A New Beginning

Chapter 10

"So these are the rules of the battle:"

The Projector changed its screen as everyone gazed upon it.

◽One member from each three group will battle each other, taking two turns each.

◽Only one Pokemon is allowed per trainer.

◽The match will be decided when one group member remains standing at the end of the match.

"There is no time limit or a health bar here, so rest easy," said Nomura.

"Easy for you to say," Gary muttered. Everyone else was going through the rules over their head.

"The match will start in ten minutes," Oak informed them.

"I suggest we all get a drink. Everyone must be thirsty," Ethan suggested.

"Yeah good idea," Gary agreed. All of them soon parted ways in pairs. The newly formed comrades will soon be fighting as enemies. Ash and Nate went to the corner where the drinks were placed on a table.

"Wait you two!"

They turned towards the voice and saw Chloe holding two cans of juice. She caught up and threw it at them.

"Thanks Chloe," Nate said after catching his can. Ash did the same and nodded in gratitude.

"Mention not. I picked them up earlier," she said.

"Where's Barry?"

"He is holding my seat. You two did great by the way," she smiled happily.

"Thank you. But the real battle is just beginning," Nate said.

"So, what's our strategy," Ash asked after he emptied half of his can.

"About that. I think I should go first," Nate suggested.

"Okay."

"Woah, what okay? You are not even gonna ask why?" Chloe asked Ash, who just shrugged indifferently. It didn't matter to him anyway.

"I won't make any predictions on our opponents choices, cause it may backfire on us. I think I should go because I'll at least be able to make them bring out their arsenals. Ash is good at analysis and also stronger than me, if I am being honest. So he should be the anchor," Nate explained.

Ash was a bit shocked.

'He is more perceptive than I thought.'

Nate noticed his look and just chuckled.

"You don't have to be so surprised. It was obvious during our training sessions how skilled you are as a Pokemon trainer," he said.

Ash slowly nodded and closed his eyes as he finished the rest of his juice.

"I understand. I trust your plan, so let's go with it," he said.

Nate smiled in gratitude. "Thank you."

Chloe heaved a sigh.

"Good luck to you both. We'll be cheering you on," she was surprised at her own words. Chloe always had been apathetic towards this things. But after joining this group, her perceptive has changed significantly. It wasn't a bad thing and from now on, she will be looking forward to her school life more than ever.

"We could use a good luck kiss if you don't mind." Nate teased her. Chloe turned red.

"Sh-shut up! Idiot.." she muttered and walked away.

"Was that necessary?" Ash asked, exasperatedly.

"Haha it's fun," he replied.

"Trainers of Round A. It is time for the three way battle," Professor Oak announced.