Chapter 8
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Adrian stepped into the grand courtyard of the Academy, the early morning sun reflecting off the polished stone and casting long, golden shadows across the field. The courtyard was already alive with anticipation, filled with students, tutors, and nobles from various houses. Whispers rippled through the crowd, mixing with the soft rustle of flags bearing the insignias of each noble family. Today was no ordinary duel. Today, the heir of House Liora would face Seraphine Veyra, the daughter of one of their oldest rival houses.
Adrian's crimson eyes scanned the crowd briefly, but he ignored the murmurs and stares. His attention was fixed on the girl standing across the arena. She was every bit the picture of composure, silver hair tied neatly in a braid, emerald eyes piercing and unyielding. At her side floated a small, unassuming Ralts, but Adrian could sense the potent aura it emitted. He had heard whispers of its psychic abilities and the training Seraphine had put it through.
"You're late," Seraphine said, her voice calm but sharp, carrying across the courtyard.
"I'm on time," Adrian replied evenly, stepping forward with Absol at his side. The Dark-type's crimson eyes met Ralts's, a low growl rumbling in her throat. She was ready.
Seraphine's lips curved into a faint smile. "So this is the Absol everyone's talking about. Fierce, untamed. Quite fitting for a boy trying to surpass his station."
Adrian narrowed his eyes. "You talk too much. Are we battling, or just here to gossip?"
Gasps echoed from the crowd. Seraphine's eyes flickered with something unreadable, but she kept her posture perfect. "Confidence," she replied, "or arrogance. We'll find out soon enough."
The referee stepped forward, raising his hand. "Battle between Adrian Liora and Seraphine Veyra. One-on-one. Begin!"
"Ralts, Confusion," Seraphine commanded.
Psychic energy rippled across the field, warping the air as Ralts's powers manifested. Absol stiffened slightly, sensing the mental pressure, but she stayed rooted beside Adrian.
"Quick Attack!" Adrian yelled.
Absol bolted forward, silver fur streaking through the morning light. She collided with the psychic wave, her momentum breaking through the attack and slamming into Ralts before it could react fully. Ralts tumbled backward a few feet, regaining its balance with effort.
"Too fast!" a student whispered. "That Absol…"
Seraphine's gaze remained calm, though her fingers twitched slightly. "Ralts, Double Team."
Multiple illusions appeared around the real Ralts, shimmering in the sunlight. Adrian's stomach tightened, but he didn't panic. "Absol, use Feint Attack," he instructed.
Her claws glowed with dark energy as she darted forward, slicing through the illusions and landing a solid hit on the real Ralts. The little Psychic-type staggered back, the crowd erupting into whispers and murmurs of disbelief.
Seraphine's expression remained composed, but her tone sharpened. "Clever, but predictable. Ralts, Hypnosis."
The psychic waves pressed against Absol, threatening to cloud her mind. She staggered slightly, claws digging into the stone for balance. Adrian could feel her tension through their bond, but he forced calm into his voice. "Don't let it hit you! Focus, Absol!"
Absol shook her head violently, clearing the haze, her crimson eyes blazing with renewed determination. She lunged at Ralts, claws slashing with precision. The little Pokémon barely dodged, staggering as the strike grazed it.
"Ralts, Confusion again!" Seraphine's command was swift.
Psychic energy surged forward, pushing Absol back. She collided with the courtyard floor but rolled to her feet, shaking dust from her fur. Adrian's heart raced. This was more than a simple test; this was strategy against strategy, skill against skill.
"You okay?" he called. Absol responded with a low, determined growl. She was far from done.
"My turn," Adrian said, voice steady. "Absol, Quick Attack—then Scratch!"
She launched forward, slashing through Ralts's attempts to block. Seraphine's lips curved into a subtle frown. "Not bad. But let's see how you handle this. Ralts, Disarming Voice."
A wave of pink energy erupted from Ralts, and Absol stumbled under the fairy-type attack. She recovered quickly, though, growling fiercely as she pressed forward.
Adrian felt a surge of pride. The trust between them was more than just obedience—it was connection. Absol was fighting with him, for him, not for applause.
"You fight well," Seraphine called out, her voice cutting across the field, "but your moves are too raw. Every attack relies on instinct rather than strategy."
Adrian's grin was sharp. "Funny. That 'instinct' is why Absol just cut through your illusions."
The crowd buzzed louder now, some cheering, others gasping. Seraphine's eyes narrowed slightly, the first crack in her composed demeanor. "Then let's raise the stakes. Ralts, Teleport."
Before Adrian could react, Ralts vanished and reappeared behind Absol, launching a Confusion attack. Absol was slammed against the stone floor, dust billowing around her. Adrian rushed forward, shouting, "Absol! Focus!"
Through the haze, he saw her eyes flash crimson. She shook off the attack and rose, tail flicking, muscles tensed. Adrian knelt slightly, pressing a hand to her fur. "We can do this. Together."
Her low growl was answer enough.
Adrian rose, voice steady and commanding. "Absol, Feint Attack, then Quick Attack straight to the real Ralts!"
Absol blurred into motion, her claws slicing through the air. Ralts sent another Disarming Voice toward her, but Absol twisted mid-strike, her dark energy cutting through the psychic waves. She landed a final, decisive strike on Ralts, sending it flying across the arena. The little Pokémon hit the ground and remained motionless.
The referee stepped forward, raising a hand. "Ralts is unable to battle. Victory goes to Adrian Liora and Absol."
The courtyard erupted in cheers, shouts, and applause. Students clapped and stomped, while nobles leaned forward, some with astonished expressions. Adrian dropped to his knees beside Absol, embracing her as she pressed her head against him.
"You did it," he whispered, voice trembling slightly. "We did it."
Absol licked his cheek in response, tail curling around him protectively.
From across the arena, Seraphine recalled her Ralts. Her face was calm, but her eyes remained fixed on Adrian, sharp and calculating. "You're stronger than I expected," she said quietly. "But this isn't over. Not between us, and not between our families."
Adrian rose slowly, meeting her gaze evenly. "Good. I wouldn't want it any other way."
A long silence stretched between them, filled with unspoken rivalry. Then, with a measured turn, Seraphine walked from the courtyard, her braid swaying behind her.
Adrian exhaled, finally allowing himself to relax. Absol nudged his side, her crimson eyes soft now. The bond between them felt stronger than ever, their trust reinforced by the fire of battle.
"You were amazing," he whispered, kneeling to stroke her fur. "I couldn't have done it without you."
Absol purred, pressing against him as if to reassure him that the victory was theirs together.
Adrian scanned the crowd, noting the whispers of admiration and shock. Today, he had not only won a battle but had made a statement. He was more than the heir of Liora. He was a trainer to be reckoned with, a force to be respected.
And he knew this was just the beginning. The rivalry with Seraphine, the politics of the noble houses, the countless battles ahead—they would all come, and he and Absol would face them together, unshakable and unyielding.
The sun climbed higher in the sky, bathing the courtyard in golden light. Adrian felt a fire in his chest that no challenge could extinguish. This was his path, and he would walk it with Absol by his side, every step a declaration of strength, trust, and unbreakable resolve.
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