Action: We're almost ready to start the tournament!
Nexus: *Clears throat* We left off on a cliffhanger.
Jai: Yeah about that, what happened?
Action: Recap, first.
Ace: Last time it looked like the elite class got their asses handed to them by their mentors. Not to mention the awkward tension between Kai and Nexus. Let's not forget the meeting between the Dean, Tailside, and Blaze. An interesting group to have together. Lastly we have Jai and Percival in the Labyrinth under the school. What will happen now? Also, did we ever figure out who was spying on Tailside and the Dean as well as any of the mentors?
Action: Yo that is to be a mystery, don't remind them of it I want it to be a major surprise.
Percival: Action doesn't own pokemon, music links, and art if used.
~Pollon's~
(Gentle Madman - P5R)
You won't believe what I'm about to say. I don't get surprised easily, but this Sunday morning I got an invitation from Michael Tailside to come to the elite classroom. It's the day before the tournament and he said it is urgent. Upon arriving all of the elites were there but Jai was missing and I could see some sad faces. Kai included.
"Glad you could make it Miss Strife, now if everyone else would be seated this won't take long," Tailside commanded and everyone else complied. I decided to stand in the back and observe. "Today was the reranking day so we know where you stand before the tournament but after an accident in the Labyrinth, where our top elite got gravely injured we had to invite someone top of their class and Pollon Strife met those requirements. Please welcome her to the Elites for the time being," Tailside just invited me to join the elite class.
"I'm sorry I couldn't protect him, the vine chased us," an Arcanine stood up and had a sad look on his face.
"I'm Aware Percival and no one blames you but we have to face the fact that he is injured terribly and needs to rest. Our medics are doing their best but he will be out of the tournament," Tailside calmed Percival down. I wanted to say something but I kept my mouth closed. The board behind him became a screen. " Now about rankings, rank twenty Oliver Rush" Tailside sighed. It looks as if he was disappointed to read the name.
"Not surprised dude, the same rank," a Politoed leaned back in his chair.
"Rank nineteen, Pollon Strife" I nodded acknowledging my new ranking.
"Rank eighteen and rank seventeen, Resca Frost and Tanya Wing," on screen it showed Resca went down two ranks and Tanya went down five ranks. Resca is a Bertic and I've seen her around before but know nothing of her. Tanya on the other hand used to be a bully of mine in middle school back then she was a Staravia and I was an Espurr. " Rank Sixteen, Fifteen, and fourteen are Jordan Wing, Juna Fluff, and Sydney Stone" On screen Jordan went up two ranks, Juna stayed the same and Sydney went up by three ranks. Funny enough I never knew Tanya had a brother however I knew she was a twin.
"Look at that sis, I'm better than you," Jordan taunted his sister. Tanya just scoffed.
"Rank thirteen, twelve, and eleven are Carmin Bolt, Monique Thetta, and Fang Blister" On screen Carmin went down seven ranks, Monique went down three ranks, and Fang went up by two ranks.
"What! How did I rank lower than Kai?" A Lycanroc stood up in dismay, but a simple glare from Tailside and he sat back down.
"Ranks ten, nine, and eight are Ethan Mane, Kai Blaze, and Sarah Scream" on screen it showed Ethan went down by two ranks while Kai went up by five ranks, and Sara went up by three ranks. From what I remember Sarah is a clever girl who likes to play tricks on others though back then that was when she was a Shuppet. She is Banette now. "Ranks Seven, six, and five are Ren Ursa, Esmerelda King, and Nebula Carbuncle" I'm surprised on-screen Ren went up twelve ranks, Esmerelda went up by four ranks, and Nebula stayed the same.
"Sweet, hard work pays off," the Ursaring was really excited.
"Next on my list is a new rank four Macalister Nexus" Tailside gave him praise but the dragon did not look happy. " Rank three is Cami Xeno, nice work" Tailside continued his praise.
"Thank you but my goal is number one," a Lucario stood up and bowed.
"Rank two is Corrode Gaia, nice work holding on to your spot," The poison dino looked surprised.
"No way! I'm not the new number one, what a bummer" Corrode sighed.
"Our new number one for the elite class is Percival Grimwater," Everyone applauded. I did the same but isn't it a bit suspicious that our last number one is injured and the one that was there takes his spot? However, he only went up two ranks which doesn't bring up any suspicion to me.
"Thank you, everyone," he kept it humble since Tailside had more to say.
"Alright with that done I wish you all luck in the Class Change Tournament that starts tomorrow, oh, and show everyone we elite students are no joke. You are all dismissed," Tailside came to my side almost instantly. "You need to prepare to move to the dorms unless you want to wait till after the tournament is over.
"If you don't mind I'd like to wait till the tournament is over," I said calmly.
"Very well, good luck Miss Strife," Tailside then left for his office.
~Kai's~
(Title screen - Pokemon BW(Anime) A/N: Theme belongs to no one
Who would have guessed it would be here so soon? I finally got the chance to compete not only against rivals but against my friends. All students are in the center battlefield waiting for the first challenge to begin. With it involving the Labyrinth I wonder what everyone will think.
"Hi everyone!" a voice came on the mic and I recognized it instantly but couldn't see the owner.
" Don't mind me flying in," he chuckled. We all looked up and saw a Noivern, there was another pokemon riding on his back. " I'm your announcer and host for the first phase of this tournament but I'm not here alone," Tyler then swapped down as a weird-looking Garchomp hopped off his back. Then I remembered who he was.
"I'm also your cohost Aristotle" he made it through his phrase without stuttering. "We'll explain the rules to you" he continued.
"You are now going to be down in the labyrinth below the school and you have seventy hours to make it to a temple and find an exit to make it back to the surface. To our knowledge, there are eight temples but there could be more as we are still exploring and note only a hundred and twenty-eight of you can advance," Tyler explained.
"Don't worry your ORBs are equipped to tell you what is edible or poisonous, but that only means to find the exit quickly. You are allowed to work in groups however you like, remember killing another student is forbidden" Aristotle continued the explanation.
"Lastly if you at any point defeat an elite student you automatically take their rank in the elite class, so elites watch your back you're being hunted," Tyler chuckled at his joke as he landed.
"Lastly when you enter a temple looking for an exit you are looking for something that shows your reflection, however, it can only be once so if it's shattered don't bother to try and use it," Aristotle got in the grove and started to lose his nerves. "Remember your ORBs have a delivery function if you ever need food and water delivered during the first phase a drone will deliver it to your location in seconds," Aristotle reminded us.
"I think that's all, you all have a bit of time before we transport you below. Oh and if you get severely injured we do have some medic camps down there, you're ORB can locate them. You have a minute before you are transported. We'll then see you in seventy-two hours, good luck!" Tyler Cheered.
After our briefing, I was instantly approached by Percy, Sydney, and Corrode. I can only guess why they were coming up to me.
"We should work together, especially since everyone else is coming after elites," Sydney proposed.
"I'll work with you guys, though if we at any point get split up just keep going forward and search for an exit," I said coldly. Everyone else nodded. We all knew if we wasted time looking for each other we'd fall prey to the other students. I looked around and groups were forming. Luna, Pollon, and Nix looked like they were teaming up. As well as Nexus, Fang, Ace, and Angel were making a team.
(Keves Battle - Xenoblade Chronicles 3)
"Alright times up, now we'll see you soon," Tyler quickly announced as the floor we were standing on started to descend to the labyrinth. As soon as the jungle came into view Percy and Sydney jumped off the platform.
"Follow me," Sydney said. I then grabbed Corrode's hand and followed them off the platform. Fun fact about Corrode he has a fear of falling from high heights. The four of us were now free falling into the jungle area.
"What's the plan now?" I asked as Corrode was screaming.
"Originally it was to get away from everyone else and not start in the same position," Percy explained to me. "Sydney it's almost time," Percy gave a command.
"On it," Sydney then got encased by a white ball. I never knew she had a mega stone, should have expected it with her being an elite. When the white cage broke out came a beautiful forest goddess of a goat. "Stay close to me it's hard to control a vine this far away from the ground," I didn't realize what she was saying till a vine charged right at us, but was built as if it was a slide. We all then landed on it sliding down it. It took us down to the jungle floor and Sydney then dispelled her mega evolution. Corrode also stopped screaming.
"We should still keep running, at least till we find a place we can hide from the horde," why is Percy so scared of the other students? More than likely the sheer numbers of them? We all started to run through the jungle. As we were running it ran through my head that Percy was the only one that was with Jai before he got injured. Percy said he got some injuries too but only light ones and I saw it on his fur.
"I spotted the elites, four of them heading east!" I was alarmed someone could locate us so quickly. As we were running I looked up and saw a Talonflame.
"Guys it's not good a Talonflame spotted us," I said as we kept running.
"Why is that bad Sydney asked?" She sounded surprised that we were spotted so soon.
"Talonflames are fast pokemon that can travel at three hundred miles per hour, not to mention I'm pretty sure they might block our path," I explained.
"You all will not escape," we all then looked up at the firebird. The bird unleashed Fire blasts in many directions to block our path. I wonder if any other elites are having this problem?
"That's not good," Percy said with fear.
"Why what's wrong?" Corrode asked as we passed a burning tree.
"This forest is alive in some way and doesn't react to fire that well and will try and attack the source, but also those in the vicinity," Percy explained. Fires started to spread in the area we were in and it started to make our group panic. Next thing you know an arrow flies past us and hits a tree.
"Damn it," I cursed.
"What happened?" Corrode asked, a bit clueless.
"We're now being hunted by a Decidueye too. I glanced behind us and there was a Decidueye on the back of a Jolteon. Of course, fast pokemon are chasing after us.
"Should we split up? We'll only attract more attention as a group," Sydney suggested as a vine comes flying our way and we all dodge
"Okay, try and find a temple, we want to make it to the next round no matter what. Everyone split!" Percy yelled and the four of us went branching off in four different directions.
"They all split, after them!" I heard the bird screech. I kept running, it was sad to see such a jungle set ablaze by the recklessness of my peers. How unforgivable. I then noticed a vine slithering to life as I was running in its direction. I jumped over it but that didn't stop it from chasing me. I then see an arrow whistle past me.
"Damn it, why me?" I let out a sigh of defeat. I was weaving through the jungle and being attacked by vines while being chased by a Jolteon and Decidueye is not fun. Eventually, the Jolteon caught up to me. The Jolteon then tried zapping me with a bolt of lightning and I countered with Fire Blast causing a smokescreen and I used it to escape. It didn't take long for the two to catch up again.
"Try this," the grass bird said and I heard him launch three arrows and noticed they were flying around me. This is not typical for a Decidueye. I started to panic. "My shots always hit their marks in the end and remember those arrows I shot earlier," The grass bird started to monologue and I then noticed a bunch of arrows flying around me and he didn't shoot them. "My spirit shackle never misses its mark; imbued with my ghost-type energy I can truly control my arrows!" He cheered and I was now surrounded by arrows while running. I could see a clearing and if I could dodge these attacks I can take the two of them on in the clearing. Everything then happened quickly. I was grazed by one arrow coming at me and then another one. "I just want to graze you and slowly over time injure you papered elite more!" I see this bird's problem: he hates the elites. It was awkward to doge and run but for these arrows to graze me still hurts a lot.
"Ahhhhh!" I screamed as one actually got me and sent me tumbling into the clearing. I slid on what felt like sand and when I came to a stop the area we were in was an oasis.
"Nice work Robin" the Jolteon cheered.
"Wouldn't have been able to do it without your help Diego" Robin laughed. Elite hunters, I was expecting this but I wasn't expecting to be an early target.
(Unstoppable Impulse - Shadowverse)A/N: Kai's theme second version
'Looks like you're in a pickle' the voice is back and I don't appreciate it. 'I could help you however not sure how you'd respond since your body isn't ready for my power,' the voice let out a hardy laugh.
'What is your deal sounding ominous like that!' I scolded the voice in my head.
'You may want to focus on the fight at hand instead of arguing with me,' I bet the bastard's voice is smirking. I hate being looked down upon especially by these two in front of me.
"Why did it get really hot in here?" Diego asked, looking around confused.
"I think our Flareon friend is ready for round two" Robin stated. I could feel myself heat up and I was ready for a fight. I feel in my front fur and activate my mega stone and I get engulfed in flames and trapped in a white case. I feel the flames fuse with my fur as strands of it change color to yellow and black and then flames. I grow the fur pattern on my ears and paws. The shell broke and flames went everywhere.
"Seems this won't be an easy fight, we're ready," Robin said as the two in front of me got engulfed in shadows. They must have the power that was given to Zeek.
'I got stronger so we could be together' I remember the joy on his face before being engulfed by that power.
'If you don't have the power to take me down then how can you prove what I say is wrong?' I remembered another day when I challenged my dad after he took Zeek away from me. I tried my hardest to prove what I was doing was right but somewhere down the road I became compliant and listened. Next time I see him I'll fight back but for now, I have to fight these abyss-covered elite hunters. I charged first and with each step I took I left scorch marks in the sand to the point where I turned to glass. I'll show their power doesn't compare with being elite. The Decidueye released arrows and they were cloaked in a blue-like aura. I remembered Zeek saying with the new power they can alter the types of their moves. Jumping forward I dodge the arrow and come face-to-face with Diego. A black ball was shot my way and again it was imbued with a blue aura. A type-changed shadow ball is not good. I got hit and slid in the sand and as I did it slowly turned to glass. I have to remember I already used Fire Blast. I changed up my moves before the tournament to see what would work. I then started to work myself up as I got to my feet and so nice I used the move twice, I bet they didn't notice I raised my attack stats by two. I went charging in again, this time I used Superpower to enlarge my muscles and when I was shot by arrows I didn't feel them. Diego got in my way as I was heading toward Robin. I jumped up on his back and suplex-dropped him while using Superpower. The glass below us shattered as I dropped him. I continued my way to Robin and in a panic tried to shoot his arrows at me but I countered launching a mass of flames from my mouth. Destroying his arrows. I got behind him and shot him again with Fire Blast, launching him to where Diego lay in the sand. I could see their shadow-like aura disappearing but it hasn't gone away as it did for Zeek. I then got bathed in a white light as stars started to fly around me.
"Charge Last Resort" I launched the stars at them and launched one last Fire Blast. "Burning Resort!" The flames mixed with the stars causing a funnel that slowly dissipated over time. I walked over to them and saw a crystal leave their bodies followed by the shadows leaving their bodies. Flames covered me and I could feel my body change back to normal. "Alright let's get out of here before they wake up," I said to myself as I ran through the oasis area. It was bigger than I initially thought. I pulled up my ORB screen to see if I had a map of the area and found out there is a map of this place. It must've been done after we came down here the first time because I couldn't locate anything. The funny thing is this oasis isn't marked on the map, I'm southeast right now and the oasis isn't marked and I can see a temple in view. It isn't one that is the initial eight temples that are marked on the map.
Continuing my way to the temple I saw I reached the jungle again and now is a better time than ever for me to rest. I opened my ORB screen and asked for package delivery. It took about a minute and a small backpack was dropped on me. When I opened the bag there were two onigiri rice balls and water and an energy drink. I sniffed my rice balls and it was tuna. I couldn't be happier. I decided to climb a tree and hide out up there to rest and eat. I opened my ORB screen and there was a timer for how much time was left and we still had another seventy hours. Judging from the map I still have another hour and a half till I reach the temple. This isn't good. I got split from Corrode, Sydney, and Percy. Seems like I'll be on my own. Next to the timer, it says four of a hundred twenty-eight. I assume the number of pokemon that have already escaped the labyrinth. I can't believe pokemon have already found an exit but if fights sparked off like how mine did I shouldn't be surprised.
(Dawn's theme Ballad version - Pokemon D&P)Angel's Theme second version
After some time I opened my eyes I didn't remember having closed them. I must've been out for a bit. I opened my ORB screen and there were sixty-two hours left, I was asleep for eight hours! That wasn't the only thing that changed, I looked below me from the trees and saw a campfire. Not to mention the pokemon sitting around it as if they were ready to rest for the night. I recognized them, Fang, Ace, Angel, and Nexus. They all looked really happy together laughing.
"Alright Ace truth or dare?" Nexus asked Ace. They must've been playing truth or dare while I was sleeping up here. Guess they didn't see me sleeping in the trees so I decided to spy further.
"Truth," Ace said with confidence.
"What is your problem with Kai?" Nexus asked with a smirk and I could see a visible roan appear on her face. She then turned to Angel who also gave an uneasy smile. She then let out a sigh.
"The problem I have is the persona he puts up and the fact he doesn't know what he is. When Angel and I met him we were five and we would laugh and play all day. He over time showed me his collection of plushies as we grew up and collars. I introduced him to Angel when we were nine and it was such a fun time. Then between the ages of ten to thirteen, he disappeared. I didn't know why then but do know now it was because of his father's work and his mother was no longer around. When he came back he changed not only was he now a Flareon but he changed to a cold attitude and fake sometimes, and we ignored it. He was cold, sarcastic, and always showed just his good side. Even when we visited, all his stuff from when he was younger was gone. I just assumed he grew up," Ace then sighed.
"Ace you don't have to talk about I feel like all of us were in the wrong," Angel tried to interject.
"No, I can say it," Ace continued. "We were chilling in his house like normal this past summer and I went into his closet to get something s o we could play a game and saw a bin with plushies in it and some I haven't seen before, another next to it had collars and as a friend, I came out the closet with them and mocked him. Of course, he was embarrassed and tried to put it back. Angel and I both laughed so loud it caught both Nix's and 's attention. What happened next was Kai's dad not being pleased to see his son holding on to such childish things but he used it as a way to attack Kai's sexuality saying stuff along the lines that gay men don't make it far and how this lifestyle you'll die early if not from the sex but others hunting you down and torturing you. Another philosophy of his is power is everything so if you can beat him he will shut up Kai has tried many times but failed. We all were in the room in complete and utter shock as Kai was crying his eyes out and held by his wrist in the air and he was hit by his father a few times. After his father left the room he was on the floor crying. We tried comforting him but he then blew up on us," Ace then shed a tear of anger. I know what she is about to say and if I could regret anything it was what came out my mouth.
"Ace, what did he say?" Nexus asked. I hope Nexus doesn't think less of me.
"You bitch! You fueled the fire of my father, a blaze that fuels itself. If you weren't a snoopy little tomboy and mocking me he wouldn't have 'disciplined' me again," Ace put discipline in air quotes. " Pulling my shit out of the closet and mocking me. Why would you do that?" She continued quoting what I said. I remember her and Angel trying to comfort me after the outburst but I pushed them away. "You cotton ball bully! You were the same way as when we were kids, aggressive till those around you finally break. FUCK YOU!" I mouthed what she said as she recited it to the group. I saw their faces. Nexus was astonished and Fang smirked. "He then attacked the both of us using double edge"
"What happened after that?" Fang asked.
"It was the first time in a long time I cried and ran out of his house," Kai said with a heavy heart. "In reality, I am waiting for an apology, but I can't help but get angry when I see him," Ace said. It's all out there now that it was actually me who was the bad guy.
"Since then Kai has been in this purgatory of who he really is," Angel said softly. I decided to sulk to myself in the trees for a bit. I then noticed Nexus staring right at me. Was it an accident or did he actually know I was here?
"Sorry guys that got a bit depressing for truth or dare," Ace chuckled. They continued playing their game of truth or dare but I would often notice Nexus staring up in the trees at me. It can't be a coincidence.
"Nexus, truth or dare?" Angel asked.
"Truth," Nexus answered with confidence.
"What is your attachment to Kai?" Angel asked and everyone chucked.
"Well if you want to know it's rather cheesy," Nexus looked up in my direction again and I could see everyone around him nod but he didn't continue. Not until I myself nodded did he look back at everyone else. "You remember in Ace's story where Kai was gone for three years? Well, I met him when I was eleven and he was ten. I was an Axew at the time and he was still an Eevee. When our parents were out doing work in Shalour city we would spend time together and play on the beaches of Cyllage city. We had nicknames for each other, he would call me tusks and I would call him puffy. Over time when I was younger I fell in love with him however I did not know what love was. I think he did too. Within that six-month time frame, we both evolved and even soared our first kiss on the beach. After he evolved I started calling him Flame," Nexus looked over in my direction again. I have no memory of this.
'Is it you have no memory of this or you suppressed it due to your father's ideologies,' The voice intruded my thoughts. I ignored him.
"When he left me after six months I felt so empty and wrote letters sharing what was going on and hoping we could play again but my parents never knew his address. Though over the summer my parents got an offer to work in the Elemental region, I wasn't thrilled to be moving and I was in the middle of writing what I thought would be my last letter to Kai. Until I overheard them say we are going to the Blaze headquarters. I couldn't be happier and that was an understatement when I saw Kai again on the first day but he didn't remember who I was so my goal was for him to remember me without telling him, he kept glancing at me again.
Even with him telling his story, why can't I remember anything? I remember the tusks thing but I can't remember playing on the beach or our adventures and my first kiss. I'm so confused I need to get out of here. How do I escape without being heard? I stood up and started to stretch.
"Why do you keep looking up?" Fang asked.
"Just looking at the sky we're underground but they simulated a moon and stars. Interesting isn't it?" Nexus answered and he was right. I took my chance to jump through the trees and made a bit of noise while doing so.
"Is someone there?" Ace got defensive.
(Tender Feeling - P3P)A/N: New ending theme
"Oh no sorry that was me, I've been snapping twigs to throw into the fire" I heard Nexus's voice and he definitely knew I was there. I kept jumping from branch to match and then landed on the ground when I knew they wouldn't be able to see me. I decided to run and think. No wonder Nexus expressed so much interest in me because he already knew me. Though the me he knew is a distant memory, a lot has happened and I'd be lying if I said I didn't like him or appreciate what he has done. Though if I didn't blow my shot with him before, I definitely have now with him knowing what happened between Angel, Luke, and me.
'Kai, why are you running, especially in the darkness?' A voice rang in my head but this time one I'm familiar with.
'Pollon?' I asked.
'Of course, it's me, I'm not going to ask questions since I can see you don't have a group. If you want to join us we're camped out close by to you. If you keep running you'll come across us in about ten minutes,' Pollon said through her telepathy.
'I'll join you guys,' I responded and I felt the mental link end. I just need to be with a group of others because if I'm left alone. I kept running with the words of what Nexus said in my head and the incident with Ace and Angel. All of them are hurt because of me in some way or another. Maybe if I isolate myself no one will have to get hurt. First Zeek, next Angel and Ace, Jai too, and lastly Nexus. What if more pokemon get hurt who are connected to me? I'm now glad our group split. I wouldn't know what I'd do if Corrode, Percy, or Sydney got hurt.
I came to another clearing and Pollon was standing outside the temple. I could tell she noticed me and gestured for me to follow her inside the temple. I did quickly and I followed her to a set of stairs and went down them to be met with a mini-camp. It was Nix, Pollon, and Luna around a fire.
"Glad you could join us, Kai," Luna gave me a smile.
"Glad to be here," I gave them a fake smile trying my best to be normal. It felt weird to give a fake smile, have I genuinely been happy lately? I must've been swept up in school that I was so happy to actually have friends.
"Bro we're about to go to bed so here," Nix tossed me a pillow. "I stuffed it in my bag, thank me later," she scoffed and laid down.
"Thank you," I sat down on the temple tile and it was hard but similar to my heat rock.
"I'll be going to bed too, had a long day," I gave them an awkward chuckle trying my best to be normal.
"Oh and be prepared more than likely other pokemon will be here in the morning," Nix said with her back turned to me.
"Also don't worry we have a watch system between the three of us and will be on the lookout for anyone who tries to come here. Right now it's my turn," Pollon said.
"Thanks, but I already said I'm going to bed," I said, a bit irritated. It wasn't their fault but I need to sort out some things.
"Good night Kai," Luna and Pollon said and I said my 'good night' as well. As I lay down I couldn't sleep, all I could think about is all of the others I have failed. Should I really be thinking about this when I'm competing in a tournament? My head was just swimming with thoughts I can't control. What am I to do?
Action: So we just hit a milestone of a new top three longest chapters in the High school Daze series, this one taking second from Holy Road Pt2: HSD.
Kai: Damn, what takes first place.
Tyler: *Chuckles* Break time from FLA.
Blaze: I find that hilarious.
Action: Yup that chapter is nearly six thousand words. Now for the preview.
Zeek: Up next: The Class Change tournament is underway and I can't compete, I'm sad. Seems like Kai fell for a trap in the temple and comes across Angel and they're gonna fight. This'll be interesting. Woah and it looks like Nix may turn on her own group now that's crazy. Not to mention Both Pollon and Kai get put in some weird dead space. Let's see what happens next, Chapter twelve: Why? Only in ESA.
Luna: Don't forget to fav, follow, and review.
Jai: Bye!