“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.”

“Okay, Franklin, i’ll run you through the basics,”  Ivy’s assistant said. A tall woman wore a similar professors coat, long brown hair, and a Pokeball necklace with jade earrings.

“First thing you need to know about battle, each Pokemon has there own attacks and abilities. They won’t act unless you know them and call them out. Here, i’ll show you.”

The assistant took a blue Pokeball out from her satchel and threw it out onto the battle arena, “go Poliwhirl!” Poliwhirl erupted from the ball and stood in front of the assistant. Poliwhirl was an aqua blue with full eyes and a white belly with a thin black swirl.

The arena was empty as she gave her instructions, thousand of seats, idle. The lack of people drew the eyes of Franklin as he gazed around.

“Franklin? Hey, Franklin, stay with me. Poliwhirl is a water type Pokemon. They are popular here on the Islands. Types of Pokemon depend on the geographic settings, an Island more water Pokemon, in the forest bug and grass type Pokemon, and in the mountains you will find rock and ground type Pokemon. Each type of Pokemon has strengths and weaknesses depending on type ,this is knowledge of an experienced trainer. For now, i’ll get back to the basics.”

“Knowledge of attacks will come over time so pay attention, study, and you’ll develop with more experience.” The assistant turned away from Franklin and looked towards Poliwhirl, “Poliwhirl, Water Gun!”

Tournament hopefuls lined against the wall, pacing and excited. Men, women, girls, and boys, there was no requirements so the entire island showed up. Boys huddled together crafting strategies and admiring their Pokemon. Small ones, Pokemon Franklin has never seen on the television before.

“Frank,” Martin hovered around Franklin, anxious and jittery around all these Pokemon.

“Is this how you get the money? You’ve never been in a battle before and the only encounter you’ve had ended with Vulpix in the Center.”

“What is your point.”

“Just don’t want us wasting time. We can find another way to get the money.”

“There isn’t-any-other-way dad. I have to start somewhere and a tournament where they supply the Pokemon will even out the playing field.” The line went fast and Franklin was already up. The lady at the counter looked joyful even after serving at least one hundred contestants so far,

“Hi, welcome to the Tangelo battle arena! I just need your name and where your from and you’ll step to the side to get your Id and battle number.”

“My name is Franklin Flyson and I’m from Valencia Island.”

“Flyson? Is that correct,” The counter lady asked.

“Yes.”

“Okay Mr. Flyson, please step to the side and your id will be given shortly. Thank you and good luck!”

The photo was quick and left Franklin blinking hurriedly. The ID number was 100382 next to his photo and his hometown. A buzz overhead circled through the stadium,

“Pokemon trainers! After you have your ID, please gather inside and the pairing will begin!”

“Frank! Where are you going?”

Possessed Franklin walked Tangelo’s street cluelessly. People passed with their Pokemon and wild ones flew above. Buildings idle housed possibly the futures next great.

“Frank!” Franklin stopped.

“What?”

“Nurse Joy mentioned there was a virtual simulator happening today just up the road. She said it’s where all the people in the waiting room were headed.”

Franklin heard the feint music in the background, the one Red battles to.

Children lined up outside this, this different building. Wide rounded with vibrant red and blue painting and flashing lights to encourage the waiting.

“Hello and welcome trainers!” someone said. The children huddled around a screen with a young man on. He wore a bright yellow shirt with tall black hair sharp as Spearow talons with wide eyes and held a Pokeball.

“I am Senta, one of the five Orange Crew!” The crowd roared with excitement and joy.

“Who is that Frank, Martin said with thee utmost confusion. Franklin’s eyes didn’t budge from the screen.

“Today is the day! The virtual contest will start and end today. Win five battles and you will battle me to be crowned the winner!” The crowd roared as Senta spreads his arms wide as if to prepare for flight. “Your prize of course is a Pokemon egg prepared by my older sister and previous Mikan gym leader, Cissy, and yes 1,000 Pokedollars! Only the best will overcome these challenges, so let the battle begin!”

The waiting room was still and slanted. Nurses switched rooms quickly without a glance out. Pokemon being taken back and forth, large ones, large enough their horns or skulls would touch the ceiling. A Snorlax came through, just like Red’s, eye swollen shut and purple like a plum. A young girl, reminded Franklin of Tina, had bug bites the size of plums on her right arm. Tears drowned her eyes as a nervous adult and the red haired nurse escorted her to a back room. All the panic in this Pokecenter, the red haired nurse never seemed flustered or bothered.

Vulpix had been checked into the Pokecenter an hour ago, the red haired nurse moved towards Martin, who was fiddling with change at a vending machine. Mumbling, the nurse did the majority of the talking and filled Martin with white pause that held his tongue. She walked away from him and he stood there. Franklin glared at him until Martin finally looked back.

“Vulpix is going to be fine.” Franklin felt the oxygen exits his lungs into the Center.

“However,” The air backtracked. “We don’t have the money to the pay the bill. Even at home, I don’t have the money.”

The white left Martin and entered Franklin.

“I only brought enough for food and a room. The bill is that, plus.”

Franklin raised to his feet and headed towards the exit of the Center. Tangelo Island was quiet and the streets bare and Franklin walked it.

The dock was old and missing a plank every other step. The sand was filled with Pokemon that Franklin didn’t know. His sandy blonde hair was blowing against the salty breeze. Martin stood having final words with the captain. Vulpix recalled and clenched tight in Franklin’s fist. Tangelo Island life in the city exploded in comparison to Valencia. Valencia only has a couple of stores, Tangelo Island is a large city shadowed by a tall mountain climbing over the city. Flocks of Pokemon soar over the city, screaming their call down into the city below.

“You ready to go, Frank?”

Martin walked into the sand and his left ankle sinks. Martin lets out a roar as a large orange crab erupts from the sand, ankle in pincer.

“Franklin! Go get help! This monster is gonna kill me!”

Franklin took a step towards the city and stops. Throwing his Premier ball into the air,

“Go, Vulpix!”

Vulpix released a sleepy cry and stared at the crab, and it released Martins ankle as he crawled in the sand in the opposite direction.  The crab swung its two pincers in the air and walked side ways smashing Vulpix across the head sending her flying towards Franklin’s boots.

“Get up and fight! Attack that crab!”

Vulpix stared blankly up at Franklin and cried. The crab charged again and opened its mouth and sent bubbles towards Vulpix. They popped on her skin, it sounded like a gun going off against bare ears, she cried and fainted.