The morning sun cast long shadows across Route 7 as Ash and his friends emerged from the Pokémon Center, their Pokémon fully healed and ready for another day of adventure. Pikachu perched contentedly on Ash's shoulder, cheeks sparking with excess energy from a good night's rest.
"So, where to next?" Ash asked, stretching his arms above his head.
"Actually," Serena said, looking up from her own device with barely contained excitement, "I found something interesting last night." She'd been up late researching Kalos history, inspired by their recent encounter with Champion Cynthia. "There's this place called the Battle Chateau nearby. It says here it's a historic battleground where trainers have been testing their skills for centuries!"
"Battle Chateau?" Bonnie bounced on her toes, Dedenne mimicking her enthusiasm from her bag. "That sounds so fancy!"
Serena nodded, her eyes bright. "It dates back to the time of King AZ himself. Apparently, he established it as a place where knights would settle disputes through Pokémon battles instead of war. The tradition evolved over time, but trainers still go there to prove themselves." She glanced at Ash, knowing how much he loved a good challenge. "I thought you might enjoy checking it out."
"That sounds awesome!" Ash pumped his fist. "What do you say, Pikachu? Want to battle some knights?"
"Pika pika!" Pikachu cheered, electricity crackling between his red cheeks.
"STOP RIGHT THERE!"
The group jumped as a figure burst from the bushes, landing in a dramatic fighting stance. Korrina stood before them, her Lucario materializing beside her in a flash of blue light. Both trainer and Pokémon wore matching grins of pure excitement.
"Did someone say Battle Chateau?!" Korrina's eyes sparkled with an intensity that rivaled Ash's pre-battle excitement. "Oh man, oh man, you guys are heading there? That's so cool!"
She bounced on her heels, unable to stay still. "Lucario and I have been working on our Mega Evolution bond, and we always stop by the Battle Chateau when we're in the area. Oh, but wait—" She suddenly pointed at each of them in turn. "Proper introductions! I'm Korrina, the Shalour City Gym Leader in training, and this is my partner, Lucario!"
"Rrah!" Lucario bowed formally, one paw over its chest.
"I'm Ash from Pallet Town, and this is my buddy Pikachu!"
"I'm Serena," she said with a small curtsy she'd been practicing. "It's nice to meet you."
"I'm Clemont, and this here, is my little sister Bonnie," the inventor added, gesturing to the blonde child who was already approaching Lucario with stars in her eyes.
"And this is Dedenne!" Bonnie announced, holding up the Round Mouse Pokémon.
"Perfect! Now we're all friends!" Korrina declared with a laugh. "Oh, you're going to LOVE the Battle Chateau. It's not just about battling—it's about honor, tradition, the whole knight thing! Did you know that back in King AZ's time, the Chateau was where royal guards would train? They believed that battling alongside Pokémon taught discipline and built character. The king himself said that understanding between humans and Pokémon could prevent wars."
She started walking backward along the path, gesturing wildly as she spoke. "Over the centuries, it evolved into this amazing place where trainers from all over come to test themselves. They have this whole ranking system—Baron, Viscount, Earl, Marquis, Duke, and Grand Duke! Or the female equivalents—Baroness, Viscountess, Countess, Marchioness, Duchess, and Grand Duchess!"
"You sure know a lot about it," Clemont observed.
Korrina grinned proudly. "I'm actually a Countess there myself! Lucario and I worked super hard for that rank. Hey, I know! I'll guide you there! It's way more fun experiencing it with someone who knows the ropes!"
"That'd be great!" Ash agreed enthusiastically.
As they walked together, Korrina regaled them with stories of legendary battles fought at the Chateau, her animated storytelling making even Clemont forget about the scientific impossibilities of some of the tales. Lucario occasionally added its own commentary with various gestures and expressions, clearly having heard these stories many times before.
[Line Break]
The Battle Chateau stood before them like something out of a fairy tale. Serena gasped, her hand flying to her heart as she took in the magnificent structure. Pristine cobblestone walls climbed toward ornate turrets, while stained glass windows caught the afternoon sun, casting rainbow patterns across the manicured gardens. Modern technology blended seamlessly with medieval architecture—automatic doors hidden within ancient archways, holographic displays projected from carved stone pillars.
"It's even more beautiful than the pictures," Serena breathed, her designer's eye appreciating every detail from the Gothic arches to the Pokéball emblems worked into the ironwork.
"Wait until you see the inside!" Korrina said, practically skipping up the grand stairs.
The massive doors opened to reveal an entrance hall that took their breath away. Crystal chandeliers hung from vaulted ceilings painted with murals of legendary Pokémon battles. The floor was polished marble inlaid with a massive coat of arms featuring various Pokémon types.
"Countess Korrina!" A distinguished gentleman in formal attire approached them, bowing deeply. His graying hair was perfectly styled, and he carried himself with the bearing of nobility. "How wonderful to see you again."
"Duke Turner!" Korrina beamed. "These are my friends—they're here to experience the Battle Chateau for the first time!"
Turner's eyes swept over the group with practiced assessment. "Ah, new challengers. How delightful. I am Duke Turner, one of the senior members here. Young Countess, would you do the honors of introduction?"
"This is Ash from Pallet Town, he's collecting Gym Badges! And Serena, she used to be Professor Sycamore's research assistant, Clemont the Lumiose City Gym Leader, and his sister Bonnie!"
Turner's eyebrows rose slightly at Clemont's title. "Two Gym Leaders and a challenger. The Chateau is honored by your presence." He gestured to a maid who appeared seemingly from nowhere with a silver tray. "Before you may participate in battles, there are certain... traditions to observe. The Battle Chateau maintains the customs of nobility. Here, trainers don't simply battle—they duel with honor and proper etiquette."
"The ranking system Countess Korrina mentioned determines who may challenge whom," Turner explained as they walked deeper into the Chateau. "New members begin as Baron or Baroness and work their way up through victories. Each rank comes with its privileges and responsibilities. But most importantly—" he paused for effect, "—all participants must dress appropriately."
"Dress appropriately?" Ash looked down at his usual outfit with confusion.
"Formal attire, young man. We cannot have trainers battling in casual wear. It would offend centuries of tradition!" Turner nodded to another maid. "Please escort our guests to the dressing chambers."
Twenty minutes later, they reconvened in the entrance hall, transformed. Ash tugged uncomfortably at his navy blue suit jacket. The suit was perfectly tailored, with gold buttons and subtle Pokéball designs embroidered on the cuffs.
Clemont wore a scholarly brown suit that somehow made him look even more like an inventor, while Bonnie had been given an adorable yellow dress with Dedenne-styled accessories that had her twirling in delight.
But it was Serena who truly shone. Her gown was a soft pink that complemented her honey-colored hair, with delicate lace details and a subtle shine that caught the light as she moved. She'd pulled her hair into an elegant updo that showcased the pearl earrings provided with the outfit.
"Wow, Serena," Ash said, his usual energy momentarily subdued. "You look... really nice."
Serena's cheeks flushed pink to match her dress. "Thank you, Ash. You look very handsome in that suit."
"You think so?" Ash grinned, his confidence returning. "Hear that, Pikachu? We're handsome!"
"Pika!" Pikachu struck a pose, mirroring his trainer's enthusiasm.
Korrina, already in her formal battle attire—a modified version of her usual outfit in richer fabrics with added cape—laughed at their reactions. "Come on, the real fun is this way!"
[Line Break]
The maid led them through carpeted hallways lined with portraits of famous trainers until they reached a set of double doors. "The main salon," she announced, pushing them open.
The room beyond was like stepping into another era. Trainers in formal wear mingled throughout the spacious salon, some engaged in quiet conversation over tea, others studying battle recordings on discrete screens built into antique frames. The atmosphere was one of refined competition—aristocratic in appearance but with an underlying current of battle-ready tension.
"Is that guy... climbing the wall?" Bonnie pointed upward, where indeed someone was scaling the ornate stone wall using only tiny handholds in the decorative carving.
"That's Grant," Korrina explained to the others. "He's a Duke here—super strong trainer! He's got this thing about climbing walls. Any walls. All walls, really."
"Fascinating," Clemont muttered, already trying to calculate the grip strength required.
Korrina suddenly spun to face the room, her cape swirling dramatically. "Alright! Who wants to battle? I, Countess Korrina, formally challenge any Earl or Countess present to a duel!"
A hush fell over the salon. Then, from across the room, a man in a crimson jacket stepped forward. "I, Earl Nico, accept your challenge, Countess!"
The formal dance began immediately. Korrina pulled a white glove from her pocket and threw it at Nico's feet. He picked it up, bowing deeply. They clasped hands briefly, and then Korrina removed her cape with a flourish, draping it over a nearby chair.
"To a good battle," they said in unison.
"The battlefield is this way," Turner appeared to guide them. "Others may observe from the gallery."
[Line Break]
The battlefield was a masterpiece—regulation size but surrounded by stone pillars and viewing balconies that made it feel like an ancient colosseum. Korrina and Nico took their positions at opposite ends while a maid in referee attire stepped to the sideline.
"This will be a one-on-one battle between Countess Korrina and Earl Nico!" she announced. "Battle begin!"
"Lucario, let's go!" Korrina called, and her partner leaped onto the field with practiced grace.
"Fletchinder, I choose you!" Nico released the Ember Pokémon, which circled above with a fierce cry.
"A Flying-type against a Fighting-type," Clemont analyzed. "Nico has the advantage."
"But Korrina's no ordinary Fighting-type trainer," Ash countered, eyes locked on the battle.
"Fletchinder, start with Flame Charge!" Nico commanded.
The bird Pokémon became wreathed in flames, diving toward Lucario with increasing speed.
"Dodge and use Bone Rush!" Korrina's response was immediate.
Lucario rolled aside at the last second, materializing a bone of pure energy and swinging it like a staff. The first swing missed as Fletchinder pulled up, but Lucario was already tracking its movement.
"Now Aerial Ace!" Nico called.
"Counter with Metal Claw!"
The two Pokémon clashed in midair, Fletchinder's speed against Lucario's precision. Sparks flew as Metal Claw met Aerial Ace, both Pokémon pushing against each other before separating.
"Fletchinder, Flame Charge again! Build that speed!"
"That's what we want! Lucario, stand your ground!"
"What's she doing?" Bonnie asked as Lucario planted its feet, not attempting to dodge.
The flaming bird bore down on Lucario, who waited until the last possible moment—
"Power-Up Punch, full power!"
Lucario's fist glowed with orange energy, meeting Fletchinder's charge head-on. The collision created a small explosion, smoke billowing across the field. When it cleared, Fletchinder was on the ground, struggling to rise, while Lucario stood tall, its attack power visibly increased from the successful hit.
"One more Power-Up Punch!"
"Fletchinder, get up! Use—"
But it was too late. Lucario's enhanced punch connected cleanly, and Fletchinder fainted.
"Fletchinder is unable to battle! Countess Korrina wins! With that she has advanced to the rank of Marchioness"
"Yes!" Korrina ran onto the field, embracing Lucario as they both laughed in victory. "Great job, partner! We've finally got one hundred straight wins!"
"Remarkable battle," a new voice said from the entrance. A young woman with blonde hair styled in a chic bob entered the salon, a camera hanging around her neck despite her formal green dress. "That timing on the Power-Up Punch was perfect."
"Viola!" Ash exclaimed. "What are you doing here?"
The Santalune City Gym Leader smiled warmly. "Same as you, I imagine. The Battle Chateau is perfect for training between challengers. And—" she glanced up at Grant, still perched on his wall, "—a certain rival of mine frequent this place."
"I can hear you, Viola!" Grant called down cheerfully.
"Good! Maybe you'll actually come down and battle me properly instead of playing Ariados!"
"The view is excellent from up here. I can see your Surskit is favoring its left side from your last battle."
Viola's eye twitched. "How can you possibly—never mind. Grant, there isn't a wall in Kalos you haven't tried to climb, is there?"
"Untrue! There's a lovely marble wall in Anistar City I haven't attempted yet."
The group laughed at their banter, the rivalry evident but clearly good-natured.
[Line Break]
A white glove suddenly landed on Viola's shoulder. She turned to find Grant had somehow descended and approached without anyone noticing.
"Duchess Viola," he said formally, though his eyes sparkled with mischief. "I challenge you to a duel."
"Duke Grant," Viola replied, snatching the glove. "I accept, as always."
The maid referee stepped forward with an announcement that sent murmurs through the growing crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, both Duke Grant and Duchess Viola require only one more victory to achieve the rank of Grand Duke or Grand Duchess!"
"This will be big," Korrina whispered excitedly to Ash's group. "They've been rivals forever, and they're both super strong!"
The crowd had tripled in size by the time Viola and Grant took their positions on the battlefield. Even trainers from other rooms had come to watch, the gallery packed with spectators.
"Since you challenged, I choose first," Viola declared. "Surskit, let's capture this moment!"
The pond skater Pokémon appeared, sliding gracefully across the battlefield.
"Then I choose Tyrunt!" Grant released the Royal Heir Pokémon, which roared despite its small size.
"A Rock and Dragon-type," Clemont said. "This won't be easy for Viola."
"Begin!" the referee called.
"Surskit, Bubble Beam!" Viola commanded, her photographer's eye already analyzing angles.
"Rock Tomb!" Grant countered.
Surskit's stream of bubbles met the falling rocks midway, creating a screen of mist and debris. Through the chaos, Surskit darted forward with remarkable speed.
"Ice Beam, quick!"
"Dragon Tail!"
Tyrunt's glowing tail swept through where Surskit had been a moment before, the Ice Beam grazing its side. Both Pokémon reset, circling each other warily.
"They're evenly matched," Serena said, gripping the balcony rail.
"Signal Beam!" Viola called.
The rainbow-colored beam shot toward Tyrunt, who stood its ground.
"Rock Polish, then dodge!"
Tyrunt's body gleamed as its speed increased, allowing it to sidestep the attack at the last second.
"It's faster now," Ash noted. "This could be trouble."
"Surskit, Protect!"
A green barrier surrounded Surskit just as Grant called for another Rock Tomb. The rocks bounced harmlessly off the shield.
"Now, while it's close! Dragon Tail again!"
"Counter with Ice Beam!"
The two attacks met in a spectacular collision, ice crystals and dragon energy exploding outward. Surskit was pushed back but remained standing.
"Surskit, Quick Attack into Bubble Beam!"
Surskit became a blur, circling Tyrunt while firing bubbles from multiple angles.
"Stand strong, Tyrunt! Feel the rhythm!"
Grant's eyes were closed, sensing rather than seeing the battle. "Now! Meteor Beam!"
"Meteor Beam?!" Clemont gasped. "That's an incredibly powerful Rock-type move!"
Tyrunt began gathering energy, a sphere of cosmic power forming above its head. Surskit continued its assault, but Tyrunt endured, the meteor growing larger.
"Surskit, stop it with Ice Beam!"
"Too late! Fire!"
The Meteor Beam erupted forward, a devastating blast of stellar energy. Surskit tried to dodge, but the attack's range was too wide. The explosion shook the entire battlefield, and when the dust settled, Surskit had fainted.
"Surskit is unable to battle! Duke Grant wins and achieves the rank of Grand Duke!"
The crowd erupted in applause. Grant walked onto the field, kneeling beside Tyrunt to praise it before crossing to where Viola was recalling Surskit.
"Good battle, as always," he said, extending his hand.
Viola shook it with a rueful smile. "One of these days, Grant. One of these days I'll beat you to Grand Duchess."
"I don't doubt it. Your Surskit gets stronger every time we battle."
[Line Break]
The group converged in the salon afterward, where Grant and Viola had been surrounded by other trainers offering congratulations and condolences respectively.
"That was amazing!" Ash exclaimed, Pikachu echoing his excitement. "You're both such strong trainers!"
Grant smiled modestly. "Practice and dedication, that's all. Plus having good rivals helps." He nudged Viola, who rolled her eyes but smiled.
"You'll get your chance to battle Grant eventually, Ash," Viola said with a knowing look.
"Really?" Ash perked up even more.
"Oh, didn't I mention?" Grant said casually, though his eyes twinkled. "I'm also the Cyllage City Gym Leader."
"WHAT?!" Ash, Serena, and Bonnie shouted simultaneously.
"You're the Cyllage City Gam Leader?" Ash's eyes went wide.
Clemont adjusted his glasses thoughtfully. "Rock-type specialist, I assume, given your Tyrunt and your... affinity for walls."
"And you would be correct! The Cyllage Gym is built into a climbing wall. Challengers have to climb to reach me."
"That sounds AWESOME!" Ash pumped both fists. "Pikachu, we've got to train hard! Did you see that Meteor Beam? And Rock Tomb looked super powerful too!"
"Pika pika!" Pikachu sparked with determination.
"I'll be waiting for your challenge," Grant said. "Take your time to train. I wish to face you at your best."
"Count on it! I'm going to train like crazy!"
Korrina bounced over to them, Lucario at her side. "Hey, speaking of training, mind if I travel with you guys for a while? I mean, if you're heading toward Cyllage City anyway, and it's more fun traveling with friends!"
"That would be wonderful!" Serena said immediately, already imagining the stories Korrina could share.
"The more the merrier!" Ash agreed.
"It would be advantageous to have another experienced trainer with us," Clemont added.
"Yay! New big sister!" Bonnie cheered, causing Korrina to laugh, while Clemont spluttered nervously.
As they prepared to leave the Battle Chateau, now changed back into their regular clothes but somehow feeling different after the experience, Turner appeared one last time.
"I hope you've enjoyed your first visit to the Battle Chateau. You're all welcome to return anytime you wish to test your skills."
"We definitely will!" Ash promised.
They walked out together into the late afternoon sun—Ash already strategizing about Rock-types, Serena inspired by the elegance she'd witnessed, Clemont calculating battle probabilities, Bonnie playing with Dedenne and Lucario, and Korrina excitedly planning their journey ahead.
Grant and Viola watched from a Chateau window as the group departed.
"Think he'll give me a good battle?" Grant asked asked, his hand absently finding a grip on the window frame
"I have no doubt!" Viola replied. "You better be careful Grant, or he might just beat you without breaking a swear!"
As the sun set behind the Battle Chateau, casting long shadows across the ancient battlefield where knights once proved their honor, a new generation of trainers continued their journey—carrying those same ideals of courage, friendship, and determination toward whatever challenges awaited them on the road ahead.
The path to Cyllage City stretched before them, full of promise and adventure.
AS THE JOURNEY CONTINUES!
Read upto 50 chapters ahead on Patreon at patreon.com/PokeFan1203