(A/N) Wow. "It's been a while" would be an understatement. Three-year hiatus. Damn.
You know, I don't know if anyone would even read this anymore. But after looking over it today, I thought: hey, this isn't too bad. I mean, aside from some cliche bits and cheesy dialogue, I liked it. Especially the battle scenes.
So it's been more than four years since this story began. Two entirely new generations of Pokemon have come into being during its hiatus.
Anyway, if my old readers are still out there, I just wanted to say thank you. I would never have managed to write even 10 chapters if not for you guys.
TL;DR, this is what you guys've been waiting for! I hope to bring back all the fun, excitement, humor, and energy of the earlier chapters. The last two have been a bit off... tempo, if you get what I mean. I mean, the battle scenes were cool, but the shadowy evil organization stuff was forced and contrived and, you know. But hey, I was young and... I gotta work with what I have.
Anyway. Without further ado, I bring you chapter eleven. Think of this as the season two premiere in a T.V. show or something. Let the show begin!
oOo
... But wait. Here's a couple of refreshers. It's been four years, guys - you'll need them:
- Top trainers from all over the world get invited to the Power Trials, a series of games and tests to determine the best trainers in the world. There are five trials total.
- All participants have completed the 1st trial. Their points have been calculated, and 16 trainers have moved on to trial 2.
- These trainers are Bryce Ritz, Eldon Silver, Ty Carlson, Aiden Dasopatis, Lindsay Skies, Patali Rabora, Megan Rayme, Evelyn Tirene, Olivia Belldorm, Markus Pearl, Alessandra Cesarini, Wade Jones, John Ocat, Chris Hanoski, Mastin Askuron, Ashara Odalion.
- These trainers have moved on to trial 3 after winning their one-on-one battles: Eldon Silver, Aiden Dasopatis, Lindsay Skies, and Megan Rayme.
- These trainers have been eliminated from the Trials: Bryce Ritz, Ty Carlson, Patali Rabora, Evelyn Tirene.
Please note that trainers who have been eliminated will still appear.
oOo
The Power Trials
Chapter 11: The Strongest
"Oh, we had to postpone the match."
A simple excuse and half-assed apologies. That was it.
The audience had booed him and Mr. Harrison was shoved around a few times and had to be protected by security.
But he was back.
The rain had waned to a drizzle and the stadium was half-flooded, but he was back. That was all that mattered to Markus. As long as he could start his battle, he would be fine.
He'd promised Alessandra that he would meet her in the finals, at the end of this whole thing. They'd reach the top. They'd become Rangers together.
He had always been one of the lower ranking trainers - 24th in the world - but this was supposed to be his big moment. This was how he would prove to the world his worth.
But right now, he was losing that hope.
Electivire was fast. Much too fast.
It dashed circles around Sparky, pummeling the poor Electabuzz into the ground. Electricity crackled around them, hissing and popping in the humid, drizzly air.
Markus made the mistake of asking Sparky to Volt Tackle the Electivire. He didn't realize that his electricity had given it a massive boost in speed.
"Sparky!" he called out. "Use Iron Tail!"
The only non-electric move I have.
Electivire snapped behind Sparky, who whirled around, white light encasing its tail. The iron-coated tail connected with Electivire, who blocked it with both arms. A resounding CLANG echoed throughout the arena as Electivire slid back, clouds of dust trailing from his wake.
Man, the audience was loud. The cheering broke his concentration.
"Cross Chop!" Olivia yelled.
Electivire opened its arms wide apart, yellow energy crackling across its hands.
"Iron Tail!"
Sparky didn't move. He was breathing raggedly, and he had turned his head upwards to look at Markus. His heart fell. Why hadn't he noticed earlier?
Electivire's arms were wreathed in tendrils of glowing energy. They were shuddering now.
"Stop, Electivire!" Olivia called out. Although her expression gave nothing away, her eyes shone with concern.
The energy dissipated, and Sparky collapsed onto the ground.
Markus fell to his knees as his Pokemon snapped back to him in a trail of red light.
"I'm sorry, man. You did great down there."
oOo
Markus sat on the bench, staring at the ground.
His Electabuzz was in the Med-Center, being treated for over exertion.
"Hey."
He looked up. It was Olivia Belldorm. She held out her hand, managing a tight smile. "That was a good match, especially since you were at a disadvantage."
He shook it half-heartedly. "Yeah. Thanks."
Alex walked over, eyeing Olivia warily. She plopped down next to Markus, stretching her legs out. "How's Sparky?"
"Good. He's getting treatment."
"That's great."
There was an awkward silence.
"I saw your match," Olivia said finally, nodding at Alex. "Wade put up a good fight, but you and your Glaceon were pretty awesome."
"Thanks. Yeah, uh... Snow's a great battler."
Another silence.
"Well, I gotta go," said Olivia uncomfortably, edging away. "I look forward to seeing you in the finals!"
"Yeah, you too!" Alex called after her.
She turned towards Markus, studying his face.
"Don't worry. I'm not upset because you didn't watch my match."
He didn't respond, his eyes still cast glumly towards the ground.
oOo
John Ocat was playing on his DS Lite as his podium rose into the air.
"Damn, this game is good," he said, whistling in appreciation.
He was trying to tune out the roars and cheers from the audience around him. And the announcer, Mr. Harrington or Harrison or whatever. He was annoying.
"Let's welcome John Ocat from Oldale Town! Small town, big dreams. This kid is only thirteen, and he's ranked twelfth in the entire world!"
"Hey, would you quiet down, man?" John called out. "I'm trying watching a cutscene here!"
There was a pause.
"What game?" Mr. Harrison asked, the microphone carrying his voice across the stadium.
Ripples of laughter echoed through the audience.
John sighed in exasperation. "Final Fantasy!"
"Which one?"
"Revenant Wings!" he hollered back. He glanced back at his DS and swore under his breath. "Aw, jeez, you made me miss the good part!"
"And on the other side..." Mr. Harrison continued, ignoring John, "...We have Christopher Hanoski from the psychic trio, Psi! His innate powers have placed him alongside powerhouses like Sinnoh's Lucian of the Elite Four and Sabrina from Kanto!"
Chris raised a hand in acceptance as the audience erupted into cheers all around them.
Man. This guy must be crazy popular, John thought.
"Chris is ranked sixth in the entire world! He is one of, if not the strongest contender for the top!"
Chris snapped a finger, and an Alakazam materialized below him on the battlefield, floating in midair. It stared up towards John menacingly.
"Are you ready?" the Alakazam asked. His voice ebbed and faded in John's head. "Chris has never lost a single match in his entire life. He would be the strongest trainer in the world if he had the chance to battle the other five."
John saved his game, switched off his DS, and clamped it shut.
"No," he said grimly, stuffing the DS into his pocket. He tapped his belt, and Absol appeared on the field in a flash of red and black. "Strongest in the world? We'll see about that."