Chapter 22 — The Ogre Behind the Scenes
The headquarters of Latias Airlines was an architectural marvel in the heart of Lumiose City. Towering above the bustling streets, the skyscraper seemed to pierce the clouds, a testament to the success and ambition of one of Kalos' largest corporations. On the top floor, in a corner office that boasted panoramic views of the megalopolis, Henry Goldwin sat in his plush leather chair, his gaze fixed on the large flat screen before him. The CEO was a short man with sharp eyes that missed nothing, his somewhat gruff appearance accentuated by a thick cigar wedged in the corner of his mouth and a vibrant green suit that clashed audaciously with the sophisticated office decor.
Today, Henry was in a particularly good mood. On the TV, Astrid stood in the center of a Gym arena, proudly holding up the Cliff Badge she had just won in her duel against Grant. Behind her, Heatmor and Trevenant, the two warriors that had delivered a flawless performance, posed triumphantly, both exuding the same fierce energy as their trainer. The battle had been a masterclass of skill and strategy, leaving no doubt in anyone's mind that Astrid was a force to be reckoned with. The rotund entrepreneur took a deep puff of his cigar, a satisfied grin spreading across his face. With a flourish, he leaned back in his chair, swiveling it to face the man standing silently by the window.
Ray stood there, as imposing and unruffled as ever, his dark suit and inscrutable expression exuding an aura of might. Mister Goldwin felt a thrill of admiration mixed with apprehension in front of the Ogre, a mogul whose mere suggestion could turn an unknown trainer into a star, or ruin a rival business. As the company's leading shareholder, Ray had orchestrated this entire situation with cold precision, seeing potential where no one else had.
"Things are proceeding exactly as you predicted, Mr. Sharp," Henry rejoiced with a gravelly voice, releasing a vast puff of smoke that vaguely formed a Pokédollar sign. "If Astrid kept winning at this rate, her popularity will skyrocket, and with it, Latias Airlines' profits. I have to admit, I had my doubts about this girl at first. A young hothead with a chip on her shoulder and without established credentials or reputation... not exactly what I'd call a sure bet." He waved his cigar in the air as if brushing off the memory of his initial reluctance. "But after seeing her in action, I have to say, I owe you. You've unearthed a real polished gem, hats off to her."
Ray's expression didn't change, but he inclined his head slightly, as if acknowledging the compliment. Henry took another generous swig from his cigar before speaking again, blowing out a cloud of tobacco fumes. "I can already see the branding possibilities—everything from limited-edition merchandise to exclusive event promotions. Astrid will be the name everyone wants to wear. Figurines, clothing lines, commercials… We'll plaster her face on every bus and billboard from here to Unova. We'll see dough pouring in like never before."
Ray turned his gaze toward the CEO, his tone smooth but with an underlying firmness. "Money is important, but on our struggle scale it remains insufficient to ensure control. The right people in the right positions—that's how you build an empire. Astrid's talents were clear from the moment I had my scouts observe her. She's the perfect candidate for what we're planning here—someone who not only wins but wins decisively. The ideal choice to revitalize our dusty Elite 4."
Mr. Goldwin swallowed, feeling a chill despite himself. He knew his boss wasn't simply talking about market shares or turnover ; he was talking about ruling a legacy, cementing power that would last long after their time. And with trainers like Miss Hunter, who could embody the strength and ruthlessness he valued, Ray's vision was steadily taking shape. "Well," Henry hesitated, adjusting his tie to ease his own nerves. "The way you find these budding wunderkind, it's uncanny. You have quite the network, sir. Your spies are impressive, to say the least. You have informants in every corner of the country, keeping tabs on anyone who shows even a spark of promise."
Ray's thin smile betrayed a hint of pride. "It's my responsibility to know who is worth the investment. My scouts are tasked with spotting anyone who might be useful to our business ahead of the competition. Once identified, their potential can be cultivated, molded, and, when the time is right, brought into the fold."
Henry chuckled in his husky voice, shaking his head in disbelief. "And you have a knack for it, no doubt. Not to mention how easily they fall into line once they understand who's backing them. First Roxie, now Astrid… you're really building a heck of a team. Trainers like them are the future of Kalos, a new standard that will ensure we remain at the pinnacle of influence and command."
Ray's voice remained calm, though his words were laced with purpose. "I find those who will thrive," he said simply, his tone almost icy. "And then, I give them the tools they need. Whether it's cash, fame, or simply the right push, they all fulfill their roles. And once they're part of the machine, they're loyal. Because they know I can take them higher than anyone else can, but I can also claim it all back if they dare to disobey me."
The two allies sat in silence for a moment, both envisioning the future that lay ahead. Mr. Goldwin was thrilled at the prospect of the financial gains Astrid would bring, while the tycoon was more focused on the strategic position she represented. It was a partnership born of mutual benefit, each man's ambitions intertwined with the other's. Finally, the Ogre turned, his figure casting a long shadow across the polished floor of Henry's luxurious office. As he walked away, the CEO watched him go, both impressed and slightly unsettled.
Ray's clout was immense, stretching tentacularly across the country, shaping the lives of his would-be subordinates from the very beginning. It was a level of mastery Henry admired—and feared. As the mogul disappeared through the door, Mr. Goldwin blew out another ring of dense smoke, a delighted smirk forming on his lips as he glanced back at the screen. Astrid poised victoriously, the Gym emblem gleaming in her hand, her Pokémon striking intimidating stances for the cameras. The wheels had been set in motion, and there was no stopping them now. For Kalos, a new era was on the horizon, an age of renewal for the Elite 4.
The early morning sun cast a warm glow over the hiking trail as the four friends set off from Ambrette Town towards Cyllage City. The two places weren't far apart, and Jude estimated that, if they kept a steady pace, they could reach their next destination in three hours. The path wound through the scenic landscapes of Kalos, a mix of verdant forest trails and rocky mountain ridges. As they walked, the friends chatted, admiring the pristine beauty of their surroundings, from the sparkling streams to the rugged peaks visible in the distance.
However, after about an hour on the route, Serena slowed her rhythm, stifling a yawn. She rubbed her eyes, looking slightly drained. Tierno felt concerned as his friend began to lag behind them. Her eyelids felt heavy, and her steps slowed as fatigue settled over her. "Ey, Serena, are you all right ?" he inquired. "Do you want us to take a break ?"
"No, don't worry, I'll be fine. I'm just a bit tired," she admitted, a hint of apprehension in her voice. "I didn't get much sleep last night, I kept thinking about the upcoming Gym challenge. Knowing we're facing someone as skilled as Grant makes me nervous."
"Yeah, I know what you mean. If it makes you feel any better, I am too," Tierno admitted with a befuddled smile. "We're gonna be fighting some goddamn dinosaurs, that would scare the shit out of anyone. Unlike Viola, Grant's Pokémon's main asset lie more in brute force than speed, something you can easily spot by watching video clips of their past matches. I've already thought of a strategy, but I'll need a bit more practice to get it right. If you want, I can give you a hand with your training."
"Thanks, that's very kind of you," Serena obliged. "Precisely, raw strength is my Pokémon's weak point, especially Eevee. We'll have to remedy that, I don't want them to get severely injured during their combats, I'd never forgive myself."
While her two pals discussed, Shauna rummaged in her bag for something that might help her buddy stay in shape. "Don't sweat it, dude. I've got just the stuff you need," she reassured her with a comforting smile, pulling out a Chesto Berry. "Here, eat this. I bought it this morning, it's delicious and will give you a quick energy boost. You'll feel better in no time."
Serena's face lit up with gratitude. "Wonderful, you're a lifesaver. I could definitely use that right about now." But just as Shauna extended the berry to her, a flash of green zipped through the air. A small yellow-billed bird swooped down, snatched the berry right out of her hand, and fluttered up to a nearby branch to munch on it, nibbling contentedly on the stolen fruit.
Shauna's jaw dropped, and her surprise quickly turned to annoyance. "Hey, where's your manners ? You could at least ask before you steal someone's snack !" she yelled, her hands on her hips.
"A thief's rule is precisely that he doesn't ask," Tierno chuckled, recognizing the cheeky Pokémon immediately. "That's a Natu, they're known for their psychic abilities and their love of shiny things. Pretty cool little guy, huh ?"
Jude nodded, watching the avian Pokémon curiously. Its green body was almost spherical, and red feathers unfurled on its tiny wings. "Shauna, you should try catching it. A psychic-type with such good reflexes would add some versatility to your team."
The pink-clad girl nodded eagerly, her emerald eyes blazing with excitement. "You know, that's exactly what I was thinking," she replied, grinning. "Alright, Natu—you're coming with me." With a flick of her arm, she sent one of her Poké Balls soaring skyward. "Vespiquen, it's up to you !" The regal, bee-like creature hovered with its wings buzzing, ready for action.
The moment Vespiquen appeared, Natu let out a surprised chirp and spread its small wings, taking off from the branch to escape. Shauna's Pokémon immediately set off in pursuit, zooming forward with a droning sound. Both aerial fighters soared between tree branches and dipped through gaps in the foliage, darting back and forth in a whirlwind mid-air chase. Natu was fast, using its small size and agility to its advantage as it dodged Vespiquen's charges, weaving through the woods with ease.
Shauna narrowed her eyes, thinking carefully. She needed a way to slow her opponent down. No sooner had her warrior swung into a favorable angle to unleash her attack, than she promptly issued her order. "Vespiquen, use Aromatic Mist !" The bee-like Pokémon started spinning rapidly, expelling pink spores from her body. The fragrant mist spread quickly through the air, filling the space around Natu. The aromatic scent had a calming, disorienting effect, causing the green bird to flutter unsteadily as the powdery cloud blurred its vision. Natu's movements grew erratic, its wings flapping unevenly as it began to lose altitude, growing increasingly weary.
Sensing an opportunity, Shauna grabbed an empty Poké Ball and threw it with precision. The sphere sailed through the air, struck its flying target, and pulled it inside in a flash of blue light. The red-and-white ball landed on the ground, wobbling once… twice… three times before coming to a stop. The capture was a success. Shauna let out a victorious cheer, waving her fingers in a victorious gesture. "Yes, I did it !" she shouted, holding the sphere up proudly. "Welcome to the gang, Natu !"
The others gathered around to congratulate her, beaming at her achievement. Shauna pressed the button on the Poké Ball to release Natu, who blinked in surprise as it emerged. She held out another fruit—this time a Persim Berry—to make her new teammate feel welcome. "Here, this one's just for you," she greeted with a warm smile. The flying Pokémon chirped happily, pecking at the berry and chewing on it with clear satisfaction. After finishing the treat, it hopped up onto its new trainer's shoulder, perching there comfortably. Shauna laughed, giving her partner a gentle scratch under its beak. "Looks like you're already settling in."
"Nice catch, that was a cool sky brawl," Tierno praised with a thumbs-up. "You're well matched, I can't wait to see this little bird in action once you've got it trained right, it's gonna pack a punch !"
Serena, feeling more alert after the excitement of the duel, offered her friend her compliments. "You did great, Shauna. And thanks to you, I think I'm fully awake now," she added with a chuckle.
"Ah, by the way, hang on a minute..." Shauna dug into her bag again to extract two more fruits, one red and one purple. The first was a Tamato Berry, which she tossed to her Vespiquen, who snagged it between her mandibles. "Here, my super queen, kudos for your performance." The second was another Chesto Berry, which she gifted to Serena. "And here you go, there were discounts so I bought two," she explained with a wink.
"Great, thanks a lot," returned the Braixen trainer politely, savoring the fresh fruit. Shauna hadn't lied : it both tasted amazing and contained invigorating properties. Now she felt revitalized enough to complete the rest of the trip without a pause.
The remaining two hours of trekking went off without a hitch, and after a romp through lush forests and rugged mountainsides, the foursome finally found themselves on the outskirts of Cyllage City. The town was breathtaking, nestled between towering mountains on one side and the sparkling expanse of the sea on the other. Its unique architecture made it one of the most picturesque places in Kalos—a mix of modern amenities blended harmoniously with the natural landscape.
As they entered the central square, Shauna's eyes darted around, her gaze scanning for one particular sight. There was no shortage of contemporary conveniences—a railway station, bustling hotels, and shops of every kind—yet something important seemed to be missing. "Hey… where's the stadium ?" she asked, her tone laced with curiosity. "Isn't this supposed to be where we'll challenge Grant ?"
Serena smiled knowingly, clearly excited to share a bit of Kalosian design trivia. "Oh, you can't actually see it from here. The stadium is built right into one of the mountains," she explained, gesturing toward the rocky slopes that loomed over the city. "It's known as one of the most impressive architectural marvels in Kalos. They carved it directly into the rock, so it's hidden until you're inside."
Shauna's eyes widened with anticipation. "No kidding ? That sounds amazing ! I can't wait to see it up close, it must be mind-blowing."
"First things first," Serena reminded her with a grin. "We should locate the Pokémon Center and book our rooms. If we linger too long, everything will be full for the night."
After navigating through the vibrant streets of Cyllage, they finally found the sought-after structure tucked into the mountainside, just beyond the place's busier core. The building had been crafted with the scenery in mind, seamlessly constructed to match the mountain's rugged topography, as though fashioned directly from the rock itself. It had the familiar red roof and white walls but was elongated to suit the terrain, and an intricate stone pathway led up to the entrance. Once inside, Serena volunteered to handle rooms reservations. While she headed to the reception desk, Jude pulled out his Pokédex to check the schedule for battling Grant.
Scrolling through the available time slots, he found one that was perfect—about three hours from now, giving them just enough time to rest and prepare. With a few taps on the screen, he registered for the match and confirmed his entry. He couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement mixed with a hint of nervousness, his anxiety mounting. This would be a true test of his team's strength and coordination. Grabbing two Poké Balls, he released the pair he intended to use for this event. Frogadier and Granbull materialized in front of him with eager expressions. "Alright, you two. Ready to take on Grant ?"
Both warriors shared a determined look before letting out confidant roars, their eyes gleaming with resolve. They reached out, high-fiving each other, and Jude could feel their confidence radiating. His Pokémon were ready to give their all, and it was his duty to help them win. Seeing Jude's willingness seemed to bring a sense of relief to the others. The trio exchanged glances, their own nerves visibly calming. "Glad you're going first, man, that's reassuring," Tierno quipped with an encouraging grin. "Guess it's all on you to set the stage." He knew that by watching Jude's duel first, he'd gain valuable insight into Grant's strategies—and have a better idea of what he'd need to prepare for.
"We're all with you, you're gonna send those damn living fossils back to Jurassic, I'm sure of it !" Shauna cheered in turn. "Plus, I know you'll give us a great preview of what we're up against."
Jude smiled back at them, feeling the support and camaraderie that had grown among them since their first meeting. This Gym bout was more than just a trial of his skills ; it was also a chance to make his friends proud and set a strong example. "Don't worry, we have every intention of winning," he replied, giving a confident nod. "We'll give it everything we've got."
In the quiet solitude of her dressing room, Roxie leaned back in her cozy leather armchair, the Bug Badge held delicately in her hand. The small metallic emblem gleamed in the light, a simple but powerful symbol of her victory over an official Gym Leader and the first step toward a new path she was determined to conquer on her own terms. She grinned to herself, savoring the thrill of the moment. This was just the beginning, but it already felt monumental.
As Roxie stretched out her hand to pet her Crobat resting nearby, the excitement of this win sparked an unexpected memory, taking her back to a time long before the spotlights, the glory, or even the rock anthems she now blasted across stages. Back then, she was alone, desperately alone, a scrappy kid with no family, hoping for acceptance in a world that seemed hell-bent on ignore her. Since birth, Roxie had spent most of her life stuck in Virbank City's orphanage until she came of age. She remembered the cold, empty halls, the distant caretakers, and the endless days where she watched other children laugh and bond, often bypassing her.
It was at twelve that Roxie developed an interest in Pokémon, thanks in part to her school program, which enabled her to start studying to become a trainer. Her choice of starter was a feisty Venipede, a small red and green insectoid creature. Roxie had instantly loved her new partner, feeling as though the Pokémon understood her in a way no one else ever had. Even if she couldn't always be near it, she felt happy to finally have someone to spend pleasant time with.
Roxie strolled through the park that afternoon, Venipede scuttling merrily behind her, growing familiar with its surroundings. They stopped near the fountain where she saw three of her classmates. Their laughter carried on the breeze, and Roxie's eyes lit up with anticipation. She'd seen them around school—girls with stylish clothes and bright smiles, always huddled together, a little circle of friendship that Roxie couldn't help but envy. They were also accompanied by their starters, each of them cute, elegant, and adored by its apprentice trainer.
One of the students held a graceful Vulpix, its fiery tails curling delicately as it rested in her lap. The second had a playful Skitty, which nuzzled her affectionately, and the third was busy brushing the silky fur of a Glameow. Roxie felt a pang in her chest. She'd always been on the outside, the strange, quiet child who didn't quite fit in. But today, she felt hopeful. She had Venipede by her side—a companion she was proud of. She thought that maybe this time, through their shared love of Pokémon, she could find her way into their group.
Steeling herself, Roxie took a deep breath and approached them, a shy smile on her face. "Hey guys," she greeted, trying to sound friendly but confident. "I also received my starter today, here's Venipede. Isn't he cool ?"
The three girls turned to her with bemused expressions, their eyes scanning her up and down before settling on the insect Pokémon, who clicked its tiny claws in curiosity. Unfortunately, things didn't turn out as Roxie had imagined. Instead of welcoming her, they exchanged looks and then started to laugh nastily. The tallest one wrinkled her nose. "Cool ? That thing's creepy. Who'd want an ugly bug as a partner ?"
The other two giggled, casting glances at their own soft-furred, doe-eyed Pokémon, their mocking jeers ringing in Roxie's ears. "Ey, why do you insult him, it's wicked !" she immediately retorted. "Okay, he's different, but that's what makes him special."
"Yeah, different," another snapped viciously with an amused smile, flipping her hair and scooping her Skitty into her arms. "Like you. No one wants to hang out with a weirdo who picks something like… that. In a way, you're a perfect pair, two dregs of society. Stay away from us, we don't mix with freaks."
They didn't bother to say goodbye. They simply turned away, still scoffing as they left, their voices fading into the distance. For a moment, Roxie was speechless, tears streaming unbidden down her pale cheeks. Their words stung, sharper than she had expected. "What a bunch of sluts, such shallow people disgust me," she spat, struggling to refrain from crying. Venipede looked up at her with concerned eyes, sensing her sorrow. Roxie knelt beside her partner, stroking his tough carapace. "Don't be sad because of them, they're full of crap. It's just you and me, buddy," she whispered. "Seems like it always will be."
She felt the familiar ache of loneliness, the nagging feeling that the world had no room for her. No one ever seemed to care—not her classmates, not even her parents, who had left her in that damned orphanage the day she was born. Sometimes, the unfairness of it all gnawed at her so deeply she would curse her own existence, wondering why she had been brought into such a shabby place. Lost in her thoughts, she didn't hear the footsteps until a shadow fell across her. She looked up to see a tall figure standing nearby, half-hidden by the shade of a tree.
Roxie had never seen this man before. He wore a dark coat, his face concealed behind a mask that revealed nothing of his features. He seemed out of place among the mundane park landscape, like someone from a different reality entirely. The stranger observed her in silence for a moment before he spoke, his voice low and measured. "Expecting anything from others in this world will only bring you pain. People are cruel, judgmental, blind to what really matters. They won't hand you neither joy nor ease."
Roxie blinked, taken aback. There was something off about this guy, his stance radiated something she couldn't quite place—something dangerous and unsettling. "Who… who are you ?" she managed to ask, hugging her little Venipede protectively.
The man didn't answer. Instead, he crouched down to her eye level, though his gaze remained obscured behind the mask. "If you want to survive, if you want to be someone, you must rely only on yourself. You and that Pokémon of yours… you already have everything you need to achieve greatness. Together, you can show the world that rejecting you was a huge mistake."
Roxie didn't know how to respond. There was some profound disturbance with this person, but his speech resonated with her more deeply than she'd realized. Roxie felt a strange strength rise within her, a glimmer of determination she hadn't felt before. She wanted to believe him, his frank but supportive tone was almost hypnotic. She had always felt ostracized, isolated from her peers, but for the first time, it felt less like a weakness and more like a call to action.
"Everything depends on you and your willpower. Respect must be earned, never forget that." With these last words, the man vanished into the trees as suddenly as he had appeared. Roxie looked around, trying to spot him, but he was nowhere to be seen. It was as if he had never been there at all. She flashed her eyes, wondering if she'd imagined him, if it wasn't her own subconscious that had materialized to motivate her. Whatever, only the result mattered, and now she felt better.
The exchange had been brief, and yet it had planted a seed in her heart. She felt a sudden resolve, an intense desire to prove herself. Roxie closed her arms around her bug partner reassuringly. "Venipede, this dude's right, we don't give a fuck about this bitches, we don't need them. You'll see, I'll make you the strongest fighter in Unova, and even in the universe." From that day on, she devoted her energies to studying, which included training her Pokémon relentlessly. She's learned to stand on her own two feet, to be assertive, to carve out her own destiny without caring what anyone else thought. The musical career, success and fame that came later were all built on that foundation.
The rock star shook her head slightly, the memory fading as she returned to the present. She rose from her seat, tucking the Bug Badge into her jacket pocket with a zestful gleam in her eyes. This was only the beginning—she was far from finished. She promised herself she'd make it to the top of the tournament, leaving behind a trail of electrifying performances and terrific victories. She wasn't just any competitor, she was Roxie, a name now famous all over the country. Once spitefully discarded, she had gained acceptance, approval and validation at the cost of hard work. Her tale was just starting.
"This world will remember me forever," the rocker murmured firmly. "Wherever you are, masked man, thanks, you've helped me a lot. I hope we meet again."
On the outside of Cyllage City, nestled between two brown hills, a secluded training ground lay hidden from the hectic activity of the main town. The area had been rented by Kimia and Alain's sponsors, providing the two candidates a remote and tranquil space to practice and hone their skills for the upcoming Gym battles. The atmosphere between them, however, was anything but relaxed ; their friendly duel had quickly turned into a relentless competition, each of them pushing their soldiers to the limit.
Across the field, Kimia's Empoleon stood tall, its steely form glinting under the midday sun. The penguin's flippers raised defensively, two piercing eyes fixed on Alain's Charmeleon, who crouched low, flames licking the edge of its tail as it charged forward. The Pokémon were locked in a dance of attacks and counters, both mighty and tenacious, each an extension of its trainer. The blonde prodigy gave her opponent a measured glance before issuing her next command. "Empoleon, Hydro Pump !" she called out with razor-sharp focus.
A powerful blast of water shot toward the orange reptile, who nimbly dodged with a side-spin, leaping away before Alain countered with a quick order. "Charmeleon, hit back with Brick Break !" The fire-type Pokémon lunged headlong, its claws aglow with fierce scarlet energy, delivering a blistering downward swing. But Kimia's warrior was equally tough, blocking the blow with its metallic flippers and retaliating by using the trident-shaped prolongation on its head like a spear. Charmeleon was forced to lean back and hastily jumped aside to evade.
Neither side showed any signs of letting up, everyone working their hearts out in what was looking more and more like an official match. The tension was suddenly broken by the simultaneous chime of both Kimia's and Alain's Pokédexes. The trainers exchanged a curious glance, and without speaking, each pulled out their device. Alain motioned to his blazing partner to halt the bout, beckoning it to join him. Charmeleon, despite its competitive spirit, nodded and withdrew from the training ground, sitting down next to his master. Empoleon lowered its stance as well, glancing at Kimia while awaiting her next directive, but eventually she too requested him to cease the combat and return to her.
The notification that flashed on both screens caught their interest immediately. It indicated that a Pokémon battle between Jude and Grant was starting shortly, inviting them to attend. While Alain seemed positively interested in this news, it was quite the opposite for his colleague. Kimia's expression darkened and her teeth gritted.
She pulled up Jude's profile on her screen, narrowing her eyes as she noticed the Bug Badge displayed there. "He actually defeated Viola ?" she muttered, disbelief thick in her voice. "How could someone like him—barely out of the beginner ranks—possibly beat a Gym Leader ?"
Alain gave her a hard look, picking up on the contempt in her tone. "So, what if he did ? Maybe he just has more potential than you want to believe," he replied, trying to defuse her scorn.
The Beaumont successor crossed her arms, scoffing as she tucked a wayward lock back behind her ear. "Potential ? Please, don't be absurd. Grant will put him in his place and this farce will be over. I'll enjoy watching that kid lose, and maybe he'll finally realize how unattainable his outsized ambitions are." Her voice carried a smug satisfaction, as if she were already picturing Jude's failure.
Alain's brows knitted in disapproval. "You sound a lot like Astrid when you talk like that, you know ? It's pitiful, honestly." His words were rough, though his tone remained serene. "You've never made an effort to get to know him, and you treat him like a pestilence that doesn't even deserve a chance."
"Don't compare me with that twerp !" Kimia's eyes flickered, her expression hardening. "You don't understand, the Sharp clan and mine are political enemies. Ray has caused my family more problems than you can imagine. So, yes, seeing his offspring humiliated would be more than satisfying."
Alain rolled his eyes, unable to mask his disappointment. "I mostly understand that you let political scheming dictate how you view someone who's got nothing to do with it. Jude didn't ask to be a Sharp. Whatever you have against Ray, don't take it out on his son. It's ignorant, and it's beneath you."
Kimia's lips pressed into a thin line, her gaze cold and defiant. "Believe what you want, I have no reason to sympathize with my adversaries, and I won't pretend otherwise."
Alain sighed, sensing that the conversation was going nowhere. They had always had their differences, and while they respected each other, there were certain things they simply couldn't agree on. Kimia could sometimes be as stubborn as a Bouffalant, and it was almost impossible to change her mind once she got that way. Not to mention that blind arrogance and misplaced sense of superiority that clearly didn't serve her justice. "Fine," he conceded, letting the matter drop. "Agree to disagree. However, I'm keen to see how Jude will handle this confrontation." He shot her a pointed look and turned toward the exit. "Who knows, maybe you'll learn that assumptions aren't always right."
The blonde heiress gave him a dismissive shrug, though she couldn't entirely hide her curiosity. "Soit, nous verrons bien. Mais ne te fais pas trop d'illusions." Side by side, they made their way to the stadium, each lost in their own thoughts about the upcoming show. For Alain, it was a chance to see if his instincts about the young Sharp were correct, to witness firsthand the potential he believed was there. For Kimia, it was a hopeful wish to see a foe leave a competition he had no business entering. Otherwise, she'd have to take care of eliminating him herself.
To be continued