Apparently leaving us alone wasn’t unplanned, a minute later, second year students came into the room and told us there is going to be a battle demonstration at the stadium. So, we find ourselves on the stands waiting for the battles to begin.

Suddenly, from above the stadium a Pidgeot flies in, landing on the center of the arena, a short man which I recognize as teacher Jordan jumping down from the flying type.

“Greetings students, old and new, my name is Jordan Skywatcher and the teacher in charge of all battling courses”, he looks around the stadium while returning Pidgeot to its pokeball, “as is customary for our academy, every year we hold a little battle demonstration from some of the top-ranking students”.

This is very exciting, watching live battles on the first day sets the bar for what to expect from the academy. I notice those of my generation share the feeling as they all wait expectantly for the battles to start.

“For the first battle some of you might recognize the contenders, on the left side of the field one of our top graduates from last year and winner of the Kanto Rookie Conference, Leon Frost”, as a native from Johto, I’m somewhat familiar with the Kanto Conference and recognize last year’s number one rookie, he looks more mature than he did the previous year on television, his signature white hair and pale skin, wearing the uniform all graduates receive upon finishing their schooling, a symbol of pride for any young trainer.

“On the right side of the field, another top graduate from last year and second place of the Sinnoh Rookie Conference, Layla Allister”, wearing the female version of the graduate uniform, the blonde-haired teen steps into the arena with a confident smile on her face. I don’t recognize her, but my classmates from Sinnoh are going crazy upon seeing her.

“The only reason she lost last year was because her Altaria got seriously hurt during the semifinals and couldn’t participate in the final battle”, I hear some people explain, “the dude who won got lucky he didn’t face her strongest”.

“This demonstration is a 3v3 battle, one switch allowed, whoever makes all three of their opponent’s pokemon unable to battle will be the winner”, teacher Jordan as the referee explains the rules, “Now then, both trainers send your first pokemon out onto the field”.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

“Set the field Nidorino!”, shouts Leon.

“You know what to do Murkrow”, says Layla.

Nidorino uses toxic spikes as soon as he comes out while Murkrow just flies and stares at his opponent, it takes me a moment to realize the flying type used mean look, preventing Nidorino from being switched. Then, Murkrow starts singing, at least that’s what it looks like because the sound coming from the bird isn’t pleasant to the ears, I recognize the move as perish song but don’t quite recall the effect.

“Good job Murkrow”, says Layle before recalling her pokemon, “Dear, double team into confusion”, we hear her voice through the speakers, as she is wearing a mic.

Kirlia appears and swiftly uses double team, creating copies of itself around the arena, their eyes begin glowing as the psychic type uses confusion on Nidorino, with Leon being too slow to react. The poison type takes some damage from a super effective move, and easily gets confused, running towards Kirlia’s copies and missing every time until he suddenly faints, which makes remember the perish song used previously by Murkrow.

I’m impressed by Layla, she almost wasted no energy dealing with Leon’s Nidorino, her team didn’t even take damage.

“Nidorino is unable to battle, trainer Leon please send your second pokemon”.

Leon returns Nidorino, and with a clearly frustrated expression grabs a pokeball from his belt and sends Forretress, “Get rid of the double team copies fast”.

As soon as the pokemon comes out it begins spinning towards one of Kirlia’s copies with Rapid Spin, making it disappear and quickly moving towards the next. Layla reacts by ordering Kirlia to use hypnosis and charm, which both fails as the bug type seems almost immune to her moves, barely being slowed down for a second.

It doesn’t take long for Kirlia’s double team copies to disappear from the ground, the psychic type looks tired, and then I remember the poison spikes previously set by Nidorino. Layla already used her switch and Kirlia ends up fainting upon the relentless pursuit from Forretress.

“Kirlia is unable to battle, trainer Layla please send your second pokemon”.

“You did well dear”, she whispers as Kirlia is returned to her pokeball, “Love, it’s time to play”.

Monferno appears and instantly releases a flame wheel, which completely misses Forretress as Leon returns his bug type.

“Let’s put on a show partner!”, Leon shouts as his Charmeleon gets ready to battle.

I notice teacher Jordan shaking his head while muttering something, he doesn’t seem pleased by Leon choice. I remember Leon has a Cloyster on his team, water moves could have made this an easier battle for him.

“Love, let’s give him what he wants, Flamethrower”, orders Layla.

Charmeleon answers in kind, with both pokemon using the same move, struggling to prove which fire type has the most power. For a second, the moves collide and seem to have the same level of intensity, at least until Charmeleon’s body starts to shine, wings growing on its back, and the power of the flamethrower surpasses Monferno hitting Layla’s pokemon.

“I knew you were ready”, says Leon.

I can see the shock on Layla’s face, her Monferno stands up but looks hurt, she tries to have her companion fight Charizard but the pokemon struggles against the clearly superior opponent and ends up fainting. When Murkrow comes back into the arena, the bird is quickly dealt with by the powerful fire type, ending the match with Leon as the clear winner.