Chapter 11: Breaking Trials at the Chateau!

"Ta-da!" Serena said as she held up a picture of the Battle Chateau.

"What's that place?" Ash asked.

"It's the Battle Chateau!" Serena beamed. "It's where trainers all gather to battle, I think it'll be the perfect place for you, Ash! And you too, Elliot!"

We were all sitting in a Pokemon Centre as Serena told Ash about the Battle Chateau, a place I was familiar with. "They say you get some sort of prize for winning there, but I'm not quite sure what it is..." Serena pondered.

"Wow, really? I wonder if it's some kind of badge?" Ash marvelled.

"Or maybe it's cake! Bonnie loves cake!" Bonnie beamed as Clemont chuckled nervously at his sisters optimism.

"It's not anything like that." Everyone turned to me. "When you win at the Battle Chateau, you get a rank that shows how powerful and high-up you are."

"Woah! Really Elliot?" Ash smiled.

"How do you know, Elliot?" Clemont pointed out.

I smiled. "During my four years of training, Sis would take me and Froakie to the Battle Chateau all the time for training!"

"Froak!" Froakie gave a peace sign.

Natalia nodded. "I've been meaning to take a look at that place, but I never really got the chance...it'll be great for training!"

"Luna!" Nightrise agreed.

"Good info, bro."

We turned to see two guys who looked like brothers behind us, the older one had a Fletchinder on his shoulder, whilst the younger one had a Fletchling on his shoulder.

"Who's that pokemon?" Ash asked as he got out his Pokedex.

'Fletchinder, the Ember Pokémon, and the evolved form of Fletchling. Fletchinder flies faster and faster as the flame sac on its stomach gradually heats up.'

"The evolved form of Fletchling?" Ash thought aloud.

"Yo yo yo, Pokedex in my face, not cool bro." The older brother badly rapped as Ash put the device away.

"Sorry about that, so Elliot is right?" Ash asked.

"Pika?" Pikachu copied.

"Nico! He actually listened to what you said, yo yo!" The younger brother said in slight surprise.

"Yo yo yo, you really don't know?" The older bro said.

"Yo yo, I don't think so." The younger one followed up.

"You gotta learn if you wanna be here, bro!" The older one finished.

"...Do you think they're rapping?" Serena asked.

"Ah!" Both brothers literally froze in shock.

"So, Elliot being right?" Ash prompted them, which caused them to break out of their ice.

"Yeah yo, your bros right, yo." The older one, I think it was Nico, said.

"We're heading to the Battle Chateau now, yo!" The younger one said.

"Follow us if you want, yo." Nico...dear Arceus make it stop!

Ash stood up. "Great! Let's all go together! It'll be the perfect warm up before I challenge the Cyllage Gym!"

"Pikachu!" Said pokemon cheered.

"Whaddya say Froakie? Wanna re-visit the Battle Chateau?" I asked him.

"FrooooaKIE!" He gave me a nod in response.

"Warm up? I wouldn't be too sure about that, it may be tougher then ya thiiiink." Nico said.

"Your gonna have to get ready when you get there yo." The younger one agreed.

We all made introductions, the younger one was called Chester, and we walked down a familiar path to me. Apparently Nico already had a title, but it was Chester's first time going there, and for a few blissful seconds they stopped talking weird. Emphasis on the seconds.

We finally arrived though, it was a palace like place with a stony battlefield floating on the water next to it, I really missed this place, it made me think of Sis.

We walked through the double doors into the polished armour filled lobby, where a maid was standing in the centre. "Hello noble future Barons, the Battle Chateau welcomes you." She bowed.

"Baron?" Ash raised an eyebrow, but me, Nico and Chester stepped forward, knowing how this works.

"Hello Molly, it's great to see you again!" I greeted her.

"Froakie!" Froakie also greeted her.

"And you too, Baron Elliot." Molly smiled. "Are you not with your sister today?"

"Nope, on my own." I smiled as I turned to my friends. "This is Molly, she's a really good friend of mine here."

They all made introductions before Nico spoke up. "I brought my brother along today, I was hoping he could have his debut battle." Thank goodness, he was talking normal again...

"I'm Chester, very pleased to meet you." He bowed.

Ash stepped forward. "I'd like to have a battle too!"

"Oh really? How marvellous." We turned to the posh looking gentleman who entered the room. "Baron Nico, it is certainly splendid for your younger brother to have his debut battle."

"Duke Turner! It's good to see you again!" I grinned, turning to my friends. "Duke Turner is the owner of the Battle Chateau."

"Thank you sir." Chester bowed.

"And let me say what an honour it is to see you again Baron Elliot, and with a friend from the Kanto region as well! Truly an honour." Duke Turner's kindness was almost too much! We walked down a corridor as Turner talked. "The Battle Chateau is a place that offers first class battles to those who visit here."

"Ash, Elliot, this place is so perfect for you two." Serena beamed.

"Now, first thing to know is that all trainers at the Battle Chateau are known as knights." Turner looked over his shoulder at us.

"Knights?" Clemont echoed. "What an appropriate title for those who battle at a castle."

Turner nodded. "True, a knight has a noble title placed upon them for every one of their Battle Chateau victories. I wish you the best of luck in earning your highest noble title."

We finally reached a set of wooden double doors. "Allow me to show you the Battle Chateau sitting room, this is where you will be choosing your battling adversaries." Molly said as she opened them.

The room was just how I remembered it, filled with comfy extravagant seats and even a drinks bar. "Ladies and gentleman I have the distinct honour of presenting Baron Nico and Baron Elliot."

Everyone turned to us at the mention of our names. "Wow!" Ash grinned at the surroundings.

"So these are all knights?" Clemont thought aloud.

"Right, this is where trainers can hang out, tell stories and look for a good opponent." Chester agreed.

"So you battle who you want?" Ash asked.

"Not exactly, there's a catch." Chester continued. "You have to be the same noble title."

"Pikapi!" Pikachu exclaimed as he pointed to the ceiling, where a dark skinned man with a rock like hairstyle was hanging, it's him.

"What's that guy doing up there!?" Ash thought aloud.

He turned to face us with a smile. "Who is he, anyway?" Serena asked.

"Oh yeah, that guys name is Grant." Nico cut in before I had a chance. "He's always climbing walls."

"He's really strong." Chester added.

"Strong, huh?" "Pika!" Ash and Pikachu marvelled.

I waved up to him. "Hey, Grant! It's good to see you again!" "Froakiiiiiie!"

He smiled and waved at me, that was his usual method whilst climbing. "You know Grant as well?" Bonnie asked.

"Yeah, he's a good friend of Sis', so I saw a lot of him when he was around." I explained.

Nico then stepped forward and bowed. "Any Barons willing to challenge me, I shall gladly accept."

Then a white glove was thrown at him, a sign of a challenge. "I'll accept your challenge!" The man said as he picked up his glove. "My name is Baron Farrell, how do you do?"

Nico nodded. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"I'm looking forward to our battle." Farrell smirked.

Then the glass windows opened, leading to the battlefield. "All right, Nico and Farrell, please proceed to the battlefield. All other nights may watch the battle from the outside terrace." Molly bowed.

As everyone started filing out I looked around. "Something up, Elliot?" Natalia asked.

"I'm gonna just look around and get myself ready." I said.

She looked at me sceptically, but then nodded. "Okay..." She and Nightrise then walked off.

I looked around the area with significantly less people, until I felt someone land beside me. "It's good to see you again, Elliot."

I smiled as I turned to him. "You too, Grant!" "FroFroakie!"

"I see Viola's not with you, so you've finally started your journey?"

"Yep! I'm collecting Gym Badges! So I'm gonna beat you next!" Yep, I knew Grant was a Gym Leader, Sis told me.

He laughed. "I wish you the best of luck then! I see you were with Natalia and Nightrise, she defeated me about a week ago."

"Woah, really? Guess I gotta take some tips from her..."

"Care for a small walk?"

"Sure!"

So we walked around the sitting room, talking about how we'd been getting on and stuff, until I saw two people I didn't think I would see. "Liz! Thomas!"

The two sitting turned to me. "Hey Elliot!" Me and Grant took a seat opposite them. "Who's your friend?"

"This is Grant." I vaguely introuduced him.

"A pleasure to meet you." Grant said as he shook hands with them both.

"So what are you doing here?" I asked.

"Came for battling of course! Flare already got me my Baron rank." Liz smiled as Cano sat in her lap.

"I've already got my Baron rank as well." Thomas spoke up.

"Chespiiiin!" Chespin cheered.

"That's great!" I smiled.

"Excuse me?" We turned to be met with a boy who looked about 15 with scruffy brown hair. "Mind if I join you?"

"Of course not." I said as he took a seat. "Who are you?"

"My name's Liam, it's good to meet you." He nodded. "I just got here, so I don't have a noble title yet...but I'll get one soon!" He thought for a second before nodding. "Hey, you wanna see my team?"

"Knock yourself out." Liz said.

He grabbed six Pokeballs and threw them into the air, they opened to reveal A Shiny Braixen, a Shiny Foongus, a Vullaby, a Whismur, a Ralts and a Gulpin.

"Wow, what an impressive team." I said genuinely, making a note to get out my Pokedex later.

Suddenly one of my own Pokeballs popped open to reveal Chimchar. "Chimchar! Chi-hi-hi-hi-imchar!" Liam's pokemon greeted him as they started playing together.

"Wow, your Chimchar's really friendly." Liam smiled.

"I can't believe you have a Shiny Braixen!" Liz gasped with jealousy.

Then Grant tapped me on the shoulder and I turned to him. "Say Elliot, I just remembered, don't you need just one more win to achieve the rank of Viscount?"

I thought for a second before jumping up. "Your right! I need to find some one to battle!"

Then I felt a glove hit me on the back.

I turned to see Thomas pick it up. "I accept your challenge." He smiled.

I smiled and then bowed. "Thank you for agreeing to battle me." Thinking for a second, I decided. "Could you please wait a moment?"

"...Sure." Thomas shrugged as I walked off down the corridor, Chimchar was too busy playing to notice I was gone. I finally found the video phone I was looking for, I took out the piece of paper and typed in the number, it rang for a minute before Elise picked up.

"Hello Elise!" "Froakie!" We greeted her.

"Hello Elliot." "Espurr!" They greeted us back.

"How's the remodelling going?"

"Very good, the house is looking more alive each day, so what can I do for you?"

"I was wondering if you could transfer Espurr over? I'm at this place called the Battle Chateau and I'd like to use her in my battle!"

Elise smiled. "Of course! Espurr will be thrilled."

"Purr! Espurr!" The pokemon confirmed as Elise returned her. Pretty soon the Pokeball was transferred. "Did it arrive okay?"

"Safe and sound." I smiled as I showed it to her. "Thanks so much, Elise!"

She smiled. "Your welcome. Feel free to call anytime if you need anything else! Good luck!"

"You too!" I smiled as I turned off the video phone.

"Hey there, little brother."

I stopped as I turned around and smiled. "Sis!" Yep, it was my second oldest sister Viola, wearing a bit more frilled shirt and trousers from what she normally wore, and with her hair (apart from her family strands) tied back into a ponytail.

We had a quick hug as we smiled at each other. "You look beautiful, Sis!"

She smiled. "Thank you Elliot, so what are you doing here?"

"We came to battle of course!" I smiled as Froakie fist-pumped with a croak.

"Same here." She laughed. "So, where's everyone else?"

"Out on the battlefield." I gestured whilst we walked along.

We re-entered the sitting room, where Grant was once again climbing on the walls. We both smiled and waved in nervousness back at him before going to the terrace.

Viola tapped Ash on the back to get everyone to turn to us. "Huh? Viola!"

"Hey there, Ash!" She greeted him. "Wow, who'd have thought I'd run into my little brother and you here?"

"Viola? It's so good to see you again!" Natalia said.

"Natalia as well? Who'd have thought? It's good to see you as well!"

"What are you doing here, Viola?" Ash asked.

"I love the chateau! Actually I have the noble title of Duchess!" Viola beamed.

"Yeah! Sis is the one who brought me after all!" I smiled.

"But you could never beat me." Viola smirked.

"Siiiiis..." I sighed.

"Duchess?" Ash echoed.

"It's the second highest title. See, it's the female equivalent of Duke." She explained.

"Oh wow! So you must have won a lot of battles to be a Duchess!" Serena said.

"Yeah! Sis has won more times then I can count!" I smiled.

Nico's battle had ended, and he had won! So Nico was now a Viscount. As he came back up we all applauded him,a certain someone fell from the ceiling and crashed to the ground. "Not again..." Me and Sis sighed.

"Falling again, master Grant?" Turner said.

"Sorry, I just couldn't resist applauding such an honourable battle." Grant chuckled as Liz, Thomas, Natalie and Liam with their pokemon plus Chimchar all walked over to him.

"If you wanted to applaud why didn't you just come down?" Sis made a good point as we walked over.

"I just...couldn't resist." He said with a gesture. "The walls here are so irresistibly smooth, they draw me to them. Surely you want to scale the Battle Chateau walls as well, Viola? Elliot?" Grant and his walls...

"Talk about their beauty all you want, I'll never understand the appeal of walls." Sis said as we both sweatdropped.

"So you know this guy as well, Viola?" Ash asked.

"His name is Grant, and he's never seen a wall around here he doesn't like." Viola nodded. "Also, he's strong."

Ash smiled at that. "They told me the rules, and I'd like to battle you, so I want to know what your title is."

Grant chuckled. "My noble title is Duke."

"Duke is the second highest rank you can get." Clemont remembered.

I felt a glove hit my shoulder. "Hello Elliot?" It was my friend. "You sir, owe me a battle." Thomas said.

"Chespiiiiin!" Chespin yelled in agreement.

I nodded. "You got it!"

"Oh, Elliot! If you win this your a Viscount! Good luck!" Viola beamed.

"Thanks, Sis!" I smiled as we both walked down.

We both slipped on our white capes. "If Baron Elliot succeeds in this battle, this will be his tenth consecutive victory! And he will attain the title of Viscount!"

I got out Espurr's Poke-Ball whilst Thomas got out one, and we made their buttons touch as a sign of honour and respect.

"To a good battle." I smiled.

"To a good battle." Thomas nodded as we walked to either side of the field. "Now! Pancham, here we go!"

"Pancham!" The panda pokemon yelled as it popped out of its Poke-Ball.

'So Thomas caught a Pancham." I thought as I got out my Pokedex.

'Pancham, the Playful Pokémon. Though it tries to look tough, Pancham has trouble being taken seriously by opponents.'

I nodded. "In that case, I've made the perfect choice! Espurr! Show 'em your spirit!"

"Purr! Espurr!" Espurr purred as it popped out of my feet and turned to me. "Purrrr!" The restraint pokemon said as it leaped into my arms.

"It's good to see you too, Espurr!" I laughed.

Then there was a blue light and Honedge popped out of his Poke-Ball. "Hon! Honedge!" He greeted the Psychic type.

"Espuuuurr!" Espurr purred.

"Hey Elliot! When did you get an Espurr and a Honedge?" Viola said from the borders.

"Sorry Sis! Forgot to tell you!" I called to her, then bending down to Espurr. "Just do your best out there, okay?"

Espurr nodded. "Do you want me to look after your necklace?" The Psychic type nodded again and gave me the pendant before walking out onto the battlefield.

Honedge tapped me on the shoulder and offered its hilt to me. "Honedge."

I nodded and took him by the hilt, brandishing him forward. "Let's win this thing!"

"Wooooow! Elliot looks like a real knight with Honedge!" I heard Bonnie cry.

"Chimchaaaaar!" Chimchar went sparkly eyed. I also heard Viola taking pictures, she takes that camera of hers anywhere...

"Very well, battle begin!"

For some reason, no flashy intro scene, awww...

"Okay Pancham! Use Karate Chop!"

"Paaaaancham!" Pancham cried as its palm glowed white.

"Stop it with Psychic, Espurr!"

"Espuuuuurr!" Espurr's eyes and body glowed blue and so did Pancham, as it was thrown back at Thomas' feet.

"Ah! Pancham! Get up!" Thomas cried desperately as Chespin cheered it on. Pamcham got up, but not without struggling. "Good job! Now use Comet Punch!"

"Paaaaamchamchamchamcham!" Pamcham cried as it charged at Espurr fists flying.

"Espurr! Quickly, use Protect!"

"Espurr!" Said pokemon nodded as it created a green shield that once again knocked Pancham back.

Thomas gritted his teeth as he looked like he was thinking. "Pancham! Use Karate Chop on the ground!"

Pancham nodded as it chopped the ground, picking up so much smoke I couldn't see anything. "Espurr! Fly into the air!" Espurr nodded and flew into the air with Psychic.

"Use Storm Throw!"

Suddenly Pancham leaped out of the smoke and grabbed onto Espurr before throwing it into the ground as I gasped. "Now use Karate Chop!" Pancham once again chopped Espurr, only this time it hit.

"Espurr!" I cried as the pokemon struggled to stand.

"Now use Comet Punch!"

"Paaaanchaaaam!" Pancham cried as it rapidly punched Espurr.

"Espurr!" "Honedge!" "Froakie!" Me and my two pokemon gasped.

"Chiiiim!" Chimchar cried in distress, at this rate, Espurr will...

"E...ESPUUUUUUURR!" Suddenly Espurr let out an earsplitting screech that generated pink sound waves, I had to cover my ears to block it.

"AHHHH! WHAT IS THAT!?" Liam yelled over the noise.

"ESPURR'S USING DISARMING VOICE!" Clemont yelled.

"Paaaaaan!" Pancham cried as it was thrown back with swirled eyes by the sound alone.

"That's it! And Espurr is the winning pokemon!" Mollie announced.

"...Purr? Espurr?" Espurr looked around confused.

"Espurr you did it!" I yelled as I ran over and hugged the Psychic type. "You were great out there! Thank you!" My pokemon praised it as well.

"Espurr!" Espurr cheered as it snuggled against my chest, I took the oppurtunity to place Espurr's pendant back around its neck.

Me and Thomas bowed to each other as a new blue cape was put over my shoulders. "For his tenth consecutive victory, Elliot has been awarded the noble title of Viscount."

"Alright!" I cheered as I returned Espurr and Honedge and walked up the stairs to the applause of the crowd.

"You did it, Elliot! You achieved Viscount!" Liz nodded.

"And Espurr proved itself very capable in its first battle." Natalia nodded as Nightrise smirked.

"Well done, little brother." Viola praised me.

"Thanks Sis!" I smiled as Thomas and Chespin joined us.

OCXY

"Wow! Elliot your Vivillon is so beautiful!" Viola said as she took multiple pictures of my pokemon.

"Vi?" Vivillon said as she tilted her head at the reception.

"I knew she'd react this way..." "Froak..." Me and my partner sighed.

"Your Vivillon is unique, Elliot." Grant nodded. "It reminds me of the beauty of these walls." We all sweatdropped.

We were all sitting at a table as Grant had got us some drinks whilst we watched Ash's battle against Chester. "So...so you've battled Ash before?" Grant asked Viola.

My sister nodded. "He's a gutsy trainer all right, and so are his pokemon. His drive and determination are astounding. He reminds me so much of Elliot."

"I'll take that as a compliment." I smiled, whilst Froakie glared at Grant. We had to be careful after all, ANYONE could hit on Viola, but I wouldn't let them.

The battle was between Ash's Pikachu and Chester's Fletchling, and they were both looking strong as they battled. Viola and Grant commented on the battle like they did with me when I was younger, whilst I gave some juice to Froakie, Chimchar and Vivillon.

Pretty soon Fletchling was knocked out, and Ash had gained the noble title of Baron.

"Hey, guys!" Ash called up to us wearing a white cape. "Check it out! I'm a Baron!"

I bowed to him. "Welcome, Baron Ash. I am Viscount Elliot." I said in a posh voice before we both burst out laughing.

As Ash slipped off his robe and gave it back to Molly, Turner stepped forward. "And now for our second exhibition match, two new knights by the names of Natalia and Liam."

"That's me." Natalie said.

"Me too." Liam nodded as they went down to the arena and did basic procedures.

"So it's Natalia versus Laim huh?" Liz said with a fire in her eyes, she was obviously looking forward to seeing her rival battle.

"I wonder who will win?" Clemont thought aloud.

"Both seem to be quite strong willed, no matter who wins this will be an excellent battle." Grant said, he's kinda the deep thinker type as well.

"Let's dance, Doomsday!"

"Your up, Vullaby!"

The two pokemon appeared on the battlefield with cries of their own names, I could tell this was going to be intense.

"We'll start!" Liam cried. "Vullaby, use Air Slash!"

"VUUUUUULLABY!" Since it couldn't fly, the pokemon instead jumped into the air and threw several spinning buzzsaws at the Absol.

"Doomsday! Agility!" The Absol nodded and easily dodged the attack.

"Doomsday has some impressive speed." Viola said.

"Yes, and Vullaby is quite limited in being unable to fly, I believe Doomsday has the advantage." Grant noted.

"Now use Swords Dance!"

"Absoool!" Blue glowing swords appeared and floated in a circle around Doomsday, they then faded as a red aura flared up around Doomsday, increasing its attack power.

"Vullaby! Use Dark Pulse!"

"Vullabyyyyy!" The pokemon fired rapid dark purple rings from its mouth at Doomsday, but it just dodged again!

"Liam's in trouble here, strong attacks are worth nothing if they don't hit." I thought aloud.

"Froakie." My partner agreed with me, as well as Chimchar and Vivillon.

"Doomsday! Night Slash!" The Absol nodded and charged at Vullaby with glowing purple claws, uppercutting the bird into the sky.

"Night Slash wouldn't do much against a half-Dark type, but that Swords Dance from earlier made all the difference." Viola said.

"Use Double Team!" Vullaby nodded and split into many copies in midair. "Now use Brave bird!" All the copies were set alight and divebombed Doomsday, turning into a blue aura along the way.

"Doomsday! Agility!" Doomsday nodded and dashed around all the copies, until the real one attacked from behind. "Ah! Doomsday! Are you okay?" The Absol stood up and nodded, the same could not be said for Vullaby, who was suffering from recoil damage.

"Unngh...Double Team again!" Once again Vullaby divided, only this time surrounding Doomsday in a circle. "Now use Air Slash!" The Vullaby's fired the glowing buzzsaw air again.

"Jump, Doomsday!" It jumped just in time to avoid the attack, with the Air Slashes all hitting the fake Vullaby's until only the real one was left. "Now use Thunderbolt!"

"Aaaaaabsoooool!" The Absol fired a powerful lightning bolt at Vullaby, hitting it full on with a big explosion. Doomsday landed in front of a very injured Vullaby.

"Vullaby! Get up! Please get up!" Liam begged.

"...Vu...by..." The pokemon said as it struggled to get up, when suddenly it started glowing!

"Well, this is interesting." Grant smirked.

Vullaby grew taller and with a longer neck as its wings grew bigger along with its beak. Eventually the light faded to reveal a Mandibuzz. "Mandibuuuuuzz!"

"Wow! You evolved, Mandibuzz!" Liam cheered as I got out my Pokedex.

'Mandibuzz, the Bone Vulture Pokémon. Mandibuzz swoops down from the sky, attacking weakened Pokémon. It builds its nest out of bones it collects.'

"Now we can win this thing no problem!" Liam said cockily. "Use Dark Pulse!"

"Maaaaaandibuuuuuuzz!" Mandibuzz fired a more powerful Dark Pulse from its mouth at Doomsday.

"Counter with Thunderbolt!" The two attacks collided and created a devastating explosion, now it was getting good!

"Air Slash!"

"Thunderbolt!"

Mandibuzz fired more buzzsaw like air, but Doomsday's Thunderbolt over powered them and hit Mandibuzz full on!

"Mandibuzz!" Liam cried inshock, but the pokemon just stood up and shook its head in annoyance. "Phew...we gotta finish this now! Use Brave Bird!"

"MaaaaaaaaaandiBUZZ!" Mandibuzz cried as it shot into the sky and then divebombed at Doomsday with a blue aura.

"We'll take that challenge!" Natalia smirked. "Charge with Night Slash, Doomsday!"

"AaaaabSOL!" Absol's claws glowed purple as it leaped ip at Mandibuzz.

The two pokemon met in midair with a gigantic explosion, sending ripples across the water and making most of us take cover.

When the smoke cleared both pokemon were still standing, but looked incredibly weakened, like either one of them was about to collapse.

"Halt!" We all turned to Tucker. "After seeing such an incredible battle, I shall declare it a draw! And that both of you shall attain the title of Baron!"

Both trainers just stood there for a minute before cheering along with their pokemon, and then meeting in the centre of the battlefield. "Thank you for such a great battle." Natalia said.

"You too." Liam smiled as they shook hands, with Mandibuzz and Absol bowing to each other.

OCXY

After our battles, Viola wanted to take a picture of all of us, so we all tried to fit in, which was kinda difficult. Just as she was about to take the picture though, a white glove fell over her shoulder.

"A white glove!" Clemont said.

"Someone is challenging you!" Bonnie stated.

Viola just continued to smile. "I was wondering when you'd finally ask me." Viola said as she turned to face him. "Hi Grant."

He bowed. "Duchess Viola, I would like to challenge you to a battle."

"And I accept." Viola nodded.

So soon they were on the battlefield doing the honourable procedures.

"Everybody come on out!" Ash said as he sent out his Froakie and Fletchling.

"Hey Ash, I didn't know you had a Fletchling too." Chester said.

"Yeah! Okay everyone, let's cheer for Viola!" Ash nodded.

I sent out Espurr and Honedge to join the rest of my pokemon. "Sis will win!" I declared confidently. "I know she will!"

"Froakiiie!" "Chimchaaaar!" "Vivilloooon!" "Honeeeeedge!" "Espuuuuurr!" All my pokemon cheered.

Both needed just one more win to attain the highest title, Grand Duke or Grand Duchess. Viola was going with Surskit whilst Grant was using his Onix.

Everything else seemed to fade away as I watched the battle. Surskit created its Ice Stage with Ice Beam and skated to Onix, but Onix caged Surskit in with Rock Tomb! The way the boulders were thrown were like they were being accurately controlled! Grant must have done a lot of training to do that...

Surskit managed to escape with Bubblebeam, but it was trapped again! Luckily it used Protect to avoid getting crushed and escape. Surskit's Signal Beam and Onix's Flash Cannon then collided in an explosion before Onix used Rock Polish to increase its speed. Luckily Surskit froze its tail to the ground with Ice Beam, but then Onix JUMPED! An Onix jumping! And Onix once again trapped Surskit with a midair Rock Tomb...before unleashing a powerful Flash Cannon that knocked Surskit out.

So Grant was awarded the title of Grand Duke, whilst me and my pokemon felt pretty upset.

OCXY

The sun was setting after a big day of battling, and Grant was heading back to his gym, everyone was seeing him off, well, everyone except me.

I know that sounds rude but...I'd just fel,t really upset and terrible since Viola lost, and Froakie obviously saw that. "Froak?" Froakie asked me in concern.

I huffed. "I don't know, Froakie, it's just...sigh...its just all this time we'd never won against Viola, but now...its like all she does is lose."

"Fro..." I could tell he could see my point. I didn't know what was wrong with me, it was like I was chastising my own sisters strength, and that made me feel even worse.

"Did you see how strong Grant was?" I continued. "The way his Onix could control that Rock Tomb...and we have to face him next!" Great, now I was criticising my own strength.

"Froakie Froakie." Froakie said as he patted me on the shoulder.

I smiled. "Thanks Froakie, I can always count on you." He smiled as well as I stroked him.

"Elliot? What are you doing?" My mood dropped again as Viola walked over. "I couldn't find you anywhere."

"I'm just...thinking." I said honestly.

She took a seat next to me. "About what?"

"Well, it's just that battle you and Grant had really shook me, I just don't know if I'm strong enough to beat him." I sighed.

Viola looked at me for a minute. "Now that's not the Elliot I know. My little brother wouldn't get so down, he'd just think of a new strategy and try again."

I shook my head. "But...I just don't know, and if I falter, my pokemon falter." Froakie looked at me sadly. "I just...I, I don't know if I'm strong enough, Sis." I was close to tears at this point.

I felt arms wrap around me as Sis pulled me into a hug. "You should never question your strength Elliot. I've seen how you and your pokemon work together, I'll never forget when you beat me. So...please don't say your not strong enough, because even if you aren't, you'll just get stronger and try again, because that's what you do."

"...S-Sis..." I sobbed, crying a little. I wiped my tears away as I now had a resolve. "I've made up my mind, I'm going to beat Grant's Rock Tomb. And..." I got out a Pokeball and sent out Vivillon. "I'm going to do it with a Bug type!"

"What?" Viola said.

"Yeah! I'm going to show Grant just how strong the Vanette's are! I'll show him how strong Bug types really are!" I fist-pumped.

"Froakiiiie!" "Vivillon!" My pokemon cheered, glad to have me back.

Viola giggled. "I know you will, your my little brother after all. And Grant told me he was really looking forward to battling you at his Gym."

I smiled. "Thanks Sis, for everything." And I hugged her one more time.

"It is a big sister responsibility." She half joked. "And I think everyone is getting ready to leave."

"What!? Oh no! Come on you two!" I said frantically as Froakie hopped on my shoulder and Vivillon flew along beside me.

As soon as our 'hero' was out of ear shot Viola sighed. "At least having you around keeps me on my toes...good luck Elliot."

I burst out of the doors to be met by everyone. "Elliot! Where have you been?" Clemont asked.

"Hah...hah...sorry...just...hah...talking with Sis." I wheezed.

"...Okay." Liz shrugged. "We're heading off again, but let's meet here and battle sometime.

"Your on!" I cheered as she and Thomas departed.

"Nico, Chester, thanks for showing us this whole place." Ash thanked the brothers.

"No problem, yo." Oh damnit Nico was back in rapping mode.

"Good luck with your Gym battles, yo, yo." Chester also rapped.

"Here we go with the yo and yo..." Serena mumbled with a childish glare away from them.

"Yo, yo, they're contagious." Chester said as Serena covered her mouth.

"We're gonna become a lot stronger and the next time you see us you'll be staring at two Grand Duke's, yo!" Nico declared.

"Look forward to it yo!" Chester grinned.

"Yeah! I'll be a lot stronger next time too! See you then!" Ash said.

"PikaPikachu!" Pikachu agreed.

And as we started walking I noticed Liam was with us. "Are you coming too, Liam?" I asked.

"Yeah, its great to travel with you guys." He nodded. "I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all!" I said as Vivillon perched on my head.

"I must admit, I never thought you'd be Viola's brother." He laughed. "Your sister's quite the beauty ya know."

Me and my pokemon instantly gained a murderous aura. "Go near my sister and I'll take throw you in a pit of Ferroseed's."

"Fro..." "Vi..." My pokemon copied me.

"Ahhh! It was a joke! It was a joke!" Liam said frantically and everyone laughed.

And so we set off once again, with a new goal, to defeat Grant not just for my badge, but Viola as well, yo.

...OH NO! IT'S HAPPENING TO ME TOO!

I'm sososososososososososososooooooooo sorry about the late update! I should say updates will be later as I am very busy at the moment! Apologies for that!

But I hope you enjoyed thhis chapter and the new OC Liam from NodokaLover! Please leave a review! They help me write more!

And thank you for reading! Now I must write more!