Action: Welcome back, and we will soon be done with these little exams.
Carter: Finally.
Ignis: Bring it on then.
Kaiser: I believe we are ready for this show to truly be on the road.
Sea: Everyone is so excited.
Reuben: Why wouldn’t we be Elsa?
Kenta: Can we not have insults?
L’Ark: We all know that is a tall task.
Action: Anyway let’s dive in.
Kaiser: Action doesn’t own Pokemon, art, or music links if used.
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~Kaiser’s~
(Tokoha's Fight - Vanguard G)
I decided to get changed and grabbed the clothes on the table and reapplied my bandages. When I looked at myself in the mirror I had white shorts and they had a Kyurem symbol on the bottom left with ‘OC’ above it. I guess it stands for Opelucid City. When I walked out of the changing room and made my way toward the battlefield, Drayden, Iris and the rest of the attendees were waiting for me. I saw Rueben, Kenta, and L'Ark. I no longer saw Sea.
"I’d like to commend you all for making it this far," Drayden grabbed our attention. "There are only twelve of you left and this is our final test," he said with a hardy laugh.
"I’m surprised you haven’t let this many pass in the last four years," Iris commented.
"That’s right!," A Lillipup said. "Opelucid City hasn’t produced any teams in four years and has rejected all applicants for four years. They say the trainer is unreasonable in searching for talent," the little pup said rather angrily.
"I agree and that last exam was just a joke!" This time a normal vulpix said.
"I like this year's applicants' spunk," Drayden let out another laugh. "I see some promising wyrmlings in this group, unlike the last few years," he then coughed, clearing his throat.
"I agree," Iris giggled. "Now to explain the final exam," the screen behind them changed.
"You will be fighting in a free-for-all, so ganging up on one another is allowed. If you step out of the battlefield guidelines you are out. If you faint you are out and you will be fighting with a ten minute timer," Drayden explained while the screen behind them gave visuals.
"Also not this, even if you get out you will be evaluated based on your fighting skills," we all nodded at their explanation.
"Now all of you on the battlefield and I’ll start the countdown," Drayden and Iris walked off the field.
We all break and make our way to the field. I guess it would be good to not work with my friends at the start at least. That’s when the screen lit up ‘3 . . . 2 . . . 1 Begin!’ Everyone was then hesitant to start the battle. I then noticed a Fraxure charging my way.
"Why does L’Ark get your attention? Let the rest of us hang out with him," she said. I guess she was one of the few who was upset he was showing me attention. I’ll have to question some other time why.
I stood my ground and waited for her claw to strike and when she blinked I quickly made my way behind her and struck her in the back with a shadow ball.
"What was that it was like my claw phased through him and for him to be so quick on the strike," she sounded confused. I wish your move would phase through me though I should train to do that. It’s just that I've trained to notice other Pokemon's movements and abuse their sight.
(Tera Raid Theme - Pokeli)A/N: Reuben’s New Theme
"Kaiser!" I heard Kenta’s voice. "Get back there are two on your left and right," I listened without thought and dogged backward and saw a Vibrava and Eevee crash into each other. To my side were now Kenta and Rueben. "It seems that everyone is ganging up on each other," Kenta was scanning the area.
"Isn’t that obvious Thumper? Since we are pre-volve they want to take us out," Reuben mocked mid-fight. He then used Cotton Guard to make a wall of cotton out of his wool. I forget he grows his wool like that, a very useful skill.
"Alright now if Kaiser uses swift up we have basic battle tactic thirteen: Star Fall Wall," Kenta gave me instructions and I listened. I used Swift continuously.
"If you think a little star wall will stop me you are mistaken," it was a deep voice for a young applicant. Then I noticed the wool melting due to flames and saw a Magmar melting the wall.
"We need to break now, from his posture he is about to release a Fire Blast. The weakness of the move is it takes time to form the symbol, so dodge forward," Kenta explained quickly. Reuben was able to follow his words easily while I dodged left and got hit with a bit of fire.
"Seems like I caught some bait, take this," the Magmar came my way and started unleashing a flurry of fire punches. I was able to dodge all of his blows until I felt a tail jab me in the stomach and he landed a blow on my back sending me sliding back. He didn’t stop and came at me.
"If you would take two steps to the left," a voice caught me off guard and did what it said. I then see a ball of aura hit the magmar and he takes it head-on. "Now with me use swift," I did as the voice said and I saw L’Ark charging in with his palm glowing blue. "Take this duo battle tactic duo lag," he said. He then punched the magmar and after he was sent sliding, the stars from the swift hit him.
"Good job, L’Ark, and Kaiser. Terran is down and only ten remain in the fight," I heard Dayden’s praise.
"Thanks for the help Ark," I thank him.
"It’s no problem but it’s not over," I nodded. "Let’s go help that vulpix, it's surrounded by others. Follow tactics," I nodded and we went charging in.
"Vulpix, jump up," I said without thinking.
"Nice now, shoot a shadow ball," I did as L’Ark asked and he shot another Aura Sphere. The Vulpix did as I asked and When our two moves combined they exploded trapping the three Pokemon in it. The Vulpix then joined us at our side.
"Thanks for the help but I can handle myself," the Vulpix said in a snarky tone.
"It would be wise for us to fight together rather than apart," I recommended.
"I guess I could work with a makeshift team," the vulpix remarked in a teasing tone.
"Heads up we have three coming towards us. I’ll be your supporting tactician," L’Ark got in position.
"Got it," both Vulpix and I said. We all did our best to fight with all the other attendees until the timer ran out. With L’Ark giving us basic offense and defense tactics, the Vulpix was able to keep others at bay and I kept up our morale.
"That’s time, all stop," Drayden stopped all of us and walked on the battlefield.
"We have the results of the final exam and we are happy to say there are some that passed this year," Iris had a wide smile.
"Now if I do not call your name you will leave and pack up your things to leave on the bus like the rest who failed the previous test," Drayden explained. We all nodded.
"Also you will be called into your team of three and be given your team name. Your team name-," Iris was then cut off.
"Will be given by me the headmaster of this academy," walking into the building was the ancient and powerful ice dragon of Unova.
"Headmaster Ice, it is good to see you," Drayden greeted.
"Please, continue and then I’ll do my job," Kyurem explained. Drayden then clears his throat.
"Kenta Kumi, Reuben Cottontail, and Carter Bark," as Drayden called their names, I saw Rueben, and Kenta walk forward. Joining them was the complaining Lillipup from earlier.
"You three fought together well and I can see a strong team for the future. You all will be known as Team: Basic. Your leader will be Rueben," Kyurem acknowledged. I didn’t realize he was watching.
"There is another team and I’m curious how these three will do," Drayden looked at the remaining applicants. "Ignis Wintersea, L’Ark Stone," L’Ark and the Vulpix beside me walked forward. "And Kaiser Luna," Drayden called my name.
"Definitely three I wouldn’t put together but I feel like your powers together will do wonders. You all will be known as Team: Ragnarok. Your leader will be Kaiser," Kyurem acknowledged. I was surprised he made me the leader. I feel inexperienced compared to everyone.
"Now for the rest of you, I’m sorry but you weren’t accepted. I would try and apply at the other three locations since we do our exams first or come back and try again next year," Iris showed a face of empathy for those who failed.
"For those still here, you should properly introduce yourself to your new teammates and sparring partners," Kyurem said before he started leaving. The group of six now formed a circle and took turns introducing ourselves. I know the other three and their hometowns and paid attention to the two new guys.
Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.
"I’m Carter Bark, fourteen and I’m from Wyndon City. I’m on a journey to prove my strength," he said with a growl in the back of his throat. The last name sounds familiar but I’m not sure for what reason.
"I’m Ignis Wintersea, fourteen, from Mistralton City. I’m here against my will but might as well have fun while I’m here," he let out a cheeky laugh. I don’t know how I feel about that, especially since he is my teammate.
"So let me see we have Snow White, Thumper, and Gaston. I’ll call Carter: Scamp and I’ll call Ignis: Hades," Rueben said nonchalantly. I could see Carter baring his teeth at him.
(Engage - FE Engage)
"Okay, kids no need to fight," Iris walked onto the battlefield. "I’ve been sent here to tell you what’s going on," That grabbed our attention and put what we were doing on hold. "You all will be living in the Opelucid City gym and your things have already been moved to your respective rooms. I'll be a mentor for you all while Drayden will be your trainer. Tomorrow starts training and you will be training six days a week and have one day to spend however you wish," we all nodded at what she was saying. "I think that’s everything and now to take you all up to your rooms.
We all followed her to a secret elevator behind the battlefield and took it to the fourth floor and exited. "Oh, and I forgot!" she sounded alarmed. "Never go to the second floor, you need master clearance to enter anyway," that was suspicious of her. "Your rooms will be down the hall. I’m glad to see you all here," The elevator closed as we exited. On our way to find our room, there was the communal washroom in the hallway as well as the Laundromat. Eventually, we reached a fork and saw a golden plaque.
"Team:Basic to the left and Team:Ragnarok to the right," Ignis said aloud. "See you suckers," Ignis walks down our hallway and we part ways with the other team. In front of our door was a box and when we opened it there were three white boxes and a letter.
"Inside these boxes are Orb’s and they are a communication device for battlers as well as your key to enter your room. To activate your Orb, say your full name to it and it will do a body scan and then attach itself to you based on your personality," L’Ark explained, giving us each a small box. I opened my box and did as it said and it scanned me. It took the form of a ring and I placed it on my ring finger. For Ignis it turned into an industrial bar and I didn’t realize he had one casually in his left ear already and he instantly replaced it. For Ark’s, he got a bracelet.
"Orb, unlock," I say to the door and it opens.
"Your Orb has call and text features, as well as access to videos and news on the web," L'Ark read the letter.
"Shut up and get in here, it's so cool, '' Ignis said from the room. We walked inside and we were first met with the living room, there is a lounge couch and a flat-screen. The couch could easily fit us all and there was a long coffee table. If you looked to the left there was a kitchen and I was so happy, though it didn't have a lot of space. Then there were three doors and each door had our typing on it, while mine had my two typings. Walking inside my room all my things were there, I had a queen size bed and a medium size dresser and closet. With there being a mirror on the back of my door.
"This is definitely a change from the orphanage," I said as I jumped on the bed. After exploring our rooms we met up in the living room.
"Seems like I’m stuck on a team with you guys, don’t slow me down," Ignis sent a glare our way.
"No need to get hostile, for the rest of our lives as long as we compete in the Academy Association we will be a team," Ark acknowledged.
"Whatever, but whatever comes let’s make sure we win it all," For the first time I saw Ignis smile.
"Captain," Ark turned to me and Ignis did the same. I started to get flustered under their gaze. "Cute," I heard Ark’s comment. I then cleared my throat to collect myself.
"We are a team, roommates and soon-to-be friends let this be an adventure we never forget. Team: Ragnarok is on the scene and will take the academy world by storm," all of that came from my heart and I look forward to my time with my team.
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(Blinded By The Light - FFXIII)A/N: Ignis Theme
"Now Ignis, Kaiser, I want you two to go again. Kaiser, use the shadows to your advantage, and Ignis even at a disadvantage, keep your calm," Drayden explained to us. We were on the third floor in one of the special training rooms where there was barely any light to help me take advantage of my new move double team and to help Ignis refine his firepower to not be overly destructive. It’s been four months of training here and both teams are exhausted and we’ve been pushed to our limits. We’ve done individual training, but I feel like we haven’t had the chance to bond as a team. "Begin!," Drayden shouted over our panting and we continued our training. My move double team replaced my calm mind and I instantly moved back into the darkness so Ignis could only see my yellow eyes.
"Like you haven’t done that all the time we’ve been here," he said with a cocky tone. I then closed my eyes and used double team.
"Like I haven’t learned anything," I replied and I heard him grit his teeth. We continued our training and he had to fight my clones.
"I’ll show you something from being bred for fighting," Ignis growled. Then an explosive amount of heat let his body in every direction. Destroying my clones and sending me into the chamber wall. "You’re finished," he then had a ball of dark matter in his mouth and shot it in my direction. Next thing I know I feel a massive rush of energy through my body from voices I don’t recognize all saying negative things about me. All at once, that energy was released. The room turned cold and a wave of ghost energy was shot at Ignis. When I came too I saw his paws were frozen to the chamber floor.
"Did I do that?" I was surprised.
"Alright, that’s enough for today," Drayden freed Ignis and opened the door. "I want you two to get rest and for you to spread the word for all teams to meet for dinner tonight," With that said our trainer, Drayden left.
"Dang old bat stopped me before I could show how I’d get out of your little trap," Ignis scoffed.
"Well, he must’ve had a reason, no need to overthink the situation," we started talking making our way to our room. We walked in and Ark had a thick book on the coffee table and he was taking notes in one of his journals. A common thing I’m used to seeing.
"Ark so we have a mandatory dinner tonight and can you do me a favor and message team basic about it, I have a date with a hot shower," Ignis left to the bathroom leaving a shocked Ark in his wake. I couldn't help but stifle a laugh.
"Well, dinner is in an hour so we should prepare soon," Ark said. Since we have a kitchen in our room we don’t go out for dinner much, however, every Friday night we have group dinner but it’s still not required. I decided to read up on the other teams that were formed across the region and it’s alarming how many teams are just at one school. Nimbasa has thirty-five teams, Undella town has twenty-three, Aspertia City has twenty teams, and lastly, Opelucid City has two. I wonder why the acceptance rate here is so low. One thing they didn’t say is every month you get an allowance of poke dollars for being in the leagues. You get more as you rank up. As well as your team gets prize money for winning tournaments. For now, we all get ten thousand poke dollars a month. It’s weird because I’m not used to being able to buy things or having much of my own. Like my new TV and switch. As well as my posters and my plushies. As I was reading through all the teams and remembering where I came from I didn’t realize time was escaping me.
"Kaiser, it's time to go!" I heard from outside my door.
"Coming," I rushed out of my room and followed my teammates out to the elevators. We made our way to the first floor and to the dining room where Team: Basic was waiting.
"As punctual as you are Snow White it’s rare to see you show up late," Reuben teased and I felt a bit of a blush come on.
"We’re right on time, no need to worry," I said with my voice wavering.
"Now children calm down and take a seat, this is rather important," Headmaster Ice came into the dining room with Drayden and Iris behind him, the two of them holding platters. We did as he asked and sat at the dinner table and so did Master Ice. Drayden and Iris set the platters in front of each team and revealed the dishes. On the platter in front of me on a plate was a cajun chicken pasta with garlic bread and green peppers, my favorite dish. Also on another plate was cheesy bowtie pasta with many peppers, sausage, and some spice I couldn’t tell.
"My favorite cheesy pasta from home," Ignis said. Last I saw a bowl of soup and it was a clear white and thick with mint at the top.
"Potato soup, but how did you guys learn our favorite dishes," Ark asked.
"We asked your families back home and tonight is special so eat while I talk. I took the plate in front of me but listened to what he said before I ate. "Now starting tomorrow you all will be traveling to Driftveil City for the regional conference taking place on Friday. As you know it won’t take long to get there but there are some planned stops for you kids to have fun along the way. Remember only one team can win and gain super rank," That last sentence held a lot of weight.
"Wouldn’t it be smarter to send the two teams to separate regional tournaments? There are three others going on at the time, one of them being held here, so we could capitalize on both teams passing?" Kenta asked with a mouth full of fruit.
"That’s the thing, we are sending you to Driftveil because it is the most popular one with the strongest teams from each city there. We don’t take the easy way out here, we strive to be the strongest and to prove that you need to take down anyone in your way," Kyurem sent a glare to all of us. "Also wanted to explain why we only produce a small number of teams here in Opelucid City. I seek students with pure potential and with the ancient tradition of Opelucid City we seek growth above all else. When I saw you six at the entrance exams from when you arrived to when you reached the final exam I knew you all had what it takes. We haven’t produced a team in the last three years with the last one being Iris’s team," Headmaster Ice got up from his seat. "You all leave first thing in the morning," he then left the dining hall. "I forgot to mention teams from other regions are welcome to travel to other regions for super rank tournaments so you may run into teams you’ve never heard of," he then left the room.
"We will all be loading the van at eight AM, Don’t be late," Drayden said as he and Iris made their exit.
As they left I got a message on my ORB. I opened it and it was from Sea Breeze. He wanted to meet with me at the Pokemon Center tomorrow morning at seven. I thought he failed the exam a while back and went home. Or did he apply to another academy? Either way, I accepted his invitation and told him I’d be there.
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~Sea’s~
(Emotion - Vanguard G)
It was Saturday morning and I was sitting in the dining center waiting for Kaiser. Thought I’d drop by and at least talk to him before I have to go away again. I then see a white Zorua make his way in and try to spot me. It’s kind of funny to watch, I giggled to myself a bit. He was able to find me and sat down across from me.
"Sorry I’m late, I got caught up packing my bag," Kaiser gave me a half-hearted smile and I smirked in return.
"You’re early, you know. It’s still five minutes before seven," I leaned up in my stoic posture and made sure I was expressionless. His reaction was priceless as if he thought I was serious. "Calm down, I’m messing with you," I laughed. I visibly see Kaiser relax.
"So why did you invite me here? You just disappeared after the exams," he got straight to the point not wasting time. I knew I liked him from the start.
"Actually I’m closer than you think I am, but I thought I’d tell you something before you have to experience it firsthand," I know he’ll hate me for it but I have to tell someone, and no one better than his, I mean our team captain. I could also see his confusion.
"Go on tell me please," Kaiser was listening intently.
"Pay attention to Ignis, especially when he starts panting because something major will happen, and if you aren’t prepared it can be damaging to him and your team," I did my best without saying it. He can’t get mad at me.
"Is that all?" Kaiser gave me a confused look.
"Yes, I know you will soon understand what I mean," I got up from my seat. "Oh, and good luck at the regional conference," I made my way out of the Pokemon center. Kaiser If you can’t do it who can?
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Action: Chugging along we have our two teams and they are already preparing to get super rank.
Reuben: My team will win obviously.
L’Ark: Don’t be so sure.
Kenta: Let’s not argue.
Kaiser: Why are we a rambunctious bunch? *Sigh*
Carter: I have no idea what you are talking about.
Ignis: I agree with Carter.
Sea: All of you are knuckleheads.
Action: Let’s just move on.
Iris: Don’t forget to fav, follow, and review.
Drayden: We’ll see you next time.
Ice: *Sigh* Bye.