Chapter 23 — The Mountain King's Challenge (1/2)
The rhythmic sound of applause echoed through the grand courtyard of the Beaumont family manor, nestled on the outskirts of the Azoth Kingdom. A sea of impeccably dressed guests, some of the most influential figures in the country, gathered beneath the sprawling oak trees. They sipped fine champagne from crystal glasses as their eyes remained fixed on the young girl performing before them.
Kimia sat astride a sleek Ponyta, the Fire-type Pokémon's mane blazing with a controlled, radiant glow. Dressed in a pristine blue jockey outfit with golden accents, her long blond hair tied into a braided bun, the Beaumont heiress exuded an air of precision and poise. Her heart raced, not with nerves but with the determination to excel. She had been trained for this moment, and she would not disappoint. The young girl urged her steed forward, guiding it gracefully over a series of hurdles. Each leap was flawless, the crowd murmuring their approval.
But this was not merely a demonstration of riding skills. In one hand, Kimia wielded a fencing sword, its blade glinting sharply in the sunlight. As the Ponyta soared over the obstacles, she struck targets placed at precise intervals, slicing through them with fluid, practiced movements. The combination of athleticism, elegance, and combat prowess was mesmerizing. Kimia's saber flashed as she slashed through a target mid-jump, requiring her to bend her body almost horizontally to prevent missing. Each strike of her blade and every leap of her mount drew cheers from the spectators. Siebold stood at the edge of the horse-riding course, his arms crossed, a satisfied smile on his face.
When the demonstration ended, Kimia dismounted and bowed, her cheeks flushed with pride. The applause was deafening. She had done it, she had impressed them, her mission was a resounding success. As the blonde girl led Ponyta back to the stable, several patrons approached their host, congratulating him on his daughter's exceptional skills. "Such a marvelous prodigy," complimented an imposing knight-like armored man. "You must be so proud, dear colleague."
"Indeed, Duke Wikstrom," Siebold replied, his voice tinged with contentment. "She's a reflection of the values we uphold in this family—discipline, excellence, and dedication."
The manor was alive with chatter and laughter as the party continued into the evening. The courtyard had transformed into a social haven, with guests mingling beneath strings of fairy lights. Today was supposed to be Kimia's birthday, though it didn't feel like it. The celebration was more like a grand social networking event, orchestrated not for her enjoyment but to further the prestige of her patriarch. The invitation list was filled with politicians, business magnates, and even some Elite 4 members.
Siebold moved effortlessly through the crowd, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with his prestigious guests. Kimia, now freed from her riding performance, mingled obediently. It wasn't exactly the birthday she'd hoped for, but etiquette took precedence over her personal desires. She had been conditioned from a young age to put her family's image and interests first, to be the perfect daughter. She smiled politely at compliments, nodded graciously at questions about her training, and executed every social interaction with the precision of a master choreographer.
And yet, beneath her composed exterior, there was a part of her that yearned to be just a twelve-year-old girl. She wanted to run, play, laugh with friends—if only she had any. But those thoughts were fleeting, quickly buried under the sense of duty drilled into her from birth.
Later, as the festivities continued, Kimia slipped away from the crowd to catch her breath. She wandered the quieter halls of the manor, the distant hum of the party muffled by the thick walls. She passed by the grand dining room when raised voices caught her attention. She paused, hesitating. The voices belonged to her parents.
"I'm telling you, Siebold, this has to stop !" Her mother's voice, usually calm and gentle around guests, was sharp with frustration. "You're turning Kimia into an advertising tool for your ambitions. She's twelve, for Xerneas' sake ! She's not some showpiece to parade around for your influential friends. Couldn't she have had one day to just be a child ?"
"She's more than a child, Evelyn," the patriarch countered, his tone calm but unyielding. "She's a Beaumont. Do you think the world cares about infancy or innocence ? No, it's harsh, it's competitive, and she needs to be strong to survive. It's my duty to prepare her for this stark reality."
"Survive ?" Evelyn shot back. "Or serve your ego ? You've stripped away her childhood. Do you even see how much pressure you're putting on her ? All she does is try to meet your impossible standards, and for what ? So you can show her off at your galas ? She's a person, not a trophy."
"She's thriving under my guidance," Siebold snapped. "Do you think she would have earned this praise today if I hadn't pushed her ? She's exceptional, and I won't let her waste that potential. She's going to be someone important, someone admired."
"You're behaving like a fanatic, all you think about is her future career. You're obsessed with our daughter, you've shaped her so much I don't even recognize her anymore," Evelyn objected, her voice trembling with anger. "And what about your son ? What about Raleigh ? Do you even care about him ? You pretend he doesn't exist, you deny him. You could at least treat your kids equally instead of overloading one and ignoring the other !"
There was a pause. Kimia's heart clenched as she leaned closer, her stomach churning. "Raleigh ?" Siebold scoffed. "He was your idea, remember ? You wanted another child because I was 'monopolizing' Kimia. So you got what you wanted. But don't expect me to shift my focus. Kimia is the one with the talent. She's the one who will carry the family name forward. Raleigh isn't among my priorities, he's your choice, your responsibility."
Kimia froze, her breath catching in her throat. She felt as though the ground beneath her had disappeared. Raleigh—her baby brother, just two years old—had been born because her mother wanted someone she could nurture, someone who wouldn't be swept up in Siebold's grand ambitions. The Beaumont successor stepped back, her mind reeling. The voices faded into the background as she fled the hallway, her thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and hurt. The argument had reached a climax after her father's abhorrent words, but she didn't feel brave enough to hear any more.
Kimia didn't understand why her parents reacted so disruptively because of her. Their quarrels grew more frequent, more intense, and she was always the cause. She had given everything to please them, to deserve her heritage. And yet, they weren't satisfied. Why ? Why couldn't they just be happy with her ?
She found herself in the quiet sanctuary of the stables, where Ponyta waited patiently in its stall. Kimia approached her partner, burying her face in its warm mane. Tears pricked her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. Crying wouldn't solve anything. She held her fencing weapon loosely in her hand, its weight suddenly feeling heavier than usual. "My family's not well, Pony. They seem so sad, so anxious, and I feel like it's all my fault. I don't understand what I did wrong," she whispered into the silence. The fiery Pokémon nickered softly, as if offering comfort.
"And Daddy... How can he be so cruel to my brother ? Maybe it's just a misunderstanding. Yes, I'm sure he spoke out of impulse, he didn't mean it. Everything's going to be fine." Kimia took a deep breath, straightening her posture. She wouldn't let this moment break her. She would keep working, keep pushing herself to meet their expectations. If this was the path she had to walk, so be it. If they weren't happy yet, she would make them proud by hook or by crook. She had to, it was the only way she knew how to matter.
"Kimia ? Kimia ?" Alain's voice brought her back to the present. The young woman blinked, glaring at her comrade who was staring at her as though she were a nosy beast. "Are you all right ? You seem out of it," he asked with his annoyingly neutral tone.
"Yes, don't mind, I'm just reflecting," she merely replied, trailing him into the stadium. In retrospect, she had to admit her denial had been utter, a testament to how well her conditioning was functioning. Being young, she had naturally needed to reassure herself, whether that meant minimizing the nasty aspects of her entourage. Unsurprisingly, things hadn't gotten better, they'd actually worsened.
In a bright studio in Lumiose City, Diantha sat in front of an expansive mirror, surrounded by an assortment of cosmetics brushes, powders, and carefully chosen accessories. A flurry of stylists fussed around her, adjusting her hair and applying delicate touches of makeup to enhance her already striking features. Behind her, racks of glamorous outfits shimmered like a kaleidoscope of stardust. The top Kalos celebrity wore an elegant moonlight dress that perfectly balanced her dual roles as an accomplished actress and head of the region's Elite 4. As polished as she appeared, her composure belied the exhaustion brewing within her. Her schedule was as full as a minister's.
She glanced at her manager, Kathi Lee, a small but energetic woman with a clipboard, who was pacing behind her, rattling off a seemingly endless list of obligations. "Alright, Diantha, here's the rundown," Kathi read aloud, her voice brisk but tinged with tiredness. "After this fitting, there's the Pokémon League promotional photo shoot. Next, you have a quick virtual interview with Le Monde about your new movie, then a private business lunch with the Stern Dassault representatives, and don't forget tonight's meeting with director Stephen Steinberg to consult scripts for future film projects…"
Diantha closed her eyes, taking a calming breath. She had long since grown accustomed to the grind of fame, but even she had her limits. Her days were getting busier and busier. "And speaking of the poster shoot," Kathi continued, her tone faltering slightly, "you'll be joined by, uh… the Minister of the Army's daughter, Child Toddsforth. She must be on her way."
At the mention of the name, Diantha's neutral expression tightened. She opened her eyes, staring at Kathi's reflection in the mirror. "Child ? Why was I not informed sooner ?"
The manager fumbled with her clipboard, nervously avoiding Diantha's upset gaze. "It… it came directly from the Minister's office," she mumbled. "You know how it is. No room for negotiation. Apparently, it's to foster unity between the younger generation of trainers and established figures like yourself. Something about bridging gaps."
Diantha sighed, leaning back in her chair. "Bridging gaps, indeed… I don't like being near her," she admitted bluntly. "Child is someone to be cautious around. She's a predator who masks her claws behind the guise of a cherub, and she enjoys making people squirm."
Kathi laughed nervously, brushing off the comment. "Oh, come on. She's just a temperamental brat who acts like she owns the world. Barks more than she bites, I'd say. What can she do ? Throw a tantrum if the camera doesn't catch her good side—" She suddenly froze mid-sentence, her face going pale and her eyes widening in horror. Slowly, Diantha turned her head to follow her manager's gaze. A chilling presence filled the room, sending a wave of unease through everyone present.
Standing in the doorway was Child, her slender frame silhouetted by the bright hallway behind her. Her juvenile face bore an amused smirk, but her piercing red eyes glinted with something far more sinister. Behind her loomed her towering Electivire, its claws sparking faintly with static, its menacing smile mirroring its trainer's. Kathi stumbled backward in terror as her heels caught on the carpet. With a yelp, she fell unceremoniously to the floor, clutching her clipboard as if it could protect her. She stammered, trying to form words, but they came out as incoherent gibberish.
Diantha tensed with anxiety, already bracing herself for the scene that would follow. One of her hands instinctively rested on the Poké Ball containing her Gardevoir, dreading the worst-case scenario. Child stepped forward, her boots clicking against the polished floor. "Did I hear my name ?" she asked, her voice smooth and cold, like ice sliding down a blade. Reaching the manager's level, she leaned slightly towards her trembling body, displaying a haughty look. "Want to see how hard I can bite, plebeian ?"
Kathi shook her head frantically, her clipboard slipping from her shaky hands. Her mouth opened and closed like a Magikarp gasping for air. "N-no, I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean—"
"Zip it and get out. You're cluttering my air," Child ordered, pointing to the door with a casual wave of her hand. Her tone was as dismissive as if she were swatting away an insect.
Without a second thought, the manager scrambled to her feet and fled the room, nearly tripping over herself as she passed close to the mighty electric Pokémon. Child laughed slyly, a sound that was both melodic and spooky. Even her Electivire joined in, its rumbling chuckle echoing ominously. Diantha, however, remained stone-faced, clearly not amused. "Enough, you're both as pathetic as sandbox bullies," she scolded them firmly, her words cutting through their wicked cackles. "Stop scaring people. This is supposed to be a corporate environment, not your playground."
Child flashed a half-sulky, half-petty scowl. She strolled over to the vanity table and sat beside the actress, reaching for a tube of black make-up. The remaining staff stood paralyzed, their eyes darting nervously between the sneaky blonde and her yellow monstruous pet. "Scaring people is fun, especially those who talk behind my back," Child said nonchalantly. "And besides, don't act like you can command me. You're far more composed than your worthless assistant, but you're just as terrified of me as she is."
Diantha turned back to the mirror, refusing to dignify the comment with a response. She focused on the fashion artists working around her, trying to maintain her nerve. Next to her, the chaos seeder began applying eyeliner with an air of practiced precision. The contrast between her girlish appearance and her sadistic demeanor was unsettling. Child grinned at her reflection in the mirror, her keen fangs gleaming uncomfortably. Drawing closer, she ran her long, serpentine tongue over her teeth in a slow, exaggerated motion, checking for any stuck remnants of food. The grotesque display was deliberate, her giggling making it obvious she was relishing Diantha's discomfort.
Child snapped the compact shut, her scarlet eyes settling squarely toward Diantha's face. "You know, for someone who claims not to care about looks, you certainly spend an awful lot of time letting others doll you up. Hypocrisy much ?"
Diantha met her gaze evenly, refusing to rise to the bait. "I mostly care about professionalism. I have a role to play, and that includes looking the part."
"Mm-hmm. Keep telling yourself that," Child replied, her smirk widening. "But let's cut the charade. You can fool those fools you rub elbows with at your fancy soirées, but you can't lie to me. Why not just embrace your uninhibited beauty ? You should, because it won't last forever."
Diantha's jaw tightened, but she tried to keep her cool by adjusting her white gloves. "Is there a point to this, or are you just here to make idle conversation ?"
Child's chuckle turned into a soft hum as she stood, flipping her long blond hair over her shoulder. "Oh, there's always a point. Take this for example : If I handed you a potion right now that gave eternal youth, you'd drain every last drop without hesitation. Because no matter how poised you act, you're frightened of growing old. Losing that gorgeousness, that power, that… perfection. You won't bear it, will you ?"
Diantha's navy eyes flicked toward her, sharp as daggers. "The only thing I can't bear is you, little pest. You know nothing about me, so stop your snide assumptions."
"Hm, touchy." Child tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Don't I ? I've seen your kind a thousand times over. Always pretending you're above it all, when deep down, you're just as vain as the rest of the world. It's cute, really." She turned her attention back to her reflection, adjusting a lock dangling between her lightly made-up eyelids. "With a bit of luck, Lysandre will fulfill your wish before it's too late, but don't get your hopes up either. I'd hate to see you sad."
Diantha's hand gripped the armrest of her chair tightly, her nails piercing through her gloves. But she didn't retort, not this time. Her silence, however, spoke volumes. Satisfied that she'd struck a last chord, Child headed for the exit. "I'll see you at the shoot," she quipped airily, motioning for Electivire to follow her. The hulking Pokémon cast a glance at Diantha, its smirk just as mocking as its master's, before lumbering out of the room. As the door clicked shut, the ambient tension finally eased. The remaining stylists exhaled in relief, resuming their tasks with an intimidated gait.
The Star of Kalos stared at her reflection, her calm expression hiding the storm of emotions beneath. The Prime Minister's daughter was becoming increasingly out of hand, and letting her act so wildly was getting risky. But as the session continued, Diantha couldn't shake the feeling that Child's words were cutting far closer to the truth than she'd care to admit.
The Cyllage City stadium was without doubt the most astounding construction Jude had ever seen. The further he stepped inside, the more he was struck by the sheer scale and unique beauty of the place. Carved directly into the heart of a massive mountain, the edifice's towering rocky walls formed a natural coliseum that gave it an atmosphere unlike any other. The only view of the outside world was a vast opening in the ceiling, where light streamed in from the sky, illuminating the battlefield in a dramatic glow. Jude could feel the mountain's ancient energy all around him, a reminder that this wasn't just a combat with Grant—it was a test against nature itself.
The stands were filled with an enthusiastic crowd, their applauses and chants reverberating off the jutting, rugged stone walls, creating an almost deafening echo. Jude could hear the audience chanting Grant's name, their excitement palpable. The Gym Leader and climbing enthusiast was a beloved figure in Kalos, a renowned trainer and a celebrity whose matches were always memorable. Most people called him the King of Dinosaurs, due to his ability to breed fossil Pokémon with formidable efficiency. Jude took a steadying breath and walked toward the center of the battleground, where Grant was waiting for him, relaxed but focused.
The Gym Leader welcomed him to his arena with a smile. "Jude, good to see you again," he said, recalling their meeting at the Battle Chateau. "I was hoping you'd make your way here. Ready to give it your all ?"
Jude grinned back, feeling the competitive energy surge within him. "Absolutely. Let's make this a duel to remember." They shook hands in a friendly show of sportsmanship, each acknowledging the challenge they were about to face. Then, they moved to their respective sides of the battlefield, the anticipation building.
A referee, dressed in the League's official red-and-white uniform, stepped onto the platform and raised his flag. "This sportive event will consist of two Pokémon per trainer. There is no time limit, and substitutions are permitted. The match will end when both Pokémon from one side are unable to continue. Trainers, please choose your first fighter !"
Grant complied, pulling out a Poké Ball and tossing it with a practiced flick of his wrist. "Archeops, warrior of the sky, let's go !" A brilliant flash of light filled the air, and the Jurassic creature materialized on the rocky field, letting out a shrill cry as it spread its multicolored wings. The prehistoric bird, a vibrant mix of reds, blues, greens and yellows, hopped onto a ledge, glancing around with sharp, ancient eyes. It looked as if it belonged here, in this amphitheater modeled closely on its native habitat.
Jude reached for his own Poké Ball. "Frogadier, you're up !" He tossed the sphere, and his blue amphibian partner leaped in the center of the field, performing an acrobatic somersault as it landed, fluidly settling into a fighting stance, eyes locked on its opponent.
Up in the elevated tournament-participants-only section—a simple room nestled into the stone wall with a large bay window looking out over the battleground—Jude's buddies gathered to enjoy the spectacle. Shauna, ever ardent, screamed encouragement, her voice so loud that both Tierno and Serena winced, covering their ears in playful exasperation. "Go Froggy, show this flying rainbow that you're the boss ! Annihilate it, make it regret the Jurassic Age !"
"If she keeps bawling like that, she'll blow the whole mountain away," Tierno complained through clenched teeth. "I'm gonna need spare ears soon."
A few yards beside them, Korrina, who had arrived in Cyllage City earlier, was also watching from the viewing box, her eyes keenly glued on the field. Observing Jude's encounter with Viola had helped her develop her own strategy, and now she was curious to see how he'd handle Grant's mighty cast of stone age Pokémon. The raucous intensity of the spectators and the primal feel of the ring only amplified her excitement. Jude's heart pounded as he sized up his adversary. Archeops was known for its rock-solid stamina and hardened hunter's velocity, and he knew that Grant would be relentless in his tactics.
But Frogadier also had his warrior qualities, starting with his ninja skills and dizzying jumps. His master had coached him carefully for this occasion, and he was confident that the frog was up to the task. Jude glanced up, catching a glimpse of his pals cheering him on from the panoramic room. Their support brought him a rush of encouragement, as did his Pokémon, ready to spring into action at the slightest signal. The referee's voice echoed across the stadium. "Let the battle… begin !"
Archeops screeched, flaring its wings, and Frogadier crouched low, every muscle poised to strike. Both soldiers wasted no time, racing toward each other with astonishing speed. The crowd roared as the two Pokémon prepared to clash. The air in the underground arena crackled with fervent noise, the rocky walls amplifying the sound of the spectators' agitation. "Frogadier, Cut !" Jude ordered, his voice steady. A glowing blue energy blade materialized in the amphibian's webbed hand, humming faintly as it extended like a samurai's katana.
"Dragon Claw !" Grant countered, his tone calm but firm. The prehistoric creature's talons shimmered with a scaly green aura, growing longer and sharper as it lunged forward. The two Pokémon collided mid-field, Frogadier's blade meeting Archeops's claws in a dazzling shower of sparks. The force of the impact sent both fighters reeling backward, but neither stayed down for long. The frog flipped gracefully, landing on his feet, while the pterodactyl flapped its powerful wings to steady itself in mid-air.
Frogadier spun his energy saber with precision and leaped forward, attempting a horizontal slash. Archeops responded with a fluid aerial loop, twisting its body to dodge the attack. Its sharp talons slashed downward in a circular motion, forcing the batrachian to jump into an acrobatic spin, narrowly evading the blow. "Not bad, but let's see how you handle this," the Gym Leader called out with a grin. "Archeops, Iron Tail !" The flying dinosaur performed an aerial maneuver, revealing the triple-bladed tip of its tail. It gleamed ominously as the bird whipped it toward its opponent like a deadly scythe.
Frogadier braced himself, raising his aura sword just in time to parry the trident-shaped protrusion. The collision sent tremors rippling through the battlefield, and the azure ninja slid back slightly, its feet digging into the rocky terrain to steady itself. "Keep on the offensive, don't give it any breathing space !" resounded his trainer's voice. Frogadier surged forward, its saber cutting through the air with a piercing buzz. Archeops contorted its colorful body in response, weaving through the strikes with its unparalleled flexibility. The Jurassic predator retaliated with a rapid dive, aiming its claws at Frogadier's midsection.
The frog bounded into the air to duck, flipping over Archeops in an elegant somersault and landing gracefully on the ground with a roll. The two warriors moved in a blur, their actions a deadly dance of precision and power. The ecstatic audience was on the edge of their seats, captivated by the sheer intensity of this match. "Holy Miltank, did you see that ?" Shauna exclaimed, her voice echoing through the viewing room. "For a lad from the Jurassic era, this big fossil definitely gets with the times. Its movements are modern, innovative, anything but primitive !"
"His trainer's expertise is the key. Grant knows exactly how to combine the natural abilities of his Pokémon with more advanced attack techniques," Korrina replied quietly for herself, without the others hearing her. "By blending brute strength and aerial agility in such a calculated way, he poses a daunting threat. Jude will need to stay alert if he wants to keep up."
Frogadier twirled his sword and launched another strike, aiming for Archeops's side. The pterodactyl blocked with its cutting talons and retaliated with another swing of its steely tail. The amphibian leaned back, letting the triple blade pass over him, then balanced himself on his webbed palms. Using the momentum, the ninja frog threw himself into a breakdancing trick. Supporting his weight on his hands, he spun rapidly, extending one of his legs in a powerful kick. The blow struck Archeops squarely, sending the prehistoric fighter careening backward. The public gasped in surprise, the loud crack of the impact rippling across the stadium.
The feathered dinosaur quickly recovered, flapping its wings to stabilize its body, then landing nimbly with a stern backflip. Its sturdy scales had largely withstood the hit, its resilient form showing little sign of harm or fatigue. The Gym Leader smirked, his self-assurance unshaken. "You're doing well Jude, but it'll take a lot better than that to defeat my battlers." The multicolored Pokémon let out a piercing cry, its wings shimmering as it prepared for its next move. "Archeops, show them what you're really capable of. Unleash Stone Edge !"
The prehistoric bird soared higher into the air, its plumage glowing with a white aura as it channeled its telekinetic abilities. The ground beneath the battlefield trembled as the air grew thick with psychic energy, and suddenly, jagged stone stalagmites erupted from the earth, shooting upward like giant spears. "Frogadier, Acrobatics !" Jude called out. The frog darted into action, its sleek frame weaving between the rising rocks with incredible speed. It leaped onto one stalagmite surface, using it as a springboard to propel itself into a series of flips and spins, avoiding the sharp edges that could end the duel in an instant.
The crowd gasped with every narrowly missed strike, their cheers growing louder with each dazzling evasion. "Archeops, keep the pressure on. Maximum Power !" Grant ordered. Hovering midair, the flying Pokémon extended its claws, pulsating with all the aura it could muster. In reaction, the stone stalagmites surrounding the arena began to break away from the ground and levitate, suspended by an invisible force. With a raucous squawk, the pterodactyl launched the huge boulders at Frogadier in rapid succession.
Jude's heart raced, but his confidence in his warrior never wavered. "Frogadier, use these stones to your advantage !" The batrachian nodded, his fringed-scarf trailing behind as he sprang into action. He leapt onto a rock, then another, then another... The ninja Pokémon cleared a path through the air, using the flying boulders as platforms, his movements so fluid it appeared to defy gravity. He used his glowing saber to slice through some of the projectiles, the blue blade cutting cleanly through the jagged rocks. The shards tumbled harmlessly to the arena floor, like a shower of pebbles.
"Unreal," Shauna whispered, her eyes glued to the fight. "I've never seen anything like it, it's totally crazy. Since when can Frogadier fly ?"
"He doesn't fly, he jumps," Serena recoiled, equally dumbfounded. "Jude trained him to make split-second decisions, he turned his partner into a real ninja."
Back on the field, the samurai frog used his momentum to launch a counterattack. One particularly large boulder came hurtling toward him, and Frogadier spun midair, using a circular kick to deflect the stone's trajectory. The redirected rock shot straight toward his opponent, forcing the bird to barrel roll out of its path. The dodge was clean, but it broke Archeops' telekinetic hold over the remaining stones. They dropped to the ground with a series of heavy thuds. The pterodactyl faltered for a brief moment, caught off guard by the disruption.
"That's it, Frogadier !" Jude shouted, seizing the opening. "Now's our chance—attack it head-on !" The blue warrior propelled himself upwards, his saber glowing brightly as he charged at his distracted adversary. The vibrant amphibian closed the distance with incredible speed, its movements a blur as it zeroed in on its target.
Faced with his combatant's predicament, Grant decided to activate his poker move, a last-chance offensive. "Counter with Ancient Power !" he commanded. Spreading its wings, Archeops unleashed a burst of glowing purple aura, summoning a swirling sphere coated with fossil-like patterns. The two Pokémon collided mid-air, Frogadier's sword slashing through the energy barrier just as Archeops unleashed its full strength, its orb unfurling in a concussive blast. The impact created a deafening explosion, sending dust and smoke billowing across the battlefield. A thick cloud of smoke rose from the clashing point, obscuring both fighters from view.
The crowd held its breath, the stadium falling silent as everyone waited for the fumes to clear. In the participants' section, Korrina leaned forward, her Lucario mirroring her intense focus. "This is it," she muttered. "Who's coming out on top ?"
Jude shielded his eyes from the shockwave, his heart pounding. "Frogadier ?"
Grant watched intently, his expression calm but focused. "Archeops, are you alright ?"
When the dust settled, both Pokémon lay sprawled on the ground, motionless. The referee raised both flags, his voice booming through the arena. "Frogadier and Archeops are both unable to battle ! This round ends in a double knockout !" The audience roared, their applause thunderous. The evenly matched clash had been a spectacle, and neither Pokémon's efforts went unnoticed.
Jude hurried to help his soldier onto the stretcher that members of the medical team had just brought in, a proud smile on his face. "You were amazing out there," he said softly. "Get some rest—you've earned it."
The Gym Leader did the same with his Pokémon, nodding in approval. "Well done, my friend. You fought like a true champion." The two trainers met each other's gaze across the battlefield, their mutual respect clear. "Frogadier's agility is incredible," Grant praised, his voice carrying genuine admiration. "I've never seen a Pokémon use the environment like that."
Jude grinned, his tone equally appreciative. "Archeops is amazing too. Its speed and reaction time are unbelievable, it's one of the fastest Pokémon I've ever seen."
The referee stepped forward, raising his flags once more. "With the first duel ending in a draw, the second round will determine the winner of this match. Trainers, prepare your next combatant !"
Jude and Grant exchanged a nod of understanding. This was far from over, and both trainers were ready to give it everything they had. The battle for the Cliff Badge was about to reach its climax. Meanwhile, in the plush VIP lounge overlooking the stadium, Alain and Kimia watched the scene with rapt attention. Kimia's arms were crossed, her expression thoughtful but tinged with her usual reserve, while Alain leaned forward, his sharp eyes fixed below, where the two trainers were returning to their respective sides of the arena.
"So, what did you think of this first duel ?" Alain asked, breaking the silence.
Kimia hesitated, clearly reluctant to give credit where it was due. "Frogadier was well-trained, I'll admit that," she said grudgingly. "Jude was ingenious in how he used the terrain to his advantage. But he was too impatient at the end."
"Too impatient ?" Alain repeated, raising an eyebrow.
Kimia nodded. "Instead of rushing in with a frontal assault, he should have opted for a ranged move like Water Shuriken. It wouldn't have been enough to knock Archeops out, but it would have kept Frogadier out of reach of Ancient Power. That could've given Jude a chance to devise another strategy that might have resulted in something more effective than a double KO."
Alain leaned back in his chair, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "You're not wrong, but you're missing one simple but important detail."
Kimia's brows furrowed. "Oh ? And what's that ?"
"Frogadier was exhausted by that point," Alain explained, his tone measured but firm. "Archeops, on the other hand, was conserving its energy, staying stationary while launching its attacks. Jude knew that prolonging the duel any longer was the worst thing to do, as his Pokémon would inevitably lose through lack of stamina. That all-out strike wasn't impatience—it was his only shot, as a double KO is always preferable to a defeat. It was a gamble, but a calculated one."
Kimia's lips tightened into a thin line. She hated to admit it, but Alain's reasoning made sense. "Tu m'agaces," she snapped, her voice edged with frustration. The Beaumont heiress huffed and turned her gaze back to the arena, her irritation evident. Alain's calm, almost professor-like demeanor had always irked her, and his ability to dissect every battle as if it were a textbook scenario didn't help. She shifted in her seat, muttering under her breath, "You're insufferable when you act like a know-it-all."
The blue-scarfed trainer shrugged, unfazed by her reaction. "I'm just pointing out what I saw. You don't have to agree."
To be continued