Authors Notes:

Hey I got a chapter out and uploaded during my vacation time. And soon my college is about to start and Codvid isn't making things easier at all. Its almost like martial law lol.

Now for those of you who have reviewed, thank you. I appreciate your concerns and help with making my story better.

In this chapter I expanded on people's characters and showed some battles and how quick they will be for future references. Unless its against the major characters, then it'll be a bit longer. (Luke is more of a side character/minor rival)

Let me know what you think of my chapter and tell me about some corrections/additions I'll need to make.

Next chapter will be the finals.

-8/14/2020

I made my way through the crowd. Hearing the praise thrown towards me for my win. In front of me coming my way is Cynthia.

"That was amazing!" Keeping her smile. "We are definitely going to the finals at this rate!."

"Thank you. And only if the both of us keep winning." I replied before adding. "Plus if everyone else is like Jammy then I am definitely going to have a good shot for the finals."

"Yeah!" Speaking over the crowd. "You should come sit with us!"

Agreeing to her invitation I followed. Standing at the bottom on the first row were Cyrus and Rowan. Where the both of them were having a heated conversation.

Cynthia waited for a solid minute before snapping at them to get them to notice us. Once they did both of them straightened themselves out.

"Oh. Hello." Rowan turned away from Cyrus. "Cyrus and I were having a light debate. However, in the end we can only agree on the fact that John and his companion were clearly the superior team."

Cyrus nodded along. "But, John was too lax while directing his pokemon. His win didn't fully show his abilities. And for that reason the both of them aren't on a competitive level. If he can manage to limit the amount of liberal freedom he gives to his untrained 'partner' then their win wouldn't have taken so long." Directing his words to me. "A 'delayed victory' would be a better terminology to use. While the lack of aggressive moves on your part wasted the advantage you held. Costing unneeded time and energy."

I looked at him with a raised eyebrow. He took out some of his unneeded frustration on me. While, Rowan on the other hand looked flabbergasted by the crude and brass comment.

"Cyrus, I've said it before and I'll say it again.'Trainers and their partners should always hold each other at the same standard'." Rowan shook his head. "It doesn't matter if John loses a battle or has a 'delayed victory'. The both of them will grow and adapt. Becoming stronger from it and learn to trust each other more. So even if you are not satisfied by the lads performance, John did show a level of trust with his partner that I failed to see when you were younger."

Cyrus brushed of the professors words.

"A foolish notion, Rowan. Don't pretend and believe that success is not the most important thing for a trainer. It is and will show someones potential and growth no matter what."

"But my argument is still correct. Its based off my own experience Cyrus." Not giving him time to retort. "And your way of thinking has always been biased to your own ideals. Preventing you to see past the skewed numbers you heavily rely upon to look at the other less tangible variables which elude you to this day."

"You..." Taking a deep breath, Cyrus manage to fix his composure. "I believe we should hold this conversation for another time. My lack of control earlier towards John shows that I lack the proper mindset to continue our 'little' debate."

Rowan looked slightly surprised.

For a few seconds Cyrus said nothing. I waited for a apology, however, he held his stern expression not flinching away from my slight glare. Remaining stubborn and unwilling to retract his earlier statement about my performance. Only showing a slight frown for the way he worded his displeasure.

"Um, anyway, John." Cynthia smile stiffened. "They seem to have seen that you have won..." Glaring at Rowan and Cyrus. "I hope you two will be able to control yourselves while John is here."

The blue haired man's expression relaxed finally. He gave a slight nod and a strained smile to Rowan.

I choose to ignore the two men in front of me. Choosing to look over to Avery. Who was over by the sidelines comforting Jammy still.

Why can't they talk about him? At this rate, a professor should hold him back before he gets himself or someone else hurt.

"John. John. John!?"

My thoughts snapped back to a frustrated blonde who just had a stare down against her seniors.

"You okay?"

"Y-yeah. We should probably sit down." I added.

She nodded her head with a firm attitude. Relaxing her expression once Rowan and Cyrus finally got their differences out of the way. By the time we were done, the crowd around us settled down. The second round matches were about to start.

The battles proceeded smoothly. The earlier argument seemed to have vanished from our minds. Allowing us some time for small talk. To guess about who would win and why.

Rowan gave us a few basic things to look out for during this time.

A pokemon's size, typing and sex were the dominant factor. Their personality, battle style and confidence played a more obscure role which took me two battles to discover.

For example, the Buneary that we're currently watching came out again. It didn't have the type advantage over the grass pokemon and vice versa. However, when I looked at its trainer, their was confidence in her approach. Where even the rabbit could hear the conviction in her voice and followed through with her plan.

And like her last battle, she played it close. Pulling off a last second Facade while Buneary baited their foe in. Pretending to be stun from the paralysis and smashing the grass type into the floor. Knocking it out and winning the battle.

After that I focused on the next trainer, who sent out a Starly against a Burmy.

I waited to make my decision on who'll win. Taking a second to listen to everyone's reasons.

Cyrus believed that Starly would be the winner. It held the type advantage and aerial superiority; vastly outmatching the foe's bug type.

Rowan disagreed on this. Noting that the bird wasn't showing the usual healthy signs for its breed. Having dull feathers and a chipped beak. While the Burmy is coated in a brilliant green foliage of leaves. Giving him good reason to believe that a simple Peck would fail to take it out.

"I don't know who'll win." Said Cynthia. "If I had to guess, then it would be the bird. Burmy won't be able to over come the advantage that Starly naturally has. So I'll have to stick with Cyrus on this one."

Cyrus was oblivious to her crush on him. Rowan thought her reason was valid and didn't question why she kept on picking Cyrus's side every time. They all just assumed her blushing cheeks was from the cold wind and her starry eyes was from the glint of the sun.

However, I am a hypocrite. It showed when I'be been picking Rowan's side every time.

"Sorry, but I'm with Rowan on this one too."

But I had enough sense of mind to ignore my earlier bias towards people. I know that I'm not perfect and I already have two good reasons for my choice.

First, there is a potential job for me after school and staying on the professors side is a good start to our relationship.

Second, Cyrus is a dick.

Almost like Rowan could read my mind, he had a knowing smile on his face. Most likely agreeing with my inner thoughts on how I felt about his former assistant.

"Well, lets see who is right this time." Rowan chuckled.

Turns out that the both of them couldn't get the lead on the other for long. But when one of them pulled ahead, they took great pleasure in taking subtle jabs on the other's intellect. Making Cynthia tired of glaring at the would be offender.

And after six matches, she finally had a break. Leaving me to stand awkwardly by myself.

"... vs. Cynthia. Please come up to the field at this time." said the ref.

As she walked away, the three of us cheered.

Hearing our encouragement, she shouted back. "Don't worry, I'll be back in a flash!"

Right afterwards, a wild Gible appeared. Jumping out of her arms and to the floor. Dashing alongside Cynthia to the field.

"She got this." Murmured Rowan.

"It'll be a quick win." added Cyrus.

At least the awkward atmosphere vanished slightly. With the both of them agreeing on something.

Nodding my head along, I zoned in on the match. Staring at Cynthia's opponent sending out a blue Shellos. Giving me my first look at the blue slug that flopped onto the floor with a wet splash.

My look of slight disgust didn't go unnoticed. Rowan picked up on it and helped explain what the mucus dripping off the pokemon did. Telling me about the protected film it needed out side of mud puddles to prevent it from drying up and giving it more maneuverability on dry land.

Eventually I was able to push away my image of a snot covered slug and look towards Gible.

She had the type disadvantage and I wonder if the Shellos could capitalize on it with some water moves.

"Cynthia will have an inevitable victory." Cyrus commented.

His voice sounded so sure. That a plan to sure victory was already created and he could see it plain as day.

"Let the match begin." The ref lowered his flag.

Instantly Cynthia took control. Commanding Gible to charge forward.

"Dodge!" Cried the young boy.

However, Gible smashed into Shellos, sending it rolling across the floor.

"Dragon Rage it now."

Blue flames shot from Gible as it approached the downed pokemon. Then a jet stream of water sliced the attack in half. Allowing Shellos to squeeze between the two walls of flames that crashed behind it.

Steam quickly covered the area before slowly clearing. However, Cynthia's Gible was no where in sight. I glanced towards Cynthia and saw a small smirk on her face. Following her line of sight, I saw small cracks in the ground behind Shellos. Suddenly Gible shot out before colliding with Shellos's back.

"Use Recover!"

"Don't give them the chance!" She shouted.

Gible stuck close to the injured pokemon. Shellos stumbled on the ground and couldn't see clearly.

As light condensed on its body, a claw made of pure shadow slammed into its back. Ending the fight.

"Cynthia is the winner!" Announced the ref.

Cyrus nodded his head. Agreeing with the full out assault Cynthia committed to.

"She took control of the fight from the get go. Overwhelming her foe before he could capitalized on his advantage. Unlike the time when she fought against that trainer with the Gastly."

"It was against her friend Luke." Rowan twitched his mustache. "And Ghost pokemon are notoriously difficult to track down, let alone defeat."

"True. I have to agree on that point..." Muttered Cyrus.

A few seconds past and Cyrus was still deep in thought. Thinking over the last few words Rowan said.

"Hey guys!" Cynthia ran with Gible. "Did you see me!"

"We did Cynthia." Said Rowan. "It seems like Cyrus did well in helping Gible learn Shadow Claw. It sure came in handy."

Rowan threw Cyrus a questioning look.

Shrugging his shoulders, Cyrus managed to come back from his thoughts.

"The Grant from the Academy came with some lee way. These matches were already determined a few days ago and I thought I could help."

"Mh?" Grumbled Rowan.

Before they could get further in the legitimacy of these matches, Cynthia stepped in.

"Guys..." They looked at her and stopped. She turned to me and said. "I'll keep an eye on them. You should get going now. Seems like you're up next."

"... can both trainers appear on the field at this time."

I gave her a roll of my eyes. Kinda amused by how she predicted that.

"Mh, get prepared. Once I win, you're next." I joked.

"But we still have the quarter finals." She said, tilting her head.

"...Figure of speech." I sighed.

I sulked my way to the field. Hoping that my battle will get my mood going again.

This time, my opponent is a boy I faintly remember from my class. He wasn't very noticeable and rather plain looking.

His pokemon didn't look well though. The Oddish has scuff marks all across its blue body. One of its leafs is wilted with a long dark bruise trailing down from from the stem and down half of its body.

It is obviously not in any condition to battle. However, I had to win. And I will not be stopped here. Deino gave me a snort in agreement.

"Are both trainers ready." Asked the ref as he checked us. "Good, first one to forfeit or knocked out loses."

The battle began quickly. With my foe taking the first move.

"Stun Spore!"

"Deino circle the plant and get the wind to your back quick."

The cheap opening isn't going to work on us. He would have to do better than that.

With a few quick steps, Deino dodged the cloud of yellow dust with ease. Giving us a clear shot.

"Light the cloud up with some fire!"

Blue flames burst forward in slow motion. I watched silently and noticed small green seed embedding into Deino's fur.

At the same instant as vines grew from his skin, a explosion went off.

"Good j..."

The ground lit up and dirt scattered into the air. Oddish buckled under the intense heat and was tossed into the air. Deino didn't have to move as the pokemon flew in his direction.

Leech Seed is a non factor. It wasn't going to stop what happens next.

"Bite it!" I yelled.

The next instant the blue vegetable was enclosed in a maw of teeth. Crushed by the blacked canines as they punctured its skin.

"The match is over! Return your pokemon!" Motioned the judge.

A red flicker of light returned the Oddish. Deino rose up on his back legs and roared. Inciting more cheers from the crowd.

I noticed the ref shaking his head. Knowing our match wouldn't have ended any other way and that my opponent should have forfeited instead.

"Nice job." I said to Deino. Turning towards my opponent. "You need to hurry and get your pokemon treated."

Instead of understanding my worried tone, the kid took it as an insult. Contorting his face in bitterness. However, I wasn't here to comfort him.

"The winner is John Smith. He'll continue to the quarter finals." Motioning us to leave the field. "We will now take a ten minute intermission to fix the field and allow the contestants a short break."

I walked away from the kid. Choosing to enjoy the crowds cheers as my mood went up again.

"Nice job." "You did well." Said Cynthia and Rowan.

So far, I can say I've been having a good time. And even if I don't win, I can always get second place.