The academy buzzed with anticipation.
For the first time in years, the First-Year Orientation Tournament had drawn attention beyond just the instructors. Senior students gathered around the perimeter of the battle arena, murmuring with excitement. Professors lined the observation platforms. The field itself had been expanded—enhanced with terrain modifiers to simulate rocky ground, grassy patches, and shallow water trenches.
Two names glowed on the holographic scoreboard, side by side at the top:
Skylar AdamsCynthia Celestine
There was no surprise. No upsets. The two prodigies had swept through the brackets, defeating older students, seasoned battlers, and even an assistant teacher in a mock duel round.
"This final match," announced Professor Rowan from the podium, "will not be about victory alone. It is about harmony, strategy… and growth. Begin!"
Skylar stepped onto the far side of the arena, his cloak fluttering behind him. His expression was calm but intense. Cynthia mirrored him—composed, determined, eyes locked forward like a warrior stepping into destiny.
They had agreed ahead of time:
No type advantages.No evolving.Just partners.
Skylar chose Ralts.Cynthia chose Gible.
Two first partners. Two first bonds.
The field shimmered. Rocky terrain activated. The perfect battlefield for Gible.
Not going to be easy, Skylar thought. But that's why it matters.
"Battle, begin!"
Cynthia acted first.
"Gible, Sandstorm—now!"
Gible growled and spun in place. Winds kicked up as grit and sand howled across the field, obscuring vision and stinging skin.
Skylar squinted, unfazed.
"Ralts—spread your aura. Feel, don't look."
Ralts closed its eyes. A blue glow formed around its body—its psychic field expanding like invisible sonar. Even through the blinding sand, it felt Gible's energy.
"Dodge left!"
A burst of earth exploded where Ralts had just floated. Gible had tried a surprise Dig—but missed.
Cynthia grinned.
"You're reading my moves."
"No," Skylar called. "Ralts is reading your heart."
"Then I'll give you something to read—Dragon Breath!"
A green blast of draconic energy shot through the sandstorm. This one was faster. Ralts barely avoided it, the edge of the blast grazing its shoulder. The crowd gasped.
"Now!" Cynthia shouted. "Follow with Rock Smash!"
Gible launched itself forward with claws glowing.
"Ralts, hold. Calm."
Skylar didn't counter.
Instead, he waited.
As Gible leapt—too close to stop—Skylar whispered:
"Disrupt its focus."
Ralts flared with Confusion, but not directly at Gible—at the air around it. Psychic ripples destabilized the wind. Sand twisted into spirals. Gible lost its momentum mid-leap.
"Now—Confusion, pinpoint!"
Ralts's eyes snapped open. A burst of psychic energy struck Gible midair, flipping it backwards. Gible hit the ground with a thud.
"Gible!" Cynthia called.
The dragon-type pushed itself back up, growling. Wounded, but not done.
"Don't give up," Cynthia said, voice fierce. "We fight."
Skylar's heart raced.
She's not just strong. She's relentless. This is why she becomes the Champion…
"Then let's end this—together."
Both trainers shouted at once.
"Ralts—Psy Pulse!""Gible—Dragon Claw!"
Two forces collided.
Psychic waves met dragon fury in a dazzling explosion of energy.
Silence.
Dust settled.
Both Pokémon were still standing.
For a moment.
Then… both collapsed at the same time.
Gasps echoed across the field.
"Double knockout!" one professor exclaimed.
Rowan stood, stunned. "...In all my years…"
There was silence.
Then, slowly—applause.
First from one instructor. Then a senior student. Then the entire academy.
Skylar knelt beside Ralts. The little psychic Pokémon was breathing heavily, but smiled faintly.
"You were amazing," Skylar whispered.
Across the field, Cynthia hugged Gible gently, murmuring something only he could hear.
Then they stood and met at the center.
Skylar extended a hand.
Cynthia took it.
"Draw," she said, lips twitching into a smirk. "Fitting."
"Next time," Skylar replied, "I'm not holding back."
"Neither am I."
That evening, the academy announced something unexpected.
Due to their performance—and the emotional resonance between Trainer and Pokémon—Skylar and Cynthia were both named Honor Students. Granted access to private mentorships, high-tier training zones, and even early field assignments with licensed researchers.
The future had taken notice.
And it was watching them closely.
But as the moon rose over the academy that night, neither Skylar nor Cynthia saw the shadow that passed silently through the outer forests.
A creature.
Its eyes gleamed red.Its shape shifted between light and mist.It watched the battlefield ruins where psychic and dragon energy still lingered.
And it whispered one word—unheard by all.
"Awaken…"