Some time after Cyrus's defeat at the hands of Lucas and Lucas's own rise as Sinnoh's Champion,he began reflecting on the path that had brought him here. The climb to the top had felt almost too easy, with only a handful of trainers ever truly testing his strength, most notably Barry and Cynthia. As Champion, his thoughts often returned to that decisive battle with Cyrus, and with them came an unsettling question: what new threats might one day endanger his region? Looking across Sinnoh, Lucas saw a land lacking in strong trainers, and the weight of that weakness troubled him. Determined to fortify his home, he began to devise ways to make Sinnoh stronger,starting with the reconstruction of the Elite Four.
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Our story begins twenty-five years after Lucas rose to the title of Sinnoh Champion. Jubilife City, now transformed, had become the heart of a new era its greatest pride the newly Advanced Pokémon Battle Academy, dedicated to training the next generation of skilled trainers in both single and double battles.
Two friends Quil and Orval sat side by side in class, their whispers drifting just beneath the teacher's voice.
"A Honchkrow could never beat a Rampardos," Quil insisted.
"It's way too much of a disadvantage."
Orval rested his chin in his hand, thinking it over. "Hmm… you're right, it is a disadvantage," he admitted, "but I think a Kricketune might pull it off, depending on how it's trained."
Quil shook his head. "Maybe but that would still be one tough battle for Kricketune to win."
The teacher, Professor Redwood, raised his voice over the growing chatter. "Alright, class! I know you're all excited about choosing your starter Pokémon today, but I need everyone to settle down."
"As you know, you'll each be choosing between three types WFire-Piplup, Grass-Turtwig, and Fire-Chimchar. Once you've selected your partner, you'll be transported to TwinLeaf Town to officially begin your journey. This academy was founded with the goal of shaping students into future Champions, Elite Four members, or at the very least, trainers strong enough to stand among them. The current Champion has high expectations for every one of you. Now, with the lecture out of the way, I'll be calling you in one by one to the room next door to meet your future partner."
One by one, Professor Redwood called each student from the classroom into the room next door. And one by one, they returned, each with a new partner Pokémon at their side. Quil and Orval sat waiting patiently for their turn. At last, Orval's name was called. He rose, disappeared into the adjoining room, and five minutes later returned.
Orval returned to his seat grinning from ear to ear. Quil, unable to hold back his curiosity, leaned in the moment Orval sat down.
"So, which one did you pick?"
Orval smirked, his tone playful.
"Tell you what,why don't we have a battle after class, and you'll find out for yourself?"
Quil let out an annoyed snicker. "If you wanted a battle that badly, you could've just said so. Not that it matters you're going to lose either way."
"Quil, would you please follow me?" Professor Redwood announced.
Quil quickly stood, meeting the professor waiting for him at the door. Professor Redwood guided him into the next room, where three Poké Balls rested neatly on a steel table. "Excited?" the professor asked. "Most trainers can't wait to choose their partner, and they usually go for the one they think looks the coolest. I'm curious to see which one you'll pick.
The professor opening each Pokeball revealing the pokemon inside, Piplup, Turtwig and Chimchar all stood before him on the table. Quil starting at the pokemon heart racing thought he needed to calm down he wanted to make the right decision. Quil scanned the pokemon left to right thinking long and hard on his choice
After giving Quil some time to think, the professor finally spoke up. "Having trouble deciding? I can see the conflict on your face, but do try to huron we still need to get home and rest for the big day tomorrow."
Quil took a deep breath, his nerves settling as he made his choice. "Alright, I'm ready. I'll choose this one," he said, pointing firmly at the Pokémon he had decided on.
Wonderful choice," the professor said with a smirk. He led Quil back into the classroom and addressed the students. "Alright, class, now that you've all chosen your Pokémon, your journey begins tomorrow. In the morning, you'll be transported to Twinleaf Town. Until then, go home, get some rest, pack what you need, and spend time with your families. You have a long road ahead of you."
"Class dismissed! Oh, and Quil, Orval I heard something about a Pokémon battle. If you're going to have one, you'll need a referee, won't you? Follow me to the training grounds behind the school."
Anxious to see whose partner was stronger, Quil and Orval exchanged eager looks and quickly hurried after him.
The professor led them to a rectangular field marked with clear boundary lines, a large Poké Ball symbol engraved in its center. He gestured toward it. "This is a standard battlefield. Of course, they vary depending on the trainer and the environment, but for today's match, we'll be using this one."
"Alright, let's go over the rules. Battles are conducted in rounds, and under no circumstances may trainers interfere directly. A match ends when one Pokémon is no longer able to continue fainting ends the battle. Defeating an opponent is allowed, but causing lethal harm is strictly against the rules.
Now that that's settled, you may both send out your Pokémon."
Orval smirked, tossing his Pokéball forward. "Come on out, Piplup!"
With a flash of light, the tiny penguin landed on the field, letting out a sharp "Pip-piplup!" Its eyes gleamed with determination despite its small frame.
Quil followed suit, grinning. "Let's go, Chimchar!" The fiery monkey leapt from its ball, landing with a somersault. Its tail flame flared, crackling in the air like it was already hungry for a fight.
He glanced at Orval's choice. "So in the end, you went with Piplup, huh?"
"Oh yeah," Orval boasted. "And you picked Chimchar? Please Piplup's way cooler. Now it's just a matter of mopping the floor with you."
Quil snorted, narrowing his eyes. "We'll see about that."
"Alright boys begin"
Orval called first. "Piplup, Pound!"
Piplup waddled in and smacked Chimchar with its flipper, knocking the fire-type back a step.
Quil reacted quickly. "Chimchar, Scratch!"
Chimchar lunged, claws raking across Piplup's chest. The penguin squawked, stumbling but steadying itself.
Orval didn't hesitate. "Pound again!"
Piplup struck Chimchar a second time, forcing a small grunt out of the fire-type.
Quil clenched his fist. "Don't give in Scratch once more!"
Chimchar dashed forward, slashing across Piplup's side. The penguin wobbled, clearly weakening.
Orval shouted. "One more Pound, Piplup!"
The penguin tried to charge again, but its movements were sluggish now.
"Chimchar, finish it with Scratch!" Quil barked.
Chimchar leapt in, landing a clean swipe that sent Piplup tumbling to the ground. The little penguin struggled for a moment, then went still.
Professor Redwood raised his hand. "Piplup is unable to battle. Chimchar wins."
Quil pumped his fist as Chimchar hopped with excitement. Orval sighed, crouching beside Piplup, but managed a faint grin.
"Not bad… but next time, we'll turn it around."
Good job, boys, that was quite the battle. Now that it's over, I'll heal your Pokémon and send you both on your way. Get some rest tonight and spend a little time bonding with your partners before your journey begins tomorrow."
With that, the boys left the academy and headed home.
Quil burst through his front door, running straight to the dinner table where his parents were seated.
"Mom! Dad! Look I got my first Pokémon!"
His father smiled proudly. "That's wonderful, son. Let's meet this partner of yours."
Grinning wide, Quil tossed his Poké Ball into the air. In a flash of light, Chimchar appeared.
"Everyone, meet Chimchar!"