Chapter 18: Tournament

[General POV]

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As Eli scoped out his competition, not counting Adrian, he found 2 other notable trainers. One was Gentleman Alexander with his level 37 Arcanine, and the other one was a trainer named Shelly with a Cloyster at level 38. The other competitors weren't worth noting at all in Eli's mind, as they had Pokémon in the level range of 31-35; even Crocalor could beat them alone. As Adrian's battle began, Eli paid close attention rather than only having half his focus on the match. As the battle began, Adrian sent out his Pokémon. It was a ghostly Pokémon resembling a slender brown tree. Its shadowy black body was visible through gaps in the tree, and a single, red eye was visible through the hole near the top. There was a wavy, horn-like branch on either side of its head, both dotted with small, green leaves, and a smaller branch on its forehead. On top of its head was a cluster of green leaves. It had two arms with gnarled branches similar to its horns on the elbows. Around its wrists were cuffs of green leaves, and it had three claw-like fingers on each hand. Instead of legs, it had six roots similar to a spider's legs, all in all having a terrifying appearance.

Pokémon: Trevenant 

Lvl: 36

Type: Grass Ghost

Ability: Natural Cure

Gender: Male

Potential: Deep Gold

Moves: Astonish, Tackle, Leech Seed [E], Shadow Claw, Confuse Ray [E] , Will-O-Wisp [E],Hex, Growth, Curse [E]

(Innate Talent) Horn Leech [E] (Innate Talent) Phantom Force [E]

(TM) Protect [E], (TM) Toxic [E], (TM) Psychic Noise, (TM) Focus Blast, (TM) Grassy Terrain [E]

If Adrian wanted to create the most annoying Pokémon known to mankind, he had succeeded. Not only did he have 5 status moves on expert rank, but he even had Phantom Force, so he could just hide in another realm and let the damage stack up before appearing again. To make matters worse, he even gave Trevenant Psychic Noise to block healing and Grassy Terrain for more added recovery. 'I hate his Trevenant already,' Eli thought, seeing the moves he had on expert rank. He was not just a stall mon; he was THE stall mon, and what made matters worse was that status effects could stack in this world, so he could burn AND poison a Pokémon.

"And we're off to a haunting start with Trainer Adrian's Trevenant. How will Trainer Mathew respond?" Camila started commentating as Mathew sent out a Beedrill. "And Trainer Mathew is going for the type advantage. What do you think about that, Lieutenant?" As she asked the question, Surge boomed into the mic, "Type advantages aren't everything; the kid's gotta learn that. I almost punched that Adrian kid, seeing how his Trevenant operated. Let me tell you, that darn tree is going to commit some war crimes in this battle soon." Surge gave his opinion on the ghostly tree, which Eli couldn't help but agree with.

"Grassy Terrain," Adrian commanded his Trevenant, and with a ghastly wail, the entire field was covered in green mist as the Grassy Terrain was set up. "X-Scissor," Matthew ordered his Beedrill; its stinger glowed a green color as he slammed it into Trevenant, who barely flinched before Adrian ordered, "Leech Seed." Beedrill was so close he couldn't avoid it as glowing vines surrounded his body, constantly draining his health. "Alright, Will-O-Wisp followed by Curse and Stall," Adrian gave another chain of commands as Matthew frantically yelled at his Beedrill to dodge. But because of the sudden damage from Leech Seed, he flinched from the pain and was hit by a Will-O-Wisp followed by a Curse. "Beedrill, Aerial Ace!" Matthew yelled, hoping for a miracle, but sadly, that wasn't happening as Trevenant vanished off to who knows where, and Beedrill was the only one on the stage. As he stood still, he suffered more and more as the burn, Leech Seed, and Curse damage stacked up until Trevenant appeared out of nowhere and swooped in for the K.O.

"An absolutely ruthless tactic from Trainer Adrian." Camila was shocked, seeing such ruthlessness as Adrian just smirked, returning his terrifying tree spirit. "Brat had that same smug smirk when he beat me; you don't know how much self-control I had to exercise to not punt him straight into the sun." Surge bitterly spoke as Adrian got off stage, joining Eli. "...I'm getting a Pokémon with Magic Bounce just for your stupid strategy." Eli offhandedly joked as Adrian coughed in surprise. "Hey! Where's the fun in that?" Adrian spoke indignantly. "There's a lot of fun in not seeing your Pokémon slowly lose to crippling status conditions while the opponent's Pokémon is f*ck knows where." Eli deadpanned as Adrian smiled sheepishly. "Don't worry; I don't plan on getting any Pokémon with Magic Bounce. The ones that get it as far as I know don't fit my team at all." Eli gave some good news to his friend who grinned a Cheshire cat grin.

They spectated some battles before Eli was called on stage for a battle against a trainer called Tobias Hawthorn, a challenger who had won with a Skorupi, which Eli didn't think was very impressive as it still had some levels before evolving. "Alright, now we get to see Tobias Hawthorn and Eli in action. The former had won barely with his Skorupi, while the latter is mysterious as ever with the bye he got." Camila introduced the trainers who would be battling. Surge also gave his two cents, "The Eli kid is good; I don't know about the Tobias brat. He's not here cause he won the badge as far as I know; he's probably a rich kid. Either way, I have full confidence in the Eli brat winning." Surge gave his confidence in Eli's victory. As the referee tossed a coin, Tobias was made to send out his Pokémon first. What surprised Eli was that he took out a Master Ball from his cube, but what was inside shocked him even more, 'What the f*ck is a guy like this doing here?' Eli cursed in his mind as out of the Master Ball came a small, white hedgehog-like Pokémon with green grass-like fur on its back and a pink flower with two leaves on each side of its head, which resembled the Gracidea flower. It was a half-blood Shaymin.

Pokémon: Shaymin 

Lvl: 39

Type: Grass

Ability: Natural Cure

Gender: Genderless

Potential: Diamond

Moves: Growth [E], Magical Leaf, Leech Seed [E], Synthesis [E], Sweet Scent

(Perfect Talent) Seed Flare [E] (Perfect Talent) Air Slash [E]

(TM) Grassy Terrain [E], (TM) Psychic, (TM) Play Rough

'Not unbeatable at all, but still, what the f*ck is a mythical doing here?' Eli relaxed upon seeing the stats of the half-blood mythical, but it was still a threat nonetheless. "You're gonna hate me for this; Corviknight, go." Eli sent out his Pokémon as a massive avian took the stage, dwarfing the Shaymin. The crowd was still shocked seeing Tobias send out a Shaymin, as even Camila forgot to commentate as Surge took the reins, "Hot damn, I might have to take back what I said; this Tobias brat might have a chance to win it after all. Runt, you're gonna need a miracle here." Surge guffawed as the match began.

"Taunt," Eli quickly ordered as he did not want that thing setting up or healing at all. "Damn it, Seed Flare." Tobias cursed as he was a bit too late and could do nothing but helplessly watch as his Seed Flare did pitiful damage while Corviknight got off a Taunt. "Alright Tailwind, then Drill Peck," Corviknight smirked at the small hedgehog. He set up a Tailwind, eating another Seed Flare and shrugging it off. Flapping his gigantic wings, he took to the skies with his beak glowing. The hedgehog looked helplessly at its incoming peril as Corviknight slammed into the tiny creature. It got slammed into the barrier before Corviknight caught it by his talons and threw him in the air, readying an Air Slash. Mid-air, the Shaymin was returned back to its Master Ball by the helpless trainer.

'Huh, easier than expected,' Eli thought in surprise at how quickly he won, while the crowd went wild, seeing the destruction of a half-blood so quickly. "What an upset, folks! Trainer Eli and his magnificent Corviknight easily get the victory against Trainer Hawthorn's half-blood Shaymin." Camila, in all of her years of commentating, hadn't seen a half-blood get demolished so easily. In the midst of the crowd's chaos, Surge laughed heartily as he boomed into the mic, "Would you look at that! The Eli brat pulled through." Eli just smiled as he patted his raven's armor. 'Wouldn't have been as easy if it was a Sky Forme Shaymin; even with Tailwind, it would be too fast for Corviknight. I really need a fast Ice type. So far, I have 2 tanks in Crocalor and Corviknight. With Kirlia in the future becoming Gallade, I won't have speed problems because of Teleport. I need more damage in general; a support Pokémon would be nice too.' Eli contemplated his team and the direction he wanted it to go as he returned to sit with Adrian. He saw Adrian looking at him like he grew a second head. "What? Is something wrong?" Eli asked as he saw Adrian gawking at him. "The hell do you mean is something wrong? You just took down a half-blood, and you act like it's another Sunday to you!" Adrian exclaimed with wide eyes as Eli shrugged, "Half-bloods aren't unbeatable, you know. I don't know what's the hype." Eli said as he checked his Pokédex, which he had heard beep during the match. Adrian sighed as he sat back down, "You're impossible."

Ignoring Adrian, Eli checked the message; it was from Andre,

<Rich Mofo> Yeah, sorry about not replying. I just got service back. I was on a wild goose chase in Paldea while training. I think it was called Icerend Shrine or something? Whatever, so I found these sword-like things, and I pulled out a few, but they all disappeared as I pulled them out. Also, there are these 4 weird ass shrines. When I asked the teacher, she told me a whole story about a king and 4 treasures or something? I wasn't paying attention. Anyways, here's what I think of your Kubfu's progress. I saw the battle videos and training vids you sent me. He somehow feels fluid but clunky at the same time. It's hard to explain, but Pancham, who evolved, by the way, to Pangoro, has focused desire or purpose behind his actions. It's not just about reacting, but about having a clear and deliberate intention behind each movement. This can have different interpretations depending on the specific martial art and individual practitioner. It might refer to: Mental focus and inner strength; a calm, unwavering mind and a deep well of resolve to support their actions. This definition really fits your Kubfu, being honest. There is another part to it from what I've read about Energy Flow, but I don't know about that one, man. It's very obscure. It says, "The belief that a subtle energy flows through the body, and the practitioner can harness it through intent and awareness." Whatever that means ¯\_(-.-)_/¯ . Anyways, I'll be back in Kanto in a few days. I really liked Paldea; I might come back to train again after I finish the gym challenge. I gotta go now, peace.

As he finished reading, he had a lot to think about as he sent out Kubfu, who looked engrossed in the message. Kubfu was left to his own devices as Adrian went on to commit more war crimes up until the finals. Eli, too, found not much competition, mostly because after seeing their performances, nobody wanted to even fight them. One committed atrocities, while the other steamrolled a half-blood legendary. Who would want to even fight them?

"I'm getting deja vu again. I am not going down without a fight this time." Adrian smirked as he led with Trevenant. Not believing that for a second, Eli scanned the Trevenant, and he was right on the mark.

Pokémon: Zoroark

Lvl: 37

Type: Dark

Ability: Illusion

Gender: Male

Potential: Shallow Diamond

Moves: Scratch,Leer, Torment, Hone Claws [E], Fury Swipes,Taunt [E], Knock Off [E], Fake Tears, Agility, 

(Perfect Talent) Night Daze [E] (Perfect Talent) Shadow Ball [E]

(TM) Protect [E], (TM) Work Up, (TM) Nasty Plot [E], (TM) Flamethrower, (TM) Sludge Bomb, (TM) Psychic, (TM) Sunny Day [E]

'Sneaky little sh*t,' Eli thought as he sent out Kubfu. 

Pokémon: Kubfu

Lvl: 38

Type: Fighting

Ability: Inner Focus

Gender: Male

Potential: Deep Gold

Moves: Rock Smash, Leer, Endure, Focus Energy, Aerial Ace, Reversal [E]

(Innate Talent) Brick Break [E] (Innate Talent) Bulk Up [E]

(TM) Protect, (TM) U-Turn, (TM) Ice Punch [E], (TM) Fire Punch, (TM) Thunder Punch, (TM) Mega Kick [E], (TM) Mega Punch, (TM) Substitute [E], (TM) Low Sweep

He began to realize the training habits of his two friends, Andre and Adrian. Andre trained on body stats and sheer power and skill to overwhelm his opponents, while Adrian focused on move mastery, as seen by all the Pokémon he had shown up until now, having 8 moves on expert. Out of the three of them, Adrian would probably have the most moves on master rank. Eli, meanwhile, trained everything while not specifically focusing on something. While he did have a better average, Adrian and Andre had a strong single point they could rely on.

"Brick Break," Eli said, catching everyone off guard. "Sh*t, Protect," Adrian, seeing that his disguise was blown, tried to protect his Zoroark, but it was too late as 'Trevenant' was hit in the head by a Brick Break. "You should give up on trying to do that against me, you know." Eli chuckled as he gave a signal for Kubfu to start using Bulk Up. Adrian got over his shock as Kubfu set up a Bulk Up. "Taunt, then Nasty Plot into Night Daze," Adrian gave a slew of commands, but Kubfu didn't stay idle either as he charged up a Mega Kick as he approached the Zoroark, who had successfully used Taunt and, after that, Nasty Plot as it charged up a Night Daze. While it wouldn't hurt a lot coming off of a Nasty Plot, it wouldn't quite tickle either. But Eli's starter took the hit head on, pain being an afterthought as he realized from the information Andre had given him as his kick connected to Zoroark's chin, sending it flying before he too took a massive leap himself and, without his trainer's orders, was ready to use a Brick Break at the Zoroark who managed to reposition himself in the air before letting loose a huge Shadow Ball at Kubfu, who had to swat it away, allowing enough time for Zoroark's escape. "You're doing good, Kubfu. Zoroark seems to be proud of his speed. Why don't we lower it down a peg or two?" Kubfu nodded as he charged at Zoroark, who needed to take a breather from all the damage he took since generally, they aren't the most bulky Pokémon. Neither was Kubfu, but most Pokémon can't ignore pain at will either.

Zoroark, not being able to react, was swept off his feet. He did use Protect, but due to his energy reserves being low, it shattered under the Brick Break as Zoroark fainted. "Intense battle by our two finalists; I did not expect Trainer Eli to start with such an aggressive prediction, but there goes the saying 'If you don't risk, you can't win,' isn't it Lieutenant." Camila commented over the first knockout of the battle to which Surge took the mic as he boomed into it like always, "Gotta give it to the runt; he's got spunk. Not in all my years have I seen such a mad lad."

"One of these days I'll get you." Adrian mumbled as he sent out his final Pokémon. Out came, in all her glory, Adrian's Charizard. To which Eli said, "When I'm dead." As he scanned the Charizard.

Pokémon: Charizard

Lvl: 38

Type: Fire Flying

Ability: Blaze

Gender: Female

Potential: Shallow Diamond

Moves: Scratch,Growl, Ember, Flame Burst, Metal Claw, Slash, Air Slash [E] 

(Perfect Talent) Flamethrower [E] (Perfect Talent) Dragon Claw [E]

(TM) Fire Punch [E], (TM) Work Up [E], (TM) Will-O-Wisp [E], (TM) Fire Blast [E], (TM) Thunder Punch, (TM) Solar Beam [E]

'As expected he really does seem to be going the move mastery route.' Eli concluded his analysis as he saw his Charizard's status. While his levels were quite close to Eli's he expected that to change as they crossed into Elite rank. "Air Slash as you get closer when you do use Dragon Claw." Charizard flapped her massive wings as she sent out multiple Air Slashes which Kubfu gracefully dodged and even swatted some away with Brick Breaks but he was too low in HP to do actually any damage but he did get one final Mega Kick in before fainting. "You did good Kubfu." Eli praised his starter before sending out his final Pokémon, Kirlia.

Pokémon: Kirlia [Shiny]

Lvl: 38

Type: Psychic Fairy

Ability: Trace

Gender: Male

Potential: Shallow Diamond

Moves: Growl, Double Team, Disarming Voice, Confusion, Hypnosis, Teleport [E], Heal Pulse [E], Drain Kiss

(Perfect Talent) Dazzling Gleam [E] (Perfect Talent) Magical Leaf [E]

(TM) Protect, (TM) Light Screen [E] , (TM) Reflect [E], (TM) Confuse Ray, (TM) Psychic [E], (TM) Shadow Ball [E]

"You are doing this to spite me," Adrian said, to which Eli promptly ignored him as he commanded his psychic. 'Set up both Reflect and Light Screen then use Shadow Ball from afar if she comes close, paralyze her with Psychic before making space with Teleport, repeat.' His psychic nodded, 'That Draconic beast shall fall, don't worry, Friend Trainer.' Kirlia quickly set up both screens before Charizard could even react, then prepared Shadow Ball, throwing it at the Fiery Lizard. "Air Slash then get in and Fire Punch," Adrian, seeing what was happening, gave out orders to Charizard as she inched closer and closer. However, that attempt was halted by Charizard glowing with a blue outline, frozen in place as Kirlia teleported away. 

With this dynamic, Charizard got no clean damage in, just a few lucky Air Slashes before her trainer gave up coming close. He commanded her to use Fire Blast, and she prepared a Fire Blast with all her remaining energy. The heat could be felt all over the stage, even by the audience, as she threw it at Kirlia. However, Kirlia used all his psychic energy to take control of the attack. He barely managed to redirect it back to Charizard, who had no energy to even dodge, and got hit head-on by it, fainting, signifying Eli's victory. 'The Draconic beast has been defeated, Friend Trainer,' Kirlia spoke with joy as he looked back at his trainer, who couldn't be any more happy.

"And that's a wrap, folks. Trainer Eli bags first place, with the runner-up being Adrian Firewood, and third place goes to Gentleman Alexander," Camila listed off the top 3 participants as she called them on stage for the reward distribution. "For our third place, Gentleman Alexander gets 5 Full Restores and 3 Ultra Balls." Camila commented as Surge shook the gentleman's hand while giving him the reward. "For second place, we have the item Dark Glasses, which boosts the holder's Dark-type attacks, especially well-suited for Trainer Adrian's Zoroark." Surge shook Adrian's hand as well. "Good job, brat. You earned this one. Aim for higher places," Surge complimented him as he moved onto Eli. "And for our first-place trainer, Eli gets an item as well — Leftovers. For those who don't know what it is, this special item, when held by a Pokémon, gradually restores a small amount of their health over time." Upon hearing what he had received, Eli was overjoyed, while Adrian looked incredulous. Eli gladly took the item, which looked like an eaten apple core with a glow to it. "I expected you to lose after seeing the brat's half-blood, but you pulled through. I won't tell you to aim for the skies, runt, 'cause your aim is clearly the moon." Surge laughed as he slapped Eli on the back, who, in turn, stumbled because of the giant man's slap.

As they returned to their room after healing their Pokémon, Adrian was livid. "Are you f*cking kidding me, bro? I have been looking for so goddamn long for a Leftovers for my Trevenant. Not only do they cost up to hundreds of millions of Pokédollars, BUT IT IS SO DAMN HARD TO FIND ONE, AND YOU'RE TELLING ME YOU TOOK IT FROM UNDER MY NOSE???!!" Adrian shouted as Eli couldn't stop wheezing, dodging the multiple pillows Adrian threw at him. "Calm down! Clam- HAHA- down! Ow!" Eli continued laughing as he was hit in the head by a pillow. "Please actually, though, calm down. You'll get one eventually. Besides, you're rich. Your dad is literally the mayor of Firewood Town, a literal trade hub for all sorts of rare items. It's somewhere near Vermilion, right?" Eli tried to change the subject as Adrian somewhat calmed down, and they began talking about Adrian's home and other stories until it was nighttime. Adrian went to bed first, exhausted from shouting at Eli so much.

Eli chuckled as he, too, got into his bed and let out all his Pokémon except Corviknight, who wouldn't fit in the room. As they got ready to sleep, Kirlia telepathically wished him a good night as he, too, told his team good night before sleeping, unaware that they wouldn't get any sleep that night...