"The nerve of that guy," said Louis.

"I know," replied Violet. "Saying that his team name is better than ours? Come on!"

And yet, Suzuki remained quiet. He knew how strong Simon was, how powerful. He hoped none of his friends would have to face him, yet it seemed inevitable.

"So...what do we do now?" asked Louis.

This sentence brought Suzuki back to reality.

"Well, since we'll be trying to qualify for a tournament..." he began. "...we'll need to start training."

Louis grinned, liking the idea.

"And how shall we do that?"

"We've got two options. One, train amongst ourselves. Two, find a coach to help us out."

"I suggest getting a coach," offered Roy.

"Is there any coach you prefer having around here?" Louis inquired.

The trio of trainers turned to each other, smiled proudly, and returned their focus to Louis.

"There is," they simultaneously said.

Louis followed the three trainers to the location suggested by Suzuki. After some time, Roy and Violet spotted a hairstyle familiar to them in the distance.

"Ah! There he is!" pointed Violet.

Louis peered over their shoulders. He saw a man with tanned skin and short black-hair spiked up at the centre, helping another student with their training.

The student in a red and white jacket and jeans was busy training an Exeggutor

Louis recognised the student's appearance.

"Hey. Isn't that the guy Simon knocked over yesterday?" he muttered.

The coach in question was happily cheering the student on.

"That's the way!" he exclaimed. "Nothing can stop your Exeggutor now!"

As he was cheering, the coach noticed the approaching group out the corner of his eye and smiled proudly.

"Well well well, look who it is," he said, grinning.

The trio chuckled.

"Hey Coach," said Suzuki. "We've just signed up for the annual tournament."

"Great!" the coach replied. "This is a good way to get rid of the cobwebs."

"Cobwebs?" blurted Louis, unfamiliar with the term.

Suzuki leaned in toward the confused boy.

"It's a figure of speech," he explained.

For two weeks, the groups trained. Some with coaching, others alone, but all practised their skills, and honed their craft.

The days passed, and as the tournament grew closer, the small group of friends built their team kinship to a point of confidence.

With the coach's careful training, they were ready. Louis was proud of his Pokémon. Even though he had only met them some time ago, they felt like a part of his family.

In the meantime, the coach grew curious about the boy from Johto. He had caught glimpses of him and his Pokémon on campus from time to time, and it seemed as if they were a great combination for one another.

One more sleepless night gripped the entrants in excitement, until, the morning of the qualifiers dawned upon the Academy.

Louis awoke from his slumber, got dressed, placed the pendant around his neck and grabbed the Pokéballs off the bench. The Academy grounds beat with a nervous pulse, and the air itself filled the student's lungs with anticipation of the morning's events. The quartet of humans gathered in the locker room of the academy's Pokémon Gym, each one with their selected creatures outside of their Pokéballs.

"Well, here we are," said Louis.

Violet caught a glimpse of Azul looking incredibly excited for the event.

"Hey Louis, your Froakie sure is happy today," she said.

"It's Azul now, remember?" the boy corrected.

"Oh, right,"

Louis looked around at the number of trainers and their Pokémon in the room. Aside from his team of Pokémon, and Suzuki, Roy and Violet's, there was a wide variety of beasts, some of which Louis had never seen before.

"I bet we'll take out these Pokémon in a flash," said Torracat, proudly.

"Why do you say that?" asked Louis.

"Well, we've been training for the past few weeks, and by the look of the other Pokémon here, it's almost like they began training yesterday."

"Looks can be deceiving, Torracat," said Staravia.

"You never know."

Louis chuckled.

"Strength isn't everything, y'know?" he spoke.

"Huh?" Torracat voiced.

"One thing I've learned in the past is that you don't need just strength to get things done."

The Pokémon nodded, as did a confused onlooker, listening unbeknownst to Louis.

"That is one strange kid," he muttered.

Fennekin trotted over to the boy.

"Um...Louis?" it spoke.

"Yeah, what's up?" replied Louis.

"I'm sorry for asking, but how do you know this?"

Louis grinned.

"Well, this may surprise you, but I once saw a Pichu take down a Gastly, Haunter and Gengar."

Every Pokémon on Louis' team, including some from Suzuki, Violet and Roy's team looked at the boy, surprised.

"All three of them?" inquired Violet's Ludicolo.

"Yeah," smiled Louis.

"You mean a Pichu took them all down without any assistance?" questioned Suzuki's Jigglypuff.

Louis' eyes shifted from side to side.

"...yes."

"It did all of that to rescue its older brother, Raichu," the boy added.

And for a moment, Louis was back in that forest, many miles away. He shook his head and regained his thoughts.

Suddenly, a sound over the loudspeaker played before a voice spoke.

"Attention all trainers, the qualifiers for the National Pokémon Academy tournament will commence in five minutes."

Louis stood up and fixed up his vest before returning his attention to Team Venus.

"Well, are you all ready?" he asked.

"Are you?" grinned Azul.

"You bet."

A large amount of freshly-deployed grandstands surrounded the Pokémon field. In each sat various students and their Pokémon. It was almost like a mini-stadium, and the fact wasn't lost on the observers.

"Whoa," declared Louis at the sight. "I've never seen a gathering this big before."

"Yep. I told you the tournament was popular," replied Suzuki.

Within an hour, the field became a rainbow of turbulent activity. Dozens of students took their assigned positions and began to face off. The quartet of friends watched and discussed tactics, and cheered their fellow students on.

"So, you'll need to choose three of your Pokémon to compete here," explained Violet.

"Only three?" said Louis.

"Yeah."

"It's strange, I know," Roy spoke. "But that's how it is in the rules of this tournament."

Louis fell silent. He never thought he'd need to split his team.

"Next match is Ciara Roberts versus Louis Serrano," a voice over the loudspeaker said.

His heart skipped.

Sweat formed on his brow, and he found himself still seated.

"Louis?" questioned Violet

The boy snapped out of his trance.

"Huh?" he blurted.

"Um...you're up," said Suzuki.

Alertness filled the boy's mind as he stood up and ran downstairs and back into the locker room. Louis withdrew his Pokémon from their red and white capsules. They each saw Louis panting and worrying.

"You alright, Louis?" asked Cubone.

"No," the boy gasped. "I've got a problem."

"A problem?"

"Yeah. I only just now learned that...I need to choose three of you to compete in this battle."

"What?!" shrieked Riolu. "Three?!

The crowd outside murmured.

"Look, I don't have much time but...do any of you want to volunteer?" the boy inquired.

Azul stepped forward, followed by Staravia and Cubone.

"We'll sit back for this one," said Riolu.

"Thanks," said Louis. "It really means a lot."

Then, Louis dashed outdoors with Azul, Cubone and Staravia following suit.

"Wish us luck!" called Azul.

The other three Pokémon went back to rejoin Violet, Roy and Suzuki in the stands, watching Louis and his Pokémon run onto the field.

Ciara stood, tapping her feet, as Louis finally took his position.

"Ah, finally," she voiced.

The referee raised his arm into the air.

"Ready?" he called.

Both trainers looked on with determined expressions.

"BEGIN!"

Ciara withdrew a Pokéball from her pocket.

"Nuzleaf, I choose you!" she yelled, throwing the Pokéball.

The capsule opened up, a bright light of energy emitted and a Nuzleaf emerged. Louis grinned before turning his head to his Pokémon.

"Staravia, you're up," he said.

"Got it!" replied Staravia.

The two Pokémon gazed at each other from opposing sides.

"Nuzleaf, use Razor Leaf!" ordered Ciara.

With that command, Nuzleaf spawned a number of razor-sharp leaves and sent them hurtling toward Staravia.

"Staravia, dodge as many of the leaves as you can," commanded Louis.

Staravia sidestepped from left to right, jumping to the air at some points, dodging the leaves. Unfortunately, some of them managed to graze and scratch the bird Pokémon's body.

"You alright?" asked Louis.

"Yeah, I'm fine," replied Staravia.

"Great! Now use Wing Attack!"

Staravia flapped its wings and charged toward Nuzleaf. Its left wing began to briefly glow before unleashing a powerful strike on the Pokémon, knocking it back a few feet.

"Nice one!" cheered Louis.

The Nuzleaf sprung back onto its feet and returned to the playing field.

"Alright, if that's how it's gonna be..." muttered Ciara. "Nuzleaf, use Absorb!"

With that, Nuzleaf began to glow. Using its energy, it began to draw some of Staravia's health out, and bring it into its own. Staravia strained under the pressure of its energy being drawn away.

Louis winced.

Nuzleaf recovered a portion of its health.

"Ok then..." muttered Louis.

"Staravia, use Tackle!"

Almost immediately, Staravia charged at the opposing Pokémon. It sprinted and barged into Nuzleaf with its whole body. The strike to Nuzleaf was enough to knock the Pokémon back. It struggled to stand after the attack, but then collapsed under its own weight and fell to the ground, unconscious.

"Nuzleaf is unable to battle!" the referee announced. "Staravia wins!"

Many spectators cheered at the battle.

"Alright!" cheered Suzuki, Roy and Violet.

"Right on, Staravia!" called Riolu, Fennekin and Torracat.

Ciara withdrew a Pokéball and pointed it toward her fallen Pokémon.

"Nuzleaf, return," she said.

A red beam shot out of the capsule. It travelled toward Nuzleaf before impacting over its body, turning Nuzleaf into energy and returning inside the Pokéball.

"You did great out there," whispered Ciara.

From afar, Louis grew a little curious. Something had popped up in his mind. An interesting question.

'I wonder what it's like inside a Pokéball?' he thought.

Ciara placed the Pokéball into her back pocket, then withdrew a second red and white capsule. She threw it into the air.

"Crobat, go!" she cheered.

The device popped open and a Crobat emerged from the bright glare.

Staravia wasn't planning on slowing down. It looked at the opposing bat-like creature with a tremendous amount of determination.

"Shall we continue?" inquired Louis.

"We shall," replied Staravia.

"Ok. Let's start off with Quick Attack!"

"Got it!"

Staravia hurtled toward its opponent. However, Ciara was anticipating this action, grinning confidently.

"Crobat, Supersonic attack!" she commanded.

It was then that Crobat sent powerful and invisible shockwaves toward the bird Pokémon, accompanied by an odd sound. These waves passed by Staravia. But, the effects of this attack took over as Staravia grew disoriented and confused. It ended up avoiding Crobat and, unknowingly, went in the opposite direction.

"Uh-oh…" blurted Louis.

From the stands, Riolu, Torracat and Fennekin looked on, worried.

"Oh no, Staravia is confused," said Riolu.

"And she's heading toward Louis!" yelped Fennekin.

Torracat leapt up, so it could get a good view of the boy.

"Louis, watch out!"

Louis overhead the call and ducked before Staravia could collide with him. It swooped the boy. Staravia had trouble navigating as it was still suffering from confusion. It ended up crashing onto the ground in front of Cubone, Azul and Louis.

"Staravia!" the boy called. "Are you alright?"

The bird Pokémon had trouble standing up properly. The disorientation was taking its toll.

"Where am I?" voiced Staravia. "Louis, where are you?"

"I'm right here!" replied Louis. "Come on, don't lose focus. Concentrate!"

Ciara sensed the perfect opportunity to strike.

"Alright, now use Air Cutter!"

Immediately after, Crobat used its wings to send a razor-like gust of wind toward the disoriented Pokémon.

"Staravia! Dodge!" Louis yelled.

Although the bird-like creature was still suffering its opponent's Supersonic attack, Staravia almost managed to completely move out of the way of the Air Cutter attack. The gust of wind brushed by its wing, damaging the bird Pokémon slightly.

That was enough to break Staravia out of its confused trance. It regained focus on the battle and knew exactly where it was right now.

"That's better," sighed Staravia.

Roy, Violet and Suzuki grew relieved that Louis' Pokémon regained its concentration.

"Phew," all three said in unison.

Louis grinned.

"Now then. Staravia, use Wing Attack!"

With that command, Staravia leapt into the air and flapped toward the Crobat with tremendous speed. Its right wing proceeded to glow below dealing a powerful attack on the opponent. Although the attack was enough to deal a considerable amount of damage, the opposing Crobat didn't appear to be backing down.

"Crobat, use Poison Fang now!" ordered Ciara.

With a new plan of attack, the bat-like specimen flew toward Staravia. It opened its mouth, baring sharp teeth, and continued on its course toward the bird Pokémon.

"Staravia! Look out!" called Azul.

But it was too late. Crobat clamped its teeth down onto Staravia's wing, causing it to cry out in pain. Louis could feel every bit of damage being dealt. The sharp teeth caused Staravia to become poisoned, which in turn lead Staravia, who had gone through a lot during this battle, to pass out from the pain.

"No…" whispered Louis.

"Staravia is unable to battle! Crobat wins!" the referee announced.

"Alright!" cheered Ciara.

Spectators applauded the event unfolding.

"Oh dear…" said Violet.

"I hope Louis has an idea of what to do now," added Roy.

Suzuki remained focused on the battle, positive that Louis and his Pokémon would pull through.

Louis brought out a Pokéball and held it toward the fallen bird.

"Come on back, Staravia," he said, returning Staravia into the device.

"I'll get you patched up as soon as we're done here," he whispered.

With one Pokémon down each, Louis contemplated his next course of action. He looked down to Cubone and Azul, unsure of who to let on to the field next.

"I'll go," said Cubone, raising its bone club.

Azul shifted its head to Cubone.

"Are you sure?" it asked.

"Yes. I'm sure."

Both Azul and Louis nodded. The boy stepped aside and allowed Cubone to step onto the playing field.

"Cubone? Really?" muttered Ciara.

"I can hear you!" called Louis.

Now with renewed vigour, Louis and Cubone prepared to attack.

"Cubone, use Headbutt!" the boy selected.

"You got it!" responded Cubone.

The little creature began to sprint toward the Crobat. Cubone leapt into the air, and with the assistance of the skull helmet, landed a perfectly directed strike to the opposing specimen.

That move sent Ciara's Pokémon hurtling to the ground. It landed with an explosion of dust and dirt, limiting the vision for a brief moment. With the clouds subsided, the audience members could see that Ciara's Crobat was down, unconscious.

The spectators, including Torracat, Fennekin and Riolu looked on in surprised shock, while Louis and Azul were amazed at Cubone single-handedly managed to take down the Pokémon in one hit.

"Uh...C-Crobat is unable to battle! Cubone wins!" called the referee.

The brief moment of silence was soon replaced by an enormous round of applause. A number of attendees began to chant 'Cubone' around the area.

"Alright, Cubone!" cheered Torracat, Fennekin and Riolu.

"Nice shot!" called Azul.

During the round of cheers and applause, Ciara returned Crobat to its Pokéball and brought out her third and final one. She launched it into the air and inside emerged...a Munchlax.

The beast landed perfectly onto the battle area, ready to play.

Cubone, still enjoying the cheers, returned its attention to the battle. Both Cubone and the opposing Munchlax shared focused glances.

"Cubone, use your Bone Club," offered Louis.

"You got it!" replied Cubone.

The small Pokémon gripped onto its Bone Club and jumped toward the opposing Munchlax. With dexterity, Cubone swung the club at Munchlax's side. With the previous event, Ciara knew not to take this Cubone lightly. She had to be cautious.

"Munchlax, quick!" the girl called. "Use Defense Curl!"

Ciara's Pokémon immediately curled itself up, shielding its weak spots from Cubone's Bone Club. With its defences raised, Munchlax took less damage from the attack.

"That was close," sighed Ciara.

Adrenaline pumped through Louis' body. He had never experienced this amount of excitement in his life.

"Ok. Time to use the Bonemerang, Cubone!" chimed Louis.

It was then that Cubone threw its club toward the opposing Pokémon. It struck once before changing its trajectory and heading back for Munchlax.

"Quick, dodge out of the way!" yelled Ciara.

Munchlax rolled away from the bond's course, leading Cubone to catch it easily.

"Now, use Bite!" the girl commanded.

"Bite?!" yelped Louis.

Almost immediately, the Munchlax leapt toward Cubone before clamping its teeth down onto the little Pokémon's arm.

"GAH!" it cried.

Cubone kicked Munchlax away, before rubbing its damaged arm. To Louis, it almost sounded like Cubone was about to cry. The boy then felt a tugging at his legs. He looked down to see Azul looking determined and a little angry. Louis knew exactly what this meant.

"Hey Cubone!" he called, drawing its attention away from the bitten arm.

"How about you and Azul switch now?" the boy suggested.

Even though Cubone had only been hit once by an attack, the little Pokémon felt really hurt from the previous attack. It nodded before returning to Louis' side. Azul leapt onto Louis' shoulder before nodding.

"Ok, it's your turn Azul," said Louis.

In the blink of an eye, Azul hopped onto the battle area, facing off against the opponent's Munchlax.

Not wanting to pass up the opportunity, Ciara prepared for battle.

"Munchlax, use Tackle!" she ordered.

The Munchlax hurtled toward the frog Pokémon.

"Azul, dodge!" Louis called.

With that command, Azul leapt into the air before Munchlax could land its attack.

"Now, use Smokescreen!"

Azul proceeded to produce a thick cloud of smoke, concealing the area from the spectators. Munchlax could not see a thing.

"Finish it off with Water Pulse!" commanded Louis.

Azul launched a pulsing blast of water from its mouth, aiming for the Munchlax. With the assistance of the smokescreen, it was unable to avoid the oncoming attack and was directly hit by Azul's special move.

As the smoke subsided, Azul was left standing on the field, while Munchlax was seen laying on the ground, unable to move. Suzuki's eyes sparkled while he grinned.

"He did it."

"Munchlax is unable to battle. Froakie wins!" called the referee. "The winner of this battle is Louis Serrano!"

The crowd roared in excitement. The sounds of clapping and cheering echoed across the field.

"Yes! We did it!" yelled Louis.

"Aw man…" groaned Ciara.

The rest of Louis' team ran onto the field to join Azul, Cubone and Louis in celebration.

"You guys did it!" cheered Fennekin.

Soon, amid the friend's celebrations, the announcer spoke one more time.

"The next battle will commence in 10 minutes! Calling trainers Roy Hunter and Micheal Knowles to the field."

WOOHOO! Louis' first victory as a Pokémon Trainer! \(^O^)/

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