Castelia Heroes - RoyalChaos

Episode 1

(A/N: This story takes place in the Pokemon region of Unova. Some of the Pokemon mentioned in this story may not be native to the region. In addition to the typical technology they have in the game, they will also have modern technology, such as phones.)

<Steven>

"Umbreon! One last hit, use Hyper Beam!" I heard my rival, Anthony, shout as my Audino struggled to stand up from the previous hit. Just as he managed to stand up, it was too late; the overpowered hit had already come, knocking my Pokemon out completely.

"A-audino!" I stuttered, running over to my fainted partner. "Are you okay, buddy?" My Audino just looked up at me and gave me a thumbs up. "Alright, you deserve a nice long rest."

Anthony and his girlfriend Jessica, along with his Umbreon and her Sylveon, walked over to me, probably to gloat. I stood up, brushing the dust from my pants, and picked up my bags. We had just finished one of our typical after school battles in Central Plaza, and like usual I found myself on the losing end.

"Better luck next time, I guess," Anthony bragged, taking Jess by her hand.

"Yeah, but you better bring your A-game next time. This was just a fluke, you know."

"I'm sure it was, Stevie boy. Remember, I'm ten for one at this point."

I couldn't argue with that logic. We've battled ten times this month and he's won every one. This victory was number 10 for him. I could just as easily use my Growlithe from home, but I told him I was going to beat him with my Audino and that's exactly what I plan to do! I won't go down like this.

"I was just holding back, didn't want to hurt your feelings. It'll be different next time, so be afraid."

He just laughed and turned around to head back to his house, while I went in the other direction to the Pokemon Center. I plugged in my headphones and turned on some music while I avoided oncoming pedestrians on the street. While I biked along Mode Street I thought over my battle strategy and thought of solutions to my mistakes. I can't just let him continue to beat me if I want to be the best coordinator to come out of Castelia City.

Anthony and I have been rivals ever since we were kids, probably 4 years old. Neither of us know how it ended up starting, but we've kept it up ever since, even now that we're senior students at Castelia Academy. It's kept me on my toes, especially whenever he feels like challenging me to a battle. He's arrogant and sort of stuck up, but it's always fun to tease and battle him.

But for some reason, I can't get today's loss out of my head. I mean yeah, I should be used to it at this point but I wish there was something more I could do. If I want to get better I need to take this battling business more seriously. Unlike Anthony, I've had to work to get to where I am now. He's rich with his dad being the CEO of the Battle Company, so he's had everything handed to him on a silver platter, even his first Pokemon. He won't even have to work too hard to take over his family's business after school. Still, I just can't seem to one-up him and it's frustrating. 

I stopped my bike and shook my head to clear my thoughts so I wouldn't run into anyone on the street. What was it about that battle that frustrates me so much? All I know is, whatever it was, I won't let it get me down. From now on, Audino and I are going to be better and work harder, and we're going to make it.

Instead of dwelling on my mistakes, I decided to instead look around and take in the autumn scenery of the trees lining the streets. I looked t everyone who walked by and all the children playing with their own Pokemon, and thought about how I used to be just like them. I've lived here my entire life but this time of the year still manages to amaze me. Before long, I reached the Pokemon Center and tied my bike up out front.