Here is Storm's first battle in the  pokecombatacademy's Summer Exams Combat Tournament. He faces Near Blazxen.

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Storm plopped down into his seat in the academy’s lunch room, rubbing his head from the algebra test he’d just taken. Just when he thought had those formulas down, the teacher had to throw him some curveballs…
“At least that’s over now,” he muttered.
His ear twitched at hearing someone approach, then a file folder slid onto the table in front of him. Blaze sat down with her usual silent demeanor.
Storm blinked, staring at the folder with a name written at the top, “Near Blazxen… What’s this?”
“Your S.E.C.T. opponent,” the Ninetales replied with her usual deadpan expression.
Storm’s jaw dropped, “Opponent? You mean… I made it? I’m in?”
Blaze lifted an eyebrow, “Of course…”
“But… how come I didn’t get any notific—”
A Vaporeon rushed over holding an envelope, but tripped and sent it sliding toward Storm where it hit the folder. It was a piece of mail addressed to him.
“Oh.”
The Vaporeon staggered to her feet, panting, “I meant to give this to ya… this morning…” She sat down next to Storm and continued, “It’s from the S.E.C.T. committee. Open it! Let’s see if you made it!”
Storm smirked, “I already have, sis.”
His sister blinked, “You are? But… how’d you know?”
Storm motioned to Blaze, “Miss double-oh-seven here…” He used one of his fur spikes to rip open the envelope; inside was indeed his notification that he had been accepted into the Summer Exams Combat Tournament, “Awesome! Thanks for the notice, Marina.”
The Vaporeon rubbed the back of her neck, tittering, “Well, I kinda wanted to hand it to ya at breakfast, but… well, I saw Aquarion doing laps and, uh… got distracted.”
“I get it…” Storm replied, smirking. He turned to the folder, “Let’s see who I’ll be facing…”
Inside was a photo of a male Arcanine along with pages of written information.
“Known moveset, family, mannerisms… How the heck did you get all this, Blaze?”
The Ninetales casually leaned back in her seat, “You forget who I am, Storm… I’m an observer. This is normal for me.”
“Well, yeah, but… The letters for S.E.C.T. acceptance only went out this morning; how’d you even figure out my opponent?”
“Let’s just say a student worker in the administrator’s office owes me a favor.”
Storm frowned, “Hey, I don’t want you doing anything illegal here… Strategy is one thing, but this is could be cheating.”
“It’s not cheating; I’m just using my available resources. Whatever knowledge I did not obtain from prior observation was gained by way of information publicly available through student records. I just know the right words to say to get said information.”
Storm’s ears flattened in disapproval, “Okay, fine, but next time I want you to lay off a bit; I don’t like the idea of an ‘unfair advantage.’ That ain’t what this tournament is about.”
Blaze’s red eyes seemed to glow as she looked back at him, “Suit yourself, but bear in mind other students can use these resources, as well. There’s a hidden aspect to battle, too, you know… Some fights take place before a single punch is thrown.”
“I don’t doubt that, but we are not sinking to their level to win. Half the reason I signed up is to prove to people you don’t have to play dirty to be successful.”
His sister tapped on his shoulder, “So, uh… gonna talk about your opponent now?”
“Right. Yeah. Okay…” Storm glanced over Near’s information, “Hmm, sounds like an interesting guy. Clean record, a decent set of moves…”
Marina tilted her head, “Hey, you beat that other fire-type guy to get into the Tournament. I bet you’re already used to fighting against moves like this.”
“Not as much as I should be. Fire hurts. I still got burn wounds that haven’t recovered yet.” He tapped a claw on one of the moves in the list, “And my body can’t handle poison very well. This is gonna call for some quick-maneuvering.” His eyes fell upon Near’s known family, “He’s an orphan… Looks like this guy had it rough early on.”
Blaze nodded, “Yes, but his adoptive family has been supportive. In many ways, he shares your own characteristics. A nice guy, so to speak. We won’t have to worry about underhanded tactics this time.”


Hours later, three figures watched as Storm sparred with his Sandslash teammate, Stiletto, in one of the Academy’s many training gyms.
The bleachers were mostly empty; some students were relaxing between classes, watching other students training below to pass the time. The arena floor was separated into four circles where teams could hone their skills with each other on a first-come, first-serve basis.
“That’s the guy you’re fighting…”
Two Arcanine males leaned on the railing overlooking the arena, studying the Jolteon’s technique from afar.

Down below, Storm let loose series of rapid punches, following with a Double-Kick. All the while, Stiletto blocked with her claws, yelling out different combos to use.

The smaller Arcanine tilted his head, “Holy crap he’s fast!”
The older one smirked, “He’s a Jolteon; what’d you expect? But y’know what that means, right, Near?”
Near narrowed his eyes, “Yeah, he’s a light-weight. If I can land some good, solid hits then I got ‘im.”
“Exactly. I’ve seen this guy fight. He tries to end matches quick, before he can exhaust himself. Play defense for the first few minutes and you’ll be able to wear ‘im down.”
“Got it, Ethan.”
His brother put a paw on his shoulder, “Show ‘im an Arcanine’s strength and make us proud!”
Near turned to him, “What else do you know about this guy?”
Ethan smirked, “Well, he’s got this big ‘noble’ thing going for him. Doesn’t fight dirty. I heard he once tried to beat up a few bullies and ended up turning half a school on himself.” He glanced up and noticed a pair of shimmering red eyes staring back at him. Blaze.
The Ninetales calmly glanced back to her teammate as he continued to sparring.
Ethan’s smirk faded for a moment, “Guy sure keeps some weird company…”

Storm slowed to a pause, covered in sweat and panting, “So what d’you think? Am I ready?”
Stiletto grinned, “I think you got a shot. You’re definitely faster than you were a week ago.”
Blaze tossed him a water bottle, “Gaining entry into the tournament has no doubt invigorated him. Now we just have to ensure he stays in the tournament.”
Storm took a swig of water, then panted, “So what about my opponent? Anything new?”
Blaze took another glance up to the bleachers, where she saw Near and Ethan turning to walk off. She looked back to Storm, “I’m sure you already know he and his brother are studying you.”
“Right.” Storm took another gulp then toweled off his neck, “Y’know, given what he’s been through, I kinda feel guilty for fighting him. I mean, he’s already—”
“Storm, no.” Stiletto gently put a claw to her friend’s lips to silence him, “If he was lookin’ for mercy, then he wouldn’t be here competin’. Your job is to make this a worthy fight. And… y’know, win.”
Storm nodded, “Yeah…” He turned toward to the locker rooms, “I’m gonna shower up and meet you later at our usual spot on the hill, if it’s not raining. We can discuss some strategies.”
Blaze watched him leave, tilting her head in curiosity. She glanced toward Stiletto, who gave her a nod. They both knew he was up to something.
Stiletto grabbed a towel from the bench, “He knows you’re gonna be watching him, right?”


The academy’s dining hall was only half-full. At a time in-between lunch and dinner, most students simply used it as another social gathering place to continue whatever conversations that began during lunch.
Storm gazed out among those still present, then found exactly who he was looking for. Near was sitting alone back at the far wall; his brother Ethan had already left for class.
The Jolteon began walking toward him but a student suddenly stood from his seat right as he passed and collided with him.
“Ack!” Storm suddenly found himself trying to catch a bowl of half-eaten pasta but it bounced right out of his paws and splattered onto his chest.
The other student, a short-statured Flareon hurriedly knelt to grab the bowl, “Sorry about that! I didn’t see ya coming.”
Storm glanced at the huge stain on what used to be a white shirt. His ears fell in embarrassment but he managed to smile, “It happens…” He suddenly recognized the Flareon, “Oh! Hey, Coal. How did the audition go?”
Now it was Coal’s ears that fell, “Not good… I mean, I didn’t get selected.”
“Sorry to hear about that. There was some stiff competition, from what I heard.”
“Yeah… Feels like that isn’t the only thing I can’t do right lately.”
Storm put a paw on the others’ shoulder, “Well, I’m not that good at giving advice, but I doubt things can go bad all the time. Maybe your luck will change soon.”
Coal gave a friendly smile, rubbing the back of his neck, “Heh, I sure hope so. Well, thanks anyways. And sorry about your shirt…”
Storm tugged it taut in front of himself, “Neon might have some way to get this out. Don’t worry about it; not your fault.”
As they began to part ways, Coal turned and added, “Oh, and good luck with your first match tomorrow!”
“Thanks!” Storm gave a wave and continued on, finally taking a seat right in front of Near.
The Arcanine blinked, staring at the huge red stain on his would-be opponent’s shirt. He could even smell the old pasta emanating from it, “Uh, hi…”
Storm coughed, still slightly embarrassed, “Hey there. Um… I heard I would be battling against you tomorrow, so I thought I’d… y’know, introduce myself.” He held out his paw, then noticed there was still pasta sauce dripping from it. He hastily wiped it on his shirt, making another stain, and extended it again with a pitiful grin.
Near tilted his head for a moment, then smirked and shook it, “This isn’t some ruse to catch me off-guard, is it?”
“Heh, trust me, I’m not that clever. I just like to have my matches start on the right foot. Y’know, friendly rivalry. Nothing personal for… uh… well, eventually pummeling each other.”
Near laughed, “That sounds good. I’m glad we could have a chance to know each other first.” The Arcanine leaned back, “So, what do you think this competition is gonna be like?”
“Your guess is as good as mine. There are a lotta determined students going for this.”
Near’s ears fell a bit, “Yeah, I heard some of ‘em talking about it. It almost sounds like they want it more than their own rank.”
“I bet that hefty prize might have something to do with it.”
“No kidding. My brother’s been helping me look around and see who I might face.” He glanced away for a moment, “We… watched you training in the gym earlier.”
Storm smiled, “Nothing wrong with that. It’s normal to scout.”
Near glanced up, “Have you been watching me, by any chance?”
“Not as much as the rest of my team… I think they’re a bit more zealous than I expected.” Storm pulled a folded piece of notebook paper out of his pocket and gently slid it toward Near.
The Arcanine perked and opened it. His eyes quickly widened at the hastily-scrawled words, “You’re showing me your moveset??”
“I’m leveling the playing field. Like I said, my team’s a bit zealous with their information-gathering… You have my word; no tricks, no lies, no fighting dirty. I’m not gonna lie down or anything, but I at least want this to be an equal match.”
Near chuckled and slipped the paper into his pocket, “Nice to meet someone who wants to play fair. It’s on, Storm.”
They both stood and shook paws with friendly smiles, then Storm went on his way.
He knew Blaze would catch him outside the dining hall, and sure enough, the Ninetales was waiting, staring right at him with those hypnotic, ruby-red eyes. It wasn’t a surprise to find her gaze less-than-approving.
Storm maintained his smile as he kept walking, “Hi, Blaze.”
Blaze followed, ears flattened, “Showing him your moves? What were you thinking?”
“Y’know, for an observer I thought you’d know that already…”
“Storm, battles are fought with more than—”
“I know, Blaze; I’m aware. I was hoping you might respect my desire to fight fair.”
“Fair?? It was already fair! The information I provided was strategy!” Blaze’s expression softened to one of pity, “You know your other potential opponents will not give you such a luxury… This is a huge risk you’re taking. It’s not because you feel sorry for his past, is it?”
Storm sighed, “Well… maybe a little… But from the looks of things, he’s moved beyond that. I just want to bring a little honor into this game. What’s wrong with that?”
“You could be exploited that way—no, you will be exploited that way. People might even think you’re trying to fool them into lowering their guard!”
“Let ‘em think that; nothing I do will change their opinions. But if it gets people to notice, then maybe we won’t have to resort to all these ‘espionage’ games to prepare for a battle. Trust me, I know what I’m doing.”
Blaze crossed her arms, “That’s exactly what you said a month before that riot in middle school…”
Storm’s smile faded, “I guess you have a point there… Well, then I’ll learn from that. Right now, however, I got a battle to train for.”
Blaze nodded, “And we have some strategies to go over. I’ll help you with your technique. Even with a known moveset, there’s no dishonor in throwing a few curveballs. You know he’ll do the same.”
“Right. I’m ready when you are.”
“While we’re at it, we better find you a new shirt before Stiletto smells that pasta sauce and gets hungry…”


The arena was filled with the voices and cheers of students and faculty as the two opponents prepared for their battle.
At one end, Blaze watched in silence as her leader and friend did warm up stretches. How could he have made such a stupid move as giving his opponent his moveset? It was insane! She sighed, running a paw through her long hair. She had no choice but to trust him; this was his fight, and she couldn’t jump in to be his backup this time.
Beyond Storm, across the arena, she could see Near with his brother Ethan and girlfriend, Layla, a Lapras from Team Blackjack. The young Arcanine was doing some warming-up as well, punching the air with flame-engulfed fists.
Neon slithered up to her and spoke in her usual, calm voice, “You seem more worried than normal…”
Blaze glanced up to her teammate and let out a slow breath, “I just don’t want him to lose this chance. The tournament actually gave him a reason to put some effort into his battles again; if he doesn’t win, then I’m afraid he might revert.”
Neon watched Storm as he moved from stretches to katas, punching and kicking the air in practiced, precise motions.
The Dragonair smiled softly, “I think he will be okay. I have not seen him so motivated and confident in months… Regardless of the outcome, I believe he is smart enough to treat it as a learning opportunity.”
Blaze slowly nodded, crossing her arms to rub her shoulders in silent anxiety, “Perhaps… But does he have to take such risk, too? What if he tries that with another, less-honorable rival? I doubt someone like ‘Wreck’ Hanson would show him such courtesy…”
A voice spoke behind them, “You’re scared for ‘im.”
Blaze and Neon turned to find their forth teammate, Stiletto, sitting on a nearby bench. Blaze noticed she had a small bowl of pasta in her claws, and shot the Sandslash an annoyed glare.
Stiletto tilted her head, noodles hanging from her over-stuffed mouth, “What? I’m jus’ tellin’ it like it is, Blaze…”
Blaze sighed and turned back to Storm, “Maybe I am worrying a bit too much. We’ve all fought together; we know he’s capable of winning again.” She took one last look across the arena to Near.
The Arcanine was now studying the slip of paper with Storm’s moves. With a satisfied smile, he summoned a flame into his paw and burnt it to ashes, ensuring no one would steal it away after the battle was over.
Blaze finally let a tiny smile emerge onto her face. Perhaps Storm was right about this guy after all…

A whistle blew to call the combatants to the center. The battle was about to begin.
Storm approached the rest of his team, “Well, this is it… First battle of the Tournament.”
Neon smiled brightly, “Good luck, Storm. I am sure you will do well.”
Stiletto slurped the last of her noodles and gave her leader a smirk, “Knock ‘im hard, bud.”
Blaze put a paw on his shoulder, “Good luck. I’m sorry if I’ve been a bit… fanatical lately.”
“It’s okay; I know why you did it. How about this: if I win, then you’ll know it’s okay to lay off a bit. If I lose, then I officially give you permission to harass me about it for the next month.”
Blaze chuckled, “Fair enough. Move quick and strike quicker.”
Storm nodded and turned to make his way forward.

At the other end, Near’s team did the same.
Ethan shook his brother’s paw, “Hit ‘im hard, bro! You sure he wasn’t trying to throw ya off by showing you his moves?”
“Naw, I think he was sincere.”
“All right then. Remember, most of those moves are long-distance specials. Close in and keep those fists flyin’.”
Layla gave him a warm hug, “Good luck! I’m sure you do great!”
Near grinned in confidence and turned to meet his opponent. He quietly muttered to himself, “Mom, dad wherever you are up there… I’ll do my best!”

Storm and Near stood facing each other and shook paws.
Storm smirked, “Good luck.”
“You too.”
They parted and shifted to ready stances, eagerly awaiting the signal. The crowd got louder as the students cheered in anticipation.
As they locked eyes, Storm inadvertently felt himself shiver a bit. Despite knowing what he did thanks to Blaze, it didn’t make the Arcanine any less intimidating, especially when he knew he’d be facing more fire attacks.

The whistle blew and Storm struck with a Thunderbolt. The lightning nailed the ground where his opponent once stood, evaded with a Protect move.
The Arcanine retaliated with a sudden rush forward, Extreme Speed, and knocked Storm off his feet.
Storm twirled in the air to land with a cartwheel then phased into a Double Team maneuver.
Near backed away and motioned upward, letting sunlight fill the arena with Sunny Day.
Storm streaked ahead and threw himself into a Double Kick, connecting to send his opponent to the ground.
Near rolled to his feet and opened his mouth to unleash Dragon Pulse, catching Storm before he could dodge. The Arcanine Double Teamed and charged again, but this time Storm was ready.
The Jolteon arced and backflipped out of the way before Near could chomp down with Fire Fang. He landed, spun, and used the sunlight to intensify a Flash attack.
Near stumbled back, clutching his eyes, and let loose with a Flamethrower, but Storm evaded. The Arcanine listened close, hearing his opponent’s footsteps as he tried to flank him. That sunlight isn’t just for show… He feigned to one side, then whirled and fired a massive Solar Beam, engulfing Storm before he could react.
Storm rolled back and immediately Dug into the ground, trying to cool his body from the effects of the attack.
Near shuffled back and prepared to Protect himself again. Suddenly, the ground under him shifted and swallowed him in a sinkhole. “Hey!!” Near sprang out just in time before Storm burst from the ground.
He fired another Thunderbolt and sent Near rolling back. Storm rushed him again but Near sprang up and uppercutted him.
Sweat flew as the Jolteon fell back, but he quickly recovered and whirled to his feet. His fists sparked and those of his opponent writhed in flame.
Storm faked a punch and spun into a Double Kick, nailing Near’s jaw.
Near stumbled to the side, but charged back with Extreme Speed and elbow-smashed the Jolteon’s stomach.
The audience cringed as Storm stumbled back. Blaze yelled out, “Defense! He’s not letting up!”
Storm blocked the next two punches with his forearms, feeling the heat of their fire, then ducked down and threw a lightning-charged punch of his own, hitting Near’s ribs.
The Arcanine coughed, having the wind knocked out of him, but managed to dodge the next Double Kick. He rapidly struck back with a Rock Smash against Storm’s shoulder. The force of the blow was heard above the crowd, and so was Storm’s pained yelp.
Storm arced back and side-flipped away from a Flamethrower attack, firing Pin Missiles in his wake to create a gap between him and Near.
Near covered his face with his forearms, catching them in his skin and clenching his teeth in pain. A whoosh of flame instantly charred them. He whirled his arms to direct the fire around and then forward in a massive Fire Blast.
Storm gawked and immediately threw up a Light Screen just in time. Fire angrily whipped around him and dissipated to reveal Near charging again. Storm shifted to Double Team and evaded, then kicked out to trip him.
“Awk!” Near stumbled forward but managed to curl into a roll and spin back to his feet.
Storm rushed in and leaped to knee-smash Near’s jaw.
Near fell back and slammed against the ground, then suddenly threw out his arms and Overheated the surrounding air.
Storm felt the temperature change like a brick to the face and stumbled back.
Near completed the move with a superheated charge, tackling Storm in his already-hurt stomach and crashing to the ground. Straddling him, Near roared and repeatedly Fire Punched Storm’s face.
Storm jutted out his fur spikes, catching Near’s legs and giving himself enough time to lean up and Thunderbolt the Arcanine off.
Near went flying and hit the ground hard. He staggered back up just as Storm was rising, then crouched and launched into a Giga Impact rush.
Storm evaded with Double Team and whirled, delivering a powerful kick right as Near passed him.
The Arcanine tumbled along the ground and finally stopped at the arena boundary. He stood, spitting dirt, and eyed his opponent. This couldn’t go on much longer.
Storm stood at a distance, waiting for Near’s next move with the hope of evading and countering again.
Near gritted his teeth and threw out a Flame Wheel. The loop of fire roared toward Storm. The Jolteon made a move to dodge it but Near summoned a poisonous dark cloud and flung it out; a Toxic attack right in Storm’s path. There was no way he could dodge both of them!
Storm skidded along the ground, trying to turn back but found the Flame Wheel was closing fast; he wouldn’t be able to dodge the other way! Preferring a possible burn injury instead of guaranteed poison, Storm screwed his eyes shut and leaped into the path of the Flame Wheel.
I hope this works…
The Toxic sludge barreled past him as he perfectly threaded his body through the ring of fire.
The crowd went wild. He did it! He actually avoided it!
Near froze, “What the—”
Lightning nailed him from above in a devastating Thunder attack, sending him to his knees. As sparks dissipated, Near’s body shook, still reeling from the effects of the lightning. He could hardly move! Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Storm lunging. Near clenched his teeth and engulfed his body in flames, Overheating the air again.
Storm deliberately stopped short, revealing the spectral energy gathering in his claws, and threw out a Shadow Ball, sending Near rolling back.
The Arcanine struggled to push himself back up, but his strength was gone. “N-no…” Completely fatigued, he fell back down.
The battle was over.

“Winner, Tesla ‘Storm’ Veo!”
Amidst the cheers of the crowd, separated by the ref announcing victory, Storm managed to hear Near saying to himself, “I’m sorry…”
Storm glanced over, “Don’t be! You fought really well!”
Near blinked and turned to the Jolteon. Storm’s fur was still smoking from singed, blackened tips as he panted. The Arcanine tilted his head, “You really think so?”
“Oh yeah. I’m sure whoever you were… uh, apologizing to would be proud. I mean, if it weren’t for an adrenaline rush I’d be on the floor right now.”
Near coughed out a short laugh, “Thanks. I guess it was a pretty good match…” He turned an offered his paw.
Storm smiled and shook it, then suddenly winced as it flared up with a weak fire.
Near gave a friendly chuckle, “Something to remember me by. Good luck with the rest of the Tournament.”

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Storm, Blaze, Stiletto, Neon, & Marina © Aelius (me)
Near Blazxen ©  wiitenuant
Ethan ©  crovirus
Layla ©  da-end
Coal ©  ebonypikachu
Submitted for  pokecombatacademy