The next morning, Noah woke up before sunrise, determined to make the most of his training. With the tournament only two days away, he needed to refine Pidgey's speed, endurance, and attacks. He couldn't afford to waste any time.
"Alright, Pidgey," Noah said as they reached the outskirts of Oldale Town. The field where they had trained yesterday was empty, the cool morning air making it perfect for practice. "Today, we push ourselves even harder."
Pidgey chirped in agreement, fluttering its wings excitedly."First, let's work on Tackle. This time, I want you to hit the target with as much momentum as possible."
He placed a wooden post he had borrowed from an old fence into the ground, using it as a makeshift training dummy.
"Start from a higher altitude, then dive down at an angle before striking." Pidgey took to the sky, circling above before diving at the post, striking it with increased force. The post shook slightly, but Noah could tell it wasn't enough yet.
"Again! Faster this time!"
They repeated the process over and over, until Pidgey's movements became sharper and its Tackle started shaking the post with every impact.
By mid-morning, they moved on to Sand Attack. Noah kicked up some dirt to show Pidgey the motion, demonstrating how it could use its wings to stir up dust into an opponent's eyes.
"Speed is our biggest advantage," Noah said. "If we can blind our opponent, we can control the battle.
Pidgey flapped its wings rapidly, sending a small cloud of dust into the air. It wasn't quite strong enough yet, but with repeated practice, the sandstorm effect became more prominent.
As the sun climbed higher, Noah wiped sweat from his forehead. They had trained hard for hours, but there was still more to do."Alright, let's take a break." He sat down in the shade of a tree, offering Pidgey some berries he had bought from the market. "You're doing great. We'll rest for a bit, then get back to it.
Pidgey happily ate, resting on Noah's lap
But before they could resume their training, the sound of approaching footsteps caught Noah's attention.
A boy, probably around Noah's age, walked onto the field. He had short brown hair, a confident smirk, and a single Poké Ball strapped to his belt.
"You must be Noah," the boy said, crossing his arms.
Noah stood up, narrowing his eyes. "Who's asking?"
"The name's Jason. I signed up for the tournament too." Jason tapped his Poké Ball. "I heard from Nurse Joy that you're the only other newcomer in town. Figured I should see what I'm up against."
Noah raised an eyebrow. "And?"
Jason smirked. "Your training looks decent, but I doubt you'll make it past the first round."
Noah felt a spark of irritation but kept his cool. "Why don't we find out right now?
Jason's smirk widened. "That's what I was hoping you'd say."
He stepped back, tossing his Poké Ball into the air. "Come on out, Electrike!"
A flash of light revealed a small, green-and-yellow canine Pokémon with sparks crackling along its fur. Noah's stomach tightened. An Electric-type
This wasn't going to be easy
Noah took a deep breath. This was what he had trained for
"Pidgey, let's do this!
Pidgey fluttered into the air, chirping confidently
Jason smirked. "Let's see if you can keep up. Electrike, use Quick Attack!"
Electrike dashed forward in a blur, closing the distance in an instant.
"Dodge it, Pidgey!" Noah shouted.
Pidgey barely managed to veer to the side, but Electrike's speed was insane. It turned sharply and struck Pidgey mid-air, sending it tumbling backward.
Noah gritted his teeth. "Stay in the air, Pidgey! Use Sand Attack!"
Pidgey flapped its wings, kicking up a cloud of dust. Electrike growled as sand got into its eyes, forcing it to slow down.
Jason frowned. "Lucky shot. But it won't save you! Electrike, use Thunder Wave!"
A small jolt of electricity crackled from Electrike's body, shooting toward Pidgey.
"Dodge again!
Pidgey tried to swerve, but the electricity clipped its wing. Sparks danced around its body, and Noah knew instantly—Pidgey was paralyzed.
Jason grinned. "Looks like your bird's grounded."
Noah clenched his fists. Pidgey was still able to move, but the paralysis would make it slower. He needed to end this quickly
"Pidgey, use Tackle—full force!
Despite its slowed movement, Pidgey flapped its wings as hard as it could, diving toward Electrike with all its strength
Jason's eyes widened. "Electrike, dodge—"
Too late. Pidgey slammed into Electrike, sending it skidding backward.
Electrike shook itself off, growling. Jason clicked his tongue. "Not bad, but let's see if you can handle this. Quick Attack, one more time!"
Noah's mind raced. If Pidgey got hit again, it might not be able to keep fighting.
He needed to take a risk.
"Wait for it…" Noah whispered, watching Electrike charge.
Pidgey struggled to stay upright, watching Electrike approach at high speed.
Jason smirked. "Game over."
But at the last second, Noah shouted, "Pidgey, dodge up!"
With the last of its energy, Pidgey flapped its wings and barely lifted off the ground, causing Electrike to miss completely Jason's eyes widened.
"Now, Tackle!"
Pidgey dived once more, hitting Electrike square in the back. The Electric-type let out a sharp cry before collapsing to the ground, eyes spinning
Jason's jaw dropped. Electrike was unable to battle. Noah grinned, pumping his fist. "We did it, Pidgey!"
His partner let out a triumphant chirp, though it was visibly exhausted.
Jason recalled Electrike, crossing his arms. "Not bad… but don't think this means you'll win the tournament."
Noah smirked. "Guess we'll find out."
Jason huffed before walking off, but Noah could tell he had earned his respect.He looked at Pidgey, reaching out to gently pat its head.
"That was amazing. Let's get you to the Pokémon Center, then keep training."With one victory under his belt and the tournament just a day away, Noah knew one thing for sure they would be ready.
The day of the Oldale Town Rookie Tournament had finally arrived.
Noah stood outside the Pokémon Center, his hands in his pockets as the morning sun warmed the air. He had spent the entire previous day training with Pidgey, fine-tuning its speed and endurance. After the battle with Jason, he knew he couldn't rely on just dodging and attacking randomly—he needed a plan for every opponent. He glanced down at Pidgey, who was perched on a fence post nearby, preening its feathers. "You ready, buddy?"
Pidgey chirped confidently, flapping its wings.
Noah smirked. "Then let's win this thing."As he made his way to the tournament grounds, he could already see a crowd gathering near the center of town. A makeshift battle arena had been set up—a square field surrounded by wooden barriers to keep spectators at a safe distance. A large stage stood nearby, where the tournament officials were getting ready to begin the event.Noah weaved through the crowd, stopping when he spotted a familiar figure leaning against a tree with his arms crossed. Jason , The other boy noticed him and pushed off from the trunk, walking over with his usual confident smirk.
"I was wondering if you'd show up," Jason said.
Noah rolled his eyes. "I already beat you once. Don't tell me you're scared."
Jason chuckled. "Not a chance. But this tournament's got more trainers than just us. You'll need more than luck to win. "Noah nodded. "I'm counting on it."
Just then, a voice boomed through the speakers.
"Welcome, trainers, to the Oldale Town Rookie Tournament!"
The crowd erupted into cheers as an older man with a microphone stepped onto the stage.
"This competition is designed for up-and-coming trainers looking to test their skills! Each battle will be a one-on-one match, with the winner advancing to the next round. And for the victor…" The announcer gestured to a large display case beside him. "A grand prize of 10,000 Pokédollars and a set of Poké Balls!"Noah's eyes widened. That prize money could help him stock up on supplies before leaving Oldale for good. He clenched his fists. He had to win this.
The announcer continued, "We have sixteen participants today, meaning there will be four rounds to determine our champion. Now, let's begin! The first round matchups will be displayed shortly!"
A large screen flickered on behind the stage, showing the tournament bracket. Noah quickly scanned the list.
His first opponent was someone named Toby.
Round One – Noah vs. Toby!
Noah took his place on one side of the battlefield, Pidgey perched on his shoulder. Across from him stood a short boy with messy blonde hair and a nervous expression. He fumbled with his Poké Ball before tossing it into the air.
"Let's go, Zigzagoon!"
In a flash of light, a small, brown-striped raccoon-like Pokémon appeared, bouncing on its paws.
Noah focused himself. Zigzagoon is a Normal-type—fast, but not particularly strong. He could work with this.
The referee raised his flags. "Battle, begin!"
Toby wasted no time. "Zigzagoon, use Tackle!"The small Pokémon dashed forward in a zigzag pattern, moving unpredictably.
Noah stayed calm. "Pidgey, go up"
Pidgey flapped its wings and took to the sky, dodging the attack with ease.
Toby hesitated. "Uh—Zigzagoon, try again!"
Zigzagoon leaped at Pidgey, but the bird simply flew higher.
Noah smirked. "Alright, Pidgey, counter with Tackle!"
Pidgey dived at full speed, ramming straight into Zigzagoon. The Normal-type tumbled backward, rolling a few times before skidding to a stop
Toby panicked. "Zigzagoon, get up! Use Sand Attack!"
Zigzagoon kicked up a spray of dirt toward Pidgey
Noah reacted instantly. "Pidgey, flap your wings!" Pidgey beat its wings rapidly, creating a gust that blew the sand away before it could reach its eyes
Toby's face fell. "Oh no…"
"Now, finish it with Tackle!"
Pidgey dived once more, striking Zigzagoon with a powerful blow. The Normal-type let out a small whimper before collapsing onto the ground, unable to continue.
The referee raised a flag. "Zigzagoon is unable to battle! The winner is Noah and Pidgey!"
The crowd clapped politely as Toby sighed, recalling his Pokémon. "Man… I really need to work on my strategy."
Noah walked over and offered a hand. "You did fine. Keep training, and you'll get better."
Toby smiled and shook his hand. "Thanks."
As Noah stepped off the battlefield, Jason walked past him, heading toward his own match. "Not bad," he said over his shoulder. "But don't let it get to your head. The tough fights are coming."
Noah smirked. "Bring 'em on."
One round down
Three to go.
With the first round complete, Noah leaned against a wooden fence near the battle arena, watching the other matches unfold. Pidgey sat perched on his shoulder, chirping occasionally as it observed the fights with him.
Jason had just finished his battle, and as expected, his Electrike completely overwhelmed his opponent's Lotad with pure speed. His strategy was simple but effective—strike fast and don't give the opponent a chance to fight back
Noah frowned slightly. I barely beat him before… if I have to face him again, it won't be that easy.
Other battles showcased a variety of Pokémon. A girl named Emma commanded a surprisingly strong Seedot, using Harden and Bide to tank hits before counterattacking. A boy named Logan had a Wurmple that won its match by poisoning its opponent with String Shot and then finishing it with a well-timed Tackle.
Noah took mental notes. These trainers aren't bad. I can't underestimate anyone.
Soon, the first round came to an end, and the screen flickered again, displaying the updated bracket.
Round Two – Noah vs. Logan!
Noah cracked his knuckles. "Alright, time for the next one."
He stepped back onto the battlefield, facing Logan—a tall, lanky boy with shaggy black hair and a confident smirk
"Did you see my last battle?" Logan asked, tossing his Poké Ball in the air. "I don't think your Pidgey will last long against my strategy.
Noah remained calm. "We'll see about that."
The referee raised his flags. "Battle, begin!
Logan threw his Poké Ball. "Go, Wurmple!
In a flash of light, the small, red caterpillar Pokémon appeared, its tiny eyes staring up at Pidgey.
Noah frowned slightly. Wurmple's not that strong, but I can't let it set up poison or traps.
"Pidgey, start with Tackle!
Pidgey dived toward Wurmple, aiming for a quick first strike
Logan smirked. "String Shot!"
Wurmple shot out a sticky web, wrapping around Pidgey's wings before it could land its attack. Pidgey crashed onto the ground, struggling against the webbing.
"Nice try," Logan said. "Now, use Poison Sting!"
Wurmple scuttled forward, its tiny stinger glowing purple as it jabbed at Pidgey.
Noah gritted his teeth. "Dodge, Pidgey!
Pidgey managed to roll to the side, but some of the stinger's poison made contact, leaving a faint purple glow on its feathers.
Noah's stomach sank. Poisoned. That's bad.
Pidgey wobbled as it stood up, its breathing already getting heavier.
Logan crossed his arms. "I told you—you won't last long.
Noah took a deep breath. Stay calm. You can still win this
"Pidgey, use Sand Attack!"
Pidgey, despite its weakened state, flapped its wings hard, kicking up a cloud of dirt into Wurmple's face.
Logan frowned. "Wurmple, use String Shot again!"
But Wurmple hesitated, its vision obscured by the sand. The String Shot missed completely, landing harmlessly on the ground.
Noah clenched his fist. Now's my chance.
"Pidgey, full-power Tackle!"
Pidgey pushed through its exhaustion, flying up before diving straight down, slamming into Wurmple with everything it had.
Wurmple tumbled backward, landing on its back. Logan's eyes widened. "No, get up— But Wurmple didn't move.
The referee raised a flag. "Wurmple is unable to battle! Noah and Pidgey win!"
The crowd clapped as Logan sighed, recalling his Pokémon. "Man… you got me."
Noah gave a small smile. "That was a tough fight. If you hadn't poisoned Pidgey, it might've gone differently."
Logan shrugged. "Next time, I'll make sure I win."
Noah turned back toward the Pokémon Center. Two rounds down.
But Pidgey was looking weak. The poison was still in effect.
At the Pokémon Center, Nurse Joy quickly treated Pidgey with an Antidote before healing its energy
"You're doing great, Noah," she said with a smile. "But remember, these battles are only going to get harder."
Noah nodded. "I know.
As he stepped outside, he checked the bracket. Only four trainers remained.
Noah vs. Emma (Seedot).
Jason vs. another trainer.