Chapter 9: The Rookie Tournament

Chapter 9: The Rookie Tournament

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The bustle of the city intensified as Akira and Casilda approached the registration center. Large posters and advertising screens advertised the Rookie Tournament, where newly certified trainers could show off their skills and compete for a spot among the best. Akira felt a mix of excitement and nerves; he knew this was his chance to show off what he had learned, but he was also aware of the potential challenges he would face.

"Are you ready?" Casilda asked as they walked toward the registration building, an imposing glass structure that reflected the afternoon sun.

"Ready, but a little nervous," Akira admitted, adjusting his backpack as Giratina, in its dwarf form, discreetly hid in the shadows around him.

"That's normal. But remember, you've trained a lot, and you have your Pokémon with you." "Besides, you have a unique advantage," Casilda added with a smile, referring to Akira's ability to summon Pokémon from the shadows. "Just be yourself."

Inside the center, the atmosphere was electric. The place was filled with young trainers with their Pokémon, some practicing moves in small training arenas and others filling out forms for the tournament. Akira made his way through the crowd and reached the registration counter.

"Name, please," said the manager, a man with glasses who looked like he had seen hundreds of young people go through that same process.

"Akira," he replied, trying to remain calm.

The man typed on his computer and after a few seconds, handed him a small device with a number on it.

"Welcome to the Rookie Tournament. This is your ID number. The qualifiers begin tomorrow at the West Arena. Come early and keep your device with you. Good luck!" he said with a professional smile.

Akira took the device, feeling the weight of responsibility in his hands. Casilda, who had been watching from behind, patted him on the back.

"You're in!" she said excitedly. "Now all that's left is to wait for the big day."

They spent the rest of the day wandering around the city. Casilda wanted to visit the Pokémon Market to look for items and accessories that could improve her performances as a coordinator, while Akira devoted herself to observing the trainers in the practice arenas. As evening fell, they returned to the youth trainer hostel, where they were staying. The lights of the city shone brightly as Akira stayed alone in his room, checking his PokéGear and tournament ID device.

"Do you think we're ready for this?" Akira asked quietly, knowing Giratina could hear him.

A shadow moved in the corner of the room, and Giratina's deep voice echoed in his mind.

"Don't underestimate what you've learned, Akira. The shadows are in your favor, and you have more power than you think." All you need to do is focus… and trust in me.

Akira knew that while Giratina was partly right, he also had to be cautious. The power they shared was special, but Giratina was no ordinary companion. Despite his doubts, he decided to trust himself and his skills for the tournament.

The next day, the city woke up with palpable energy. The streets around the West Arena were filled with trainers and spectators ready for the tournament. Akira arrived early, but the atmosphere was already overwhelming. He was led to a waiting room alongside other competitors, where he checked his equipment. He had decided to bring Pichu and some of his shadow-summoned Pokémon, though he had a plan in mind.

"Attention, rookie trainers. Prepare for your opening battles," a voice announced over the speakers. "The battles will begin in ten minutes."

Akira took a deep breath, as Pichu jumped excitedly onto his shoulder.

"Let's do it, Pichu," he said, checking the small, empty Poké Ball he carried with him as part of his strategy.

Finally, it was his turn. Akira was called to the arena, a circular platform surrounded by stands filled with spectators. His opponent was a boy with messy hair and a confident attitude, with a Shinx at his side that radiated electrical energy.

"My name is Daisuke, and I'm the top of my class," his opponent said, smiling arrogantly. "Don't think this will be easy, rookie."

Akira didn't answer, concentrating on the battlefield. The referee gave the signal, and the match began.

"Shinx, use Thunder Shock!" Daisuke shouted, wasting no time.

The small electric Pokémon launched a blast towards Pichu, who managed to narrowly dodge the attack. Akira knew he couldn't rely on Pichu's agility alone in this fight; he had to act fast. He took the empty Poké Ball from his belt, and pretended he was about to make a trade.

—It's time to change things up! "Yeah!" Akira exclaimed, throwing the Poké Ball into the air.

Instead of a normal exchange, however, Akira used his secret skills. From the shadows beneath his feet, a Murkrow quickly emerged, but thanks to his cunning, it looked as if it had come straight out of the Poké Ball he had thrown.

Daisuke frowned, clearly confused.

"What kind of trick is that?" he shouted, seeing the Murkrow appear without warning.

"Just a quick switch," Akira replied with a smile, as the Murkrow took flight.

"Shinx, Quick Attack!" Daisuke ordered, but his Shinx was not prepared for the speed of the Murkrow, which had already gained height.

"Murkrow, Wing Attack!" Akira shouted.

Murkrow launched itself from the sky, hitting Shinx hard. The attack took him by surprise and sent him reeling. Daisuke tried to regain control of the fight, but Akira's confusion and swiftness of movement had completely changed the pace of the battle. While Pichu kept Shinx at bay with its agility, Murkrow attacked from the air, taking advantage of the advantage the shadows had given it.

After several well-aimed hits, Daisuke's Shinx finally fell, weakened. The referee raised Akira's hand, declaring his victory.

"The winner is Akira!" he announced as the crowd cheered.

Akira took a deep breath, feeling a mix of relief and excitement. He had overcome his first challenge in the tournament, using both his wits and his special ability to summon Pokémon from the shadows. As he walked out of the arena, Casilda was waiting for him with a big smile.

"You did it!" she exclaimed, hugging him. "I knew you would win. That Murkrow was impressive!"

Akira smiled, but in his mind, Giratina's words continued to echo. With each victory, he felt himself getting closer to unleashing a much greater power. The tournament had only just begun, and he knew that what was to come would be even more challenging.

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End of Chapter 9.