Chapter 15 — Camphrier City's Private Club

After several hours of trekking through the dense, wooded trails that led away from civilization, Jude and Tierno decided it was time for a break to train their Pokémon. The serenity of the forest, far removed from the urban hustle of the tourist-packed city, provided a refreshing backdrop for their session. Jude released his three partners, allowing them free rein for a few moments before starting their workout.

While Frogadier and Fletchinder already had a well-established practice regimen and could perform most of their exercises on their own, Jude decided to concentrate on his new recruit. He had to ensure that Snubbull could build the endurance necessary for prolonged duels. Jude guided the pink dog through a series of muscle-strengthening exercises, integrating combat techniques that blended elements of martial arts—a practice Jude believed in firmly, regardless of whether his Pokémon were of the fighting type or not. He felt that giving them a solid foundation in these skills would serve them well in any situation.

As Snubbull grunted and lunged under his careful instruction, Jude could observe that the brave bulldog took the task very seriously and put in a lot of effort. Clearly, this painful encounter with that wild Arbok had spurred him on to grow stronger, so that such a thing would never happen again. The young Sharp couldn't have wished for a better student ; his improvement was plain to see. Meanwhile, Tierno was busy working with his own partners, fine-tuning their moves and building their strength. The peaceful forest was alive with the sounds of their training, creating a symphony of dedication and progress.

During a pause, wiping sweat from his brow, Jude turned to his friend, curiosity lighting up his features. "So, where are you so eager to bring us ?"

Tierno's eyes sparkled with excitement as he responded, "Ever heard of the Battle Chateau ?"

Jude nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, it's that exclusive club for top-notch Pokémon trainers, right ? Founded by Duke Wikstrom of the Elite 4, if I recall correctly."

"Bingo !" Tierno beamed. "And that's exactly where I want to take us. It's a place where members meet regularly to clash and share tactics, housed in Lord Shabboneau's family castle. I've never visited such a site in my life, it must be impressive, so big it's easy to get lost."

Jude raised his eyebrows, slightly taken aback. "Sadly, I've heard it's a very selective circle, requiring a proven track record before entry. How do you suppose we'll get in ? We're still two novices in the grand scheme of things, I doubt they'll accept us."

Tierno laughed, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Stop fretting bro, I'm getting to the best part ! For the duration of the tournament, the club opens its doors to any participant who has earned at least one Gym badge. That's us ! We both qualify now, so we can join."

Jude's astonishment gave way to appreciation. "Really ? That's brilliant, buddy. It'll be an incredible opportunity to learn from some of the best trainers out there. It's perfect for improving our strategies."

Tierno gave a thumbs-up, pleased with his pal's reaction. "I thought you'd like the idea. It's a chance not just to watch and take notes, but also to test our own skills against some strong competitors. Who knows, we might even pick up a few tricks to help us in the League."

"We'll see, but first we must finish our practice. Snubbull, are you ready for another round ?" The pink Pokémon barked in response, determination shining in its eyes. Energized by the prospect, the two trainers got back to work, pushing their soldiers with renewed vigor. They were particularly keen on observing how expert duelists handled their Pokémon during battles, eager to absorb any knowledge that could give them an edge. As soon as everyone had ended their activities, it was time to hit the road again. With their companions safely back in their Poké Balls, the duo set off once more, the excitement of their impending visit to the majestic castle adding a spring to their steps.

The hiking trail eventually led them to the charming town of Camphrier, a place where time seemed to embrace both the past and the present. As they entered the city, they were struck by its old-fashioned elegance. The dwellings and public buildings retained a period appearance, with intricate facades and ornate detailing that spoke of a bygone era, yet seamlessly integrated modern technology in discreet, almost hidden ways. The town was an elegant tapestry of the classic and the contemporary, each step through its streets a walk through history meshed with the current century.

The cobbled alleys and historic heritages stood in stark contrast to the occasional flicker of holographic advertisements and high-tech conveniences. The place was encircled by several high green hills, and atop one of them stood Lord Shabboneau's domain, marked by a grand castle that commanded the landscape. It was to this architectural marvel that the two friends directed their steps, drawn by the allure of the renowned Battle Chateau that operated under its lord's auspices.

Approaching the entrance to the estate, they were greeted by the sight of a wide gate for vehicles and a smaller pedestrian gate, each guarded by security staff with imposing Pokémon like Primeape and Machoke standing sentinel. As they neared the public entrance, a dignified figure in a tailcoat suit walked up to them, the very image of traditional butlerdom. "Good afternoon, gentlemen. Allow me to introduce myself, Mr. Turner Lassalle, head of the household domestiques," he announced with a slight bow. "May I inquire as to the purpose of your presence ?"

Tierno stepped forward, his usual enthusiasm tempered by the formal setting. "Uh… Sure. Hi Turner, we're participants in the Pokémon tournament and have recently earned our first badge. We'd like to visit the Battle Chateau, if possible."

The butler nodded, pulling out a sleek device to verify their claim. After a brief moment of browsing the Kalos Pokémon League's official website, he looked up, his expression softening. "Mr. Jude Sharp and Mr. Tierno Swift, I presume. Indeed, you are listed. Lord Shabboneau's estate welcomes you both." He then glanced at their attire, his brows knitting slightly. "However, before I can allow you to enter, you must adhere to our dress code. Suits are compulsory for all club members, even honorary ones."

Tierno's head fell, a groan barely suppressed. "But, sir… we don't have any suits with us. It's not really handy for trekking, and it wrinkles like crazy."

"Not to worry," Turner assured, gesturing towards a small pavilion nearby. "We provide ready-to-wear outfits for such occasions. Please, follow me."

Reluctantly, the dancer obeyed, Jude trailing behind. Inside the secluded house, they found an array of suits, each meticulously arranged and sized. After changing, Tierno looked at himself in the mirror, discomfort written all over his face. His smoking was too tight, accentuating his broad frame awkwardly. "I hate wearing this thing," he grumbled, tugging at his shirt collar and adjusting the tight fabric, barely able to move his arms. "I look like a big penguin stuck in an igloo."

Jude, though not a fan of fancy dress either, managed a wry smile. "Well, it's not the most comfortable, but rules are rules. Let's just hope it's worthwhile."

Now properly attired, though not particularly relaxed, the duo went out to find their host waiting. Turner inspected them with a critical eye before nodding in approval. "Magnifique. You are now ready to join the Battle Chateau. Enjoy your time, and may your duels be both honorable and enlightening."

Jude and Tierno immediately took a route indicated by the butler. The path curved through beautifully manicured orchards and past impressive statues. The grandeur of the domain was awe-inspiring, each detail meticulously maintained, the castle itself growing ever more towering with each step. As they approached the wooden entrance, the duo exchanged a glance, a mixture of anticipation and nervousness in their eyes. This was a world neither of them was familiar with, a world of professional competitors and strict protocols, where every combat could teach them something new and every opponent could push them to their limits.

The heavy doors swung open, revealing an opulent interior filled with chandeliers, wide staircases, and elegantly dressed patrons. The atmosphere buzzed with the quiet intensity of strategic conversations and the occasional sound of Pokémon battles echoing outside. "Wow, it's like being in another dimension," Tierno mused, more familiar with rural settings than such excessive lavishness. "All this stuff must cost a fortune in upkeep, their accounting must be a headache."

The lush gardens surrounding the vast property were a sight to behold, with meticulously trimmed hedges and vibrant flower beds lining the pathways. As Jude and Tierno wandered through this botanical paradise, they were drawn to a large lake that stretched out before the grand edifice. It was not just the serene beauty of the lake that captured their attention but the open-air battleground constructed upon its surface, specifically designed for Pokémon trainers to showcase their feats. They could actually notice that a duel was already underway.

Curious, the buddies moved closer, blending in with the small group of onlookers gathered around the lake. As they watched the ongoing fight, their curiosity quickly turned to tension. One of the combatants was none other than Astrid, her presence immediately souring Tierno's mood. "Great, just what I didn't want to see," he muttered under his breath, his displeasure evident. "What's this pest doin' here ?"

Jude sighed, understanding his pal's frustration. "Unfortunately, it was to be expected. Top-tier trainers and Astrid go hand in hand, she's the kind of player this club aims to sign up."

In the arena, Astrid's Absol was locked in combat with a Vigoroth, the large, sloth-like Pokémon struggling to land a hit on its nimble opponent. Absol's movements were even swifter than before, each dodge a blur as the white monkey's powerful claws swiped futilely through the air. With an agility that seemed to defy physics, the feline creature evaded a low kick by leaping gracefully over Vigoroth, landing momentarily on the ape's shoulders.

Under Astrid's cold command, Absol's fangs, crackling with electric energy, sank into Vigoroth's neck. The simian Pokémon faltered, dropping to one knee as pain flashed across its face. With a strategic backflip, Astrid's warrior dismounted and catapulted itself high into the air. It executed a perfect somersault, its body enveloped in a scarlet aura from the finish move Superpower. The descent was swift and devastating—Absol crashed into Vigoroth, the impact sending a shockwave across the platform and leaving the monkey unconscious.

The public erupted into applause as the victorious Pokémon landed deftly near Astrid, returning to its mistress with a flourish. Jude's eyes narrowed as he observed Absol more closely. Now that it stood still, it was much easier to discern its new ornament. It was a gleaming necklace adorned with a Mega Stone hung around its neck. His concern deepened ; if Astrid had already mastered the Mega Evolution this early in the competition, it marked her as a formidable adversary, far more dangerous than he had initially anticipated. However, perhaps she was still in the learning phase, which would be more plausible, but with her anything was to be expected.

No sooner said than done, the ace trainer and her faithful fighter found themselves surrounded by journalists. Astrid, dressed in a purple uniform emblazoned with the Latias Airlines logo, posed confidently, her Absol standing proudly by her side. The air was thick with flashes from cameras capturing every moment. The two friends felt a growing sense of unease. This scene was a stark reminder of Astrid's growing clout and undoubted talent.

Their attention was diverted when a man in a crisp smoking, also sporting the famous aircraft industry's logo, approached them with a brisk stride. "Good day, gentlemen ! I'm Frank Wintersea, advertising executive and representative of Latias Airlines," he began, his voice exuding a practiced charm. "You're witnessing the prowess of our company's official ambassador for the Kalos tournament, Astrid Hunter. She's not only an exceptional trainer but also a true testament to the ambitious spirit of our group. As proof, her Pokémon has just secured its fourth consecutive victory without showing signs of fatigue."

Before Jude or Tierno could get a word in, Frank continued his spiel enthusiastically, "Would you be interested in joining Astrid's fan club ? It's an exciting opportunity to be part of a winning team."

Tierno, who had been simmering with anger from the moment Serena's tormenter appeared, finally reached his boiling point. "Join her fan club ?" he replied with heavy irony, his patience snapping. "I'd rather join a poaching fan club."

Frank's smile faltered, confusion flickering across his face. Tierno continued, his voice growing louder, "Your ambassador, whom you seem so proud of, deliberately tried to kill my friend's Pokémon during a match. So, what I think of Miss Hunter can be summed up in two simple words : hatred and disgust."

Without waiting for a response, Tierno turned sharply and walked away, leaving a stunned silence in his wake. Jude stepped in, trying to smooth things over. "Sir, we have nothing against you personally," he said in a calm, even tone. "But as you can see, we're on very bad terms with your champion, so we'll have to decline your offer." With a polite nod, he quickly hurried after Tierno.

Mr. Wintersea stood there, watching them leave, absorbing the rebuff, his expression a mixture of puzzlement and irritation. Jude caught up with his pal a short distance away, finding him leaning against a tree, his arms crossed and a scowl on his face. "Hey, you okay ?" Jude asked.

Tierno let out a deep breath, some of the tension easing from his posture. "Yeah, I just couldn't stand hearing that guy talk about this scumbag like she's some kind of hero. It's hard to stomach seeing someone like her getting so much praise and attention, knowing what she's really capable of."

"I know it's annoying, but you handled that well," Jude replied, trying to offer some comfort. "Don't let Astrid or her supporters get under your skin, they're not worth it. We have to stay focused on our own goals."

Tierno nodded, pushing off from the wooden trunk. "You're right. Let's go further before she sees us, if she messes with us I'll gut her."

Quick as a flash, they hastily put some distance between themselves and the area. Both headed back inside the grand structure of the castle, hoping to explore more of its historic beauty without running into any more unpleasant familiar faces. As they meandered through the ornate hallways, their attention was suddenly drawn to a curious sight outside one of the large, arched windows. A man was scaling the edifice's outer wall with the dexterity of a seasoned mountaineer. His movements were fluid and confident, suggesting he was no stranger to such daring activities.

However, just as they watched his ascent, one of his holds, slicker than he had anticipated, betrayed him. The man's grip slipped, and he began to plummet towards the ground. Given the considerable height, it was clear he would be severely injured upon collision. Without a moment's hesitation, Tierno sprang into action. Leaning into his breakdancing skills, he spun at high speed on his arms, deploying one leg to slam an armchair across the floor. With a well-timed push, the chair slid perfectly beneath the falling climber, its soft cushion absorbing the fall's impact.

The two friends rushed outside to the fallen man, who was now sitting somewhat dazed but unharmed on the pillow. "Jeez, are you all right ?" Tierno asked, lifting the mountaineer to his feet.

The climber brushed himself off and smiled gratefully. "Thanks to you, yes, I'm fine," he responded with a sheepish grin, relieved yet embarrassed by his ordeal. "Nice move, that was some quick thinking."

Just then, the head butler hurried over, his expression a mix of astonishment and reprimand. "What on earth were you thinking, doing something so reckless ?" he scolded. "Sir, your Gym battles start in two days, and now is not the time to get yourself injured. If it hadn't been for these young people, you could have ended up in hospital."

The man scratched his head, chuckling awkwardly. "Sorry about that, Turner. I just couldn't resist the beauty of these well-kept walls. They were practically begging to be climbed."

Tierno, watching the interaction, couldn't help but smile at the man's passion. "You're totally enthralled by your sport, just like I am about dancing, I get it. When you love what you do, it's hard to hold back."

"Absolutely, that's my philosophy too," the mountaineer mused.

"A philosophy that shouldn't lead you to do mindless things either," the butler chided, even as his stern demeanor softened slightly. "Just be careful, sir. Accidents are quick to happen, and here it's my duty to ensure that our members don't risk their safety."

"Point taken, Turner, forgive my lack of prudence. I'll stick to the designated climbing areas from now on, promise."

As Mr. Lassalle walked away, Jude rethought what he'd just mentioned. On reflection, the climber's face rang a bell, and with this extra tip in mind, he turned to him with renewed curiosity. "Excuse me, are you by any chance Mr. Grant, the notorious Gym Leader from Cyllage City ?"

The man's eyes lit up, and he extended a hand in greeting. "Indeed, that's me. And you are ?"

"The name's Tierno, and here's my buddy Jude," the street dancer replied, shaking his hand. "We're taking part in the tournament."

Grant's feature broke into a broad smile. "Ah, fellow trainers ! I'm guessing this is your very first participation, I love seeing new folks in the competition. Adds to the thrill, doesn't it ?"

"You bet !" answered Tierno energetically with an excited glance. "It's awesome to see you in the flesh, we've heard a lot about your climbing skills and your prowess as a Gym Leader. Your Fossil Pokémon are a sight to behold."

Grant laughed. "Well, I try to stay active and keep things interesting. You were also impressive earlier. Lightning reflexes and creative technique—qualities of great candidate."

Tierno beamed at the compliment. "Thanks ! I've been practicing acrobatic dance and calisthenics since childhood, which helps me to relax and think more clearly. Anyway, it's an honor to meet someone as dedicated and experienced as you."

The trio chatted amiably for a few more minutes, exchanging anecdotes about their respective backgrounds and the challenges they faced. Despite the unconventional manner of their encounter, Jude and Tierno found themselves liking Grant, whose adventurous spirit and friendly nature made him instantly relatable. The warmth of the conversation had momentarily lifted their mood, especially Tierno's, who had managed to nearly forget about Astrid and the unpleasant memories associated with her. Unfortunately, fate seemed intent on testing him further.

As they continued their lively exchange, the blonde girl came to ruin the fun, her presence casting a shadow over the congenial vibe. With a sneer, she addressed Tierno directly, her voice dripping with disdain. "You here ? How inappropriate. How much did you pay to get into this prestigious place, hobby trainer ? Or did they just lower their standards ?"

Tierno's face flushed with wrath, the jovial atmosphere evaporating in an instant. "Why don't you get lost, asshole ? I want nothing to do with someone as twisted as you. You belong in an asylum, not here."

Astrid's eyes narrowed, her irritation palpable. In a bid to hit back, she raised her voice, ensuring the surrounding onlookers turned their attention towards them. "And where's Serena ? Oh, right, dumped by even you, I suppose. Such an incompetent liability, who'd ever want her ?"

The comment was a sharp dagger to Tierno's heart. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, his voice low and dangerous. "Don't you dare, bastard. Don't cross that line."

But Astrid, fueled by her own anger and perhaps a desire to provoke, pushed further, hurling more slurs about Serena. "Oh, now you're miffed because your girlfriend's a miserable trainer ? As whiny as she is lame, huh ? You'd make a lovely couple, two losers taking solace in their incompetence, it's so cute."

That was the last straw for Tierno. In a moment of blind rage, he lost control. His hand shot out, connecting with Astrid's cheek with enough force to make her stagger back a few steps. The sound of the slap echoed through the garden, drawing curious stares from nearby guests. Astrid held her cheek, her eyes blazing with fury. For a fleeting moment, an image of her abusive father popped into her head, and a few tears escaped her eyes. Tierno, panting heavily, pointed a finger at her. "You filthy, dirty little scumbag ! Never insult Serena in front of me again, or you'll regret it."

Enraged at seeing its mistress hurt, Absol snarled menacingly at the culprit, its body tensed for confrontation. Before the situation could escalate further, Grant summoned one of his Pokémon to restore calm. A majestic Archeops flew down, landing deftly between the quarrelsome pair, its presence imposing and authoritative. The Gym Leader, following quickly behind, wore a stern expression that brooked no argument. Some guards patrolling around threatened to intervene too, but Grant gestured with his hand that it wasn't necessary and that he'd handle the whole issue.

"Enough," the Gym Leader commanded firmly. "If you two want to fight, take it to the Pokémon battle arena. This is not the place for such disputes."

Astrid, still rubbing her reddened cheek, flashed a wicked grin at her opponent. "Fine by me. I'll be delighted to make him bite the dust."

Grant turned to the dancer, his gaze bossy yet empathic. "Tierno, I understand you're upset, but here at the Battle Chateau, we resolve our conflicts through regulated Pokémon duels, not human ones. Can I trust you to uphold that principle ?"

Tierno, still seething yet embarrassed by his loss of control, nodded reluctantly. "Yes, you can, Grant. I... I'm sorry. It won't happen again," he said, trying to regain his composure. "Okay, I agree too, let's settle this on the battlefield."

Then the Gym Leader addressed Astrid with a much more inquisitive look. "As for you, young lady, if I catch you verbally harassing one of our members again, I'll personally ensure your permanent exclusion from this establishment. Courtesy is the norm here, sponsored or not, remember that."

The top competitor felt particularly resentful at being berated like a little kid, but seeing that this guy didn't seem to be joking, she kept her cool. This wasn't the time to be kicked out of the club in front of the press, but rather to give Tierno a well-deserved training lesson. The two buddies stepped back temporarily from this increasingly invasive audience, mostly from Astrid.

When they had gone far enough, the dancer, who had recovered his poise, spoke with a mixture of regret and bitter temper. "Listen, I know I behaved rashly, but I just can't stand her anymore. How she thinks she's the Queen of Kalos when she's nothing but a damn nutcase, that's sickening."

Jude reassured him by placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, I'm certainly not going to blame you for this. She was clearly overstepping the mark, and even I was on the verge of smacking her," he admitted with a shy smile. "But are you sure about this match ? I don't want to sound pessimistic, but I'm afraid we're not ready for that yet."

Tierno nodded, wearing the determination of a man with honor to preserve. "I know it'll be bloody hard, but I've got to at least try, for Serena's sake and for mine. We're not gonna let ourselves stand here and be reviled."

"I understand, and you're perfectly right to defend your dignity. I'm with you, count on my support, but please stay alert."

Santalune City buzzed with the vibrant energy of its inhabitants and visitors, the air filled with the sounds of chatter and the occasional cars whirr. Among the town's bustling streets, Korrina walked with a noticeable spring in her step. Her blue eyes sparkled with pride, and she couldn't help but grin as she glanced at the gleaming Bug Badge now pinned to her chest. She had done it—she had earned her first Gym emblem in the competition.

Beside her, Lucario and Pangoro strolled with matching swagger, their postures straight and their expressions content. They had fought valiantly, and Korrina wanted to reward their efforts. She led them to a cozy sandwich shop she had spotted earlier, a place frequented by trainers and locals alike, its inviting aroma wafting out to the alley. "How about a treat for my two champions ?" the blonde trainer proposed, her voice filled with affection.

Both Pokémon nodded eagerly, and after Korrina had paid for the food, they sat down at an outdoor eating area. The trio's table was a cheerful scene, with Lucario and Pangoro enjoying their well-deserved meal, their bodies relaxed and satisfied after the intense combats they'd won and the delicate care they'd received immediately afterwards. Their master watched them with a mixture of admiration and fondness, her heart swelling at their dedication and prowess.

As she took a bite of her sandwich, Korrina pulled out her cell phone, which had been buzzing persistently in her pocket. Curious, she activated the touch screen and saw several notifications waiting for her. Her heart warmed as she read through the messages. Friends and acquaintances from Shalour City had sent their congratulations, each one more encouraging than the last. Every mail brought a smile to her face, a wave of gratification spreading through her as she scrolled through the enthusiastic texts celebrating her achievement.

Among the messages was a text from Ramos, her steadfast supporter, whose words were always a comfort : "Great job, rising star ! Proud of you and your team. Keep up the fantastic work !" However, as she continued to read through the messages, Korrina's smile slowly faded. There was no word from Gurkinn, nothing, not even a casual "Well done." Despite her naive hope that this first success might soften his harsh demeanor and elicit at least a nod of acknowledgment, it seemed he had chosen to maintain his uncaring silence.

Korrina's shoulders slumped slightly, the joy of her first victory tinged with a sharp pang of disappointment. The azure canid, ever attuned to his trainer's emotions, looked at her with concern. The sumo panda, too, glanced up, sensing the shift in her mood. Korrina managed a weak smile to reassure them. "It's okay, guys. I'm fine, really," she soothed, her tone yet a little too bright.

But inside, Korrina wrestled with the disappointment. She had longed for even the smallest sign of approval from her grandpa, a hint that she was on the right path—not just as a trainer but as his granddaughter. The absence of any news from him was a mute dismissal of her efforts, a reminder of the emotional distance he maintained, no matter her feats. The ache in her chest was a painful reminder of how hard she was trying to win the approval of someone who seemed to rejected her.

Trying to shake off the creeping sadness, Korrina focused on the positives. She had her companions, her friends, and the support of almost everyone important to her, although the most important was coldly missing. Both Pokémon exchanged worried glances but decided not to press further. Instead, they nudged their sandwiches towards their trainer, trying to cheer her up in their own way. Korrina chuckled softly, grateful for their support. "Thanks, you two. Let's keep our eyes on the next badge, okay ? Grant will be a tough hurdle, but I've already come up with a few strategies that might enable us to handle him."

Lucario barked softly in agreement, a sound of solidarity that bolstered Korrina's spirits. Pangoro gave a reassuring grunt, its own way of saying they were all in this together. With a renewed sense of resolve, Korrina finished her meal and began setting up the schedule for future training sessions. She knew the road ahead in the Kalos League would be challenging, filled with formidable adversaries and personal trials.

Yet, with each step and each progression, she was slowly learning that her worth wasn't dictated by the credits she received or didn't receive from Gurkinn. This journey was hers, and she would make it count, forging a path defined by her own choices and the bonds with her Pokémon. No matter the outcomes, no matter the accolades, they would move forward, united.

To be continued