“Welcome ladies and gentleman! The first round will now begin! It is an elimination to bring the number of contestants down to thirty-two! Each trainer will get three Pokemon, just like gym battles, from Professor Ivy at random. These elimination rounds will also be randomized and the first battle… will be now! Trainer 116 Leo versus Trainer 003 Max!”

The stage shifted and a calm meadow claims the center arena.

~”Each battle will take place on a different arena that will compliment the Pokemon given for the battle. This keeps trainers on their feet and keeps them from getting comfortable. This helps keep the battle fresh and different for the fans as well.”

This must be the field change Vanessa was talking about.

The crowd roared after the calling of Max as he enters the stage twirling a Pokeball above his finger and an inch into the air.

“Watch out Leo! This guy is a psychic!”

Leo looked down at the trio of Pokeballs and launched one into the air and red and white beams of light explode onto the meadow.

“We have a Weepingbell,” the announcer shouted. Weepinbell had a large mouth with petal arms and a short stem. Large beady eyes followed Max’s floating Pokeball around.

Franklin opened Vanessa’s Pokedex and searched for Weepinbell.

Weepinbell is a flycatcher Pokemon. Combination of Grass and Poison type and the evolved form of Bellsprout. 

Max smirked and released the Pokeball.

“Now we have a Hypno!” Hypno had pointy ears and white fur around the Pokemon’s pure mustard body. Hypno swung a large coin back and forth on a string at the Weepinbell.

Hypno, the Hypnosis Pokemon. Psychic type and the evolved form of Drowzee.

~”You were briefly told about type advantages but its a long chart of different types and it will take time to memorize but it will help. Like water beats fire, fire beats grass, and grass beats water.”

Psychic has an advantage over poison according to the Dex.

“Weepinbell, Razor Leaf,” Leo commanded. Paper thin crescent leaves shot from Weepinbell’s petal arms.

“Teleport, Hypno!” The leaves flew through Hypno and sliced down into the meadow. The crowd swung their head back and forth looking for Hypno.

“Hypno, Psybeam!” A rainbow dagger crashed into the back of Weepinbell’s stem and he crashed eyes first into the arena. Hypno stood next to Max as the referee checked Weepinbell. Weepinbell’s eyes were swirls and non responsive.

“Weepinbell is unable to continue, Hypno wins this round!”

“Wow Daisy, what is your Oddish’s name,” Franklin asked on his knees.

“Her name is Daisy.” Franklin’s smile captured Daisy’s.

“Daisy the trainer and Daisy the Oddish. “What is your… ah sorry I don’t know what your Pokemon is.”

“It’s okay, they don’t originate here on the islands. I caught him when our family went to Vermilion City.  It’s a Drowzee and his name is Greg,” Tyler said.

Turning to Vanessa, “your family visits the Indigo league?”

“Yeah, our uncle wants to be a gym leader there after he got out of the army. Its been tough so seeing his nephew and niece helps.”

Franklin arched his brow and watched Greg and Daisy returned to their respective balls.

“So your Vulpix? What is her name,” Vanessa asked.

“I… I actually didn’t give her a name. Not yet anyway. I’ve only had her for a couple of days before..”

“That’s why your here. To win the prize money, but I don’t think you’ve been in a battle before.”

“It’s that obvious? Max noticed it too.”

“Look, I’ve won this contest a long time ago, about when I was your age. I’m participating  but I’m here for my brother and sister. Borrow my Pokedex, try to memorize some moves. Ivy carries only Island Pokemon so go over those. The tournament is going to start in an hour so good luck.”

“Like Red..Vanessa wait, why are you helping me?”

“Lets go Daisy, Tyler, Franklin needs to study. I’m helping because I don’t leave a Pokemon behind.”

Vanessa walked away with Daisy and Tyler. Franklin stared at the Pokedex as he powered it up.

The bundled group of trainers by the exit halted and stared at Max and Franklin. Max walked closer to Franklin,

“Who are you? I’ve never seen you before at a contest, gym, or ever. Is a rookie calling me out?”

Max’s olive eyes peered down into Franklin’s and then down at his clutched fist.

“Are you angry kid? What is your name?”

“I’m Franklin, and I am going to win this tournament.” Max took a step back and started to walk away, “I hope we get the chance to battle Frank. I’d love to be the one to send you home and a little advice, Frank, shouldn’t pick on the pros.”

Max walked towards another group of trainers and blended in. The large group at the exit separated.

“Hey, Franklin, right?” A young lass extended her hand, “I’m Vanessa and this is my brother and sister Tyler and Daisy.”

“Yeah i’m Franklin, it’s nice to meet you guys,” Franklin said reaching for her hand.

“This is your first time here right? I’ve never seen you before and I know most of the trainers here from other tournaments and contests. It’s okay, this is also Tyler’s and Daisy’s first as well.”

“Yeah its my first tournament. I just caught my first Pokemon yesterday.”

“Wow! Can we see it,” Daisy said as she held a Pokeball in her hand.

Franklin stared at the tiles, “I… don’t have her with me. She is in the Pokemon center.”

Vanessa put her hand on Franklin’s shoulder, “Hey, its okay Daisy don’t make that face. I came over here to say thank you. Max is not a terrible guy but he picks on the newbies. Hey, Tyler and Daisy, why don’t you show Franklin your first Pokemon.”

“In one hour, the pairings will begin and the tournament will begin! Stay tuned participants,” Ivy’s assistant said over the intercom.

The lobby was filled with trainers.  Cold chills exited from the core of the lobby. Silence passes over like Pidgeys in the sky. A small group of trainers huddled around in a tight circle.

“Thanks for comings boys and girls and I enjoy that there are so many hopeful you faces here. You can go home now. This tournament is mine to win, I’m Psychic Max, the best trainer on this island.”

Whispers from the crowd carried over, “I’ve heard of Max, he already beat Senta. I’ve heard his Kadabra is a tough one.” “Wow he is that Max? Maybe we should drop out.” The two boys talking walked out of the lobby heads hanging low.

Max continued his rant, “Oh you silly trainers. This is for professionals only, your just wasting your time here. Save yourself the time and energy and leave, enjoy the beautiful island and enjoy watching me, battle from the stands.”

Others trainers had a similar conversation and began heading towards the exit. Franklin watched Max drive others towards quitting. Max had short blonde hair and purple glasses hanging from his black tee-shirt.

“What are you looking at, kid,” Max said. Max stood arms length firm with fire in his eyes. “What are you looking at?”

Franklin looked at all the trainers, like himself, wanting to quit. Franklin’s fist balled, “Looking at you Max. Watching you run your mouth before I get to take you out of this tournament.”