Wednesday morning started on a very concerning note for Ves. As soon as he saw Natasha and Lesley stand in front of the class and call for attention, his stomach sunk.

  "We have an announcement", Lesley clears his thorat.

  "Who would've guessed", Rodney drawls out from his spot, "I thought you were too quiet yesterday, we're paying for that peace now, huh?".

  "Shut up, Rodney", Natasha sighs at him.

  "Anyways", Lesley goes on, "Natasha and I had strategic meeting on Monday, aftrr the torunament".

  "Date", Maria chimmes in enthusiastically, "they were on a date, I saw them".

  "It was a strategic meeting", Natasha turns her gaze towards the ceiling.

  "During that strategic meeting we concluded that our little tournament was a good opportunity to learn and grow", Lesley ignored the remarks.

  "Good for whom?", Rodney scoffs.

  "Good for all of us, now shut up already Rodney", Natasha sounds about ready to jump the boy.

  "That's why we decided organising something similar would be beneficial", Lesley says firmly.

  "Oh, no, even more battles", Andrei groans, "I'm out".

  "You're not out buddy", Lesley gives him a warning glance.

  "Anyways", Natasha takes over, "seeing how the seniors held their own official tournament, we decided us first years could try doing the same".

  "So, we got professors to agree to give us a spot in one of the stadiums", Lesley ties in.

  "You mean you bullied professors into it?", Ace chuckles.

  "My God, the point is, they agreed to let us hold a mock tournament", Lesley finally snaps, "will you stop interrupting us".

  "Right, we're telling you now, so you know a bit earlier, but they will probably announce it today as well", Natasha says.

  "It will be a short form tournament meant to help us prepare for the tag team competition", Lesley explains, "so, it's a team tournament".

  "Participation will be voluntary, but the whole team has to sign up", Natasha says, "of course, it's only a practice tournament so the tournament will only include 1 round".

  "Exactly", Lesley points out, "it's just one team battle, and, unlike the real thing, we won't have 5 one-on-one battles, but 2 doubles and one single battle".

  "That's pretty much all you should know, the sign-ups should be up later today, and we hope you'll all decide to take part", Natasha finally finishes up.

  The two have really been acting as class presidents, Ves thinks. Taking part in yet another of their tournaments doesn't really peak Ves's interest. He's already tried battling it out on Monday, and it didn't end splendidly. Battling right now wouldn't be too beneficial, since Houndour was already a move short, he'd have trouble standing up to any stronger opponent. One look at Teo told him the other boy shared the sentiment.

  Sam sat alone, trying to ignore everyone else, so he was probably against the idea is well. The only two who might've been into it were Ace and Joe. Ves spotted the two talking, with Ace leaning in, looking as if he was trying to convince Joe. To Ves's surprise, the blond boy quickly gave up on that, sidelining for Ves and Teo.

  "Hey, you two, please tell me you're up for this tournament", Ace says in a tired voice as soon as he approaches them.

  "Nope, not really", Ves says simply.

  "What, don't tell me Joe left you hanging?", Teo says.

  "Of course he did, he's got that thing going on with Rio and Kafka", Ace scoffs.

  "What thing?", Ves asks in surprise.

  "You don't know yet?", Ace gives him a confused look.

  "Well, obviously we don't", Teo rolls his eyes.

  "Uh, well, basically, he won't use Rio cause he's scared he'll hurt someone, and Kafka can't battle", Ace scratches his head, "so...um, I kind of need the two of you to step up".

  "Wait, wait", Ves stops him, "what do you mean he won't use Rio?".

  "You're telling us this now?", Teo joins in. Turning quickly to the otger boy he yells: "Joe, get your ass over here".

  Joe seems as he had expected this, as he quickly stand up and walks over to them. Ves truly can't believe these two. "Sam, hey, Sam", he yells, "come over here".

  The boy gives them an empty look before promtly ignoring them.

  "Get over here, you idiot, this concerns all of us", Ves raises his voice.

  Sam relucntantly gets up, walking over to them. "What do you want now?".

  "We need some ground fucking rules here, that's what I want", Ves sighs. Looking straight at Joe he questions: "did you know this idiot doesn't want to battle?".

  "I didn't and I don't care, don't see how that's my problem", Sam says flatly.

  "I never said I don't want to battle", Joe says, "I said I can't battle right now".

  "There you have it", Sam shrugs, "still none of my problem".

  "It is your problem, it's our problem", Ves persists, "we can't be 1 person short for that fucking tournament, we're already a complete mess". Ves is slowly starting to despise the word tournament.

  "There's still time until tournament, no need to overreact" Joe says flatly.

  "Still, you could've said something to us", Teo points out.

  "I told Ace", Joe says simply, "besides, it's not like this has been going on for that long".

  "Look, I respect that you and Ace have your little friendship thing bloomimg, it's cute and all", Ves says dryly, "but you should've told all of us about this".

  "Exactly, we should know about stuff like this", Teo agrees.

  "As I said, I'll fix it", Joe says, giving Ves an empty stare.

  "Yeah, well, you'll have to", Ves retorts, "otherwise, we're screwed".

  "I know that", Joe doesn't budge.

  "Whatever, so, he can't battle, what was the point of this anyways", Sam scoffs, "why did I need to be here?".

  "You need to be here cause we have to start actually functioning like a fucking team to some extent", Ves says loudly, "so, if anyone else has anything to say, start saying it".

  "Training wise", Teo adds.

  "Right, training wise, it affects all of us, so we should know what's going on within the team", Ves nods.

  "I suppose you know what's up with me", Joe shrughs, "Rio picks up on my emotions, goes berserker, I'm not using him until I figure it out, and Kafka is not the best battler all together, plus, he won't use any special attacks, so that leaves him with only Fake Out and Scratch".

  "Alright, where's everyone else at?", Ves claps his hands resdily, "I'm teaching Doom how to use Bite, so we're 1 move short at the moment, but that's all I have to say for myself".

  "Absol is still trying to kill me, unless there's someone else trying to kill me, then he tries to kill them first", Teo offers, "Tots still only uses Aqua Jet, and I deleted the rest of his moves".

  "Alright, if you need to know, I thought Private Flame Charge, he still can't use it in battle though, probably because he doesn't really care about battling", Ace shrugs, "Rocky's doing good, I had the move tutor teach him Sucker Punch, we're practicing it, but it's still very far off, though we're doing good over all".

  "And you?", Ves looks at Sam expectantly.

  "I'm good", Sam says simply, "Bolt and I are training, that's all I can tell you".

  "Good, good, so to summarise, Joe is out of comission, Ace and I have 1 usable pokemon that's 1 move short, Teo has Tots that only has 1 move, and Sam is training", Ves nods, not feeling any better about things.

  "Seems to me like we're pretty screwed", Teo nods.

  "That's exactly why I want us in this tournament", Ace points out, "it will give us a push".

  "I doubt we'd move from this spot in one week", Joe sighs, "it's just a waste of training time".

  "Hey, Doom and I can finish up Bite within a week", Ves points out, "so speak for yourself".

  "Right, I'm not really into the idea of this tournament though", Teo admits.

  "I don't care, if you want to do it, I'll do it", Sam says flatly.

  "Good, so we have two people who are for it, and two against it", Joe sighs.

  "Well, I wasn't really for it, but if the situation is like this, we need to get in as much practice as we can", Ves admits.

  "Great, so we're doing it then", Ace decides.

  "Alright, hopefully no one loses a limb", Joe says flatly.

  "You stop screwing around", Ace scoffs, "you and I can do a double battle, just use Kafka as support, that you can do".

  "Might I point out, I already tried that when we battped Dominic, and it didn't go well", Joe says.

  "Wait, you battled Dom? You lost to him as well?", Ves says in surprise, "so, 2 people here beat you?".

  "Technically, Henry beat me in that battle as well", Joe corrects him.

  "How the fuck?", Ves says, now completely confused.

  "We had Mienfoo use Trailblaze on Kafka so he gets speed boost, since Schyter set up on us", Joe explains.

  "Huh, you really like those kamikaze strategies", Ves concludes.

  "Hey, hey, it doesn't matter", Ace chimmes in, "the two of us will do double battle, that's the executive decision".

  "I'm fine with that", Joe nods.

  "Teo, you and could try a double as well", Ves offers, "Since Tots is pretty limited right now, it would be for the best".

  "Sounds good", Teo hangs back in his chair, "I'm really not too eager to do another tournament anyways".

  "That means you're battling in a singles battle", Ace informs Sam.

  "Whatever", Sam nods.

  "Great, then it's all settled", Ace concludes.

  "Wait up", Ves claps his hands, "before you all run away, is there anything else going on, anything that we should all know about?".

  "Nope", Ace thinks about it for a second, "not really".

  "We are supposed to start looking into the grooming methods and diets for our pokemon", Joe gives the blond boy a look of significance.

  "Right", Ace sighs, "I keep forgetting, dude, it's so hard keeping track of everything".

  "Anyways, if the three of you want to join in on that, some help would be welcome", Joe says.

  "Grooming and diet?", Teo asks reluctantly, "what are we now, a daycare?".

  "Hey, unfortunately, those things are important, and we haven't been doing too good on that front", Ace scoffs.

  Thinking about it, Ves realises Ace is right. In order for pokemon to develop well, care and nutrition are mandatory. More importantly, they'd need to start doing things like a team for once, otherwise, they'll be constantly trailing behind.

  "Fine, we'll do it", Ves decides for both him and Teo, earning him a sharp look from the other boy. "What do you need us to do?", Ves ignores him.

  "Well, I was supposed to start looking into grooming methods for our pokemon, so I need help with that", Joe informs them, "Ace will take care of food".

  "Right, well, I'm not playing around with brushes or anything", Teo says decisively, "so I'll help with the food".

  "Great, then you and Ace find the best diets for our pokemon", Joe nods, "and keep them on a budget, please".

  "The two of you go look for brushes and shit", Teo grins at Ves.

  "We will", Ves rolls his eyes. "See, it's not that hard talking about this stuff", the boy concludes, "is there anything else".

  "Actually", Ace says, seemingly thinking about something, "there is one more thing I thought I should do, guess now's as good of a time as any".

  "Well, shoot", Ves offers.

  "I want to battle the two of you", Ace says simply.

  "I appreciate your bravery", Teo chuckles, "but I think you might be in over your head with a 2v1".

  "Look, I just want to know for sure where I'm standing", Ace raises his eyebrow, "to be fair, the two of you aren't exactly the best battlers around".

  "I'm in", Ves says simply. He gets it, Ace wants to test himslef. Besides, he didn't really get a chance to battle him thus far, so it could be fun to give it a go.

  "Great", Ace says.

  "Okay, just don't go complaining when you lose", Teo shrugs it off.

  "I won't", Ace nods, we can do it after classes.

  "I can record it", Joe says suddenly, causing Ves to give him a curious look. "We bought a projector back in Lilicove, so we can watch matches", Joe clarifies, "if we record our matches, that can help us study them later on".

  "That's a good idea", Ace nods.

  "Sounds like more studying, but alright", Teo sighs.

  "It is more studying", Joe informs him.

  "Alright, then, we have a deal", Ves says.

  "Great, I won't be joining you", Sam finally joins in on the conversation.

  "Um, alright", Ves says slightly confused. Guess Sam's still mad about the whole Vanessa thing so he's acting up. "I mean, we won't force you".

  "Huh", Sam scoffs, "since when are you so nice?".

  "I'm just trying to get us to function somewhat normally", Ves admits.

  "Alright, I'm not dumb enough to fall for that", Sam rolls his eyes.

  "Then don't fall", Ace says dryly, "we're finally operating as a team for once and you're getting mad".

  "Whatever", Sam scoffs turning to leave, only to bump into Natasha.

  "Yo, a question real quick", the girl basically traps Sam there, "you guys up for taking a trip to Hoenn this Friday?".

  "Um, no, can't do", Ace says, confused out of his mind.

  "Alright, alright, Tammy wants to catch Feebas for herself, and we thought we should invite someone", Natasha raises her hands up.

  "Why not invite Lesley though", Ace retorts, "aren't you two a thing now?".

  "We're not a thing, officially", Natasha coughes up uncomfortably, "we did invite them, they can't go".

  "Right, Marc's going home on Friday, you need all 5 team memebers to sign up for a trip", Joe points out.

  "Of course you would know where Marc is going", Teo throws Joe a knowing eyebrow.

  "We talked about it", the boy clears his throat.

  "Oh my God, I just thought you might want to go", Natasha sighs, "I didn't want to get involved in one of your things".

  "Oh, then just don't ever talk to them, they are always on their bullshit, I promise", Sam taps her on the shoulder, finally setting himself free and leaving.

  "Wait, Tammy wants to catch a Feebas?", Joe says, finally realising that's going on, "shouldn't she focus on training the pokemon she already has?".

  "Yeah, and why Feebas, that thing is already like useless before it evolves, and it takes a lot to evolve it", Ace questions.

  "Besides, that thing's like super hard to find", Joe adds.

  "First off, Tammy thinks Milotic is super cool so you shouldn't comment on it", Tammy appears next to Natasha.

  "Yeah, it's her decision, she can catch however many pokemon she wants to", Natasha says adamantly.

  "Besides, our biology professor is leading the trip to Fortree city, the rivers there should have enough Feebas", Tammy says.

  "You sure about that?", Ace challenges.

  "Yeah, I did my reasearch", Tammy scoffs, "Feebas migrate from August to middle of November, that's when they breed in nature, the shallow parts of the river where I can fish should have more than enough freshly hatched Feebas around this time of the year".

  "Are you a fish expert or something?", Ves laughs.

  "My dad likes sport fishing", Tammy says, "so yes, I know about this, besides, obviously I reasearched the pokemon that I wanted to catch, that's a normal thing to do when you're a trainer".

  "Does this team look normal to you?", Teo chimmes in.

  "Um, yeah, actually, now that you mention it", Natasha thinks about it, looking at Joe, "how the fuck did you find an Espurr in Sinnoh region, I thought they don't naturally occur there?".

  "Actually, I found it", Teo says proudly, "saved it from some poachers and gave it to Joe, since he helped me catch Tots".

  "Oh", Natasha says.

  "And the other two pokemon, how did you find them?", Tammy questions.

  "I just ran into Charcadet randomly and decided to catch it", Ace admits.

  "Totodile ran into Joe and me randomly", Teo adds, "and basically caught himself".

  "Oh, that's...", Tammy says, "you should maybe start thinking these things through?".

  "Right, I mean, trainers spend time reasearching where to find pokemon", Natasha offers, "most people don't just go catching whatever they run into".

  "It has worked out thus far", Joe says confidently. He gives a significant look to the rest of the boys: "actually, maybe we should go to Hoenn".

  "Why now?", Ace vails.

  "I could catch a Salamance, I want a flying type", Joe says simply.

  "Absolutely not", Ace says sternly, "you're not getting a Salamance, there's no way you could catch that, besides, with our luck, you'll pick up an emotionally disturbed one and kill all of us".

  "Besides", Tammy clears her throat, "Salamance line doesn't live near Fortree city, they prefer mountains, which you would know if you researched this".

  "Of course I knew that, everyone knows that", Joe says flatly, "but I might find a roaming Bagon or something".

  "We are still not going to Hoenn", Ace decides.

  "But it's not even that far", Joe pleads.

  "Nope, you already have two pokemon, you don't need a third one", Ace says, "focus on getting Rio and Kafka ready for the tournament".

  "Stop mentioning the tournament, I'm getting a gag reflex from that word", Ves sighs.

  "Look, we just wanted to see if you wanted to come along", Natasha waves them off, "but we'll leave you to your business".

  "Honestly, that's for the best", Ace nods, "please, don't give these three any more ideas".

  "Roger that", Natasha says, all but pulling Tammy away from the boys.

  "So, training, battle, grooming, diet", Ace claps his hands.

  "And maybe we go to the Fortree city on our own, it's close to Lilicove anyways, we could catch a train from there", Joe chimmes in.

  "No Fortree city, you are not getting a fucking Salamance", Ace says firmly.

  "Actually", Ves cuts him off, "since we're doing the whole team thing and stuff, maybe I want to go to Lilicove".

  "Why the fuck now?", Ace looks about ready to cry.

  "Well, both you and Teo went, it's my turn now", Ves points out, "besides, the nights are getting colder, and the heating won't start anytime soon, so we could use like a portable heater or something".

  "You are absolutely not taking him to Lilicove to get a fucking heater, do you understand me?", Ace gives Joe a death glare.

  "I mean", Joe says thoughtfully, "he's kind of right about the nights getting colder, and besides, we will probably end up needing more berries and grooming stuff, so...".

  "No", Ace says, "you can't just hop onto a boat and go to Lilicove every chance you get".

  "Just to point out, it's unfair that you all get to go and not me", Ves hangs back in his chair.

  "Look, the grooming kits are not the best in the school stores, and they are pricey", Joe says, "plus, diets usually requier specific berries, among other stuff, I already have Chople berry for Rio, but we will need similar berries for the rest of the pokemon, so keep in mind, we will have to go to Lilicove again, as soon as we have the list of everything that we need".

  "Great, we can all go together", Teo claps his hands together, definitely ecstatic about pissing off Ace.

  "I'm not road tripping with all of you, this is not Paper Towns", Ace sighs, "but fine, you can go to fucking Lilicove when we have the list of the things we need".

  "And you are taking me this time", Ves says victoriously.

  "I might want to come as well", Teo says readily.

  "You are absolutely not going, the last time you were alone with Joe, the two of you almost got arrested", Ace says simply.

  "You can't stop me", Teo shrugs simply.

  "Hey, you already went, it's not fair", Ves protests.

  "Joe went like twice already", Teo retorts.

  "I'm the only one here who can drive a boat", Joe offers, "so I kind of have to go".

  "Fair point", Ves nods in agreement, "Joe and I are going".

  "But the two of them might try killing each other", Teo says to Ace, "do you really want to leave them alone on a boat in the middle of the ocean?".

  "It's not like they will be safer with you there", Ace rolls his eyes.

  "Fine, then you come too", Teo says simply.

  "Alright, alright, all four of us are going", Ace finally decides, "but only after we've decided what stuff we need".

  "And don't spend too much money, save up", Joe reminds them.

  "Exactly", Ace nods, "and focus on training until then".

  "Right, and everything else", Ves nods in agreement, realising just how much stuff they have to do.

  *****

  The worst thing about Old King's are definitely the classes. At first, pokemon school seemed much more fun than the regular school. First year, however, consisted strictly of regular classes like English, Math and Biology. No cool stuff like Pokemon Anatomy, or Ecology, or learning specifics about different types. No, all of that was relegated to later years. As Ves sat through another physics lecture, all he could think about was the battle that was in front of him. He never really had a chance to battle against Teo or Ace. Actually, the only time he got to face against any of his teammates was when Ace, Sam and himself faced Joe, and that was like, on the third day.

  It was hard for him to put it into place, this has been only his third week at Old King's. Actually, if he remembered correctly, that battle was exactly two weeks ago. He already felt like a completely different trainer since then. And how many battles did he even have since then? It felt like too many, somehow. Well, he did have that free-for-all back in Canalave, and had beaten three trainers in a row back in Nimbasa. Just those battles alone were enough to build up his confidence, especially when he knows he went up against Mikey once and against Vinnie twice. His battle against Henry on Monday didn't really go too well, but it was Henry, so it didn't count.

  He took the opportunity to text Daniel, only to find the three trainers he met back in Nimbasa were staying in Castelia city. They've been training, and Karl had considered catching a new pokemon for himslef, but gave up in the end. Daniel tried challenging Castelia city's gym leader with his Tepig, thinking the type advantage would give him the edge, but he ended up losing. Ves couldn't help thinking about how it would feel just traversing through a region and trying to win all the gym badges. Looking over his teammates, he could see them going down that path in a different universe. Until it came to him that they weren't from the same region. More likely, somewhere in a parallel universe, he was taking on the gym challenge with Vinnie and Mikey by his side, maybe even Dominic.

  The three of them lived in Castelia, he thought. Maybe, had things played out differently, he would've lived there as well. Mikey's father was ready to have him move in with them, and Ves's mother wanted that as well. Vincent was basically the only reason Ves stayed in Nimbasa, back when he was alive, their father didn't want the two of them to separate like that. And Vincent was already old enough to know what's going on, and didn't want to live in Castelia. It was strange, imagining the alternate path he could've gone down. Mikey and Vinne, for what they were, weren't the worst people alive, he knew. But Ces could simply not imagine himself getting along with them, not enough for the three of them to travel Unova together.

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  He shook those thought out of his head. Thinking about his half-sister and step-brother was not his favourite thing. It was all too complicated.

  As the classes dragged on, he did his best to focus on what's in fron of him. Beating Ace and Teo. As far as he realised, Ace wanted them to have a 3-way battle. Coming up one move short would put him in a disatvantage. Energy Ball would be his go to strategy, as the grass type move would match well into both Rockruff and Totodile, at least Ves assumed his teammates would use those pokemon. The problem there was that Energy Ball was quite puny. That was expected, pokemon had natural incline towards gathering and manipulating the energy that matched their type, while any other variety of energy was harder for them to control. Ember, the only other attacking move he had battle-ready wouldn't hold up against a water and a rock type. At least it could be used to keep Ace from being to annoying with Double Team.

  Ves himself could try setting up with Nasty Plot, but that was a risky plan in 3-way battle. If Ace and Teo decided to tag-team him, he'd be done. Another problem was, bit of his opponents had access to priority moves. This was a terrible match-up for his partner, the boy quickly concluded. The best bet he has is to try and keep the two of them at bay with his attacks, let them tire each other out, preferably wait for one of their pokemon to get knocked out.

  He really wished he spent more time practicing Energy Ball with Houndour. That would give him a better chance here. If that attack was stronger, one well timed blast could probably knock Totodile out. Not that he feared Teo too much, but having Totodile Aqua Jet around on a whim didn't exactly sit right with him.

  It dawned on him that this is good. If he has trouble coming up with a way to beat his teammates, that means they are at least somewhat good.

  By the time the final bell rang, Ves had decided that the best plan is not really having a plan. 1v1v1 battles are unpredictable anyways, the best he can do is stay on his toes and try to adapt to whatever situation arises.

  Sam dissapears as soon as the last class is over, leaving the other four boys to make their way towards the beach. The sun is ever so close to setting, even though it's barely past 5 PM. The four of them don't talk too much as they walk, other than Teo occasionally trying to make a joke. He doesn't seem too bothered with this battle. Unlike him, Ace seems to have fully dissociated and sunk into him, almost as if he's going through every possible outcome of the battle. Ves himself has given up on trying to make predictions.

  As soon as they reach the shore, Ves runs onto the sand, releasing his partner. Houndour appears on the filed, looking as determined as ever. In the dying sunlight, the pokemon's black fur gains the ashen gray note, making. Ves tries to remember the first few days he had Houndour. It didn't feel like this. Just two weeks ago, letting Houndour hit the field felt exciting, a bit scary and all too important. Now, however, it felt almost natural. The boy couldn't decide what the gray meant, was it just the lighting, was it a sign Houndour has developed, or was it a sign of his non-existent grooming routine.

  "Hey, Doom", Ves crouched down, whispering to his partner, "we're about to battle, I want you to keep your distance as much as you can, we're battling defensively, alright".

  "Whatever you're whispering won't work", Teo smirks, reasying his pokeball. "I will Aqua Jet you both into oblivion", he states, throwing his pokeball into the air. Totodile, upon hearing the words "Aqua Jet" immediately launches into attack, making the straight line in the air, before landing on the sand.

  "I'll get both of you", Ace says, letting Rockruff hit the sand as well. As expected, the blond boy is relying on his rock type. Not that Ves is too happy about it. The only thing that makes him feel somewhat more confident is the fact that he knows Rockruff is one move short right now as well. Though, he has no idea what move Ace had sacrificed.

  "Alright, are all three of you ready?", Joe asks, taking his phone out and preparing the camera.

  "obviouely,we can start", Teo informs him.

  "Take your spaces, and wait until I find the best angle to record this", Joe says absentmindedly walking across the sand. As the three of them take positions on the beach, Joe walks around, complaining about the lighting. In the end, he decides to stand facing the ocean, to get the best of the last of the sunlight.

  As soon as he has taken his spot, Ves turns around and focuses on the three pokemon in front of him. Both Houndour and Rockruff have taken the battle stance, while Totodile is loafing around, looking between the two dogs.

  "Alright, if you are ready", Joe says, pressing the record button, "battle begin".

  "Go Tots, do your thing", Teo says immediately, as Totodile leaps into the air, enveloping himself in water, and propeling himself forward.

  Teo didn't pick the target, but Ves spots the Totodile is aiming for Rockruff.

  "Quick Attack, get away", Ace orders immediately.

  "Nasty Plot, Doom", Ves takes the opportunity.

  "Bullshit", Ace scoffs, as his partner quickly gets away from the incoming Aqua Jet, "Accelerock, hit Doom, cut it off, Rocky".

  The rocks swiftly projectile towards Houndour, just a moments too late, the Nasty Plot has already gone through.

  "Dodge it", Ves orders up, "keep mooving Doom, go in circles".

  "Tots, keep it up", Teo says almost manically. He might be leaning too much into the chaos, not picking targets, just letting Totodile do whatever he wants.

  The croc pokemon jump starts tge next attack, aiming at Roclruff yet again, and Ves almost can't believe his luck. "Energy Ball, hit Rocky", he orders up, ready to corner Ace in an instant.

  "Fuck this, Accelerock into the Energy Ball", Ace says through gritted teeth. The rocks are barely enough to stop the powered up Energy Ball in a clash, but Totodile slams into Rockruff with the water type attack, throwing him backwards.

  "Quick Attack, counter", Ace yells, realising he's the one being ganged up on.

  "Aqua Jet, get away", Teo orders, but Rockruff's too close, and is by far better trained, managing to hit with a Quick Attack before Totodile could propel himslef away.

  "Accelerock, keep it up", Ace orders immediately, decisive to get rid of Totodile.

  "Aqua Jet", Teo says as quickly as he can.

  Thid time around, Totodile manages to get away from the attavk, but instead of simply using the Aqua Jet to escape, he decides to launch himself at Houndour.

  For a second Ves wants to try intercepting with Energy Ball, but decides against it. "Dodge it, Doom", he orders, not sure if his partner can release an attack in time.

  "Double Team", Ace orders quickly, as Houndour manages to avoid the incoming water projectile.

  "Shit, Doom, jump back, try to cover the field with Ember", Ves orders, trying his best to cancel out Ace's Double Team and stay as far aways from Totodile as possible at the same time.

  "Fuck, how are you two avoiding the priority attack this much", Teo scoffs, "hey, Tots, any chance you could get just a little bit faster?".

  Before either Ace or Ves can come up with the next move, Totodile starts stomping his feet on the send, with a faint energy appearing around pokemon's body. Ves is not sure what it is, but the very next second the enrgy is gone, and Totodile is up in the air again, starting another Aqua Jet.

  To Ves's satisfaction, he's heading for Rockruff.

  "Quick Attack, get away", Ace orders up, moments too late. Before Rockruff can move away, Totodile has already dispersed his clone. Both Ace and Ves got distracted by Totodile's little dance, but Ves finally realised what it was. That Aqua Jet was faster than before. Totodile had most likely used Agility.

  He can't have that. "Energy Ball, hit Tots, quickly", Ves says, as soon as he can. Having Totodile randomly flinging himself across the field was already bad, having him do so with his speed raised was a nightmare.

  Houndour seems to realise what the matter is, releasing the fastest Energy Ball he can. It's weak, since the fire type didn't have enough time to prepare, but it does what Ves needs it to do, connecting into Totodile before the water type can react. But it fails to knock it out.

  "Accelerock", Ace says immediately, catching onto this new situation, "get Tots".

  Rockruff fires off a swift attack of his own, not giving Totodile a chance to move back, instead throwing him forward and knocking him out.

  "Alright, Doom, now, Energy Ball", Ves decides now's the perfect time to take care of Ace as well. Rockruff had already taken damage, and Houndour was perfectly healthy, and powered up. He could definitely win this.

  "Quick Attack, get away", Ace seems to have expected this, "retaliate with Accelerock".

  "Dodge it", Ves orders, as he sees Rockruff avoid the Energy Ball and fire off an attack of his own.

  Houndour manages to avoid the Accelerock, only for Ace to order up the next one as soon as possible.

  Ves did not expect this from Ace, now that the battle was down to 1v1, he thought the blond boy would resort to his usual Double Team tactics.

  "Dodge it, again, get further away", Ves orders, realising that the power up to his special attack didn't mean too much when his opponent has two priority moves.

  There was only one way for him to win this now, he realises.

  "Now, Doom, run forward, jump up, use your body, and hit him with Energy Ball", Ves says expecting Ace to keep up the pressure with Accelerock.

  The only way out here was for Houndour to take an attack head on, and hit with an Energy Ball. Rockruff had already taken damage, so just one powered up Energy Ball should be enough to knock it out. And if he lets Houndour use his physicality as well, he would gather more energy. That was Houndour's natural way of fighting.

  As Houndour leaps forward, taking into the air and readying the attack, Ace's reaction isn't what Ces had counted on.

  "Quick Attack, get away", Ace decides to go on a defensive, "then use Double Team".

  So, Ace is not abandoning his evasion strategies after all, Ves thinks, as Rockruff gets away from the path of Energy Ball.

  Doesn't matter, Ves thinks, he can still push through. "Ember, now", Ves says, ready to deal some damage while getting rid of the Double Team clone at the same time.

  "Accelerock, now", Ace switches up on the offensive now, and Ves curses under his breath. He should've expected that much. Ember wouldn't be enough to knock out the rock type, he had just given Ace a free hit.

  As Ember disperses the clone and burns into Rockruff, the rock tyoe swiftly retaliates with the attack of his own, digging the rocks into Houndour and knocking the fire type back.

  "Now, get closer", Ace orders, "get ready, Rocky".

  "Hit back with an Energy Ball", Ves orders trying to salvage the situation.

  "Use Quick Attack to avoud it", Ace says readily, "hit back with Accelerock"

  As the Energy Ball misses again, Ves reacts quickly: "Dodge it, retaliate, Energy Ball, as fast as you can Doom".

  Houndour seems heated up as he swiftly steps away from the prohectilimg rocks, starting up the next Energy Ball.

  "Keep up the pressure, Rocky, Accelerock", Ace orders, and Ves is not sure what the blond boy is betting on. Just one hit from Energy Ball, even the weak one, will be enough to knock out Rockruff now.

  Houndour manages to fire of an Energy Ball, but Rockruff is in time to intercept it again.

  "Shit, again Doom, fast", Ves yells tgrough gritted teeth. The faster Houndour releases Energy ball the weaker it is. Meanwhile, Accelerock is meant to be fast, so Ace doesn't lose on power.

  Ves quickly realises he's done for. Ace can just overwhelm Doom with Accelerocks. Ember was a no go, it would just allow a hit into Houndour, without knocking Rockruff out in exchange.

  Energy Ball clashes with Accelerock again, but the rocks break through this time around, hitting into Houndour.

  Even before Ace orders another round, Ves knows he had lost. He tries ordering Houndour to dodge, but the next array of rocks comes too fast, slamming into the fire type and knocking him out.

  "Fuck", Teo whistles out.

  "I have no idea what I was expectimg, but this was not it", Joe says, slightly taken back. "I have it all on the record, we can watch it as soon as we get to the dorm room", he informs them, as he presses the button to stop recording.

  "Good effort Houndour, come back", Ves says abesntmidedly recalling his partner. "Good battle", he coughes up, seizing the blond boy.

  Ace looks content with himself, as he recalls Rockruff as well. "Thanks", he says shortly, and Ves can see his face steeling for a moment.

  Not that he had gone into this battle thinking he could win, but he didn't expect to lose to Ace in a 1v1. Especially not when Ace had already taken damage and Houndour was powered up with a Nasty Plot. It didn't feel good. Not when it was clear as day that the battle as a whole favoured Ves, he had multiple chances to get attacks in. There truly wasn't too much to think about in that sense. Rockruff was much better trained, that much was clear as day.

  As much as Ves had focused on training, for the past few days he had been working almost exclusively on teaching Bite to Houndour. He wished he had worked on Energy Ball just a little bit more. If Houndour had been more proficent in usimg it, if he could fire it off faster, make it stronger, he could've won this. But no. Even with effects of Nasty Plot, the grass type attack was proved too weak.

  Ace, on the other hand, seemed to have changed.

  It surprised Ves, that the boy didn't go with Double Team from the get go. He's been trying out the evasion startegies ever since they've stepped foot on the island. Even more surprising, he had apparently given up on Sand Attack. To think that little over 2 weeks was enough for Ace to change like this.

  "I'll be honest, it was a good battle", Ace says simply, "can't believe I pulled that off, but I'm happy about this, at least the two of you are somewhat good, so that's good for all of us".

  "It would be better if Teo actually called out a target", Ves says lowly, "Totodile was chaotic".

  "Hey, Tots only knows one move, and you know it", Teo raises his hands in defence, "this was the only way for me to keep you on your toes, I did what I had to do".

  "That's actually sort of smart", Joe admits.

  "Yeah, and a good thing is, Tots learned Agility, so he knows two moves now", Ace points out.

  "Wait", Teo raises his eyebrow in surprise, "when did he learn it?".

  "Um, learned it mid-battle, dude", Ves says, "that little dance it did, it was Agility, at least I think".

  "Yeah, it happens sometimes, though it's very rare", Ace says, "I mean, learning a move is one thing, but using it successfully in battle on the first try is basically a miracle".

  "Tots is really strange", Joe conludes.

  "Wait are you for real?", Teo is still dumbfounded, but Ves can hear a smile in his voice. He quickly whips out his pokedex, scanning Totodile's pokeball. "Oh, he really did learn it", the boy states loudly, "honestly, I thought that little dance was just Tots hyping himself up".

  "Well, no, it's a move", Ace says, "and it's a good thing Tots learned to use it".

  "You know what I find weird?", Joe asks.

  "What?", Teo asks.

  "Agility is a psychic type move", Joe states, "the fact that Tots learned it and used it on the spot is really wild".

  "Right, Tots didn't previously know any psychic moves, so how the hell did he figure out how to control psychic energy on the spot", Ace sounds confused.

  "Tots is just built different, I guess", Teo laughs.

  "He's definitely a prodigy", Joe says flatly, "I mean, we knew he had potential, but do you realise how crazy it is for a pokemon as youmg as him to learn a move with such ease?".

  "Right, and, I'm saying it again, just randomly using it mid-battle is a different level", Ace says with a healthy dose of fear in his voice.

  "Yeah", Ves thinks about it, "I've been teaching Doom Bite for like 5 days already, and he still can't use it in battle, and that's a dark type move".

  "Well, now, that's a different story completely", Joe stops dead in his track, giving Ves a confused look, "how are you taking so long to develop Bite, I mean a move like that should come pretty naturally to Doom, he already has good control over dark energy, as far as I can tell, I mean, he was pretty good at using Snarl".

  "Hey, I'm doimg good", Ves says defensively, "Doom and I are practicing all the time, his jaw is getting stronger, we just need to put in some more work".

  "Ves?", Joe says questioningly.

  "Yeah?", Ves replies.

  "How exactly are you practicing that move?", Joe questions.

  "Um, well, I've had Doom split tennis balls and try using the move on training bags", Ves admits.

  "And what exactly do you tell him to do?", Joe persists.

  "Um, I just tell him to bite into things and try to split them", Ves admits, slightly confused.

  "And do you tell him to infuse his jaw with dark energy?", Joe points out.

  "I mean not exactly", Ves admits, "doesn't he just do that naturally".

  "No, no he doesn't", Ace sighs, "Doom listens to your commands, and biting something is not the same as using a move Bite, Ves".

  "Oh", Ves says in surprise.

  "Dude, did you really forget to tell your pokemon to infuse an attack with energy", Ace says.

  "Um, look, in my defense, the gym leader back in Canalave told me Doom is better suited for usimg his physique in battles, so that's what I've been working on", Ves admits.

  "Ves", Joe says, "fighting physically is not necessarily the same as using physical attacks".

  "I know that, I'm not dumb", Ves scoffs, "Houndour moving his body helps him gather and control energy more efficiently".

  "Right, but you forgot the energy part during your training", Ace points out.

  "I did", Ves admits.

  "So, you've been only training Doom's jaw this whole time?", Joe inquires.

  "Yeah, turns out I did", Ves says.

  "Than that's going to be one hell of a Bite", Hoe says flatly, "as soon as he starts infusing some dark energy into it".

  "What do you mean?", Ves says confused.

  "He means you probably overdeveloped Doom's jaw by this point", Ace says simply, "with Doom's physicality and dark energy, it's going to be one hell of an attack".

  "Right, but you do need to tell Doom to use dark energy during the attack", Joe points out.

  "The two of you really need to ask us before you go and do shit", Ace sighs.

  "Well, I don't exactly need your permission, Ace", Ves rolls his eyes.

  "You don't need permission, but you obviously need help", Ace retorts.

  "Eh, we'll wake you up tomorrow so you can come train with us", Joe says simply.

  "I didn't sign up for that", Ves says.

  "Hey, it's just one training session", Joe says, "you'll survive, and we can probably get Houndour to use Bite pretty quickly".

  "Huh, I think you're stuck with them now", Teo laughs.

  "You're coming as well", Joe says, "letting Tots pick his own target to create chaos is a smart move, but it only works when there's more than one target on the field, in any other situation, you're lacking".

  "I didn't sign up for this", Teo sighs.

  "One training session", Joe states decisively, "just to give the two of you a little push".

  "Alright", Ves says. He feels just a little bit stupid about forgetting to tell Houndour to use energy in his attack. Besides, training together might help. "One training session", he says, "let's not fight about it".

  As they make their way back to the dorm room, Ace keeps giving unsolicited advice, in pair with Joe's level-headed explanations. Ves realises just how terrible this pairing is - the worst brand of diplomacy. The worst thing is, the two of them make a lot of sense, not that Ves would ever admit it.

  As soon as they make it back to the dorm room, Joe starts setting up the prijector, while Ace and Teo pick up the job of healing their pokemon.

  Ves grabs one potion, releasing Houndour and making the pokemon drink the medicine. As he crosses his fingers across pokemon's fur, he notices it feels rougher than before. Houndour still has that steely determined look in his eyes, and the boy feels a stinge of guilt. His partner's been amazing thus far, he knows. Houndour's listened to him all this time. He got lucky with a partner like that. Teo had Absol, who didn't listen at all, and Totodile who did whatever he found entertaining. Joe had problems with his pokemon as well. Ves, on the other hand, has never had problems with Houndour. Yet, he failed to guide him like he was supposed to.

  Joe slots his phone into the projector and makes them sit down on the bed to watch the battle. Their little hamg out goes surprisingly well. They try following through the recording, analysing the battle, but truthfully, there's really not too much to analyse. That's good, Ves thinks. None of them really made too many mistakes, save for Ves going for Ember that one time.

  "It's tough", Ves says in a low voice once they watch the recording for tge third time, "battles, I mean".

  "Yeah, it's much different than on TV", Teo admits.

  "Right, you can plan all you want, but things happen in an instant, you make a few snap decisions because you have to, and it backfires", Ves nods.

  "Yeah, I know", Ace says, "it's like, you need to think of a solution on the spot, and sometimes your opponent simply outplays you".

  "Yeah, it's rather hard to do", Joe joins in, "each pokemon has 4 moves, so the resources are limited, you need to find your way out of any situation with those 4 moves, and you need to do it in an instant".

  "Exactly", Ves says, "and the biggest issue is, your opponent is constantly trying to do the same".

  "Yeah, it would be much easier if y'all would just let me hit you", Teo chuckles, "but you're assholes".

  "Shut up", Ace sighs.

  "No, but really, this whole training and battlimg thing is very different than it looks on TV", Ves tries keeping them on track.

  "Right, when I watch official matches, it feels like everyone knows exactly what they are doing all the time", Teo admits, "like they all have a plan, a strategy all the time, but when you're in a battle you realise that it doesn't work like that at all".

  "Yeah, you can come in with a strategy, but it doesn't always work out, and you have to change stuff", Ace admits.

  "It feels really good when you come in with a strategy and see it through to the end, though", Joe adds.

  "That mught happen to you, you wanker", Teo laughs, "to be frank, I can't exactly have a strategy like ever, since the only pokemon I can use in battles only ever uses one move".

  "Well, he has two now", Joe points out, "but yeah, having just one move limits your strategic thinking for sure".

  "Yeah, well one of those moves is a set-up move, which doesn't deal damage, so I do not exactly care about it", Teo shrugs.

  "Dominic used Agility to set up when we battled him", Joe says simply, "he maxed out his Scyther's attack, it was basically uncatchable, so I would very much care about that move".

  "No, but imagine Tots Aqua Jetting around with maxed out speed", Ves points out.

  "That would be living hell", Ace concludes.

  "Alright, alright", Teo laughs, "I'm interested, let's just hope Tots actually wants to use it from now on".

  "Maybe tomorrow we could have Tots just raise his speed to its maximum, see how it goes", Joe offers.

  "Yeah, let all hell break loose, why not", Ace chuckles.

  "I'm in, then the four of you can try stopping Tots", Teo decides.

  "What if I just max out Houndour's special attack and hit you with an Energy Ball, what then", Ves laughs.

  "We should try that as well", Joe says.

  "No fair, I don't have any set up moves", Ace scoffs.

  "Neither do I", Joe confesses.

  "Skill issue", Teo sticks his tongue out at them.

  It's sort of strange, the fact that they are all just talking like this, but Ves finds it a nice change of pace. It wouldn't be the end of the world if it was always like this.

  Alas, only a few moments later, Sam finally decides to show up, and another fight breaks out almost instantly, as they find out he was with Vanessa again. Sam states he was training, but Ace doesn't let up, while Joe keeps on adding fuel to the fire in his usual cold-worded manner. 10 minutes later, they are all preparing to go to bed and Ves can feel the atmosphere getting him down again.

  *****

  "You know, running when no one's chasing you feels super boring", Teo complains in short breath, "I just don't feel motivated".

  "Will you shut up", Ace pants out. The early morning running isn't exactly his favourite activity, Ves concludes.

  Ves himself doesn't mind running itself, just the fact that it's 5:20 AM and he should really been asleep. Houndour, however, seems to enjoy it, successfully keeping up with Joe and Riolu. The three of them are the only ones who are taking this seriously.

  Ace looks to be on the death's doors, constantly falling behind, and Rockruff playfully runs circles around him. Teo only jogs lightly, putting in just enough effort to keep up. Totodile falls back constantly, only to catch up with them by propeling himself forward with Aqua Jet. Ves himself doesn't have his heart in it, and is instead yearning for his bed.

  "How much longer are we going to do this?", Ace manages to squeeze some more words.

  "We've been only running for 15 minutes", Joe says flatly, but to Ves, he seems slightly annoyed by all of this.

  "It's too early", Ace pants, "don't... blame me".

  "You should be used to this by now Ace", Joe says calmly, lettingn himself fall back, "are you really that out of shape".

  "I'm an indoors person", Ace tries retorting.

  "Whatever, just keep running", Joe decides the best course of action is just to ignore him.

  "Easy for you to say, you're a madman", Ace nites, but Joe stays adamant on ignoring him.

  Another 15 minutes later, they find themselves amongst the trees. The trunks seem beaten up, Ves notices, and he quickly find out why. It takes Joe 10 seconds flat to instruct Riolu into hitting them with Vacuum Waves. The boy calls on his Espurr and atyempts to get him to train as well. The grey ball of furr doesn't really seem to be too eager to do that, so Joe settles on having him just use Scratch against the tree. He doesn't want to use any other moves, the boy states.

  As he watches Riolu, Houndour looks determined to start training as well. Ves, however, is not sure what to do. Practicing Ember was a no go with all the trees. And there really wasn't anything for his partner to bite either.

  "Alright", Ace drops down on the ground, "so, I have no idea what I'm doing today".

  "I aboslutely know what I'm doing", Teo says, standing firm behind him, "Tots, use Agility".

  Totodile jumps up, doimg a little dance and creating energy around himself, using it to enhance his physical ability. Even Ves breathes out a sigh of relief when the water type agrees to use the right move.

  "Alright, again, max out your speed", Teo orders readily. Totodile uses Agility three more times, and the four of them stand back, patiently waiting to see what happens next.

  "Now, use Aqua Jet", Teo says readily, pointing to the nearest free tree.

  Totodile dances around a little more, before summoning a swift water current around himslef and propeling himself at the tree. Cuttting through the air at the speed of a small missle, he hits into the trunk, and the four of them watch wide-mouthed.

  Too fast, Ves thinks, as Teo manically orders the second Aqua Jet. Totodile flies up, faster than ever, and Ves's eyes can barely keep up. He's never letting Teo set up on him, he decides.

  Taking a second, he whips out his phone, recording Totodile's next Aqua Jet, and sending the video off to Karl. 'Here's the training idea for you', he adds the text. The response doesn't come, which feels sensible since it's not even 6 AM.

  Rushing through the air, Totodile uses his Aqua Jet again. The small croc seems to be enjoying the speed. It is truly terrifying.

  "Alright, Teo, you tried it, now recall Tots and let him out again so the Agility wears off, and we can keep training", Ace says.

  "We can go on like this", Teo offers.

  "No way, ain't nobody keeping up with that", Ace replies.

  "You're no fun", Teo says, recalling Totodile. When the small croc appears again, the enchancments have already wore off.

  "Alright, so, what do we do now?", Ves questions, ready to start training himself.

  "Well, I want to try practicing Sucker Punch with Rocky", Ace says, "I'll need some help, Teo, can you tell Tots to use Aqua Jets at Rocky?".

  "Um, dude, that training will be over quickly", Teo scratches his head.

  "No worries, I came prepared", Ace says, dropping down his bag to show a whole stash of potions. No wonder he had trouble running.

  "Still, it's a little excessive, don't you think?", Teo says uncertainly.

  "It's Sucker Punch, it works by summoning dark energy and using it to cut off your opponent's attack", Ace shrugs, "so I kind of have to have an attack coming into me".

  "That's really strange, isn't there any other way?", Teo's still not too happy.

  "No, the move works by sensing energy that's coming Rocky's way, and he reacts instictively to it, cutting off the attack", Ace notes.

  "Right, Sucker Punch is like reverse Detect", Joe states, and Ves is pretty sure the boy had made that connection only now.

  "Alright, we can try that", Teo says, "hey Tots, use Aqua Jet at Rocky, be gentle".

  Totodile readily obliges, shooting into the air and aiming for Rockruff.

  "Quick Attack, get away", Ace says instantly. As Rockruff gets out of the way of the incoming attack, Ace scoffs: "you need to wait for me to give instructions to Rocky, dude".

  "Alright, alright, sorry", Teo waves him off, "go on".

  "Rocky", Ace crouches down, "we're practicing Sucker Punch, Tots will attack you, you try gathering dark energy and emptying your head, then just let your instincts take over, okay?". Rockruff barks back in understanding.

  "Okay, can we go now?", Teo questions.

  "Yeah", Ace nods, taking a step back.

  "Alright then", Teo says readily, "Tots, Aqua Jet, now".

  Totodile propels himself into the air again, heading towards Rockruff. The small dog looks to be focusing. At the last second he tries getting out of the way of the attack, but Totodile slams into him with an Aqua Jet.

  "Alright, that's what I expected", Ace sighs, "Rocky, try it once again, if you get hit, I'll heal you up".

  Rockruff nods along, looking determined to continue, even though he bad taken damage. The story goes tge same way, witg Rockruff being pushed to the edge of his health this time around.

  Ace approaches him, carefully giving out one of the potions. "It's fine, I'm sorry, but this is the only way to practice Sucker Punch, so I'll need you to take it a bit furtger, alright?". Rockruff doesn't look too bothered by the idea of taking hits.

  "What now?", Teo scratches his head, "Do we just keep this up? It feels kind of bad hitting Rocky repeatedly".

  "Well, it's the only way", Ace shrugs, "we get you practice Sucker Punch, you get some target practice".

  "Roger that", Tek says somewhat unwillingly.

  "Not to interrupt, but what exactly am I doing here?", Ves interrupts them. Being woken up at 5 AM was bad enough on its own. Now he has to stand back and watch as everyone else is training. Losing to Ace last night still stung, and improvment was heavy on Ves's mind.

  "Well, we told you, tell Doom to infuse his jaws with energy and use Bite", Joe says simply.

  "Um", Ves says flying his hand around, "what exactly is Doom suppoed to bite into? He can't really do that with a tree trunk".

  "Oh, right", Joe says apologetically, as Ace and Teo return to their practice. "Rio, come over here", the boy says. The fighting type quickly appears beside him. "Alright, Houndour will try using Bite on you", Joe informs him shortly, causing the pokemon to give him a blank look. Ves is not sure why Riolu hasn't revolted against his trainer yet. Joe's ideas were perhaps not bad, but they were always somewhat sadistic.

  "Um, that's not...it's not really cool", Ves points out, "I don't really want to attack your pokemon repeatedly".

  "Why not, Ace and Teo are doing it", Joe shrugs.

  "That's different, Sucker Punch literally has to be used as a counter move", Ves points out, "I could just go to the training center once it opens up, no need for Rio to take damage".

  "Bold of you to assume you'll do damage", Joe says flatly, "no one can guarantee your bites will actually work".

  "Well, that's right, but they might", Ves points out.

  "Look, Ves", Joe says calmly, "Bite is a dark type move, and Rio is a fighting type, even if you do manage to hit him, you won't do that much damage, and it's actually preferable for Rio to take a few hits as well".

  "Why would you prefer that?", Ves almost hisses at him.

  "Steadfeast", Joe gives him an empty look, and Ves realises what he's aiming for. This opportunist wants to raise Rio's speed to its limit, he's fishing for flinches.

  "Your whole thing is a little bit self-destructive, you know", Ves sighs. Not that he minds. Target practice is good, it will definitely help Houndour have Bite battle-ready sooner.

  "Just attack us", Joe says calmly.

  "Alright then", Ves says, looking over at Houndour. The black dog doesn't seem particularly bothered by the idea of attacking his teammate. Were their pokemon even teammates, Ves wonders.

  "Doom, try using Bite on Rio", Ves gives the instruction, "but try infusing your jaw with dark energy, similar like when you used Snarl, just don't realease it, keep it on your fangs instead". Houndour tilts his head readily.

  "We're ready", Joe nods.

  "Alright, go Doom", Ves orders, and Houndour jolts forward. Rushing in, the black dog snaps his jaw at Rio, and Ves can see the small waves of dark energy formimg alongside his partner's fangs. As soon as Houndour closes his jaws over Rio's shoulder, the fighting type vinces in pain, flinching, and Ves knows the attack has worked.

  "On your first try", Joe says simply, "not bad".

  "Well, we've been practicing", Ves says proudly. After five days of focusing on this, it would be devastating if Houndour couldn't pull it off. His partner had a knack for controlling dark energy, Ves realised, and now that he could officially use the move, it wouldn't be much longer before Ves had it battle ready.

  "Go again, three more flinches please", Joe says somewhat absentmindedly.

  "Wait, just wait a second", Ves says, rapidly recalling Houndour and takimg out his pokedex. He scans the pokeball cheking for moves. Bite is there, he realises. He just had to be sure. "Alright, Doom", Ves eagerly calls on his partner again. The fact that he's attacking Joe's pokemon has slipped his mind. "Let's go again, Bite".

  Houndour flashes forward, jumping at Rio and landing another Bite. Two in a row, Ves thinks excitedly. Rio doesn't flinch this time around, so Joe seems dissatisfied. Not that Ves cares about that. This is the first move he taught to Houndour, and it felt good to finally have it down.

  "Again", Ves says, and his partner obliges. Rio flinches upon taking the dark attack again.

  "Wait a second", Joe says calnly, appriaching Rio and giving him a potion. The fighting type quickly drinks it. "We're good to go", Joe announces.

  "Alright, let's go, Doom, use Bite", Ves says, and Houndour springs into action.

  "Detect", Joe orders as soon as Houndour comes close. Rio's eyes flash in blue, and the pokemon twists away from the black dog's jaws.

  "Hey, that's not fair", Ves protests.

  "Why not?", Joe shrugs, "Doom can use the move now, so why not just advance to getting it ready for an actual battle".

  Suddenly changing pace is not Ves's favourite thing, but it does make sense. "Alright, Doom, go, use Bite again", he yells out.

  "Detect, Rio", Joe orders up, and the attack is avoided again.

  "Now, get him while you're close, Bite", Ves reacts quickly.

  "Dodge it, Rio", Joe says readily, and Riolu swiftly jumps out of Houndour's way.

  "Are you really going to make me chase after you?", Ves scoffs, "I thought this was training".

  "It is, I'm testing Rio's speed as well", Joe shrugs, "just be thankful I'm not counter-attacking you".

  "Is that supposed to be a threat", Ves grins.

  "No", Joe says flatly, "I'm still stronger than you, that's all".

  "That's what you think, huh?", Ves says.

  "Those are just facts", Joe shrugs him off.

  "Alright, let's see", Ves says, "Doom, go, use Bite". Houndour launches into Riolu again, widening his jaw.

  "Detect", Joe says.

  "Good, now, use Ember", Ves instructs as soon as Bite misses its mark again.

  "Rio, get away", Joe says in surprise, "and you stop this Ves, this is not a battle".

  Riolu tries jumpimg back again, bit the Ember spreads across the field, catching him slightly.

  "Now, go, Bite", Ves ignores him, going for another attack.

  "Rio, Detect", Joe says firmly, "counter with Vacuum Wave".

  "Dodge it, Doom", Ves orders, but with Riolu's speed being raised up, the attack is a sure hit, knocking Houndour back and doing significant damage. "I thought you weren't counter attacking", Ves says through gritted teeth.

  "Yeah, well, you started acting like this is a battle", Joe retorts.

  "You had me chase after you", Ves points out.

  "I had Doom practicing with a moving target", Joe says flatly, "I would've let you get a few more hits in eventually".

  "Well, maybe you should've said that instead of calling me weak", Ves hisses.

  "I didn't call you weak, I said I was stronger than you", Joe's face changes, as his eyes flies over to Riolu.

  "But you said it like a bitch, like you always do", Ves protest.

  Joe swiftly recalls Riolu into his pokeball, before stating back: "I just said it like it is".

  "Yeah, but do you always have to be a self-assured prick", Ves retorts.

  "And what's wrong with me knowing I'm strong", Joe retorts, "at least my mood doesn't swing like a Zarude through the jungle".

  Vescan feel his nails digging into his palm. "You know, you're constantly looking down on us", the boy says, rage raising in his voice, "it's like you think you're a God given and no one can compare to you".

  "I'm just pointing out your shortcomings", Joe retorts, "it's not my fault you have so many".

  "So yeah, I'm right, you think you're always right", Ves hisses.

  "No, I just think I'm right more often than you", Joe says, "and I am better at this than any of you, that's a cold hard fact".

  "Prove it then, beat all three of us", Ves laughs.

  "Didn't I already do that once?", Joe challenges.

  "Yeah, well, we improved since then", Ves replies. Ace and Teo had stopped their practice to watch the two.

  "Forget it", Joe sighs, "I'm not battling you".

  "Why not, you scared, huh?", Ves taunts, "you're so great, but you're scared of battling".

  "I'm not scared", Joe says, "and I'm not childish enough to fall for that sort of behaviour, you know".

  "Oh, you're not childish", Ves laughs, "great, well, just to inform you, you're the only one on the team who's refusing to battle right now, so technically, you are the weakest link".

  "There's a reason I don't want to battle right now, it doesn't mean I'm weak, or that I'm scared", Joe retorts, "what do you even want from me".

  "Some respect", Ves replies instantly, "if you can summon something like that up".

  "I was trying to help you train, it's not my fault you have anger issues", Joe says.

  "Well, I wouldn't have anger issues if you didn't take any chance you get to be an ass", Ves yells.

  "What do you even want from me?", Joe's voice raises up as well, surprising Ves for just the moment, "you know, I do everything around here, I'm the one who helps everyone train, I'm the one who makes trips to Lilicove to get the berries and TMs and whatever else, everyone just counts on me to get us sure wins in the tournament, so maybe, just maybe, I deserve to act like an ass from time to time".

  "No one asked you to do any of that", Ves scoffs.

  "But that's what all of you expect from me", Joe retorts, "isn't it?".

  "No, we do not", Ves retorts.

  "You do", Joe's voice turns bitter, "you aboslutely all do".

  "Dude, no one expects anything from you", Teo chimmes in, "and we do appreciate the help, we just wish yiu weren't such a prick about it all the time".

  "You're the last one who should start this with me", Joe shoots him a sharp look and Teo steps back immediately.

  "Look, both of you are in one of your episodes right now, so maybe just calm down", Ace comes in, trying to fix things up.

  "Oh, no, Joe's newest little lackey is going to teach us about emotional regulation", Ves rolls his eyes.

  "I'm not his lackey", Ace scoffs, "and you know, you do have a knack for switching up out of the blue and just insulting people".

  "But I'm right, you are his lackey, you're running around and following him, just like Sam did", Ves scoffs, "I'm surprised the two of you are not sharing the bed already".

  "Shut up already Ves, I don't have lackeys", Joe says firmly.

  "Yes, yes you do, that's what you do, and you enjoy it", Ves says, "you just like when people are running after you, hanging on to every word of yours".

  "That's not right, I just like it when people ackowledge that I'm right", Joe says.

  "Oh, but you are always right", Ves says poisonously.

  "Exactly", Joe hisses at him.

  "You know, it was actually nice hanging out last night", Ves sighs, "obviously, it couldn't last".

  "It's not like it's my fault", Joe says calmly, "you're the one who turned this into a battle, when you know well enough I said I don't want to do battles if I don't have to".

  "That's because you have something against saying things like a normal person", Ves says, "no, you just have to go around acting like an all-knowing asshole who's too cool to say what's on his mind".

  "Are you really that stupid, Ves", Joe says, "I am not battling because Rio attacked people, he attacked you once already, and you still go and jump start a battle".

  "Oh, and you're so worried about Rio hurting me", Ves mocks.

  "I can let him out right now if you want", Joe says, "there's plently he could pick up on right now".

  "Go on", Ves clenches his fists, "do it".

  Staring straight through him, Joe turns around. With a sigh he recalls Espurr back to his pokeball.

  "I have to go", the boy says flatly, "I have some plans with Marc".

  "Yeah, another lackey of yours, huh", Ves says behind him.

  "I have nothing else to say to you Ves", Joe says, "I have no idea why you're the way you are".

  "And what's the way I am exactly?", Ves says behind him, but the other boy ignores him.