'Are we nearly there yet?' I asked. Melanie laughed.
'You're as bad as Bindi!' She told me, jokingly. 'Well, we're nearly there anyway. You
can have a rest when we reach the Pokemon Center.' I was relived to hear that!
'Great! All this walking is making me tired.' I told her in a groan. Mel laughed again.
'How's that when I'm the one who's walking!' She asked.
'Well, I would walk, but it's so hard on my tiny little feet.' I said, making up an excuse
quickly. It was so much more relaxing sitting on Melanie's shoulder while we went
from place to place.
'Besides, I need to save my energy in case we see anymore pokemon!'
'Hey, you're too little to battle anyway!' My trainer joked. I put my nose in the air.
'Picking on those smaller than you is just being a coward.' I stated. Melanie giggled.
'You're so cute!' She taunted. I ignored her.
'Hey look!' Melanie shouted suddenly. 'It looks like we made it to Clouded Town!'
Clouded Town? That must be the name of the town where this Pokemon Center thing
was. A sudden excitement filled me.
'What are we waiting for then?' I shouted.

(P.O.V. Change)

Something special must of been happening in Clouded Town the day we arrived - the
streets were almost too packed to move. I returned Star to her Pokeball while I found
the way to the Pokemon Center. I didn't want her getting lost in the crowd.
After they were healed, I recalled them and walked back into the streets. Just down the
road was the Clouded Town Pokemon Gym. I wouldn't be going there yet though, it
was one of the last gyms trainers were to visit before going to the league. I followed
the crowd of people thronging through the streets as best I could. They all appeared to
be going the same way - into the end of town.
Walking was hard - hundreds of people were in Clouded Town. Probably because of
the Pokemon Festival I had heard about. Being pushed along, I of course didn't even
notice that one of my Pokeballs had slipped from my belt. It bounced along the ground
and was kicked to the edge of the sidewalk, eventually laying forgotten on the
pavement....

As the crowd began thinning out, I was finally able to walk around freely. I walked
around for a bit with Bindi at my side. We looked at all the novelties and showbags in
the stalls, and I bought fairy floss from a candy stall, which Bindi happily finished when
I had eaten enough.
As we walked, a strangers voice suddenly became heard. Someone was shouting -
trying to get the attention of people in the crowd.
'Never before seen pokemon! Your chance to battle with the best! Great training tips
for the beginners!' The man was shouting.
He was standing in front of a large tent, which I noticed had a large poster at the
entrance.
'C'mon.' I said to Bindi, walking over to take a look.
Examining the poster, it looked as if there was going to be a show. "Meet some of the
world's top trainers" it said, "Newly discovered pokemon".
'Wow!' I said, 'Maybe we should check it out!'
'Vu vuu! (Let's go!)' Bindi agreed.

Entering the tent, we saw that it wasn't exactly a show, but more a tournament. Two
people were battling already - an man who looked to be in his early twenties, and a boy
who was about my age, thirteen. The man was using a Beedrill, the boy, a Growlithe.
'Extreme Speed!' The boy yelled.
The Growlithe was almost too fast to be seen. A blur raced at the man's Beedrill, but
Beedrill quickly glowed light blue with Focus Energy. Growlithe's physical attack was
simply reflected by the energy, and he landed on his back on the ground with a thud.
As he pulled himself up, the man had already ordered Beedrill to use Twineedle.
Beedrill flew towards Growlithe with his two stinger-like arms stretching out at his
opponent. Growlithe wasn't standing up quick enough to move away, and he was hit
with the attack. Growlithe slammed to the ground again, looking too weak to keep
fighting.
'Finish it with Faint Attack!' The man yelled at Beedrill.
Beedrill obeyed and disappeared momentarily. Growlithe looked around, trying to
sense Beedrill. Growlithe was on his feet now, looking determined to battle.
'Roar!' His owner yelled.
Growlithe took a quick breath and Roared loudly. I shuddered at the sound. Beedrill
was obviously distracted by the sound as well, because he reappeared. Growlithe's
owner took his chance and called out Growlithe's next move.
'Flamethrower!'
Growlithe opened his mouth wide and fire immediately erupted from his throat.
Beedrill, who was still startled by the Roar attack, couldn't move, and the string of
flames washed over him. Beedrill was now looking as bad as Growlithe had.
Growlithe, however, seemed to of regained some energy in the excitement of the
battle.
'Flame Wheel!' The boy yelled.
Growlithe started glowing fiery red. Flames burst up at his sides. They formed into
strands and curled around Growlithe, spinning circles around him.
'GROWL!' Growlithe howled as the flames grew. He rushed at Beedrill with the speed
of an Agility technique, and Beedrill didn't have time to dodge this move either.
Growlithe slammed into his foe and the flames burst straight from Growlithe and hung
to Beedrill, making him finally hit the ground. The flames subsided and Beedrill lay
fainted on the ground.
The man who had been using Beedrill, recalled him to his pokeball. He surprisingly
didn't look angry or annoyed at his loss. He simply crossed the field to shake the boy's
hand. They said a few words to each other, but as I was now sitting in the stands, I
couldn't hear.
The boy withdrew Growlithe and sat back in the stands. The man however, stayed
standing in the field.
'I shall take one more challenger.' He called to everyone in the stands - the seats were
almost filled. 'Anyone who wishes to battle me, may do so.'
He stood, waiting for someone to stand up. I just couldn't resist.
'I will!' I shouted, jumping from my seat and running down the steps onto the battling
field.
'Alright.' The man replied. On the field, I could see the man was very good looking.
He had short blonde hair.
'I am Jarron, a top trainer from the Ekunda League.' He told me, holding out a hand
which I shook. 'You seem determined enough.' He continued. 'Determination is a
great asset for a trainer. You choose the rules.'
'3 on 3.' I stated firmly, taking a quick glance at Bindi, who was standing at my feet.
'Very well.' Said Jarron. 'Let us begin.'
He crossed the battling field swiftly, and waited for me to draw out my pokemon. I
knew perfectly who I would use. I reached to my belt to grab Star's pokeball.
'Huh?' I said quietly, feeling only air.
'Vu vuii vu? (What is it?)' Bindi asked.
'Star's Pokeball.' I whispered. 'It's not here.'
'Vu! (What!)'
'It was here before. I know I picked it up from the Pokemon Center.'
'What's going on?' A voice asked.
Jarron had crossed back over to where I was standing.
'Well?' He continued impatiently.
'Nothing.' I replied. I looked at Bindi.
'Let's go.' I mumbled.
'What are you doing?' Jarron called as I ran back up the steps.
I didn't answer him, I just ran from the tent. I felt every person watch me carefully as I
escaped. Panic filled me. What had happened? Where was Star now?
'Vu vui vuii vi vu vui? (What are we going to do?)' Bindi asked, a look of worry
etched over her face as well.
'I don't know.' I replied.