Aaaand I'm back! I know that this is an early post, but I seriously don't have time later this evening. Chapter 4 is essentially a filler, but it does contain plot details, so stay tuned and let's go!

Chapter 4: A First Round

"And with a skillfully placed Wild Charge, the match goes to Clemont!" the commentator, whose name was Speakshow, shouted into the mike.

Four trainers sat in the audience, their expressions ranging from mildly interested to bored stiff. "Is there any one even worth watching?" he groaned out, scowling. "There has to be!" the second, a girl, retorted. "This is only the seventh matchup. There's another 53 to go. There's going to be someone here," the third said lazily, tossing her shining brown hair over her shoulder and idly putting one leg over the other. The fourth just kept his eyes glued to the field, his blue eyes interested. "I wonder if Lucas found anyone," he murmured. By today, 20 of the 60 battles would be over. In the next two days, the 60 who entered would be narrowed down to 30, after which the next challenge would be announced.

"Any luck, Kat?" the woman with the black hair asked. The brown haired girl, hearing her name being spoken through her microphone, jumped to attention. "No, sir. Only two vaguely good competitors so far, one male and one female. "Tell me their names."

"The male's name is Clemont, while the female is called Cathy."
"I doubt if you know it, Kat, but Clemont, the male, happens to be the leader of the Lumiose City gym in Kalos. That gym specializes in electric types. That means a plethora of Pokemon, doesn't it?" she asked silkily. "Yes, sir, it does. We are fortunate that he is here," Kat replied. "I want him watched. As for the girl, find out more about her. Clear?" "Yes," Kat replied, and began to inform her colleagues of the new development.

"Clemont, that was awesome!" Ash exclaimed, thumping him hard on the back as the Lumiose gym leader flopped into his seat between Ash and Bonnie. "You were so cool!" Bonnie said, earning her a pleased smile. Serena, leaning forward from her seat, began to speak. "Training with Luxray has been paying off, hasn't it?" she said, grinning broadly. "Speaking of training, you and Ash both need to practice for your matches tomorrow," Cilan reminded them. Ash and Serena, sitting next to each other courtesy of May, Iris, Misty, Dawn and a few others' skillful diplomacy, agreed. "Gary totally rocked his battle too," Ash commented. Gary had received his advantage, which had been the knowledge of which field he was going to battle on. He had cleverly used the water on his field to drench his fire type opponent and then knock it out. Dawn and May were due to battle tomorrow as well, and Misty and Iris on the third day. Bianca, Ursula, Dean and Cilan had all had their battles today as well. Surprisingly, they had all beaten their opponents, and were moving on to Round 2 as well.

"Sure thing. I'm due to fight tomorrow as well," an all too familiar voice said. Serena's head jerked up. "Miette!" "Hi!"

After a quick round of introductions, Miette looked at Bonnie. "Turtwigs are adorable, right?" Bonnie, May, Iris, Dawn, Misty, Gary and Cilan looked like they'd been handed birthday gifts early. "Right!" they chorused, getting surprised looks from the others.

"Man, that was good!" Ash said, rubbing his full stomach. Cilan and Clemont had combined cooking forces and produced a veritable feast, while Serena and Dawn did dessert. Suddenly, an annoying, saccharine voice cut through. "My, you survive on rubbish like this? The mains are okay, but those desserts, especially those Pokepuffs" Ursula asked, staring with apparent distaste at the remnants of food in various dishes, and then looking at Serena with a coolly disapproving look on her face. Dawn's face contorted into a snarl. "Just what are you doing here?" she asked, glaring at the pinkette. "Showing Ash here what real food tastes like," Ursula retorted. "Um, no thanks. I'm kinda full," he replied. Serena noted a clear edge to his tone, which Ursula seemed to pick up on as well. Even he was annoyed with Ursula's rude words against his friends' hard work. "Fine. I'll show you some real food sometime," she said, and flounced off.

"I can't stand her," Serena muttered as soon as Ursula left. She stood up to pick up the plates walked into the kitchen, seething. She could practically feel the steam pouring out of her ears as she walked with her armload. After the usual washing and rinsing, she heard footsteps behind her. She whirled around, glaring, and saw Dawn standing there, looking startled. "Hey,"she said. "Hi," she replied morosely. "Your Pokepuffs were great. Don't listen to her, okay?" "Really?" she asked, brightening. "Yeah! I'd have yours over hers any day," she told her. "Okay! Thanks!" Serena said, giving Dawn a big smile. Dawn mentally ticked off another reason why Serena was perfect for Ash: calms down quickly "That's great! I'm gonna hit the sack. Sleep soon, okay? Sweet dreams!"

"Goodnight!"

Author's Note: So our Ursula messes life up again, huh? I know that right now she seems really shallow, but she will get some character development as well. So we have a few new characters: Kat, someone called Lucas, and a lady with blue hair, and 2 others who will get detailing later. The commentator will also play a role, and I know, I know, weird name! All of our heroes have made it to the second round, and that opens up many new possibilities. Which ones will come true? All up to me, tee hee hee! Now, if any of you have requests about which Pokemon should be used in battle, I'll try to give them a role, so let me know! See you guys in the reviews and then next Sunday!

Review and keep smiling,

Leaflame.