The Kalos Conspiracy

Chapter 4 - Clash of Rivals

Chapter 4

Jude led his group through the packed streets of Lumiose City, slaloming to avoid colliding with the capital's typically colorful crowd. Every step of the way, the azure sky thickened with clouds, a warning sign of the downpour that would soon follow. Fortunately, Jude was bringing them to a sheltered location. Their destination was gradually taking shape in the distance. Among the jungle of buildings, one stood high above the rest, and that was precisely where they were heading. Finally, they came face to face with the mighty tower. Just above the large parabolic entrance portal, capital letters read : Royal Academy, Kalos Elite Institute.

The structure exuded an air of grandeur, which made Trevor uncomfortable. What a spooky place, was his first thought. It looked more like an evil castle than a high school. A comparison reinforced by the dark clusters of clouds gathering atop the edifice and the rumbling thunder. Quite the opposite of his good old school in Santalune City, which boasted welcoming facilities. "Er... Jude, are you sure we're safe in here ?" he asked, his voice tinted with intimidation. "It looks like a villain's lair, such a contrast with the rest of the town."

"Don't panic, I've spent all my schooling here and I've never had any problems," Jude tried to ease his mind. "Nothing's gonna pop out of the shadows to attack you or whatever."

"If you'd rather wait for us here and end up soaking wet, we won't hold you back, wimp," Astrid disdainfully flung without even laying eyes on Trevor.

"W-what ?" shyly replied the nerd as the first raindrops brushed against his hair. "Of course not, wait for me !" he called, following in his friends' footsteps.

Jude exchanged a few words with the staff guarding the main door, and they stepped aside to let the group in. Evidently, the young Sharp had gained a good reputation within these walls. Inside, the atmosphere wasn't any more homely than outside. Everything seemed so grim, so mechanical. With so few windows, the corridors were mainly lit by neon lights hanging from the ceiling, and the pouring rain against the tiles didn't help the mood. When Trevor spotted a group of students, he almost mistook them for a military troop. They were all marching at pace, neatly arranged in single file and completely silent.

He felt grateful he hadn't attended school here. Even for a studious, law-abiding boy like him, it would have been a real nightmare. Eventually, the band reached what they'd come for : the academy wing reserved for Pokémon battles. Sounds of clashing Pokémon moves and trainers strategizing filled the air. The area was usually densely occupied, but since most of the students taking summer courses were in class by this hour, Jude had no trouble finding an open space for the much-awaited confrontation. Serena and Astrid took their positions on opposite ends of the field, their eyes locked in a fiery gaze. Serena wasn't used to this level of stress, and it was palpable despite her best efforts to conceal it.

Jude stepped forward, taking on the role of the referee. "Ladies, you each get to choose one Pokémon for this duel."

With a nod, Serena took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "Fennekin, I'm counting on you ! Show us what you're made of." She threw her Poké Ball, releasing her cherished fire-making partner.

Astrid couldn't resist mocking the choice. "Do you really think you can win with that puny pet of yours ? How adorable," she laughed scornfully. "My Absol will make quick work of that small fry." She followed up her dig with a Poké Ball toss. "Absol, appear and give no quarter !"

The dark-type Pokémon emerged in a blazing blue light, its cutthroat stance matching its trainer's demeanor. Trevor cowered behind Tierno, the Absol's daunting roar sending shivers down his spine. He pitied poor Fennekin for having to deal with this monster. The little fox also seemed to have grasped what kind of opponent awaited her, and struggled to mask her fear in front of this Absol's overwhelming presence.