:All Stars PMDFC Round 1- Jolt:

“So I’m Vega from Team Losers.”  The bored and reluctant Venipede yawns from across me underneath the shade of a tall oak.

 

A couple days before the egg festival, I had decided to join a tournament to hone my skills as a battler. Since only one member per team could enter, Ruben the Fletchling and I had quite a squabble in who would be going. I won to say the least and Ruben was at home today sulking like a baby.

 

I raise an eyebrow at the interesting team name, not commenting while watching the Venipede make its way up the oak tree.

 

Today all the pokemons are meeting with their opponents for the tournament battle tomorrow, to get to know their opponents as rules suggests. I sigh, thinking about all the training I’m missing out on.

 

“And you are…?” Vega prompts me, bringing my thoughts back to our conversation while he crawled up a branch, appearing distracted himself.

 

I blink realizing I haven’t yet said a word. “Ah, sorry, you can call me Jolt”

 

He swings from a tree branch studying me, making me feel a bit uncomfortable as he appears to be analyzing me from top to bottom. Predicting his battle with me tomorrow most likely I thought, pulling my hood lower to hide my face.

 

“You look strong”, he abruptly comments, breaking the silence.

 

I squirm a little at his sudden compliment.

 

Swiftly he stops swinging and catches me in the eye.

“You know, I joined this tournament so I could prove myself”, he pauses briefly, seeming to pick his next words with care.

 

I listen with interest, wondering what he means.

 

“But, now I think I’m regretting my decision. I see all these tough pokemons in the tournament. I don’t belong here. I can’t compare in strength with them. I want to show how strong I am but now I realize that I am not actually as strong as I perceived myself to be.” He falls silent.

 

My ears twitch with surprise. “Well. . . “, I say slowly not sure how I should respond.

 

“Do you have someone you love dearly and would do anything for?” I ask finally.

 

“Yes, John the Zorora, my teammate and best friend.”

 

“There you go! Prove to John your courage for doing something you’re not the best at, which in this case, battling. Show him you’re inner strength in not giving up. Heck, battle for him! Though the pokemons in the tournament may seem stronger than you, it matters not the strength of our physical bodies. The strength of our hearts is what determines our real power. -

 

-Tomorrow, prove to John and yourself how strong your heart is instead of how strong your attacks are.” I say determinedly to Vega, startled at how encouraging I sound because I usually don’t say these things to pokemon I just meet.

 

I scratch my long ears, suddenly unsure if I had just sounded a bit ridiculous spurting random reassurances.

I also did not want to sound like some know it all and make Vega feel self-conscious either.

 

“Well, that’s all you can ask of yourself right? To try your best.” I mutter looking down with embarrassment.

 

“Thanks. I really needed that” Vega states softly after a brief silence.

 

He then drops from the branch and lands on the soft grass in a light thump.

 

I get up to stretch my stiff legs. “Not a problem. Don’t ever put yourself down for anything less than you are.” I reply with relief.

 

“Yeah, I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you for your encouragement, I’ll definitely fight for John and prove to him how strong I’ve become. I’ll see you tomorrow?” The now more relaxed and alert Venipede asks.

 

I smile in response, “Sure, May the fastest pokemon wins.”

 

“Or the ‘strongest’” Vega winks and I laugh. I sprint from the nice shaded oak, not wanting to leave Ruben home alone for too long because who knows what he could be up to? I didn’t want him flipping all my bed sheets upside down again and fill my pillows with sticks.

 

But I was glad I could help a new friend.

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~
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As I watch the hooded figure of my opponent Jolteon rapidly leave, I stay for a bit longer to contemplate his words.

 

“Tomorrow, prove to John and yourself how strong your heart is instead of how strong your attacks are” . . .

“The strength of our hearts is what determines our real power.” . . .

 

I shake my head briefly, dispersing any negative thoughts I usually have and concentrate on Jolt’s words. I had to believe in them. I had to believe I was strong so I could prove my strength. Even if I didn’t win, I know John would still support me in whatever I’m in.

 

. . . “Well, that’s all you can ask of yourself right? To try your best.”  . . .

 

I look up to the beautiful sunset and close my eyes briefly at the colorful sky. I can do this. I thought. I can try my best.

 
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~
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[Battle Day Start]

 

Ruben the Fletchling sit lazily on top of my bed with his talons on my pillow, grooming his feathers. “So you ready Jolt?”

 

I nod with a grin, “Oh hell yeah, never been this excited for a battle before, I want to see what that Venipede has in store and how much ‘strength’ he has.”

 

“Yeah but don’t go easy on ‘em, I actually want to see you win bro so we can get some popularity around here.” Ruben flies up behind me as I head out the door.

 

I laugh, “pfffft of course not, I’m going to win this whole tournament, you can count on it.”

 

“Ahhh, watch Karma bite you in the butt for being way too overconfident.”

 

“At least it’s one handsome butt Karma’s biting”

 

Ruben gives me a look, “Someone’s on a positive spin today.” I smirk back in reply.

 

Finally arriving at the well famed Fight club, I notice a bunch of pokemons already there gathered around in small groups with drinks in their hands.

 

“I’m going to go find Vega, you go find a place to watch the battle allright?” I yell over booming music.

 

Ruben was off once the words left my lips. I on the other hand start looking for the Venipede.

 

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~

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Ding ding ding went the spoon on the glass cup. Everyone’s attention goes to the Emissary standing on the arena floor that was slowly coming out of the opening ground, replacing what was once a dance floor in the club.

 

“Can I have everybody’s attention? Please find your seats everyone! The battle for our next two battlers will start shortly.” A scramble for seats could be seen and once everyone appeared settled Emissary spoke again.

 

“Okay, Jolt versus Vega battle will begin!”

 

Jolt comes from one side of the arena while Vega appears from the other.

 

The flag is brought down and the whole arena closes off in a clear crystal glass so that the audience could see the battle but won’t be affected by it.

 

“BATTLE START!” The announcer cries in a rich voice after a short countdown. The crowd roars with excitement as Jolt and Vega readies in a battle stance.

“Well this will be exciting eh?” Ruben mutters to himself as he stands perched in the highest seat in the stadium. “So how is Jolt going to start?”

Jolt use Dig

 

“The battle starts with Jolt disappearing from the scene.” The announcer moderates the battle.

 

The Jolteon had disappeared leaving the Venipede at confusion for a few seconds before realizing that the Venipede could not attack until the Jolteon comes up.

 

Vega use Iron Defense

 

 “Protecting himself with a defense boost to buffer the semi effective ground type move! Smart move on Vega’s part” observes the announcer into the speaker.

 

The little Fletchling in the audience smirks, “If that Venipede thinks Iron Defense is going to help, he’s got another thing coming, he better watch out for that Dig.”

 

While the Venipede was rolled up in a ball to better shield itself from the upcoming dig attack that was bound to come, the ground lightly quakes. The crowd is silent with anticipation.

 

Jolt comes from behind and sends a powerful Dig attack to the unaware Vega

 

The Venipede is knocked from the defensive curl he was in and is thrown a few feet in the air, but not before poisoning the hasty Jolteon. The Jolteon winces for a second before shaking off the poison effect and pays closer attention to the hurt Venipede. “Oh no! Will Jolt be able to pull this off before poison knocks him out??” The announcer asks dramatically. The audience goes wild.

 

“Shoot that was unlucky for Jolt!! I’m sure he can pull it off though. .” Says Ruben as he studies both pokemons battling.

 

Jolt is poisoned from Vega’s poison point!

 

Vega use Night Daze

 

“Ouch that must hurt right after suffering from the effects of poison Jolt is now taking.” The announcer winces and the crowd shout encouragement to the two pokemons battling below.

 

The Jolteon takes the blow of Night Daze and staggers but remains standing. The Venipede seems out of breath and struggling as well. They both glare at each other for a moment before Jolt howls suddenly, activating his Quick Feet ability, making his powerful moves 50% faster.

 

“Oh yeah, the real battle is starting now!!” Cries the excited Fletchling grinning.  

 

Jolt use Hyper Beam

 

The blow comes quick, a little too quick to be real as one second the Jolteon seemed to be charging his beam in the air while in the next, the Venipede is slammed against the crystal glass that surrounds the arena. The glass flickers a bit but holds. The Jolteon stands frozen in place, unable to take the advantage of attacking the almost unconscious Venipede the second time.

 

“Oh isn’t that Venipede lucky!! The Jolteon can not attack after such a power-house move, this gives the Venipede time to recover!” The announcer comments into the speakers. “Dammit.” The Fletchling sighs unintentionally, “Jolt should be able to make this end quick though.”

 

Jolt is hurt by poison

 

The frozen Jolteon could only be seen wincing as the poison shaves away it’s health little by little but overall because of the Jolteon’s high level, it doesn’t take away too much health. 

 

The announcer calls out, “Vega is running on low energy fast while Jolt seems pretty worn out from the poison. Vega has the advantage now because Jolt can’t attack after using such a powerful move, will Vega be able to pull back up quick and win?”

 

 By this time the pokemons in the audience could be heard roaring and stomping it’s feet as if to encourage the Venipede to get back up. It works and the Venipede is seen slowly pushing itself to his feet.

 

Vega use Retaliate

 

Jolt evades the move

 

 “Oh… my… did everyone just see that? Jolt dodged the attack!! Amazing he can dodge right after using Hyper Beam! He must have a high agility stat!” The crowd cheers louder bringing the whole arena in an uproar.

 

“That’s my boy!” Ruben the Fletchling cheers loudly and giving out a good shout of encouragement.

 

The quick Jolteon had barely dodged the move in time but thanks to the Quick Feet ability he had activated, he can move lightning quick, even if he couldn’t attack. The Venipede looks at the space where the Jolteon had been a millisecond ago with shock, unbelief written all over the Venipede’s face.

 

Jolt is hurt by poison

 

“This last move might determine who wins this round!! Who will be able to attack first and land a hit??” The announcer asks in a flourish causing both the Jolteon and Venipede to stand up straighter and with more energy even after the hits they’ve both received.

 

This time, the Venipede attacks first as the Jolteon was running on reserves after using a powerful Hyper Beam and being backlashed by poison multiple times. As the Venipede unleashes it’s power, the Jolteon quickly moves out of the way by digging another hole.

 

Vega use Night Daze while Jolt uses Dig to dodge

 

Jolt is hurt by poison

 

“That was a good strategy from Jolt to dodge the Night Daze with Dig. It looks like Vega needs to figure something out quick before Jolt pops up!” The announcer spoke out creating cheers from all around the pokemons. It was clear that by now, the audience was divided amongst themselves.

 

“Ahh come on Jolt, you got this, you can do this!!” The nervous Fletchling squirms in his seat and makes disturbance in the area around him.

 

“Yo, could you settle down a bit?” Asks a nearby Sandslash.

 “Yeah, sorry.” The Fletchling says staying still again.

 

Vega use Iron Defense

 

Because the Venipede really couldn’t harm the Jolteon who is now underground, the Venipede’s only choice was to boost it’s defense stat once again, in hopes of the the Venipede’s Defense rises.

 

“Smart move, bringing the defense up on Vega’s part. But will it be enough to take the hit from Jolt without being knocked out?” Asks the announcer doubtfully.

 

“Nope I doubt it.” Answers Ruben confidently to himself as he watches in anticipation with the other pokemons.

 

Again the light rumble could be heard throughout the arena as the Jolteon was finding the right angle to attack. Venipede, being smart, watched his back this time in case the Jolteon would use the same tactic of attacking from the behind.

 

Jolt use Dig

Critical Hit!

 

It happened in slow motion as the Jolteon comes up from right under the Venipede’s body, not afraid of hitting the Venipede directly with full force for the Jolteon was already poisoned.

 

Unable to react in time, the Venipede took the full force of the attack and flew up against the roof, cracking it before coming down and falling face first on the ground, creating a giant hole. It was a critical hit.

 

Jolt is hurt by poison

 

The Jolteon breathes hard with his head on his paws and his back arched with one eye in a squint.

 

“Ahh c’mon Jolt preserve through the poison!! You pretty much won!!” Screams the little Fletchling as he stands from his seat.

 

Vega faints

 

 

“You DID it Jolt!!” Ruben cries as he does a flip in the air, not caring if he was out of his seat.

 

“Weeell It looks like we have a winner! Jolt the Jolteon from Team All Stars! You will be moving on to the next round, congratulations!!”

 

“Go Jolt, Go Jolt, Go Jolt!” The crowd screams cheerfully and some even whistle. The glass crystal disappears and the crowd of pokemon pour into the arena to congratulate the worn out Jolteon.

 

-- Jolt is hurt by poison--

-- Jolt faints-- 


 

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~
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“Beep Beep Beep.” A machine from close by beeps loudly and I blink my eyes warily, waking up from another sleepless dream, still feeling the faint effects of the poison I had endured from the tournament battle days ago.

 

Now I know to never use direct moves on poison types I thought to myself while wincing at the memory of the powerful poison coursing through my body making me slower than usual.

 

Vega was super powerful. I wish I didn’t have to take him out in the first round. He has much potential I thought sadly staring at the open window by my hospital bedside. It was a bright sunny day with not a cloud seen in the blue sky.

 

Suddenly the door bangs open and Ruben flaps to my bedside in excitement, shedding feathers everywhere from how fast he was flapping and causing a stir in my bed sheets. Vega comes in after him, looks at me with worry before he looks down solemnly.

 

“OhmigoshOhmigosh, your battle was AMAZING Jolt!! I knew you could do it!!” Ruben smacks me lightly with his wing. I wince a little but smile in response.

 

“Yeah Congrats, you totally deserved it”, Vega says still standing by the door staring at the ground in fascination.

 

“Hey it’s okay, you did your best. You know what? You are strong even if you lost against me. Not many pokemons can take my hyper beam directly without being KO’d. Seeing that you can take powerful attacks and still fight, shows that you have a heart of a battler and you can fight. You truly proved to me that you were strong and I’m sure John is especially proud of you too.”  I say with conviction.

 

Vega looks up with surprise and his eyes grow a bit misty. “Thanks Jolt.”

 

I smile sincerely back while Ruben awws in the background. I smack Ruben’s wing lightly in response.

 

“Well, I was leaving, just came around to bid good bye. I hope to see you around!” Vega says and opens the door to walk out.

 

“I hope to see you sometime as well and I do wish you the best! Bye for now” I answer back smiling at the strong hearted Venipede.

 

I turn my head back to the open window and listen half-heartedly to the excited chatter of the Fletchling, while preparing myself for the next battle to come, Round two of Fight Club tournament.

 



                                                                            - - - - - - 

_{As the day brightens and darkens, the two fateful opponents leave each other as each go on their own paths to a new journey. One, building his strength and confidence to continue to prove and try his best for himself and the second, continues on with the tournament in attempt to secure the champion title and hone his battling skills. Stay tuned to find out more of the latter. To be continued if there is a next time.}