"Welcome back ladies and gentlemon to this exciting line up here at the PCA battle arena, This is Albrecht Arnaaluk, your president of the student body bringing this live radio and web broadcast of today's match up between two of our prominent Junior class teams, Team Troubleboys against Team Viridian. The first three rounds of this match up have been explosive. In the first bout Troubleboys' Blister Snales took on Sapphyre Merrell. The Azumarill took an early advantage pounding Blister with repeated water blasts until she clenched the win with a powerful Hydro pump. Our second match pitted Itachi of Viridian against Charlie Armstrong. Armstrong took an early offence hammering the Ninjask with powerful fists, but Itachi, using his well known speed and agility quickly recovered devastating Armstrong into submission. After that the third match up put Walter Sikes against Team Viridian's Chloe Cottons in a shocking, literally, pairing. Chloe is a curious Lopunny who specializes in fighting and electric attacks as we witnessed her hit the Psyduck with waves of shocking force, but Walter quickly put a stop to Chloe's advantage by scoring a critical hit with an Iron Tail taking the first win for Troubleboys. And here we are, the final round, a battle between captains. Tyrone Palmer, leader of Troubleboys, versus Artemis "The Black Flame" Nines of Team Viridian." Thunderous applause and loud cheering erupted over radios and computers alike as the two figures walked into the arena center. "Most might think the Arcanine's fire will overcome Tyrone, but we have seen this Exeggutor pull out victories before using well placed psychic attacks. But enough chatter it looks like they are ready to go..."
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Echoes of excited and adrenaline fueled comments filled the outer halls of the arena filled with leaving spectators. The booming sound of the large doors were utterly silenced by voices filling the air about the results of the match they had just witnessed. Crowds of students from every class passed through the main assembly and concession area, few noticed the four forms slowly gather at the mouth of the southern hallway away from the throng of others. Slowly the crowd thinned until only a few small lingering groups talked amongst themselves. "Never thought I'd see the day ol' fertilizer brains got knocked on 'is coconuts that bad." cackled one of the figures that hung, from a pipe, above the other three. "Da is hard to be believing that Tyrone would be defeated by such elementary tactic." scoffed the largest of the four forms leaning against the eastern wall. Opposite the larger male, but leaned against the western wall, the third figure remained quiet except the zip of yo-yo that she worked through several basic tricks. "That is quite enough out of you two, Tyrone knows that battles are unpredictable. The truth is that Viridian's captain used a remarkable tactic that would have caught many seasoned battlers off guard. And I am positive Tyrone would agree that there was no dishonor in losing that match." Even as the three continued their discussion Weaver only half listened preferring the music that pulsed in her other ear. Down the hall a single door opened catching the attention of the Drowzee as the victorious members of Team Viridian emerged from the locker room.
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Reserved celebration filled the members of the team as they moved into the hall carrying the bags that held their arena battle outfits. Team Viridian consisted of four original members and two alternates. "I can't believe we won three to one" Karen Marrill giggled leaning on Itachi "Though I was getting a bit worried for you Itty, Armstrong sure put a thumping on you." The Ninjask winced just a bit but feigned greater injury as the Azumarrill leaned upon him "Had I not finished it when I did, it certainly would have been Charlie's match to win, and your weight is not helping my injuries." Everyone laughed as Karen slapped the bug type upside the head and moved over to lean against Bishop. Chloe sat upon the floor letting the green furred Delcatty place her hands on several bruises, unseen bells jingled as healing energy flowed into the Lopunny. "Thank you Nathyrra," smiled Chloe as she worked the freshened muscles, "This team would be lost without your medical expertise." Nathyrra giggled and placed a kiss on her team-mate "Your very welcome love." Helping Chloe to her feet both girls smiled and quickly found their familiar place under the arms of the black and white Arcanine. "Well now Artemis, what is the team plan now?" smirked Bishop watching his friend and captain shake his white mane. "Now my friend?" Artemis laughed, "Now we leave the school to return to the house where we will celebrate our victory with dinner." Playful mock cheers and laughter echoed through the hall and followed the group out of the southern exit.
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"They are an interesting group, there is no doubt about that" Weaver thought to herself and could not contain the faintest of smirks from finding her for just an instance when she knew what else the Arcanine had planned for the evening. "Weaver" the call and repeated snapping fingers brought the Drowzee out of her thoughts, "I asked you if you had anything you cared to add to the conversation, if not then we can leave." Hokori added with an exaggerated sigh. Weaver simply raised a brow "Your only in a hurry because you and Quintin have special plans tonight." The Misdreavus' cheeks grew darker as her red eyes narrowed watching Weaver stretch and move away from the group. Boris and Zeke could not resist the opportunity to utter a combined "Oooohhhh". "Oh both of you shut it right now!" huffed the ghost as she floated away, the snickers of the Zubat following her every step.
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Two weeks passed at the academy, seasons changed as fall slowly drifted into the area. School for the most part remained much the same, with everyone following their normal routines. "Good morning Students and Faculty" the voice of Assistant Principal Perjan broke over the intercom throughout the school. "It is my pleasure to announce a very special opportunity coming to our Academy." Around the campus teachers, students, and even a few visitors stopped what they were doing to listen, though there were whispers of conversations wondering what the A.P. was leading up to. "The school board has requested to come in and observe a special exhibition style event not this weekend but next. This event will consist of four matches, two teams from each class will be chosen at random, participation is optional for those chosen, but for those teams wishing to back out must let me know by the end of this week so another team may be chosen." A rustling noise and four new voices broke over the intercom. "I have asked four members of the Student Council to aide me in drawing the names of the teams who will be competing. We shall begin by drawing for the teams that will represent our Freshman class." Papers rustled within the container as two slips of paper were drawn. Typical Freshman flare and cries of ego followed shouts of congratulations from both teams. It was obvious neither team would back down. Those within the Sophomore class were somewhat more reserved only offering shouts of impending victory and boasts of confidence shot back and forth between members and supporters of each team. "Next drawings will be for the two teams who shall represent our fine Junior class, Miss Ishtar Nidolander would you kindly do the honors." Ishtar moved to the table and placed her hand within the container and closed her eyes. Psychic stirred paper swirled around her hand until she clasped two slips that had collided into her palm. "The first team for the Juniors is Team Nocturne," claps of support and congratulations floated around the members of Team Nocturne from their separate classes. Ishtar's tender voice moved through the commotion as she continued. "And their opponents for the match will be...Team Viridian." Despite the praise and comments that followed members of Team Viridian looked to one another, each knew that Artemis was out for the morning and would have to be told as soon as possible. Within the class of Professor Magnum, Nathyrra's emerald green eyes locked with the burning red eyes of Hokori. Both gave a slight nod of acknowledgement, despite everything the Delcatty could not stop herself from gulping in obvious concern.

For many students lunch was an island in a sea of tedious study. It was one of the few times friends and teams could gather and converse amongst themselves. Each team had their own unofficial gathering area so it was an easy act to find another team if a Mon knew where to look. Gathered around one of the normal tables that sat outside the cafeteria Hokori and Weaver sat waiting on the other two members of their team to show up. Weaver's eyes popped open as her ears caught the unmistaken familiar sound, but before the Drowzee could fully react Rene had her in a full hug. "Way to go girls, its gonna be such a cool match watching you all go up against Team Viridian." giggles the Vulpix as Weaver struggled in his grip until she broke free. Rene quickly moving to an empty seat and placing his chin with his hands, still holding a perpetual grin on his face. Hokori could not contain the laugh as she watched the frustration on Weaver's face caused by her unique friend. "Rene, if you don't mind I have a question for you?" "And what can I do for you two lovely ladies?" he responded with a slight curious purr in his voice. "Would you happen to know where the members of Team Viridian congregate during this time," Hokori's voice dripped with a tender tone. Giving a very playful, yet fake look of innocence the Vulpix shrugged with a smirk "And what would ever give you the impression I would know their hangout?" A strong arm belonging to the Drowzee quickly caught the fox-like creature of guard and griped the back of his neck immediately causing Rene to issue a loud high pitched "MEEP!!!!" "Rene don't try that little game, you know just about everyone and everyone at least knows of you, So spill it or I tighten my grip a little more." Weaver grinned towards the Vulpix. "Good point...over there" he pointed to one of the many copse of trees that were favored by students who simply wished to relax in a natural area. "Alright Weaver et Rene go, sometimes you are far to rough." Loosening her grip on the Vulpix's neck, Rene could not resist the opportunity to move over and give the Drowzee another quick hug "She's only rough with me cause she loves me." The giggling multiple tailed fox was up and away from Weaver's Wrath in the blink of an eye leaving the psychic female with a bit more of an eye twitch than she had minutes ago.

Hokori reached over and tapped her team mates arm and pointed to the movement of several Mon moving into the open area between the trees. "No one has seen their captain this morning," announced Boris as he and Zeke approached. "'ere now do ya really think these wankers will compete?" Zeke asked as his large ears twitched back and forth, "Oy they ain't really know or their fights." "True we do not know much about our potential opponents," Hokori nodded as she rose and began slowly floating towards the area Rene had indicated. "But we shall learn one way or another. Let us see what their answer shall be, I am curious as to if they are truly the fighters we saw defeat Troubleboys."

"Alright Nat, Chloe! quit holding out where is Artemis!" demanded Bishop as he stomped his feet in frustration. Itachi remained between the girls and Bishop, knowing full well that the Skuntank would never lash out in anyway at the girls "Indeed it is very curious that he would miss any morning classes." Nathyrra shrugged and looked at her friends "All he told us is that he had an excused absence from school this morning and would return about lunch time." Standing in silence for a bit all five of the students calmed down and moved around the grassy area. "May I ask what my team is so panicked about?" Artemis' voice cut the quiet like a knife and drew all eyes up to a large branch he sat upon. With the agility of his species the Arcanine moved like a shadow and dropped down from the tree right behind his Delcatty and Lopunny lovers. "Now would someone care to explain the tension in the air?"

"So that’s the way it is, we have been selected as one of the two teams representing our class that will fight for the amusement of the school board." Karen finished having explained the full situation to Artemis who reclined against a tree chewing on a piece of jerky. He nodded listening to the comments and concerns of each member of his team. "So out of curiosity, who is our opponents supposed to be for this event?" Itachi's wings flapped rapidly in a loud quick humming "You will never be able to guess who we are paired up against for this match.” Before the Ninjask could even answer his own question the teams leader rose and looked to the opening of the copse of trees “Team Nocturne, and it looks like they have come to see us.” Bishop, Itachi, Karen and Artemis quickly took attack stances as the four members of the opposing team walked up slowly. “Calm yourselves we are not here to start an altercation” Hokori began raising her hand, her voice as calm and serene as the surrounding woods, “My team and I simply wish to know if you had planned on competing against us?” Relaxing his body and nodding for the others to do the same Artemis moved closer to the ghost “We have yet to take a vote on our action, I cannot make this decision for all of us.” The deep brown eyes of the Arcanine turned to face his comrades “Well what say you all?” One by one the members of Team Viridian nodded to their captain, “I guess you have your answer Hokori, Team Viridian will face Team Nocturne in the arena.” “Splendid,” Hokori smiled and nodded, “Artemis would you walk with me, I would like to have a chat between captains, if that is acceptable?” Taken back by the offer the Arcanine moved to follow the Misdreavus “Of course” before they had left the area both captains turned to their teams and in unison ordered, “No fighting, all of you behave yourselves.”
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Both captains walked the paths of the school until they found themselves within the realm of the school’s lush botanical gardens. “So Artemis are you willing to at least tell me who your line up will consist of?” inquired the ghost as she floated just inches above the ground next to the ebon wolf like Mon. Artemis thought on it for a few seconds pondering what he might say “Well since Team Nocturne will be using its founding members I see no reason why we should not return the favor.” A slight giggle escaped past the ghosts lips as she smiled “That is surprising indeed might I inquire as to why, you have others on your team who would have more of an advantage against some of us?” It was Artemis’ turn to laugh at the question “It is not a matter of advantage Hokori, it is a matter of honor and pride, plus as I heard the pairings will be random so we don’t really know who is fighting who yet.” Mutual respect as captains flowed between the two as they talked for a few more minutes. “Well lunch is almost over and we both have classes to attend now” Artemis stretched and yawned a bit moving back towards the main building. “One last question Artemis, do you think your team will be victorious?” the question she posed stopped the Arcanine in his tracks, the slightest drip of superiority marked her words as someone who thought themselves better. Whether she meant it or not mattered little to the other captain as he turned and offered a smirk “Who can say for sure, but I can tell you this Hokori, Team Viridian will give you everything we have and that is all we ask for in return, a great match.” With that comment in the air the Arcanine left the floating female to her thoughts.
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Afternoon training dominated the almost two weeks before the weekend competition. Chloe and Itachi spent most of their time gathering as much information on Team Nocturne that they could acquire. For their parts Karen, Bishop, and Nathyrra worked hard under Artemis' instruction. "For Arceus' sake Artemis let us take a break Karen and Nat can't keep up on this training regiment." Artemis turned to acknowledge the Skuntank's assessment, looking towards the two weary females. "Kitten...Sapphyre...Bishop is right both of you take some time and re-gather your strength." Bishop waited until the girls were out of sight before moving face to face with Artemis, "What are you trying to prove captain?" he demanded with a growl, "I have always followed your lead, but this competition does not feel right we should not be doing this." Dark fur bristled at the doubt that flowed out of his friend's mouth, "What would you have me do Bishop...refuse...surrender...let others begin to think we are cowards." "We can't win against Team Nocturne and you know it, all this comes to is ego on your part." "EGO!" Artemis yelled in the face of his comrade, "You think this is about my ego, your acting like a coward who only wishes to hide.." Large fingers curled into a fist and slammed into the side of the black Arcanine's face knocking him to the ground before he could even finish the statement. "This is not about my ego Bishop," groaned Artemis as he spit a small bit of blood from his mouth, "This is about our team. We built this team on friendship and honor. I believe that we can give Nocturne and this school one of the best matches in history, even if we don't win overall. We can at least know we gave our all for one moment against a superior ranked team and hold our own." A long deep sigh passed over Bishop as he relaxed and leaned down to look at his friend "I have said it once and I will say it again, you are very strange my friend. Do you really think we can defeat Hokori's team?" "Anything is possible Bishop as long as we keep our faith in each other."
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Stars filled the night sky, burning bright as if they were pin holes in a curtain. Artemis leaned on the rail that lined the balcony of the modest two story home his parents had left him. The cool breeze of the wind rustled over his fur, calming his mind as it washed over his shirtless body like clear water. “You might as well come out here rather than lurk in the doorway Chloe.” he smiled turning back to see the robed form of the Lopunny in the shadows of their bedroom. She moved with a silent grace over to the left side of the Arcanine “You know you really should be asleep, you need your rest for tomorrow.” Heaving a great sigh jet black fingers swam through pure white hair “I can’t sleep.” he stated flatly. Giggling Chloe moved to slip her arm under his “That’s amazing given the fact not a few hours ago, Nat and I gave you such a “workout” you should be sleeping for days.” Trying hard to smile Artemis nodded in response which drew more concern from his lapin lover “Something really is bothering you my love, what is it?” His brown eyes, filled with pain, looked at her “Am I doing what is right? Tell me I made the right choice in accepting this battle. Please tell me I am not making another huge mistake.” tears slowly flowed down his cheeks. “Are you worried about this happening again?” Chloe asked, reaching her hand to the left side of his face and slowly running her delicate fingers over the scar he carried. “Artemis I can’t tell you what to do, you are our captain, everyone in the house respects your judgment and loves you.” smiling the Lopunny kissed his cheek “We will stand behind you no matter what, and we have faith you will always stand by us.” Taking the Arcanine by his hand she led him back to the doorway to the bedroom where Nathyrra lay asleep, “All I can tell you is that you must get some sleep not only for the team, but for yourself.”
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A carnival like atmosphere hung in the air as the day of the competition began. The arena was filled to capacity with students, family members, other Mon from around the community, and of course the guests of honor, the members of the school board. Local stations had even been given permission to come in and broadcast each match live for those unable to attend but close enough to a television to watch. The freshman bout was long over and ended in a draw between the young teams. Currently engaged in battle were those representing the Sophomore class. Thunderous applause and yells felt as if they shook the very foundation of the arena.

Below the main floor where the contests were held sat many comfortable dressing rooms for competitors. All six members of Team Viridian moved around their assigned area and slowly got dress in their combat outfits. Nathyrra slowly squeezed her body into the red protective skin tight suit that left her head and arms bare. Chloe moved over and smiled helping the Delcatty attach the shoulder pads, bracers, and leg protection that gave her added protection. Karen stood next to her friends and quickly slipped into the one piece black swimsuit with matching gloves and boots. The Azumarill moved to a large mirror to check her body, stopping only to begin braiding her white hair in its trademark braid. Bishop emerged from the small shower stall to his clothing so reverently hung awaiting him. Old and tattered, Bishop's olive green martial arts outfit had seen much battle, but still the Skuntank treated it reverently tying it off at his waist with the black belt he had worked so hard to earn. Always saved for last Bishop's hands ran along the large beaded necklace his master had given him, slipping it quietly over his head. Artemis smiled watching his friends prepare for their fight, he himself already dressed in a pair of light brown pants and black short sleeve martial arts shirt that barely resembled Bishop's. Over that he placed the customary viridian waist length robe that he tightened against him with a brown belt. Nathyrra and Chloe moved to their lover and smiled helping him adjust his outfit. Nathyrra moved behind the Arcanine and helped put his hair into his ponytail, while Chloe attached the greenish silver bracers on his arms.

"And that my ladies and gentlemon was our Sophmore class representatives, give both teams another round of applause for a great battle." Spectators around the stands clapped and screamed their approval as both teams exited the arena. "There will be a small break while the staff prepares the floor for our Junior class matches."

Heavy and anxious breaths coursed through Viridian's members as they moved into the dark hallway that would take them to the main floor. Once again the voice of Albrecht Arnaaluk erupted over the speakers, "Here we are everyone, I don't know about the rest of you, but this is a match I have been anticipating all week. Our Junior class battle, entering from the Northern doors, I give you Team Nocturne." Blasts of fog and dimming lights uttered the entrance of Nocturne's members, their powerful entrance theme leaving a haunting aura throughout the stands. "Lady Hokori leads this team whose members consist of Weaver Hipnough, Boris Koffinov, and Zeke Kroo." Mon all around the stands went insane with support of the team as they moved to the designated area the team would sit. "And their opponents this afternoon entering the arena from the Southern door, Team Viridian!" Hooting and hollering echoed and rocked the stands as members of Viridian entered. Music roared through speakers around the coliseum as eyes watched the figures, cloaked in the viridian robes that bore the teams symbol of a crimson Ariados stretched across a silver crescent moon, proceeded onto the floor towards their team seating area.

Assistant Pricipal Peter Perjan walked to the center of the room, all eyes focused on him as he began, "Like previous matches today the pairings for this match have been set up at random just moments ago. First round: Ezekiel Kroo vs. Karen Marrell. Second round: Boris Koffinov vs. Nathyrra Delose. Third round: Weaver Hipnough vs. Bishop Sherman. Fourth and final round has been set as Hokori versus Artemis Nines." Audience members burst into excitement as the opposing Zubat and Azumarill walked onto arena floor facing each other. "As soon as I give the signal you may begin."

"Oy! girlie, why don ya just turn back to yer side and sit yer fat arse back down." cackled the Zubat as he clicked his talons on he floor. Karen's knuckles whitened as the heavily pierced bat mocked her. "Begin!" yelled Perjan and Karen wasted no time with her opponent. Closing her lips in an eerie puckered kiss a high powered stream of water shot from her towards Zeke. "'ey now no spittin!" he smirked snapping his large wings out and lifting himself into the air with one quick flap. Whipping his blond moehawk to the side Zeke laughed wildly as he flew above the floor, "Get back down here you no eyed freak!" his opponent demanded as she continued shooting bursts of water at him. "Why not try this on fer size luv." Zeke smiled diving towards her and unleashing a powerful sonic blast at her. Black eyes widened in shock, reacting on pure instinct the Azumarill curled her ears down and rolled trying to avoid the burst, narrowly escaping the impact of ear splitting vibrations. "That was a close one" Karen sighed rising to her feet, "Now where is that little...UGH!" Pain rocked Karen's body as the cackling form of the Zubat dove in faster and faster striking her body with his wings repeatedly, "Wha's a matta luv? Can't take a lil' wack of me wings?" Zeke moved with speed and agility continuing to pummel Karen with his strong wings, "I'll show you a wack" she grunted watching his next circuit. Zeke heard the knee of his opponent hit the ground and "saw" her kneeling, congratulating himself the Zubat turned to make one more pass "Take this!" screamed Karen as she rose quickly delivering a powerful focused punch right into the team symbol on Zeke's chest. Not willing to relent Karen ripped the gloves from her hands and released beams of concentrated cold zipping at her aerial opponent. "Oy!" winced Zeke as a glancing beam sent shivers through out his body, "Let's see how ya like this." Zeke opened his mouth wide releasing a blinding ray of light that burst right in Karen's eye's leaving her confuse and dazed. "Damn you!" Karen struggled trying to lock onto her opponent using her ears. Opening her mouth as wide as she could the Azumarill released large jets of water in multiple directions missing every time. Diving in low and fast Zeke watched in amazement as the water type cleared her head of his last attack and turned to face him. Terror filled Karen's body as Zeke not only hit her square in the chest, but felt his fangs slip into her shoulder, sinking deep and making the poor girl feel very sick. Moving her body sideways and grabbing the collar Zeke wore around his neck Karen flipped both the Zubat and herself back slamming into the ground. Zeke relinquished his bite and rolled away from Karen, both began rising to their feet to continue. "Whats..." started Karen as she slipped and hit the ground again. "Poison luv…poison" panted Zeke, "gotta admit yer one tough lass, crazy as a loon too." Members of Team Viridian rushed over to their prone friend as the results were issued "First round goes to Ezekiel Kroo of Team Nocturne. Chloe and Itachi tended to Karen with first aid to rid her body of the poison "You did wonderful Karen, now take it easy" Artemis offered. "Don't underestimate any of them guys, they are stronger than we thought" she sighed turning her head to watch the Zubat glide to his team, a slight limp in his step and bruises covering his body was all she had managed.

Trembling Nathyrra looked at her opponent. Boris was far larger in both height and mass than anyone the Delcatty had ever fought. His jagged purple skin was only matched by the scowl on his face. The signal to begin the fight sent the Koffing into action first a ball of spinning force that felt like steel hit Nat right in the gut and sent her flying into a wall. Grimaces and shouts erupted from the crowd as the young feline struggled to rise, "Don't to be making this more trouble than it is. Stay down and you can give up." scoffed Boris as he turned back towards the official. A surge of force sent Boris forward and to the ground, shock and silence filled the air as he turned to see Nathyrra behind him having tackled him with her shoulder, "Don't you dare think I'm going to just give up." Growling at the audacity of the Delcatty and jumping to his feet Boris yelled releasing a powerful blast of dark smog at her. Karen dropped to a knee and sent up an unseen shield in front of her which protected her from the worst of it. "Fine, then this will not be being pleasant for you" yelled Boris as he jumped into air, opening his mouth again releasing a gout of fire which sent the feline screaming and raising another protection. Wisps of fire curled around her shield and singed her fur, but when his aggression was spent the Delcatty moved into action, repeating his movements and shocking the Koffing with a return jet of fire. "Arrrgggghhh!" Boris screamed as he took the full force of the fire, which burned his skin and left his muscle shirt with scorched and partially missing. "You will be paying for that girl" he huffed watching as the feline began her next assault, readying herself to unleash a powerful song. "Not this time!" smoke emerged from all over his body engulfing both the Nathyrra and himself, stopping her song before it could begin as she choked and coughed on the cloud. Spectators all around could not see anything on the arena floor but could hear a loud surprising wet splash which was shortly followed by the form of Nathyrra being thrown from the smoke covered in what looked like dark think slime on her. Smoke slowly dissipated as Boris emerged and quickly approached the prone feline, "Well feel like giving up now?" his answer came in the form of two weak slaps. Roaring in anger and frustration Boris' strong arms reached down and grabbed Nathyrra in a firm tight grip causing her to scream in pain. Hundreds of voices shouted and cursed knowing the Koffing's next attack would place both in danger. Showboating had never been his forte, but Boris held the Delcatty over his head and roared in victory till he faced his team mates. "Boris you idiot set her down!" screamed Weaver, looking puzzled Boris stared up at the squirming form above him. "Your turn moron." Nathyrra smiled as her tail shinned and came down quickly smashing into the Koffing's face. Boris blinked several times feeling as if a wrecking ball had just kissed him, dropping Nathyrra and falling to his knees. No sound came from anywhere in the arena as everyone watched on in shock and amazement "That was being a very good hit..." And with that phrase Boris fell forward smashing into the ground. "And the winner of this match is Nathyrra Delose of Team Viridian." All over the stands people went insane having seen such a spectacular battle, even members of the school board were yelling their approval. "Next up is the match pitting Weaver against Bishop."

Both Weaver and Bishop glared at each other, Bishop's golden amber eyes filled with quiet intensity against the Drowzee's apathy filled vision. "So tell me Weaver, have you foreseen the outcome of this match?" smirked the Skuntank. Weaver's answer came only in the form of a frown and tightening her bandana. "Begin!" Weaver shrugged and cleared her mind of every possible distraction while her opponent roared powering himself with focus and energy. "Here I come" yelled Bishop, rushing towards Weaver, unleashing a cloud of poisonous gas as he moved. Holding her breath Weaver pushed her hand out sending a powerful pulse of psychic energy that blew both Bishop and his cloud away from her. Smirking menacingly the Drowzee followed suit quickly launching another psychic attack intended to leaver her opponent confused. "Not this time," grunted Bishop as he struggled to shrug off the attack lashing out his hand. Dark claws of shadow swirled towards and impacted against Weaver, leaving her with cuts on her arms and legs. Moving slowly towards her opponent Weaver took her time to carefully close the gap between her and the Skuntank. Bishop watched her closely and the closer she got the more worried he became, quickly he reacted with the only way he could moving faster than normal so that to most it appeared as if Weaver now had to fight two opponents. "Typical.." huffed Weaver as she shortened the distance running forward and bashing into Bishop with the hardest part of her skull, "like most of my opponents you forget that a psychic mon can always tell where the real you is located." "And you under estimated why I let you get that close." Bishop grinned rising quickly and scoring a hit on the female's cheek, slashing her with claws darker than night. Both combatants looked at each other hard, bruises and bleeding wounds showed both were tiring fast. An experience battler would know that the next shot would win the match and many in the arena could feel it in the air. Weaver curled her four digits into a fist the quickly began pulsing with a bluish light. Nodding Bishop opened his palm and focused gathering shadows tightly into a ball that swirled within his hand. Both felt as if they moved in slow motion, in a way out of normal time and space. Stepping in unison at a run brought them face to face within an instant. Weaver's punch felt like a block of ice had smashed into him, while Bishop's ball of shadows plowed through the Drowzee's body. Anxious stares watched as once again the outcome of the match hinged on who would get up first. Spectators and team mates watched on as a figure slowly rose from the ground. "And the victor is, Dreanweaver Hipnough of Team Nocturne." Applause and victorious yelling focused on the stands as members from each team helped their comrades to the sidelines where medical personnel treated their injuries. “That’s no fair, Weaver is psychic she knew everything before it happened," Chloe protested, "She knew she was going to win from the start." "So did Bishop." responded Artemis as he moved onto the floor. "Ladies and gentlemon up next is our final match of the Junior class match up. Hokori versus Artemis Nines, will the competitors please make their way to the floor."

"Well Artemis this is it, either this ends in a tie or my team wins." Hokori purred, her burning red eyes locking onto the black Arcanine. Her robes of purple and blue floated around her as she silently lowered herself on the floor. "Shall we begin Hokori?" smirked Artemis dropping into an attack stance that placed him sideways facing the Misdreavus. "Final round...Begin!" the call boomed through the arena, in the blink of an eye Artemis moved with extreme speed and agility moving towards and around his female opponent. Hokori stood amazed watching the Arcanine in circles, hot white pain hit her quickly as something slammed into her shoulder. Small fireball like embers shot from Artemis' mouth, "Clever boy" praised Hokori as she let the next ball of flame pass through her intangible body and stopped his final flame with a shield to protect her much like Nathyrra had done. "My turn" she screamed in return placing two fingers against her forehead and launched a beam of concentrated beam of psychic energy striking Artemis with body dropping force. Palms on the ground the Arcanine erupted in a roaring laugh, below Hokori the arena floor split as rings of fire surrounded and enclosed upon her. "Ughh" grunted the ghost as the flames lapped at her body and clothing, "Two can play this game Artemis" she whispered stretching out her hand and hitting him with pain the wracked both bodies. As the rings faded around her Hokori knew she could not waste time with such a dangerous opponent, pulling her hands together in front of her she called upon shadows to come to her. Slowly pulling her hands apart the ball of pure darkness grew in size and depth, "Hai!" she screeched releasing the attack which found it's home within the dead center of Artemis' chest stopping his rush dead in his tracks. Opening his mouth towards Hokori a bright jet of orange and red flame shot directly towards an off guard Hokori who quickly raised a second protective shield. Before she could counter attack Hokori found herself raising a third shield to protect against a second flame thrower being launched at her flank from a smirking Arcanine. Artemis stood mid-court from her and began taking slow steady breaths, his hands moving through an intricate pattern, Hokori froze knowing she had to act quickly. "This should be enough!" Hokori huffed sending out a wave of pulsing dark energy. Artemis took the hit but did not flinch as his power continued to build. Roaring in triumph Artemis released his best attack, fire seemed to erupt from every fiber of his being and took on the shape of the kanji for fire. Screaming Hokori threw up another shield fire rapidly moved to her, bright light blinded everyone in the area as they watched the flames collide with the shield. Hokori's eyes looked on in horror as the sheer power of the attack began cracking her shield, lines of imminent destruction ran through out the barrier until it shattered, leaving the ghost to the mercy of the white hot flames. Awe and silence filled the air as everyone watched the burned and smoking ghost remained standing, compared to her opponent it looked as if the Misdreavus had nothing left. "I refuse to be defeated Artemis," she shouted with pride and quickly launched another beam of mental energy towards her opponent. Unable to dodge it the Arcanine grunted and howled, his hands engulfed in flames as he once again rushed her with uncanny speed. Hokori let loose her final ace-in-the-hole, an otherworldly haunting keen of music, pushing it into the ears of her Arcanine foe who unleashed a scream of pain and protest before falling back into unconsciousness. "Winner of the final match Lady Hokori. That gives Team Nocturne a victory of three-to-one and concludes our Junior class match."

Nathyrra and Chloe were the first to reach the body of their lover and captain, Nathyrra shook in horror for, to all those around, Artemis looked dead. "What did you do to him?" growled Chloe looking up at the ghostly figure that stood near them. "I did exactly as he wished, gave this audience a fight they will not soon forget." "You didn't have to kill him!!" Hokori looked as if she had just been slapped in the face, "He is not dead you fools, merely in a state of death like slumber. Do you honestly believe I would kill such a worthy opponent, he will awaken in a day or so." And with that she turned and left the prone still crying girls as their other team mates and medical assistants moved over and quickly removed the slumbering body out of the arena.

Monday the school filled with the bustling rumors, stories, and recitations of all the battles that had occurred in the competition. Everyone, winners and losers, were for the most part treated like they were heroes. Weaver, Zeke, Boris, and Hokori all sat at their table for lunch, like others the four still wore bandages over wounds that still had not fully healed. "I'll give it to 'em, thos' four wankers put on a helluva show would't ya agree Mr. Shinner?" Zeke laughed offering a large smile his Koffing comrade who still bore a large bruise that, resembling a certain Delcatty's tail, covered much of his round face. "Oh shut up" Boris groaned having grown very tired of the new nickname Zeke gave him. Weaver looked up from her plate and pulled the headphone out of her left ear, "We got company" All eyes in the courtyard and cafeteria watched on as Team Viridian approached their former opponents. At their lead stood a smiling Arcanine, "I'd like a word with the four of you," Boris and Zeke tensed as Artemis moved his hands, but were puzzled when he placed a fist inside of the other palm and bowed, an action which was followed by the other five behind and beside him. "Thank you all for such a wonderful match, we were honored to share the arena with you." "So your not here demanding rematch?" Boris asked curious to which everyone laughed. "Oh no Boris, your team beat us fair and square and we don't wish to fight again until we have had a little more practice." Hokori giggled and nodded towards the table, smiling she asked "Would you all care to join us for lunch?" Looking to his team, who all smiled and nodded Artemis nodded, "We would like that very much, thank you my friends."

Hee, very nice story! Love the Rene scene! Thanks!

No no, thank you for allowing me to use him *hugs much*