The 'Outcast' - First Year

Part 9

The entire week had been getting hyped up for the announcement of the fixtures for the Junior cup tournament. Although it doesn't start for another few months everyone was excited. As far as Ash was concerned he was only participating since there was supposed to be strong trainers competing.

Sycamore's class was by far Ash's least favorite class. Something about hearing Sycamore constantly yapping about Mega evolution and hearing him say the word "marvelous" annoyed him intensely. Calem too did not like this class and he turned his attention towards the new guy Ash. He noticed Ash cleaning something with his handkerchief.

"Hey Ash? What ya got there?" He whispered curiously. Ash turned his head to him. He removed the handkerchief revealing the cliff badge he'd earned a few days ago now.

"It's the cliff badge. My second one now..." Ash replied.

Calem's eyes widened slightly at his response. "Wow really? Second one already?" He repeated.

Ash nodded his head not thinking much of it. He'd done more impressive achievements in the past anyway. Calem gave him a nod of impressment. He certainly thought highly of this new kid already.

After class was over Calem's entire group of friends were at the announcement of the fixtures for the upcoming Junior cup. Ash noticed the crowd and began to grow slightly curious. Ash slowly walked up to Calem.

"Hey Calem? What's going on here?" He asked.

"Oh this? Don George will be announcing the fixtures shortly for the Junior cup. Stick around Ash. You need to know which three trainers you'll be facing first..." He explained. A few minutes passed by and sure enough Don George appeared next to another man with a microphone.

"Good afternoon trainers! My name is Don George for those who don't know me. I am here with my friend Freddy as we are here to announce the groups for the Pokémon world tournament Junior cup. For those of you who don't know it's an annual tournament the two of us host every year." He explained as Freddy began adjusting a huge monitor above.

All the trainers attending began talking amongst each other wondering who'd they be facing and ultimately who'd come out on top as Junior cup Champion. Just then Don George cleared his throat ready to give out the rules of the Tournament.

"Alright folks here are the rules. You may bring a lineup of six Pokémon to the Tournament. You may bring a few reserve Pokémon just Incase an unexpected injury occurs of course. The way it will work is there will be eight groups of four trainers. So at the beginning of the tournament there will be 32 trainers. Only two trainers will advance from each group so by the end of the qualifying matches there will be sixteen trainers remaining. Everyone understand?" Don George Asked.

Every trainer nodded their head understanding the rather simple rules.

Now Freddy spoke up. "Obviously trainers there will be no tolerance for disrespect against another trainer. When you battle someone at the very least show some sportsmanship and respect. You may use any type of Pokémon as well. We will announce the venues for the battles soon but for now take a look at the big screen!"

The huge monitor revealed the eight groups of four trainers. For a moment a few of the trainers sighed in relief that they weren't grouped with Paul, Trip, Alain, Or Tobias. Ash wasn't grouped with any of them. His group consisted of Trevor and two other trainers he wasn't familiar with. Nonetheless he wasn't scared and thought nothing of it. With that the announcement was over and everyone went their separate ways for now.

Again so sorry for the inconsistency will try to update more often!