Chapter 3

Kyle was 11 when he won his first tournament. Vibrava had evolved into Flygon and he had caught an Absol and a Nidorino.

It was a small tournament, a local one hosted by the village leader in order to attract trade. Kyle had participated, making sure to have his cloak fastened and his hood on the entire time.

The final match had been a three-on-three and the crowd cheered as his Salamence wiped the floor with all three of the opposing trainer's pokemon.

As Kyle stood, basking in the cheers and praise coming from the crowd, he decided that he liked this life. He was powerful now, no one would be able to use him or hurt him, no one would have power over him and he'd never make the mistake of caring for someone ever again, lest they betray him.

~~~~~

Kyle was 13 when he drew the Sinnoh Champion's attention. Nidorino had evolved into Nidoking and he had caught a Tyranitar.

He was in the final battle of the tournament, Salamence crushing the opposing forces, when he'd caught sight of her in the bleachers.

His eyes widened, she had just entered, but the commotion made at her entrance was enough that it drew everyone's attention. Even the commentator had announced her appearance.

Kyle ground his teeth, he hated that there were still people out there who had more power than him.

"End this Salamence," he growled, "Hyperbeam!"

Salamence roared and unleashed a powerful beam at the opposing Golem who had been previously dazed by a Zen Headbutt.

The hyperbeam hit head on and Golem was knocked back, unconscious.

"And the winner is, Kyle Raos!" The commentator shouted, amid loud cheers from the crowd.

Kyle withdrew Salamence without a word and turned on his heel, marching out of the stadium, determined to get out of this without speaking to the champion.

But she had different plans.

~~~~~

The trainer was impressive. At this distance, Cynthia couldn't tell their age and the hood prevented their gender from showing, but she could assume it was a boy by the name, and his Salamence was extremely powerful. He had knocked out a Golem, Abomasnow, and a Hitmonlee easily.

She hadn't been there long enough to see the trainer's other battles, but she was sure this wasn't a fluke. He made it to the finals afterall and he seemed to be a crowd favorite.

Cynthia exited the bleachers, making her way to where she knew the exit was, determined to catch up to Kyle Raos. She didn't know why she was so intrigued with him, but she was, and she needed to sate her curiousity.

She stepped into the sun the moment he did, blocking his path. Kyle seemed to stiffen at the sight of her and she mentally frowned, filing that away for future reference.

"Champion," he said stiffly, bowing his head slightly, "A pleasure."

Cynthia raised a brow, anyone else would practically singing in excitement. "Impressive battle," she said.

"Thanks," he gave a short nod, but she could see his ice-blue eyes dart around for an escape.

"How about a battle?" Kyle froze.

"I'm afraid I have somewhere else to be right now," he said slowly, working his jaw. Kyle gave another nod and strode passed her, muscles tense.

"Wait," she called as she stepped forward. She grabbed for his arm and the instant her hand brushed his sleeve, he flinched violently, whirling around as his hand shot to his pokeball, releasing Salamence.

There was a moment or two of silence, before the parts of his face she could see flushed red. He hissed something under his breath before walking up to Salamence and swinging onto his back.

Without another word, Cynthia watched as the dragon took to the sky, her interest in his trainer growing with every passing second.