(A/N: Oh, sorry about the huge typo in the title. XD Got it fixed!)


Chapter 3: PokeBlitz!

Despite it taking about ten minutes to get there, the three finally reached the giant stadium, and giant it sure was. "Wow, with a stadium this big, they must have huge Pokemon tournaments," Ash commented.

"Or, it could be for Pokemon Contests," Dawn said.

"Well, either way, it definitely attracts large crowds," Brock said, and it was true. The lines were rather large, meaning this event was a big deal.

"Better see what's going on," Ash said. He then went to a boy about his age who was standing in line. "Excuse me, but what event is going on here?"

The kid looked at him in confusion. "What event? What event? You can't be serious!? You're joking right?"

"Um, no I'm not," Ash said as both Dawn and Brock came up to him.

"Well obviously it's for PokeBlitz, probably the best sport in the world!" the kid said. All he got were blank stares. "You... don't know what PokeBlitz is, do you?"

"Nope," the three of them said.

The kid sighed. "Apparently you're not from around here. I better explain then, but before I do that I better introduce myself. The name's Brian."

"Nice to meet you, Brian," Ash said. "My name is Ash, from Pallet Town."

"My name is Dawn, from Twinleaf Town," Dawn said.

"And my name is Brock, from Pewter City," Brock said.

"Outsiders, huh? I guess that explains why you wouldn't know the sport," Brian said. "Anyway, PokeBlitz is practically a worldwide sport seen and played in most areas of the world. You see, PokeBlitz is kind of like a mixed version of soccer, football, and water polo. You have two teams of five Pokemon battling out against each other, and the main point of the game is to score goals through the opponent's hoop. Trust me, you'll figure it out once you see it. Of course, there's just one little thing."

"What's that?" Brock asked.

"Take a look for yourself," Brian said, motioning to something behind them. They looked back and saw a giant screen, displaying the inside of the stadium. However, there was one thing in particular that looked very peculiar.

"Wait a minute, is what I'm seeing supposed to be a large sphere of water?" Ash asked.

"You got it," Brian said, grinning. "Actually, it's not exactly water. Well, I can't really explain it."

"So that means only water-types can compete?" Dawn asked.

"Actually, no," Brian said. This for sure made the trio confused. "You see, although it looks and feels like water, it's completely breathable. Any kind of Pokemon can compete, although I wouldn't use rather heavy types, or I guess even fire-types because they hate the water. Light and speed are your best bets."

"So what exactly are they doing today?" Brock asked.

"Well, today they're having a special tournament available for all fans to join up," Brian said. "They've been doing this for years now, since fans just love to be part of the action. I personally, along with my friends, are signing up. You should as well, it is worth the experience after all."

"Actually, for being a sport I've never heard of, it does sound fun," Brock said, thinking about it.

"Yeah, and you know what they say, it's always good to try new things," Dawn added.

"Alright, we'll do it then!" Ash said.

"Cool," Brian said. "Then I guess I'll be seeing you in the competition then. See ya later."

Ash, Dawn, and Brock then got to the back of the line. "So, if we're going to do this, we need to think who we'll have playing," Dawn said.

"Well, definitely Buizel and Piplup for sure," Ash said. He then looked to Pikachu. "You willing to get a little wet, buddy?"

"Pika pika!" Pikachu said, nodding.

"Unfortunately, I'm not so sure if there is any other Pokemon we have that can handle the water," Brock said.

However, luck would come to them about five minutes later as Brian came back over to where they were. "Hey, um, so I found out that my friends couldn't make it, and I only have two water-type Pokemon, so is it alright if I could join your team?"

"No problem Brian," Ash said. "We're actually a little short on Pokemon ourselves. What two Pokemon do you have?"

"An Empoleon and a Dewgong," Brian said. "What about you?"

"We have Buizel and Piplup," Dawn said. "But Pikachu is going to be playing as well."

"That's perfect then," Brian said. "We'll have a mix of speed and strength. And trust me, strength plays a big part in this game as well."

"Sorry Brock," Ash then said. "Hope you don't feel left out since none of your Pokemon can handle the water."

"It's no big deal, I can still help out the team," Brock said. "Still, guess now would've been a good time to have Marshtomp here with me still," he added jokingly.

Soon, they got up to the front of the line and quickly signed up. For the most part, it was easy until –

"Team name?" Ash asked.

"Well, this is a team sport you know," Brian said.

"Unfortunately, I'm not one who comes up with names easily," Brock added.

Dawn thought about it for a minute. "How about... Team Go-Getters?"

"That does have a nice ring to it," Ash said.

"Simple but definitely creative," Brian added.

"I think it will do just fine," Brock said.

"Alright, Team Go-Getters it is," Ash said, writing the name down.

"Now that we're signed in, we have an hour to get ready before they finish filling out the brackets," Brian said. They then sat down at one of the tables in the lounging area. "So Ash, you say your planning on competing in the Sinnoh League?"

"Yep," Ash said. "Only one badge away, in Sunnyshore City. All in all, I'm planning on becoming a Pokemon Master."

"I'm planning on entering the Grand Festival Pokemon Contest, and hope to win it as well," Dawn said.

"And I'm planning becoming a great Pokemon Coordinator," Brock said.

"Wow, thats a lot going on," Brian said.

"What about you Brian?" Ash asked him.

"To be honest, I'm not real sure yet," Brian said. "I grew up in this city, been here all my life. Of course, it's different now than what it was then. People used to love doing Pokemon battles and have all sorts of tournaments. But, no one really does that anymore around here."

"Really? Why?" Dawn asked.

Brian just shrugged his shoulders. "Beats me. I guess people here just like to have Pokemon as company and as friends. It's not always about battling."

"That's true," Brock said. "Battling may be about teamwork and trust, but it's also about bonding. It can make a Pokemon and it's trainer the best of friends."

"Yeah, Pikachu and I are prime examples of that," Ash said, chuckling while looking to his small companion. "We've been together since day one, and been on plenty of adventures, and more sure to come. Funny thing is, we didn't always get along." Ash could still remember that day, when he and Pikachu were attacked by a flock of Sparrow. When worst came to worst, Pikachu came to his aid at the end. That was where the friendship began.

"Yeah, I know exactly what you mean," Brian said. "Once you catch a Pokemon, you pretty much have to earn it's trust and friendship. Empoleon, when he was a Piplup, was the same way."

"Sounds like someone I know," Dawn said, smiling, while looking at her faithful companion. Piplup couldn't help but smile a bit.

Brian then looked at his watch. "Okay, the tournament is going to start in about fifteen minutes, so we better check to see if the brackets are done yet. We could also figure out our game plan as well." Heading to the main lounge, they then saw that the brackets had indeed been finished. "Damn, I was kind of hoping we'd get a bye," Brian said. "Oh well, we're going to be the third match in the first round. At least you'll get to experience what the game is like."

Brian then led them to the main part of the stadium, where the seats, as well as the giant sphere of water, was. "I'm not going to even bother asking how you get something like that in a stadium," Ash said.

After about another couple of minutes, the lights in the stadium then dimmed. "Ladies and gentlemen," an announcer said. "Welcome to the 20th Annual PokeBlitz Tournament here in Cerenia City. We have a total of sixteen teams here, a new record. We all here expect good sportsmanship, but also for everyone to have fun and a good time. Now, to start off the first match of the first round, we have at the red corner, the Necromancers, (A/N: I suck at team names.) and in the blue corner, the Top Gunners!"

All of a sudden, there were ten flashes of light very high above the blue sphere. Then, ten Pokemon skydived right into the water and took their positions. "They fall right into the water?" Brock asked.

"It's more for crowd entertainment," Brian said.

"Now, let the match begin!" Suddenly, a ball the size of a volleyball, shot out into the sphere and the match begun. As it turned out, Brian had been right when he said that the sport was rather physical as the teams brawled against one another to steal back the ball. It wasn't long before each team

had scored a goal against one another. After about another ten minutes, the teams stopped for halftime.

"Come on, it's time for us to get ready," Brian said. They then took an elevator to the highest floor in the stadium, and went into another huge lounging area. "This is where we wait," he then added. "Now, Ash and Dawn, since Buizel, Pikachu, and Piplup are yours, I'll let you choose what positions you want for them."

"Hm," Ash and Dawn both said, as they took out their Pokemon. "Well, Pikachu I know for sure would love to play offense."

"And Piplup, no doubt," Dawn said as the two Pokemon nodded.

"How about you Buizel?" Ash asked. "You want to do second-line offense and defense?"

"Bui bui," Buizel said, nodding.

"Very well," Brian said as he took out his Empoleon and Dewgong. "Alright Empoleon, you'll be helping Buizel on defense. Dewgong, I'm putting you as Keeper. Think you can handle it?"

"Dewgong," Dewgong said, nodding.

"Alright, then we wait then," Brian said. "I'm afraid they're going to have to figure out tactics since we have no idea what to expect. But I'm pretty sure they might have some tricks up their sleeves."

They then continued to watch the current match on the TV in the lounge. It was about another hour before their match came up. "Okay, the Pokemon have to go through the door up ahead, that'll lead to the main stage. We, however, have to go back down and take our seats in the coach's box."

"Alright guys," Ash said to Pikachu and Buizel. "No matter what happens, just try to have some fun out there."

"You too, Piplup," Dawn said. "And make sure to stay focused and keep a cool head." The Pokemon then went through the next door as the four trainers went back down to the coach's box.


(A/N: Okay, obviously I pretty much skipped that match because you probably don't care about those matches, just the ones involving our heroes. XD And yes, I pretty much ripped off Blitzball from Final Fantasy X. Actually, it inspired me to think of such a game, so I'm not really ripping it off. Anyway, you know what time it is again. The song I have here is called "Blitz Off!," perfect for such an occasion, and from Final Fantasy X, and also a favorite song. By the way, I'm getting these names from a site called . XD)

"And now, for our third match of the day," the announcer said. "We have two more teams battling it out for our grand trophy. I present, at the red corner, the Wave Racers, and at the blue corner, Team Go-Getters!"

Then, in the air, down came ten Pokemon, those including Buizel, Pikachu, Piplup, Empoleon, and Dewgong. Once they hit the water, they could instantly tell the difference. Indeed, the water was breathable. Even Pikachu, who the water didn't really bother as much, felt comfortable with it. On the other side, they saw a Swampert, Seel, Poliwhirl, Squirtle, and a Golduck. This was going to be an interesting match-up.

*"Let the match begin!" the announcer said. The ball then shot up into the air, or in this case the water, and it landed into Pikachu's paws. Then, with Piplup beside him for cover, he went forward as Buizel and Empoleon took their positions behind them. As it turned out, the other team was going to do whatever it takes to get the ball as Pikachu quickly got slammed by Squirtle and let go of the ball. Squirtle then got a hold of the ball and was able to dodge Piplup. However, it then got attacked by two Water Pulses from both Buizel and Empoleon, and Buizel grabbed the ball and started playing offense.

He was able to dodge attacks from Swampert, Seel and Poliwhirl, and with a Sonic Boom attack, he sent the ball sailing right at Golduck, who just managed to miss it and Buizel had scored the first goal. "Alright, way to go Buizel!" Ash yelled.

"Keep up the good work, all of you!" Dawn yelled as well.

Pikachu then told the others to keep their guard up, for they had no idea what offensive strategies this team had. The other team's strategy seemed a bit more organized as they used more definite routes for their attack. Pikachu guarded Swampert, Piplup guarded Squirtle, Buizel guarded Seel, and Empoleon guarded Poliwhirl.

Swampert, with the ball, then passed it to Seel, who then passed it to Poliwhirl, who tried to get a hard hit, but was disrupted by Empoleon. The shot was sent straight to Dewgong, but Dewgong was able to knock it away easily thanks to Empoleon's assistance. With about five minutes left in the half, the ball was then sent to Piplup, who waited to lure some of the defenders in and send it to Pikachu, but Swampert caught on quickly and intercepted the pass with great speed. Taking advantage of the open field, Swampert quickly charged down the middle of the line and, rather far from the goal, charged up a powerful Focus Punch, sent the ball straight down the line, scoring an easy goal as Dewgong barely missed it. The score was now tied.

Soon, halftime came around and the Pokemon left the field. "Hey, like I always say, no need to worry, right?" Dawn said.

"Right indeed," Brian said. "Being tied at halftime is usually typical. But, now it just comes down to good defense and being able to pull off shots."

"Right," Ash said. "Don't worry, as long as everyone stays focused, we'll be sure to win then."

Soon, halftime ended and the second half of the match began. This time, the opposing team got the ball first. However, Pikachu and the group learned quickly with what they could and could not do. Pikachu then skull bashed Swampert, who had the ball, and it was dropped. Piplup then got a hold of it and sent it back to Buizel, who then went to the center of the field. He then passed it to Empoleon. Empoleon, who charged up a Steel Wing, struck the ball past all the defenders to Pikachu who was in the backfield, being completely ignored by everyone. Pikachu then used Iron Tail and struck the ball right at the goal, almost impossible to catch and they retook the lead.

However, there was plenty of time left for the other team to score, so defense was the key. With less than two minutes left, the Wave Racers came straight at them. Keeping his eye on Swampert, Pikachu watched the ball as it shifted from each player. He then saw Swampert shift ahead and quickly figured out their strategy. He then charged straight at Swampert as it received the ball. It then focused its energy once more and shot, but as the ball was sent off, Pikachu got in the way of it and, unfortunately, took the hit.

There were groans all over the stadium as they saw the hit. The ball then went straight up and Pikachu, with a bloody nose, went up and caught it, holding on to it as the clock struck zero, sealing them the victory. The four trainers got up happily and cheered for their Pokemon, Pikachu, however, had to be checked by the medic to see he was okay. Luckily, he sustained no serious injuries and would be okay.

"Wow, that was amazing!" Dawn said happily down in the main lounge area.

"Yeah, but I think we owe it all to Pikachu," Brock said.

"Pika pika," Pikachu said, who had pieces of cotton balls in his nose to help slow the bleeding.

"Yeah, now that's taking one for the team," Ash said.

"So Brian, what do we do now?" Dawn asked.

"Well, we just have to wait until the first round is over to see who we play next," Brian said.

"Alright, coming through! All-Stars here, you know!" They then looked back and saw a group of men walking through the hallway.

"Who are they?" Brock asked.

"They call themselves Kamikaze Legends," Brian said, an annoyed look on his face. "They've been the tournament champions for the past five years. Of course, they may be good but they also use real cheap tactics, most that are illegal."

"And they get away with it?" Ash asked.

"Somehow," Brian said. "But I get the feeling none of the chairmen ever realize what they are doing. If we make it all the way, we'll most likely have to face them in the final round."

"Well, it doesn't matter how good a team is, as long you have confidence, anything is possible," Dawn said proudly.

"Yep," Ash said. "I personally hope we do meet them."

Soon, they faced the next two rounds against two tough opponents but were able to pull each one off. As they had expected, they were facing the Kamikaze Legends in the final round.

"Well, well, well," one of the guys said, who was most likely the leader of the group. "The fact that we are facing you of all teams, that's definitely saying a lot."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Dawn said angrily.

"Well, you're definitely all an odd bunch, especially the fact that you have a Pikachu with a team of water-types."

"And who are you, exactly?" Brock asked.

"Name's Gavin," he said. "And this my team of Drexel, Troy, Nicholas, and Jackson. Of course, I don't really have to tell you that since you'll be hearing our names over the loudspeaker once we get this match taken care of."

"Oh, we'll see about that," Brian said.

"Hehe, I think he's challenging you, Gavin," Drexel said.

"Well, I think this match will be enough to see whether anyone has the chance of beating me in a battle," Gavin said. He then took out a Pokeball and sent it out, dsiplaying his Pokemon, which was a Feraligatr. "I think Feraligatr himself is a good enough motive." Feraligatr nodded in agreement.

"Don't even get your hopes up, Gavin," Brian said. "Even if you do win, they'll find out the truth about your so-called championship wins."

"But until then, we have another match and another championship to put on our belts," Gavin said. "Come on guys, let's let these poor souls pray to themselves for luck. They're going to need it."

"So, have they always been like that?" Brock asked Brian as they walked away.

"Oh yeah," Brian said. "Come on, we better get ready. I'll be looking forward to wipe that stupid smirk off of all their faces." Right before the match began, they made sure to tell their Pokemon to be ready for anything and everything. Knowing this team, they would try to get away with anything.


(A/N: Okay, for this match I have a different song. The name of it is called "Confrontation" from FFX.)

*Soon, the Pokemon took the field once again. This time, however, they were facing more intimidating opponents. Along with Feraligatr, there was Sealeo, Crawdaunt, Poliwrath, and Kingdra. Poliwrath played Keeper and the others played their respected roles.

The ball then shot into the air and Feraligatr got to it first. Seeing as he was the only one who could match up to him, Empoleon made to sure stay with Feraligatr at all times, as well as with Piplup with Sealeo, Pikachu with Crawdaunt, and Buizel with Kingdra.

Despite Feraligatr's size, he was still rather quick. However, Empoleon managed to stick with him. Seeing this, Feraligatr took his available claw and slashed Empoleon across the face, stunning him. Enraged, Empoleon used Metal Claw and slashed back at Feraligatr, who dropped the ball and Empoleon quickly snatched it.

However, Empoleon didn't anticipate what would happen next. As it took the ball, he felt something smash right into him, knocking the breath out of him. Crawdaunt, who was the culprit, then took back the ball and with only Buizel to help defend, who was being blocked by Kingdra, the goal was practically left open. Using Crabhammer, Crawdaunt sent the ball right towards the goal and Dewgong, who tried using Water Gun to slow down the velocity of the ball, was hit directly and pushed into the goal, still making the goal count.

Pikachu and the others were a little surprised by this. Despite their cheap tactics, they were still a talented team. "Hang on guys," Pikachu said. "They might have advantage in size, but we have advantage in speed! Don't give up!" Getting the ball, Pikachu went forward, with Piplup at his side, trying to dodge Sealeo. Pikachu then had an idea. "Hey Piplup, think you can use Whirlpool and send it my direction."

"Sure, but what for?" Piplup responded quickly as he swam up, down, left, and right to try to get open.

Pikachu smiled. "You'll see." Piplup then shot out a whirlpool and sent it straight at Pikachu. Pikachu then went right into the whirlpool and then used thunderbolt. The whirlpool then became a vortex of electricity. Kingdra and Crawdaunt, who were defending could only sit there in shock and were caught in the vortex, being electrocuted. Pikachu then shot out of the funnel, and with an open field, took the shot. The ball was hit with such velocity that it hit Poliwrath right in the head, and through the goal right before halftime was reached.

The Kamikaze Legends were shocked by this. No one, absolutely no one, had ever scored against them. Not one team in the last five years. They then got the ball back in the beginning of the second half and for once, the game was on the line for them. However, they always had a back-up plan, even when they don't need it.

Piplup, who was still guarding Sealeo, realized he was getting banged around by Kingdra. Ignoring it, he kept up to Sealeo's pace. However, Kingdra kept antagonizing Piplup, and soon Piplup, who was becoming real annoyed, shot a BubbleBeam attack right at Kingdra. Crawdaunt, who saw the attack, shot a Dark Pulse attack right at Piplup but missed and was hit by a Water Pulse from Buizel. All in all, it soon became a huge brawl. It took about thirty seconds to break up the fight.

Dawn sighed as the brawl went on. "So much for a cool head, Piplup," she said.

Once the brawl finished, Pikachu realized their trick. The clock, once it begun, was non-stop no matter what. They were trying to run out the clock. Realizing it was now or never, Team Go-Getters decided it was time to give it their all. Pikachu, who now had the ball once again, went straight forward. He was protected by Empoleon and Piplup, who both used Water Gun to ward off the other defenders. However, Pikachu then realized that Feraligatr was coming up quick behind him.

All of a sudden, he felt something grab him and his speed increased. Looking behind him, he saw that it was Buizel who was using his tail as a propeller to give Pikachu speed. "Need some help?" Buizel asked.

"Definitely," Pikachu said. However, they didn't quite realize that Sealeo was still in front of them.

"Hang on," Buizel said. He then sent Pikachu flying towards the goal using Sonic Boom. With anticipation from the crowd above and below them, it was now all up to Poliwrath. Using the momentum he had, Pikachu set up an Iron Tail attack and with his tail glowing, sent the ball right at Poliwrath.

With the combined velocities, the ball was twice as fast as before. Poliwrath waited for the ball to come but realized the velocity was too much at the last second and was hit right in the center and was blown back with such force, scoring the goal and sealing the game.

The crowd went crazy, not because it was the end of the game, but because the five-star champions had finally been beaten, to a very unlikely team.

Ash, Dawn, Brock, and Brian celebrated as well with their Pokemon, giving them and each other hugs and high-fives. Gavin and his group just stood there, shocked by what they just experienced, but soon left with scowls on their faces.

Soon, they were presented with the large trophy, and they all held it up towards the screaming fans. It was a day that would never be forgotten.

"I have to say, if my friends did show up, I'm not sure if the outcome would've been the same," Brian said afterward, laughing.

"I have to admit, it was rather fun," Ash said. "But I think the Pokemon enjoyed it more."

"No doubt about that," Brian said. "Wow, it feels like just yesterday that I was wanting to compete and win this exact trophy."

"You know what Brain, you can keep it," Ash said.

"What? Are you serious?" Brian asked.

"Of course," Dawn said. "We don't need a trophy to help us remember all the fun we had."

"And besides, you played a big part in this as well," Brock added.

Brian just looked at them for a couple of seconds and then looked back to the trophy. "Alright," he said. "Mom and Dad will sure be proud of what I accomplished today. Well, it's getting late now and I better head home. Ash, Dawn, Brock, it was a pleasure to meet you and maybe we might run into each other again sometime."

They then said goodbye to each other and Brian headed home. Dawn all of a sudden found herself yawning. "Boy, am I tired," she said.

"I think we all are," Ash said.

"Well, it was definitely a long day," Brock said. "Let's head back to the inn and get some sleep."

And with a fun and successful day behind them, the three trainers headed back to the inn and turned in for the night.


(A/N: Wow was this a long chapter. Took me long enough to do it, too. Perhaps I didn't mention it before, but I LOVE Blitzball. I felt it would be cool to do a Pokemon version of it, but I hope Square-Enix doesn't hear about it and sue me. That would ruin my day completely. Anyway, hope you enjoyed this chapter because it took me awhile to write it.)

FoxMcCloud7921