This is just a test story. If I get some good reviews then I'll continue, so if you like, review. Thank you. Also, I really need a beta reader. Anyone interested should include it in their review.

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Disclaimer: Pokemon is the property of Nintendo, not me.

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Professor Edward J. Redwood stared up at the polished white marble, that adorned the front of his place of work. The bronze letters, edged in silver, hanging above the doors spelled out Pokemon University. Redwood snorted under his breath. Pokemon training was a lost art in this school.

Pokemon University had been set up for those parents who wanted their offspring to settle down into an education system and take some proper exams, instead of leaving home at the first opportunity to become a Pokemon trainer. Not that the parents had anything against the prospect of a Pokemon trainer, they just wanted their children to have a few degrees before they thought about leaving. After all, many trainers came back home after a few months, down heartened and unable to find work because they had no qualifications. The University shouldn't even have Pokemon in the title, the professor thought.

However, it was customary, that when students reached Year 9, two years before they sat their GCSEs, their parents would be sent a letter. If the child returned their reply slip, then they were admitted into a two year long crash course in the areas of Pokemon care, training and battling, led by Redwood himself. Very few children returned their forms, these kids choices were still governed by their parents. Redwood never had more than ten "hopefuls" in his class. This year, he had four children who were nearing the end of his course.

Very few children failed Redwood's course. He would not fail someone who lost every match, or knew nothing about battling techniques. He only failed a student who he felt would not care for their Pokemon. It was true that some children had tried to hide their callousness in his classes but Redwood saw through them. He could see the fire that burned in their eyes when their Pokemon drew blood. But, he had high hopes of these four. Redwood stubbed out his cigarette in the ground and walked inside the building.

Redwood passed through gleaming corridors until he located his office. He opened the polished oak door and sat behind his mahogany desk. A piece of paper lay on the wood before him. Redwood leaned forwards and picked it up. He threw his grey overcoat onto the floor and put his mud-encrusted boots on the desk. Professor Redwood was not a paperwork person. He peered at the note through his glasses. It was from Mister Roulston, the headmaster.

Professor Redwood.

I have read your recommendations for starting Pokemon for the four candidates and I hereby give you my official approval of your choices. Although I must say that I express some concern about your choices for the two boys. Those Pokemon are notoriously hard to handle. However, I concede to your superior intellect in this field and trust your judgement. You may call the children for their briefing when you are ready.

Headmaster Roulston

Redwood chuckled and stuffed the paper into his desk drawer, he picked up the receiver of his videophone and dialled a number. After about eight rings Miss Johnson, the secretary picked up.

"Yes Professor?" she said cradling the phone on her shoulder. The professor pressed the hands-free button.

"Please send the four Pokeballs specified to you up to my office from the archives. Quickly as you can please." Miss Johnson nodded and put the phone down. Redwood sat back and picked up a file. Inside this file were the marks achieved by all four students on the course. No student shone out from the others and all would go far, he hoped.

Before long a cardboard box was handed to him by the caretaker. Redwood took it without a word and cut the sellotape from the top with his letter opener. The inside was filled with polystyrene. He fished around with his hands until he found the four Pokeballs. He placed them on his desk, put the box into his store cupboard and pressed the button for the P.A system.

"Would the four prospective Pokemon trainers please come up to my office as soon as you can? Thank you." He settled back on his chair, the children knew the way to his office by heart. He waited.

The first student to arrive was Amy. The girl was not a brilliant battler in his opinion but she more than made up for that by her outstanding theory marks. At least he knew that the girl's Pokemon would be well cared for if nothing else. He handed her one of the Pokeballs and instructed her to have a seat while they waited for the other students.

Second to appear was Chris. There are many people in this world on whom a comb can be used for its intended purpose, but Chris was not one of them. Chris was the best battler of the group and was not uncaring for his Pokemon. Redwood liked the boy's style if not his dress sense. Chris too was given a Pokeball and instructed to wait.

Next came Richard. Redwood liked Richard's compassion and energy he had when working with Pokemon. The boy's battling strategy left something to be desired, but the boy had the basic idea. He was presented with a Pokeball and the four people awaited the fifth.

Lastly came Rebecca, she burst through the door, panting and trying to do up the catch on her bag, which had broken. She apologised profusely and retightened the belt on her jeans. She grabbed the last remaining Pokeball and sat down in a leather armchair. Redwood stood up.

"Good Morning. Today marks the start of your final examination. Inside these Pokeballs is the starter that I have recommended for you. We have battled in school with a majority of types, so you should be prepared. Your task is simple. You must look after your Pokemon for a week. At the end of the week, we will import Nurse Joy from Pewter to give each Pokemon a thorough check up. If your Pokemon is in good health and comments well on your treatment of it. Then you will be recognised as a trainer." Redwood smiled. His Espeon would be holding a detailed conversation with all four Pokemon at the end of the week, and he was surprised at how many trainers fell at the final hurdle.

"If I may give you one tip before you leave it will be this. I would advise you to limit how often you release your Pokemon during school hours. Be aware that many students were not allowed to take my course. We do not wish to cause unnecessary violence. And now, I wish you the best of luck during this week. You may go." The four trainers left. Redwood collapsed in his chair and massaged his temples. He had a feeling that this week would be interesting.