Pokéquest: Enter White Academy

by Vintage and Pink

The time has come to determine who is really the best of the best as the trainers of White Academy gather to compete in a grand tournament. And this time, it's winner takes all. [UNDER HEAVY EDITING, NO LONGER ACCEPTING ANY OC(S)!]

10. Chapter 11

A/N: First of all, I would like to saythank you those who read, reviewed, or favorited/added my story to their alerts. I really appreciate it. For those of you who haven't reviewed yet, please click the button at the bottom of the page and type something up. I'd like to hear what people think of this story and if there are any improvements I could make to it. Thank you!

Also, the bios are at the end of this chapter, and I've updated the sign-up sheet at the end of chapter one. Check out whenever you get a chance, and please enjoy the new/bio chapter. ^^

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Chapter Eleven: Friends, Rivals, and the Seven Sages.

"Wish us luck, Serperior," Thorn said fondly, stroking the head of his beloved partner, who was being left in Nurse Shizune's care because of her 'condition'.

"It's because of you why we're here in the first place." he added, and Serperior smiled at him.

Thorn just seemed like another average trainer/academy student to him in a parade of hundreds he had met and battled in his life. Thorn is very tall, and had spiked green hair and yellow eyes. He wore a white dress-shirt with a short black blue vest over it, a pair of black trousers, and matching trainers.

Currently, Thorn's dream was to create a team of powerful grass type Pokémon, with Serperior as their leader. However, since she was in no condition to battle, Serperior was relaxing in at the academy's Pokémon Center, awaiting the arrival of her child or possibly, children.

From other side, the waiting room area stood his friend Ryuga. Ryuga paced the ceramic tile of the center looking very impatient. He pointed to his watch to remind Thorn that the two of them had an upcoming battle.

Thorn petted his most trusted partner again. "I'll be back to check on you after our match, okay?" he said.

To show that she understood, Serperior nodded her head, before curling up into a comfy position to take a nap. Thorn gave her one pat before joining up with Ryuga in the lobby.

"She'll be fine," Ryuga told him, reassuringly. "She has Shizune to watch her after all."

Thorn crossed his arms. "I know, but I just can't help but worry about her."

"The only thing you should be thinking about is our upcoming match," Ryuga said, as the two of them headed towards the stadium. "I'm sure Serperior would feel better knowing that we won our match."

Thorn smiled a little. This was exactly what he and his team trained for, and he wasn't about to give it all up here.

"Yeah," he answered back feeling slightly better. "Let's go."

Thorn and Ryuga were obviously heading towards the locker room to wait until they were called onto the field. Within the waiting room, however, were two girls, who would soon be battling the two. Their names were Matsuri and Sari, and the two of them were Uxie Yellow students from Black Academy.

"You'd better cheer me on, okay? Because you know I'll kill you if you don't," Sari teased her best friend Matsuri.

Sari had long chocolate colored hair, and matching eyes. She wore a unzipped and hooded grey jacket with short sleeved purple tie-dye shirt underneath it, a pair of black shorts, long black knee-length leggings, her Uxie pendant, and matching sneakers. Beside her was her partner Rhydon, and he was named Devastator.

"I'll try my best to," Matsuri responded. "Although, I think my team would have prefer to enter the contest battles instead."

Matsuri has short brown hair, dark eyes and fair skin. She wore a red tank top with a small blue skirt, knee-length white socks, her yellow Uxie pendant, and red and white trainers. Beside her was the hearing Pokémon called Audino. However, to her trainer, she is known as Mira.

"Meh, contests are for dweebs anyway," Sari said, stroking Devastator's nose, as Matsuri pretended to bristle. "And besides; I hear Garaa would prefer a girl who can battle, anyway."

"Well, if that's your attitude, maybe I should just cheer for your opponent instead. Yep, I think I'll do that," Matsuri said, with her arms crossed, and she stalked out; however, her words and stance were undermined by a mischievous grin and a final wink before she and Mira left.

"Matsuri can be so weird sometimes, right Devastator?" Sari said, rubbing her partner's head, and he nodded contentedly, knowing that the bond between the girls was something special despite their pretend insults and rivalry.

While Sari seemed to be lost in a world of her own while petting her partner Rhydon, Matsuri and Mira suddenly burst through the door. Sari looked up with a questionable expression on her face, and Matsuri said, "They're coming...!"

"Who's coming?" Sari asked, wanting more of an answer.

"Our opponents," Matsuri replied. "And the two of them look pretty strong. I mean they're Suicune after all!"

Sari smirked, and so did Devastator.

"You don't say?" she said, still smiling. "Maybe this is our chance, Matsuri. You know, to show what we're really made of to everyone?"

"Will both teams for the next participating Suicune division please enter the battle-field. The match is about to begin," The voice overhead echoed through the locker room.

Both girls fell silent, and Devastator sharpened his claws as he prepared to fight, growling with anticipation.

Sari peered over at Matsuri. "Well, we better head to the stadium," she said, and Matsuri simply nodded and followed her.

The crowd cheered as the two made their way out to the battlefield obviously awaiting the next battle. Thorn and Ryuga made their way to the respective trainer's boxes, and so did their opponents, Matsuri and Sari. Once there, the Fencing/Pokémon Ranger instructor, Professor Stark started announcing the rules.

"This battle will be a standard double battle, when of one team's Pokémon are unable to continue the battle will be over and the winner will advance to the next round. There will be one substitution allowed for each trainer throughout the match." Stark said. "Does everyone follow?"

Everyone nodded in unison.

"But first," Stark motioned for the battling field. "The field must change."

The spinner overhead began to spin wildly. Eventually, it landed on the fire insignia. The previous battling field was replaced with a new one that resembled a volcanic area.

The four trainers were ready to battle, when Stark spoke once again. "Now trainers, to select the first Pokémon will be randomly chosen by the spinning wheel on the big board atop the stadium." he motioned for the spinner.

Right as Stark had said that, the wheel started spinning with three red and green panels. When the wheel stopped it landed on green signaling for Thorn and Ryuga to reveal their partners first.

Ryuga smiled. "Okay, here goes," he said, reaching for a Pokéball. "Volcano, you're up!"

Thorn tossed a ball of his own at the same time. "Sawsbuck, I need your assistance!"

From within their Pokéball appeared Volcano the Typhlosion, and a deer-like Pokémon known as Sawsbuck ready to battle. On the opposing side of the field, Matsuri and Sari released their partners, Audino and Gloom.

"Mira, go!" Matsuri released the ball in her hand, and within a second or two, appeared her Audino, Mira.

Sari was the last to toss her Pokéball. Before doing so, she pointed to Ryuga.

"My partners and I will do our best to give you a match you'll never forget, kiddo," she said, tossing a Pokéball. From the inside, appeared a Pokémon known as Gloom.

Ryuga's eyes narrowed, and he snarled angrily; kiddo...? he thought.

He'd show Sari who the kid was! I mean for Arceus' sake: he was at least four years older than her. This called for some patented Ryuga Revenge.

"Battling for us today for a place in second round of our Suicune are Thorn Rose and Ryuga Hades, two up-and-coming trainers hoping to show our special guests how skilled they really are!" Ayame announced. "Opposing them, we have two girls both from Oreburgh City, attend Black Academy together as Uxie students, but have been entered in Suicune division to test their Double Battling skills. Let's give it up for Toriyama Matsuri, and Kazami Sari!"

"Begin!" Stark lowered his flags, giving the trainers the signal to start shouting out commands.

Before shouting out a command, Thorn examined the opposing team. From a short distance, Matsuri looked quite sweet and innocent, and Thorn wondered whether she actually had the proper temperament for battles. Maybe he'd better hold back; he didn't want to make a little girl cry, after all.

Unlike Thorn, Ryuga didn't waste any time examining the others. He knew Volcano had the advantage, so he wasn't going to just sit around and let his partner's power go to waste.

"Go Volcano!" he shouted. "Attack with Eruption!"

Igniting his burning collar, Volcano released a geyser of smoke and fire at Sari's Gloom.

"Counter it with Light Screen!" Matsuri retaliated.

Before the attack could make contact, Audino ran in front of Gloom, and protected the two of them with a rainbow colored barrier.

"I'll get rid of that barrier," Thorn said. "Sawsbuck, attack with Wild Charge!"

On Thorn's command, Sawsbuck ran at their opponents, his body surrounded by yellow electricity. While covered in electricity, Sawsbuck's body was colored gold and white. Sawsbuck crashed into the barrier, antlers first, destroying it.

"Now, use Jump Kick!" Thorn called, and Sawsbuck had then turned around and kicked Audino upwards with his back legs.

"Hurry, and use Slash, Volcano!" Ryuga pointed his finger at the airborne Audino.

Volcano ran across the rugged field, and then jumped straight into the air. Here, the volcano Pokémon slashed Audino with his sharp claws, before returning to his rightful side of the field. Matsuri gasped at the sight of Mira plummeting to the earth. Even though she wasn't completely finished, Mira rose from the ground breathing quite heavily.

"Hurry, Mira!" Matsuri called out. "Use Healing Pulse on yourself!"

Wiggling her curly ears, Mira placed her hands together as if she were praying. Chanting a magic spell, Mira was able to heal most, but not all of her wounds. However, this was just enough for her to continue battling for a short while.

"Volcano, let's finish this!" Ryuga shouted. "Use Slash once more!"

Charging for Mira one last time, Volcano swiped his sharp claws at the bunny-like creature, and causing her faint from the impact of the attack. Ryuga just smirked as Matsuri pouted, returning her Audino, to her ball. However, it was Matsuri's next choice that caused him to smirk even more.

"Sugar, it's your turn now!" she called, tossing a ball into the air. From the inside appeared a small yellow mouse creature called Pichu, who mirrored her trainer's sweetness in every detail.

"A Pichu? Aw man... what sort of tournament is this, anyway? Thorn I think we entered the wrong division by mistake or something." Ryuga chuckled, crossing his arms.

Sari pointed her finger accusingly at Thorn. "You'll pay for what you did to Mira!" she said. "Gloom, show them your Acid!"

Gloom pointed her plant-like head at Volcano, and released a vile purple liquid at him. To avoid the attack, Volcano simply stepped to the side. From here, Volcano countered with Slash, causing Gloom to stagger backwards.

"Let's help them out!" Matsuri called. "Go, Sugar!"

"Pichu!" The small yellow creature approached Sawsbuck without any fear, and tried tackled him.

"OK, Sawsbuck, use Jump Kick! But not too hard," Thorn said, and Sawsbuck charged towards Matsuri's Pichu, hoping to tap the electric mouse and avoid hurting him too much.

"Get ready, Sugar..." Matsuri grinned, seeing her opponent's guard lowered. "Now! Dodge it and use Zap Canon!"

Sugar easily slipped away from Sawsbuck's lackluster Jump Kick, and before the deer-like Pokémon could express any surprise, he was being battered through the air by a fierce Zap Canon straight to his face.

"What...? I'm sorry, Sawsbuck. I guess I let appearances deceive me," Thorn said, taken completely by surprise, and Sawsbuck shook off any damage he'd received. "Let's not hold anything back, then. Start off with Wild Charge!"

"Not so fast!" Matsuri shouted as Sawsbuck ran towards Pichu. "Sugar, counter with Shockwave!"

Pichu took a moment to store up energy, and then unleashed an unerring arrow-like bolt of lightning that sped straight for Sawsbuck.

"Since it's too late to, keep going!" Thorn called, and Sawsbuck kept charging, even though he suffered the attack head-on.

However, as the electricity crackled around him, he manipulated the energy and directed it to the shield around him.

"Don't worry, Sugar. Stand strong and use Zap Canon once more!" Matsuri told him, and Pichu screwed up his face, amassing all the energy he could before directing it straight towards Sawsbuck in a throbbing, giant cyclone of electricity just as fast, and twice as powerful as the last.

"Evasive maneuvers, Sawsbuck!" Thorn countered, and Sawsbuck continued towards his foe, dashing from side to side as Sugar struggled to keep up the voltage and the ground crackled with misdirected lightning.

"Hurry, Sugar! Hit him with Iron Tail!" Matsuri commanded, seeing that Sawsbuck was too agile to hit with something as unwieldy as Zap Canon, and Sugar's tail glowed as he stoically met Sawsbuck's charge.

Sugar had then leapt forward and swung his whole body around, building up as much momentum as he could, whilst Sawsbuck tried to as close to Sugar as he could. With a brief flash of light, the two Pokémon clashed, and when the glare subsided, Sawsbuck was seen tackling Sugar as hard as he could.

"Concentrate, Sugar!" Matsuri said quickly as her Pichu shuddered under the powerful electrical attack.

Sugar closed his eyes and did his best to redirect the energy flooding into him until Sawsbuck snorted and leapt backwards, shaking his head from side to side and tingling slightly.

"And it appears that Sawsbuck has suffered Pichu's famous Static ability, and seems to be paralyzed!" Ayame cried.

"Keep going, Sawsbuck! We can do this," Thorn encouraged his partner, and Sawsbuck straightened up, trying to ignore his twitching muscles as they threatened to seize up at any time.

"If you're ready, try hitting Pichu with Energy Ball!" Thorn added.

"Dodge it!" Matsuri commanded, and Sugar was soon on the defensive, leaping around as Sawsbuck's Energy Ball came too close for comfort.

By staying in one place and using long-range attacks, Sawsbuck was avoiding the effects of his Paralysis; something that drastically needed to change.

"Use Zap Cannon!" Matsuri ordered, and Sugar jumped upwards, aiming a throbbing cyclone of electricity at his foe whilst simultaneously evading another Energy Ball assault.

Just as Matsuri had thought, it was off-course; Zap Cannon was hard to aim at the best of times, but when dodging it was practically impossible to land a hit, even on a stationary opponent. However, she had planned on it missing; with a loud crackle, it slammed into the ground at Sawsbuck's feet and threw up a cloud of dust that concealed the deer-like beast from view, providing a temporary smokescreen so Sugar could get back onto the attack.

Thorn frowned. "Hurry and use Jump Kick!" he retaliated.

Sugar squealed as Sawsbuck battered him backwards, but Matsuri was instantly there with a counter-command.

"Sugar, Sweet Kiss!" she called.

As Sugar landed safely, he mimed blowing Sawsbuck a kiss, and a translucent pink heart drifted from his lips, moving slowly towards his target.

"Hurry Sawsbuck and dodge it!" Thorn said immediately, but Sawsbuck was hunched over, growling, as he found himself unable to move a muscle.

"Hit him with Energy Ball, then," he improvised, and orb of nature power lanced onto the floating heart; to Thorn's dismay, on impact the heart exploded into dozens of smaller hearts, which rained down on Sawsbuck in a pink shower that sent his mind reeling with confusion.

"Uh oh... Sawsbuck, concentrate! Pichu's just a little to the left, right in front of you! Use Wild Charge!" he said.

Sawsbuck dashed forwards, but he was completely off-target, and soon he got tangled up in his own legs and met the ground face-first as he tripped.

"Now's our chance! Sugar, Iron Tail!" Matsuri said, smiling sweetly at her humbled opponent, and Sawsbuck was blasted back to his trainer's feet as Sugar struck him as hard as he could.

Sawsbuck trembled on the ground, but managed to slowly push himself back up, obviously weakened but determined not to go down so easily.

"Sawsbuck, don't overexert yourself..." Thorn said, seeing her partner was close to fainting, but Sawsbuck snorted and stood his ground. "Okay then, use Aromatherapy!"

Standing completely still, and wiggling his small ears, a sweet smelling aroma surrounded Sawsbuck. This of course cured the Sawsbuck of his status problems. Matsuri pouted again. She was counting on Sugar's static to help her win the battle. However, it was too late to relay on abilities now. As of the moment, Sugar was breathing heavily, and may not last much longer.

"Sugar, I know you have it in you, so use one last Zap Canon at full power!" Matsuri said straight away, and Sugar mustered all of his energy into an enormous cyclone of electricity, which was fired at Sawsbuck.

"Go Sawsbuck!" Thorn shouted. "Charge through it with Wild Charge and then follow it up with Jump Kick!"

Doing as he was told, Sawsbuck was once again, sent charging through Sugar's electrical attack. Once he had gotten close enough, and turning his body so that his back-end was facing Sugar, Sawsbuck kicked the small electric mouse with all his might. Sugar himself was sent flying through the air, and then landed below Matsuri's trainer box. Sugar tried standing up after a short while, but ended up falling back down from the lack of energy.

"Pichu is unable to battle! Sawsbuck is the winner!" Stark announced, raising the green flag as Pichu's picture went black.

"Oh, well...we tried out best," Matsuri returned Sugar to his Pokéball.

Sari watched as the trainer's box of Matsuri was lowered. Since Matsuri had used both her Pokémon, it was up to Sari to continue fighting for a tie breaker, or if she got lucky, a win for their team.

"Looks like it's all up to us now..." Sari reached for another Pokéball, which contained her Rhydon, Devastator, and looked at it.

"Okay Sawsbuck, take a break." Thorn recalled his tired partner to his ball for a rest.

After that, Thorn's trainer's box was lowered, so that he could watch Ryuga from the sidelines. Back on the battling field, Volcano continued to lazily dodge Gloom's Acid attack. That is, until Devastator arrived on the field. After defeating Gloom with Aerial Ace, and deciding that he may be a worthy opponent, Volcano approached the drill Pokémon, giving him battle cry. In contrast, Devastator also gave a battle cry and held up his sharpened claws.

"From what I've learn, I know that Devastator and I are in pretty good shape," Sari said. "So, you and your partner better watch out!"

Ryuga smirked. "You know, I was going to say the same thing." he said.

"This is going to be a walk in the park. Volcano, take a break," Ryuga returned his Typhlosion to his ball, before reaching a different one on his belt. Tossing it high into the air, he called out the creature that was inside, "Poseidon, you're up!"

Ryuga knew that Volcano wanted to battle, but he'd rather play things safe by having the type advantage.

"For the final battle, Ryuga has switched out his Typhlosion for an even stronger looking Samurott to battle against Sari's fierce Rhydon!" Ayame said. "It's clear who has the type advantage, but things always turn to be different!"

"Poseidon, start off with Hydro Pump!" Ryuga commanded.

A swirling twister of water roiled from Samurott's mouth, thundering towards the defiant Rhydon as the otter-Pokémon stood back and admired his handiwork.

"Devastator, we'll need to use our heads here! Use Fire Blast to counter it!" Sari said; she was worried, but she tried not to show it.

After all, hadn't Ayame said a type disadvantage had already been overcome? If that trainer could do it, so could she. Devastator unleashed his own tornado, but it was composed of raging magma rather than churning liquid. The two twisters collided on the center of the battle-field, creating huge clouds of steam and a violent hissing noise. However, Sari didn't entertain hopes of Fire Blast winning, so she cried,

"Devastator, Chip Away! Quickly!" Devastator took advantage of the steam, skirting the battling forces of nature and swinging his glowing tail across Samurott's face before retreating again as his Fire Blast exploded, taking the Hydro Pump with it.

"He's quick, but he can't run forever. Poseidon, Ice Beam!" Ryuga commanded, and turquoise-colored beam erupted from Samurott's snout, and was fired at Devastator.

"Hurry and use Fire Blast, again!" Sari said, and soon Samurott's attack was being halted by Devastator's; however, to the surprise of both sides, the collision of fire reacted strangely, exploding in a ball of flames that tossed each Pokémon back with ease, searing them with fire.

"Again, Devastator!" Sari called. "Attack with Fire Blast!"

"Poseidon, are you alright?" Ryuga asked, and Samurott grunted, suffering Devastator's ineffective Fire Blast with little more than annoyance.

"Hit Rhydon with Dragon Tail!" Samurott ran towards his opponent, slashing him with his tail.

Since Sari's other Pokémon had already been defeated, Devastator just took on damage rather than being switched out.

"Devastator, Sandstorm!" Sari said worriedly, seeing that her Rhydon couldn't dodge, and the rhino-like Pokémon grunted as Samurott's tail struck him, causing him staggering backwards.

However, true to his fierce nature, he stepped forward as soon as the pain began to fade, sending a swirling vortex of sand at Poseidon, which he'd hope would turn this battle around.

"Counter it, with Hydro Pump!" Ryuga parried, and Sandstorm was destroyed completely by a thick water jet from Samurott's mouth, which Devastator luckily took the initiative to avoid without commands from his trainer.

However, Samurott kept up the attack, forcing Devastator to keep dodging whilst Sari tried to think up a plan.

"Devastator, get up close and use Chip Away!" Sari said, hoping to catch Samurott by surprise in the absence of any other ideas, Devastator obediently charged towards Samurott, powering up his tail and fearlessly side-stepping the continuous Hydro Pump.

"Don't let him psyche you out! Aim to the right, Poseidon!" Ryuga said, and Samurott adjusted his angle slightly as Devastator changed direction, pounding the helpless dual type creature with his deadly Hydro Pump.

Devastator growled as the jet of water blasted him helplessly backwards, soaking his skin and chilling his rock-hard body to the bone.

"Hmm... he's strong," Ryuga admitted as he noticed Devastator getting back to his feet, shaking his sodden scales as hard as he could. "Next time give it full power, alright Poseidon?"

Samurott nodded solemnly, staring over at Devastator in a challenging manner.

"Okay, now Devastator," Sari said anxiously, as her partner doggedly got back up into a fighting stance. "This is where we hit them really hard, right?"

Devastator nodded and growled shortly, focusing on Poseidon as if taking his eyes off the otter-creature would sap the last of the strength from his waning body.

"Razor Shell!" Ryuga said, and from here, Poseidon stood on his legs, and drew the sword from his left leg. The sword itself was shining a watery blue color, as Poseidon then slashed Devastator with all his might.

"Things may look bad, but there's still hope, Devastator. Use Return to beat Samurott once and for all!" Sari said, refusing to back down, and Devastator ran after Poseidon, which turned into a powerful charge, surrounded by a pinkish hue powered by the love for Sari.

"Block it!" Ryuga snapped, and Poseidon blocked the attack with amazing swiftness, as well as skill.

"Shell Armor is a great ability, don't you think?" Ryuga smiled, but Sari didn't return it. "Finish him with Hydro Pump!"

"Devastator, use Chip away, to defend yourself!" Sari cried, and Devastator's tail began to glow as Samurott's attack drew near.

The rhino-like Pokémon didn't flinch as the vortex of water plummeted towards him, and managed to deflect it for a short while before the attack hammered home. Devastator was knocked out even before he crashed to the floor, and Stark raised the red flag as the victorious Poseidon was returned to his ball, but not before Ryuga praised him for his battling.

"Rhydon is unable to battle! Samurott is the winner," Stark said as Sari regretfully recalled her Pokémon.

"Sari's Rhydon battle hard, but in the end, he was no match for Ryuga's Samurott!" Ayame announced. "Of course, this means that Ryuga and Thorn are the winners of the battle!"

Giving the crowd one last wave, Thorn and Ryuga headed towards the trainer's area for a break. It was around the same time when Thorn's Xtransceiver began to ring. He answered it, receiving a call from Shizune.

"Oh hey," he answered. "What's up?"

"I hope I'm not bothering you," Shizune said politely.

Thorn shook his head. "You aren't. Ryuga and I just finished our match."

"If that's the case, I feel that you must know..." Shizune said calmly before screaming. "Serperior has gone into labor!"

"Dear Arceus!" Thorn screamed frantically. "I'm coming, Serperior!" he yelled, running in a random direction.

"Uh...Thorn," Ryuga said, pointing the opposite direction. "The Pokémon Center is that way."

"I'm coming, Serperior!" Thorn cried, running in the right direction this time.

From within the V.I.P section of the stands, the members of the Unova and Sinnoh League watched as Thorn rushed off to be by Serperior's side. The first to speak was Sasori, who mastered in ghost type Pokémon.

"So, this is the trainer who wishes to join us," he sounded slightly amused, as his partner Banette stayed quiet, and looked at down at Thorn from his shoulder.

"He's quite the character...isn't he?" Konan chuckled a little.

Minato leaned over the rails to get a better look of what was happening. "Just wait until they meet my son..." he thought, as a smile crept its way onto his face.

Speaking of Naruto... the blond Entei student was currently leaving the battling field with partners, and their friend Axew.

So far, most of the Entei students I know have already made it through, thought Naruto as he and his partners once again entered the trainer's section of the stadium.

It was here that Naruto treated his Pokémon friends and Axew for a drink, and a light snack. As the Pokémon ate hungrily at their food, Naruto directed his attention towards the cafe's television to watch the remaining battles.

"Wow! Who knew that this year's tournament would be so exciting?" Ayame announced to crowd. "So far, there are but five battles remaining—three of which are finishing up as we speak."

Ayame motioned for the camera to zoom in on the giant screen within. One of the current battles was between Chris and a lazy Raikou student from Black Academy named Nara Shikamaru.

"Alright Infernape, Special Move!" Chris called out to his partner. "Flare Combo!"

Running towards Shikamaru's Slaking, Infernape coated herself in a blazing fire. Once she was close enough, Infernape attacked with a series of fire coated punches and kicks, and ending the match between the two second year students.

"What an amazing performance!" Ayame said. "I've always heard that Raikou students have been working to combine their partner's maneuvers, but never like this!"

Shikamaru simply shrugged. "It doesn't really matter to me if we win or lose," he said to Slaking with a shrug of his shoulders, and a lazy yawn. "You lost too much energy battling with that Beartic, and plus, this entire tournament is annoying."

After shaking Chris' hand, lazily, Shikamaru left the stage with Slaking carrying him in his oversized hand.

"That's my girl," Chris gave Infernape a smile, and two thumbs up.

In response, Infernape blushed, and fiddled with her pink bandana tied around her neck as if she were a school girl. And with that, the two of them exited the stage, but only after giving the crowd a quick wave.

Naruto couldn't help but smile when Axew stood up proudly before the other Pokémon proudly as if to say, "That's my trainer," to them.

Next, was a battle between Suicune students Iris Rose and Morimoto Fuka.

"Come back, Romeo. You were great." Iris had returned her Umbreon to his ball after being defeated by Fuka's partner. Peering out to the opposing side of the field, her sapphire eyes narrowed, and she said, "You won't go un-avenged, I promise that."

Iris was sporting a white hat over her red hair, a matching shirt with three black roses, as well as long black sleeves attached to it, a matching pleated skirt, black leggings and boots, and black and white fingerless gloves on her hands.

"Yes! Serene, that was fantastic!" Fuka said, punching the air and calling out her partner Gardevoir.

Fuka was girl with short brown hair, and green eyes. Fuka wore a purple tank top, a pair of black leggings, and matching trainers. Iris just glared at the girl and pulled out another ball. "Riolu, finish this for me!"

"Fuka has chosen to keep Gardevoir out for the final battle, which has the advantage over Iris's Riolu! Is this battle already over?" Ayame said.

"Not if I can help it," Iris muttered, watching Riolu psyche himself up, in stark contrast with the calm, swaying Gardevoir he opposed.

"Wow! Looks like someone's looking out for me today on the luck front. Serene, finish this fight for me and you can have all the poffins you'll ever want!" Fuka promised, and Serene smiled excitedly at the prospect of sugar.

"Begin!" Asuma said, and Fuka commanded her partner.

"Use Captivate!" Serene fluttered her eyelashes at Riolu, staring into his eyes and smiling softly to lull him into a false sense of security.

"Ignore her, Riolu! Use Iron Defense to focus!" Iris said, and Riolu closed his eyes, seeming for a second to be enveloped in a silvery sheen, as if he were a metal statue.

When he opened his eyes again, he had shaken off Serene's wiles and was ready to strike back, with a boost to his defenses to boot. Iris smiled at this.

"Go!" she called. "Attack with Fire Punch!"

Riolu charged forwards, eager to be relentlessly attacking as his fist sparkled with flaring energy.

"Hurry, Serene! Use Reflect!" Fuka said; she could see from Riolu's expression that he was an aggressive Pokémon, and the best way to deal with them was to get them frustrated then hit them hard.

With little more than a blink Serene created a thin panel of energy between her and Riolu, and his fiery fist slammed into it as the small creature snarled with battle-lust. The Reflect shattered on impact, such was the strength of the blow, but it also blunted Riolu's attack and left the fighting Pokémon vulnerable.

"Use Future Sight!" Fuka called.

"Zen Head butt!" Iris shouted, and Riolu lowered his head and rammed Serene in the midriff with deceptive power, sending her floating backwards as all the air left her lungs.

However, her eyes glowed blue and soon enough a terrible attack would be headed Riolu's way.

"Harder, Riolu!" Iris commanded. "We need to work for the win! Blaze Kick!"

After a short run-up, Riolu leapt into the air, his foot blazing as he hurtled towards the seemingly defenseless Serene.

"Now Serene! Shadow Sneak!" Fuka countered, and Serene flattened herself to the floor until she was a black smudge on the ground, then crept under Riolu's mad leap and reared up behind him as he landed, lashing him with black tentacles before the psychic Pokémon returned to her true form.

Riolu snarled viciously and stamped his feet, snapping his jaws and pounding the air with his fists as he vented his rage. Fuka smiled as she saw her tactic was working, but Iris also grinned as she realized Riolu wasn't going to show his elusive opponent the slightest bit of mercy or restraint.

"Blaze Kick!" she cried, and Riolu jumped towards his foe savagely, swinging his foot in a deadly arc.

"Serene, it's time for Psychic!" Fuka said with a flourish, and straight away Riolu's leap was arrested as mental pulses warped his mind and attacked his body, tossing him around like a puppet before finally slamming him back to the floor head-first.

"Riolu, no! Get up!" Iris pleaded, and even to her surprise Riolu hopped straight back up, eager to get his overdue vengeance on the taken-aback Serene.

"Wow..." Fuka was slightly taken back by Riolu's will power. "Serene, Wish!"

Serene closed her eyes and placed her palms together as if she were praying for something to happen, and Iris took the split-second chance to catch her unawares.

"Riolu, Blaze Kick!" she commanded, and Riolu leapt again, his foot wreathed in flames as he hurtled towards his hated enemy.

The fiery kick slammed her straight in the face, and Riolu back-flipped away and landed perfectly as Serene flew backwards, head ringing and face tender with burns. Riolu roared victoriously as Serene collected herself, but his cry was cut short as the battle-field went silent; suddenly, a speeding ball of psychic energy slammed into him from the side, sending him flying to land in a crumpled heap on the ground.

"Good timing! Another Future Sight, Serene quickly!" Fuka said, and Serene's eyes glowed blue unopposed as Riolu struggled back up.

"You can do it, Riolu! You're not going to let her beat you, are you?" Iris said, faking impatience, and Riolu snarled with anger and effort combined as he took up a fighting stance. "Good! Now, show her a Fire Punch!"

"Serene, Reflect!" Fuka said, and yet again Riolu's hammer-like fist was stopped short by an energy panel; but this time, Fuka had an ulterior motive.

A shooting star suddenly sped overhead, and Serene sighed as soothing, healing energies washed over her; her Wish had come true not a second too soon. Iris wiped her brow; this was turning out to be tougher than she expected. Serene now looked no worse for wear, whilst Riolu was really showing his injuries. Fuka felt no more secure in her position; it was worrying that Riolu had survived a direct Psychic from Serene, as well as a Future Sight, and still he was willing to attack. This needed to end now.

"Psychic!" Fuka said, and Serene amassed a huge level of psychic power to her command, ready to crush Riolu with ease.

"Riolu, Fire Punch on the double!" Iris cried nervously, and Riolu dashed forwards, bringing his palm back as he prepared to strike a critical blow.

Mental energy washed over him as the Psychic attack began, and he yelped in pain, but that same pain focused his mind and drove him onwards. Serene heaped on as much psychic power as she could, making Riolu the nexus, hoping to crush him to the floor under the weight of the invisible force she wielded. Riolu continued to stagger forwards, but suddenly the battle-field went deadly silent again as another Future Sight finally came into play.

The incredible energy ball whistled towards Riolu, charging to meet him head on to compile with the Psychic, but Riolu merely growled and brought his burning fist forwards as hard as he could, pushing through the waves of Psychic to batter the Future Sight itself.

The psychic orb ricocheted off his palm and careered towards Serene, whose eyes widened with shock. She recoiled as the palmed Future Sight crashed into her, her Psychic flailing out of control, and Riolu took his last chance to run forwards and slam a second Fire Punch right under Serene's ribs. The psychic Pokémon rose up in the air, her hands grasping vainly for thin air before her eyes rolled and she floated back to earth. Serene was beaten, and Riolu laughed savagely as the judge stepped up to announce their victory.

"Gardevoir is unable to battle! Riolu is the winner! Iris wins the match!"

"Riolu, you're a genius!" Iris squealed as Riolu took up a heroic pose. "I can't fault you at all!"

"What drama! What a triumph! What spirit from Riolu! After a fantastic comeback, Iris is back in the game and proceeds to the next round of the tournament! Well done Iris!" Ayame cried, sounding positively tearful with emotion.

After watching these battles, Naruto's thoughts suddenly drifted towards his roommates, Sasuke, Lee, and Frost. Had the three of them competed just yet...?

"Scraggy, show me your Jump Kick!" Lee said, and the Scraggy he was with put ran straight for the straw dummy, and kicked it with sheer force.

With everyone's favorite martial-artist, he and his Scraggy were currently training outside of the stadium.

After watching the dummy's head fly nearly half way across the clearing, and Scraggy landed gracefully onto the grass, Lee said, "Alright! High-five!"

Scraggy smiled, and complied with his trainer's commands, slapping palms with him to celebrate his growing mastery of the attack.

"You know you're going to be a supporter in this match, right? You're my secret weapon; I'll need to unleash you in the finals, to really be sure of victory," Scraggy nodded, happy just to be with his trainer and not in his Pokéball for the first round of the tournament.

Soon after, Lee and Scraggy made their way towards the stadium, and waited for their names to be called from within the locker room. Minutes later, the two of them were joined by another trainer.

All of a sudden, the door to the waiting room opened, and a boy walked in whom lee assumed to be his challenger. He had spiky, dark hair, dark eyes, and showed no sign of fear. As well as a black t-shirt and camouflage pants, he wore a grey scarf, a pair of black boots, and fingerless gloves. Lee didn't feel in the least bit intimidated.

"The name's Abumi Zaku," he said jovially, walking up to a seat across from Lee.

Lee himself had changed his wardrobe for the tournament. He wore a black long sleeved changshan with a picture of the legendary Rayquaza on the back, silk black pants, and silk black shoes.

"Cool. I'm Rock Lee," he replied, smiling confidentially. "Feeling ready to battle today?"

"Never felt better. What about you?"

"I'm psyched up for the win, as usual really. I won't hold back, no matter how deceptively friendly you appear!" Lee joked.

"That's what I like to hear. We'll give each other a real good battle today, that's what I'm thinking," Zaku replied, but as he opened his mouth to continue, the speakers summoned them to the battle-field. "I suppose we'd better go."

Lee nodded, and so did Scraggy.

"Here we have Rock Lee, a trainer from Stark Mountain who is the grandson of the retired General Tao! He seems to have brought along a Scraggy too, but whether he's a supporter, coach or battler is open to debate. Facing him is Abumi Zaku from Fortree City, who has come in second place the Raikou division just last year, and thus has some tournament pedigree behind him in this battle," Ayame informed the audience as each challenger took their place.

"First, we need to change the field," Asuma said, motioning for the battling stage.

Lee and Zaku watched as the spinner landed on the rock insignia, meaning that this battle was going to take place on a rocky mountain terrain. The old field was replaced with a new one that resembled the training area where Lee and his team used to train back home.

Before the match could officially begin, the trainers had to choose their Pokémon. However, the spinner was going to pick their first partner for the match. The spinner had chosen Raichu for Lee, and Chimecho for Zaku.

"Will the challengers please release their Pokémon in three... two... one..." Asuma said, then lowered his different-colored flags to signify the first battle between the two.

Within the next twenty minutes, both Lee and Zaku were down to one Pokémon each. Currently, Zaku's Exploud had remained on top, and had just defeated Lee's Riolu with Echoed Voice.

"Okay, Riolu return," Lee's expression hardened as he recalled his partner to his ball.

With both Raichu and Meinshao seriously hurt, Lee figured it was time for Scraggy to play his part. After all, Lee had said he would be his secret weapon for today's battle.

"Show them what you can do, Scraggy!" Lee tossed the Pokéball in his hand hight into the air. In a burst if light, Scraggy made his appearence.

"Lee has sent out Scraggy to face Zaku's Exploud; even though Scraggy has the advantage, will he be able to withstand Exploud's Echoed Voice? It will be purely down to tactics as to who wins this match," Ayame said, and Asuma cried,

"Begin!"

"Exploud, start off with a Bulldoze!" Zaku cried, and Exploud charged towards the waiting Scraggy as he looked to his master for orders.

"Okay, Scraggy, dodge and use High Jump Kick!" Lee parried, and Scraggy also charged forwards, dashing from side to side to avoid Exploud's before hammering him with a volley of blows to his stomach.

"Exploud, get out of there!" Exploud hissed with pain as Scraggy leapt straight back up, using his small fists to batter him around the face as hard as he could before backing away to assess the damage.

Exploud snarled and favoured his aching face, but he was ready to strike back, so Zaku commanded,

"Exploud, show him a Brick Break!"

"Scraggy, Payback!" Lee ordered, and Scraggy formed a globe of dark energy in his palms, tossing it towards Exploud like a baseball pitcher.

However, Exploud wasn't going to give in easily, and the normal Pokémon dodged aside from the missile and swung his glowing fist around, hammering Scraggy across the face and sending him flying.

"Scraggy, air recovery!" Lee said, certain this was going to catch his foes unawares. Scraggy flipped backwards, and then he gently touched down, eager to get into battle again. "Let's try a Payback once more!"

"Exploud, counter it with Brick Break!" Zaku cried, and Exploud's fist crackled with mind-bending power as Scraggy's sent a blob of dark energy hurtling towards his foe.

Exploud roared as he brought his bulky fist into play again, and with a loud crack she completely deflected Scraggy's payback.

"It's a stalemate so far, but that's going to change real soon. Exploud, Ice Fang!" Zaku said, and Exploud rumbled forwards towards Scraggy, his fangs sharp as he prepared to bite the dual-type Pokémon as hard as he could.

"Scraggy, stand firm!" Lee said, and Scraggy obediently, albeit reluctantly, stayed where he was as Exploud slammed into him, snapping his jaws shut on Scraggy's right arm and exerting horrible pressure as well as ice.

"Perfect, now intercept with Dragon Claw!" Suddenly Exploud spluttered and coughed, releasing Scraggy and reeling backwards as a rainbow-colored fire flooded his mouth; a second later, Scraggy swung his other fist around, which collided with Exploud's jaw.

"Exploud! Counter it with Brick Break!" Zaku shouted, and Scraggy was sent flying by another glowing blow from Exploud, whose head was ringing after the double impact of Dragon Claw.

"Exploud, are you alright?" Zaku asked, and Exploud nodded wearily, but before he could take up a defensive stance, Lee was taking his opportunity.

"Hurry, and use Dragon Claw!" he ordered, and Scraggy blasted Exploud off his feet with a fire-covered fist that made his injuries sting painfully.

Lee smiled. "He's almost down! Continue with a High Jump Kick!"

"Exploud, try to endure the attack!" Zaku ordered, and Exploud got back to his feet and stood firm just in time, not moving an inch as Scraggy's foot slammed into him.

As the dark/fighting Pokémon recoiled, stunned by his attack's ineffectiveness, it was Zaku's turn to take command.

"Now Exploud! Use, Bulldoze!" Exploud toppled forwards onto his floored foe and crushed him beneath his huge weight, hoping to paralyse Scraggy's muscles so that he couldn't pull off any more smart dodges.

"It's not over yet! Use Dragon Claw!" Lee pleaded, and Exploud was forced onto the defensive as the desperately pinned Scraggy unleashed another firey fist into Exploud's stomach, focused solely on escape; the normal Pokémon held his stomach growling as the attack pounded him, recoiling from the powerful strike and allowing Scraggy some breathing room.

"Get back in there, Exploud! Don't let him get away! Use Brick break!" Zaku ordered impatiently, seeing Scraggy mobile again and eager to finish him off once and for all.

"Scraggy, dodge it, and use Dragon Claw!" Lee counter-commanded expertly, and Scraggy ducked beneath the fierce blow, feeling the fur on his head ruffle before he slammed his fist forwards into Exploud's stomach.

The normal Pokémon staggered backwards, gasping for air, and Lee once again saw a chance to finish off the match.

"High Jump Kick!" Scraggy jumped up and swung his foot in for a single hammer-blow as it gushed with power, and Zaku called out to his partner,

"Exploud, Echoed Voice!"

As Exploud reeled from the double-whammy, his hand flailed out and grabbed Scraggy by his leg. In a single, fluid movement, he swept Scraggy down through the air and slammed him to the floor with terrifying power, before releasing his most powerful attack.

"Come on Scraggy! Get out of there with Payback!" Lee commanded, trusting his training experience, and Buizel expertly directed the attack at the floor, which kicked up a cloud of dust.

While Exploud protected his eyes from the dust, Scraggy used this exact moment to escape, and flip through the air before landing at his trainer's box feet as smoothly as can be.

"We need to take Exploud down, and quickly. I have a plan, so you'll have to trust me, Okay?" Lee said, and Scraggy nodded once and waited for Exploud to launch his attack.

"Exploud, Scraggy's weakening, I can sense it. That Echoed Voice really got to him. All we need to do now is nail him with a really powerful move, so use Bulldoze!" Zaku shouted.

Exploud threw his head back and let out a screeching roar, barrelling towards Scraggy as a miasma of red-orange energy swirled around him, unheeding of anything as he concentrated on smashing into him as hard as possible.

"Scraggy, get ready! Exploud's coming!" Lee said, and Scraggy stood firm, doing his best to look confident and strong as the normal Pokémon raced towards him with rage in his eyes.

"Act like you're going to take the charge," Lee said quickly, and Scraggy reluctantly shifted his position as if he hoped to block Exploud with the weight of his smooth yellow body, lulling him into a false sense of security.

"Now! Jump upwards!" Lee called, and Scraggy flipped backwards, soaring into the air as the snarling normal Pokémon battered only thin air with his attack.

"Exploud, he's above you!" Zaku said with more than a hint of shock in his voice, stunned at Scraggy's ability.

"Scraggy, kick him!" Lee cried.

"Exploud, Brick break!" Zaku counter-commanded, but Exploud wasn't listening, trying to jump high enough to grab Scraggy and unleash his Bulldoze upon him.

Scraggy timed the move perfectly; just as Exploud leapt towards him for the third time, he met the kick head-on, and it exploded and blasted him helplessly back to the ground. Scraggy landed triumphantly in front of Lee's trainer's box, crossing his arms over his chest, but it seemed the battle wasn't over yet; Exploud painstakingly got to his feet and swung his fist towards his foe, using Brick Break as Zaku had commanded. However, the karate-chop missed Scraggy completely as the confused, but mostly tired Exploud underestimated the distance between them, and he ended up battering himself with the out-of-control strike.

"Exploud is unable to battle! Scraggy is the winner!" Asuma announced as the normal Pokémon collapsed, and his picture on the big screen faded.

"Exploud, return. I suppose I didn't expect you to get so tired, and that backfire quite that badly, but you gave Scraggy a good battle anyway," Zaku returned his partner to his ball.

"Scraggy, you were excellent! Your training has truely paid off." Lee gave Scraggy two thumbs-up before returning him to his ball.

"Next up, we have Perma-Frost and Fuma Sasame!" Ayame announced.

Naruto was able to spot Frost from the corner of his eye. Frost was chatting with Tenshi, until a voice over the speaker called him to the waiting room. Waving to Tenshi, Frost and his Dusclops headed towards the locker room.

"I see Duskull evolved," Naruto said as Frost and his partner approached him. "Are you using him for today's match?"

Frost smirked. "That would be telling," he teased. "Next you'll be asking for my tactics for the next round."

"It would be helpful, if you didn't mind..." Naruto replied jokingly. He was looking forward to his roommate's match, and both he and the Pokémon were already psyched for the next round.

"Nice try Namikaze," Frost chuckled, and gave Naruto a short wave heading towards the locker room with Dusclops.

Also waiting for the match to begin was a red headed girl named Fuma Sasame.

At first glance Sasame appeared young and charming, but Frost knew that she wouldn't have signed up for the tournament if she was a sweet, innocent little girl. Sometimes looks could be deceiving, and he was prepared to bet that this was one of those times. The sight of Minccino – a generally cute, unevolved normal type – on her shoulder had heightened his misgivings, and he wondered from time to time whether he should be relieved or worried by its presence. Then again, if it was as well-trained as it appeared, he could expect a good battle; and that was what he had entered the tournament for in the first place, he thought with a smile.

Sasame was also having her fair share of doubts about her foe. On the surface, he seemed amiable, serious and easygoing, but was this a front to get her off her guard? If so, she wouldn't be taken by surprise. Her brother Yusuke and his Girafarig were on the sidelines, ready to coach if need be, and her three picked Pokémon (which did, in fact, include Honey the Minccino) were all ready to give their all, as usual. More crucially, Frost had not yet made a remark about her being a girl, so she was feeling almost positive towards him at the minute.

Thus, for both competitors the nerves were strangely low, as if they were just battling as friends rather than rivals for first place, and both of them jumped to attention eagerly as the speaker announced,

"Will Perma-Frost and Fuma Sasame please enter the battle-field. The match is about to begin,"

"Good luck," Frost said, nodding to her genially.

"Thanks. Good luck to you too," Sasame replied, and the two of them walked onto the field together, able to appreciate the cheers of the fans and the comments of the announcer without too many butterflies in their stomachs.

"Battling with us now are Perma-Frost and Fuma Sasame. Sasame is here to show us that female trainers are just as strong as male trainers, whilst Frost is here to demonstrated impressive spirit and strength of will alongside his team of ice breathers. I think we can expect an entertaining battle today." Ayame said.

"Ah... the first field appears to be the ice field, which has yet to be used." Ayame intoned happily, and on her mark the ground began to shake as the plain field opened from the middle and slid under the two trainers leaving a giant rectangular hole where the field once was.

This was quickly replaced by a field of ice with ice pillars, and a pool of cold water covering some of the field and rose to position itself where the plain field was just a moment ago. Both Sasame and Frost were stunned to see the change of field, but they were forced into quick thinking as they heard Kakashi stepping up to the sidelines. Kakashi motioned for the spinner to choose the first fighters for the trainers.

After that, Kakashi raised the flags. "Will the battlers please release their Pokémon in three... two... one..."

"Cubchoo, the stage is yours!"

"Go, Azumarill!"

"Sasame has chosen Azumarill, an excellent choice for this field as it can utilize its thick fat in the cold stage. Frost's Cubchoo is also a great choice for this particular field, seeing as it lives in cold environments." Ayame announced.

"Begin!" Kakashi cried when the echoes of the Ayame's voice had died down.

"Azumarill, in the cold water!" Sasame ordered immediately, and Azumarill hopped off her platform, landing in the water with a splash. Now they would hopefully be able to hit Cubchoo with long range attacks, before ducking beneath the safety of the waterline, as Cubchoo was more of a physical attacker.

"Cubchoo, stay where you are!" Frost commanded, and in contrast, Cubchoo stayed on dry land and watched Azumarill dart around beneath as if she were just more prey.

"Now, use Hail until we can get a good enough shot at them," Cubchoo called out, creating a hail storm which rained over the entire stadium.

"Hmm... we'd better not give them an opening, right Azumarill?" Sasame said, and Azumarill nodded with determination.

"Let's get started with an Ice Beam!" Azumarill's head bobbed up above the surface, and suddenly a crackling beam of frigid energy was blasting from her mouth, and made its way towards Cubchoo.

"Now, Cubchoo use Shadow Claw!" Frost cried, and Cubchoo made his move; Cubchoo dodged, and then created an icy platform with his Ice Beam.

The platform floated towards Azumarill, and Cubchoo was ready to swipe his claws at her as soon as his was close enough.

"Azumarill, counter it with Iron Tail!" Sasame ordered quickly, and Azumarill was suddenly haphazardly fending off Cubchoo's attack with one of her own. This of course had drove her backwards as she attempted to use her glowing tail as a makeshift shield and weapon.

However, Cubchoo was so fierce and quick that she found herself unable to cope, and soon the Iron Tail flickered and died as the assault reached a vicious peak.

"Perfect! Now, use Shadow Claw to pull her of the water!" Frost commanded, and Cubchoo grabbed the groggy Azumarill's long ears in his strong shadow-covered claws, tossing her onto the icy surface and into his element.

"Azumarill, focus! Try and use Water Pulse!" Sasame counter-commanded, and Azumarill quickly formed a sphere of water in her hands, crackling with confusing energy as she refused to admit defeat.

"Cubchoo, quickly! Counter it with Ice Beam!" Frost urged, and before Azumarill could fire her projectile she was being struck by a crackling beam of energy.

"Azumarill, no!" Sasame cried, but Cubchoo's attack had already hit home.

Hail also did it job of striking as the battered Azumarill landed with a loud splash, then crawled back onto a floating platform, breathing heavily as she sought to regain her composure.

"Take as long as you need. We'll beat them, I promise you that," Sasame encouraged through gritted teeth, watching Cubchoo return to his side of field. No one was going to hurt her Azumarill like that and get away with it.

"Cubchoo, that was good, but we'll have to attack even harder next time," Frost said, seeing that Azumarill wasn't knocked unconscious as planned.

She either had high resolve, or she was tougher than she looked. Perhaps both. At any rate, he needed to end the match soon. So instead, Frost shouted, "Knock her off the platform with Shadow Claw!"

Come on Azumarill, Sasame thought. You can do it,

Honey squeaked his own encouragement, but still the water Pokémon was unheeding.

"Azumarill, get up!" Sasame urged as Cubchoo sharpened his claws, and Azumarill struggled upwards, ready to fight back.

"Quickly! Use Dive!" Azumarill hopped off the platform and dived underwater, going as deeply as possible to build up the most momentum she could for the actual strike. However, hitting Cubchoo wasn't what Sasame had planned, at least not yet. Shadow Claw was a double-edged sword, in that it would hardly ever miss – even if your opponent was at the bottom of the pool.

Cubchoo flinched as he saw where he was headed, but a powerful force drew him onwards, pulling him towards Azumarill like a magnet; with a loud splash, he plunged into the water. Frost gasped as the bear cub sank deeper into the water; even as he swiped his claws into Azumarill, the water Pokémon was fighting back, swimming in from all sides and attacking with limbs and tail in a barrage.

"Cubchoo, get out of there quickly!" Frost yelled, but Cubchoo's fur was saturated, making it unbelievably heavy and difficult to move around underwater.

However, Cubchoo managed to swim to shore, and climb onto one of the platform. Here, the small bear cub shook his fur to get it dry.

"He's helpless, Azumarill! Time for an Iron Tail finisher!" Sasame said, eager to have the battle under wraps whilst Cubchoo was an easy target, and Azumarill swam towards her foe, swinging her tail around like a ball-on-chain as it shone with steadily-increasing steely power.

Frost's mind was in a whirl as the distressed Cubchoo tried to dry his fur, but Sasame herself had just given him a plan.

"Cubchoo, stand firm! Weather the Iron Tail no matter what!" he cried, and Cubchoo nodded grimly, preparing to receive the blow and hoping his trainer had a trick up his sleeve.

Before Sasame could puzzle out what was going on, it was too late, and Azumarill was on Cubchoo's platform. Her Iron Tail slammed right on top of Cubchoo's skull, sending shivers down his entire body, but suddenly his eyes flicked open with just as much grim determination as before. It was then, when it was all but useless, that she remembered Cubchoo was a physical attacker.

"Shadow Claw!" Frost yelled, and Cubchoo powered into battle, hammering Azumarill with blows that suggested overdue vengeance was on the cards.

Kicks from Cubchoo's feet were followed by slashes from his claws. Just as Azumarill stumbled backwards under the unexpected ferocity of the attack, Cubchoo saw that she was going to fall back into the water, so ended it with a powerful head-butt right between the eyes. The world swam before Azumarill's eyes as the blow connected, and the last thing she saw before losing consciousness was her foe, fussily shaking his fur again, his interest in the battle lost.

"Azumarill is unable to battle. Cubchoo is the winner!" Kakashi announced.

"Cubchoo strikes back, luring Azumarill into close quarters where he impacted like a ton of bricks! The battle could have gone either way, but it seems that Cubchoo came out on top today!" Ayame said excitedly.

"Azumarill, return. I saw his plan too late, but don't worry. I'll win this battle for you," Sasame promised as she recalled the fainted Azumarill.

"Great job, Cubchoo. I knew you could survive that Iron Tail," Frost complimented his Pokémon.

"Choo," Cubchoo replied in a disgruntled fashion, as if to say "That's all well and good, but what about my fur?', before being recalled for a well-deserved rest.

Meanwhile, Sasame was wondering who she should choose for the next round.

"Hmm... what now? I really don't want to send Honey out just yet. I guess I'll have to go with my trump card," Sasame said to herself, fingering the Pokéball on a chain around her neck.

"Please release your Pokémon in three... two... one..." Kakashi said, and lowered his flags.

"Glaceon, the stage is yours!"

"Go, Gallade!"

"Sasame has picked Gallade – who, like Kabuto's Reuniclus, appears to have alternate coloration. Frost has picked Glaceon, one of Eevee's many evolutionary forms," Ayame said thoughtfully, examining the odd match-up.

"Begin!"

"Gallade, attack with Stone Edge!" Sasame ordered, and Gallade's sword-like arms shone as though they were polished as he slammed them into a nearby boulder, shattering it and sending a flurry of shards towards the Glaceon he faced.

"Glaceon, dodge it quickly!" Frost parried, and Glaceon easily slipped away from the lumpy shards of rock, dancing away from each strike with a silvery trail glowing in the air behind her.

"Perfect! Now use Water Pulse!" Frost yelled.

"Gallade, Psychic!" Sasame commanded quickly, and Gallade closed his eyes, using his psychic powers to hurl boulder after boulder until they were raining down on Glaceon like a wave.

Glaceon blasted her Water Pulse assault at her foe whilst leaping up into the air to avoid one rock, but it immediately disintegrated as it met another hurtling boulder, whilst proceeded to crash into the snowy kitsune and send her flying. In a few horrifying seconds Gallade's job was complete, and Glaceon was completely invisible beneath a pile of shattered debris.

"Glaceon, get out of there!" Frost said, his voice shaking slightly; he couldn't bear to see his precious Glaceon get hurt.

It was clear that Sasame wasn't holding anything back, and he needed to do the same and fast if he wanted any hope of victory. There was no sign of movement from within the rubble, but Frost wasn't bothered; Glaceon was hopefully waiting until Gallade was close until she could strike with vengeance. As it turns out, Frost was right. As soon as Gallade had approached the pile of rubble, he was suddenly blasted by Glaceon's Water Pulse.

"Nice one Glaceon," Frost complimented. He pointed his finger at Gallade. "Attack with Water Pulse once more!"

"She's still here I see...Gallade, use Calm Mind" Sasame said, licking her dry lips as she waited for Glaceon to attack once more.

She needed to get off the defensive as soon as possible, or Glaceon's agility would get the better of Gallade.

"Calm Mind, eh? That means he's getting ready to survive whatever we throw at him! Glaceon, don't attack! Instead, use Attract!" Frost cried as the opposing Pokémon steeled himself to absorb the impact.

Nodding, Glaceon approached the psychic Pokémon and sat before him, smiling seductively as she prepared to catch her opponent off-guard. Gallade's eyes opened a fraction as he wondered where the inevitable impact was, and he recoiled slightly in shock as he saw Glaceon less than a meter away. He was about to look to Sasame for guidance, but then he saw Glaceon bat her eyes over and over again. Gallade felt his cheeks warm up as he continued to stare at artic kitsune.

"Gallade, snap out of it! use X-Scissors!" Sasame shouted, but before Gallade could process what she said, Frost made his move.

"Now, Glaceon! Use Ice Beam" Gallade grunted as a beam of icy energy slammed into him, sending him flying backwards until he stabilized himself.

"Gallade, you can take it! Jump and use X-Scissors!" Sasame ordered, and Gallade gripped stood up, rooting himself in place and crossing his arms over his face to block the stream of ice.

As he pushed ever closer to his foe, Gallade's arms began to glow with ominous power, shimmering with a slight miasma of green as he amassed all the fighting/psychic power at his command into a single strike.

"Hurry Glaceon and use Water Pulse! Ice beam isn't making enough of a dent!" Frost cried, seeing his foe striding closer and closer, and Glaceon blasted a stream of water towards her foe, hoping to pierce his indomitable defense.

"Gallade, use your X-Scissors to bat it right back!" Sasame said confidently, and Gallade released an X-shaped beam at the Water Pulse assault, which cut through the attack, and Gallade remained unharmed.

However, this had been just what Frost had expected.

"Now, attack with Ice Beam!" he parried, and Glaceon dashed forwards towards Gallade, ignoring the Water Pulse's impact completely before firing Ice Beam into Gallade's back.

The dual type Pokémon gasped as the attack struck him and Sasame cursed her bad judgment; it looked like she'd have to stop getting caught up in theatrics and start pounding on Glaceon as hard as possible.

"Gallade, can you continue?" she asked, and Gallade nodded weakly, hopping back up to his feet. "Time for a super-effective Close Combat!"

"Not this time," Frost smiled. "Glaceon, Dodge it!"

Gallade slammed into a rock as Glaceon flipped backwards, and before he could even recover from the impact the ice-type Pokémon blasted him with full on Water Pulse.

"She's up close! X-Scissors!" Sasame yelled as Gallade was forced further and further back, and his arms swirled with power again as he slashed Glaceon with them.

"Glaceon, keep going! Use Water Pulse on Gallade!" Frost commanded, and Glaceon fired her attack as Gallade tried attack once more.

The psychic Pokémon was about to get up for more punishment, but just as he stood firm, his eyes began to roll and he fell back to the floor limply, and Sasame gasped.

"Gallade is unable to battle. Glaceon is the winner," Kakashi announced as Gallade lay sprawled on the floor.

"Gallade, return. We were beaten because of my own short-sightedness, so don't feel bad," Sasame said, disappointed that she wasn't going to clinch an early win.

"Glaceon, you were brilliant just as always," Frost said, and Glaceon smiled back at him.

"Gallade is down! Glaceon overcomes a type disadvantage, turning every new setback into a plan of her own," Ayame announced as the third battle was just about to start.

"Please release your Pokémon in three... two... one..." Kakashi lowered his flags, signaling the trainers.

"Go, Honey!"

"Dusclops, the stage is yours!"

"It appears that Sasame has chosen her partner Minccino, and Frost has picked his Dusclops to battle for the final battle!" Ayame said. "Each side has its advantages and disadvantages. I wonder how this will affect the battle."

"Begin!" Kakashi cried.

"Okay, Honey, we'll need to take it slowly, so, I'm going to need for you to hide behind the pillars of ice. Wait for Dusclops to strike, then we'll take it from there," Sasame said.

"Keep cool, Dusclops. We'll force him into view and keep up the attack," Frost assured his Pokémon, who nodded in agreement. "Give him a Confuse Ray attack!"

Suddenly the field was bathed in a terrible screaming noise that made the grass ripple with the force, aimed solely at making Honey reveal himself.

"Psychological warfare! Alright, Honey, try countering it with an Ice Beam!" Sasame ordered, and Honey bounced upwards, propelled by his powerful tail until he was at eye level with his ghost-type foe.

Dusclops recoiled and bellowed with pain as a hail of glowing beam of energy slammed into him, stinging his eye as Honey targeted the weakest points of his gigantic, impervious body.

"There he is, Dusclops! Intercept with your own Ice Beam!" Frost commanded, and the Ice Beam assault was interrupted as another, yet haphazard Ice Beam missed Honey by inches; only his agility allowed him to avoid the strike at all, and he landed cleanly in a long patch of snow, disappearing again like a ghost.

Frost smirked. "I see what they're doing. Let's use Shadow Sneak to scan the field!" Dusclops flattened himself to the ground, searching for his opponent.

"Honey, stop him! Use Ice Beam!" Sasame cried, seeing that Honey's hiding places being reduced by the second, and Dusclops was forced onto the defensive as first a wave of glowing beam hammered him over and over again until Frost stepped in.

"Dusclops defend yourself! Use Ice Beam!" Dusclops fired an Ice Beam if his own to cancel out Honey's attack.

However, after Dusclops defended himself from one attack, a second Ice Beam was fired immediately to take its place.

"That came from the left! Keep using Ice Beam!" Frost ordered as the icy barrage died down, and Dusclops fired his attack in a complete circle to try to catch Honey for some damage.

"Honey, counter it with Iron Tail!" Sasame said, and suddenly Honey appeared in a bare patch of the field, glaring up at the Dusclops that only just noticed him.

The two Pokémon were silent for a moment, each glowing with a steely sheen, before Dusclops tried karate-chopping Honey with one of his ghostly fists and Honey leapt up, the former bellowing and the second deadly silent as he swung his tail around for the maximum possible impact. There was a loud crash as the two attacks met head-on, and with a crackle of power both combatants were pushed back, Honey landing perfectly and Dusclops shaking his head slightly before regrouping.

"What? How could his Iron Tail be as powerful as your Brick Break?" Frost wondered, troubled by the equality of the exchange.

"Iron Tail's our signature move. Honey's the best on the team at using it," Sasame replied with a smile. "Sure you don't want to forfeit?"

"No doubt about it," Frost grinned, before getting back to the battle. "Dusclops, he's right there! Ice Beam!"

Dusclops' fist glittered as frost coated them, and then a ray of icy energy was fired; Frost was hoping to hit the now-visible Honey with a super-effective attack, and possibly even freeze him solid to set up for a real Brick Break to be proud of.

"Honey, use some of that speed! Show me Agility!" Sasame said as Ice Beam approached.

Honey dashed back and forth as Dusclops slammed fired his assault over and over again, leaving patches of ice in his wake before rearing his hands back to strike again. Sasame had hoped to weaken Dusclops by making him use one of his best moves repeatedly, but it seemed the ghost Pokémon was far too resilient to sustain any sort of damage from the repeated usage. What was worse, the patches of ice were quickly becoming just as widespread, which certainly wasn't good for Honey.

"Time for an Hidden Power!"

"Dusclops, they're resorting to direct attacks! Keep it up for just a bit longer, and show me Brick Break once more!" Frost said triumphantly, and Dusclops threw his whole body behind the attack, confident that his own toughness would win this battle

Honey, on the other hand, had soon fired a barrage of shinning orbs, and bouncing up with his muscled tail, he avoided Dusclops' lunge and slammed the his Iron Tail right on top of his head. The Cyclops Pokémon stumbled backwards, his attack forgotten as the Swift attack wracked his mind, and he reared up groggily, blocking

"Aha! Finally we see progress!" Sasame beamed, and Honey flashed her a thumbs-up. "Keep him reeling with Hidden Power!"

"Dusclops, Ice Beam!" Frost counter-commanded, and once again Dusclops fired the icy attack, which froze the ground as his attack missed; however, the Ice Beam had done its most important job and kept Minccino on his toes until Dusclops could focus again.

"Use Brick Break!" Dusclops lunged forward, and Honey was finally caught off-guard as Dusclops' fist slammed into him.

The normal-type Pokémon rolled backwards under the force of the blows, but got up quickly, ready to face his recouped opponent.

"Honey, use Iron Tail!" Sasame cried; with Shadow Sneak on their side, Dusclops could easily find Honey, and on top of that he'd had just been caught off-guard, showing that he was weakening from exertion.

A series of hit-and-runs would have to carry the day if he wanted to win this match.

"Dusclops, counter with your Brick Break!" Frost parried, and the two attacks clashed; with another crackle of power, both were thrown backwards, although they seemed relatively unharmed.

It was a deadlock in terms of power.

"Dusclops, make one last effort! Ice Beam!" Frost ordered; Honey was visibly tiring, whilst Dusclops had endurance to spare.

It might take a while, but eventually Ice Beam would hit, and that would be the end of Honey.

"Honey, time for something a little different. Jump on his back!" Sasame commanded as Honey flipped away from another lunge, and as he landed, he used his powerful tail again to launch himself up towards Dusclops' back.

"Dusclops, dodge using Shadow Sneak!" Frost cried, and Dusclops flattened himself to the ground; this was it, the perfect moment to attack, just when Honey landed and was helpless.

Honey searched around for any sign of Dusclops he could. In contrast, Frost smirked.

"Yes! Now, use Brick Break!" Frost shouted excitedly.

As Honey continued to search around, he had failed to notice the flat shadow figure underneath his feet. And then, without notice, Dusclops reached one of his hands above. Honey reacted promptly by turning around, and attack, but was suddenly stopped by Dusclops slamming his fist down in chopping motion.

"Honey...?" Sasame called out to her partner. "Come on, you can do it! Attack with Iron Tail!"

Sasame was wrong. Before Honey could even make the slightest effort of attack, the normal type mammal fell to the ground, naming Dusclops and frost the winners of the battle.

"Mincinno is unable to battle," Kakashi waved the flags, and Honey's picture faded from the score board. "Victory goes to Frost and Dusclops!"

Sasame sighed, but smiled as she returned Honey to his ball. "Well, I guess it does matter," she said. "You battled greatly, Honey."

"Nice job, Dusclops," Frost recalled his partner as well. "We're going have to work on your speed for next, though."

"Will Uchiha Sasuke and Yakashi Kabuto please enter the battle field—the match is about to begin," the familiar voice of the speaker announced, and it seemed to echo around the tense waiting room as both trainers snapped to attention.

This was it, the last battle before the first day of the tournament ended.

Kabuto was doing his best to stay cool and calm, but it was difficult when his title as Raikou student was at stake. Sasuke was also an obvious dark horse; the two of them hadn't said a single word together the whole time. In fact, Sasuke preferred it that way. Kabuto was wondering whether this was over-confidence he could exploit or just a unique method of psyching up for the Uchiha boy. Or perhaps, it was neither, and that disturbed him. Kabuto liked to think he was a good judge of character, but he was rattled by the boy, from his dark colored eyes to his complete stillness and silence. He wasn't facing just any Entei student, and that should have pleased him. However, it actually made him uneasy as to what he should expect from the Entei Dorm's prodigy.

For his part, Sasuke also felt the ripple of nerves that occasionally wash through him, but excitement as well. He was facing a student a semester ahead of him, and he'd also get a chance to test out his team's new techniques. Kabuto's gaze was penetrating and seemed unblinking, as if he was probing his mind for secrets. This made Sasuke feel exceptionally uncomfortable–he loath others knowing anything about him, especially someone he and his team were about to fight. However, Sasuke did his best to just relax and ignore the Raikou student, preparing for the trial ahead.

It wasn't like him to feel nervous, but what if the prize were a sturdy dragon, or possibly a pseudo-legendary? Sasuke just hadn't expected himself to be so tense about this tournament. The only reason he was really participating, after all, was to train up his team before heading off to the Sinnoh League. It was this realization that the nerves were getting to him that unsettled him the most, and he almost leapt from his seat as the speaker spoke, trying his best to hide his nerves.

"We'd better go," Kabuto piped up, clearing his throat and getting to his feet. "They're waiting for us."

Sasuke nodded silently and got up, striding out of the waiting room and doing his best to keep his face and body language cold and impassive. Sasuke closed his eyes and breathed deeply as Kabuto walked ahead, and told himself that he would give this battle his all. He was sure that this guy would become an open book when they began to fight, and he could exploit that at will. It was time to clinch his place in the second round and eventually win that rare Pokémon in finals to show Itachi what he's made of. Going over his tactics and Pokémon one last time, he followed Kabuto out onto the field as the crowd cheered.

"In our final match of the day, we have Uchiha Sasuke against Yakashi Kabuto! Both of them proved to be powerful Trainers in their own right, but only one of them can get a coveted place in the second round," Ayame cried as Sasuke took his place opposite Kabuto. "However, before the match can begin, the field needs to change."

The trainers and the people of the crowd watched as the spinner over head spin, and then land onto the rain forest icon.

Sasuke's mind was suddenly swimming with new tactics as he remembered the week before in his battling class when his team had fought on difficult terrains, and as each new win came to mind he felt more and more confident. Perhaps this was what could help him achieve victory today; clever tactics would be necessary to overcome this unexpected obstacle, and that was where he excelled. As Kakashi stepped up, Sasuke finally felt himself slip back into his old self, looking over at Kabuto calculatingly and forgetting his nerves. It was time to decide who was going through to the next round.

"Get ready to release your Pokémon. The field should be changing any second," Kakashi said, and each trainer watched as the battle-field split in half, each side sliding out of view as another field rose up to take its place.

"The match will take place on the rain forest battle-field," Kakashi summed up, seeing the battle-field swaying with shrubs, some of which were almost as tall as Sasuke. "And your first choices are..."

Kabuto and Sasuke watched as the spinner landed randomly on one their partners. For this round, Kabuto would be using his Togekiss. As for Sasuke, the spinner had chosen Oshawott.

"Please release your partners in three... two... one..." Kakashi and each Trainer analyzed their Pokémon's chances on a grass field in the split-second before choosing and unleashing their warriors.

"Togekiss, time to battle!"

"Oshawott, get out here!"

"It seems that Sasuke has sent out Oshawott, who's small but packs a punch, and Kabuto has chosen Togekiss, who is fully evolved, and capable of using powerful moves! However, evolution is certainly no guarantee of power in Pokémon battles; a tiny Squirtle can easily overcome a gigantic Onix with support of its trainer."

"Begin!" Kakashi called, lowering his flags.

"Togekiss, he's obviously going to set the field alight with Ice Beam, so fly above the grass and use Rain Dance!" Kabuto said, and Togekiss flew upwards, her tiny wings fluttering as clouds gathered overhead.

Oshawott found the water to be refreshing, and because of it, his Scald attack would be powered up. However, the rain was making the grass wet and slimy; certainly not good conditions for the tiny otter to run around in.

"Quick Oshawott shoot Ice Beam into the air!" Sasuke ordered, and Oshawott fired an icy beam of energy into the air at Togekiss.

"A straight-on attack, huh? Okay then, Togekiss, use Thunder!" Kabuto said with a tight smile, and Togekiss glowed with electricity as a huge bolt blasted up into the heavens, slamming into the center of the swirling storm.

Oshawott avoided the attack by hiding in behind some of the trees of the battling field. As Oshawott hid behind the trees, Togekiss blasted them with Thunder. Eventually, all of the trees were destroyed, leaving Oshawott open for an attack.

"Use Thunder again!" Kabuto pointed his finger at Oshawott.

Oshawott was able to dodge the first assault, but then a second bolt hurtled downwards twice as fast, hitting the water Pokémon and rendering him completely immobile as thousands of volts wracked his body.

"Heh...since Oshawott is purely a water type that should have been enough to finish him. Good job, Togekiss," Kabuto smirked as poor Oshawott lay awkwardly on the field, giving up on his attack and panting heavily.

However, Kabuto's smile wavered as Sasuke stayed silent, watching Oshawott struggle as if he didn't even notice what trouble he was in.

"Come on, get up Oshawott," Sasuke muttered under his breath from his trainer's box. "We can do this if we strike back quickly."

After his held item had restored a bit of energy, Oshawott got back to his feet and shook his head, clearing out the last of the ringing noises that had plagued him after the deadly Thunder assault. It was time for the small otter to take control of this battle, and defeat the bird-like creature that flew in front of his hazy vision. This had caused Kabuto's smile disappeared completely as Oshawott, blasting his Ice Beam into the air that rivaled the bolt of lightning Togekiss had unleashed, before stepping up to battle again.

"Oh, so you're still here. Togekiss, use Thunder!" Kabuto said sharply, but Oshawott wasn't moving in for a direct attack as expected, and the rocks floated over his head uselessly before Oshawott jumped onto her back, and blasted the Happiness Pokémon's wing with Ice Beam.

Togekiss squeaked with discomfort as she realized she was plummeting towards the ground at a rapid pace.

"W-what?" Kabuto gasped. "We're not going lose! Togekiss, use Wish!"

"Again, Oshawott!" Sasuke barked, and all of a sudden, as a shooting star sped overhead, Oshawott and Togekiss were plummeting towards the ground nose-first as if they were going to plough straight into it without a second thought.

Wet mud and grass stalks splattered up into the air as Togekiss crashed onto the field, and Oshawott landed on one of the shrubs whilst escaping with less than bumps and bruises himself.

"Osha!" he said triumphantly as he landed, and then took his place back onto the field, waiting for his next command.

"Togekiss, are you alright?" Kabuto asked, but before the muddy Pokémon could reply, a second shooting star sped overhead, and healing energy washed through her, warming her from the inside and soothing her injuries. Suddenly she was ready to battle again, eager to pay Oshawott back with interest.

"Good," Kabuto sighed in relief. Then, he pointed at Oshawott. "Now how about using Thunder once more!"

Togekiss used what little strength she had left to manifest her psychic powers, which would soon become a shockwave hurling towards Oshawott. Oshawott was sure he had a plan, so he paused and waited for Sasuke to command him.

"Focus energy, Oshawott!" Sasuke called. "And then follow it up with Revenge!"

Harnessing energy from an unknown force, Oshawott's body began to glow with power. Oshawott then ran towards the earth-bound Togekiss at a rapid. Sasuke knew that Oshawott's energy was still below halfway, but because of this, his attack would cause more damage. It was risky, but Oshawott ran straight for Togekiss, and tackled her with all his might.

"Togekiss...?" Kabuto suddenly said to himself; his partner was sent hurdling towards a tree in one quick motion.

"Good one, Oshawott. Keep it up," Sasuke said, and Oshawott pumped his small fin into the air as a display of victory.

"You haven't won just yet," Kabuto said as Togekiss rose up shakily. "Looks like we have no choice but use our finishing move, Togekiss. Time for a Last Resort!"

Togekiss scrunched up her face, and suddenly a massive wave of sparkling lights, spinning stars, and energized raindrops was rolling over Oshawott, hammering him with all the energy Togekiss had left at her disposal. Oshawott reeled backwards, overcome as his vision was marred with flashing lights, and he shook his head to try and focus. He was on the verge of fainting, but all of a sudden he was charging towards the weakened Togekiss, slipping and sliding on the muddy grass the entire time.

Kabuto's mind was suddenly blank; he had expected Last Resort to be just that, an attack that would finish Oshawott for the battle. However, Oshawott was still going, lumbering towards Togekiss and firing an Ice Beam attack. As Oshawott staggered backwards, breathing heavily and more vulnerable than ever, Togekiss fell to the floor with a weak splat, doused with mud and rain as the storm began to clear.

"Togekiss is unable to battle. Oshawott wins!" Kakashi announced, raising his green flag as Oshawott bellowed and launched an Ice Beam attack into the air.

Kabuto has then returned his partner to her ball.

This kid isn't playing around... he thought, reaching into his pocket for his next choice. It seems that I'll have to give this battle my all as well.

Oshawott fired one last Ice Beam for the crowd before returning to Sasuke, who crossed his arms staring down at the small otter.

"Normally, I would scald you for gloating," Sasuke said. And then, he smirked at Oshawott. "But since I'm a good mood, I'll let it slide."

Oshawott smiled as Sasuke pulled out his ball, recalling him for a short break.

Within the next few minutes, the grass battle-field sank out of sight, now a mess of soaking vegetation and splattered mud, and in its place came a swimming-pool-like field with several platforms floating on top of the water, and an enormous fountain within the middle of the field.

"Now the battlers are faced with a water field; the type of Pokémon choice is obvious, but will there be any secondary types that will swing the battle?" Ayame wondered as the fans looked on.

"Will the battlers please release their Pokémon in three... two... one..." Kakashi said, and both trainers hurled their Pokéballs up into the air to unleash their warriors.

"Misdreavus, get out here!"

"Reuniclus, time to battle!"

"It appears that Sasuke has gone with Misdreavus, a cute little ghost Pokémon, whilst Kabuto has picked Reuniclus, seemingly with an odd alternate coloration. It seems it will be Misdreavus versus Reuniclus here today on the water-palace field, meaning that sheer guts and tactics will be the only option for victory!"

Sasuke smirked as Ayame fell silent. He hadn't expected Kabuto to release a psychic type, but of course, it didn't matter. Misdreavus had the advantage, that's all that mattered.

"Begin!" Kakashi said.

"Misdreavus, start out with Mean Look!" Sasuke called. "And then follow it up with Power Gem!"

Misdreavus floated towards her opponent, and her eyes began to glow red with psychic power. Now, Reuniclus was no longer able to escape from the battle.

"Reuniclus dodge and use Telekinesis!" Kabuto said, and Reuniclus flattened himself onto a floating platform, letting the Power Gem speed overhead before rising back up, and suspending Misdreavus in mid-air.

"Now, use Psyshock!" Kabuto added, and Reuniclus created an orb of silver and lavender colored energy, which was then fired at Misdreavus.

Sasuke narrowed his eyes at the Raikou student, even though the attack didn't do much damage.

"Misdreavus, concentrate. We have the advantage, but we need to stay alert nonetheless, unless they have a tactic up their sleeves," Sasuke called out to his partner.

"Try using Energy Ball!" Sasuke said.

"Reuniclus, block it with Gyro Ball!" Kabuto commanded.

As Misdreavus fired an orb of nature power towards him, Reuniclus spun his body around to avoid taking damage. Once there, Reuniclus hurled his spinning body towards Misdreavus, slamming into her.

Kabuto smirked. "Once more Reuniclus!" he shouted in triumph, and the cell-like Pokémon spun his body around while chasing after Misdreavus.

Sasuke glared at the Raikou student, but was more concerned about Misdreavus.

"Fight back Misdreavus!" he yelled. "Try using Power Gem again!"

A glowing yellow orb of light appeared in front of Misdreavus, and was then shot Reuniclus.

Kabuto smirked. "This again?" he asked. "Counter it with Psyshock, Reuniclus!"

Just as Misdreavus had created an orb, Reuniclus had manifested one of his own, and released it. The attack collided, creating an explosion, and thick cloud of smoke to cover the battling field. Once everything was clear, Kabuto didn't waste any time calling out his next command.

"Now, Reuniclus!" he shouted. "Attack with Gyro Ball!"

As the homunculus-Pokémon sped towards Misdreavus, Sasuke called out his next command.

"Misdreavus, counter it with Energy Ball!" he said; he was hoping to psyche Kabuto out to the point where he would be able to make things easier for Misdreavus, and it seemed that imitating him to the letter was the best way to go about that.

The green orb crashed into Reuniclus before he could get any closer to Misdreavus. Although the attack didn't do much damage, it was enough to get Reuniclus to stop dead in his tracks.

Kabuto gritted his teeth, wracked his brain for a new tactic and cried, "Okay then, try using Energy Ball yourself!"

Reuniclus gave up his Gyro Ball attack, and released a green ball of energy that sped towards like a torpedo.

"Dodge it!" Sasuke called out his partner almost immediately. "Then use Perish Song!"

After dodging the attack, Misdreavus suddenly appeared behind Reuniclus, and sang loudly. While doing so, a cluster of black musical notes encircled Reuniclus, and then disappeared.

"They might be able to match us with power, but never with skill." Sasuke stated, firmly.

Just as Togekiss had played her last card, it was time for Misdreavus to do the same with Perish Song. Within the next minute, both Pokémon would faint. Sasuke had noticed that Misdreavus was breathing heavily, may not last another second. It was a risky move, but the Uchiha boy decided that she should stay in battle, until the effects of Perish Song could take effect, or at least until Reuniclus could no longer escape.

Kabuto on the other hand was thinking of switching out his partner for his last. That is, until Sasuke caught on, and shouted, "Quick, Misdreavus! Use Mean Look!"

Once here, Misdreavus closed, and then reopened her glowing eyes wide, as her body flashed black with color. Kabuto knew that Reuniclus could no longer escape, so the only option he had left was to take down Misdreavus.

Kabuto smirked, adjusting his glasses. "It's time to end this! Use Telekinesis, Reuniclus, and then follow it up with Energy Ball!"

Reuniclus held out his long and gelatin-like arms in front of his body. From here, Misdreavus' entire body was lifted even more than usual into the air without any means to escape, making her the perfect target.

Sasuke thought quickly. "If he's using it, then you use Energy Ball, too, Misdreavus!"

Just as Reuniclus was about to fire his attack, he suddenly found himself unable to attack. His energy was slowly depleting, before he could do anything about it. However, this did not stop him from attacking his opponent. Both Reuniclus released their attack, once again causing a thick cloud of smoke to cover the battling field. Once clear, Reuniclus was seen floating glassy-eyed in the water, completely unconscious after hearing Perish Song. Misdreavus also fainted, but remained on her platform to keep dry. The pictures of the two Pokémon faded away as the next, and final round was about to take place.

"Both Misdreavus and Reuniclus are unable to battle!" Stark called out. "Victory goes to neither side for this round!"

"Reuniclus, return. It seemed my tactics were sub-standard there—our opponent is more quick-witted than I expected," Kabuto admitted, calling back the fainted Pokémon ruefully and looking over at his youthful foe.

"Don't you worry, Misdreavus," Sasuke recalled his ghost-type partner back into her ball. Peering over at Kabuto, he said, "We'll get them back for this round, and win the match."

Since the Pokémon did not destroy the battling field like last time, the final match was going to take place on the same field.

"Get ready and release your Pokémon in three…two…one!" Kakashi called out with a wave of the red and green colored flags.

"Beheeyem, it's time battle!"

"Oshawott, get out here!"

"It seems that Oshawott has made his second appearance today," Ayame announced to the crowd. "But does he have enough energy to fight off Beheeyem, who is a fresh fight, ready to battle?"

Seeing as Sasuke's already tired and low on energy Oshawott made an appearance for the second time, Kabuto had declared that this battle was going to be easy.

"Okay, Beheeyem!" he called. "Let's kick things off with Charge Beam!"

"Avoid it by jumping into the water!" Sasuke yelled almost immediately.

Oshawott did as he was told, and dove into the water. Here, he would lay low until given his next command.

"Well," Kabuto crossed his arms. "This is no fun. How are we supposed to fight unless we see our opponent?"

Sasuke smirked. Heh…I just about ask the same exact question. he thought, smugly.

The Uchiha boy was planning to have Oshawott attack from under Beheeyem's platform with Ice Beam. Once there, he would have Oshawott pull the extra-terrestrial Pokémon into the water, rendering him useless.

"Let me think…" Kabuto said placed his hands on his chin.

Just what is he planning…? Sasuke glared at him. Clearly this silver-headed Raikou student was up to something.

"Oh, I know!" Kabuto suddenly announced, and Sasuke just stood there confused pretty badly.

Pointing to the very place that Oshawott had dove into, he said, "Beheeyem, use Psychic to part the water!"

"What…?" Sasuke watched as Beheeyem floated to the mid-section of the battling field. Here, the brown extra-terrestrial used his psychic powers to split the water in two separate sections.

Although, Oshawott was nowhere to be seen. Sasuke felt his nerves calm back down noticing Oshawott, who gave him a signal that he was alright out of the corner of his eyes.

"Hmm…" Kabuto frowned, seeing as his partner had not found Oshawott yet. However, a new plan came to his mind. "Empty the entire pool, Beheeyem! Lift the water above our heads!"

Not only did Beheeyem's eyes glow, but his entire body did as well as he lifted the entire body of water from the battling field. In the air, the water took the shape of an enormous blue colored orb. Without any water to swim in, Oshawott was sitting duck for any assault. Kabuto smirked evilly noticing this.

"Drop it," he commanded.

Beheeyem dropped his tiny arms to his sides, causing the floating water orb to instantaneously drop from the sky, and wash over the academy's entire coliseum. The people of the audience, Sasuke, and Ayame were soaked from head to toe from the water. The only person who had escaped the tidal wave was Kabuto, but only because of Beheeyem creating a psychic barrier around the two of them. Oshawott had also found a way to escape, by incasing his entire body in a barrier similar to that of Beheeyem. However, Oshawott's barricade was made entirely of ice. The small otter broke free from the icy barricade, ready for battle once more. Kabuto frowned again, while Sasuke himself was soaked, but relieved to see that Oshawott was fine.

"It's our turn now," Sasuke said. "Oshawott, use Focus Energy, and then follow it with Ice Beam!"

Knowing that Sasuke and Oshawott were going for a critical attack, he just stood there and watched as Oshawott's entire body flashed red with power, secretly planning to use this against the two of them.

"Quick Beheeyem!" The Raikou student called. "Psych Up! After that, use Charge Beam!"

Using his hypnotic powers, Beheeyem was able to copy Oshawott's status changes, meaning Beheeyem also had a chance of landing a critical hit as well. Oshawott fired his powerful Ice Beam attack at Beheeyem. Across the field, Beheeyem had also fired his Charge Beam attack. The attacks met in the middle eventually, with Oshawott slightly overpowering Beheeyem.

"More power!" Kabuto said to his partner. "We can't let them have such an easy victory!"

"Step your game up, Oshawott!" Sasuke shouted at his struggling partner. "All we have to do is win this match and we're in the next round!"

It was clear that Oshawott had virtually put his all into his Ice Beam attack, but Beheeyem was just too strong for him. Eventually, Oshawott lost control of his attack, and Charge Beam had hit him spot on, causing the small otter fly backwards into the water as thousands of electric volts were sent through his body. When Oshawott had risen back to the top, he could be seen floating on his back, swirly eyed, and completely out of energy. Sasuke recalled his most-trusted partner back, and then glance at Kabuto, who was speaking words of praise to his partner.

"Oshawott had put up a fight, but in the end, he was no match for Kabuto's Beheeyem!" Ayame said. "Who will Sasuke choose next for the final match?"

It wasn't long before Sasuke answered that question.

"Purrloin, get out here!" he tossed a Pokéball high in the air.

Knowing that dark types are immune to psychic attacks, Sasuke chose his Purrloin to finish this battle.

A dark type, eh? Kabuto thought. "Beheeyem, attack with Charge Beam!"

Smirking, Sasuke simply said, "Use Fake Out!"

Dodging the beam of electricity, Purrloin appeared behind Beheeyem, and claps his paws together. Once there, a large shockwave of air was released, and sent the Beheeyem flying backwards back.

"Now, use Shadow Ball!" Sasuke shouted from his trainer's box.

On Sasuke's command, Purrloin created a medium sized blob of dark aura, and fired it at Beheeyem. The blob collided with the alien-like creature before he landed on the platform, causing Kabuto frown at Sasuke.

"I see this isn't going do," Closing his eyes, Kabuto crossed his arms, and tried to come up with a new plan. Once his eyes were reopened, he snapped his fingers, indicating that he had come up with a solution.

The silver-headed teen pointed his finger at Purrloin. "Use Miracle Eye!"

Both Sasuke and Purrloin looked at Beheeyem. The alien creature held his arms out in front of his body, and at the same time, Purrloin's body began glowing. Now, Beheeyem could attack Purrloin with his psychic powers with any problem.

"Stay calm, Purrloin," Sasuke called out his partner. "Try using Pursuit!"

With a simple wave of his blade-like tail, Purrloin was able to fire multiple waves of transparent crescent-shaped energy at Beheeyem.

"Hurry and use Psychic!" Kabuto shouted at quickly as he could.

Before the waves of energy could hit him, Beheeyem countered the attack by sending it back at Purrloin. Although the attack didn't do much, Purrloin still took on a small amount of damage.

"Shake it off, and use Hone Claws Purrloin!" Sasuke said, and Purrloin found a tree trunk to sharpen his claws.

"Now, use Shadow Ball!" Sasuke had then shouted.

A glowing orb of dark energy appeared in front of Purrloin before being fired at Beheeyem.

"Use Psychic again!" Kabuto retaliated, and Sasuke smirked.

"Follow it up with Pursuit!" he called out quickly.

After releasing Shadow Ball, Purrloin appeared behind Beheeyem, and attacked with Pursuit. With his back already turned, Beheeyem hadn't expected Purrloin to attack from behind, nearly catching him off guard.

"Keep it up, Purrloin!" Sasuke called out.

Multiple translucent waves pelted Beheeyem's psychic barricade, and eventually broke through. It was here that Purrloin attacked with Shadow Ball, causing Beheeyem to reel backwards, and Kabuto to frown. Now, he'd have to switch up his tactics.

"Okay, try using Psychic on the platform!" Kabuto said, and Beheeyem used his psychic powers to create a large geyser to lifted Purrloin's platform high into the air.

Purrloin himself was clinging to the circular dais for his life. The last thing he'd want was for Beheeyem to drop him into the water. From his trainer's box, all Sasuke could do was watch—nothing had prepared him for this.

"Now release Psychic, and attack with Charge Beam!" Kabuto commanded.

Beheeyem released the stream of water, and placed his hands in front of his body, creating a beam of electrical energy, which was then fired at Purrloin.

"Counter with Pursuit!" Sasuke yelled quickly.

Before the attacks could collide, the watery geyser in the middle of the battling field deflected them. As a result, neither Beheeyem, nor Purrloin was harmed. As Purrloin landed safely onto one the platforms, Sasuke smirked-this is what he had been waiting for, a loop-hole. The young Uchiha's was suddenly swimming in new tactics, such as using the geyser to his advantage. However, he needed to stall for time until the water spout erupted once more. Purrloin's health was fairly high, Sasuke figured, so this plan should work.

"Okay Purrloin," Sasuke got ready to call out his next command. "I'm going to need for you to distract Beheeyem for a while."

Purrloin nodded, and attacked Beheeyem with Shadow Ball. As Purrloin fired one Shadow Ball, he would jump from one platform to another to keep Beheeyem in pursuit. Kabuto growled. Just what was Sasuke planning?

Whatever it is, Beheeyem is not going to fall for it, Kabuto thought, and then he yelled, "Beheeyem, stay right where you are!"

Sasuke smirked. Now I've got you,

Sasuke had been waiting for the stage's geyser to erupt again. As soon as it did, Sasuke shouted out his command.

"Now, Purrloin! Attack with Shadow Ball!" he ordered, and Purrloin fired an orb of pure darkness at Beheeyem.

The orb towards Beheeyem, who got ready to deflect the attack with a barrier. However, before Beheeyem could do so, the geyser ended up blocking the extra-terrestrial Pokémon's vision of the orb. Figuring that the orb had been deflected, Beheeyem dropped his guard. From the other side, Purrloin hurled his attacks at Beeheeyem, who was knocked into the pool of water.

Kabuto gasped. "Hurry Beheeyem! Use Charge Beam!"

As Purrloin went to attack with Pursuit, Beheeyem fired his Charge Beam, causing a small explosion. However, as the psychic Pokémon stumbled out of the dust-cloud looking triumphant, Purrloin struck back with a powerful Shadow Ball that hammered Beheyeem incredibly hard. Beheeyem braced himself against the ground with his arms, trying to keep himself upright, but they quickly gave way and his eyes rolled as he slipped into unconsciousness.

"Beheeyem is unable to battle!" Kakashi raised the red flag. "Victory goes to Sasuke and Purrloin!"

Sasuke wasn't too concerned about recieving praise from the crowd. Instead, he recalled Purrloin to his ball, and then headed towards the school's Pokémon Center. While he waited, Sasuke sat down, and read through the new entries of his Pokédex. That is until a small pop-up appeared with the phrase "Pokémon has been scanned!" in bold letters. The new entry read as such;

Sableye- The Darkness Pokémon

It hides in the darkness of caves. Its diet of gems has transformed its eyes into gemstones.

Sasuke looked up from his handy device; there weren't any Sableye to be found, however, the signal seemed to be coming from a group of elderly men and woman wearing different robes. The group of men made their way towards Sasuke, and the first to speak was the one wearing a maroon colored robe.

"You must be the trainer we've heard so much about," he said. "Uchiha Sasuke if I'm mistaken."

The next to speak was a woman, and she wore a sapphire robe. "Surely this must be joke," she said. "He's just a child."

"I agree," Another man spoke. His robe was emerald green. "However, I can sense power deep within him."

"Right," The man wearing the maroon robe spoke again, only this time, his stare hardened. "So, Sasuke...are you ready to take the challenge of The Seven Sages?"

Sasuke wanted to resist the urge to battle, but just couldn't. He getting ready to reach for a Pokéball when he realized that his team was currently being checked out by Nurse Shizune. As fate would have it, Shizune returned within the next few seconds with a tray of Pokéballs.

"Here you are," she said sweetly, as Sasuke pocketed them. "Your team's has been entirely restored."

Giving Shizune a nod of appreciation, Sasuke turned to face the Sages and said, "Sure. I'll take on your challenge." as he reached for Oshawott's ball.

The man smiled slightly, crossing his arms. "If that is what you wish, then I, Zinzolin of Sages shall be your first opponent!"

~ Updated Bios ~

Name: Namikaze Naruto.

Age: 12

Occupation: Pokémon Trainer/Academy Student.

Hometown: Jubilife City of Sinnoh.

Appearance: Naruto has spiky blond hair, tan skin and clear blue eyes.

Clothing/Accessories: A black shirt with an orange picture of a Pokéball on the front, over it he wears an orange blazer. He also wears a pair of tan trousers, and orange sneakers.

History: Naruto is a caring trainer who is always up for a battle—although, he asks his Pokémon if they are ready as well before battling. He's the son of the Unova Champion, and along with his childhood friends Kiba and Sakura, Naruto plans to travel to White Academy, and then take on the entire Unova challenge.

Dormitory: Entei Red

Family: Namikaze Minato (father), Namikaze Kushina (mother), and Namikaze Yomi (sister).

Accomplishments: 0/8 Badges.

Love Interest: Naruto has seemed to have taken interest in Tenshi Hana.

Battle Cry: (Pokémon Name), come on out!

Pokémon That Stays Out Of His or Her Ball: Zorua.

Favorite Attributes/Elements: Naruto prefers partners who are loyal and listens to him in battle. Elements don't really concern him.

Pokémon:

Name: Zorua
Type: DarkGender: Female
Ability: Illusion
History: Zorua is a curious hatchling who loves to play with other Pokémon. Upon his arrival at White Academy, Zorua hatched after Naruto met the history teacher, Orochimaru, who told him it was about do so. Since then, Zorua has been by Naruto's side learning from her older teammates, and assisting the blond trainer whenever she can. Zorua is also friends with Chris's hatchling Axew.

Moves: Leer, Hone Claws, Shadow Ball, and Dark Pulse.

Name: Gengar
Type: Ghost/Poison
Gender: Male
Ability: Levitation
History: Naruto first met Gengar in the deepest part of White Academy forest as a friendly Haunter. After earning his spot on his team, Haunter became a problem for Naruto, by growing too powerful for him to handle. During his battle with Tayuya, Haunter evolved into Gengar, who acts like nothing more than a spoiled brat. However, Naruto has solved this problem by using the Sooth Bell he had received from a Raikou student named Okibi. Gengar absolutely hates the sound of the bell, and is willing to do anything to escape from it.

Moves: Fire Punch, Toxic, Sludge Bomb, and Double Team.

Name: Pansage
Type: Grass
Gender: Male
Ability: Gluttony
History: Pansage was one of first three Pokémon Naruto had caught within a massive outbreak back in Sinnoh. He loves to eat berries, especially Oran and Pecha, and he looks at Tepig as his brother, despite their species.

Moves: Energy Ball, Leech Seed, Bite, and Leer.

Name: Tepig
Type: Fire
Gender: Male
Ability: Thick Fat
History: Tepig was Naruto's first Pokémon. He's a jolly little piglet who defends the others from Gengar whenever he tries to bully them, treats Pansage as his brother, and sees Gengar as his rival.

Moves: Flame Charge, Defense Curl, Tackle, and Growl.

---

Name: Haruno Sakura.

Age: 12

Occupation: Pokémon Trainer/Academy Student.

Hometown: Sandgem Town of Sinnoh.

Appearance: Long pink hair down her back, emerald eyes, and porcelain skin

Clothing/Accessories: A red skirt with a pair of green tights underneath it, a red bandana, and red trainers with green laces. During the tournament, Sakura wears a white robe with short and silky pink sleeves, a matching white belt with a gold buckle, a pair of carnation pink shorts, red knee length boots, red fingerless gloves, and gold hoop earrings.

History: Sakura is a trainer who is interested about the new species of Unova. She constantly carries around her Pokédex in order to obtain information for her parents back home. Since both of her parents are professors, she has inherited their curiosity of studying rare Pokémon. Wherever she goes, Sakura always has her carnation-pink Pokédex handy, and ready to scan any Pokémon. The pinkett's current dream is to become a famous coordinator with her team. However, with opponents like Blaze standing in her way, things may get a little complicated...

Dormitory: Entei Red.

Family: Haruno Mitzy (mother), Haruno Rector (brother), and Haruno Hiroyuki (father).

Accomplishments: 0/5 Ribbons, and contest battle contestant who has entered the second round of the competition.

Love Interest: Sasuke seems rather interested in the pinkett much to her annoyance.

Battle Cry: (Pokémon Name), it's show time!

Pokémon That Stays Out Of His or Her Ball: Skitty.

Favorite Attributes/Elements: Sakura doesn't necessarily have a favorite type; however, she prefers to raise Pokémon who are capable of winning contests for their toughness and can look beautiful while doing so.

Pokémon:

Name: Skitty
Type: Normal
Gender: Female
Ability: Wonder Skin
History: Skitty is a playful cat-Pokémon who enjoys both Contests and Contest Battles. Skitty was also Sakura's first Pokémon, and the two of them share a deep bond.

Moves: Shock Wave, Attract, Assist, and Hidden Power.

Name: Herdier
Type: Normal
Gender: Male
Ability: Intimidation
History: Since he was Lillipup, Herdier has always been eager to battle. Herdier also cares deeply for Sakura, and will do anything to protect her and his teammates from harm.

Moves: Crunch, Roar, Dig, and Work Up.

Name: Teddiursa
Type: Normal
Gender: Male
Ability: Quick Feet
History: Teddiursa is the newest addition to team Haruno. Constantly searching for Honey, berries, or even the Poffins Sakura makes for the team, Teddiursa rather spend his down time eating rather than battling. Sweet and Bitter Poffins are his favorite.

Moves: Sweet Scent, Aerial Ace, Shadow Claw, and Fake Tears.

Name: Munna
Type: Psychic
Gender: Female
Ability: Telepathy
History: Munna is generally a caring and sweet Pokémon, who is always looking out for her teammates. Munna believes that everyone should experience sweet dreams, and often visits the dreams of Sakura and her teammates to check on them.

Moves: Psywave, Hypnosis, Moonlight, and Nightmare.

---

Name: Inuzuka Kiba.

Age: 12

Occupation: Pokémon Trainer/Academy Student.

Hometown: Jubilife City of Sinnoh.

Appearance: Kiba has messy brown hair, black eyes, and tan skin.

Clothing/Accessories: Kiba wears a navy blue and black hooded shirt with matching black shorts, and skater shoes.

History: Kiba is a headstrong, but loving trainer to his Pokémon, and his parents have been separated since he was young. While his mother runs a special day care for Pokémon, Kiba's father is the Tycoon of the Sinnoh Battling Tower. After he graduates from the academy and strengthen up his team by traveling Unova with Sakura and Naruto, Kiba plans to make it to the top of the tower, and battle his father with of course, Akamaru by his side.

Dormitory: Entei Red.

Family: Inuzuka Hana (sister), Inuzuka Okami (father), and Inuzuka Tsume (mother).

Accomplishments: 0/8 Badges.

Love Interest: After accidently getting a letter meant for another student, Kiba has developed a crush on a Suicune student name Iris Rose.

Battle Cry: Let's go(Pokémon Name)!

Pokémon That Stays Out Of His or Her Ball: Akamaru.

Favorite Attributes/Elements: Kiba prefers Pokémon who are tough, as well as fast.

Pokémon:

Name: Akamaru (Poochyena)
Type: Dark
Gender: Male
Ability: Quick Feet
History: Akamaru shares a deep bond with Kiba, often getting him out of situations. Kiba received Akamaru from his parents as a birthday gift, and has shared a special bond with Kiba since then. Akamaru's parents are a male Arcanine named Kami and belongs to Kiba's mother, and a female Mightyena named Celty, who belongs to Kiba's father.

Moves: Bite, Howl, Incinerate, and Dig.

Name: Mitsuo (Eevee)
Type: Normal
Gender: Male
Ability: Adaptability
History: Eevee is almost as reckless and eager to battle as Kiba. His spunky personality will have an impact on his evolution later within the story.

Moves: Bite, Iron Tail, Sand Attack, and Work Up.

Name: Thor (Zebstrika)
Type: Electric
Gender: Male
Ability: Sap Sipper
History: Zebstrika is easily identified as Kiba's strongest partner. With his short temper, and powerful Thunder attack, Kiba shouldn't have any problem battling against his father.

Moves: Flame Charge, Thunder, Flash, and Charge.

Name: Ukki Chan (Aipom)
Type: Normal
Gender: Male
Ability: Skill Swap
History: Aipom is a playful monkey-like Pokémon who met Kiba by stealing his TMs one sunny afternoon. However, Kiba caught Bronzor instead, and ended up trading it for Aipom.

Moves: Rain Dance, Nasty Plot, Brick Break, and Acrobatics.

---

Name: Uchiha Sasuke.

Age: 12

Occupation: Pokémon Trainer/Academy Student.

Hometown: Jubilife City of Sinnoh.

Appearance: Everyone knows Sasuke because of his signature onyx eyes. He also has pale skin, and dark spiky hair.

Clothing/Accessories: Sasuke wears a white shirt with a navy blue blazer over it, a pair of matching sneakers, and a pair of black jeans.

History: Sasuke is a hard-working and quiet trainer who tends to train daily with his parents own the Pokétch Company in Jubilife City, and his brother Itachi is a member of the Elite Four in Sinnoh. Instead of attending the head-start program with the others, Sasuke was home-schooled by a hired tutor from Kanto. After he graduates from the academy, Sasuke plans to enter the Unova League as a warm-up, and then the Sinnoh League to take down his brother.

Dormitory: Entei Red.

Family: Uchiha Itachi (brother), Uchiha Fugaku (father), and Uchiha Mikoto (mother).

Accomplishments: 0/16 Badges.

Love Interest: Currently, Karin proclaims Sasuke as her boyfriend after he saves her from a wild and very aggressive Scyther. However, Sasuke seems to have taken a liking in Sakura.

Battle Cry: (Pokémon Name), get out here!

Pokémon That Stays Out Of His or Her Ball: Misdreavus.

Favorite Attributes/Elements: Sasuke prefers a team of Pokémon who are powerful, and capable of learning powerful moves during their youngest evolutionary stage.

Pokémon:

Name: Oshawott
Type: Water
Gender: Male
Ability: Torrent
History: Oshawott was given to Sasuke from his parents for his tenth birthday, and has been with him ever since. Oshawott also serves as Naruto's alarm clock whenever the blond trainer oversleeps.

Moves: Scald, Revenge, Ice Beam, and Focus Energy.

Name: Purrloin
Type: Dark
Gender: Male
Ability: Limber
History: In order to qualify for White Academy, Sasuke set out in search for two new partners with Oshawott. Purrloin just so happened to be his first Pokémon officially caught with a Dusk Ball. Purrloin trusts Sasuke very much, and acts very snobbish towards other Pokémon.

Moves: Hone Claws, Fake Out, Shadow Ball, and Pursuit.

Name: Misdreavus
Type: Ghost
Gender: Female
Ability: Levitation
History: Misdreavus is the newest member of team Uchiha. She is a highly curious and sweet ghost Pokémon who loves to meet others. Misdreavus also has a habit of sneaking up on people and pulling their hair. However, when she pulls Sasuke's hair, it is out of affection.

Moves: Power Gem, Energy Ball, Perish Song, and Mean Look.

Name: Golbat
Type: Poison/Flying
Gender: Male
Ability: Infiltrator
History: As Zubat, Sasuke caught Golbat in order to qualify for the academy exams. Golbat is a quiet Pokémon, who loves dark places to take naps. Often, Golbat hangs from the frame of Sasuke's bunk bed to keep an eye on him.

Moves: Bite, Supersonic, Poison Fang, and Mean Look.

---

Name: Perma-Frost.

Age: 12

Occupation: Pokémon Trainer/Academy Student.

Hometown: Black City of Unova.

Appearance: About as tall as Naruto when it comes to height. Frost gets his name from the elemental type he chose to train, and his frosty hair color. Frost also has pale skin, and his eyes are yellow.

Clothing/Accessories: If not in his school uniform, Frost usually wears a black t-shirt, black sneakers, and a pair of white jeans.

History: Frost tends to be a quiet, yet aggressive battler. Frost is also the younger sibling of three. After he graduates, Frost plans to compete in every region for the title of "World's Best Trainer". In order to do that, he'll have to learn a thing or two from our heroes.

Dormitory: Entei Red.

Family: Blazing Inferno (sister), Thorn Rose (brother), and Orochimaru (father)

Accomplishments: 0/40 Badges.

Love Interest: Apparently, Frost has sort of a small crush on Tenshi Hana, and gave her a rose before she participated in her first battle of the tournament.

Battle Cry: (Pokémon Name), on stage!

Pokémon That Stays Out Of His or Her Ball: Glaceon.

Favorite Attributes/Elements: Frost prefers a team of Pokémon who are capable of using ice type moves such Ice Beam, Icy Wind, and Blizzard.

Pokémon:

Name: Glaceon
Type: Ice
Gender: Female
Ability: Ice Body
History: As an Eevee, Frost has trained with his Glaceon since he was ten years old. During a visit to his grandmother's, who lives in Snowpoint of Sinnoh, Eevee evolved while she and Frost were exploring the snowy region. Since then, Frost has wanted to train Ice types along with his Glaceon.

Moves: Water Pulse, Attract, Icy Wind, and Hail.

Name: Cubchoo
Type: Ice
Gender: Male
Ability: Snow Cloak
History: Frost was gift from his grandfather, Oroichi. Cubchoo is a rather shy and quiet creature who spends most of his time napping in places with the air conditioning set to its highest setting. His favorite treats are ice cream and frozen yogurt.

Moves: Shadow Claw, Charm, Hail, and Ice Beam.

Name: Dusclops
Type: Ghost
Gender: Male
Ability: Pressure
History: As Duskull, Dusclops once had a trainer who resembled Frost over one hundred years ago named Platinum. After his trainer left home, Duskull, along with Misdreavus, and Haunter remained in the forest behind the school where a large mansion once stood, waiting for their trainers return. That is, until Naruto, Sasuke, and Frost came along. Now, Duskull, as Dusclops, remains at Frost's side just as happy as ever.

Moves: Ice Beam, Shadow Sneak, Brick Break, and Confuse Ray.

Name: Spheal
Type: Ice/Water
Gender: Male
Ability: Thick Fat
History: Frost was exploring the beach during the winter, when he spotted a bunch of Spheal rolling around on the ice. Trying to take a closer look, Frost walked onto the frozen lake, and as anticipated, he fell into the freezing water. Frost was then rescued by Thorn, Blaze, and even the baby Spheal he tried to capture. After warming up for a while, Frost had then returned to the beach where battled and captured Spheal successfully.

Moves: Mist, Water Pulse, Body Slam, and Ice Beam.

---

Name: Blazing Inferno.

Age: 13

Occupation: Pokémon Trainer/Academy Student.

Hometown: Black City of Unova.

Appearance: Blaze stands at an average height for her age. She has long red hair, which hangs down her back, pale skin, and yellow eyes.

Clothing/Accessories: Blaze wears a red t-shirt, a pair of black skinny jeans, and a pair of sandals.

History: Blaze is a rather bossy preteen who likes to pick at those a year younger than is a contest enthusiast from Unova. For years, Blaze watched her idol, Konan, who became a member of the Elite Four, on television. Even though Konan wasn't a coordinator, it was her elegant battling style that inspired Blaze to take up contests, and show off her team like never before.

Dormitory: Entei Red.

Family: Frost (brother), Thorn (brother), and Orochimaru (father).

Accomplishments: 0/5 Ribbons.

Love Interest: None.

Battle Cry: (Pokémon Name), battle dance!

Pokémon That Stays Out Of His or Her Ball: Pignite.

Favorite Attributes/Elements: Blaze, as her name states loves to battle with fire types.

Pokémon:

Name: Pignite
Type: Fire/Fighting
Gender: Male
Ability: Blaze
History: As Tepig, Pignite was Blaze's first Pokémon. Figuring that he would jump start her career as a trainer/coordinator, Blaze trained her young Tepig hard, toughening him up for contests battles. Eventually, their training paid off, and as a result, Tepig evolved into what is now Pignite. Pignite trusts Blaze very much, and shares a special bond with her.

Moves: Work Up, Bulldoze, Brick Break, and Flame Charge.

Name: Heatmor
Type: Fire
Gender: Male
Ability: White Smoke
History: Heatmor is a strong battler with a short temper much like his trainer. Heatmor's favorite pastime is bathing in a secret hot spring that only he, Blaze, and his teammates know about.

Moves: Hone Claws, Flame Burst, Fire Spin, and Shadow Claw.

Name: Pansear
Type: Fire
Gender: Male
Ability: Blaze
History: Much around the same time Thorn had acquired his Leavanny, Blaze caught her Pansear. Pansear, as usual, was taking a nap in a tree when Blaze spotted him. Blaze had then sent out her Pignite to battle the fire-type simian. Pansear did not plan of getting caught, so the little red monkey put a battle, nearly burning the entire forest down. After doing so, Blaze was able to catch Pansear with a Timer Ball.

Moves: Double Team, Flame Burst, Acrobatics, and Will-o-wisp.

---

Name: Thorn 'Grandpa' Rose.

Age: 17

Occupation: Pokémon Trainer/Academy Student.

Hometown: Black City of Unova.

Appearance: Thorn is a very tall teenaged boy with spiky green hair, pale skin, and yellow eyes.

Clothing/Accessories: Thorn is usually seen in his school uniform. But on weekends, Thorn wears a long sleeve dress shirt with a short navy blue vest over it, a pair of black trousers, and matching trainers.

History: Thorn is mild mannered and caring started training his Pokémon at the age of twelve like most trainers. Thorn's dream is to one day become a member of the Elite Four, and to become a master of grass type Pokémon. Although grass types do have quite a few weaknesses, Thorn's biggest mission is to create a sturdy team of grass type Pokémon with moves and abilities that make them more a threat than they seem.

Dormitory: Suicune Blue.

Family: Frost (brother), Blaze (sister), and Orochimaru (father).

Accomplishments: Ranked as number 5 of the academy's top 10 battlers.

Love Interest: None.

Battle Cry: (Pokémon Name), I need your assistance!

Pokémon That Stays Out Of His or Her Ball: Serperior and occasionally King Odin.

Favorite Attributes/Elements: Thorn is currently training a team of sturdy grass types.

Pokémon:

Name: Serperior
Type: Grass
Gender: Female
Ability: Overgrow
History: Serperior is the leader of Thorn's team, and acts as such. She is quiet and powerful snake creature who has been with Thorn since his twelfth birthday, and shares a special bond with him. Serperior has also laid two eggs, both of which will hatch into her children.

Moves: Safeguard, Dragon Tail, Giga Impact, and Coil.

Name: Sawsbuck
Type: Normal/Grass
Gender: Male
Ability: Serene Grace
History: Thorn Captured his second partner, Deerling, during the spring just before he entered the academy for the first time. Deerling, now a Sawsbuck, is the peace keeper of the team, but a powerful battler when provoked.

Moves: Aromatherapy, Energy Ball, Wild Charge, and Jump Kick.

Name: Leavanny
Type: Bug/Grass
Gender: Male
Ability: Overcoat
History: Leavanny is a nice and caring Pokémon from Unova. Before joining Thorn on his journey, Leavanny was a prince in a colony of his own species. Rather than running an entire kingdom, Leavanny wanted to meet and see other Pokémon around the world. His wish was granted the day Thorn caught him.

Moves: Hone Claws, Grass Knot, X-Scissors, and Hidden Power.

Name: Roserade
Type: Poison/Grass
Gender: Female
Ability: Poison Point
History: Roserade is a sweet and emotional Pokémon from Eterna Forest. Roserade enjoys dancing, and teaches others to do so during days that her and the team aren't training.

Moves: Toxic, Venoshock, Energy Ball, and Shadow Ball.

Name: Abomasnow
Type: Ice/Grass
Gender: Male
Ability: Snow Warning
History: When Thorn and his siblings were visiting their grandmother; she told them the legend of the Abominable Snow man. Curious, Thorn set out on a small journey to prove if the legend was true or not. As it turns out, the legend was true, and nearly had gotten frozen in the process. In a cave just north from his grandmother's house, Thorn was nursed back to health by a group of Snover and their leader Abomasnow. Thankful, Thorn asked Abomasnow, who agreed, to join his team.

Moves: Blizzard, Earthquake, GrassWhistle, and Brick Break.

Name: King Odin (Venusaur)
Type: Poison/Grass
Gender: Male
Ability: Overgrow
History: Rather than Thorn catching him, Odin chose to join his team. The reason being Odin had fallen in love with Serperior. Now, Odin is a soon to be father, and the newest member of team Rose.

Moves: Toxic, Earthquake, Venoshock, and Solarbeam.

---

Name: Rock Lee.

Age: 13

Occupation: Pokémon Trainer/Academy Student.

Hometown: Stark Mountain of Sinnoh.

Appearance: Lee has peach colored skin, black eyes, and black hair styled into a bowl cut.

Clothing/Accessories: Lee wears a sleeveless shirt with a picture of a green Pokéball on the front, a pair martial arts pants, and flat martial art shoes.

History: Lee has lived and trained with his grandparents in their Pokémon Dojo since he was small. After learning about the academy in Unova, Lee set off on a journey to better his team by battling others at White Academy, and by traveling from region to region. His dream is to one day open a fitness resort where all trainers can train and relax along with their Pokémon all day.

Dormitory: Entei Red, going on Raikou Yellow.

Family: Tao Lee (grandfather) and Anna Lee (grandmother).

Accomplishments: 0/40 Badges.

Love Interest:

Battle Cry: (Pokémon Name), let's show them what you can do!

Pokémon That Stays Out Of His or Her Ball: Raichu

Favorite Attributes/Elements: Lee prefers Pokémon in which he spare with, and teach martial art moves.

Pokémon:

Name: Raichu
Type: Electric
Gender: Female
Ability: Lighting rod
History: During his training at the mountain's peak, Lee found an injured Pichu. Lee took care of her cuts and bruises. Tomboyish and stubborn, Pichu wouldn't allow anyone to get hurt Lee or his grandparents. Pichu also trained under General Tao, and learned to use Mega Kick after years of training.

Moves: Charge Beam, Mega Kick, Double Team, Attract.

Name: Mienshao
Type: Fighting
Gender: Male
Ability: Regenerator
History: Mienshao was gift from Lee's grandfather. Unlike most trainers, Mienshao started training with Lee at the age of nine, and became a sparring partner for him. Since then, the two of them have been inseparable, and share a close bond.

Moves: Acrobatics, Work Up, Force Palm, and Poison Jab.

Name: Riolu
Type: Fighting
Gender: Male
Ability: Inner Focus

History: Riolu is the son of a female Lucario named Guan-yin and male Blaziken named Baojia, who also belong to Lee's grandmother. Riolu's biggest mission is to make his parents proud by coming back from the academy with Lee as a powerful fighter.

Moves: Brick Break, Bulk Up, Retaliate, Double Team.

Name: Scraggy
Type: Dark/Fighting
Gender: Male
Ability: Moxie
History: During a training session with his team, Lee discovered a poor Scraggy being bullied by other Pokémon. So, like any other kind trainer, Lee and his team defended the little guy, and won his trust by doing so. Scraggy tends to be embarrassed if his skin falls down, but Lee has found a solution for that: a belt.

Moves: Payback, Dragon Claw, Scary Face, Hi Jump Kick.

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Name: TenTen

Age: 13

Occupation: Pokémon Trainer/Academy Student.

Hometown: Zendaya (mother).

Appearance: TenTen has dark brown hair and eyes. Her skin is a light peachy color, and her hair is styled into two buns.

Clothing/Accessories: Her outfit consisted of a pink tank top, black shorts, a pair of black high-top sneakers with multicolored polka-dots, and a matching wrist band.

History: TenTen has lived in Lilycove since she was small, and has watched her mother compete in against the all-time masters of contest battling, and performance. At the age of twelve, TenTen, like many other beginning trainers received her first Pokémon, and an invitation to White Academy. Once she graduates and returns home, TenTen plans to travel the Hoenn region earning not just ribbons, but badges as well to strengthen her team.

Dormitory: Entei Red going on Raikou Yellow.

Family:

Accomplishments: 0/8 Badges and 0/5 Ribbons.

Love Interest: TenTen has had a small crush on Hinata's cousin, Neji for quite some time. Figuring that a Raikou student wouldn't pay her any attention, TenTen vowed to become a Raikou student before even making herself noticeable to Neji.

Battle Cry: (Pokémon Name), it's time to shine!

Pokémon That Stays Out Of His or Her Ball:

Favorite Attributes/Elements: TenTen prefers Pokémon who can battle, and look elegant while doing so.

Pokémon:

Name: Ducklett
Type: Water/Flying
Gender: Female
Ability: Hydration
History: TenTen's mother owns both a Swanna and a Golduck, who brought a group of hatchlings into the world. It just so happens that Ducklett hatched from one of those five eggs, and became TenTen's first partner.

Moves: Aerial Ace, Aqua Ring, Water Pulse, and Tailwind.

Name: Sigilyph
Type: Psychic/Flying
Gender: Male
Ability: Magic Guard
History: Sigilyph acts as TenTen's guardian. The two of them met while TenTen and her mother were visiting the dessert ruins of Unova, where a group of Sigilyph attacked the tourists for being too close to their nests. With her Ducklett, TenTen challenged the lead Sigilyph to a battle, and eventually won. He's a strong fighter and helps TenTen whenever he can.

Moves: Psyshock, Calm Mind, Ice Beam, and Miracle Eye.

Name: Cottonee
Type: Grass/Flying
Gender: Male
Ability: Chlorophyll
History: During the spring, on windy days, Cottonee are said to float all over the academy grounds. It just so happens that this rumor is true. In fact, White Academy was infested with Cottonee, Mistress Tsunade ordered that the students should scare them off. On particular Cottonee planned to stick around, but was his plans were cut short by TenTen and her partners. From there, TenTen battled this tricky, yet aggressive Cottonee in a battle. Seeing as he was great battler, TenTen decided that the little guy should join her team.

Moves: Growth, Grass Knot, Gust, Safeguard.

---

Name: Hyuga Hinata/Hana Tenshi

Age: 12

Occupation: Pokémon Trainer/Academy Student.

Hometown: Hinata is from Olivine City of Johto, and Tenshi is from Village Bridge in Unova.

Appearance: Hinata has navy blue hair, pale lavender eyes, and cream colored skin. Tenshi has long curly emerald green hair, and hazel nut colored eyes.

Clothing/Accessories: Hinata wears a pastel green t-shirt, blue skinny jeans, and a pair of black flats. Tenshi wears She wore a sapphire halter top, and over it she wore a silky thin strap white dress that stopped just above her knees, along with a pair of white Capri pants, gold hoop earrings, two golden bangles on each of her wrists, and a pair of flat matching trainers.

History: Hinata is a sweet and caring trainer, from Johto who can be a little too shy at times. However, as Tenshi Hana, Hinata is fearless and always ready to battle. Both Hinata and her cousin Neji come from a clan who raise and train exclusively steel type Pokémon. In order to decide who takes over the gym in Johto, the two of them must graduate from the academy, and then battle on Iron Island. The winner of course will become the new gym leader of Olivine.

Dormitory: Entei Red.

Family: Hyuga Neji (cousin), Hyuga Hanabi (sister), Hiashi Hyuga (father).

Accomplishments: Participant of the annual Battle Royal, and has currently made it to round two.

Love Interest: Hinata only has eyes for Naruto, who has fallen in love with her alter ego, Tenshi Hana.

Battle Cry: Let your heart tremble the earth,(Pokémon Name)!

Pokémon That Stays Out Of His or her Ball: Shieldon.

Favorite Attributes/Elements: Hinata prefers elegant and sturdy steel type Pokémon.

Pokémon:

Name: Shieldon
Type: Rock/Steel
Gender: Male
Ability: Sturdy
History: From the moment he hatched from an egg, Shieldon has always considered Hinata his parent. Although a little shy at first, Shieldon loves to meet new people and Pokémon. Usually, Shieldon can be seen playing with Axew and Zorua.

Moves: Ancient Power, Iron Defense, Rock Polish, and Flamethrower.

Name: Steelix
Type: Steel
Gender: Female
Ability: Sturdy
History: Steelix is, and acts as the leader of Hinata's team. She is also a kind and caring Pokémon who was raised and trained by Hinata since she was an Onix.

Moves: Ice Fang, Dragon Tail, Flash Cannon, and Autotomize.

Name: Magneton
Type: Electric/Steel
Gender: Unknown
Ability: Static
History: Magneton is a very energetic Pokémon who loves to battle. Each of the Magnemite connected have but one dream: to become a Magnezone.

Moves: Screech, Discharge, Gyro Ball, and Light Screen.

Name: Bronzor
Type: Psychic/Steel
Gender: Unknown
Ability: Heatproof
History: Bronzor is the newest member of team Hyuga. It tends to be a quiet Pokémon who is always ready to battle on Hinata's command.

Moves: Psychic, Gyro Ball, Calm Mind, and Trick Room.

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A/N: And there you have it—another chapter. I hope you all enjoyed it. The next one may take a little longer, but not because of school work. I also have stories that need to be updated. Oh, and for those wondering about Eevee's nickname, it means "shining hero". That's an appropriate name for a future Jolteon don't you think? Kiba will explain his team's nicknames another chapter or so. Anyway, thanks for reading. ^^