The Kalos Conspiracy

Chapter 6 - Unexpected Confrontation

Chapter 6

Shalour City, nestled between the rugged cliffs and crashing waves of the Azure Bay, was a place of both beauty and tradition. But for Korrina, the time had come to leave her hometown behind and embark on the great Pokémon tournament. She cast a last glance at the Tower of Mastery looming in the distance, momentarily isolated from the rest of the coastal town. When the tide rose, the waterproof bridge leading to it was swamped for a couple of hours.

As she'd expected, Gurkinn didn't bother to give her any encouraging words before her departure. Actually, she hadn't seen him since last night. She sighed, her expression clouding with a hint of sadness. Just as she was about to walk away, clattering hooves caught her attention. Then she spotted old Ramos riding up on a Gogoat's back, clutching its long horns for better guidance. The botanist approached her with a friendly smile, his weathered face reflecting years of wisdom and experience.

"Korrina, my dear, looks like I'm just in time to wish you good luck," he said, halting his green mount beside the young girl. "The journey ahead of you is long and challenging, but it's also a time for growth and discovery. Don't let the weight of your family's legacy hold you back. You've got the heart of a true trainer, never forget that."

Korrina nodded, grateful for his words. "Thank you, Ramos. I needed to hear that."

"My pleasure. Now I must hurry back to Coumarine City, my first gym matches are scheduled for tomorrow and I still have much to do. Gogoat, yip yip !"

The Grass-type Pokémon instantly galloped off at full speed, vanishing into the landscape in a flash. With renewed resolve, Korrina took a deep breath and set off down the road heading for Santalune City. The salty breeze of Azure Bay ruffled her long blond hair as she gazed out at the horizon. It was time to set out on her own path.

"This is it," she muttered to herself, feeling a sense of excitement building within. "No looking back now."

As if on cue, Korrina retrieved a Poké Ball from her belt. She knew it was the perfect time to call upon her team's flagship Pokémon, the one that had been her partner through thick and thin. With a deft toss, the white-and-red sphere burst open, and in a flash of light, a majestic Lucario emerged. Its aura sensors flared to life, capturing its trainer's determination and readiness for the trials ahead.

Korrina smiled at her loyal companion. "Alright, Lucario, time to stretch those legs and show Kalos what we're made of." The canine-like Pokémon met her gaze with a nod, ready to face the challenges and adventures that awaited them. "Let victory be ours."

o0o

The Santalune City stadium stood in all its grandeur, eagerly awaiting the challengers and spectators who would soon fill its seats. This oval edifice was a marvel of architectural ingenuity, resembling a colossal Ariados' web that sprawled across the landscape. This unique design was a fitting testament to the local gym leader who called it second home—Viola, known for ensnaring opponents in her web of tactics and never letting them escape. Once caught in her net, trainers would find no respite until they had fallen foul of her formidable insect Pokémon.

As Viola strolled through the expansive battlefield, she couldn't help but appreciate the atmosphere of anticipation that hung in the air. It was a place where countless battles would be waged, where dreams would be tested and champions would maybe emerge. Although, if the fair-haired woman wished to retain her reputation and position, she'd better keep this amount to a minimum. Viola's keen eyes were drawn to the statues of Galvantula that adorned the building's four corners. Though many found these electrifying bug creatures frightening, Viola simply disagreed and thought they were oddly adorable. She snapped a few photos, capturing their essence as she roamed the field.