Alright! Before i start of this chapter a quick announcement: i had a long think after being asked a few times and I decided to allow Mega Evolution (and Custom Megas!) for the OC's...however i will decide which pokemon get a custom mega form and i also decide when the OC's get access to it (I will create a list in the coming days on my discord server where i will reveal which mons get one). With that out of the way have fun reading!


Ava stared in disbelief at the letter in her hand.

"Yep," Ethan said, crossing his arms proudly. "You've always talked about coordinators and how you admire their hard work, and now's your chance. With this you'll get to travel to different regions, compete in contests, meet all kinds of different pokemon, earn ribbons… this is where it all begins, sister."

Her brow furrowed as she looked from the invitation to Ethan. "But… I'm just starting out. What if I'm not good enough?"

Ethan gently placed a hand on her shoulder, giving her a reassuring smile. "Everyone starts somewhere. And I've seen the way you light up when you talk about contests. You've got the passion. That's the most important part." He turned away from her, arms crossed behind his head and paused for a moment before adding, "Plus, I'll be traveling too."

Ava blinked in surprise. "You? But I thought you were staying in Sandgem Town to be the professor's assistant and study pokemon?"

Ethan gave her a playful smile. "Of course I am. But after speaking with the professor about it he agreed to let me go and he's going to count it as me doing extended field work. I'm taking the tournament course while you tackle the contest course. There's even a neat bonus to it—the event covers your travel fees and any other neccessities that might be needed while hopping between the regions."

Ava looked stunned, and then her face broke into a grin. "So we're really doing this?"

"Yep," Ethan said, leaning against the porch railing. "I thought it'd be easier for both of us if we traveled together. Besides, I've got some research to do for the professor—there's a lot of scattered myths and legends that could use a little investigating."

Ava stood, Piplup hopping by her side. "I'm still not sure I'll be good enough for the contests, but… If you're there I at least want to try."

Ethan smiled back at her. "You'll do great. Contests are all about creativity and teamwork, and judging from what I know about you, you've got both. Piplup already seems to like you."

As Ava played with her new Pokémon, a familiar caw echoed above them. Ethan looked up to see a Murkrow circling lazily in the sky before swooping down to perch on his shoulder.

"Back already, Murkrow?" Ethan asked, rubbing the Dark/Flying-type's beak affectionately. Murkrow had been at Ethans side almost as long as Zangoose had, its affection for its trainer clearly visible.

"Didn't find anything interesting out here, huh?"

Murkrow cawed softly, as if to say, Not today.

"Well, you'll have plenty to scout out soon enough. Ava said yes so we're heading out on a new adventure."

As Ethan spoke, a bright flash erupted from the Lure Ball on his belt before a Slowking appeared in front of the two siblings, its wise expression and slow gait almost comical as it made its way over to the pair. The Psychic/Water-type had been with Ethan since his studies began, its intellect proving to be a valuable asset to him.

"Slowking," Ethan greeted it with an amused grin. "All set for the journey?"

Slowking blinked slowly, nodding in its usual, deliberate manner before settling itself down on the porch with a calm, thoughtful air.

Ava glanced between Ethan and his three pokemon. "So... you've got your starting team ready for the tournament, already, huh?"

"Pretty much," Ethan said with a shrug. "Zangoose and Murkrow are always up for a good fight, and me and Slowking have been itching for something new to analyze. I figure the tournament will give us all plenty to do."

Piplup glanced at Ethan and his three pokemon before looking up and tugging at the leg of Ava's pants.

Ava smiled down at her partner, who chirped happily in response. "Yeah. I think we're going to make a pretty good team too."

Ethan looked at the setting sun, casting a golden glow over the quiet town. "Well, we've got a big day tomorrow. You need to pack, we need to do a lot of shopping and the opening ceremony in a few weeks is going to be huge. You ready?"

Ava nodded, though there was a flicker of nervousness in her eyes. "I think so."

"You've got this" Ethan reassured her once again. "We'll stick together. And if things get tough, we'll figure it out—just like we always do."

She gave him a grateful smile. "Thanks, Ethan."

As they stood there, the front door opened, and their mother stepped out. Her eyes brightened at the sight of them, but there was an unmistakable tension in her expression.

"I thought I heard voices," she said, wiping her hands on a towel. "Dinner's almost ready."

Ethan straightened, the warmth of the moment slipping away as he caught the glance his mother gave him—a glance filled with unspoken worry.

"Your father's inside," she added softly, not missing the way Ethan tensed at the mention. "He's been… quieter than usual today."

Ethan's jaw clenched slightly. "Yeah? What's he got to say this time?"

"Ethan…" their mother began, but Ethan shook his head.

"I'm just here for Ava," he muttered, his gaze shifting to the side. "I don't need another lecture about how I'm wasting my life."

Ava's eyes flickered between them, the tension palpable. Their mother sighed, stepping closer.

"You know it's not like that," she said softly. "He's worried. The farm—it means everything to him."

Ethan crossed his arms, his voice lowering. "I know what it means to him. But I can't spend my life tied to this place. I want to be a researcher, Mom. I want to study Pokémon, not take over the family business."

Their mother looked at him with a mix of understanding and sadness. "He's proud of you, Ethan. But this farm… it's been in our family for generations. He just doesn't know how to let go."

Ethan scoffed lightly, bitterness creeping into his tone. "He doesn't need to let go. He just needs to understand that I'm not him."

The words hung in the air, heavy and painful. Ava shifted uncomfortably, glancing between them.

Their mother reached out and gently touched Ethan's arm. "I know things are hard between you two. But you're both so stubborn. Someone has to break the silence."

Ethan remained quiet, his eyes staring out toward the fields that his father had always expected him to tend. For a moment, his mother's words seemed to soften something in him, but then he shook his head.

"I'll talk to him," Ethan muttered. "But not tonight. Not now."

Their mother gave a small nod, her expression weary but hopeful. "Whenever you're ready. Just… don't leave things unfinished."

Ava stood quietly, watching as Ethan's resolve wavered for a moment before he squared his shoulders again, the distance between him and his father still unspoken, yet palpable.


The next day…

The morning sun streamed through the windows of the farm house, casting a warm glow over the kitchen. The scent of fresh bread and coffee filled the air as Ava sat at the table, Piplup nestled comfortably in her lap, chirping contentedly. Ethan leaned against the counter, Zangoose resting by his feet. His arms were crossed, and his gaze was distant as he stared out the window, lost in thought.

Laila moved around the kitchen, setting plates on the table. "I made your favorites," she said with a small smile, though her voice carried a hint of hesitation.

"Thanks, Mom," Ava said cheerfully, trying to ease the quiet tension lingering in the room. She glanced at Ethan, her brow furrowing at the way he remained silent, clearly preoccupied.

Just as Ava opened her mouth to say something, heavy footsteps echoed down the hall. The sound of boots on the wooden floor made Ethan straighten, his jaw tightening. Their father entered the room, his presence commanding as always, though his face was unreadable. He nodded to Ava and their mother before his eyes landed on Ethan.

"Morning," he said gruffly, pulling out a chair at the table.

Ethan didn't respond right away. His grip tightened on his arms as he finally turned to face his father. "Morning."

Their father glanced at Zangoose by Ethan's side before looking up at him again. "You staying long this time?" he asked, his tone neutral but carrying an edge.

Ethan shrugged, trying to keep his voice steady. "Just until Ava's ready for the tournament."

Ava shifted uncomfortably, looking between them, sensing the brewing storm in the room. Piplup chirped softly, but even the young Pokémon seemed to feel the tension.

Their father nodded slowly, though his expression remained hard. "So, still going through with that?" His eyes narrowed slightly. "Running around with Pokémon instead of doing something meaningful with your life?"

Ethan's fists clenched at his sides, his temper flaring. "Studying Pokémon is meaningful, Dad. I'm not wasting my time. I'm working with Professor Rowan. I'm—"

"Out chasing a fantasy," their father interrupted, his voice rising. "You think researching Pokémon is going to help you build a future? You've got responsibilities here—on this farm. You think I'm going to be around forever to take care of it?"

Their mother placed a hand on their father's shoulder, trying to calm him, but he shrugged it off, his gaze still locked on Ethan.

Ethan took a step forward, his frustration boiling over. "I never asked to take over the farm! That's your dream, not mine! You're the one who's never tried to understand what I want."

The words hung heavy in the air, and for a moment, the room went silent. Their father's face hardened, the lines of years of hard work etched into his expression. "I don't expect you to understand what it takes to run this place," he said, his voice cold. "But you'll regret throwing away everything your family built for a life chasing nothing."

Ethan's eyes burned with anger, but beneath it, there was a flicker of hurt. "I'm not throwing anything away. I'm building something for myself. Just because it's not what you wanted doesn't make it worthless."

Ava stood up, her voice trembling as she stepped between them. "Please… stop. Both of you."

Piplup chirped nervously, sensing her distress. Their mother gave a small sigh, looking at her husband, and then back at Ethan.

"Maybe this isn't the right time…" she said softly, hoping to defuse the situation.

But Ethan shook his head, stepping back from the confrontation. "It's fine. I've heard it all before anyways."

Without another word, he turned and walked toward the door, Zangoose following close behind. Ava looked between her parents, unsure of what to say, before rushing after Ethan.

"Ethan, wait!" she called, catching up to him outside.

Ethan paused at the edge of the porch, his shoulders tense. He let out a long breath, staring out at the fields.

"I don't get it," Ava said quietly, standing beside him. "Why is it so hard for him to just let you do what you love?"

Ethan ran a hand through his short hair, shaking his head. "Because he can't see past the farm. It's everything to him. He thinks I'm just running away, but that's not it. I just… I just don't want the same life he has."

Ava placed a hand on his arm, her eyes filled with understanding. "You'll figure it out. You always do. And… maybe one day, Dad will understand, too."

Ethan gave a half-hearted shrug. "Maybe. But I can't wait around for him to get it. I've got to live my life."

He looked down at Ava, his expression softening. "And so do you. The tournament's coming up and you're going to be amazing. Don't let any of this get in your head."

Ava nodded, though her heart was still heavy with the weight of their family's unresolved conflict. "Thanks."

Ethan gave her a small, reassuring smile, though his eyes were clouded with the burden of the argument still lingering in the back of his mind.


Two days later…

The streets of Veilstone City buzzed with activity as Ethan and Ava made their way through the crowded city. Stalls lined the sidewalks, offering everything from healing items to training items, and the smell of fresh baked goods filled the air. The towering department store loomed ahead, its multi-level structure promising everything they needed for their upcoming journey.

Ava gazed up at the building, her eyes wide with excitement. "I've never been inside the big city store before. It's massive!"

Ethan chuckled, adjusting the strap of his bag over his shoulder. "Yeah, it's pretty overwhelming the first time, but they've got everything we'll need. Potions, Pokéballs—you name it."

Piplup toddled beside Ava, chirping happily as it took in the sights, while Zangoose trailed behind Ethan, eyes alert as always.

As they stepped inside, the cool air from the store's vents washed over them. Ava immediately darted toward the shelves filled with various supplies, her excitement bubbling over.

"Look, Ethan! They've got all kinds of Pokéballs!" Ava grabbed a box of regular Pokéballs, her eyes gleaming. "Do you think this will be enough for my first catch?"

Ethan walked over, glancing at the shelf. He reached past the row of regular Pokéballs, grabbing a couple of Timer, Quick and Ultra Balls. "If you're looking to catch something strong, you might want to mix it up a bit."

Ava blinked, surprised. "You don't use regular Pokéballs?"

Ethan shook his head, a slight smirk on his face. "Not really. I like to be prepared for different situations. Timer Balls are good when a battle drags out, and Ultra Balls are better for tough catches. It's all about strategy."

She tilted her head, looking at the different types of Pokéballs. "I guess I never thought about it like that."

"You'll pick it up." Ethan smiled, handing her an Ultra Ball. "You'll know when it feels right for the Pokémon you're trying to catch."

"Then again I say just use whatever ball you feel fits" Ethan added while showing her the three Pokeballs on his belt that were housing his pokemon, which consisted of a Timer Ball for Zangoose, a Dusk Ball for Murkrow and a Lure Ball for Slowking.

Ava nodded thoughtfully, placing the Ultra Ball in her basket alongside the regular Pokéballs. They continued through the aisles, picking up potions, food, and camping gear for the journey. Ethan made sure to stock up on Potions and medicine—he'd learned the hard way that you could never have too many of those.

As they exited the store, arms full of bags, Ava was still mulling over the Pokéball options. "I hope I can make my first catch soon," she said, glancing down at Piplup. "It feels like everyone else we might meet already has so many Pokémon."

"You'll know when the right one shows up," Ethan reassured her, his eyes scanning the surrounding streets.

People bustled about, some chatting animatedly about the upcoming Pokémon Grand Tournament, while others hurried by, clearly focused on their own errands. The siblings were making their way toward the next store, Ethan casually reviewing his shopping list as Ava trailed behind, still in awe of the city.

Suddenly, a figure in the crowd caught Ethan's eye. A young woman, no older than them, was walking past, her demeanor calm and composed. She had a confident air about her, dressed in simple, well-fitted clothes that gave off a casual yet stylish vibe. Her straight silver hair glinted in the sunlight, and she wore sunglasses, which added to her air of mystery.

Something about her seemed… off, but Ethan couldn't quite place it.

"Hey, Ethan, look at that girl's Gible!" Ava whispered, pointing discreetly at the woman's side.

Sure enough, walking beside the woman was a Gible. The dragon-type waddled confidently at her side, gnawing on a rock it had found nearby. Despite its small stature, the Pokémon exuded a playful yet determined energy.

Ava, intrigued, quickened her steps to get a better look. "I've never seen a Gible up close before. I wonder if she's going to be a challenger too."

Ethan glanced at her, distracted by his own thoughts about the woman. "Maybe. But she doesn't really seem like she's here for the tournament."

Before they could catch up, the woman abruptly stopped, her hand sliding into her pocket as she glanced around cautiously. Her sunglasses shifted slightly, and for a brief moment, she met Ethan's eyes.

He felt a slight jolt—a sense of recognition. Not because he knew her, but because her gaze seemed too sharp, too calculating for someone who was merely strolling through town. The woman gave him a small, almost knowing smile, then turned back to her Gible.

Ava, completely oblivious to the subtle exchange, was still focused on the Pokémon. "That Gible is so cool. I wonder if she's from Sinnoh?"

The woman reached down to gently pat Gible's head. "Good job staying alert," she murmured softly, her voice barely audible amid the noise of the street. Ethan caught it, though, and the way she spoke with such care piqued his curiosity even more.

Just as quickly as she had paused, the woman resumed her walk, disappearing into the flow of people. Ethan's instincts told him that there was something more to her, something hidden beneath her calm exterior. He couldn't shake the feeling that her presence was deliberate, as if she were watching the area for some reason.

"Ethan? Earth to Ethan," Ava called, nudging him with her elbow.

"Huh?" Ethan blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. "Sorry, what?"

"You were staring at her like she was a shiny Pokémon," Ava teased. "Do you know her or something?"

Ethan shook his head. "No, I just… She seemed familiar somehow, but I don't think I've seen her before."

"Well, you probably won't see her again anyways," Ava said, brushing it off as she resumed walking. "This city's huge. People are always passing by."

Ethan nodded, though his mind remained focused on the mysterious woman. As they continued down the street, a nagging thought lingered in the back of his mind. Maybe it was nothing—or maybe it was something important. Either way, it wasn't something he could ignore.


A few weeks later: Kanto, Indigo Plateau…

The stadium buzzed with excitement, a mixture of nervous energy and anticipation hanging in the air. Thousands of trainers, coordinators, and spectators filled the grandstands, their voices a constant hum that vibrated through the floor. Ethan sat near one of the entrances to the stands, taking it all in—this was the beginning of something huge. The tournament and contest course were about to officially start, and both he and Ava were about to step into a world neither of them had ever fully experienced before.

"Look at this," Ava said quietly beside him, her eyes wide as she scanned the massive crowd. "I didn't think it would be this… big."

Ethan smiled at his younger sister's awe. It was a far cry from their quiet home in Solaceon Town. "It's the whole world, Ava. People from every region are here to compete. You're not just starting any old journey—you're stepping onto one of the biggest stages in the world."

Ava bit her lip, adjusting her hair nervously. "I hope Piplup and I are ready for this…"

"You'll do great," Ethan reassured her, his eyes flicking over to the large screens displaying the ceremony's countdown. He could feel his own excitement building. The thought of battling trainers across the world thrilled him, but the real allure to him was in the journey—traveling to distant regions, studying Pokémon legends, and uncovering the mysteries he'd always been curious about.

A loud chime echoed through the stadium, signaling the start of the ceremony. The crowd hushed, and the massive screens shifted to display the tournament's official logo, emblazoned with symbols from every major region. Ethan's heart skipped a beat. This was it.

From a platform in the center of the arena, a figure rose—an older woman dressed in a sleek, formal outfit that seemed to shimmer under the bright lights, Mariana Cressida. She was the tournament's head commissioner, a legendary trainer in her own right, known for her battle talent and leadership skills throughout the regions.

"Welcome," her voice boomed, amplified across the stadium, "to the Pokémon Global Tournament! Today marks the beginning of a new era of competition—trainers and coordinators from all corners of the world will challenge one another to prove themselves, some in battle and some in the art of performance."

The audience roared, a sea of flashing lights and waving hands. Ethan could feel the electricity in the air.

"Only the most skilled will move forward," the commissioner continued, her gaze sweeping over the stadium, "and only the strongest will earn their place in the final rounds. For trainers, it will be a test of strength, strategy, and endurance to gather 8 tournament badges. For coordinators, it will be about creativity, grace, and mastery of your Pokémon's beauty and abilities to aquire 5 ribbons. But for all of you, this will be an experience unlike any other."

The roar of the crowd intensified, and Ethan could feel Ava's nervous energy radiating beside him. He nudged her gently. "You're going to do great, Ava. Just remember, this is the start of something big. One step at a time."

She nodded, though he could tell her nerves were still fluttering. "I know. I just… I hope I can keep up. Some of these coordinators have been doing this for years, and I'm just starting."

Ethan placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Everyone starts somewhere. Besides, you've got Piplup, and you've got me. We'll figure this out together like we always do."

The commissioner raised her arms, and the lights around the arena dimmed. A series of spotlights illuminated the entrance tunnel of the stadium. The stage began to shine with a brilliant blue light as an attendant entered, carrying a pillow with a sleek wrist watch that glinted in the light.

"These devices you received at the front when you signed in," the commissioner said, gesturing to the watch, "are your personal travel companions. The PokeLink! They will guide you to your next tournament or contest destination, keep track of your progress, tournament badges and ribbons, allow you to freely swap your pokemon while on the road and so much more. Each event is an opportunity for growth, for learning, and for showing the world your talents."

Ethan looked at the device on his wrist, feeling its lightweight frame. He tapped the screen activating it instantly, displaying his name, home region, and a small map showing the current region and his location.

Ava stared at her PokeLink, eyes wide. "This is amazing… it's like it's tracking everything we'll do."

Ethan nodded. "It'll definitely help keep us on track. No wandering around, hoping we're in the right place at the right time." He tapped on his screen, opening up a list of possible destinations. "Looks like we can look up different regions depending on what we want to do. Battle tournaments, contests... it's all here."

The commissioner smiled warmly, looking out at the participants. "These devices will also allow you to communicate with fellow competitors and exchange data. They are your connection to this journey—use them wisely."

"And with that i declare the PGT officially started!" the commissioner road into the mic to deafening cheers and applause.

As the final cheers died down, Ethan could feel the rush of determination settling in his chest. His goal wasn't to win—he had bigger plans. The travel, the regions, the stories... that's where the true adventure was lying.

As the commissioner walked off the stage, Ethan turned to Ava. "You ready?" he asked.

Ava smiled, though it was still tentative. "Yeah. Still nervous though."

"You'll get used to it," Ethan said with a grin. "Trust me. After you get started, you'll completely forget about the crowd being there."

They joined the other participants in leaving the stadium as the opening ceremony came to a close, the buzz of anticipation still thick in the air. Ethan glanced down at his PokeLink again, his mind drifting not to his opponents, but to the legends and mysteries waiting in the regions ahead.


Meanwhile...

Cold, metallic walls reflected the dull light of numerous computer screens scattered around the room, their displays showing maps of various regions and strange energy readings. A large circular table dominated the center of the space, covered in documents, blueprints, and glowing holograms of ancient symbols.

A tall, imposing figure stood near the center of the room, their back turned to the others present, gazing at a large holographic map of multiple regions.

On the map, small, glowing points highlighted specific locations—some remote, others in bustling cities. Each point marked where one of the artifacts they sought was rumored to be hidden or had been sighted.

"They're scattered more widely than we anticipated," said a calm, authoritative voice from the figure in the center.

Around the table sat four members of Team Eclipse, the most trusted individuals of their organization. One of them, a stern-looking woman with icy blue eyes, leaned forward, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the table. "Our agents have confirmed only two that could come into our possession. The others are proving more elusive."

A gigantic muscular man to her right scoffed, his voice dripping with irritation. "We need all of them if we want the power. We're running out of time. The authorities are growing suspicious, and if any of those damn PGT participants start stumbling across the globe and run into one of our operations, it could complicate things."

The leader, still staring at the map, raised a hand to silence the room. "Time is irrelevant. What matters is precision. We've spent years searching, and now… we're closer than ever. The legends say the one who gathers them all could control the very essence of creation itself. The power to rewrite reality."

The figure turned to face the others, their face still obscured by the shadows. "The tournament is a perfect distraction. While the world's eyes are focused on trainers, coordinators, fame and glory, we'll be focused on seizing the one thing that matters."

The stern woman nodded. "I've dispatched agents to the ruins in Celestic Town. One of them is on display there, in plain sight. It won't be long before it's in our hands."

"And the others?" asked the man who'd scoffed earlier.

"According to old documents one could be hidden deep within Mount Coronet," she continued. "Some might even be with people who have no idea what they possess. It won't be easy, but with careful planning, we'll acquire them all."

A younger female member, with sharp, calculating eyes, spoke up. "What about the resistance we might face? We've already crossed paths with a few trainers getting curious. They've been… problematic."

The leader smirked beneath the shadows of their hood. "Curiosity can be dangerous. If any trainers become a threat to our plans, eliminate them. The ultimate power will be ours."

There was a cold, heavy silence in the room as the weight of their goal hung in the air.

"Prepare our operatives," the leader ordered, turning back to the glowing map. "The time has come to move forward. Soon, the world will no longer be under the reign of the gods. It will belong to Team Eclipse."


Later that night, Celestic Town...

The moonlit night blanketed Celestic Town in an eerie silence, with the ancient ruins standing as silent sentinels to the town's deep history. But that night, something darker stirred in the shadows. A group of Team Eclipse grunts—four in total—skulked through one of the ancient temples, their eyes set on an ancient pedestal in the middle of the ruins. Their mission: steal the Dread Plate, an artifact that could unlock untold power.

The leader of the group, a tall grunt with a cold smirk, adjusted his headset. "We're inside. Ready the extraction. This plate is more important than any of these idiots in the town realize."

Two grunts were already working with a glass cutter on the glass case around the plate.

"Got it!" one grunt whispered, grabbing the plate and tucking it into a padded case. The air grew heavier around them, as if the very atmosphere resented their theft.

"Move it!" the leader barked. "We need to get out of here before someone notices—"

He stopped mid-sentence, eyes narrowing as a chilling gust of wind blew through the temple. Suddenly, a shadow emerged at the far end of the ruins. A young girl stepped forward, her calculating green eyes glinting in the pale light. She was dressed in dark, form-fitting clothes that blended perfectly with the night, making her look more like a shadow than a person. Her face hidden under a half mask while her long silver hair, worn in high pigtails, almost shone in the moonlight.

"You really think you can take that plate and walk out of here?" Her voice was cold, confident.

The leader snarled, signaling to the other three grunts. "Deal with her! We're not leaving while having a witness!"

Two grunts released their Pokémon—an Ariados and a Golbat, their eyes glowing with malice as they prepared for battle.

But the girl was ready. She tossed two Poké Balls into the air. A flash of light revealed her Absol and Galarian Mr. Mime, both poised and ready for a fight. Mr. Mime stood silently, its eerie, painted face betraying no emotion as it flexed its fingers, while Absol's eyes locked onto the grunts, sensing the tension in the air.

"Absol, Psycho Cut!" She commanded without hesitation.

Absol's horn glowed with a sharp purple energy, and with a single slash, it sent a psychic blade hurtling toward Golbat. The attack struck hard and fast, sending the bat-like Pokémon crashing into a nearby pillar with a screech.

"Golbat, get back up!" the grunt yelled, but his voice wavered with uncertainty.

"Mr. Mime, Reflect," She ordered next.

A shimmering wall appeared before her and Absol, blocking the incoming barrage of Poison Sting from Ariados. The moment it hit the psychic barrier, the stingers shattered into harmless sparks.

"You'll regret this!" the leader growled, throwing out his own Pokémon—a Houndoom, its flames flickering with dark energy. "Burn her to ash!"

But the girl was unfazed. "Absol, Night Slash!"

Absol darted forward, its claws glowing with an inky blackness, before slashing Houndoom across the side. The Dark-type howled in pain, stumbling back as sparks flew from its fur.

Meanwhile, her eyes flicked to the grunts, who were trying to make a break for the exit with the Dread Plate. "Mr. Mime, Psychic!"

With a flick of Mr. Mime's fingers, a telekinetic force seized the grunt holding the case, yanking him into the air and slamming him into a wall. The case containing the Dread Plate tumbled from his grip, skidding across the temple floor toward Absol's feet.

"No!" the leader barked, watching as his plan unraveled.

The girl picked up the case, glancing at the Dread Plate inside. "This doesn't belong to you."

The leader's eyes burned with fury. "You don't know what you're interfering with! That plate is essential to our plans!"

"Maybe," She replied, her expression icy and detached. "But you won't be the ones who have it."

Absol stood protectively by its trainer's side as the rest of the grunts scrambled to recall their downed Pokémon. Houndoom was barely able to stand after the brutal Night Slash, and Golbat lay unconscious near the temple's crumbled pillar.

"Next time, stay out of my way," the girl warned as she turned, throwing the briefcase away while slipping the plate into her bag. Mr. Mime gave one last glance toward the grunts before following its trainer into the dark of night.

The leader slammed his fist into the ground in frustration. "You may have stopped us this time, but you're only delaying the inevitable!" he shouted after her, but she was already gone, disappearing into the shadows.

With the Dread Plate in her possession, Team Eclipse had suffered a major setback. But she knew this was only one small battle in a much larger war. Whatever they were planning, she would be ready.


A/N: Alright. With this the tournament has started and Ethan and Ava are off to the first steps of the journey. But before that we got a short glimpse at Ethan's team and also the answer to what the huge fight between dad and Ethan was. Though it remains to be seen whether these two will make up one day.

We also got our first small glimpse on our bad guys Team Eclipse and what they are after. But we also met a mysterious girl not afraid to interfere in their plans.


A/N2: There won't be a next chapter/update until after the submission deadline i set has passed!