Author's Note: Finally, the tournament has started. I thought this chapter would come much faster, but it seems as though it's taken forever to get here. I think the tournament will be a rather quick part to write, though, for I love to write battles with all the chance involved and everything. Plus, I've gone through each of the following battles about a hundred times. Soon, you'll find out how it all ends. And to top it all off, I realized a few more possible plot twists for the sequel.

Light's Adventures

Chapter 35: The First Round - Unova

Nick and his group walked out onto the stadium and were received by loud cheers. After getting over the last of the shock of the instant daylight and noises, Light looked around at their surroundings. In front of them, a large red square was on the ground. A white handrail went around three parts of the square, the side closet to them not having one. Past this was the arena area, a large rectangle outlined in white with a circle in the middle. Parts of the ground were a slightly different color from where they had had to repair it in the past. Not a single blade of grass was growing on the packed earth, leaving the area completely clear. On the other side of the battling area was a green square with white handrails on it, too. A large sign rose above the whole stadium on their right, showing a 2D-Pokeball. A person stood on their right also, in the middle of the arena. He had a flag in either hand, making him the referee.

Near them, to the side, were two benches, allowing the select people the trainer chooses to sit close by, giving them the closest seats to the arena besides the trainers themselves. Nick's parents sat down on one of the benches, Tiger immediately jumping up into his lap. Nick waved at the crowd with wide spread arms, laughing.

Light glanced over at the other side of the arena as someone entered through there. It was a woman with a bright yellow dress on. Her long, brown hair flowed freely down around her shoulders, reaching her waist. She looked even more excited than Nick did, which was saying something. She waved one arm at the crowd, looking much more elegant than Nick. A Vulpix was perched on her other shoulder and seemed to be laughing with its trainer.

Light twitched his ears as a sudden voice rung out of the strategically placed speakers. "Welcome to the first battle of the annual Pokemon Indigo League Tournament. This is the first battle of the first round. On my right," the announcer started, though Light wondered how anyone knew where his right was, "is the young lady, Gabriella Cook, from Castelia City in the far away Unova region." Cheers accompanied her name and she waved her free arm, stepping onto the green square area. "To my left is the boy from our own Twinleaf Village, Nick Davis." Nick waved his arms wildly as his name was called and ran onto the red square, not anxious at all. Light mentally slapped himself for not knowing Nick's last name until now. You think you know someone and then, you remember you don't even know their full name. Light's mind was started to go off wandering why Pokemon didn't have last names when the ground vibrated slightly.

Everyone's attention went to the field as the squares actually began to rise above the ground, revealing its real dimensions as they ten feet into the air. Nick let out a whoop as his rose, still excited. Light saw that a ladder was located on the back of Nick's podium, guessing it was the same on the other one. Light immediately saw the advantages of this as the new height would allow the trainers to see the battle better and not be as affected by the dust clouds that could form during battle. On the large screen, Gabriella and Nick's faces were shown on either side of the screen, three blank boxes next to each of them.

"And now what you've all been waiting for. This match will be a three on three single battle. Substitutions are allowed on both sides. The first trainer to knock out his or her opponent's Pokemon will be the winner and move to the next round," the announcer said, an exciting tone in his voice. After a pause, probably for dramatic effect, he continued, "Now, trainers, release you're first Pokemon!"

"Okay, Ace, you're going up first," Nick said, pointing into the arena. Ace took flight and hovered in the air on the edge of the arena. Light took cue from the others and sat down, Cream cuddling up next to him.

"Ruth, it's your time to shine," Gabriella said. Though it didn't look as though she said it very loudly, Light clearly heard her, as though it had come through the speakers. The Vulpix smiled and hopped down from her shoulder to the white handrail. It perched for a second before leaping right down in the arena. It took an aggressive stance, but it was still looking happy. Light was sure that it was a seasoned fighter.

"Just to let you know, I don't plan on losing," Nick said to Gabriella.

Gabriella laughed. "I don't either."

On the large screen, a face picture of a Vulpix appeared next to Gabriella, while a face picture of a Pidgeot appeared next to Nick. "Well, folks, it seems that Nick has chosen his Pidgeot to start off while Gabriella has chosen her Vulpix. This will be an interesting choice as while Nick's Pidgeot has shown great speed in earlier battles, this is the first time Gabriella has used her Vulpix! And with those bold words from both of them, this will definitely be an interesting battle to start off our tournament! Alright, are you ready trainers?" the announcer asked. Nick and Gabriella grinned at each other and nodded. "Okay, start the match!"

The Vulpix immediately started rushing toward Pidgeot, no command given. The concentration made Light think it could be telepathy involved, but then he remembered that there was no way Vulpix could. Nick, they've already planned out the battle. Be careful, Light warned.

Gotcha, Nick replied before shouting, "Ace, Agility." Light smiled when he realized Nick was being as loud as normal, or maybe the speakers were lowering the noise level.

Ace shot forward, his speed already hard to keep up with. Ruth kept rushing before it suddenly stopped. The Vulpix shot underground, leaving a small hole behind. Ace stopped and hovered above the hole, unable to attack.

"Well, folks, it appears Gabriella's Vulpix has gone underground using Dig. What is her plan?" the announcer said, as though they all hadn't just watched it.

"Keep an eye out, Ace," Nick warned, looking around himself.

Suddenly, Gabriella smiled even more, this one more dangerous. Light, suspicious, kept an eye out for what she was planning to do. Someone gasped in the crowd and then everyone was looking upward. Light looked up and saw the Vulpix in the air just coming off the height of its jump. Light was shocked as he was sure he hadn't seen it come aboveground, let alone jump up there.

Ace turned around, but it was too late. Ruth's tail lit up white and it twirled around, hitting Ace in the wing. For some reason, the attack seemed to slash, rather than whack, Ace. Ace let out a cry and started to fall, unable to stay aloft. Ruth, started to fall also, landed on Ace, forcing him to fall faster and ram into the ground.

"Well, it seems that Gabriella's Pokemon somehow got into the air and landed a solid blow on Ace, grounding him. What will Nick do?" the announcer broadcasted.

"Now," Gabriella said, waving one arm out in a horizontal cutting motion, "Night Daze!"

Grinning, Ruth did a smaller leap into the air. At its climax, the Vulpix did a rapid spin. For a second, as it seemed to glow pink, Light thought it was going to use an attack. Then, it stopped spinning, revealing a small black creature. Light was unable to really look at it, though, as it landed nimbly beside Ace and rose on its back paws. A purplish, red color went over its body before it slammed its paws down into the ground. A rapidly expanding sphere formed, covering half of the arena as the small creature released the energy.

When the dust had settled, the creature had returned back to where it had started, while Ace was lying knocked out in the middle of the arena. Gabriella and her Ruth smiled as the referee waved a green flag at Gabriella. A red X marked over Ace's picture as Nick returned his Pokemon.

"Spectacular. In a surprising chain of events, Gabriella's Vulpix has revealed itself to be one of the Unova illusive fox Pokemon, Zorua. Who could have expected that? And what Pokemon will Nick choose next?" the announcer said, a round of cheering almost drowning his first sentence out. The Vulpix picture changed to one of the creature's.

"Zorua," Nick said as he quickly pulled out his Pokedex. Pulling it open, he aimed it at the creature. "A dark type Pokemon capable of creating illusions. That's not good," Nick said, most likely not realizing his voice was being carried out around the arena. Upon hearing this, Light looked at the arena and saw that the hole was gone, proving it had just been an illusion. The real one had been above the ground. That ability was like using Double Team and making yourself invisible. Nick was right; this wasn't good.

"It seems Nick is in a bad spot," the announcer said.

Nick put up his Pokedex and threw his left hand out toward Gabriella. "One win doesn't mean anything. I'm just getting started. Light, you're up!"

As Light got up, Cream gave him a lick on the cheek and wished him good luck. Light nuzzled her briefly before getting on the field. Nick relaxed and leaned against the handrail, knowing he was now a spectator as well. Ruth grinned at him as he came on the field. Light returned the friendly grin and got into a ready position.

"It seems Nick is also doing a first. He is now using his Umbreon for the first time, but will this new Pokemon be enough to defeat Gabriella's Zorua?" the announcer posed the question as an Umbreon's picture appeared on the screen. Light noticed that the picture was of a regular Umbreon, not a shiny one, though.

We're about to find out, Light thought, lowering his thoughts to himself. Cream was always too worried when she could feel his pain even when he tried to hide it.

Deciding to leave the initiative to Ruth, Light searched his brain for a way to defeat its illusions. He would need a way soon. Even this could be an illusion, while Ruth snuck up on him. Then Light realized he was asking the wrong question. How can I fight without my eyes? If I can figure out that, than it will be a cinch, Light thought, still keeping an eye on the unmoving Ruth. However, does it only affect one's vision, or do the illusions affect all five senses. Then the solution hit Light, just as the Ruth disappeared in front of him.

"It seems that Gabriella's Zorua has disappeared, meaning it was using its powerful illusions again. It seems that Nick is unconcerned. What is his plan?" the announcer continued, his commentary started to get on Light's nerves. However, to see Gabriella's surprise at Nick's indifference was worth it.

Smiling, Light closed his eyes. Focusing, Light slowly reached out with Psychic. Light could feel the smoothness of the ground and the podium not too far behind him. Soon enough, Light felt another presence, or rather non-presence, as Zorua was a dark type like him. Light mentally followed Ruth until it came close. Then, Light let loose with Quick Attack, hitting the startled Zorua before it could move.

Light opened his eyes and saw that its illusion fell as it was hit by him, making it visible. Ruth flew through the air and landed on the other half of the arena. Light contributed its low defense to its reliance on its illusions. However, that wasn't a safe course anymore.

Gabriella gasped as her Zorua landed in a heap. "Ruth, get back up," she cried. Ruth shook its head and stood back up. Light was slightly unnerved when it snickered.

"It seems Nick's Umbreon can somehow see through Zorua's illusions. It seems both of their reserved Pokemon were their secret weapons. Which one will emerge victorious?" the announcer said.

"Use Night Daze!" Gabriella ordered.

The Zorua disappeared. Light realized too late that it had moved while the announcer had talked. A wave of energy hit Light as Ruth used the move behind him. Light grounded his teeth as the move was a powerful one, sending him flying. Light landed and quickly got up out of his prone position. Light saw that they had basically switched positions on the field. However, the Night Daze seemed to have some sort of the Zorua's illusionary power as his eyesight seemed poorer than normal.

"And in a powerful display of its signature move, Zorua seems to have started to make a comeback," the announcer exclaimed. "However, Nick still seems completely calm."

This time, Light had kept track of Ruth as it tried to use its powers again. Using his psychic powers this much, even to track, was getting tiring. It was time to end this tricky battle. Locating Zorua, Light formed the shadowy form of the beginning of his Dark Pulse. He didn't aim until the last second, keeping Ruth oblivious that he knew where it was again. Light shot his Dark Pulse and hit the Zorua right on, making it visible once more and making the fake one disappear.

Light trotted back to his side of the field through the dust through up in his attack, using the same arrogance Ruth had used against Ace. The dust settled to find Light sitting in front of Nick's podium with Zorua fainted. The referee looked at Zorua for a second before waving a red flag. An X now covered Ruth's picture.

Cheers went up before the announcer even started. Once the crowd had calmed some, he said, "It seems that the tides have changed as Nick's Umbreon has shown an amazing power and abilities. What will be Gabriella's next Pokemon?"

"Oh, Ruth, return," Gabriella said sadly. However, as she pulled another Pokeball out, her face was once again confident. "Time to come out, Zebstrika."

In a flash of red, a large, Ponyta shaped Pokemon appeared. However, instead of a fire mane and tail, a zigzag patterned white mane and tail was on it. Also, it was mainly black with white, zigzagged stripes all over it.

"Zebstrika has much more power so you better watch out," Gabriella warned Nick.

Nick smiled and shrugged. "You should tell Light, not me," he replied, pulling out his Pokedex. "Zebstrika, the thunderbolt Pokemon and an electric type, with a high speed." A picture of Zebstrika appeared on the screen under Zorua's.

"And Gabriella pulls out another Unova region Pokemon, Zebstrika, along with a bold statement. However, Nick has shrugged off the comment, having complete confidence in Light. Both trainers are down to two Pokemon. How will this turn out?" the announcer said dramatically.

Nick returned his Pokedex and leaned against the handrail again. Light shook his head a little, the effects of Night Daze still affecting him, which now matter as he was using his senses again.

"Okay, Zebstrika, use Thunder Wave," Gabriella ordered.

Zebstrika raised its head for a second before lowering as a ball of electricity formed between its horns. The ball launched at Light in a circular ring, two more following. Light stood his ground and threw up a barrier up at the last second to last for all three rings. The electricity simply dissipated with a crackling against his light blue, translucent shield.

Light started to prepare a Dark Pulse, but the announcer started to talk before he could finish. "And Zebstrika sends out a dazzling Thunder Wave at Nick's Umbreon, but it stops it with its powerful Protect. Now it's charging up a counter attack of its own."

By now, Light had charged and let it out. However, Zebstrika moved to the side with surprising speed and dodged his slightly off attack. Night Daze was started to count, now. Once again, the annoying announcer came on, "It seems the rumors of Zebstrika's speed have been proven as it dodged that strong attack."

Not giving his opponent time to counter, Light quickly used Psychic, being able to aim with his mind with it. Light picked Zebstrika up into the air, a blue light now around the Pokemon.

"No, Zebstrika!" Gabriella called. Setting her teeth, she suddenly shouted, "Zebstrika, use Volt Switch!"

Volt Switch? What move is that? Light thought. Slightly distracted by the new move, Zebstrika was able to lower its head while still in his psychic hold and fired a ball of electricity from its horns. The attack hit Light and sent a little back, but didn't do too much damage.

Light looked up and saw a flash of red before a weird looking creature with a rock on its back appeared in the arena. Zebstrika was nowhere to be seen, meaning it had somewhere had switched.

"Gabriella uses Volt Switch effectively, freeing her captured and wounded Pokemon, switching it, and hurting the opponent all at once. Plus, Gabriella's Dwebble now has a type advantage, while Nick's Umbreon is exhausted from previous battles. It seems things might be going in Gabriella's side, now," the announcer exclaimed excitedly. A picture of the weird Pokemon appeared under Zebstrika, filling the last slot.

Exhausted, indeed! Light thought. I'll would show them.

Quickly charging a Dark Pulse, Light unleashed the energy in the Pokemon's path. Dwebble quickly hid under its shell and a light blue aura surrounded it. Light's attack hit it and veered away, not damaging it at all.

"It seems Nick's Umbreon hasn't run out of steam, but Gabriella's Dwebble is ready for its attacks," the announcer said.

Behind Light, he heard Nick using his Pokedex and then promptly heard Nick's voice say, "Dwebble, a rock and bug combination Pokemon. Common moves are Protect, Shell Smash, and X-Scissor."

Light mentally thanked Nick, being too rash to get that information before attacking. Light quickly came up with an obvious strategy, removing its shell. It had used that in order to use Protect, and it would also help its defense.

"Dwebble, use Dig with Shell Smash," Gabriella ordered, already confident again.

Dwebble pulled itself out of its shell and started to turn red. Outside its shell, it looked slightly like a scorpion. It hurriedly burrowed underground, leaving its shell behind. Light knew the most common uses of Dig and did a quick one eighty as he heard the ground start to break, ready to attack.

However the Pokemon came up beside him instead. Its red, outer shell suddenly cracked and hovered around its body for a second as it came up beside him. Light barely heard Gabriella's command for Dwebble to use Bug Bite as the shell formed around its miniature teeth. It bit down on Light's shoulder.

At first, Light barely felt its little teeth and he easily shook it off. As soon as it hit the ground, Light rammed it, using Quick Attack. As Light took a second to recover from the quick exertions, he felt it. It was some sort of itching where the Dwebble had bitten him. Then, the itching grew more and more. Light tried to concentrate on the battle and ignore the overwhelming itch, but it was useless. His mind couldn't focus on anything with that infernal itching.

Finally, Light gave in and laid down, rubbing his shoulder against the ground. He left out a sigh of relief as the itching started to stop. However, as soon as he stopped rubbing his shoulder against the ground, the itching returned, with even more intensity.

"It seems Umbreon has been stopped the itchiness of Dwebble's Bug Bite, while his trainer is now getting worried. However, Dwebble seems hurt when it was hit by that Quick Attack while outside its shell. What will happen next?" the announcer said.

"Dwebble get up. Use Shell Smash and then finish with X-Scissor!" Gabriella said, using her cutting motion.

Light only waited a few seconds before he felt the Dwebble hit him hard with its powered up, super effective attack. However, as Light felt wonder as he slipped into consciousness and the horrible itching stopped.

(0)

"Light, return," Nick said, putting Light into his Pokeball. "Go out, Patch. Let's finish this!"

Patch, eager to battle again, rushed onto the field after pecking Rose on the cheek. The Dwebble had already used the time Nick had taken to return Light to get back to the safety of its rock like home. From the way Dwebble was breathing, Patch knew he had this battle won already.

"After Nick's Umbreon was finally taken done, he has sent out his Leafeon to take its place. Nick is backed into a corner with only one Pokemon, but Dwebble doesn't look like it can take much more," the announcer said. Patch raised his head proudly as he was mentioned.

"Patch, use Razor Leaf," Nick ordered.

"Dwebble, Protect," Gabriella said.

Patch let out his Razor Leaf attack, but didn't use full power, knowing it would be stopped. The sharp leaves flew at Dwebble, now hidden under its shell, and landed on the ground harmlessly after hitting the protective barrier.

"It seems Leafeon and Dwebble are in a stalemate," the announcer said.

"Patch, keep up with Razor Leaf," Nick said, determined to win the stalemate.

Gabriella looked worried, but still just said, "Protect."

Patch let out two more volleys of Razor Leafs. Once again the leaves simply hit the ground. Then, an idea hit Patch. Forming his now perfected Shadow Ball, Patch shot the sphere at the ground in front of the hiding Dwebble. The blast of the sphere threw Dwebble up into the air. Not wasting the chance, Patch rushed at it and hit it with his now most powerful move, Leaf Blade. Dwebble was slammed against the ground and it slumped out of its rock, fainted.

The referee glanced at it and waved the red flag. Gabriella returned Dwebble and threw out Zebstrika. "It seems that Dwebble was unable to stop Leafeon's relentlessness. Now it all comes down to this. Both trainers only have one Pokemon left! Who will be the victor?" the announcer exclaimed.

"Patch, Shadow Ball!" Nick shouted.

Patch was just started to form the shadowy sphere when Gabriella said, "Zebstrika, use Flame Charge!"

Patch didn't know that specific move, but he knew anything about flames wasn't good for him. The Zebstrika started to charge at him. Patch let the attack go, but the Pokemon slipped to the side and the projectile completely missed.

"Patch, use Leaf Blade with everything you've got!" Nick yelled.

Focusing all his power in his tail, Patch started to charge at Zebstrika. As Zebstrika ran, it started to be covered in flames. Patch feinted to the side before slamming it with his tail as the cam close. Even so, he was hit hard by the attack. Both of them flew away from each other, landing on the ground.

Taking a deep breath, Patch got up. He saw that Zebstrika was still down, though not out. Taking the advantage, Patch let a Razor Leaf go. Zebstrika started to get up to dodge, but its larger size and awkward legs made it slow getting up. Zebstrika took the attack right on and fell back to the ground, knocked out.

The referee raised the red flag again, ending the battle. Patch cheered and rushed back over to the sidelines on Nick's side. Nick was jumping around on top of the podium and waving his arms wildly. Suddenly, he rushed to the side and jumped down. Patch winced as Nick landed in a heap at the bottom of the ten feet drop. However, Nick got quickly back up and started to do his little victory dance.

The ground started to rumble a little as the podiums started to lower and Nick's face took over on the large screen. "And that concludes the battle with a stunning win by Nick's Leafeon, making Nick Davis the first winner of the first round. Give him a hand, fans; he worked hard. Let's also give a hand to Gabriella Cook, for giving us that outstanding battle," the announcer said. The podium shook slightly as they finally came to rest in place, making them look like just squares again. The crowd around them was going wild.

After waving a little more, Nick went over and met Gabriella halfway across the stadium. They shook hands and then returned to their sides. Even though Gabriella lost, she took it well, still genuinely smiling as she went back into the tunnel. After gathering the whole crew, they went into the tunnel they had used to enter the arena.

As Patch came up beside Rose, she rubbed against him and purred. "You did great, Patch," she said.

Smiling, Patch simply entwined his tail with hers and stayed beside her.