Jullie launched the ball,

“We have a Sandshrew!”

Sandshrew was a mustard colored mouse Pokemon small and a colorless belly.

Sandshrew is a ground type. Sandshrew will be strong in this arena.

Franklin peered down into the ball bag and took the one with the black ridges.

~

“I noticed one of the Pokeballs on your sash is blue,” Franklin said to Vanessa.

“Yeah, it’s called a Great Ball. Its better at catching Pokemon than the typical Poke Ball but it’s more expensive. There is a bunch of different Poke Ball’s in the world, I have some listed in the Pokedex if you want to check those out too.”

~

I hope there is a water Pokemon in this Net Ball.

Franklin launched the Net Ball,

“It’s a Squirtle!”

Squirtle was a tiny cadet turtle, same height as the Sandshrew, and a squirrel style tail.

“Go, Sandshrew, Mudshot,” Julie commanded.

Sandshrew sucked in air and spit thick mud from its cheek.

“Squirtle, Water Gun!” Squirtle also swallowed air and spit water towards the incoming water.

The two streams concluded and both Pokemon caught their breath.

“Sandshrew, dig!” Sandshrew burrowed under the earth arena hiding his presence.

Squirtle and Franklin looked side to side for the missing mouse. The earth shifted as a furious burrower closed in on Squirtle.

“Squirtle, Withdraw!” Sandshrew shot from the earth under the turtle hiding itself within its shell, sending Squirtle into the air.

“Now, Squirtle, Water Gun!” Squirtle poked its head and launched a jet of water at the floating mouse. Sandshrew crashed down to the earth pinned by Squirtle’s attack.

The Gun ceased, “Sandshrew is unable to battle… Squirtle wins the first round!”

The crowd cheered and encored, they want more.

The crowd roared as the tournament continued. Franklin stood backstage swaying side to side holding his left arm.

“Alright, Franklin your match is next. Here are your three Pokemon,” said Professor Ivy’s assistant. Two of the balls were Pokeballs and one was turquoise with black webbing.

The cold breeze rushed from the stadium, “and that’s it ladies and gentlemen! Lance takes this match three to zero!”

Lance walked through the tunnel when Franklin was waiting, “Congratulations, Lance, the Pokemon please,” the assistant said. Lance handed her the balls and stared at Franklin. Lance wore a large green coat and a tan adventure hat under a full body and full facial hair. Lance also towered over Franklin being almost a foot taller.

“Alright the next match is going to start!” The crowd roared as Franklin heard the stage shift. “Now, we have a new comer in this next match. A young kid from Valencia Island, trainer 100382, Franklin!”

The crowd cheered as Franklin’s knees shook as he walked the tunnel. Bright lights blinded the faces of the crowd, the only face he could see was the announcer. The stage last match had pools of water, this one was rough earth and large jagged rocks.

“And his opponent is a veteran and already has the Spike Shell badge! Please welcome trainer 000158, Jullie!” The crowd shouted louder for Jullie than they did for Franklin. Jullie didn’t look much older than Franklin. Jullie’s long black hair hung down to her plaid green skirt and a tucked in white school shirt covered by a black sweater and black clogs with long black socks.

“Hey, Franklin, I’m here to be the best and your just another trainer for me to crush,” Jullie shouted.

“And battle!”