Unova Academy! Where Opportunities Await!
Chapter 9: Tie Breaker and Challenge Number Two!
Recap;
All eyes were focused on the finish line – heck, Dougan was practically standing smack dab in the middle of it, ready to congratulate the Pelipper trainer if they crossed it.
Evelyn held her breath, clinging onto Felicia for dear life. Felicia was completely unfazed, even squeezing Evelyn's hand back.
Sammy watched with some interest, along with Archer. At least the two weren't hurting each other yet.
Alexis was standing next to them, reading another book, but had closed it when the headmaster made the announcement.
It surely came to a surprise to everyone when Kenneth happened to make the last-minute attempt of capturing the flag – accidentally falling off of Blaze and landing on the trainer, causing them to both land on the sand and skid a few inches. No worries, they weren't hurt.. badly.
"Kenneth Strife and Daniel Riverdale?" Headmaster Juniper seemed confused, blinking her eyes and lowering her megaphone.
Now she really got Sammy's attention as she snapped her neck in the direction of the two fallen trainers. "Danny?"
A large crowd had formed around the two teenagers, muttering questions like "why would there be a tie this year?" and "who's Daniel?".
It was clear that everyone was mildly confused – heck, the dorm leaders as well. Especially Dougan, since Daniel was in his dorm.
"What's this nonsense?" Speak of the dorm leader himself. Dougan pushed his way through the crowd, eyebrows knitted together in confusion as Daniel got up, brushing himself off without the help of Kenneth.
Daniel's cloak was long forgotten on the sandy floor of the beach, his baggy yellow t-shirt and black skinny jeans now exposed to the harshness of the heat. His shaggy hair was frazzled, causing him to fix his messy left side swept bangs. It was a pain to keep them out of his blue-ish/teal eyes, anyways.
"It's what you think it was, of course," Kenneth replied to Dougan's outburst, eyebrows raised.
Dougan's eye twitched, finger pointed at the Riverdale sibling. "What the heck, man? You registered under a false name and now I figure out you're pipsqueak's sister? This is madness!"
"No, this is Unova Academy..," Came Ty's smart reply from the crowd, but shut himself up when Dougan sent a death glare his way. Ty held up his hands defensively, backing away a few steps while Felicia patted his back.
"Um, guys? Yeah.. s-sorry 'bout the crash landing.." Daniel Riverdale rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, cheeks flushing pink from embarrassment. His sister may be spunky, but he was plain shy – er, most of the time, at least.
Headmaster Juniper walked with ease towards the UA student, megaphone in hand. Her usual smile was plastered on her face as she shook her head. "Daniel, Daniel.. it's alright. You just made the games quite interesting right about now. I was perfectly fine with keeping your identity a firm secr-"
The headmaster was abruptly cut off by Sammy, who had run over with Evelyn, Alexis and Archer jogging to catch up with her.
The brunette hadn't broken a small sweat from the distance she ran, her hands immediately going to her brother's shoulder as she shook him until he looked like a poor, limp ragdoll. "WHY. IN. THE. FREAKING. HECK. DIDN'T. YOU. WRITE. AND. TELL. ME. YOU. WERE. COMING. TO. U. A?"
Sammy's voice was louder than usual, even causing Dougan to wince as Danny wheezed, trying to catch his breath.
"B-b-because mother wouldn't l-l-let me! – ack! – a-and I-I-I did-didn't know what address to m-mail it too since you were prob-probably on your w-way here already!" His words were still shaky, being shaken up relentlessly until Melissa and Lessly pulled her off of her brother.
Melissa shook her head, sighing. "Geez, stop trying to kill your own flesh and blood and cool down. I mean, I don't get along with my brothers sometimes but you don't see me tryna' kill 'em!"
"Mel has a point.." Lessly commented, adding onto Melissa's statement as Sammy's hands shook uncontrollably. As anyone could see, she was slightly upset.
"I know, but, I haven't seen my brother in like, forever.." The spunky brunette's eyes soften slightly as she gradually calmed down. Sammy closed her eyes for a moment or two before coming up with a conclusion. "Fine,.. I'm forgiving you – but remember, just this time! -, since I've missed you,.."
A totally cliché 'Aw!' rang out from crowd, but most students ignored it as Sammy went on.
Daniel smile wide, his arms held open for his sister as she gave him a short hug, but a tight one. "That's my big sis!" He patted her back before releasing her, his smile growing. "Ha! You're almost to my height!"
.. Looks like she's pissed again. "HEY. It's not like you've grown, you turd! Just because you're my brother doesn't mean I won't smack you silly!"
"Haha! Aw, I love you too, SammyJammie!"
"D-don't use that in front of him-"
Speak of the beast himself.
" 'SammyJammie'?" Chase grinned, whipping out the trusty notebook and doodling down on Sammy's name page, apparently. "Whoop! Thanks for another name, breh!"
On cue, Sammy facepalmed. "Aw, crap. Thanks, Danny. You gave Mr. 'Nickname Beast' over there another new thing to hold against me,"
Too bad her brother wasn't listening, because he was sending harsh death glares at Chase. Nobody talked, looked, or breathed the same air near or at his sister. Nobody.
Chase shivered, his mouth closing upon notice of the glare.
Unfortunately, to everyone else's surprise, his sister was totally oblivious to such glares. It'd take many more years to come until Sammy could probably get a boyfriend..
"A-anyways, with this all cleared..," Maikee wanted to break the awkward tension, a nervous smile on her face. "Why don't we continue with the games?"
"Or a tie breaker?" Suggested Virizion's Daniel King, the usual grin on his face.
"I kinda like that idea," mused Noah, smirking. "I got it. Three babes from the dorms in a cat fight – OW. WHAT THE KRABBY."
Poor Noah rubbed the back of his head when Brooke smacked up upside the head, a 'no-crap-from-you' glare sent his way as Cole patted her head.
Luna sweatdropped, raising her hand to add a more.. sensible idea. "Why don't we simply have a battle between Kenneth and Danny? It'd seem to be.. fair, I suppose."
Maikee nodded her head, thanking Arceus for a sane person's reply. "That sounds like a fabulous idea, Luna, thanks. You guys cool with that?" And by 'you guys', she was directing her question towards the two teenagers who had tied in the event.
Kenneth shrugged nonchalantly, a confident smile balancing out on his slightly tanned skin as he stretched his arms behind his head. "I'm totally up for a battle. I dunno 'bout Mr. 'I-Want-To-Kill-Chase' over there, though,"
Danny snapped out of his killing intent, smiling brightly. "I'm up for it!"
His Pelipper cawed in agreement, flapping his wings energetically.
"That settles it, then," Maikee began walking towards the middle of the two, signaling for everyone else to back away from the makeshift battle field. "I'll be the ref, if you guys would like,"
Both males nodded, walking to opposite sides of the field, between Maikee.
"This'll be interesting, eh, Briana?" Collin nudged his female companion, smiling. He always enjoyed a good battle.
Briana nodded, arms crossed as her eyes focused on the upcoming event. "I just hope Danny pulls through – he's part of our dorm, anyways."
"I couldn't agree more,"
Headmaster Juniper was seated on a beach chair next to Maikee, sunglasses framing her green eyes as Maikee placed her hands on her hips, preparing to announce the battle.
Kenneth called out to Danny across the field, smirking. "Hey, Danny, no hard feelings if you lose, right?"
"Pshk. As if," Danny shook his head, Pokeball ready in his hand.
"Alright, now that both competitors are ready.. let the battle between Kenneth Strife, of the Cobalion Dorm and Daniel Riverdale, of the Terrakion dorm commence! Each trainer has the opportunity to use one Pokémon, so choose wisely! Are both contenders ready?"
Both males nodded in unison, eyes balanced on each other – Kenneth's sapphire eyes on Danny's teal ones.
"Ready.., begin!"
"Make the first move, bro!" Kenneth's hand motioned towards his opponent, his other hand's thumb positioned on the simple release button on his Pokeball.
Danny shrugged. "If you insist.. go, Jumpstart!" The trademark, shiny white light burst out of the Pokeball he had just tossed, a shape forming into one of the Electric-type Pokémon, Manectric.
It landed on the field with grace, eyes narrowed at the trainer across from it, silent and collected.
Kenneth grinned, tossing his own Pokeball up in the air. "I'm countin' on you, Forest!" As before, the white light erupted from the ball, but this time forming a larger, more 'turtle' like shape, disappearing when Kenneth's Torterra successfully emerged onto the field.
"Terra!" It stomped a large foot on the sand, spraying some in a few directions. He was ready for a battle, alright.
Meanwhile, in the crowd, Chase snickered, regaining his happy-go-lucky attitude.
"What?" Mel raised an eyebrow at his sudden outburst, wondering what was going on in that brunette head of his.
"K-Kenneth's going to beat the crud out of Danny.. because his Torterra's gonna shake from 'Terra' in him. Get it? 'Terra'? 'Terror'? – No?.. oh.."
Chase pouted when Melissa turned away, rubbing her temples at such a lame joke. She'd just focus on the battle and listen to his jokes another time.. unless he kept poking her.
The battle had already started with evenly matched techniques – Danny's battling was the opposite of his sisters. He went straight in for the slam, not giving his opponent anytime to react.
Kenneth, on the other hand, was using Forest's large stature to block the hits, throwing Jumpstart back multiple times.
"You're not gonna let up, are you? Forrest, wait 'till Jumpstart gets close and use Crunch! Keep blockin', buddy!" Kenneth didn't look he was going to back down anytime soon, a confident, almost relaxed smile still on his face.
Danny's eyebrows were knitted in concentration as his sandal covered feet were planted firmly on the hot sand. He wasn't going to back down, either. "C'mon Jumpstart, don't get too close! Hurry and use Thunder Fang!"
His Manectric just nodded, proving he understood Danny's command and let out a confident 'Manec!' before charging in with speed. He narrowly dodged Forest's Crunch before chomping onto the Toreterra himself, bolts of electricity now running through the fresh bite mark.
Forest merely winced in pain, but virtually felt nothing, since he was a Grass- and Ground-type. He even smirked at Jumpstart's good attempt, but shook him off nonetheless.
Jumpstart hopped away when Forest shook him off, landing on the beach's sand without any harm done to him, fangs barred threateningly.
"Heh, this is getting good! Alright Forest, Earthquake – wait, NEVERMIND. NEVERM-"
Kenneth almost forgot they were on a beach.. with lots of people.. near water – OH ARCEUS.
The sandy beach shook with at least seven hundred pounds of Forest's force shaking it, most Unova Academy students stumbling and or landing on the ground. The ocean's waves beside them jumped up, threatening to sweep over them like the Black Plague, but stayed in the water when Forest stopped upon Kenneth's plea.
Danny had landed on the sand on a knee, but got up. Jumpstart, however, was not so fortunate. He had stumbled, rolled and hit himself beside a rock, his head throbbing.
"Jumpstart! You okay, buddy?" Danny felt worried – Jumpstart was his first Pokémon and his trusted traveling partner, along with being a Pokémon that constantly protected him and gave him reassurance. So, naturally, he'd feel worry for his best friend.
The Manectric let out a shaky howl, starting to get up on shaky legs, soon enough recovering. Jumpstart literally – and living up to his name – jumped back onto the field, head down and barring his fangs again.
Kenneth smiled at the determination. "I like your Manectric's spunk, but spunk might not be enough to win this battle. Alright Forest, let's knock him back down with a Leaf Storm!"
Forest let out another 'Terra!', lowering his own head. Bursts of powerful swept leaves erupted from the large tree on his back, relentlessly cutting at Jumpstart.
Jumpstart howled again, being knocked back almost as far as Danny was standing – and boy, that was far.
"Jumpstart!" Danny was frowning, his right fist clenched as his left arm was lifted to cover his face from the fast winds of the leaves being blown. His arms were a bit scratched, but he was more worried about his Manectric's condition.
Kenneth's eyes were focused on the fallen Electric-type Pokemon, frowning slightly. Jumpstart's eyes were closed as he dug his paws into the sand, leaves still blowing. But just as sudden as they started, they stopped.
The result? Jumpstart let out another growl before collapsing on the sand.
Maikee raised her hand, announcing the conclusion of the battle. "And the winner is Kenneth Strife, of the Cobalion Dorm. Point goes to Cobalion Dorm!"
Cheers came from said Cobalion Dorm, while grumbles came from the Terrakion Dorm. Dougan wasn't amused, glaring at Archer who was smiling widely at the victory.
Danny jogged over to Jumpstart, petting him lightly and muttering praises. "You did great, buddy,.. get a good rest. You deserve it." He took out the white and red sphere, pressing the button once more to return his companion.
Kenneth jogged over, bending down to hold out a hand to Danny, smiling. "Hey, sorry 'bout that man. You did great. It was really fun battling you – we should do it again sometime, yeah?"
Daniel Riverdale took his hand, shaking it and getting up. A similar smile was on his face. "I agree. We should. You better watch out though, because Terrakion's winning the next challenge for sure."
"Ha, we'll see. Let's head over and see what the headmaster's gotta announce about challenge number two." Kenneth was already heading back when Danny called out.
"Yeah, I will, as soon as I get Jumpstart to the Pokemon Center inside and find Sammy!" Danny was jogging off in the other direction, waving behind him at Kenneth.
His new friend smiled, nodding before following everyone else back to the 'Start' line from earlier.
"Alright, students of Unova Academy, are you ready for the next challenge?" Headmaster Juniper was trying to uplift everyone's spirits, seeing as some were in sour moods with Cobalion's win. No matter, they all still had good sportsmanship.
"Heck yes we're ready!" Adam called out, fist pumped into the air as Rosalie glanced at him, smiling. His energetic attitude was getting to her, apparently.
Headmaster Juniper smiled, excited herself that everyone else was ready. "Alright, dorm leaders, you're all familiar with this one. The next challenge shall be the 'Stone Hunt'! This time, a pair of trainers shall head into three different caves, to locate three evolution stones: the Water Stone, the Fire Stone and the Thunder Stone. The winning pair earns, once again, points for their dorm as well as a choice of two stones for each of them!"
Archer felt himself freeze a bit, body tense. It was visible that he was slightly uncomfortable about the challenge.
Alexis noticed, as well as Sammy. They decided to question him.
"You alright there, Archer?" Sammy poked him in his tan side, earning a small nod. She was close to reaching his shoulders – almost.
"I'm fine," He let out a sigh, narrowing his eyes at Dougan who was smirking at him. Maikee was relatively calm, already working on which two of her Virzion dormies would join in.
"It's just that last year, .. er, our headmaster decided to play with our emotions a bit. Don't let her happy-go-lucky attitude fool you,.." Archer scratches his head, glancing down at Sammy who stared back up at him.
She was confused at what he was trying to say. "You mean she put out your guy's .. fears out there?"
Archer nodded. "You got that right. It wasn't a fun challenge," He shook his head, clearing his thoughts. "Anyways, don't think too much of it." He smiled down at her, patting her on the head, which earned an unpleasant glare from her.
He brushed it off.. for now. Archer turned around, his Cobalion dorm members seeming calm about the challenge. They were in the lead currently, after all.
"Alright, Ty, Kenneth, Noah, Cole and Brooke, unfortunately, you guys were in the last challenge, so you guys are gonna sit this next one out to make it fair, alright?"
Ty grumbled, but went along with it anyways. Kenneth nodded, as well as Cole and Brooke. They both seemed totally fine with it.
"Alexis, Sammy, Felicia, Evelyn and Black, you guys weren't in it last time, .. so which of the two of you guys wanna go?" Archer raised an eyebrow at a reluctant looking Sammy, a blinking Alexis, an energetic Evelyn, a smiling Felicia and a blinking Black.
"Uh, I guess I can go.." Black raised his hand, looking behind him to see if any of the four girls would volunteer.
Sammy sighed. "I'll .. go, I guess."
"Are you sure Sammy? You don't seem too happy about it. One of us can go, if you'd like," Alexis offered, an apologetic smile sent her way.
Sammy shook her head. "I wanna help out and it's cool. I need to get over my," She bit her lip. "fears, anyways,"
"What are your fears, anyways, Sammy?" Asked Evelyn, who was currently playing with Felicia's hair. Felicia didn't mind, though.
"Er, well-" Sammy was about to speak when Headmaster Juniper called out into the megaphone. "Dorm leaders! Get your pairs quickly and head to the 'Start' line once more! You'll be directing them to the caves shortly!"
Archer smiled slightly, patting both Black and Sammy on the backs. "Well, you two had better go. Headmaster's getting a tad impatient. I'll lead you guys to a good cave, don't worry," He winked at them. "Keep your heads up, guys."
"No problem," Black smiled at both his dorm leader and partner before dragging her off. She still didn't seem to happy..
"I'll go, along with Mel-Mel!" Chase didn't even let Maikee or Melissa talk before dragging his 'partner' off, unwillingly.
"H-hey! You can't just make freaking decisions like that!" Melissa protested, frowning.
"Maikee seems fine with it~ right Maikee?" Chase called out over his shoulder to Maikee, who paused before nodding.
"I'll meet you guys over there!" She called out, waving before turning back to her members.
"Five bucks Melissa won't survive with him," Alistar grinned when Daniel shook his head.
"She won't last five minutes, I guarantee it," mused Daniel, who earned a concerned look from Luna.
"I'm sure she will. Have faith in them," Luna was backed up back Guill, who shook his head at his brunette friend.
Daniel held his hands up, chuckling. "I know. I was kidding. They'll be fine, I know it."
"Then we shouldn't need to worry!" Riley was trying to encourage everyone else.
"Even if Chase'll er.. nevermind," Midori shook her head, smiling. "Let's hope for the best, then. Maikee, let's go~" Midori suddenly grabbed Maikee's arm as Riley nudged her to the 'Start' line.
Maikee sweatdropped, but went nonetheless. It'd be an interesting year with this bunch..
"No questions asked. You and you'll go," Dougan pointed his finger at both Collin and Briana, grinning. His eyes held a burning determination in them. "Terrakion won this easy last year, so you'd better not break the winning streak.. or you'll be getting my punishments."
Collin sweatdropped, holding up a hand defensively. "Just wait a minute, buddy. Are you s-"
"I said no questions asked! GO!" Dougan began pushing both Collin and Briana, who was shaking her head at Collin to the starting line, everyone else following.
"Geesh, fine Dougan, we'll go." Briana glanced at Collin, smiling. "You had better bring a flashlight,"
Collin shrugged, returning the smile. "Don't worry. I got it covered,"
"Quit the yapping and let's go, go, go!" Dougan was eager to get the next challenge started, pushing them even further until they reached the line.
The two other pairs of trainers were already on the line, waiting for Collin and Briana was Headmaster Juniper stood in front of them all.
George turned to Adam and Rosalie, sweatdropping. "Dougan's really excited, isn't he?"
"No kidding." Rosalie rolled her eyes when Adam shrugged.
"Let's just hope we win," Adam's eyes focused on the line, almost as eager.
"I forget to mention, you can all use one Pokémon to help you in this challenge! So, trainers, release them now!" Headmaster Juniper called out, willing to wait patiently for the challenge entries to choose.
"I guess I'll be counting on you, Flare," Collin smiled down at his Charmelon, who smirked back at him. He was his partner, after all.
Briana was bent down, petting her Quilava who was already out of his Pokeball, purring with the pleasure of being petted. "I'm counting you, buddy,"
"Quil!"
A little ways away from them, Chase was patting his released Ghastly. "Alright, Gengore, you're gonna lead the way, right?"
Mel smiled at Chase, her Houndoom obediently at her side. "Let's win this, 'kay, Chase? And Gengore and Houndoom?"
Houndoom howled in agreement, nuzzling Mel's hand as Ghastly snickered. Chase gave Mel a thumbs up. "Count on it, Melly-Mel!"
Melissa shook her head, glancing at the Cobalion competition.
Sammy was giving a pep talk to Ombra, who had just jumped on her and knocked her back a little ways. Black held her steady, laughing it off as his Charmander, Blow Torch, blinked curiously at them.
Headmaster Juniper, who saw everyone was ready, raised her megaphone to her lips to speak. "Alright, I'm guessing everyone's ready. Get ready to start! The dorm leaders have decided which pairs will get which cave! You won't know which stone you'll be searching for, though!"
Maikee stepped next to Headmaster Juniper, gently taking the megaphone to speak. "Cobalion's Black and Sammy will be heading towards the Eastern cave, while Virizion's Chase and Melissa shall get the Western cave. Last but not least, Terrakion's Collin and Brianna will get the Southern Cave. Is everyone ready?"
The three pairs nodded, focused on leaving the line.
"Ready?" Dougan called out from his spot on the other side of the headmaster, grinning.
"You betcha!" Replied Briana, also grinning.
"Then get set," Archer glanced at Black and Sammy one more time before Maikee said the trigger word.
"Go!"
And they were off once more, Pokemon and trainers.
I'm so sorry if that wasn't worth waiting for. D:
I tried making the battle more detailed, but it still ended up short. I'm sorry 'bout that.
Well, looks like the next challenge is happening and Danny's finally at UA! I wonder what'll happen in the caves, hm? ;3 Maybe.. a cave-in? /shot for using Chapter 1's nightmare/ We'll see~
Tell me what you guys thought!
Again, I'm sorry for slow updates. I'm out of school now, but have some summer schooling and getting ready for school again. D:
I'm a freshie this year, so I'm a nervous wreck, haha!
Thanks for still reading and staying tuned, despite my slowness!
I love you guys. :'D /shot for the 01487465th time/