AN: Please enjoy the chapter.
Ch 124 Evaluation Battle Pt 1
Evergrande City
The Ferry docked at Evergrande City's Port, many People were exiting the Boat and entering the Capital of the Hoenn Region.
Flying-type Pokemon soar through the Sky above the City, and many trainers and Residents were bustling around. Either visiting the Shops and the Pokemon Center or Battling at the many small Battlefields around the City.
Helena steps onto the Pier, wearing a white blouse with a pink Skirt and Brown Boots. Around her waist was her Pokemon inside of their respective Pokeballs.
The black-haired Woman smiles, looking around at the Capital of her Home Region. Helena smiles, seeing the place that governs Hoenn and the Home of the Hoenn League. "Wow, I don't know how many Months since I've been in Evergrande City." She said to herself,
"When was the last time you've been to the Capital, Sister?" N walks up to his Little Sister,
The former King of Team Plasma wore a light green shirt and over it was a white Jacket along with blue Jeans and black sneakers with green soles.
Helena turns around to her Brother, thinking about when was the last time she was in the Capital. "Hmm…I think it was when I returned from our Journey around the other Regions with Professor Ceder." She commented, noting how long it has been since she visited the Capital. "Wow, that was only a few Months…"
"Do you know your way, Sister?" N asked his Sister, wanting to make sure that she knew her way. "It's been some time,"
Helena turns to her Brother, answering his question with a smile. "Of course, N. It's the biggest Building that oversees the entire metropolis." The black-haired Woman looks at the top of the Mountain, where the bright color Eastern Building with green walls, orange roofings, and red pillars oversees Evergrande City.
"Still amaze me whenever I see the Hoenn League Building," N said, admiring the color of the Building, a fine representation of Hoenn's Summery Environment.
Helena agrees with her Brother, seeing the Hoenn League's Building has a sense of respect for the Region. Shaking her Head, she proceeded to walk down the Street to the quickest way to the Building.
N noticed that his Sister was walking rather quickly. "Sister, please slow down. We're not going to be late if we take our time getting there." The former King of Team Plasma said to his Sister.
Helena halted her pace, facing her Brother after he told her to slow down. "Sorry N." She apologizes to him, "Something like this tends to make me nervous," She explains.
"I can tell," The green-haired trainer chuckles, finding how amusing little things could make Helena so nervous. Usually, she is cool-headed when situations are stressful for her,
That wouldn't say she isn't nervous when things are difficult, rather she tries her best to overcome it. However, her habits do emerge when she gets that way, like walking quicker or tapping her Foot rapidly on the floor.
Regardless of that, Helena will face challenges that were comes her way. N looks at his Sister, addressing her worries. "Helena, I'm sure that you'll pass the Evaluation Battle." The former King said, knowing Helena was capable of Passing a Battle such as this. Even if it's against the Hoenn Region's Elite Four.
Helena smiled at her Brother, happy that he was coming with her to the Evaluation. "Thank you for coming with me, N. Even though you too were selected to participate in the Gym Leader Evaluation Selection." She commented,
"Of course, even if we're competing for the position of Gym Leader," Helena said, speaking to her Brother while they were heading to the Grand Staircase. She looks back at her Brother, wanting to make sure he really wants to participate in this.
"I'm alright with the Evaluation Battle if I'm being honest here, Helena. I'm surprised that they even chose me to be a Candidate." N said, expressing his feelings toward the proposition made for him. "I'm not really inclined to be a Gym Leader. I much prefer to take care of them, however, I don't mind participating in Battles." He said,
The black-haired Woman understood what her Brother was saying. "I'm glad that you're at least trying something new," Helena said to N as they walked up the Grand Staircase,
N nodded, looking up at his Sister. "I won't lie, the prospect of being a Gym Leader has interested me." The green-haired Ability User commented,
"I agree with you, N. Being a Gym Leader intrigues me too," Helena said, feeling anxious about becoming a Gym Leader in a good way. Sure she does have that experience during when Roxanne was extremely busy with other Challengers.
That experience of Battling Brendan for his chance to earn a Gym Badge was a whole other experience. However, there was a bit of hesitation; a sense of worry that she wouldn't meet up to the standards of being a Gym Leader for the Pokemon trainers that would come.
N could tell that his Sister was feeling a bit on edge, ever since they were preparing to leave for Evergrande City. The green-haired Man quickly walked at his Sister's pace, also wanting to make sure everything was alight with her.
"Helena, I can tell you are getting a bit anxious." The former King of Team Plasma asked, "Is there anything you want to get off your chest before heading inside the Pokemon League?" N asked, wanting her to feel less anxious.
"It's just a silly thought," Helena said to her Brother, "I'm just worried that I won't be able to meet the standards of a Gym Leader; helping the Pokemon trainers and their Pokemon to grow as a pair." The black-haired Woman said, sharing her thoughts.
N smiles, seeing that there is nothing to be worried about. "Helena, you got nothing to worry about." The former King of Team Plasma stated. "Believe it or not, you got that handled."
"What do you mean?" Helena asked, not following her Brother's Words.
N explains what he means to his Sister, seeing she doesn't understand. "What I mean is, Helena is that you're a natural at bringing out the best in People and Pokemon." The green-haired Ability User said, experiencing what he said firsthand. "Just act natural and the rest will come to you like that." He snaps his fingers, indicating that she can easily bring the best out of anyone.
"Thanks, N," Helena said, appreciating the confidence from her Brother.
The two headed up the Stairs and entered the Main Lobby of the Hoenn League. Waiting in the Lobby, Steven was standing near the Reception Desk for Challengers.
Helena smiles, seeing the familiar Steel-blue-haired Man waiting for their arrival. "Steven, were you waiting for us to come?" The black-haired Woman asked her Fiancé,
Steven turns around, hearing the voice of his Future Wife, "Yeah, that's the plan." He said, approaching Helena and N with a smile. "This is going to be the biggest decision you can make." The Hoenn Champion's eyes gazed over to N,
"For the both of you," Steven included his Future Brother-in-Law, also knowing this was a big deal for the former King. "N, I just want to confirm something with you in Person since you only received the invitation to join the League via Mail."
"Are you sure you want to go through with this? It may be an evaluation but it'll involve a lot of Battling." Steven said, wanting N to make the right call.
N nodded, already made his decision before coming to the Capital. "Yeah, I'm sure Steven. It'll be a good experience for me and my Friends," The green-haired Ability User stated.
Steven nodded, seeing things were ready to proceed. "If that's the case, then follow me to the Battlefield." He said, turning his Body and leading the way for the two Siblings.
While heading in, Steven turns to Helena, wanting to know something rather off-topic about the Evaluation Battle. "Ellie, were you able to find someone to watch the Boys?" The Champion asked, curious about their Sons.
Helena nodded, responding to her Fiancé's question. "Your Mother was kind enough to watch over Aiden and Casey while we're gone." She informed Steven who was watching the Boys.
"I'm glad that Mother was able to watch the Boys," Steven said, knowing exactly what was happening with the Potters. "I hope your Family isn't too busy for the Wedding Venue without Roxanne's guidance. I know Roxy is planning our Wedding and she's here currently."
N chuckles at Steven's comment. "We have dealt with serious things before." The green-haired trainer quickly said to the Hoenn Champion. "Setting up for a Wedding is something we can handle." He said,
Steven and Helena felt a sense of relief when the Potter Family stepped in to assist them during their busy time. Normally, they would be the ones helping others, but with the Pokémon League looking for new Gym Leaders, the couple has been too occupied to lend a hand.
The group stood outside at the Road resting on top of the Lakes of the Plateau. Steven looks at the Potter Siblings, informing them of what to expect in the Evaluation Battle they're about to take.
The Three entered the Battlefield's Lobby, Steven turned to face the Siblings. "Alright, so the Evaluation Battle is a one-on-one Battle against a member of the Elite Four depending on the Pokemon type you used," Steven explained to the two.
"So the gist is to see how we do against the Pokemon type that is strong or equal to our Partners," N said, his Hand on his Chin, following the instructions Steven laid out for them.
Helena looked at the Steel-blue haired Champion, "That seems easy enough," She commented,
"That does sound easy, Helena. However, remember they are the Elite Four," Steven reminded the black-haired Woman. "They're the strongest trainer in the Hoenn Region, you might find it a bit difficult, Ellie." He chuckles before his Rotom Phone starts to ring.
Steven quickly picked up his Rotom Phone, answering whoever was calling him. "Hello, this is Steven." He answered, waiting for the other end.
The Hoenn Champion listens to the Caller, requesting his attention. "Hmm…yes, alright. I'm just saying a few things to two Candidates right now and I'll be on my way there." Steven said, hearing a confirmation on the other end of the Call.
After a few details to clear up, Steven ended the Call and faced the Potter Siblings. "Sorry, that was one of the Staff asking where I am." He explains to the two,
"Is there something the matter, Steven?" Helena asked, curious about that Phone Call just a moment ago.
"It's nothing to worry about," Steven put away his Rotom Phone," The Staff is wondering where I was because they need me to oversee the Evaluation Battle along with the other Gym Leaders and Elite Four." He said, explaining the Phone Call.
Steven placed his Rotom Phone back into his pocket, moving his Feet to the left side of the Arena. "The other Candidates are just past these doors; once there, wait until one of the League's Staff calls your Name." The Hoenn Champion explains the process to the two.
"Understood, let's head in, Helena." N looks at his Sister, heading towards the doors to the Locker Room.
Helena followed her Brother, about to enter the Locker Room to prepare for the Battle.
"I wonder what the other Candidates are like," Helena said, curious about who the Pokemon League has chosen for potential Gym Leaders.
"I am too, Helena. Whoever they are, the Pokemon League most likely has chosen trainers who are strong with their Pokemon during Battles." N said, also curious about the Candidates inside the Locker Room.
The Potter Siblings stood inside the Locker Room where the other Gym Leader Candidates were gathered.
Each of them has their Partners out to prepare for their Names to be called.
Helena looked around, seeing many trainers who were strong in their own rights. If she looked closer, some faces were familiar to her, but others weren't so familiar.
There was an Eleven-Year-Old trainer with a small Insect-like Pokemon hovering above him as he smiles,
Off in one corner was a purple-haired Man with a sketchbook in his Hands, sketching something while a large Hell-Hound-like Pokemon with a purple collar on his neck slept beside his legs.
"So many Pokemon trainers that have the potential to become Gym Leaders," Helena spoke, surprised by the many trainers gathered around.
"They're only here to fill the quota; remember the space for a Gym Leader position is limited, Helena." N reminded his Sister why there were so many turnouts here. "In any case, it's best to prepare yourself with your Pokemon before your Name is called."
Just like that, a League Staff Member entered into the Locker Room from the side where the Battlefield was. "Ronan Lark, you're next." The Staff Member called out for the next Pokemon trainer.
The Eleven-Year-Old stood up from his Seat, smiling as his time finally came. He looks down at his Partner, seeing if he's ready. "Are you ready Vibrava?" The young trainer asked his Partner.
Vibrava cried, fluttering next to his Partner.
Ronan and his Partner followed the Pokemon League Staff at the door. He guided the Gym Leader Candidate to the Battlefield where the Elite Four Member would test him.
A few Hours have passed since they arrived in the Locker Room, and many of the Gym Candidates were called in one at a time, Battling in the Evaluation Battle.
The two Potter Siblings watched the Evaluation take place, where the Candidates Battled against one of the Elite Four and their Partners.
"Gardevoir…" Gardevoir commented, also watching the Battle with Alister and his Houndoom against Sydney and his Sharpedo.
"You can say that twice, Gardevoir." Helena agrees with her Partner, watching the current Battle before them.
N steps forward with Zoroark standing next to him, he crosses his arms as both he and his Partner watch the same Battle with his Sister and her own Partner. "I can tell those two have a strong Bond with each other. Their coordination, understanding of each other moves, and the amount of trust they have are remarkable." The green-haired trainer commented, observing the Bonds between them.
"Well, I've seen them before," Helena said to her Brother, "Those two were competing in the Sootoplis Pokemon Contest; their Performance was the First Performance I've had since I came to Hoenn." She smiled, remembering the amazing Performance from both Wallace and Alister.
The green-haired trainer nodded, now fully understanding why the two were in sync. "That makes more sense then," N commented, smiling at the two. "The way that Houndoom moves, it makes sense that he'll move like he was dancing in the air."
Everyone watched as Houndoom dodged the many Water-type Attacks that Sharpedo aimed at him.
With a single order from Alister, Houndoom leaps into the air, his Tail develops a metallic coat. The Fire/Dark-type Pokemon flips over, slamming his Iron Tail Attack at the Opponent's Sharpedo.
Once the dust settled, it revealed that Houndoom was standing above the defeated Duel-type Pokemon.
Blanche, who's acting as the Referee for every Evaluation Battle, "Sharpedo is unable to Battle." She raised her Hand to the other end of the Battlefield where Alister stood. "The victor is Houndoom and Alister Dark!"
The Gym Leaders, the three remaining Elite Four Members, and Steven applaud for the purple-haired trainer's victory.
Back inside of the Locker Room, the Gym Leader Candidates were applauding for another victory. Their Pokemon Partners were also cheering at Houndoom's victory.
Helena turns to her Brother, smiling at another fellow Candidate winning against Sydney. "There's a lot of strong trainers here, huh." She said to N.
"Yes, I'm pretty sure that Steven and the others will have a hard time choosing who will fulfill the Position," N commented, impressed thus far from the Battles he'd seen.
Gardevoir and Zoroark looked at each other, seeing what to expect from the Opponent's Team. "Gardevoir," The Fairy/Psychic turns to her Partner, seeing the Ability User looking at her.
"Are you watching the Evaluation Battle?" Helena asked gently, receiving a confident nod from her First Pokemon,
N chuckles, seeing the determination on the Embrace Pokemon's face. "Gardevoir looks like she's ready for the Evaluation Battle." The former King of Team Plasma informed his Sister,
He then turns to his own Partner, seeing the same expression he was making like Gardevoir. "You're really determined for this Battle, Zoroark," N said to his Friend as he approached him,
N reached out, petting the mane of his Friend, "If you're that confident, then let's show them what we're mad of, my Friend." He smiles, feeling exhilarated by his Partner's excitement.
"Zoroark's ready to Battle, but are you ready, N?" The black-haired Woman asked, checking up on him. At any given notice, either he or she could be called next for their Evaluation Battle.
The green-haired trainer ponders the question he was just asked. "From what I've seen from the others' Battles, the Elite Four are being paired with the Pokemon type that is stronger against our Partners," N said, observing the Battles so far, taking note of what's happening.
Helena nodded, finding that to be reasonable that the Pokemon League would want to test the Gym Leader Candidates in the types that are their Partners' weaknesses. "That makes sense; they probably want to see how we do when the odds are against us." She commented, understanding the task.
N nodded about to say add to Helena's comment only for one of the League Staff Members to come in to call who's next. "N Potter, you're up next." The Staff Member called for the former King of Team Plasma.
The Ability User paused, hearing his Name being called already. N turned to face his Sister, "Well, it seems that it's my turn." N said before looking at his Friend who was excited that it was their turn to Battle,
N chuckles, "Alright Zoroark, calm down." He's taking out his Friend's Pokeball and called him back in preparation for the Battle. "Return please," He said, following the procedure for the Evaluation Battle.
After calling his Partner back into his Pokeball, N proceeded to follow the Pokemon League Staff to the Battlefield.
Helena steps forward, "N, wait." She called out to her Brother, she saw his Head turn his Head towards her.
The Matriarch of the Potter Family smiles at him, "Good luck out there, N." Helena says, wishing him luck in his Battle.
N smiled back at his Sister, appreciating her gesture. He turns around and waves his toward Helena as he follows the Staff onto the Battlefield.
Within the Battlefield, Steven swipes away the document that held the previous Gym Leader Candidate. "Alright, Alister's Battle is impressive." The Hoenn Champion said, bringing up the next Candidate, "Okay, so who's next in the Line?" He turns to the group,
"N Potter," Drake informed the Hoenn Champion, "And his Opponent is…"
The green-haired trainer walks towards the Battlefield, taking the stand where the trainers before stood. His eyes gaze over to the Elite Four Member who'll be his Opponent for the Battle. "My, what a Handsome Man,"
Standing before N was a pale wearing a pale violet dress with her cuffs and collar resembling Icicles. N blinks, seeing who his Opponent is. "You are…"
"Indeed, I am Glacia of the Hoenn Elite Four." Glacia greeted the young trainer before her. "My specialty is Ice-type Pokemon, now, Mr. Potter." The pale blonde-haired Woman smiles, holding her Partner's Pokeball in the palms of her Hands.
"Let's see what you got." She smiles,
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.