Chapter 20 — Ghosts of Rivalries
The next morning, as the sun began to rise over the cliffs of Ambrette Town, Jude and his band of friends were already heading back to the beach, eager to enjoy its calm before the inevitable tourist crowd arrived. The air was fresh, and the gentle breeze carried the scent of the sea, making the early start feel well worth it.
A cloud of Wingull flew in formation in the sky, and the high waves seemed ideal to practice surf. Once they reached the sand, the group was reassured at the sight of the white flag fluttering in the wind, signaling that the water was safe. No hostile Pokémon would trouble them as long as they stayed in the designated swimming area. By contrast, the orange flag also brandished warned them of rough ocean currents, suitable only for advanced swimmers.
"Great, we've practically got the place to ourselves," Shauna enthused as she began to unfold her towel. "We've got to make the most of it before all the throngs show up."
"You're right, it's a perfect day for surfing," Jude said with a grin. "Tierno, you up for it ?"
"You bet I am !" the dancer replied, cracking his knuckles in anticipation. "But first, let's set our Pokémon free. They deserve some fun too."
One by one, their partners emerged from their Poké Balls. Fletchinder, Noivern, Braixen, Quilladin and the others happily scampered toward the shore, eager to explore the open space. With Frogadier and Wartortle leading the way, the two boys grabbed the surfboards they'd borrowed from their motel, ready to ride the waves. Snubbull clambered onto his trainer's shoulders, happily barking as he savored the thrill.
"Hang in there, buddy, it's gonna be like on a roller coaster," Jude called as the ninja frog splashed into the water, creating a path for them to follow. Both set off, sailing over the massive waves as they rolled toward the shore. The pink bulldog squealed in excitement, its paws gripping Jude's shoulders tightly as they glided along the surface of the water.
Tierno, not far behind, whooped as his bipedal turtle raced across the waves with him, the Pokémon's shell spinning as it carved through the water. "Not bad mate, but check this out !" Using the tip of a wave as a springboard, Tierno performed an aerial spin and landed on his board, balancing on one arm. "Behold the Surf God in all his glory !"
Meanwhile, Serena laid out her towel and stretched out beneath the sun, adjusting her sunglasses as she prepared for a tanning sesh. "Ah, c'est la belle vie. No worries, no Astrid," she rejoiced with a contented sigh, mimicked by her Pokémon who were comfortably tucked up next to her.
Shauna, on the other hand, had a different plan—she was already hard at work building an elaborate sandcastle near the shoreline. Her face scrunched in concentration as she molded the towers with precision. "When the guys see my masterpiece, they'll be speechless." She was just adding the final touches to one of her castle's turrets when she suddenly felt something grab her hand. Teeth clenched in abrupt pain, she looked down to see a mischievous Corphish emerging from the sand, clutching her wrist tightly with its claw.
"EEEEEK ! What the hell ?!" Shauna shrieked in surprise, frantically shaking her hand in an attempt to free herself. "Let go, let go !" Her unexpected assailant, however, seemed to find the situation amusing, holding on with a glint in its eye. Shauna, her frustration building, continued to flail wildly about, unwittingly trampling her sandcastle in the process. In the distance, Wartortle noticed the commotion and quickly sprang into action. With a nimble leap, he propelled himself out of the water, using a nearby wave to rise into the air with style.
With an agile pirouette, the blue turtle spun his body swiftly, releasing a burst of ice from his shell. The launch was aimed at Corphish, but just as it was about to connect, the red-shelled lobster released Shauna's hand at the last possible second and scuttled to the side, leaving the young trainer in the direct line of fire. "YAAAAARGH !" With a comical scream, Shauna found herself encased in a block of ice, her face frozen in an expression of shock.
Serena straightened up, her eyes widening in disbelief as she watched the scene unfold. "Oh no, Shauna ! Are you okay ?"
Corphish and Wartortle, now standing side by side, glanced at each other in anticipation of their fight. But before either could attack, a cracking sound interrupted them. With a sudden, explosive blow, Shauna shattered her prison, standing free in a flurry of icy shards. She glared at the two Pokémon, her face flushed with irritation. Both aquatic beings, sensing the wrath of an angry girl, immediately huddled together in fear, their earlier bravado completely gone.
Shauna's fury was palpable as she stepped toward them. "You two…" she growled, her fists clenched and her teeth like fangs. The two Pokémon exchanged panicked glances before bolting down the beach, the enraged trainer hot on their heels. "Get back here !" she yelled, fiery flames dancing in her eyes. "You're going to regret that !"
Serena ended up laughing out loud, unable to control herself. The absurdity of watching her friend chasing after the two runaways and crashing headfirst into the sand every time she swooped down in an attempt to catch them was hilarious. Eventually, Jude and Tierno stepped in, vaulting off their surfboards and landing neatly on the shore with a somersault. Both fleeing Pokémon immediately went to hide behind them, and when their pursuer arrived in turn, Jude tried to calm her down. "Shauna, please chill out," he asked, cupping his hands in a sign of peace. "Wartortle didn't mean to hit you, it was an accident."
Shauna stopped in her tracks, breathing heavily, still leering at the two culprits. Serena joined them, trying her best to soothe the tension. "Jude's right, it was just a misunderstanding, don't hold a grudge. Look, they're scared of you now."
Shauna huffed, crossing her arms. "I sure hope so," she muttered, the anger slowly ebbing away. "Fine, fine, I forgive them... But next time, Wartortle, aim better !" The blue turtle looked sheepish as he gave her a small wave of apology, while the red lobster relaxed, relieved that the situation had settled down at last.
Later in the morning, the beach had become livelier as more people arrived, but the group's focus was entirely on Corphish and Wartortle, who were now getting along surprisingly well. Both water creatures were performing synchronized breakdancing swings on the sand, their coordination improving with every spin and flip. Tierno's eyes lit up, awestruck by their improvised performance. "Look at them go ! Corphish really knows how to move, I love his sense of rhythm. Not everyone is blessed with such skill, trust the expert."
Serena and Shauna, now fully refreshed after the earlier mishap, watched with amused smiles as the two Pokémon spun in the sand, their tricks becoming more elaborate and impressive. "Looks like you've found another dance partner for your team," Serena pointed out with a smirk. "With you as his coach, he could become even better."
"Yeah, sounds like a great idea ! He's a talented little fellow, with loads of potential." After watching the dynamic duo for a few more minutes, Tierno turned to the crustacean with a hopeful expression. "Hey, pal… what do you say ? Want to join my crew ? We could have a lot of fun together, dancing and battling." Corphish paused mid-spin, its eyes locking onto Tierno. It seemed to consider the offer for a moment before nodding energetically, clapping its claws in agreement. "Wonderful ! Welcome to my gang, bro, you'll feel right at home !" exclaimed his new official trainer, before adding slyly in a low voice. "Just don't pinch Shauna and all will be smooth sailing."
"I heard you..." grumbled the girl with pigtails as she rolled her emerald eyes.
About two hours later, the peaceful beach had become a bustling hotspot. Tourists and locals alike had flocked to the shore, setting up umbrellas, beach chairs, and picnic blankets, filling nearly every available space. The calm shared by the four buddies was quickly replaced by the chatter of families, children playing, and the occasional frustrated grumbles from those trying to stake out the perfect spot on the sand. As more people arrived, space became scarce. The group had no choice but to recall their Pokémon, who had been joyfully running around the beach earlier. What had once been a fun morning quickly became cramped and uncomfortable.
Shauna, clearly irritated, folded her arms and puffed, peering at a handful of tourists who were shooting annoyed glances their way. "What's wrong with these jerks, they need all the space !? Honestly, we were here first ! If they don't like it, they can just leave !"
Sensing her friend's rage rising, Jude gently laid a hand on her shoulder. "Don't mind them, they're not worth it. It's just getting too overcrowded, that's all. We'll find something else to do."
Shauna sighed, her arms dropping to her sides. "I guess you're right. But still…"
"It's okay, we've had our fun here, we can let the others enjoy it now," Serena interjected. "Hey, how about we check out the Ambrette Aquarium ? I heard it's the largest in Kalos, maybe even in the whole country. We can get out of the sun for a bit and maybe grab some lunch after."
Tierno promptly expressed interest at the mention of food. "I'm in ! Plus, I've heard they've got some pretty amazing exhibits. I'd love to see some of those rare specimens up close."
Jude and Shauna quickly agreed, and soon, the decision was made. They packed up their things and made their way off the thronged beach, leaving behind the noise and mayhem. After a quick stop at the Pokémon Center to return the surfboards Jude and Tierno had rented earlier, the group set out for their next destination. The aquarium stood on the outskirts of Ambrette Town, on the edge of the sea, its large, sleek edifice visible from afar. As they approached, the towering glass windows offered glimpses of the vast marine life inside, with silhouettes of Water-type Pokémon swimming gracefully in gigantic tanks.
The entrance to the aquarium was also lined with tourists, but the atmosphere here was much calmer compared to the beach. Jude collected the tickets and led the band inside, glad to be away from the heat and madding crowds. The cool air inside the building was a welcome relief, and they were immediately greeted by the gentle hum of water pumps and the soft glow of the large, illuminated pools. "Wow, this place is so big !" Shauna exclaimed, her eyes wide as she took in the massive interior. "I've never seen anything like this before, it's crazy."
Serena nodded in agreement, her gaze already fixed on one of the tanks near the front ticket office. Inside, a school of Luvdisc swam in perfect synchrony, their heart-shaped bodies shimmering in the soft light. As they wandered deeper into the aquarium, they passed by several exhibits showcasing a wide variety of aquatic creatures. There were enormous pools filled with Dewgong and Kingdra, smaller displays with clusters of Corsola and Clamperl, and even a section dedicated to the exotic Pokémon from foreign lands, including Alola and Galar.
Tierno, as usual, was drawn to the more energetic Pokémon. "Wow, look at those cool guys over there !" he shouted excitedly, pointing to a nearby tank where a bunch of Mantine glided effortlessly through the water, occasionally leaping out and performing graceful flips. "They're like natural dancers !"
Serena laughed. "I think you've found your spirit Pokémon, Tierno." The group continued exploring, pausing at each new exhibit to admire the incredible variety of species that called the sea their home. The pools were vast, stretching from floor to ceiling in some areas, and the soft blue light that filled the aquarium created a serene, almost otherworldly atmosphere.
As they neared the center of the site, they crossed a particularly spacious tank through a submerged tunnel with armored glass walls. Inside, a colossal Wailord drifted lazily through the water, its immense size dwarfing the other Pokémon around it. Despite being very small compared to its counterparts, its six-meter length was nonetheless impressive by human standards. Shauna's jaw dropped as she stared up at the gentle giant. "It's the first time I've seen such a huge Pokémon up close, quite insane." They stood there for a while, mesmerized by the titan's slow, rhythmic movements.
After some time, a loud gurgling noise pierced the silence. All four friends stared at each other before Tierno announced with a somewhat awkward expression, "Don't blame Wailord, it's just my stomach crying out," he said with a dazed smile.
"Say no more, it's time to break bread," Shauna suggested. The facility had its share of businesses, including a restaurant with affordable prices, just right for the little gang. They settled down around a table whose design didn't belie the overall theme, with shell-shaped chairs and a decorative fountain featuring a pirate automaton presenting the menu list.
Tierno and Serena were animatedly discussing the options, debating between the seafood platter and the garden salad, while Shauna pondered over the dessert choices with a gleam in her eyes. As they debated over which dishes to order, Jude found himself retreating into his thoughts. The cheerful chatter around him faded as memories took shape in his mind.
Once again, he saw the stadium in a frenzy, spotlights shining on Diantha and Siebold as they reverently saluted the audience after their intense duel. Jude had preferred to slip away before the crowds swarmed towards the exits and he was stuck in the rabble. He had taken a detour, walking into one of the now-empty classrooms where he had spent so many hours over the years. It felt strange, being in the academy without the usual buzz of students and teachers. The silence was welcome, but it did little to calm the storm inside him. The prospect of surpassing someone like Diantha, someone whose strength and grace seemed untouchable, felt impossible.
She was too strong, too experienced. How could he compete on that level ? Jude sighed heavily, slumping into a chair at one of the desks. The thought alone made him feel small, insignificant, like a kid pretending to be something he wasn't. He reached for his cell phone, idly checking messages, trying to distract himself. To his surprise, there was a notification from his old friend Clemont : "Congratulations on graduating ! I'm sorry I couldn't make it to the ceremony—still tied up in Sinnoh for a bit longer. But I'll be back soon, and we'll catch up then. Good luck for the next step !"
A small smile tugged at Jude's lips. Clemont's words were a balm to his restless mind. His buddy's confidence in him was refreshing, almost grounding. But even the scientist's kind encouragements couldn't silence the doubt gnawing at him. Just as he began typing a reply, the classroom door creaked open. Jude looked up and immediately recognized the person standing in the doorway. Kimia, a former academy prodigy. She had changed since the last time he'd seen her. Her long golden hair, which had grown considerably since she graduated, was tied into four neat buns, giving her a unique and striking appearance.
Her sharp eyes, the same piercing blue as her father's, surveyed the room before landing on Jude. Kimia had been Alain's main rival during their time at the academy. Their exchanges were always cordial, but the competition between them was merciless, both constantly locked in a relentless struggle to outdo each another. In the end, their race for the title of top student was won by Alain, though she had come dangerously close to beating him. Jude had witnessed their rivalry from the sidelines, always aware of the icy distance Kimia maintained between herself and everyone else.
Now, standing before him, she looked just as cold and impassive as ever. But there was something in her eyes that Jude recognized immediately—disdain. "I've been looking for you, Sharp," she greeted, her tone neutral, though her expression was anything but amiable. Jude felt a pang of unease. Kimia had never been particularly nice to him, and he knew the reason why—their fathers despised each other. Siebold and Ray were two prominent Kalos dignitaries, and their mutual scorn had trickled down to their children—at least to Kimia, since Jude simply ignored her.
"A Pidgey landed on my shoulder and whispered that you'd planned to join the tournament," the blonde girl teased, her voice low, but the edge in her words unmistakable. "I can't say I'm surprised. It must be a direct order from Ray, right ? He's counting on you to serve as his pawn in the Elite 4. And here I thought you had more sense than that…"
Jude bristled but kept a poker face. He didn't respond right away, unsure of where this conversation was going. Kimia's gaze hardened as she took a step closer, her lips curling into a faint, almost mocking smile. "You know you're wasting your time, right ?" she continued. "I've been training my entire life, and you, you've only been interested in Pokémon battles for what ? Two years ? You're a rookie, you don't stand a chance. Professionals like us aren't going to go easy on you just because you're some notable's son."
Her words cut deep, mostly because they rang true. Jude had seen Kimia in action before. She was a serious threat, focused and ruthless. She was right—he wasn't on her level. Not yet. But that didn't mean she had the right to dismiss him so easily. "I didn't need you to guess such an obvious point," he eventually answered, trying to keep his mood steady. "Besides, everyone has to start somewhere."
Siebold's daughter crossed her arms, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips. "Sure, as soon as you're prepared for a reality check. But of course, you can't say no to Ray, can you ? You've always been his little puppet. When are you going to grow a spine and stop letting him pull your strings ?"
Her taunts hit hard, a direct strike at the insecurity Jude had always carried. That was enough, he wasn't going to let himself be offended any longer without reacting. Before he could muster a defense, the temperature in the room seemed to drop. A presence filled the space, steely and suffocating. Jude didn't need to turn around to know who had just entered. Ray had appeared like a specter materializing from the shadows, moving with the silent precision of a predator. His piercing, calculating eyes were hidden behind his usual dark glasses, but his smile—sharp and venomous—was all too visible. Kimia, despite her confidence, visibly stiffened at his arrival.
Ray's voice was deceptively calm as he addressed her. "Miss Beaumont, I pity you. You must have little faith in your own abilities if you're reduced to intimidate a novice. Is that how low you've fallen ?"
A bolt of nervousness passed through the Beaumont heiress's gaze. Unlike Jude, who was innately laid-back, his father was the exact opposite. Verbal ascendancy over him would be much more difficult. "I was merely offering some advice," she countered coolly. "It's important to know one's limits."
The Ogre chuckled evilly. "Advice ? It sounded more like desperation. But I suppose that was to be expected," he continued, his tone frosty. "It's in your family's genes, after all. Eternal losers." He paused, letting the insult sink in.
Kimia's smirk vanished, replaced by a flash of anger. She glared at the magnate, her fists clenching at her sides. "How dare you ? Be careful what you say, you might regret it."
"Bark all you want, little Herdier, it won't change the truth," the tycoon replied, his voice dripping with contempt. "Siebold has never been more than a footstep for Diantha, a mediocre trainer who gets sorely dominated every time they clash. As for you, you seem just as pathetic as he is. You may strut around in your fancy clothes, but you're still the useless runner-up, the underdog who bent the knee to Alain. Your snide jibes at my son only highlight your inferiority complex."
Kimia's expression twisted with fury. The comment struck a nerve, cracking her mask of composure. The mogul had effortlessly dismantled her with a few carefully chosen words, and now Kimia stood there, visibly struggling to contain her rage. Jude could see the hurt in her eyes, the way her jaw clenched as she fought back the urge to lash out. "You... I'll make you pay for this affront... Fine, let Jude compete if you wish, and I hope to face him. I'll crush him in front of all Kalos ! Mark my words, you'll NEVER recover from such humiliation ; you'll be shamed forever !"
Jude flinched slightly. It was the first time he'd seen Kimia get upset or even just scream. Ray had succeeded in getting her riled up, and that seemed to greatly amuse him. Now, she was exactly where he wanted her—out of control, emotional. But he wasn't done yet and delivered his final blow with a cruel smile. "For someone who thrives on provocation, you're awfully fragile. Your menaces are worthless, you're too insignificant to affect us. As I figured, you're no different from Siebold, constantly walking in the shadow of true champions. Come on, Jude, let's leave her to wallow in her bitterness. You've got a League to win, while others waste their time posturing."
Jude hesitated for a moment, his eyes meeting Kimia's. She looked devastated, her bravado crumbling under the weight of shame. For the first time, Jude saw something more than callousness in her—he saw pain. And though part of him felt grateful that his father had defended him so effectively, another part of him felt a bit sorry. Sure, she deserved to be put in her place, having initiated harsh hostilities that she had ultimately failed to assume. But Ray had gone too far. He always went too far. Finally, Jude obeyed and followed his father out of the room quietly. Behind his back, he could guess the Beaumont heiress's intense gaze upon him, burning with resentment and wrath.
Jude hadn't seen Kimia since that day, and frankly, maybe it was for the best. The young woman was probably still mad at him, waiting for the right opportunity to carry out her threat. He'd better get ready, she was an exceptional trainer and she wouldn't do him any favors. Suddenly, Tierno drew him out of his thoughts by shoving a menu under his nose. "Ey man, I can't decide. Which do you think is better, Krabby's tartare or Finneon's skewers ?"
"Anyway, I'm not touching anything made from Pokémon," Shauna interjected with a disgusted look on her face. "Don't they have vegetarian food here ?"
"Why don't you order the vegetable salad with cheese toast like I did ?" Serena suggested. "It looks delicious and it's guaranteed Pokémon-free."
"Ey, how about we play whoever eats the fastest gets their meal paid for by everyone else ?" idly proposed Tierno.
"No way, you always win that stupid game !" retorted Shauna, pouting. This intervention brought a hearty laugh from the gang, just what Jude needed to keep his mind free of parasitic thoughts. He had his friends, and he knew he could count on them if things got tough.
The sun hung low over the granite mountains surrounding Cyllage City, casting long shadows across the sprawling open-air training grounds not far from the town's Pokémon Center. The scent of the sea mingled with the heat rising from the earth, creating a unique atmosphere that Alain had always found both relaxing and energizing. But there was no time for calm now—not when practice was in session.
The blue-scarfed trainer stood near the edge of the field, his sharp eyes fixed on his Charmeleon, who shifted with fierce intensity. The flamboyant orange reptile dashed across the ground, its blazing claws slashing through the air with precision, as though facing an invisible opponent. Each movement was fluid, controlled, and powerful. Alain could see the progress they'd made since his new recruit had evolved. Charmeleon's speed and might were impressive, with every swipe more focused than the last.
The ace competitor glanced at his Pokédex, its screen glowing faintly in the dimming light. The timer he'd set for today's workout had just run out. It was time to wrap things up. "Alright, partner," he began, his voice tranquil but firm. "That's enough for—"
Before he could finish his sentence, something unexpected cut through the air. A sleek, serpentine figure darted across the training field like a green blur, surging along at tremendous swiftness. A Serperior. The elegant Grass-type creature charged at Charmeleon, its eyes shining with a defiant glare. Without Alain getting a chance to react, the two Pokémon collided in a sudden, fervent exchange of dodges and strikes. Serperior lashed out with its lithe, whip-like body, forcing the reptile to leap and duck to avoid the rapid attacks.
With a circular sweep of its flaming tail, Charmeleon tried to fend off its challenger, but the snake was quicker and leapt above the assault, using its lanky form as a spring. Serperior retaliated by swooping down on the orange Pokémon, its vegetal morph covered with cutting spines. Charmeleon stepped back quickly, narrowly dodging the verdant missile which ripped through the ground as it landed.
"Who... ?" Alain's eyes narrowed as he scanned the field, trying to catch sight of the trainer behind this surprise onslaught. For yes, it was plain to see that this Serperior was no common wild Pokémon, but a warrior meticulously drilled for combat. Someone was goading him into a test, a particularly gifted one.
The reptile tried ranged actions, shooting a flurry of fireballs at the snake, relying on its type advantage to catch it off-guard. Unfortunately, this was hardly effective, as the slender Pokémon's zigzagging silhouette slalomed between the projectiles with disconcerting agility. Serperior was far too quick, veering out of the way before the flames could touch it. With a twisting motion, its tail began to glow with an eerie green radiance. The scales along its lithe body hardened, becoming crisp and rigid—a clear sign that it was about to use Dragon Tail.
Alain's heart raced for a split second, but he soon regained control of the situation by directing his fighter. "Charmeleon, counterattack with Dragon Claw !" he promptly ordered, his voice cutting through the intensity of the moment.
The orange reptile's claws ignited with a scorching blue aura as he lunged forward, meeting Serperior's tail strike head-on. The two forces smashed together with a loud, resounding crack, the energy from the clash sending electric sparks into the air. For a brief moment, the two Pokémon appeared equally matched, their attacks locked in a fierce struggle for dominance. Finally, none of them gained the upper hand. The impact sent both brawlers skidding backward, forced apart by the sheer strength of their collision. Charmeleon regained its footing quickly, its ardent eyes locked on Serperior, who slithered gracefully back into fighting stance.
Alain's gaze shifted toward the field's outlet, where he finally spotted the figure who commanded the vegetable snake. He wasn't surprised to see her. Kimia Beaumont, his long-time rival. The tall, poised young woman stood at the entrance of the battleground, waving her Pokémon off. She wore her usual cool expression, though there was an unmistakable twinkle in her navy eyes—a whiff that Alain knew all too well. Their rivalry had always been acute, and seeing her again brought that familiar tension surging to the surface. Thirst for triumph was written in the blonde's stare.
Kimia approached, her Serperior slithering smoothly back to her side. She stopped a few feet away from Alain, her arms crossed over her chest as she surveyed the blazing reptile. "Still as sharp as ever, Alain," she said coolly, her voice as steady as her gaze. "It seems you haven't lost your touch."
Alain returned the compliment with equal neutrality. "Only you would be confident enough to attack a Fire-type with a Grass-type," he replied, his eyes never leaving her. "I see your audacity hasn't changed."
Kimia's lips twitched into the faintest hint of a smirk, though it was more of a defiance than a gesture of warmth. "You should know by now, I don't play by type advantage, only the amateurs rely on that. I wanted to see your newest addition at work, and I'm not disappointed."
There was a cold cordiality between them, the kind that existed only between adversaries who knew each other by heart. They had been classmates, yes, but more than that, they had been persistent competitors—each pushing the other to be better, always vying for the top spot. Though Alain had ultimately come out as the valedictorian, Kimia had never been far behind, ready to steal his limelight at the slightest slackening. And now, here they were again. A bit older, more experienced, but still locked in the same unspoken archrivalry.
Kimia's look flickered with determination. "Don't forget you owe me a rematch. I still haven't come to terms with my defeat at the academy, and I intend to use this tournament to put things right. This time, I won't be the one playing second fiddle. I'll be number one, the one in charge of running the Elite 4."
Alain knew Kimia's aspiration ran deep—he had seen it in her during their schooldays. Her drive to succeed had always been relentless, and she had always been committed to following in the footsteps of the prestigious Beaumont family. But Alain was no stranger to ambition, either. He, too, had his sights set on the Elite 4, and he wasn't about to let anyone deter him from reaching that goal.
Their rivalry was as alive as ever, and it was clear that neither of them would back down. The Pokémon League wasn't just a simple sportive event—it was the arena where they would finally settle the question of who was the stronger trainer, who would become hierarchically superior to the other. Alain's expression didn't change, but his eyes hardened slightly. "I'll be waiting to see that, you've always had a tenacity that compels respect. But don't expect any leniency from me."
Kimia took a step forward, her voice unwavering. "I don't expect anything from you but your best. There's no satisfaction in an easy victory, and I intend to savor mine. Be ready, because I certainly will be."
The poignancy in her tone was undeniable, and Alain could feel the weight of her words. She'd already lost once, and she couldn't tolerate a second failure, her reputation depended on it. For a brief moment, the two former alumni stood in silence, the tension between them as thick as the heat in the air. Charmeleon let out a resolute growl, the fire in its amber eyes mirroring Alain's own resolve. As for Serperior, it remained quietly composed, its distinguished air an extension of Kimia's. Their keen competitive spirit, once confined to the Royal Academy, was now on a much larger stage. And the stakes were higher than ever.
To be continued