Well…we were waiting for this. It was in the making for awhile. Now it's here-it's time for the Junior Cup! That's right-it's time to see who's the strongest-at the moment. Enough babbling-let's begin!
Sarecus and gang left the Abundant Shrine and went to Undella Town, now abuzz with activity.
"Looks like it's time to join the Pokémon Junior Cup!" Sarecus cheered.
"Tell me about it," Skyla smiled.
"Wait, are you joining the Junior Cup?" Souren asked.
Skyla smiled as she revealed her badge case, with all 8 badges in it.
"What?!" Sarecus yelped.
"How in the world did you get 8 badges?" Bruce asked.
"Well…Team Plasma helped trainers that joined them into getting all the badges," Skyla explained.
"Wow…good thing I didn't have to go through that," Ayane smiled.
"Wow...so it's rivals all around," Alex smiled.
"Well, enough standing around…let's register!" Souren said.
The group headed toward the Pokécenter in order to sign up for the Junior Cup. As they began signing up, Sarecus saw a figure step off the plane. The person was standing strong, but looked like he was in a fight. Upon closer inspection, Sarecus saw that it was his older brother, Xentus.
"Hey! Xen!" Sarecus shouted.
"Hmm?" Xentus replied.
He turned around and saw his younger brother running up to him.
"Hey, Xentus!" Sarecus yelled.
"Hmm…oh, hey Sarecus!" Xentus said.
The two brothers hi-fived each other and smiled.
"So, what are you doing here?" Sarecus asked.
"Um…well…" Xentus trailed.
"Hey, Sarecus? Is this your brother?" Bruce asked.
Sarecus then turned around and saw the group behind him.
"Yeah…this is my brother, Xentus!" Sarecus cheered.
"Hi, everyone," Xentus said.
"Wow! It's nice to meet you," Bruce smiled.
"So...you're the guy who made Poképhilia legal in Unova, right?" Skyla asked.
"Um…yeah…" Xentus smiled.
"I see. Are you strong?" Alex asked.
"Yeah…I guess," Xentus smiled.
"I see…so, are you joining the Junior Cup?" Alex asked.
"No, no…I'm just a spectator," Xentus said, a smirk hidden in his smile.
Suddenly, a jet of scarlet and blond hair sped out of the plane and tackled Xentus to the ground.
"Play! Play!" the bundle of fur yipped.
"Alright, Scarlet. Calm down," Xentus chuckled.
Scarlet smiled and then hopped into Sarecus' arms.
"Hiya, Uncle Sarecus," she smiled.
"Hey, Scarlet. How's my Eevee princess, huh?" Sarecus smiled, tickling her belly.
"Ha-ha-ha! Stop, uncle...I'm ticklish!" Scarlet laughed.
Scarlet sped out of Sarecus' hands and sat next to Xentus.
"Ha! Hey…you better sign up before the booth closes," Xentus said.
"Oh, right! But I want to ask you a question: Why do you look beat up?" Sarecus asked.
"Well…" Xentus began.
Suddenly, a shadow came out the plane and tackled Xentus to the ground.
"Unh!" Xentus groaned.
"Xen!" Sarecus yelled.
"Oh, Xentus-kun!"
Sarecus saw that a woman ten years his senior with beautiful, long blond hair wearing a light-blue v-neck blouse and black pants with white sandals on top of his brother.
"Ow! Cynthia, give me warning next time," Xentus grunted.
"Oh, no, Xentus-kun!" Cynthia purred.
"Ugh. Oh, Sarecus, meet my girlfriend-Cynthia," Xentus grunted.
"Cynthia? The Sinnoh League Champion?" Sarecus asked.
"Yep!" Cynthia replied.
"Wow…" Sarecus said.
"Any who…Sarecus, go register for the tournament," Xentus said.
"Oh, right! See ya!" Sarecus smiled.
He ran off, leaving Cynthia and Xentus standing there.
"This should be interesting," Cynthia said.
"You said it!" Xentus replied.
Will our honored guests please come to the tournament building? The Junior Cup will now begin!
"Looks like that's our cue," Cynthia said.
"I see…well, let's go!" Xentus replied.
Hour Later…
"Welcome, everyone! This is the Junior Cup!" Freddy the Scoop said.
The crowd cheered as the announcement rained through them.
"I'm Freddy the Scoop and with me is the Sinnoh League Champion, Cynthia, and Alder's representative-Xentus!"
Freddy said. "I hope every battle is exciting and fun!" Cynthia cheered.
"I agree! I want to see all the power your Pokémon possess!" Xentus yelled.
"Well, now that's out of the way-let's begin! Our 16 trainers-get ready for the match-ups!" Freddy said.
Everyone looked at the main screen for the match-ups.
"First is Sarecus vs. Zero!" Freddy said.
"Nice," Sarecus said.
"Second, it's Ayane vs. Kiara!"
"Cool, I'm next," Ayane cheered.
"Third is Alex vs. Sora!"
"That's fine by me," Alex said.
"Forth is Bianca vs. Joey!"
"Nice! I get to battle soon!" Bianca cheered.
"Fifth is Souren vs. Sean!"
"Cool!" Souren said.
"Sixth is Bruce vs. Marth!"
"Awesome!" Bruce said.
"Seventh is Skyla vs. Lera!"
"Aww…I wanted to battle early," Skyla moaned.
"And finally, the eighth battle is Ryan vs. Virgil!" Freddy cried.
"Hmm…this should be a challenge," Ryan said.
"Now that the match-ups have been decided-let's begin!" Freddy said.
Sarecus and his friends burned through the first part of the Junior Cup, defeating their opponents with ease. After Ryan's Serperior quickly knocked out Virgil's Vaporeon, the crowd cheered and applauded.
"Wow…we now have eight trainers left. Who's battling who?" Freddy asked.
"Hmm…and our trainers will be surprised at the new battle style we got in store for them," Xentus smiled.
"Huh? New battle style?" Sarecus asked.
"I think Xentus is playing us," Souren said.
"Thank you all. Now take a good rest for the quarterfinals," Cynthia said.
Sarecus and his friends relaxed at the Pokécenter until the afternoon.
"Well, we're back to the Junior Cup, ladies and gentlemen!" Freddy said.
"Right and this part of the tournament will contain a new battle style!" Xentus added.
"Right, but let's see the match ups!" Freddy said.
Everyone looked at the board to see who was facing who.
"Okay! The match-ups are a follows!" Freddy announced.
"The first match is Alex vs. Ryan!"
"Nice. This should be fun," Ryan said.
"Hmm…" Alex hummed.
"Next is Ayane vs. Bianca!"
"Cool!" Bianca cheered.
"Nice…" Ayane purred.
"Third is Souren vs. Skyla!"
"Alright! Skyla's going down!" Souren smiled.
"Oh…this'll be fun," Skyla said.
"And finally is Sarecus vs. Bruce!"
"Don't hold back!" Sarecus said.
"Right back atcha!" Bruce replied.
"Now let's begin! On the left is the Veteran Trainer with a quiet nature-Alex!" Freddy announced.
Alex took his spot onto the stage and smiled.
"And on my right is the young trainer with a big heart-Ryan!" Freddy added.
Ryan ran to his spot and cheered.
"Now I'm letting Xentus take over. Xentus, your turn," Freddy said.
"Ok! Now here's the surprise!" Xentus smiled.
Suddenly, Alex and Ryan were lifted from the ground, now standing onto two pillars.
"What is this?" Alex asked.
"This is the new style of battle-the Sky Battle!" Xentus said.
"Sky Battles are battles in the sky. There are a few rules…but here's the most important one-you must have a Flying-Type or a Pokémon with the Levitate Ability," Xentus said.
"Whoa…this is interesting," Bruce said.
"That's different from normal battles," Skyla said.
"Well…are you two ready?" Xentus asked.
(A/N: Based on the review chapter, everyone has a Flying-Type)
"Ready," Alex said.
"Ready," Ryan said.
"Then…begin!" Xentus smiled.
"Aeris, let's go!" Alex said.
Alex released his female Unfezant into the area, letting her spread her wings.
"Unfezant, let's battle!" Ryan said.
He released his now evolved male Unfezant, who was ready to battle.
"Ryan, you have the first move!" Alex said.
"Thanks, Unfezant, use Quick Attack!" Ryan commanded.
Unfezant zoomed closer to Aeris and slammed into her.
"Aeris, use Aerial Ace!" Alex commanded.
Aeris flew into the air and then zoomed downward and smashed into Unfezant.
"Oh no! Unfezant, are you ok?" Ryan asked.
"Y…yeah," Unfezant said.
"Alright, then use Air Slash!" Ryan commanded.
Unfezant coated his wings in wind and slashed at Aeris, smashing her to the ground.
"Aeris flap your wings and get back in the air!" Alex said.
Aeris flapped her wings, creating a gust of sand that levitated her from the ground. She then zoomed back into the battle.
"Alright, Aeris, time to finish it. Special Move: Extreme Ace!" Alec commanded.
Aeris quickly crashed into Unfezant and smashed him to the ground.
"Unfezant!" Ryan cried.
When the dust settled, Unfezant was sprawled on the ground, fainted.
"Unfezant is unable to battle so Aeris is the winner!" Freddy cried.
"Good job, Aeris," Alex said.
"Thanks, Alex," Aeris chirped.
The pillars descended back to the ground, letting Alex and Ryan off.
"Wow…you were strong," Ryan said.
"Thanks. You're strong as well. You gave Aeris a run for her money," Alex smiled.
"Wow, what a nice way to start off the Sky Battle Quarterfinals," Xentus said.
"Right about that. Now let's look at the next challengers," Cynthia said.
"On the left is the Succubus of battles-Ayane!" Xentus said.
Ayane stepped onto the stage and cheered.
"And our right is Assistant of Professor Juniper-Bianca!" Cynthia cheered.
Bianca ran and stood on her spot.
"Now, let's get the second Sky Battle underway!" Xentus cheered.
"Paige, let's go!" Bianca said.
Bianca released a magnificent Pidgeot that flew into the sky and floated next to Bianca.
"Very well…Cynthia, let's battle!" Ayane smiled.
Ayane threw up a Premier Ball and released a beautiful Articuno that made the air around her freeze into snowflakes.
"Wow! Ayane has the Legendary Bird-Articuno! This may prove to be a challenge for Bianca!" Cynthia said.
"Well, let's find out…Begin!" Xentus announced.
"Alright! Ayane, you have the first move!" Bianca said.
"Okay. Cynthia, use Hurricane!" Ayane commanded.
Cynthia whipped up three huge cyclones and tossed them at Paige.
"Paige, counter with Hurricane!" Bianca shouted.
Paige whipped up her cyclones and aimed them at Cynthia's Hurricane. The two Hurricanes fused together and enveloped the two birds.
"Paige, get out of there with Sky Attack!" Bianca said.
"No way am I letting you out! Cynthia, use Ice Hurricane!" Ayane said.
Cynthia spread her wings and froze the cyclone, making a nice ice sculpture that encased the two birds.
"Amazing! Ayane's Articuno has frozen herself and Paige in a sculpture of wind!" Xentus said.
"But it looks like it's about to bust!" Cynthia added.
True to Cynthia's words, the frozen cyclone began cracking as air flowed out of it. Suddenly, the sculpture exploded, releasing Paige and Cynthia from it, damaging them greatly.
"Ahh…that was harsh," Paige breathed.
"I don't have much energy left," Cynthia groaned.
"Well, Bianca. Looks like it's down to the final move!" Ayane smiled.
"Then let's make it count! Paige, Special Move: Sky Blast!" Bianca shouted.
"Alright! Cynthia, Special Move: Ice Driver!" Ayane shouted.
Paige was coated in a white aura as she blazed through the sky at Cynthia, who was now rushing to Paige in an armor of ice. The two Pokémon collided into each other, causing an explosion in the air. Soon, something plummeted out of the explosion aftermath and fell to the ground.
"Which one is it?" Xentus asked.
When the dust settled, Paige was sprawled on the ground, knocked out.
"Paige is defeated…meaning Cynthia wins the battle!" Cynthia cheered.
After the pillars descended, Bianca returned Paige and looked at Ayane.
"Um…that was a good battle," Ayane smiled.
Bianca nodded and pulled Ayane closer to her.
"I will have my revenge, sweetie," Bianca purred.
She separated from Ayane and left the area, with Ayane following.
"Alright, then! The next Sky Battle is against two lovers!" Xentus said.
"On our right is the Inferno Trainer, Souren!" Cynthia said.
Souren ran onto the stage, waving in the air.
"And on the left is a former Plasma member, the Quick Striker-Skyla!" Freddy said.
Skyla looked around as she walked onto the area and smiled.
"Let's get the third Sky Battle out of the way!" Xentus cried.
"Larxene, let's go!" Souren cried.
Souren released Larxene onto the battlefield.
"O-ok. Mirage, y-you're up," Skyla whimpered.
Skyla released a feminine Flygon from a Love Ball, who roared in excitement.
"Wow! I didn't know you have a Dragon-Type!" Souren smiled.
"Y-yeah," Skyla replied.
"Then…why do you act scared?" Souren asked.
Mirage looked at Skyla and growled.
"Don't mess up, ok?" Mirage growled. "I k-know," Skyla replied.
"Hey! No one talks to my girlfriend like that!" Souren yelled.
"Oh? And what will you do?" Mirage asked.
"I'll show you," Souren growled.
"Let's begin!" Xentus cried.
"Larxene, let's start off with Shadow Ball!" Souren cried.
Larxene created a glob of shadows and flung it at Mirage.
"Mirage…use Heat Wave!" Skyla cried.
Mirage flapped her wings to create a wave of heat at Larxene.
"Larxene, up to the sky and then use Drain Punch!" Souren commanded.
Larxene dodged the Heat Wave and then dived at Mirage with her fist glowing.
"Mirage, counter with Dragon Rasengan!" Skyla commanded.
Mirage used the power of Dragon Soul and mustered up a sphere of dark blue energy in her clawed hand. She then rushed at Larxene and countered the Drain Punch.
"Weak!" Mirage smiled.
"Oh? Larxene, let's show her 'weak'! Use Sky Drop!" Souren smiled.
Larxene canceled the attacks, grabbed Mirage and smashed her to the ground.
"Nice!" Souren said.
However, Mirage got up and used a powerful Dragon Soul and smashed into Larxene. Larxene then fell to the ground, knocked out.
"Wow! Mirage countered Larxene with Dragon Soul and took the win! Skyla goes on!" Freddy announced.
"Whoa! Mirage is really strong!" Souren smiled, returning Larxene.
"T-thanks," Skyla replied.
"Yeah…and you're weak!" Mirage growled.
"Oh, really? Skyla, bring Mirage to my room tonight, ok?" Souren voiced.
"Ok," Skyla smiled.
"Wha-?" Mirage began before being sucked in her capsule.
"Thanks," Souren smiled.
"Wow that was spectacular! Now, it's the final battle-Sarecus vs. Bruce!" Cynthia said.
Sarecus and Bruce walked onto the stage, hi-fiving Souren and Skyla on the way in.
"You ready to battle, Bruce?!" Sarecus said.
"Yeah! Lexeaus, let's go!" Bruce smiled, releasing the proud Landorus lion out.
"Ok…Kairyu, let's battle!" Sarecus smiled.
Sarecus released his special Dragonite out onto the battlefield.
"Oh, goody! I get to battle!" Kairyu smiled.
"Let's begin!" Xentus said. "Lexeaus, use Bulk Up!" Bruce commanded.
Lexeaus began flexing his muscles, upping his Attack and Defence.
"Now, use Outrage!" Bruce said.
Lexeaus' eyes glowed red as he rushed at Kairyu and began slashing and kicking at Kairyu, causing major damage.
"Kairyu, move out of the way and use Extreme speed!" Sarecus commanded.
Kairyu became a blur as she dodged Lexeaus' strikes and then smashed into him.
"Lexeaus, use Sky Drop!" Bruce commanded.
Lexeaus use his tail, wrapped it around Kairyu, and smashed her to the ground.
"Kairyu!" Sarecus cried.
"Unh…I'm ok," she moaned.
"Lexeaus, finish it with Outrage!" Bruce commanded.
Lexeaus rushed out, ready to thrash Kairyu.
"Kairyu, use Ice Beam!" Sarecus cried.
Kairyu's eyes became red as she released a powerful beam of frigid energy that hit Lexeaus, freezing him.
"Now, finish with Dragon Soul!" Sarecus smiled.
"Lexeaus, break free!" Bruce shouted.
Lexeaus flexed his muscles and shattered the ice but wasn't fast enough to dodge the Dragon Soul attack.
"Lexeaus!" Bruce cried.
Lexeaus crashed to the ground, unable to battle.
"Lexeaus is unable to battle! Sarecus won!" Xentus said.
When the pillars descended, Sarecus returned the weakened Kairyu and walked to Bruce.
"Hey! That was epic!" Sarecus smiled.
"Yeah. I'll get you next time," Bruce smiled.
"Well, that's enough battling today. Trainers, get a good rest! We start the semifinals tomorrow!" Freddy announced.
Night…
Sarecus, Bruce, Alex, Ryan, Bianca, and Ayane were relaxing in the Pokécenter's atrium when Souren walked out his room, his clothes wrinkled and ripped.
"Hey, buddy. What happened?" Sarecus asked.
"Well…I had to break in Mirage…with Skyla's help," Souren breathed.
"Aw, no fair!" Ayane cried.
"Well, looks like you had fun," Sarecus smiled.
"Yeah…" Souren replied.
Soon, Xentus and Cynthia walked by and smiled at them.
"You guys did great!" Xentus said.
"Thanks, bro!" Sarecus smiled.
"Oh, and Alex?" Cynthia asked.
"Huh?" Alex said.
"You have a visitor," Cynthia relied.
"Ok," Alex said.
As soon he got up, he was immediately tackled to the ground by a blur.
"Ow!" Alex said.
"Oh, my sweet Alex! I missed you!"
Alex looked and saw a girl his age on top of him. She was wearing a white short-sleeved blouse and a short white skirt. Her auburn hair was in a ponytail she was wearing shades.
"Oh! Hope, I missed you!" Alex smiled.
"Hey Alex. Who's that?" Sarecus asked.
"This is my girlfriend, Hope. She was coming to Unova after she was finish training in Hoenn," Alex explained.
"Cool…nice to meet you, Hope," Sarecus said.
"Likewise," she smiled.
"Well, we all better get some rest! The Semifinals start tomorrow!" Sarecus said.
Whew! That was fun to write! Well, now each chapter will have its own announcement at the end, concerning either my Friend Code validation or some neat announcement I found on Poké . This is both-ok, if anyone wants to know my 3DS name, its Sarecus. I will post the Friend Code again at the end. Another thing: Please specify what are your 3DS Friend Code and your Pokémon Friend Code, ok? Some have sent their codes and then…it doesn't work. Please recheck the codes, I'm just saying. When you do, if you have Swapnote, drop me a note. Now, my favorite note! If you have heard, we got more info on the bad team for the Kalos Region. They are called Team Flare and their main goal: Makin' money! We don't have the specifics yet, but when we do…I'll let you know! That's it!
BlitzSarecus is diving outta here! Friend Code: 2621-3405-1932
