Here is Storm's second battle in the  pokecombatacademy's Summer Exams Combat Tournament. He faces Sally Sealight.

---

Things are looking up. I might have a shot at this after all!
Storm casually strolled through one of the Academy’s many courtyards, enjoying the sunshine. Other students milled about, relaxing on benches or in the soft grass, conversing with their friends and studying for various classes. Some, particularly plant types, even took the time to sunbathe, trying their best to skirt the school’s dress code.
As Storm gazed about, his thoughts drifted to the possibilities of his next challenger. Who would he be facing next? What kind of fighting might he have to deal with? Would it be a ground type?
*ZAP!*
“Aack!” Storm jumped to the side, “Sorry, I guess my fur just—” He paused, noticing a shy-looking Mareep holding up her hands.
“No no, it was me,” she said, apologetically. “My wool’s static charge is… unpredictable.”
Storm smirked, rubbing his arm, “I’ll say; that even hurt me and I can Volt Absorb…”
“Sorry… I-I didn’t mean to.”
“Don’t worry about it. It happens.”
They both sudden noticed the Mareep’s wool was still sparking as currents electrified between it and Storm’s jacket.
The Mareep tilted her head, “It’s never done that before, though…”
Storm tugged at his jacket, “Actually, that’s normal. It’s made from Mareep wool. My sensei gave it to me as a training aid years ago and I’ve been wearing it since.”
The Mareep smiled, pulling her necklace out from her collar. Its charm was a pyramidal instrument with an oscillating needle, “That’s just like my Metronome. It’s from my dad; it’s really helped me in my battles here at the Academy.” As she let it hang down, she added, “I never realized how much help it would be until my first SECT match.”
Storm blinked, “Oh! You’re in it, too? Cool! So am I. Hey, maybe I’ll see ya around in-between my own battles.”
“Heh, sure…” she tittered back.
Soon after they parted ways, Storm caught sight of his teammate, Neon.
The tall Dragonair was easy to spot over the other students as she slithered over, smiling softly like she always did, “I see you’ve already met your next opponent.”
Storm froze, “Huh?” He whirled around to see her right before she disappeared back into one of the Academy’s buildings. He turned back to Neon, “Her? The Mareep?”
Neon nodded, “Of course! You mean no one has told you?”
Storm’s ears fell, “No, this is the first I’ve heard…”
“Well, SECT opponents were only posted a few minutes ago… I had come to tell you that Blaze is working on a scouting report on her. Her name is Sally Sealight.”


“Sally Sealight… Freshman with a rather potent Static ability due to her thick wool. That’s about all I’ve got so far.”
Team Indigo had gathered in a study room of the library to discuss Storm’s upcoming battle. The soundproof walls and lack of windows helped remove distractions while keeping discussions hidden, though this was a rare occasion in which there wasn’t much to be revealed.
Storm leaned back, giving Blaze a peculiar stare from across the table, “That’s it? After the stellar research you’ve done on other student opponents?”
The Ninetales narrowed her eyes, “Bear in mind, we don’t typically face off against Freshmen, so I never bothered to scout her. Not only that but she’s relatively unheard of due to her shyness. I was tempted to check student records, but you made me promise not to do that, of course…”
Storm nodded, “Right… Well, she’s electric, like me. Seems kinda feeble—”
“Also like you,” remarked Stiletto.
Storm ignored the Sandslash’s jibe, “Y’know, given our class difference, I’m wondering if she might try some sorta switch-up or hidden weapon. Like she’s harboring some special move we don’t know about.”
Blaze rubbed her chin, “Possible… It’s hard to determine physique under all that wool. We don’t know how strong she is other than the fact she made it to round two.”
“I don’t suppose you saw or studied that match…”
“Again, Freshman. I didn’t think you would be pitted against her. Though in retrospect I should’ve known better; I hate being caught by surprise.”
Neon finally spoke up, gaining everyone’s attention with her unique accent and soothing voice, “I happened to see that battle. She handled herself quite well, especially given her opponent. It would seem she may be discovering her potential in the arena.”
Storm’s ears drooped, “Well, I’d hate to end up discouraging her…”
Stiletto lifted an eye brow, “Storm, if you back down because of sympathy again I’m gonna punch you…”
The Jolteon held out his paws, “No, you’re right, I’m not gonna do that.”
Neon put a hand on his shoulder, “You started this to be an encouragement to those watching. Why not encourage your own opponent?”
Everyone suddenly gave her odd stares.
She blinked a moment, then added, “I am not saying you let her hit you. I mean you help her bring out that same potential I saw in her previous fight. She might even surprise you and give you a decent battle after all.”
Stiletto tilted her head, “I dunno… I don’t think that’s gonna help Storm in the battle…”
Storm smirked, “Like we said, she’s a Freshman; I think I’ll be okay.”
With that, the meeting was adjourned, but Neon couldn’t help but give Storm a concerned look before exiting.


“Omygosh omygosh omygosh… I’m fighting a Senior??”
Sally nervously paced back and forth outside one of the gyms. Sparks popped off her wool from all the anxiety.
“And he’s an electric type! Like me! How am I supposed to fight back?”
A new presence halted her in her tracks. From it came a soft, soothing voice, “Do not give up so quickly…”
Sally turned to see a Dragonair approaching with a calm smile. White hair glistened in the sunshine as a slight breeze made it waver ever so slightly.
She continued, “I am sure the SECT organizers did not assign him to you indiscriminately. Perhaps they thought you both would challenge each other’s skill.”
Sally pondered the thought, “You really think so?”
Neon smiled calmly, “Why not? You certainly showed some skill in your prior battle.”
The Mareep grinned, blushing a little, “I like to think so. I guess… maybe they want me to sharpen my edge in battles.”
Neon put a hand on Sally’s shoulder, “Indeed. One can only discover—”
*POP*
A spark fizzled; Neon yanked her hand back in surprise, “Oh!”
Sally blushed redder, “S-Sorry… My wool’s a bit… conductive.”
Neon gave an amused chuckle, “I see… Well, it certainly seems you should be able to hold your own even against him. He does his best to be honorable.”
The Mareep clutched her necklace pendant, “That’s good…” She glanced back up, “Say, um… Can I ask you something?”
“Of course…”
“What made you come speak to me? Aren’t you part of Storm’s team?”
Neon blinked, taken aback, “How did you know that?”
Sally pointed to the insignia on Neon’s shirt; an indigo-colored Pokéball over wavy lines forming a black sun cross, “I met him earlier. He had the same logo on his clothing.” She looked back up at Neon, “I-I’m just curious at why one of his teammates would come and encourage me.”
Neon’s smile returned, “Encouragement is Team Indigo’s style. Whether we win or lose, we want combatants to walk away from the arena believing they have achieved something.”


Hours later, Storm and Neon sat on the bleachers, listening to the sounds of machinery as the arena was prepped for tomorrow’s SECT battles. Though a wall of thick tarp cloth had been erected to hide what was going on, the noise coming from within proved that something big was being prepared. Sparky the groundskeeper knew how to keep the students on their toes, after all.
Neon glanced over to Storm, “How do you feel about the upcoming battle?”
Storm let out a casual sigh, “I’m sure I’ve got it. Blaze and I went over a few general strategies, based on what little knowledge she could find about Sally with the time given. We know she’s prone to using Safeguard first, so that rules out the chance of paralyzing her, but it’ll also give me the chance to prepare myself for the first strike, as well. I’m expecting a quick match.”
Neon grimaced, then put a hand on his shoulder, “Storm, that is what worries me.”
“What, a quick match?”
“No, your attitude. I fear you might be getting a little too overconfident. The mere fact Sally is a Freshman should not cause you to dismiss her so quickly. I know it is easy to think you have this match won already, but please, be careful. I am sure you recall the old fable about the race between the Turtwig and the Buneary…”
Storm chuckled, “Yeah.”
“I just want to be sure you do not fall into the same trap. Overconfidence can turn even the most kind-hearted of folks into a mean-spirited goon if one is not careful.”
The Jolteon gazed out at the tarp wall, then let out a sigh, “I guess you have a point… Even Blaze mentioned not to underestimate her. I’ll try to keep my wits about.” He rubbed his shoulder where Sally’s Static had shocked him earlier; it was still fairly numb, “There’s this nagging feeling in the back of my mind that she might surprise everybody.”


The arena droned with the voices of countless students. Many had come to see the matchup between a Freshman and a Senior; some hoping to see a beatdown, others wishing for the underdog to come out on top.
Making things more interesting was the revealing of the arena grounds itself. A sand-laden floor was dotted with eroded stone columns, blocks, and obelisks, offering an interesting landscape for the competitors to exploit. It looked like a site of ancient ruins had been transplanted into the stadium, and many of the faculty eagerly waited to see how the battlers would utilize it.

Storm breathed in and let out a slow, steady breath as he prepared himself.
Behind him, Neon used her ice power to envelope him in a fine mist, ensuring his body was kept cool and hydrated in the arid landscape of the arena. “Remember what we talked about,” she said calmly.
Storm nodded, “I will. Thanks, Neon…”
Stiletto stood nearby, smirking, “I envy you, Storm. This kinda environment would’a been perfect for me.”
Blaze maintained her typical deadpan expression, “That goes without saying…” She turned to Storm, “Stick with a long-range offense; she’ll be dangerous to touch thanks to that Static, and she is likely to keep her distance, as well.”

As Storm strode toward the center of the field, he noticed how easily the sand shifted; it took effort to move. This would definitely slow him down. He looked up and saw Sally already standing in the middle. She seemed to be scanning the crowds for someone.
She suddenly noticed Storm standing in front of her, “Oh! Um… hi…”
Storm gave a friendly smile, “Looking for someone in the stands?”
The shy Mareep tittered, “Yeah… I don’t see him yet, though.”
“There’re a lotta people in here. It’s hard to single one out, but I’m sure he’s in there somewhere… whoever he is.”
“My father. I hope he was able to make it...”
Storm tilted his head, “Was he able to catch your other matches?”
Sally’s gaze fell, “No…”
Storm noticed the solemn change in Sally’s expression, then lightly spoke, “Well, that doesn’t mean he won’t catch this one. I’m sure he’ll make time for you.” He blinked at observing Sally’s lonely expression remaining the same. He cautiously spoke, “If it helps… my own parents have had a hard time catching my matches, too. I know how you feel.”
The crowd noise elevated as the referees signaled to the fighters.
They signaled back ‘Ready’ and backed into their stances.
Sally spoke over the crowds, “Good luck!”
Storm nodded, ears twitching as he suddenly noticed an obscure ticking sound nearby, “You too!”
The whistle blew and both fighters leaped back.
Sally engulfed herself in an aura of protective light; Safeguard.
At the other end, Storm phased into Double Team and darted behind a stone column.
Sally froze, not sure where exactly he’d be coming from. Focusing on the ticking from her Metronome pendant, she steeled herself and took off in a sprint, hoping to throw off her opponent’s aim through the columns.
Lightning flashed directly behind her, then Storm suddenly appeared and threw out a Shock Wave, striking her from the side.
Sparks erupted from her wool as she staggered left but remained on her feet, grimacing.
Storm disappeared around another column, snorting dust out of his nose. It was hard to maintain speed on this turf. The Shock Wave didn’t have the effect he expected either, due to the dryness of the arena; not only were ions randomly discharging everywhere, but Sally’s own static electricity was shielding her more than usual from electric attacks. The Jolteon concentrated a ball of spectral energy in his paws; this called for the non-traditional…
He darted out to strike again but a shimmering beam of light nailed him right in the chest, sending him stumbling back.
The crowd cheered as the Freshman actually struck the Senior. Sally rushed past a sand block and fired Power Gem once again.
Storm arced back and evaded; the beam hit a nearby obelisk and chipped off pieces of rock. The Jolteon Double Teamed to avoid the next Power Gem. A blast of sand erupted behind him where it hit.

Off on the sidelines, Blaze narrowed her eyes, ears twitching. What was that ticking sound…?

Storm shot out of the ground from a Dig attack, knocking Sally into a rock column as electricity flared from her body.
Storm tried to run back but his legs suddenly froze, staggering him, “What the—AACK!”
A Power Gem beam nailed him in the back, sending him to his knees. He twisted around and threw a Shadow Ball, but Sally dove to the floor, narrowly avoiding it.
Storm forced himself back up and hobbled behind an obelisk. Sally’s Static was taking its paralytic toll after he hit her with the Dig attack. He’d never been paralyzed by electricity before; how was that even possible? He was an electric type!
He gritted his teeth as Blaze’s words echoed in his mind from the first match he’d fought at the Academy, Be mindful of your opponents’ power. The ability to summon and manipulate ions doesn’t make you immune to their adverse effects if they’re delivered in a way your body isn’t used to.
Another shimmering beam nailed the column he hid behind, cracking it.
Storm took a quick breath, then whirled out and fired a Signal Beam.
Sally darted to a stone block but the beam caught her in the side and threw her across the arena. Rolling with her momentum, she rose to her knees and fired another Power Gem.
The beam walloped Storm in the chest and sent him skidding backwards, leaving a visible trail in the sand.
The crowd suddenly fell silent, then erupted into cheers.
Blaze, Stiletto, and Neon stared in disbelief. How could a Freshman have done that?
As Blaze kept hearing the ticking move along with Sally, a realization finally hit her. The Ninetales cupped her paws over her muzzle and yelled, “Storm, she’s got a Metronome! You have to break her pattern!”
Storm cartwheeled behind a crumbling obelisk before his half-paralyzed arms gave out. He yelled back over the crowd, “A what??”
“Just force her to use another move! She’s getting stronger the more she uses the same attack!”
Another Power Gem seared past. Storm willed his body into movement and leaped out from his hiding spot, flinging out Pin Missiles to cover himself.
Sally yelped and sprinted away as spikes embedded themselves in the ground just behind her heels. She flung out another Power Beam but it went wide.
Storm instantly retaliated with a Shadow Ball, thrown right into her path.
The Mareep collided with the spectral force and tumbled to the ground. The entire room seemed to spin around her; she could see stars in front of her eyes. The cheers and screams of the audience roaring around her steadily became a dull drone in her ears. The arena lights began to fade in her eyes. Cold unconsciousness descended over her.

“W-wha… what happened?”
Sally opened her eyes to see arena nurses surrounding her. Beyond them, the referee was approaching Storm. “Oh… I lost…”
One of the nurses, a Swampert, helped her to her feet, saying, “But you held out longer than we expected! It was a good match.”
As Sally made her way to where Storm and the ref were standing, she suddenly noticed the crowd noises getting louder. Glancing about the audience, she noticed people were smiling at her! Even though she lost, they were cheering for her. The shy Mareep blushed with a hint of pride.

“The winner of this Round Three match-up… Tesla ‘Storm’ Veo!”
Applause filled the arena, with a number of shouts toward Sally.
Even Storm turned to her and grinned, “That was a good one. Way to hang in there.”
Sally tilted her head, “But I lost. Why were they cheering for me?”
“Because a Freshman put up a decent fight against a high-ranked Senior.” With a wry grin, he added, “Hey, you even gave me a few good bruises out of it. And… you kinda humbled me, too. That’s something to be proud of.”
Sally took another look at the crowd. Her eyes suddenly caught sight of a flashing tail. Her father was out there; he’d seen the entire match, and his warm smile was as wide as ever.
Sally chuckled, inadvertently clasping her Metronome pendant, “I guess it is…”

---

<<< PREV | FIRST | NEXT >>>

Storm, Blaze, Stiletto, & Neon © Aelius (me)
Sally Sealight ©  kenjiwatanabe
Submitted for  pokecombatacademy