded, guess I was wrong. Kalos' cream of the crop is a pitiful sight."
"Whatever, all that is of little importance, just infantile ego wars." The magnate shrugged, his demeanor calm and composed. "What matters are the results, and your results speak volumes. Now, I advise you to focus entirely on the tournament. Don't let yourself be sidetracked by petty squabbles with Malva or anyone else. Proving yourself in the arena is the best way to earn respect."
Roxie crossed her arms, her gaze sharp. "She started it by provoking me, and she won't even take a whiff of her own fault ? I was only defending myself, folks like her are disgustingly prejudiced and spineless."
"And you'll have plenty of time to argue with her after the League. For now, your priority is to get your eight Gym badges," the tycoon countered decisively. "A fully-invested candidate considerably increases her chances of winning. Now's hardly the moment to be distracted by your personal vendettas, put them aside and pick your battles wisely."
Roxie couldn't hold back a slight chuckle, a hint of irony in her voice. "You sound like a father lecturing his daughter. My parents fled when I was born, so it's quite a strange feeling."
Ray's smirk widened just a fraction, a rare glimpse of warmth in his usually stoic facade. "Perhaps, but sometimes a little guidance is necessary. You've crossed the first hurdle today, but the path to the top is long and arduous. I'm firmly convinced that you've got what it takes to conquer Kalos, now it's up to you to show it."
As the ogre turned to leave, Roxie took a deep breath, feeling unexpectedly fortified by his words. The strange mix of coaching and authority he projected was new to her, but it grounded her in a way she hadn't anticipated. She was here to fight, to win, and to rise above every expectation. For someone who had always relied on her own strength, having a mentor figure who believed in her potential was both stimulating and unsettling. "Ray, you're definitely an odd fellow... But I think I like you," she whispered to herself.
The rock star made her way to her allocated dressing room, passing nothing but a few surly guards along the way. One of them, stationed nearby, caught her attention with a respectful nod. "Miss Roxie, your manager, Mr. Moore, has just arrived and is waiting for you," he informed her with an almost robotic professionalism.
Roxie nodded her thanks and pushed open the door to the private lounge. Inside, she found Donald Moore, as usual, lost in his cell phone, fingers tapping rapidly on the screen. The sight was familiar and somewhat comforting in its predictability. Donald looked up as his protégée entered, his face breaking into a broad, enthusiastic grin. "Hey champ, what a high-flying performance ! Absolutely electrifying, phenomenal !" he exclaimed, his voice thick with his distinctive Unovan accent, which always seemed to carry a bit of his birthplace spirit.
Donald's appearance was as flamboyant as his personality : a bright yellow suit tightly hugged his big frame, topped with a large cowboy hat that seemed to add inches to his height. He was a quirky figure, known not just for his unending energy but also for his relentless focus on advancing his own interests and those of his clients. "I've got great news," the entrepreneur continued, barely pausing for breath. "Since your spectacular victories, online sales of your albums have skyrocketed to record highs ! And that's not all—" he waved his cell, "—I've been flooded with calls. Companies are falling over themselves to offer you sponsorship deals for the whole competition."
Roxie raised an eyebrow, intrigued but also feeling the weight of her fatigue. She was beginning to bear the brunt of this particularly busy night. "That's rocking to hear, really," she praised with a tired smile.
The manager assented, his eyes gleaming with the prospect of more contracts and more success. "I've made a careful preliminary selection of the best offers. We'll need to review them together to pick the one that suits you best. Trust me, some of these deals are sweet enough to make even a veteran businessman like me a little giddy."
Roxie sighed lightly, her adrenaline fading and exhaustion creeping up on her. "Thanks, Donald. I appreciate it. But let's go over them tomorrow, okay ? Right now, I just need to crash and get some sleep. It's been a long day, ya know."
"Of course, of course !" Donald clapped his hands together, already back to tapping on his phone. "Take a well-deserved rest, champ. We'll tackle the offers tomorrow. Big day ahead, as always !"
As Roxie moved to the back of the dressing room to change clothes, she couldn't help but feel a mix of gratitude and overwhelm. Donald's unyielding drive was a huge part of why she had made it this far in her music career. His knack for turning every situation to an advantage was unmatched, and while it was exhausting at times, it was also incredibly effective. Even tonight, he was turning an unplanned event into a golden opportunity, leveraging his influence to negotiate the finest bids.
A few minutes later, the rock star reappeared from behind the blackout curtain, her flashy outfit replaced by something more sober and muted. "Roxie, before we head back to our hotel, there's something important we need to discuss." Mr. Moore set his cell aside for a moment, a rare occurrence. "I was watching this live interview when you had that clash with Malva," he began, his tone unusually serious. "Honestly, it scared the hell out of me. Malva is not someone you want to cross lightly."
Caught up in a last-minute unforeseen job, Donald had to delay his flight to Lumiose City. Normally, it was his duty to handle such unscheduled altercation, but stuck in his plane, there was nothing he could do. Roxie sighed, running a hand through her white hair. "Yeah, I know I acted impulsively," she admitted, her voice smoother than ordinary. "But she really got under my skin. That snobbish attitude, treating me like dirt… I wanted to make her swallow her pride."
The manager nodded, understanding her annoyance. "You took a big risk. But sometimes, it's important to take risks. And frankly, it turned out well for you. Your show was outstanding, and it's opened up a lot of doors. Just in future, wait for me before making such a crucial decision, don't forget that it's also my responsibility."
"I promise, sorry for the fright." The corners of Roxie's mouth lifted slightly. "Next time, though, I'll force her to apologize publicly—she won't get off the hook that easily."
At this, Donald's expression shifted to one of concern. He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Believe me, provoking her too much would be a terrible mistake. I get why you feel that way, but you need to be careful. Malva is very powerful here in Kalos. Her grip on the local press, combined with her high rank in the military hierarchy, make her a fucking dangerous lady."
Roxie's brows furrowed, her initial disappointment visible. The thought of backing down wasn't in her nature, but she respected Donald's perspective. "So, you're saying I should just let it go ?"
The businessman shook his head, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Not exactly. Just... be cautious. Don't forget we have little sway against someone of her caliber. It's better not to stir the pot too much and keep a low profile, at least for now. Sometimes, the best way to win is to play the long game."
Roxie considered his words, the rebellious spark in her still flickering with the desire to stand up to Malva. However, understanding the complexity of the political and social landscape in Kalos made her realize the wisdom in Donald's warning. "Okay, I get it," she grunted, her voice tinged with reluctance but also with resolve. Roxie might act discreetly, but she wouldn't lose herself in the process. "I'll play it cool… for now."
Mr. Moore smiled, relieved by her response. "That's all I ask, champ. Keep your fire, but also keep your smarts about you. Your victory will be all the sweeter for it. Well, now let's hit the hay, we're both very knackered and need to recharge."
Kimia set out from the inn at the break of dawn, her stride purposeful and steady as she embarked on her morning hike. The air was crisp, filled with the scent of dew and earth, rejuvenating her spirit with every breath. After several hours of walking through the dense woodland, she came upon a large clearing, surrounded by towering trees. The tranquility and isolation of this spot made it ideal for what she had in mind : a rigorous training session for her Pokémon.
She paused, surveying the area with a critical eye, then confidently removed two Poké Balls from her belt, tossing them skyward. The spheres burst open, and from the flashes of light emerged her loyal companions. The first was Empoleon, a majestic penguin whose body gleamed with metallic sheen, its beak crowned with a trident-like helmet that hinted at its royal demeanor. The second was Skarmory, a large bird whose robust body was also partly made of solid metal, its wings razor-sharp and ready for battle.
"Mes valeureux guerriers, today you will fight each other," Kimia declared, her voice echoing slightly in the open space. "It's important that both of you progress equally, no one gets left behind, compris ?"
Both Pokémon nodded in agreement, ready for the duel. Without hesitation, the blonde girl climbed onto Skarmory's back, gripping tightly as the metallic creature took to the skies with powerful wingbeats. High above the clearing, the avian gargoyle swooped down in a steep dive, its beak glowing with a reddish energy, signaling an impending attack. "Drill Peck !" Kimia commanded.
Empoleon, ever vigilant, prepared its defense. As Skarmory descended, the penguin countered with a swift movement of its metal claws, the clash ringing out like the strike of a hammer on an anvil. The impact pushed Empoleon sideways, but the agile Pokémon quickly flipped back onto its feet, undeterred. "Nice reception, now counterattack with Icicle Crash !" ordered the ace trainer.
With a strategic tilt of its head, the penguin retaliated, launching frozen spikes from its beak aimed directly at his opponent. The aerial Pokémon, with Kimia still mounted, responded in kind. Skarmory sliced through the icy projectiles with its sharp wings, while her trainer, drawing her weapon, mirrored its movements from above, cutting through the spikes with practiced ease. The dance between ice and steel continued, each movement precise and fluid. Kimia felt a surge of pride watching her Pokémon adapt and respond to each other's assaults. They were indeed in top form, reflecting her own readiness and determination.
This intense workout was crucial ; it honed their skills and reinforced their bond as a team. If they keep up this pace, they'll have a great chance of lifting the trophy. Suddenly, their practice was abruptly shattered when a violent violet fireball burst through the air, hurtling directly towards Kimia and her soldiers. Both Empoleon and Skarmory reacted instinctively, leaping backward with remarkable velocity, narrowly dodging the blazing shot that exploded across the floor. The sudden maneuver threw Kimia off balance, causing her to tumble from the metal gargoyle's back.
Fortunately, her reflexes kicked in. With a natural grace born of countless hours of fitness, Kimia managed to turn her fall into a controlled roll. She planted the blade of her sword into the grassy ground, using it to leverage herself into a somersault and back onto her feet in one fluid motion. She stood quickly, scanning her surroundings with a furrowed brow, her heart pounding from the unexpected onslaught.
"Who dared ? Show yourself !" she demanded, gazing around for her assailant, her gleaming weapon poised for use. Then her blue eyes narrowed as she spotted the culprit—a Chandelure floating ominously between two trunks, its flickering purple flames casting eerie shadows.
Kimia foresaw the worst. If this phantom Pokémon turned out to be who she thought it was, it meant that her psychopathic owner wasn't far off. Her suspicions were confirmed when she spotted the unsettling figure of Child perched comfortably on a tree branch, her legs swinging leisurely as she watched the scene unfold with a ghastly smirk plastered across her pretty face. Empoleon and Skarmory bristled at the sight, clearly ready to engage, but Kimia raised an arm to halt their advance. Escalating the situation was the last thing she wanted.
"You… Why did you do that ?" Kimia called out, her voice sharp with irritation. "You could have seriously injured us, idiot !"
Child's innocent expression did nothing to mask her sinister intentions. "I just wanted to help you train," she replied, her tone dripping with mock sincerity.
Kimia's gaze hardened. "I don't need your kind of help, leave us," she retorted dismissively, rejecting the offer flatly. "I have better things to do than waste my time with someone who doesn't understand boundaries."
Child's smile faltered, morphing into a pout as she feigned sadness. "Why does everyone reject me ?" she lamented theatrically. "Especially you, Kimia. I thought of you as my big sister." She flashed her keen fangs, her body beginning to slowly walking down the tree trunk in an almost supernatural manner, her gait unsettlingly fluid. Her long blond hair hung down, swaying slightly as if in a nonexistent breeze. Child's silhouette, aligned parallel to the ground, was a disturbing sight, almost otherworldly.
Kimia's patience was wearing thin. "I already have a little brother who suits me just fine, he's all I need," she snapped. "I don't want you around, you're a breeding ground for trouble."
With a playful sigh, Child hit the ground, her tone laced with spite. "Oh, yes. Raleigh, right ? I pity that poor unfortunate boy, living in the shadow of such a perfect sibling must be tough," she teased, her scarlet eyes shining with mischief. "Jealousy gnaws at him, so I doubt his appreciation is as mutual as you think." Using a dramatic flick of the wrist, she gave a telepathic directive to her Pokémon.
Chandelure, ever faithful, conjured a dimensional portal with a sweep of its flames. The air around them twisted and shimmered, forming a gateway that seemed to lead to nowhere and everywhere at once. Both demonic beings stepped towards the breach, pausing at the threshold. Child turned back to Kimia, her cheery face glinting with a strange mix of mischief and melancholy. "You can't even maintain a decent rapport with your own family, and you'd claim to be eligible for the Elite 4 ? Don't make me laugh." Without waiting for a response, she and her ghostly sidekick stepped through the spatial opening, which snapped shut behind them.
If Child's aim was to sow discord, she had chosen her words cunningly. Kimia exhaled slowly, trying to shake off the encounter. She knew she shouldn't let this chaos monger's taunts intrude on her spirit, but the uncomfortable truth in them stung. Her relationship with Raleigh wasn't at its best, something she had been too preoccupied to address fully. They had indeed grown apart, speaking less and less over recent times. Kimia sheathed her sword and gritted her teeth in frustration.
The thought of Child taking advantage of her absence to confuse her young brother with her deviousness made her blood run cold. She turned to her two loyal warriors, who were watching her with concern. She reached out, touching each of them reassuringly. "We're not going to let her get to us," she said firmly, though a hint of uncertainty lingered in her voice. "But I think we should take a break for a bit." For the first time in a while, Kimia wasn't in the mood for training.
The crowd in the stadium erupted into cheers as Tierno emerged victorious from his match with Viola, clutching his newly earned Bug Badge. The fight had been intense, and the outcome hung on a knife's edge until the very end. But Tierno's perseverance and skill had paid off, and now he could proudly join Jude in the ranks of those with their first Gym emblem. His heart pounded with a mix of exhaustion and elation as he left the battlefield, the badge now pinned to his T-shirt feeling like a testament to his potential and steadfastness.
As Tierno stepped outside the big arena, he spotted his friends waiting for him. Their faces lit up with pride and excitement as they rushed to congratulate him. "You did it, dude ! That was amazing to watch, I didn't know breakdance could be that effective in combat !" Shauna exclaimed, her eyes shining with admiration.
"That was an incredible battle," Serena added, her smile wide. "You've really earned that win."
Tierno's broad smile was a mix of fatigue and satisfaction. "Thanks, everyone. It was tough, but we pulled through. It feels like this tournament is really within reach now," he responded, a renewed spark of resolve in his eyes.
Jude clapped him on the back, sharing a look of mutual respect. "Great job, I've rarely seen Pokémon as agile as yours. So, Shauna, Serena, are you two thinking of challenging Viola this afternoon ?"
Both girls exchanged a glance, their expressions hesitant. "I think I still need more practice before I feel ready for that," Serena admitted, her voice tinged with a hint of frustration.
Shauna nodded in agreement. "Yeah, same here. I don't want to rush it and mess up. A bit more workout first."
"No worries, no rush, you should definitely go at your own pace," the dancer stated encouragingly. He then turned to Jude with a grin. "Hey, man, why don't we go check out something cool in a nearby town while they train ? There's a place I have to show you, you'll love it."
Jude looked at the girls, wanting to make sure they were okay with the plan. "Is that alright with you ? Do you mind if we slip away briefly ?"
"No problem at all, go ahead," Shauna replied with a supportive smile. "We've already taken up all your time yesterday, so let's not overdo it. Just make sure you watch my battle on TV, okay ? I want to know you're cheering me on."
Jude nodded, pulling out his Pokédex. "I've set a notification for your match. I won't miss it for the world."
Satisfied with the arrangements, both boys made a quick detour to the Pokémon center to retrieve their fully healed Pokémon. The nurse handed over their Poké Balls with a kind smile, wishing them luck in their next endeavors. With their teams back in full swing, they felt ready to explore a bit more of Kalos. The pair left the bustling atmosphere of Santalune City, heading down a scenic hiking trail that promised new adventures and opportunities to strengthen their bond and their warriors.
Meanwhile, Shauna and Serena dove into a rigorous training session. Both were determined to close the gap in their skills before facing the Gym Leader. Now that Jude was no longer there to coach them, they would have to personalize their fighting tactics and become more self-sufficient. That way, they could discover their own strengths and come out the better for it. As soon as the four friends got together, each of them would have a badge, and they would reunite stronger.
To be continued