Author's Note:

Here it is, the chance for us to see Drake's team in more action. I wanted to give his team a chance to fight because I can put a lot of personality in with action since the speech is limited. I guess you could say this is based on the episode: A Rival Battle for Club Champ, but it's also very much my own creation. It's also meant to contrast the early battle between Ash and Brendon from the Hoenn arc, since it should show the difference between the twins. We also get to see an evolution; I didn't initially plan on it for this chapter, but it felt right whilst writing the battle. Not much else to say, don't forget to vote in the poll, it'll change next chapter, with it let's begin...

Chapter ten: Trip on the First Leg of the Journey

Drake mulled over his team as they walked down the pond-side path. Eyes glanced out to the water where he saw some white-feathered bird Pokémon with a psyduck-bill floating on the top. Every so often some black and green fish would surface but never long enough to get a proper view.

His mind focused on the pending Nacrene gym challenge. He knew normal types were some of the toughest around because of their adaptability, a unique trait to multiple different types. It's one of the reasons his Snorlax was one of his two heaviest hitters. Not to mention a lack of any real weakness', only fighting can hit for effective type match up but a ghost could effectively wall... except the large move variety makes that a risker option.

Tepig, Blitzle and Excadrill... while he could just let Pinsir or Machamp loose on the leader, they won't get anything from the match. He might as well use it to push his newer captures, but the question is who-

"-I must say Drake, I'm surprised." He turned to see Cilan glancing at his arms. Looking down, he saw the egg rescued from Rico's jeep. "I never took you for a paternal type. I've heard raising a Pokémon from the shell is one of the most challenging endeavours for a trainer to undertake."

"I'm not a paternal type-" He sneered. "But Marowak is... I'm just the trainer he's testing it through."

"In the village, it's said that a bond formed from the egg leads to the strongest partnerships between people and Pokémon-" Iris smiled. "It's why the Axew starters given out to the village children are all newly hatched. So, we can grow together as a team."

"It is commonly addressed by powerful trainer's that some of their most reliable Pokémon, if not their starter was hatched-" Drake noted. "Lance... the dragon specialist from Kanto's elite four has been open about his Dragonite being one such Pokémon... it's certainly made me open to the idea."

"Well, I can't wait to see what it hatches into!" Iris beamed. "What do you guys think it is?"

"Based on the blue colouring, it could be a water type..." Cilan mused. "But the other details on the shell-"

"That's a misconception." Drake cut him off. "The shell design is based upon the parents, not the species inside. While there obviously gonna have some overlap, the shell could be a mixture of two different species. Given the level of details present... I'd wager that's the case here. Even if we could identify the individual species... knowing which one the child inherits is a fifty-fifty shot."

"It's just a bit of fun," Cilan noted. "And I'm sticking to my theory it's going to be some sort of water type."

"I'm gonna say it's a dragon-" Iris added. "Or at least evolves into one."

"You two are both such little kids-" He rolled his eyes.

Turning back to the path ahead, he stopped as his eyes met a familiar sight. One of the three trainers from Juniper's lab... not Tepig's old trainer and not the energetic kid who reminded him of Ash but the third one... with sickly-blonde hair who took the grass starter.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't the kid from the boonies-" His eyes narrowed.

"Weird way to introduction yourself." He chuckled. "But you are Unovan, so it fits."

"My name's Iris." She smiled. "It's nice to meet you!"

"It looks like you're doing well, Trip-" the former gym leader added.

"Cilan?!" His eyes widened. "From the Striaton gym?"

"Right!" He nodded. "Drake, Iris and myself are travelling together."

"While I wasn't expecting this-" Trip mused. "How many gym badges have you got?"

"Me?" Drake asked, already guessing where this was going. Since he's heading from Nacrene, he likely already got the second Unovan badge. "Seventeen."

"Maro Marowak."

"So, what're you doing out here Trip?" Cilan asked, stepping between them.

"I'm heading to Wellspring cave-" He pulled out his badge case, revealing the same trio badge from Striaton and a second rectangular badge with golden edges and purple centre... if Drake was being honest, the first thing that came to mind was a book. "-during my battle with Lenora, she mentioned her assistant being out on a mission. Some sort of strong wild Pokémon being there. Figured it would make a good team member."

Drake inwardly smirked as his fingers brushed against Excadrill's Pokéball on his belt. His mind flashed to the previous thoughts about his own upcoming gym battle and a smirk flickered upon his lips. He wasn't sure which of the trio were ready for a gym challenge but what better way to test it?

"How many Pokémon do you have?" he asked.

"Six?" He sneered. "Why?"

"How about a battle?" he asked. "I need to see where my Unovan team is... I won't use any of my more experienced fighters."

"You want a battle?" Trip asked, a smirk flicking up on his lips as he took out a Pokéball. "Fine... but I want a full six on six."

"Huh."

"You heard, six-v-six." He clarified, tossing his device up. "All or nothing."

"Fine-" He rolled his eyes. "But no substitutions on either side."

"Easy." Trip tossed his device up and his eyes flickered upon the new Pokémon, the voice echoing in his ear. "Go Servine!"

A slim bipedal Pokémon that was primarily green with a cream underside, and narrow red eyes. A yellow V-shaped structure that starts at the chest and extended up behind the shoulders. It had short limbs and a small crest protruding from the back of the head. Three palmate leaves grow along its back and tail. The pointed nose stuck up as it reached about the Unovan-boys knee caps. He pulled out his Pokédex to scan his clear starter Pokémon:

Servine, The grass snake Pokémon. The evolved form of Snivy. They avoid attacks by sinking into the shadows of thick foliage. They retaliate with masterful whipping techniques. When it gets dirty, its leaves can't be used in photosynthesis, so it always keeps itself clean

"Interesting-" He mused, putting the device into his pocket, and pulling a Pokéball off. He clearly wanted a strong start to try and build up numbers first, a smart strategy when on the back pedal. While he has one type advantage, he might as well match strength with strength. "You're up, Excadrill!"

His ground steel type materialised and scrapped his claws together. Letting out a low hiss, causing Servine to act. Moving one foot back, she lowered down and narrowed the eyes even further. Limbs twitching as if waiting for the battle to start... something which shows the lack of experience.

"Cilan... will you do the honours please?" Drake asked.

The former gym leader stepping up between them in the referee spot, holding both arms out in a t-pose. Both Pokémon stiffened up into the battle pose as his eyes narrowed. Flickering between the two combatants before resting on the trainer. He really doesn't care for this guy or even about winning this battle but as long as he can properly test his three Unovan Pokémon before the next gym, he'll accept any of the rules he wishes to implement for the rounds.

"Excadrill verses Servine!" Cilan declared. "Let the battle begin!"

Drake verses Trip: Round one

The second the battle started; the grass starter shot forward. He had to admit, he certainly had speed on his side if nothing else.

Seeing his newest capture's claws shimmer in silver. He brought them down in a slashing motion over his opponent.

Burying the claw in the ground, he was helpless as the grass type slipped underneath. Two vines shot out and wrapped around Excadrill's claw. As he tried to pull and flip his ground steel type over, however, the middle stage starter lacked the strength needed.

Lifting his claw up, he jerked it forward. Sending the pure grass type flying into his back. Spinning on his heel, his claw shimmered again.

Hitting the serpent in the head, he sent his opponent flying across the field. Rolling in the dirt, he stopped just in front of his trainer.

"Get up!" Trip commanded, stomping his foot.

His ground steel type lunged forward with his claws ready to strike. Landing where the starter lay, his claw pierced the ground.

Rolling to the side, the grass type let out a low hiss. Thick brown seeds shot out and landed on his Subterrene Pokémon. Vines burst out, engulfing him.

"If we can't get up close, we'll attack from afar!" Trip shouted. "Leaf tornado!"

Jumping into the air, the serpent spun forward. A powerful wind blew down on his trapped Excadrill, with green leaves whirling around the vortex. Growling heavily, he struggled to keep the ground as he scrapped across the floor.

"Rapid spin and crush claw combo!" Drake instructed. "Once free... dig."

Closing his eyes, he let out a low sigh. Part of him wished his Excadrill could work it out himself. Back in the cave, he seemed to work well enough but that was against another physical fighter... and he had a cave to throw on them. While strong... he's hardly a strategist.

Opening his eyes, he found the grass starter landing on the floor. In front of him was none other than a hole.

"Keep you heads up... he'll come up close!" Trip explained. "Get leaf blade ready!"

The tail-leaves of Servine glew bright green, radiating with grass energy. Shifting around from one spot to another, the snake scanned the ground.

His own Pokémon shot up from the ground, a second after the serpent passed over. Shooting into the air, he arched over.

Uncurling from the drill pose, his claws extended out as he came down. Slipping behind the subterrene Pokémon, his leaf slice up Excadrill's back.

Spinning around, his metal claws shimmered with steel energy. Only to meet thin-air where he opponent no-longer stood.

Letting out a roar of anger as his knee took a leaf blade. He stomped his feet around, different stealth rocks spiked up as he tried to hit the opponent.

The embarrassing displayed continued as the grass type slipped around his ground steel type. Excadrill crashed and destroyed his own rocks in the frenzy.

"Excadrill... you're an idiot-" He muttered under his breath, pinching the bridge of his nose. In a louder voice. "You're not going to win in a speed match... and grass types tend to have multiple ways to keep up their energy... just listen carefully and act when I say-"

Bringing himself to a stop, his newest team member growled something... probably inappropriate. Holding both claws out in a t-pose.

Servine brought the leaf blade down on his back and he slithered to the side. Panting slightly as he face the subterrene Pokémon.

"There gonna try something!" Trip warned. "Use vine whip to get the momentum! We need to end this in one go!"

With the tail still glowing, two vines came out near the shoulders. Pushing down on the ground, the grass type launched himself into the air.

Reaching an apex, he leaned forward. Spinning around in a curled-up ball, the tail hung out as he fell down on them once more.

Clenching his fist, he watched the opponent closely. Mentally counting and analysing the speed of the serpent. "Drill run now!"

Excadrill slammed himself shut, trapping the starters tails within the drill form. Flying forward and spinning around, Trip's pure grass type continued to bash down on the floor as they shot over the floor. Piercing into a rock-pillar from before, Excadrill uncurled and jumped back.

The grass snake slumped down against the entry hazard. Swirls replaced his eyes as what looked like a nasty bruise formed on the face.

"Servine is unable to battle!" Cilan declared. "Making the winners of the first round Drake and Excadrill!"

He smirked as the arrogant boy recalled his starter. Watching the boy closely, he seemed to swallow hard, clipping it back onto his belt. He knew that his starter, especially this early into his adventure, would be his strongest member. While Servine might've caused both Tepig and Blitzle problems, he knew he had nothing left to worry about in this match. It'll be the perfect test for his newer team members before the Nacrene gym challenge.

"You got lucky-" Trip sneered.

"Didn't you know Excadrill was part steel type?" he asked. "A grass types not as good a choice as it seems on the surface. It's not lucky if planned out."

"Of course, I know that!" Trip yelled, unclipping his next Pokéball. "Okay Timburr, I need your help!"

In a flash of light, a grey bipedal Pokémon with a dark purple nose and dark-grey oval-shaped eyes materialised. It had a bubous protrusion extending from the front and lower parts of its head. Pink, vein-like bulges were present out of the back of its head. Similar pink veins adorned the shoulders and thighs, bulging as he flexed in place. A smallish log sat under one of his arms. A couple rocks flew over and hit him. He pulled out his Pokédex to test it:

Timburr, the Muscular Pokémon. It loves helping out with construction projects. It loves it so much that if rain causes work to halt, it swings its log around and throws a tantrum. Timburr that have started carrying logs that are about three times their size are nearly ready to evolve

"If the log size is what determines the level of experience, it's clear this is a pretty young Timburr-" He mused, putting the device away. "I'm gonna say this was a new catch... Couldn't be longer than a week."

"So, what if Timburr is my latest capture?!" Trip asked. "A fighting type has the advantage over Excadrill... that's basic."

"We'll see-" He shrugged. "Don't disappoint me, Excadrill!"

His ground steel type let out a loud cry and scrapped his claws together. Planting them down in the ground, he leaned forward, showing his razor-sharp teeth towards his opponent. Timburr took up a defensive stance as his eyes nervously locked onto his opponent... causing a smirk to flicker upon his own lips.

"Excadrill verses Timburr!" Cilan declared. "Let the battle begin!"

Drake verses Trip: Round two

He watched his newest team member charge forward, both claws extended out to the side with a white glow. Growing slightly, he swiped forward, and the claw hit the wooden log. Burying a gash of about two inches into the weapon. Bringing his claw up, he knocked it into the air.

Timburr struggled to hold on as he pushed forward. Raised arms left his underbody clear for the subterrene Pokémon.

In one swift motion, he spun and used his claw to knock Timburr back. The log fell down and plonked Excadrill on the head.

Letting out a loud cry of anger, he withdrew into his drill form. Bursting forward across the ground, tackling the fighting type into the dirt.

Skipping off the muscular Pokémon, he dived into the ground. A single hole left in his path as Timburr struggled up to his feet.

"Bulk up!" Trip ordered.

Closing his eyes, his whole body tensed up with a red out. His muscles flexed as he seemed to build up his energy stores.

Bursting out of the ground from behind the pure fighting type, Excadrill uncurled from his drill form. Throwing his body down onto the muscular Pokémon's back, he crashed down, creating a small crater as a seismic tremor echoed, he kneeled down to prevent himself from falling over.

Walking off his opponent, Excadrill approached as he peered over. Cilan doing the same, but Timburr pulled himself up, wobbling from the intense blow.

Letting out his own cry, he stomped the ground. A big rock shot out and he pushed it towards the Subterrene Pokémon.

Having heard the commotion, Excadrill spun. His sliver-shimmered claw burst the rock open into piles of rubble which rained over him.

Spinning on the spot, the rubble shot back. Barrages of rock slides buried the crater as Timburr stumbled backwards.

Falling over the somewhat filled hole, he lay flat on the ground. With Excadrill letting out a victorious cry whilst flexing both claws out to the side.

"Timburr is unable to battle!" Cilan declared. "Making the winners of the second round Drake and Excadrill!"

He watched his ground steel type flexing his claws under the sun as a red light engulfed his previous opponent. Clenching his fist, he made a mental note about possibly needing Pinsir to humble the newest team member once more. Although he should focus more on the pending battle right now.

"I'm guessing Timburr was the one you thought could make the Nacrene gym easy?" he asked. "It was clearly undertrained... even compared to the others."

"We'll see if your still that confident after this-" He tossed a Pokéball out in front of him. "Frillish, I need your help!"

In a flash of light, a Tentacool-shaped Pokémon materialised. It had a round head, with a triangular crown-like tuft, and five smooth tentacle-like appendages; two serving as arms and three as the lower half of its body. The face had oval eyes with white pupils; red rings and blue sclerae with eye lashes on each and a wavy, collar around its neck. It floated over the ground, with the primarily colour of blue. A frown spread over the darker blue lips. He quickly analysed the opponent and guessed it was some sort of water type. Although the way it floated gave off a ghostly impression, shrugging he pulled out his Pokédex:

Frillish, the Floating Pokémon. Male variant. Using the invisible poison spikes on its veil like arms and legs, it paralyzes its enemies and causes them to drown. Legend has it, these are the spirits lost on ships sunk out at sea. Living deep under the ocean surface, they are adept to high pressures and low lighting.

Putting the device away, his eyes flickered down to the ground steel type. He wasn't an idiot and even if he hadn't already fought two continuous battles, he really doesn't have anything to match this sort of opponent. Although he can at least use it for testing out this new opponent.

"Frillish here won me the balance badge-" Trip informed. "You're not going to win this time."

"Uh huh." He rolled his eyes. "Let's just see if you can survive a three-v-one. Excadrill... remember normal moves are a no-go for this one."

His ground steel type let out a loud cry, clearly not appreciating the lecture on type match-ups. Of course, he knew it was just his inner arrogance being bruised but that wasn't always a bad thing. Last thing he needs is him building up his own abilities in his head before physically because of an easy match.

"Excadrill verses Frillish!" Cilan declared. "Let the battle begin!"

Drake verses Trip: Round three

His subterrene Pokémon stuck his claw into the ground, tilting some of the ground up. He tossed it up to the opponent before repeating with his other claw. A blob of mud flew up but arched over as their opponent moved out of the way. Flying between the onslaught of mud-slaps in a ghostly manner.

Hovering above his newest team member, he brought both arm-tentacles together. A series of blue fire balls formed.

"Sandstorm." He instructed.

Spinning around with claws barely piercing the ground. A wind with sand and grit flew up. Blowing Frillish back and extinguishing the will-o-wisps.

Trip let out a low growl as he disappeared amongst the desert-weather. "Rain dance!"

Squinting, he turned to the sky. A dark cloud formed over the field. Rain drops started falling from the sky, dampening down on the sandstorm.

A sphere of water formed in-between the ghost-water types tentacles. Throwing it down, his subterrene Pokémon raised his claw, piercing it open and covering his body in water. Although the moment passed as another water pulse struck his chest, knocking him back into the now muddy field.

"Rapid spin on the spot!" Drake instructed.

Withdrawing into his drill form, he fell down onto the ground. Spinning on his axes, blobs of mud shot out like a sprinkler over a garden in summer.

He covered his face before peeking out to see the floating Pokémon. His face covered with mud as he turned to let the rain wash it off.

"Use the lake!" Trip shouted. "He can't attack us there!"

Frillish floated down, still being belted with the mud blobs. Diving down into the lake and out of sight. He took a deep breath for a counter, but he lacked the time as the water-ghost type emerged, water orbiting around his body like some sort of aqua-bubble. A steam-pump of water shot out.

His ground steel type sunk down into the ground. Narrowly avoiding the brine as it washed over the field.

"Aim it into the hole!" Trip instructed.

Redirecting the brine, it shot straight down into the hole. Bursting up on another part of the field, Excadrill fell out of the jet of water.

"Excadrill is unable to battle!" Cilan declared. "Making the winners of the second round Drake and Excadrill!"

Pulling out his Pokéball, he quickly recalled the ground steel type. Holding the device in his hand, he closed his eyes. Running over the battle, he thought about the opponent and his other members from the short list of his Unovan captures.

While he believes it's important for a Pokémon to face an opponent, they are usually weak too, not when they don't at least have some sort of way to win. It takes out Tepig since his style is pretty physical and he'd struggle to even hit Frillish. Of course, Blitzle is also his least experienced fighter but then again, this is a practice battle. Opening his eyes, he quickly switched the devices in his hand and locked eyes with the dirty-blonde boy.

"Your turn, Blitzle!" He shouted.

A red light shot out of his Pokéball, and the female Pokémon materialised. Standing on the muddy ground, she spread her legs slightly to strengthen her stance as the rain continued to drizzle down. Her eyes looked up to the ghost-water type who let out a sinister cry, causing her to step back apprehensively.

His eyes flickered over to Trip, who had a Pokéball in hand. "Hang on, Trip. Remember the neither side can switch rule? If you recall Frillish, it counts as a win for us?" The boy grumbled something but slowly returned the ball to his belt.

"We still won the last round-" Trip shouted, pulling out his Pokédex to scan the electric type.

"It took three Pokémon to handle Excadrill-" Drake corrected. "Don't count your Doduo's until they hatch."

"Like I said, Frillish won the last badge-" Trip

"Congratulations-" He clapped slowly. "Your only fifthteen badges behind myself. You might want to catch up."

Inwardly smirking, it was this reason he wanted to insist on the rule. If this is about testing his new captures, then he doesn't need to strategize around switching in and out. Of course, out of all three of his Pokémon he plans on using... Blitzle is the one he expects to perform worst in this battle.

"Blitzle verses Frillish!" Cilan declared. "Let the battle begin!"

Drake verses Trip: Round four

Frillish floated upwards as the rain hammered down. Bringing the tentacle-arms together and a sphere of water formed between them. Throwing the water pulse down, it burst onto the ground as his electric type ran out of the way. Taking a deep breath, a barrage of high-pressured bubbles shot out in a beam.

Bursting across the floor, it tracked Blitzle as she tried to swerved side-to-side. Her leg slid on the muddy ground, causing her to stumble in a splash.

The bubble beam burst over her back causing her to cry out. Her legs wobbled as she tried to stand up once more.

Electricity sparked over her body as Frillish floated behind her. Balls of fire shot out, striking her in the back, causing flames to erupt over her.

A shockwave expanded out and struck the water ghost type. Frillish cried out and a mystic, clear glow covered his body. Continuing on his path, the electric attack seemed to fade as the recover stopped. Staring down, a black zig-zagged beam with a purple outline shot down onto the electrified Pokémon.

Blown back, she skidded across the floor. Shaking her body, sparks began to jump off as she closed her eyes.

"Remember what I told you about the new move!" Drake shouted. "Just shoot Frillish down!"

An electric out charge continued to burst over her body. The ring formed and shot out into the sky, striking the floating Pokémon once more.

"Hide in the water!" Trip shouted. "He won't dare shock you there!"

The water ghost type dived down with great speed. Splashing into the lake and disappearing from sight. Causing a smirk to flicker upon his lips.

"Don't count on it!" Drake ordered. "After it! And test out spark!"

Blitzle froze for a moment before visibly gulping. Taking off in a gallop, electricity sparkled over her body as she lept. Splashing into the lake, water erupted upwards as an explosion. As the water settled, both Pokémon were floating on the surface, each with swirls in their eyes.

"B-both Pokémon are unable to battle!" Cilan declared, with a slightly nervous disposition.

He held his device up and quickly recalled the electric type from the water. Looking down at the device, he knew she had some hidden potential, and this proved it but whilst unrefined he couldn't risk her in a gym match. Maybe in whatever the third leader ends up being, but definitely not Nacrene.

"Are you crazy?!" Trip shouted. "You electrocuted the lake!"

"Yes... but it's not a recent thing..." He dismissed. "And you started it, using it to hide. The lake was fair game!"

"Do you know how many Pokémon it could've effected?!" Cilan asked. "All the water types that would've been shocked?!"

"Not really... and I don't care to count-" He shrugged. "But you're the ref, remember... you could've called it out of bounds when first used."

"You're a damn psychopath!" Trip shouted, gripping his Pokéball containing Frillish.

"High functioning sociopath-" He corrected. "Now I believe it's my pick of Pokémon... go Tepig!"

His first caught Pokémon in Unova landed on the ground, snorting out small flames from his nose. Scrapping one foot in the dirt, his eyes locked onto Trip.

He couldn't deny the Pokémon's drive... He knew Excadrill was well trained due to his evolution already, but this shall prove whether he can trust the fire pig in the Nacrene gym. While he has no real advantage, he also lacks a real disadvantage so this test should prove quite informative for them both.

"Oh, don't worry-" He shook his head, a smirk flickering upon his lips. "I won't tell Tepig to use spark in the lake... promise."

"If that's how you want it-" Trip uttered, switching devices in his hand. "I need your help, Tranquill!"

In a flash of light, a grey avian Pokémon with lighter grey and black markings. Its beak and eyes were yellow, and there were a dark pink marking above the beak that curved over the eyes. It had a black tuft of two feathers on the head and a petal-like arrangement of feathers on the nape of its neck. There was a black stripe on each of its light grey, black-tipped wings. Each of the pink feet had black talons. He pulled out his Pokédex to scan the next opponent:

Tranquill, the Wild Pigeon Pokémon. The evolved form of Pidove. These bright Pokémon have acute memories. No matter where in the world it goes, it knows where its nest is, so it never gets separated from its Trainer. It can fly moderately quickly.

As he put the device back into his pocket, he couldn't help but notice the way in which Trip looked at his Pokémon. His nose wrinkled, as his finger scratched the right cheek, which was slightly indented, hinting he was chewing thoughtfully on it.

"Is that-" his voice muttered.

"-the same Tepig from Juniper's lab?" he finished the question. "Yes... You don't happen to know where Shamus is, do you?"

"Nope..." He straightened his expression. "I think he's from Floccesy town, if it helps..."

"Where is it?" he asked.

"It's a ranching town to the south-west of the state-" Cilan informed. "It'll be out of your way on the league challenge. None of the gyms are located there."

"And if he's doing the league challenge too, I'm not likely to find him there either-" Drake nodded. "So, are we going to start this?"

Tranquill let out a squawk of agreement. Flapping the wings, he gained a little height but didn't really move forward as Tepig growled in a low tone. His tail ball wobbled back and forth as the long ears folded down slightly. His eyes raised and looked to the sky, the rain fading from the sky.

"Tepig verses Tranquill!" Cilan declared. "Let the battle begin!"

Drake verses Trip: Round five

He watched his pure fire type hop back. Slashes of air flew down, striking the ground as Tepig avoided them. Looking up to the sky, he took a deep breath, exhaling a thick purple cloud of toxic hums. From his own advantage point, he could see both Pokémon, but they were invisible to each other.

Seeing the wild pigeon Pokémon enter a dive, his eyes widened- "defence curl!"

His fire pig Pokémon barely had time to curl up as the smog hindered the quick attack entry. Being crashed into and blown back.

Uncurling from his position, he shot a single ember up. Lighting up the smog cloud, a wall of fire formed.

Tranquill panicked, flopping back onto the ground as the fire burned his wings. Patting them down to extinguish the fire with the dirt.

Tepig wasted no time in entering a run. With a slight leap, he curled up. Rolling across the field, striking Tranquill in the chest, continuing behind.

Curving around in a wide berth, the slightly wet mud splattered to the sides. The wild pigeon Pokémon scattered over the ground, running from him.

Flapping his wings, small hopes from the ground. He barely managed to get airborne as Tepig scrapped the underneath.

With the fiery wall disperses, the two Pokémon circled around. One in the sky and one on the floor. His fire type slowly picking up more speed.

"Gust to knock it off course!" Trip shouted.

Stopping midair, the normal flying type began flapping his wings. A wind tunnel funnelled down, blowing more mud out of the way. Having built up more momentum, Tepig rolled straight down, unwavering against the gust. Using a pointed rock as a ramp, he shot up through the gust.

Striking Tranquill in the chest, he fell back down. Landing on a wobble, he quickly returned to rolling, rebuilding his momentum from the strike.

While the wild pigeon Pokémon fell backwards but spread his wings. Catching himself before hitting the floor, he quickly flapped his wings.

The push got him high enough from the floor as Tepig zoomed underneath. Heavy panting from the avian Pokémon as it entered a steady soar.

"U-Turn!" Trip shouted, holding up two devices.

The bird Pokémon glew with bug type energy and dove down. Striking the rolling fire type, a red light engulfed the normal flying type.

In a flash, the bird Pokémon disappeared and, in their place, sat a purple feline Pokémon. The head had tufts of fur on the ears and cheeks. It had a diminutive black nose on the creamy muzzle, and a small, oval, cream-coloured marking above each green eye, which had tapered violet markings above them. It's neck, shoulders, back, and hind paws were also cream-coloured. The tip of its tail had a curved, vaguely scythe-like extension. He pulled out his Pokédex:

Purrloin, the Devious Pokémon. They steal from people for fun, but their victims can't help but forgive them. Their deceptively cute act is perfect. Opponents that get drawn in by its adorable behaviour come away with stinging scratches from its claws and stinging pride from its laughter.

"Fake out!" Trip hollered, as he pocketed his device.

He looked back just in time to see the dark type, swipe onto the side of his rolling Pokémon. Tepig went skidding out onto his stomach, ending the rollout.

Letting out a high-pitched screech, the feline took off in a pounce. While his fire type cowered on the floor covering his ears whilst grimacing.

Dark energy radiated off the devious Pokémon. Performing a leap, her paw tapped Tepig's head, causing him to shimmer in the same energy.

Pulling his eye brows together and biting on his lower lip, he watched his first Unovan capture stand. Pulling out his Pokédex, he looked up the move:

Torment: this dark type technique prevents the targe from repeating the same moves in a row

Sighing, he put the dex away once more. "Flame charge! We need to build up your speed!"

Stamping his feet around, a cloud of dust burst up. Shooting out with flames surrounding him, he shot towards the feline with impressive speed.

Leaping into the air, Purrloin avoided the flames and landed to the side. Swiping her hand into the destroyed makeshift field, a blob of mud covered his face.

In a panic, Tepig tried to whip his head around to clear it but to no-avail. Stumbling backwards, an increase level of stress contorted his face. He closed his eyes as he ran over the options in his head before taking a deep breath. "Odour sleuth to track."

Sniffing the ground around, he looked straight up. In time for the feline Pokémon to deliver a series of swipes. He stumbled backwards as the pure dark type let loose with her onslaught. Gritting through the fury swipes, he stomped his feet, surrounding both of them in a cloud of dust.

Charging out, both Pokémon we covered in flames. Running with incredible speed, his eyes locked onto the destination before them.

"Stop!" He instructed.

Skidding to a halt, Tepig remained on dry land... as his opponent went flying off, splashing into the lake as she treaded water to get to the edge.

Water washed over his fire type, not too much, but enough to clear his eyes. As Purrloin climbed back onto the makeshift field, panting heavily.

Tepig took the opportunity to exhale a puff of smog gas. The purple cloud helped his opponent blend in before he shot out a single ember into the toxic fumes.

A fiery explosion took place around his opponent. Tepig used the opportunity to trot back over, closer to his original starting position. As he reached his final spot, the combination faded. Leaving the pure dark type covered in ash with scorches on the ground around her.

"Purrloin is unable to battle!" Cilan declared. "Making the winners of this round Drake and his Tepig!"

Glancing down to the proud looking fire type, his eyes scanned over in time to see Purrloin disappear in a red light. He couldn't deny Trip had a good tactic; sneak-tricks were a staple of the dark type but without some offence to finish off the advantage she brought... it was only a matter of time.

"Good job-" He uttered, looking back at his first Unovan capture. "But it's far from over. Get ready for the next match."

"What should we do about the U-turn?" Cilan asked aloud. "I mean... we did say no substitute-"

"It's a legitimate move allowed by the PLA-" He instructed. "It works the same how mean look can prevent it in situations where subs are allowed."

"So... I guess-"

"-and if you wanted to do something then you should've made the call at the time." Drake finished. "You lost the right by letting the last round continue."

"Now that's finished-" Trip held out his next Pokéball. "I need your help, Whirlipede!"

He glanced over the obviously insectoid Pokémon, encased in a hard, segmented shell. It had two pairs of grey, horn-like protrusions with dark grey stripes, with one pair extended upward from the front and the other pointing downward from the lower rear. Two poisonous barbs flank either side of each segment of the shell. Speaking of it, the shell itself was grey, with red rings in the middle of each segment and a darker grey border circling its open centre. On the sides of the tire-body were the eyes, within the centre, and had slitted pupils, yellow sclerae, and thick grey eyelids. He used his Pokédex once more:

Whirlipede, the Curlipede Pokémon. The evolved form of Venipede. Whirlipede protects itself with a sturdy shell and poisonous spikes while it stores up the energy it'll need for evolution. It is usually motionless, but when attacked, it rotates at high speed and then crashes into its opponent

"Hard shell... poisonous... rotates at high speed..." He listed in his head before vocalising his voice. "Tepig... watch out for rollout! I think that's what it's got!"

"What makes you-" Iris started to ask.

"Process of elimination." He sighed. "Trip should be smart enough not to give me the type advantage without a plan. I suspect Frillish was his best option for this fight but he's clearly not available. Therefore, he should have some sort of advantage over fire types. Just looking at the Pokémon and reading its dex entry gave me two and two... when I added them together, I got four. I mean it could start shooting out hydro pumps, but I prefer Occoms razor."

"Huh?" Trip and Iris chorused at the same time.

"It's a philosophical principle which states the least number of assumptions is usually the correct path-" Cilan noted. "In this case, he has to assume a none-type move being known but there's enough evidence of rollout being known without assumption... his understanding coming from teaching Tepig the move."

Hearing the series of enlightened sounds from the other people around, he refocused on the pending battle. His mind flashed with the thought of both cocoon bugs he were familiar with. While he could see the similarities... he couldn't help but feel this one was a far bigger threat.

"Tepig verses Whirlipede!" Cilan declared. "Let the battle begin!"

Drake verses Trip: Round six

His fire type stamped his feet around and blew up a cloud of dust. Shooting out like a bullet, he crashed into the front of the bug poison type. Their opponent winced as he was blown back an inch, but his fire pig stumbled to the side, shaking his body from the adverse impact.

Turning slightly on the spot, the front appendages raised up. A blob of purple toxic sludge shot out over to his first caught Unovan Pokémon.

With his increased speed, Tepig had no trouble in dodging the toxic attack. Move blobs splattering the ground as he ran away from the target.

"Now you've got some distance we should get moving!" Trip hollered.

The Curlipede Pokémon rolled forward, a brown-ish glow of rock energy. It didn't take him long to pick up speed, bursting over the toxic puddles.

Tepig jumped to the side as the opponent zoomed past. Picking up speed, he turned and started zooming back.

"He covered in the toxic!" He shouted. "Ember!"

Jumping to the side, his fire pig just managed to avoid the bug poison type. Watching him zoom past, he pushed himself up and shot out a burst of fire. His embers struck the rolling Pokémon, causing him to catch fire. A tread of fire trailed behind him. Rolling over the puddles, they burst into flames.

His fire pig Pokémon turned and scrapped his feet. Running forward, a power barrier formed around him as he charged in a take down.

Both Pokémon crashed into each other, and his fire type was knocked back. The other continued on, taking a wide berth turn.

Struggling to his feet. Tepig uttered in pain as the opponent closed in. Throwing himself to the side, he narrowly avoided another rollout hit.

Unfortunately, he didn't have time to pick his landing spot. Splashing down into a puddle of the toxic sludge, a poisoned mark formed over his snout.

"Just one more hit should finish it!" Trip hollered, his Curlipede Pokémon turned to roll straight for his fire type.

Tepig's legs wobbled under him as he slipped in the sludgy mess. Panting heavily as he struggled to move even a step out of the way.

"Ember!" He commanded. "Straight down! Use the heat help fight your ailment!"

In a flash, the entire puddle burst into flames. Whirlipede tried to steer out of the way but had little option, clipping the edge of the field, and turning into a bright fire ball. Wobbling in his path, he ended up swirling to the side. Skidding onto his side as a bright flash emerged within the flames.

The shilluette walked out and seemed to be changing shape. Stood on the edge of the burning pit, the glowing stopped... revealing Pignite.

His glowing Tepig tightened his stance. Running forward, his body radiated with a red light. Bursting into flames, he lept up into the air.

Summersaulting in the air, he turned into a fire ball. Crashing down with his full weight onto the bug poison type.

Body slamming down into the ground, his newly evolved Pokémon bounced off. Standing tall whilst panting heavily, Whirlipede was left on his side.

"Whirlipede is unable to battle!" Cilan declared. "Making the winners of this round Drake and his Pignite!"

Watching his newly evolved Pokémon stand up, he was panting heavily. The purple mark still evident over his face. Seeing his Pokémon in the flesh for the first time brought a smile to his face. He took the moment to study the new form of his first caught Unovan Pokémon.

Now a bipedal pig-like Pokémon. His chubby body was still the same primarily orange colour, with brown bands around his shoulders, sides, belly, hand, and from around the back of his head down to his snout. Yellow bands encircled his wrists and swirled yellow designs bulged from his chest. The snout-nose was the main feature of his face, along with pointed ears, and two pointed teeth that protrude from his lower jaw. Each hand had two claws on each, while his feet only had a single nail. His tail was larger with a curl and a tuft of fur on the tip. He pulled out his Pokédex to check him out:

Pignite, the Fire Pig Pokémon. The evolved form of Tepig. The more it eats, the more fuel it has to make the fire in its stomach stronger. This fills it with even more power. They also have an incredible sense of smell

Type: Fire / Fighting

Ability: Blaze

Hidden Ability: thick fat (Note: this is currently locked)

Gender: Male

Nature: Hardy (Note: This could change if/when this Pokémon evolves)

Move(s): arm thrust, tackle, tail whip, ember, odour sleuth, defence curl, flame charge, smog, rollout, take down, heat crash

Putting the device down, he watched as the final of Trip's Pokémon flashed in front of them. Flapping his wings, Tranquill stared down with a narrowing glare.

He couldn't help but feel a little apprehensive. Not only has Pignite undertook two previous rounds, but he's been inflicted with poison and now has a type disadvantage. Of course, he's going to test if he can pull this off but that doesn't mean he expects an outright victory right now.

"You wanna see this match through?" he asked. His fire fighting type giving a nod with narrowed eyes. Turning back to face the opposing bird.

If anything, needing a team of six Pokémon to beat his team of three was impressive... Excadrill performed as expected and so did Blitzle... although he's been impressed by his first caught Unovan Pokémon. He never expected him to handle the same number of opponents that Excadrill had.

"Pignite verses Tranquill!" Cilan declared. "Let the battle begin!"

Drake verses Trip: Round seven

Taking a deep breath, he shot out a burst of fire balls. His barrage of embers rocketed up into the air in a direct stream. Their opponent flapped his wings, gaining a little height before entering a downward spiral. Spinning around the stream of embers as his wings glew with a light blue colour.

Crashing into Pignite, he skidded back with a grimace. Slamming them on the sides of his head, he let out an assault of duel wingbeats.

"Arm thrust!"

Glowing with brown-ish-orange fighting type energy. He pushed back against the avian Pokémon. Hitting him directly in the chest with his open-paws.

He only got a couple of hits off because of pushing his opponent back. Panting heavily, he almost kneeled over as the poison took hold once more.

Flapping his wings, a gust began to from as Tranquill furthered the distance. Stamping his feet on the ground, fire erupted around his body. Charging forward, the wind blew against the flame charge. His less than perfect state weakened his ability to force through the opposing attack.

Bringing both wings together over his chest, he spread them out. Multiple discs of air rained out and struck his fire fighting type.

Striking his chest, they blew him over. Landing flat on his back, he grunted in pain and Drake noticed the wild pigeon moving in close.

"Smog!"

With a deep breath, he let out a thick purple gas from his nose. The cloud formed overhead but their opponent managed to ascend in time, avoiding it.

Struggling back to his feet, the fire pig Pokémon's breath grew even heavier. With a strained expression, he shot a single ember up into the toxic cloud.

Setting it alight, another cloud of fire separated the two of them. Closing his eyes, Pignite seemed to absorb the intense flame as he thought off his own aliment. Clenching his fist, he couldn't see their opponent through the flames and knew his own was close to being knocked out.

Another gust blew down and created a hole within the fire wall. As it broke apart, the wild pigeon Pokémon dived down towards them.

Striking in the recently evolved Pokémon's chest, causing him to stumble back. He brought both wings around in another slap. Crossing them over his chest, he burst them open, shooting a barrage of close-range air cutters. The discs knocking him back and causing the fire fighting type to land on his stomach.

"Pignite is unable to battle!" Cilan declared. "Making the victors of this round Trip and his Tranquill!"

Pulling out his Pokéball, he recalled the newly evolved Pokémon. Holding the item in his palm, he couldn't but smile down towards his first caught Unovan Pokémon. If Shamus had actually tried, then he would've had an eager little fighter who proved tougher than one might first think possible. He really only accepted this battle challenge to see if he was ready to face the Nacrene gym and it's safe to say that questions been answered.

"I guess that's that-" He nodded, clipping the device to his belt. "Good battle, see you again."

"Huh?" Trip's eyebrow flicked up. "But you've only used... three Pokémon. We said a full battle-"

"Yeah-" He shrugged. "I said that, so you'd agree. I just wanted to test my Unovan team against a bench mark. Particularly Pignite. So, thanks for that."

"Are you forfeiting?" Cilan asked.

"Duh..." He rolled his eyes. "It wouldn't do my other Pokémon any good facing an opponent they know they can beat and it'll just be cruel to Tranquill too."

"We don't need your pity!" Trip shouted, his bird landing beside him.

"Shame because you've got it-" he shrugged. "If it makes you feel better, you can say you won... a six on three... and on a technicality... but you won."

"You'll regret this!" Trip growled, recalling his normal flying type. "When I get that Wellspring cave Pokémon-"

"Oh yeah, your gonna have difficulty with that-" He smirked, winking to the boy. "Remember Excadrill? He's the one from Wellspring cave."

He swore Trip's eyes came the closest he's seen to actually burst out of their sockets before he stormed off back in the direction of their next location. He turned to his ground type partner and instructed him to use a little earth-manipulation to reset the field. Of course, helping create a bit of distance from the young trainer was his main reason for fixing the makeshift field. Once done, however, they continued down the path.

"So, you never intended to do a six-on-six battle?" Iris asked.

"Nope-" He shook his head. "I always have a reason for my actions. My reasoning here was to test Tepig- or now Pignite- for the Nacrene gym."

"I suspect there's more to it than that?" Cilan asked.

"I started with Excadrill, having the clearest indicator to his bench mark. That helped me estimate Trip's skillset-" he explained, "Blitzle was a needs must, given the opponent... although it has given me ideas on what Pignite should work on next. Armed with that knowledge, I could finish my test."

"Whoa-"

"First lesson for you." He locked eyes with the dragon specialist. "Always know what you're working towards. Have a plan and do things to make it work."

"What sort of plan should I have?" she asked.

"Your end goal right now is to work with Druddigon, correct?" he asked to which she nodded. "So, best way to do that is show your worth working with, which would mean focusing on Axew's training. You surpass his current capabilities and prove by simple logic... I'd also recommend expanding upon your current line-up. More Pokémon you have, the better you can strategize and plan around different opponents. Thus, making you a better trainer."

She nodded in understanding. As they closed in on the next city, the discussion about possible training for her small dragon took over the conversation.

Thanks for reading... Please Favourite, Follow and Review. Also, feel free to ask any questions through PM, I will answer them all, although don't expect too big of spoilers. Don't forget to vote in the polls. I really appreciate the support. Thank you and see ya next time...