A Friendly Reunion

Serena, Ariel, and I, along with Lewellan, left New Zork city and made our way to the city of River Town, where we hope to meet up with Brian and Rain before the next IFL pay per view matches arrives there next month. “So where did you meet Pyro Lewellan?” asked Ariel. “I met him a few years ago when he and his folks were visiting Amaga Island. It’s a resort island where tourists come to visit.” “So how come you look…um…” “Different? I was born a shiny Pokemon.” “A shiny Pokemon?” asked Serena. “Yes. Shiny Pokemon are different in color. All the Pokemon species have a shiny side. Though we’re shiny in color, it doesn’t make us any more special than our non-shiny counterparts.” “Oh yeah. There are a few shiny Draconians back on Draconia.” I said. “Okay. I never met a shiny before. Um…and that color around your neck?” “Oh, it’s a accessory. Girls do accessorize, tee-hee.”

We soon came to a large park. “Oh cool. It’s one of those Battle Parks I heard about.” said Ariel. “Battle Park ?” I asked. “There a place where Pokemon can go to have battles. Think of it as a place where one can go to exercise…like an outdoor gym.” “Ah. We have those on Draconia, only we call them by another name.” “You guys go ahead on in. There’s something I have to do.” said Lewellan. “Okay. We’ll meet you back here.” I said and Lewellan runs off. We head inside the park. I was mesmerized by what was there. Some Pokemon were sparring with one another, some were lifting weights, some doing exercise, and some were just relaxing. This is every bit like the areas back on Draconia. A good source to train to make one stronger. Only…there weren‘t as many facilities here like that red and white building.” “Oh, that‘s a Pokemon Center. Chanseys, Blisseys, and Audinos usually run them. There all over Pokellon.” “How come we didn’t see one in New Zork?” Because we didn’t look for one.” We went for a look around the park.

As we walked we spotted a large crowed and the sound of someone battling. “Is that the best you got? I thought you said you were strong big boy.” “What?! That voice. It couldn’t be…” I headed for the crowd. “Pyro, wait.” I went into the crowd. “Excuse me. Coming through.” I, along with Ariel and Serena, were able to get in and we saw a Grovyle battling a Hitmonchan. The Grovyle was wearing a yellow neck scarf, somewhat similar to the blue scarf I was wearing. “Seriously, I barely broke a sweat. As you boasted earlier…come get some!” “Shut your yap and take my Fire Punch!” The Hitmonchan went for her but she leaped out of the way. “Stand still you gecko!” “This Grovyle’s toying with him….just like my pal Venus toys with the dragons back home. Wait…is that…Venus?!” I thought. “Let me know when your trying.” said the Grovyle. “Shut up and stand still!” “That Grovyle can sure push that Hitmonchan’s buttons.” said Ariel. “Yeah. This Grovyle’s every bit of Venus.” I thought. “Hmm…well, seems your tired. My turn then.” The Grovyle moved so fast she struck Hitmonchan with multiple Leaf Blades, knocking him out. “Well, now I crack a sweat, heehee.” The crowd applauded. “So…who wants a piece of me next? I may be from Draconia, but it doesn’t make me any less of a Pokemon.” “Venus?” “Huh? Who called me that?” She looks over to me. “Pyro? Is that you?” I smiled and she smiled. “In the name of Arceus…it is you!” We gave each other a high claw, a type of high-five since neither of us had 5 fingers.

We went into the Pokemon Center and saw a Chansey at the front desk. “Welcome to the Pokemon center. How may we treat you?” said the Chansey. “Well, I can use a little healing up. What about you guys?” My stomach growled. “Oops. Guess I’m hungry.” My friends laugh, so did the nurse. “Don’t worry, our chef will get something cooking for you. As for you Ms. Grovyle, we’ll heal you up in no time.” So Venus went to get healed and the rest of us waited for our lunch. After about 20 minutes both Venus and our lunch arrived. “Never thought I see you here on the mainland. Are Drake and Titanis with you?” “Yep. They went on ahead. Titanis heard there will be tryouts for the Iron Fist League D-League division in River town so he went on. Drake went to make sure he doesn’t get into trouble.” “So like that Salamence to go searching for a fight. Oh, Venus, these are my friends Ariel and Serena. Ladies, this is my childhood friend Venus.” “Well, its nice to meet you Venus.” Yeah. Say…are you and Pyro like…a couple?” asked Serena. “Oh no. I think of Pyro as a big brother…but…oh that reminds me. Before you left, a Pelipper dropped this off to you. it’s a letter…from Ivy.” “Ivy?” I went to read the letter. “So…she was coming to Draconia. How is she?” “She’s okay. She was disappointed to hear you were banish from the island. About that…Drake found out something.” “You mean about Draco’s escape?” Venus was stunned. “How did you know about that?” “We came across one of his henchmen. They were manufacturing something at a abandoned factory in New Zork City. What did Drake find out.” “Hmm…well, here’s what he found out…” And Venus told me…

Days ago after I left Draconia…”Venus, stop reading that love letter Ivy sent to Pyro.” said Titanis. *Whoa whoa whoa, love letter Venus? Ivy and I aren‘t a couple.* I said. *Just let me finish, will ya?* “Say, what’s on your mind Drake?” asked Venus. “This doesn’t make any sense. The Council banished Pyro just for breaking that tablet. I’m gonna go do some sleuthing. I’ll see you in the morning.” he said then flew away. The next morning Drake met up with Venus and Titanis. “So brainiac, what did you found out?” asked Titanis. “Well, the Tablet of Osiris was rumored to possessed powers that only the chosen is bestowed to get it. Draco probably wanted that power so he stole it, hoping to uncover its secrets.” But when Pyro destroyed it, that ruined his plans.” said Venus. “Yeah. But…it gets better. The night Draco was suppose to go to Prison Island, he escaped. By coincidence, the Council banished Pyro the next day.” “How is that better you dunce?!” said Titanis. “It means the Council knew about it…and likely know that Draco would want his revenge by finding Pyro.” “So your saying they banished him…on purpose?” “Exactly.” said Drake. “Then we better get to the mainland and find Pyro and let him know.” The three friends nodded.

“So here we are in Pokellon, searching for you.” I looked down. “Um…are you okay Pyro?” “Never better. I don’t know if Draco knows I’m here or not, but I won’t pass up this opportunity of an adventure to train myself to get stronger. After all, I met a few other Pokemon and I want to do my best to become as strong as my dad.” “Wise words couldn’t have been spoken.” laughed Venus. After our meal we left the Center and the Battle Park. We then ran into Lewellan. “Oh, Pyro. I was coming to get you. Oh, who’s this?” “Oh, its my friend Venus. Venus, this is Lewellan.” “Nice to meet you.” “Pyro said they met when his folks and he were visiting Amaga Island.” “Amaga Island? Pyro did said he went there, but never told me you 2 met.” “Well, he forgot to mention me. He was forgetful.” “Yeah…he does tend to forget. Oh geez, speaking of forget, Pyro…follow me.” Venus ran off. “Venus, wait!” I gave chase to her and so did my friends. We soon came to a lake. “Venus, you run too fast, even for me. Why are we here?” “Well, there is someone here who wants to meet you. You can come on out.” A green Pokemon came from behind a tree. “It’s been a long time…hasn’t it Pyro.” “What?! No way…its you?!” “Heehee…yep, its me…Ivy.” I couldn’t believe it. It was my good friend, Ivy the Snivy.

Lewellan

Ariel, Serena, and I were still in New Zork City at a local restaurant planning our trip to River Town. “Hmm…according to the map, this route’s the best for getting to River Town.” said Ariel. “But the next IFL pay per view match isn’t for another month. So we’ll get to River Town, but Brian and Rain won’t be there yet.” said Serena. “So we’ll make a few pit stops along the way. Plenty of places to visit along the way, right?” I said. “Your adventurer side’s telling you that?” asked Ariel. “Yep. Pretty much.” I said laughing. “Pyro…always looking at the good side of things. No wonder my parents and sister were quite smitten of him before we left. Maybe…just maybe…” chuckled Serena in her mind. “Something funny Serena?” “Huh? Oh, uh…no, nothing at all. I was just thinking how happy my parents and sister were when they met you…and for allowing me to join you on this adventure of yours.” “Yeah…I was ecstatic how your dad thought I was your boyfriend.” I said laughing. “Yeah…least…its not a far off thing for me.” “What was that Serena?” “Huh? Uh…nothing.” she said, with her cheeks blossoming red. Ariel chuckled a bit. “She likes him.” she thought.

We were walking and checking out the large skyscrapers and the bunch of Pokemon walking about. “Say Pyro, how were you able to see that Gengar yesterday? Charmeleon can‘t learn Foresight, and even if you could, Foresight would show the invisible Pokemon to everyone.” “I’m not sure Ariel. My head started to hurt, then I saw something that looked like a shady image.” “Sounds so mysterious. Do Draconians have that power?” asked Serena. “None that I know of. There are stories of the 2 legendary dragons that helped to end the Great Pokemon War centuries ago, but-.” I suddenly stopped. “Pyro, why did you stop?” “Look over there.” I pointed to a few Sableye. “Ok, so they’re Sableye. What’s the big deal?” “Back in my homeland, there were a bunch of them working for a Rayquaza named Draco. They caused a lot of trouble for us. And…something about those Sableye leave me on edge.” “Look. They’re going somewhere.” We notice them scurrying away. We nodded and went to go follow them, unaware we were being followed too.

We followed the Sableye to a factory that appears abandoned. We made our way inside. “Wow, what type of factory is this?” asked Serena. “Probably the producing type. In the past, New Zork was a factory town years ago. The city was overrun with factories and it ruined the air quality. When the mayor saw how much pollution these factories were giving off, he went to close some of these factories in an attempt to improve the air around the city. It took a few years, but soon enough the air was good again and New Zork was able to prosper into a metropolitan town.” “You know your history Ariel.” “Well, if I plan to be the world’s best chef, I must study the big name cities.” “Ssh. I hear something you two.” We heard some machinery and continued onward.

We came to a room and quickly found cover behind some crates. We saw the Sableye and a Weavile. “Hey, doesn’t that look like the Sneasal we saw back in Black Forest?” asked Serena. “That’s a Weavile. Why are they all here? Some sort of Dark Pokemon gathering?” said Ariel. “Hmm…good of you to come. The boss is expecting to call us now.” said the Weavile. They gathered at a large projection screen is lowered. It comes on and appearing on it was a black Rayquaza. “No way! It’s Draco?! But…how did he escape from Prison Island?!” I thought. “Sir, mass production has been completed and the trucks are now en route to the rendezvous point.” “Good. With New Zork’s factories still being operable even after all these years, making the gem in mass quantities was easier than I envisioned. Make sure to destroy all evidence of the factory. We don’t want any ‘inconveniences’ to get in the way of my plan.” Will do Lord Draco.” The screen goes off. “I can’t believe it. How did Draco escape. And…is my dad in danger again?” I thought.

“Hmm…you 3 can come out of hiding from behind those crates. I know your back there.” said the Weavile. We were stunned. “I said get out from back there!” He fired an Ice Beam at us, but we got from behind the crates as they were frozen solid. We were then surrounded by the Sableye. “Well…this wasn’t in the plan.” said Serena. “Well well, we have 3 little mice.” said the Weavile. “Well sir, there technically not mice. Well, the Nidoqueen does seem mouse-like, but the Bayleef and Charmeleon are more reptilian.” said one of the Sableye. “It’s a figure of speech you idiot.” “Okay, who are you and what’s your connection to Draco?” I said. “Ah, you’re the Charmeleon Draco’s interested in.” “Huh? What do you mean?” “Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Black Claw, and I’m Draco’s right hand man. 2 weeks ago my crew and I help liberate our lord from being taken to that island prison.” “So…he escaped before going there. Great…” “Um Pyro, mind explaining what you 2 are talking about?” asked Ariel. “Draco was stealing a tablet said to hold magical powers. When he was about to slay my dad, I stepped in and went to attack him, but Draco used the Tablet of Osiris as a shield and I end up shattering it. Draco was send to Prison Island…but seemed he escaped.” “Hehehe, well…Draco’s now seeking you out. But he won’t need to as I’m gonna take you out.Sableye, take care of the other two. Leave the lizard to me.” “Great…just great.” I thought.

The Sableye went for Ariel and Serena. I went for them but Black Claw got in front of me. “Whoa! This guy’s fast?!” I thought. “Sorry, but you and I have a battle.” Black Claw tries to Slash me, but I countered with Slash attacks of my own. “Seriously, you think you all can corral me?” Ariel pounds the ground, sending dirt and cracking the floor in the direction of the Sableye. “My Rock Smash may not affect you directly, but it can affect you all in a different way.” Serena was whacking the Sableye with her Vine Whip. “I may not like to battle much, but I will defend my friends.” black Claw and I were in an Ice Beam-Flamethrower stalemate. “This guy’s strong.” I thought. “The heat’s getting to you, isn’t it? Let me ‘chill‘ you out.” Hs Ice Beam gained power and overtook my Flamethrower and I became a popsicle. “Hahahahaha! A Fire-type Pokesicle.” My eyes glowed and I shattered the ice. ‘Hmm…your better than I thought. Well, time to finish this.” Ariel pounds the ground with Earth Power, toppling the Sableye around her. “Well, that was good. Serena, how are you holding up?” Serena Razor Leafed her Sableye group. “I’m okay, but I think we need to-.” “Gaaaaaaaa!!!” I was sent flying into some crates. “Pyro!!!” I was able to get up and Serena and Ariel came to my aid. “Ugh…I’ll be fine. But this guy…he’s strong.” “Well, since we’re reached the endgame, I think I’ll make you all into popsicles.”

“Not so fast!” We heard glass shattering and looked up and saw a black creature coming from the ceiling. She lands in front of us. “Y’all stand back and leave him to me.” said the creature. “Whoa. It’s an Umbreon.” said Ariel. “Yeah…but…why is she…?” “Gah…you again. This time I‘ll put an end to you like I should have.” Black claw went to strike her with Slash attacks, but she just dodges them like if they were nothing. “Slow as usual.” She hammers him with Hidden Power. “A Hidden Power. Sweet.” said Ariel. “Care to give up?” “Gah…this isn’t over.” Black Claw takes out a concealed remote, presses the button, and suddenly we hear explosions. “Hahaha! Let’s see you get out of this! Sableye, disappear!” They ran away. “This building’s coming down on itself. Let’s get out of here! “ said the Umbreon. We ran for the exit and manage to escape before the factory collapsed into a heap of rubble. “Well, there goes any trace of those guys involvement with…whatever it was they were doing.” said Ariel. “Hey, who are you anyway?” I asked. “Geez Pyro, forget a friend you haven’t seen in years and you’re all ‘who are you’…but then again…you were the forgetful one.” She turns her head slightly and looks at me. “It’s your old pal…Lewellan.” “Lewellan? Ah, Lewellan. Of course. How could I forget?” “Well, trouble seems to never forget you.” she said laughing. “I…guess they’re old friends.” said Ariel. “Guess so…but why is she blue on the ring marks? Umbreon are usually yellow, not blue.” Meanwhile, black claw and his crew were a good distance away. “Grrr…how dare she…?” “It was ordered by Lord Draco.” “Huh? Little Jay? Why are you here you crazy Honchkrow?” “Well Blackie, Lord Draco sent me, his left-hand man, to see if you were able to go along with the plan.” “I was Jay, but why did he sent Lewellan? Hw knows how much I despise her.” Little Jay laughed. “What’s so funny?” “Look, the master needs us to continue with his plan, and he needs a spy to make sure that Charmeleon’s new found power is growing ever so steadily. After all, that Gengar did provide the necessary information Draco needed. Let Lewellan play her mind games with the Charmeleon.” chuckled Little Jay and he flew away. “Grr…fine. But if Lewellan and I cross paths during this operation…she’ll be one ice cold Umbreon.” said Black claw and he sliced a steel pipe in two.

Tourney Journey

The IFL Tournament was ready to begin and the crowd was ready and excited. Tyrano explained the tournament bracket seeding. “As you all know, the tournament is going to be base on a bracket. We observed and compiled the data on our 32 participants and here’s how we’re doing things. Our best and top fighters in both brackets will face the…well, not so best of the 32 fighters. Each fighter, both professional and amateur, will face each other in elimination matches until there are 2 left. The winner will have a title shot against the IFL Champion later in the evening. So without further ado, let the tournament…begin!” The crowd cheered. In the press box was a Golem holding a gold plated belt and a Gengar. “Hehehe, seems your old friend is in the tournament. Hope he’s able to make it to you Granite, hehehe.” said the Gengar. “Hmm…we’ll see…we’ll see…” thought Granite.

I was in the locker room as Ariel, Rain, and Serena came in. “Well Pyro, seems your seeded number 4 in the second bracket and Brian’s number 2 in the first.” said Rain. “Yep. Should be pretty good competition.” “Still…your up against a Marowak, aand he uses that bone of his. Seems unfair if you ask me.” said Serena. “Not necessarily little lady. It’s illegal if he uses it as a projectile like his Bonemerang. Other than that he can use it.” said Brian. “Say, your going first, right?” asked Ariel. “Yep. Wish me luck.” said Brian and he left. I didn’t know why, but something tells me he’s looking forward to seeing me in the finals. Minutes later Brian was in the ring with a Machop. “Ok folks. Our first is IFL’s Basher Brian vs. a local Machop. Ok, let the match…begin!” “So you’re the former 9-time champ. Ha! I’ll take you down and the other so-call competition.” said the Machop. “Hmm…you’ll go down in one move.” “One move?! I’ll show you!” Machop came at him with a flurry of Karate Chops. Brian took the hits. “What is he doing? That Machop’s hitting him fast and hard with those chops.” said Serena. “Don’t worry about Brian. He has this under control.” said Rain. The Machop was getting frustrated. “Go down now!” He went for one more Karate Chop, but Brian grabbed his arm and tossed him into the air. His fist was glowing more purple. He hit’s the falling Machop with a Poison Jab, knocking him out. “And your winner is Basher Brian.” The crowd cheers as Brian was able to move on to the next round. A few bouts later my match was on as Marowak and I were matching blow for blow. “Marowak the Mauler is having a hard time with our newcomer. This red hot Charmeleon is matching him move for move.” “Pyro’s not doing to bad. Of all the amateurs that had they’re matches he’s the only one the crowd’s stood behind.” said Serena. “Yeah, but he needs to turn it up a notch if he’s going to beat Marowak.” said Rain. “You did good kid, but I’m ending this.” said Marowak as he came at me. “We’ll see.” I said as I charge for him. Brian was watching from the locker room monitor. “Hmm…let’s see what the kid can do.” Marowak tried to swing his bone at me, but I leaped to dodge it and grabbed the bone with my tail, then using all my strength and momentum, swung the bone at him, knocking out Marowak. “Wow folks. In an upset, our newcomer has defeated Marowak the Mauler and will go on to the next round. “The crowd and my friends cheered. “Very good kid. Very good.” said Brian.

The tournament continued with Brian and I steamrolling the competition. After a lot of matches it was now down between the 2 of us in the finals. We were in the ring staring each other down. “Well folks, were down to our last 2 competitors: this newcomer name Pyro and the 9-time former IFL champion, Basher Brian. This is sure to be a good match.” said the MC. “Well, it comes down to this. Will my new friend win, or will my favorite IFL fighter win?” said Rain. “It seems you’re a fan of Brian’s…right Rain?” asked Ariel. “Well, I…um…that’s to say…” “It’s okay Rain. Cheer your lungs out for Brian.” said Serena. “Ok. Go Brian!” shouted Rain. “Brian’s a good fighter. He took his opponents down in less than 5 minutes. He’s got strength.” I thought. “The kid’s come a long way in this tourney. He’s very innovative and uses an opponent’s strength against them.” thought Brian. “This is gonna be interesting.” we both thought. “Seems Brian and this newbie are both tough. They can wreck everything I worked so hard for.” said Gengar. “Did you say something Gengar?” asked Granite. “Oh. Uh…no, its nothing, hehehe.” The match started and Brian and I charged for each other and we locked claws. That was a mistake on me. Brian tossed me up and got his Poison Jab ready as I was coming down. But I countered with an Iron Tail and regained my composure. I went in with some slash attacks and Brian took the hits, then slammed me with his thick tail. We traded blows for over 5 minutes and pretty much exhausted ourselves. “Well folks, this match is keeping everyone in they’re seats. Both combatants aren’t quitting.” “Something tells me the next hit will decide the match. They both only got one more attack in them.” said Ariel. “As much as I like to use my signature move, I’m pretty worn out and don’t have the strength to use it. All I can go for is a Mega Punch…” thought Brian. “Well…I’m very tired. A Mega Punch is all I can try to do at this point.” I thought. We both charged at each other and nailed one another with a Mega Punch. Though we both were knocked down, I took the worse of it. I was out while Brian was on one knee but able to get up. “And our winner is Basher Brian. He’ll face off against the IFL Champion later today folks.” The crowd cheered.

I woke up in a rest bed as a Chansey was treating me. My friends came in. “Well, you sure took a wallop didn’t you?” asked Serena. “Yeah. Brian throws a mean left hook. Say, where is he?” “He’s already taking on Granite. The match started a couple minutes ago. Rain said he’ll keep an eye on things while we came and got you.” said Ariel. “Come on. He’ll need our support.” I got out of the bed and ran out. “Wait a sec, your not fully recovered.” said Chansey. “You’ll have to excuse me, but I don’t do well in hospitals. We dragons of Draconia are fast healers.” I said and ran out. “He’s Draconian?” said Chansey. We manage to make it to the ring as Brian and Granite were already locking claws to see which were stronger. “You guys just made it. So far these 2 are evenly match.” said Rain. “What about that Gengar? Did he try anything funny?” I asked. “No. I kept my eyes on him. He did tell Brian good luck, he’ll need it, then laughed. So far Gengar’s been doing nothing suspicious.” So we watched the match. So far Brian had gotten the upper hand on Granite, but Granite seems to make a comeback. Gengar had a worried look on his face. “Grr…that Brian’s gonna ruin what I worked so hard for. Hehehe…but not for long…”

As the title match was getting closer to its conclusion Brian and Granite were getting tired. Brian went charging in. “Alright. Brian’s going for the Blitzkrieg. It’s his Horn Attack, and when he strikes the opponent and knocks them down he goes in for a Splash.” said Rain. “But Nidokings can’t use Splash.” said Serena. “No, not that Magikarp Splash. The one I’m referring to is a wrestling move. When an opponent’s down on the mat, the other jumps up and lands they’re body onto the down opponent. Just watch.” My head started to hurt. I then saw a blurry image. It hits Brian in the back. “What?! No way!” Granite caught Brian’s horn. “Oh no. Granite countered it?!” “Tough luck amigo.” said Grante and lifted Brian in the air. “No! He’s going for the Granite Grinder…more knowing as the Seismic Toss.” said Rain. Granite jumps way up, does several vertical spins, and aims Brian down towards the mat. Brian was able to counter with a Mega Punch, forcing Granite to let go. Brian lands on his back, but was able to get up. “Did you guys see that?” I said. “Yeah. Brian was able to escape that near disaster.” said Rain. “No not that. There was something in the ring with them.” Huh? In the ring? But I only see Granite and Brian. And Gengar is still on the other side of the ring doing nothing.” said Rain. Something wasn’t right. As the 2 locked claws again, I saw the image again. I didn’t know what was going on, but I headed for the ring. “Huh? Pyro wait!” I went into the ring and headed for Brian. He saw me coming. “Huh? What’s he doing here?” thought Brian. “Well folks, it seems our fiery newcomer still wants a piece of Brian.” said the MC. “Hey! This is an important IFL match. Get out of the ring!” shouted Tyrano. I leaped into the air and went for an Iron Tail. “Brian, get out of the way!” Brian got out of the way and I whacked the image. It was sent into the ring ropes and fell to the center. The image revealed to be a Gengar.

The crowd was stunned. “What?! Gengar?! What‘s going on here?!” asked Tyrano. My head stop hurting. “Geez…what a headache…sir, I saw Gengar was interfering in the match.” I said. “But…Granite’s manager is over-.” The other Gengar vanished. “What?!” “Gengar must have pulled a Double Team. It worked so perfectly…well, almost.” said Ariel. “I knew something was up.” said Brian. “Gengar, what is the meaning of this. Have you been interfering in my matches so I can win?” asked Granite. Gengar woke up. “Grr…blast that lizard…it almost worked…” “So it is true. You did interfere…and Brian was telling the truth. Why Gengar?” demanded Granite. “Hmph. I took you to the top to be the champ and that’s what I did. When you were going to lose, I decided to ‘bend the rules’ so you could win.” “You did this for me? Are you mad?! I‘m not a cheater. I want to prove I have what it takes to win. Gengar…” Granite went for a Rollout. “Aaaaaaa!!!” Gengar was hit and sent flying out of the arena‘s roof. “Consider yourself fired.” Granite then walked over to Brian and Tyrano. “I want to win, but not if it means cheating. Sir, I hearby vacate the title and all the wins I’ve obtained. I want to start at the bottom and work my way back to the top. I want to regain the IFL fans trust, and will work my hardest to gain they‘re trust back.” said Granite. The crowd applauded and cheered. “Well spoken Granite. You earned the fans respect.” said Tyrano. “Well Brian, hope that when we face each other for the title again, it’ll be for the right reasons.” “I look forward to that.” said Brian and they shook claws.

Outside the arena we were ready to go, but Rain was nowhere to be found. I was looking at my reflection and saw my eyes turned red. I shook my head and saw they were blue. “Guess Brian really bash my brains out.” “Hey, it’s the IFL Tour bus. We saw Brian and Rain in it. “Rain, what are you doing in there?” I asked. “Well, I’m going to hang out with Brian for a while.” “Your friend wants to tour with me for a bit. The IFL will be in River Town one month from now. It’s known as a beautiful beach resort city. We’ll meet you there.” “Ok. Take care and we’ll see you guys there.” We waved good-bye to Brian and Rain as the bus rode off. Ariel, Serena, and I decided to head off. Our next destination: River Town. Meanwhile, Gengar landed somewhere. He heard a ringing. He takes a phone out of his vest and answers it. “Ugh…its you. Yes, that lizard you warned me about was able to see me even when I was invisible. You do what you want with him, but if I ever see him again…this ghost will be his worst nightmare…hehehe…”

Fallen champ

It took us 2 days, but we manage to make it to the city where we were heading for: New Zork City. It was a giant metropolis to say the least. Lots of Pokemon were all around, most were busy hard workers. “So this is New Zork City.” I said. “Yep, and its loud.” said Rain. We walked around for a while, but the place was like a maze. We easily got lost. “This place is crazy. I prefer nature.” said Serena. “Since we need to find the New Zork Arena, we better go ask around.” suggested Ariel, so we went on and asked a few Pokemon where the arena was. After getting the information we needed, we went on our way.

We manage to find the arena, as well as that Nidoking. “Well, the little guy finally came.” “Hey, its Brian.” I said. We went to go meet up with him. “And you all manage to make it into the city with no problem.” “Uh…what did you mean by that?” asked Rain. “Oh nothing. I was hoping you all would get here fast. The competition starts tomorrow, so you better get in what practice you can little man.” We went inside and saw the other 30 combatants practicing. “Everyone’s in gear for tomorrow’s IFL Tournament. Everyone, whether they’re amateurs or professionals, are looking to become the next IFL Champion. I myself have won it 9 times.” “And that’s why your considered one of the best. It‘s a shame you don‘t have the title, but why are you taking part in the tourney?” said Rain. “To get it back.” he said, then walked away. The tone in his voice changed when he said that. Something happened, and I was going to find out what happened.

After getting in some practice time, I was pretty beat. I found Ariel, Rain, and Serena in the lobby. “Nice practicing Pyro. Hopefully you’ll do good in the tournament.” said Serena. “Who knows, but I’ll do my best.” I said. Then I spotted Brian. “Hey Brian, how did you lose the title?” “I rather not talk about it.” he said. “Come on. Something’s up and you have to tell me what it is.” “I’m not saying why.” “Come now Brian, tell me.” He got pretty angry. “Look, I’m not gonna explain how I lost my title, okay?!” “Fine, then let’s battle it out. I win, you tell us the story, I lose and we’ll drop the matter.” “Hold on Pyro. You can’t battle Brian now. What if you get an injury?” asked Serena. “Your friend’s right. If you battle me-.” “I’ll take you on then Brian.” said Ariel. “What?!” we all said. “It’s been a while since I had a good workout. What do you say Mr. Champ?” “Hmph…okay missy, I’ll take you on.” A short time later Brian and Ariel took they’re places in the ring. “I’m not so sure about this. Either of them can get hurt.” said Serena. “We’ll just have to see how it goes.” said Rain. “I’ll give you the chance to back out now missy.” “Nope. I’ll take my chances.” said Ariel. “Well, looks like this battle’s gonna happen.” I said. Brian charges right at Ariel. He went for a Double Kick, but Ariel catches him, the spins and tosses him into a wall back first really hard. “….wow…..” “Heehee, sorry. I forget how strong I am.” laughed Ariel. We looked stunned.

After putting a head bandage on Brian, we spoke to Ariel. “We know you were bulky Ariel, but wow. Your pretty strong.” said Rain. “Thanks. Even a chef can be strong.” “Well…you beat me, so I’ll keep my promise.” said Brian. “Ok. Tell us why your in the tournament Brian.” I said. “6 months ago, I had won my 9^th IFL title and I was on top of the world. 3 months later I was challenged by one of my rivals. His name is Granite. In a IFL title match in River Town, we were going at it at full force, a match of the year. Granite and I were very worn out from the match. His manager, a Gengar, was telling him to hurry and finish me off. I went in to deliver the finishing blow, but before I can reach him, I tripped. But as you can see from my body, I can’t trip on my own feet, and the ring was flat. I felt something, like someone tripped me. Anyway, Granite grabbed my horn and gave me a Seismic Toss, ending the match. He won the title, and I felt I was cheated.” “So what did you do?” asked Ariel. “I went to the IFL owner, but he told me there is no evidence that supports my claim. I did have a rematch a week later, but the result ended the same. That time I knew I was tripped, but no one could tell. I felt so disgusted. Tyrano, head of the IFL, told me I can get my shot back if I win the IFL Tournament. So here I am.” “You know, it sounds fishy to me.” “What do you mean Rain?” asked Serena. “Nidoking aren’t easily tripped, even if they are in an anger fit. So…something invisible might have done it.” “You think a ghost did it?” laughed Serena. “Yeah.” “Wait…really? You think a ghost tripped Brian?” “Not just a ghost…a Ghost Pokemon…like that Gengar.” said Rain. “Come to think of it…I remember when I was getting up, he looked at me and had a smirk on his face.” said Brian. “Then we should go tell the head of the IFL.” said Serena. “No can do. Without evidence, its Granite’s manager’s word against mine.” I got up and dusted myself off. “Then we better make sure to keep an eye on that Gengar tomorrow then. If one of us can win the tourney and face Granite…” “Hehehe, I know where your going Pyro. If one of us makes it and wins, we can watch out for that Gengar. And if he tries anything, we‘ll expose him.” Brian and I shake claws. Tomorrow, its going to be one heck of a fight.

The next day the New Zork Arena was fill to capacity. The crowd was cheering and all excitement filled the arena. Ariel, Rain, and Serena were in he front row cheering. Brian, myself, and the other 30 combatants were in the ring as a Loudred came up. “WELCOME ONE AND ALL TO THIS YEAR’S IRON FIST LEAGUE TOURNAMENT!!! I’m Loudred and I’ll be your MC. Let’s meet the IFL President, Tyrano the Tyranitar!” A big Tyranitar went into the ring. “Loud as always Loudred. Welcome IFL fans. This year, we’re bringing in 16 new faces and talent to face off against 16 of the top IFL fighters in an all-out battle royal. The winner of the tournament will have a chance at Granite, the current IFL Champion and a shot at his IFL Title. Who will win? Will it be one of our veteran fighters, or will it be a new blood ready to stamp they’re name in the long and prestigious list of IFL legends? The tournament will begin soon, so stay in your seats folks!” The crowd cheers. Brian and I were both ready for this. The tourney has begun.