Chapter 12 - Rising Star, pt 1
The next two months passed in a flurry of preparation for the Star Tournament, mostly due to Flannery and Serenity deciding that they weren't going to give Wolf the chance to slack off. Every weekday morning they would both wake up early, Serenity would bring the Lavaridge gym leader back to Wolf's home, and they would both chatter incessantly until Wolf woke up with a withering glare on his face.
"At least they let us sleep on the weekends." Wolf had grumbled one Saturday morning, Lucky stroking his hair while he buried his face in the pillow and tried to get some more sleep.
Despite Wolf's increasing irritation at being woken up at seven every morning and given just one hour to be ready for the day, the results of their training were nothing short of amazing. Each of the pokemon had given one hundred percent effort, and all were showing a marked increase in ability by the time the Star Tournament had come around.
The pokemon on the team weren't the only ones who were preparing. Eve had looked into motivational techniques to help inspire the pokemon while Caelas researched tactics for Wolf. Princess had spent the time with Nurse Joy and Chansey, learning as much about medical matters as she could in such a short period of time. It had just been the basics, but it was what she needed to be the most effective for Joy. Serenity had been preparing too, but for a much different reason. A month into the team's serious training regime, Serenity's child had been born. A healthy female Ralts, Serenity had looked at Wolf with an expression that was pure joy.
"I'll name her Sephiria." She had said, a lone tear of happiness rolling down her cheek as the young green eyed and teal haired Ralts smiled at Wolf with the same look Caelas had given him when he had been born. It had warmed him considerably, and he tried to chip in with parenting where he could even though the Gardevoir had insisted it wasn't necessary.
As the final week before the tournament began, Wolf decided that they had done enough training and it was time for a rest period so that the pokemon were in their peak condition for their challenge. The trainer was busying himself easing the tension out of his pokemon, grooming and massaging each of them with a natural talent he had no idea he possessed.
"Thanks for pruning those leaves too, Wolf." Ivysaur said as Wolf picked him up off the massage table and placed him on the ground.
"No problem." He replied, putting the shears back in his drawer while the grass pokemon drifted out of the room. Shortly after he left Lucky walked in, Wolf gesturing for her to lie on the table. Once she was comfortable he got to work, rubbing his hands along her shoulders to begin with. The Lucario gave a soft moan as Wolf got to work, her body slumping further as the tension was eased out under his touch.
"Oooh, that feels so good Wolf." She sighed, her arms flopping over the sides of the table as he started work on her back. He smiled at her, enjoying the feeling of her fur between his fingers.
"I hope you're not expecting this all the time." He said, a playful tone in his voice suggesting that he wouldn't mind if she was. Though he couldn't see, he was sure that she was grinning too.
"I've gotta say, that does look nice." A voice from the door cut through their banter, Wolf turning his head enough to catch a glimpse of Flannery leaning casually against the frame. He didn't stop in his massage even while she approached them.
"Sorry Flannery, but this table's reserved for pokemon competing in the Star Tournament." He said, though she knew he wouldn't be adverse to the idea of massaging her. She rolled her eyes good naturedly.
"Fair enough." She said, resting one hand on his shoulder. She raised an eyebrow at him. "But it feels like you could use some time on there too, Wolf." He frowned, taken unawares as Lucky sat back up on the table.
"It's just like you to put everyone else ahead of yourself." The Lucario remarked, reaching a paw up to his free shoulder and feeling his tightened muscles for herself. "She's right, Wolf. It's your turn now." Not even given the chance to protest, Wolf was wrestled facedown onto the table by the girls and pinned there when Lucky straddled his hips, Flannery moving to pull his shirt up over his head. Before he could react they got to work, Flannery's hands rubbing his upper back while Lucky's paws worked on his lower back.
"This really isn't..." Wolf trailed off as the massage began to work. "Oh..." he flopped as they loosened him up, his body feeling limp and dead.
"Yeah, right." Lucky said, firmly pushing on either side of his spine. "I've felt rocks that weren't this solid." Flannery grinned at her, kneading his shoulders as best she could.
"She's not kidding Wolf." She said. "You really do need this. You've been working just as hard as they have by training with them, but you don't have that sort of endurance."
"I resent that." Wolf mumbled. Flannery arched an eyebrow.
"What was that?" she asked sweetly.
"Nothing."
"I thought it sounded like a bet."
"It did to me. Maybe we should test him on that later this week." Lucky interjected, a suggestive smile at Flannery.
"Uh, I'm not quite comfortable with that idea just yet." Flannery replied, a blush spreading across her face. The Lucario shrugged, still rubbing her boyfriend's back.
"Your loss." She said, before leering at the back of his head. "Yours too, Wolf." He groaned, a barely audible sound that still managed to make both girls giggle.
***
The rest of the week passed with little event, the team feeling that they had done everything in their power to prepare for the Star Tournament. Refreshed after the rest period, the pokemon were psyched up and prepared to do their very best, no matter how tough the competition was. Nurse Joy and Princess had given them all a thorough check up the day before they were due to leave, making sure that they were in prime condition for the tournament.
Finally, the time to depart came. Wolf, his pokemon including Caelas and Sephiria, Nurse Joy and Chansey were waiting patiently in the field on Route 120 where Scott, the tournament organiser, had arranged for them to be picked up by helicopter.
"Wow, this is so exciting!" Joy said, bouncing on the balls of her feet. "I can't believe I get to go to the Star Tournament! And with Wolf O'kai too!" She squealed in delight, Wolf tactfully refraining to comment. He grinned down at Lucky, seeing the excitement in her bright red eyes. He knew that as a fighting type she loved battling, and she was determined to prove to him that she wouldn't let him down. A quick glance around the rest of his pokemon showed the same determination in all of their faces. He knew that they would do their best, but he couldn't quite shake the feeling that the other competitors would be something else entirely.
After all, this tournament was for the most elite of trainers.
Wolf's thoughts were interrupted as the steady thrum of the rotors grew increasingly louder, the black helicopter with a single yellow star on the side cresting the treetops. He flinched as the craft came into view, visibly reminded of the helicopter attack on Sunburst Island and how close he'd come to losing several of his dearest friends. This time the helicopter landed in the clearing instead of dropping Electrode on the assembled group, the door opening to the canopy as it landed and a slightly chubby man with brown curly hair and sunglasses jumped out to greet them.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Wolf." He shouted in order to make himself heard, his blue patterned shirt fluttering in the draft of the helicopter's rotors. "I'm Scott, but we'll get to proper introductions once we're inside." Gesturing for the group to follow him, he climbed back up the stairs an assistant had folded out once Scott had jumped out, Joy Chansey and Princess climbing in first. Wolf returned most of his pokemon before gesturing to the others to proceed him, Lucky and Caelas jumping in first. Eve and Serenity followed, Sephiria cradled in the Gardevoir's arms as she climbed in. Wolf was the last to embark, Scott closing the door behind him. The trainer was surprised to find that the sound of the rotors was completely shut out while they were in the cabin, which was set up in the guise of a comfortable hotel lounge. Two couches were set up alongside each of the walls, with a tastefully plain table in between them.
Joy and her helpers took one of the couches with Serenity joining them while Scott sat down on the other side. Wolf and Lucky filled up the remainder of the one he had chosen, while Caelas and Eve preferred to sit on the floor. The helicopter tilted slightly as the pilot brought it up to speed before evening out and allowing the group a semblance of comfort.
"I'm glad you don't mind me bringing a few extra passengers." Wolf said, inclining his head in thanks. Scott smiled warmly back at him, waving a hand at the trainer.
"No problem." He replied, motioning for the assistant to find them some refreshments. "I'm always glad to meet a trainer who treats his pokemon as more than just battlers. The friendship between you all is something I really enjoy seeing." Lucky turned her head slightly to look at Wolf, a mischievous glint in her eye. Wolf raised an eyebrow at her in amusement, before turning back to Scott.
"I've seen a couple of trainers like that." He reflected, leaning back in his seat. "Can't imagine what's going through their heads if they think pokemon don't have feelings." Scott nodded thoughtfully.
"I can tell you're going to enjoy yourself at the Star Tournament." He said.
***
Wolf and his pokemon walked into the front of the stadium that was the venue for the Star Tournament, staring around in awe. While it was still a day before the tournament began only trainers and nurses milled around the black marble entrance hall, making last minute check-ups on their pokemon or chatting with each other, the air of tension and excitement so palpable that Wolf almost felt he was looking through fog at the assembled trainers. As he gawked at the impressive surroundings a blonde haired woman excused herself from the conversation she was involved in and wandered over to greet him.
"Wolf, it's a pleasure to see you again." Cynthia smiled, offering her hand for the younger trainer to shake. He grinned sheepishly, aware now that he had been standing there like some hick getting his first look at a city.
"Nice to see you too Cynthia." He replied, taking the proffered hand. Even as he did so her Garchomp came back with the nurse slated to take care of her pokemon. They began to talk about her pokemon, giving Wolf the chance to look around again. As he did so, he noticed that Garchomp wasn't the only dragon type in the room, seeing several other trainers with dragons in tow. Cynthia turned back to him to find a thoughtful expression on his face.
"I'm beginning to see a pattern here." He said, Cynthia spared having to comment as he spotted another familiar face, one from his days of roaming Johto. "Lance!" The dragon master turned at his call, a friendly smile appearing as he approached.
"Wolf." He said, reaching in to shake the trainer's hand. "It has been a while, hasn't it?" Any further exchanges were cut short by another trainer who rudely interrupted the reunion.
"So, you're the new meat huh?" the grey haired trainer drawled contemptuously. He wore a blazer in the same colour as his hair, blue eyes shining out from under his fringe. His black pants were immaculate like the rest of his clothing, in such a way that showed he held little but scorn for anything other than himself. "Why don't you just leave now and save yourself the embarrassment?"
"Suggested course of action highly recommended." His Magneton echoed, staring at Wolf with the same look his trainer had, that of seeing something disgusting on the sole of his highly polished shoe. Cynthia smirked at him, moving to Wolf's defence.
"Hello Ivan." She said, her tone staying neutral. "Defending your elite status again this year?" Ivan shuffled guiltily under her jibe. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but this is the third Star Tournament you've been to and you've yet to make it past the first round. I really don't see how that entitles you to speak to Wolf in such a manner." Ivan glared at her before spinning on his heel and stalking off, head still held high. The three trainers watched him go before resuming their conversation.
"Just ignore him." Lance said. "Like Cynthia said, he's really more hot air than anything else." Wolf grimaced, seeing his point but still worried.
"Maybe for you two." He said. "You're both champions. I've only just started scaling this mountain." A furry paw found its way into his hand, the trainer looking down to see Lucky smiling up at him, the rest of the team behind her and echoing her determined look.
"We'll do just fine, Wolf." She reassured him, her loving smile banishing his self doubt.
***
"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the opening of the Star Tournament!"
A massive wave of cheering and applause deafened Wolf as he stood on the tournament field with the other contestants. He could see Cynthia and Lance through the assembled trainers, along with Ivan on one side of the crown and he even recognised Wallace, the current Hoenn champion, not too far away from himself.
He shivered slightly, missing Lucky's presence next to him. Pokemon weren't allowed to accompany their trainers onto the field during the opening ceremony, to keep both the spectators and the competitors in suspense of what they would be seeing. It struck Wolf as odd, considering that they had already seen enough before the ceremony. He shrugged inwardly, deciding that it was Scott's tournament and the organiser had a better idea of what he was doing than he did.
"As you know," Scott continued, his voice carrying over the crowd as he spoke into the microphone. "The Star Tournament is where the greatest of pokemon trainers gather to test their mettle against each other, and to determine who will become members of the Elite Four and the champion for each region." More cheering erupted from the crowd, this time shot through with cheers for each individual trainer.
"The tournament is conducted in an elimination style," Scott said, indicating the scoreboard which now showed a tournament table with empty boxes. "Thirty two trainers will become sixteen, sixteen will become eight, and so on until the last two trainers face off on the fifth and final day to determine who will rank supreme among trainers!" He had the crowd on edge now, chants and applause threatening to drown him out completely.
"Without further delay, the match up will be determined!" Scott indicated the board again, the empty boxes around the very edges now flashing between portraits of each of the trainers. Wolf watched the board in apprehension, hoping that he wouldn't be paired up against anyone too tough in the first round. After what seemed like an eternity the images stopped, Wolf quickly picking his own out and checking to see who he would be against. His adversary was a grey haired man in a sea captain's hat and coat, even the image managing to convey a portion of the man's gruff nature. He swallowed, almost jumping out of his skin when a hand clapped on his shoulder.
"A pleasure to meet you, Wolf O'kai." A stern voice came from behind him, the young trainer turning to find it was his opponent addressing him. "I am Drake, currently the highest ranking member of Hoenn's Elite Four." He removed his hand from Wolf's shoulder as the trainer turned, offering a handshake instead. Wolf took it, trying to regain his composure.
"Nice to meet you." He said evenly, attempting to take a deep breath without seeming to do so. Drake noticed the movement, smiling under his moustache.
"I was nervous when I first participated in the Star Tournament as well." He said, the admission doing more to calm Wolf down than anything else. "I've heard good things about you, so I expect quite a challenge." With little more than a nod, Drake turned on his heel and left Wolf to his thoughts.
"At least they let us sleep on the weekends." Wolf had grumbled one Saturday morning, Lucky stroking his hair while he buried his face in the pillow and tried to get some more sleep.
Despite Wolf's increasing irritation at being woken up at seven every morning and given just one hour to be ready for the day, the results of their training were nothing short of amazing. Each of the pokemon had given one hundred percent effort, and all were showing a marked increase in ability by the time the Star Tournament had come around.
The pokemon on the team weren't the only ones who were preparing. Eve had looked into motivational techniques to help inspire the pokemon while Caelas researched tactics for Wolf. Princess had spent the time with Nurse Joy and Chansey, learning as much about medical matters as she could in such a short period of time. It had just been the basics, but it was what she needed to be the most effective for Joy. Serenity had been preparing too, but for a much different reason. A month into the team's serious training regime, Serenity's child had been born. A healthy female Ralts, Serenity had looked at Wolf with an expression that was pure joy.
"I'll name her Sephiria." She had said, a lone tear of happiness rolling down her cheek as the young green eyed and teal haired Ralts smiled at Wolf with the same look Caelas had given him when he had been born. It had warmed him considerably, and he tried to chip in with parenting where he could even though the Gardevoir had insisted it wasn't necessary.
As the final week before the tournament began, Wolf decided that they had done enough training and it was time for a rest period so that the pokemon were in their peak condition for their challenge. The trainer was busying himself easing the tension out of his pokemon, grooming and massaging each of them with a natural talent he had no idea he possessed.
"Thanks for pruning those leaves too, Wolf." Ivysaur said as Wolf picked him up off the massage table and placed him on the ground.
"No problem." He replied, putting the shears back in his drawer while the grass pokemon drifted out of the room. Shortly after he left Lucky walked in, Wolf gesturing for her to lie on the table. Once she was comfortable he got to work, rubbing his hands along her shoulders to begin with. The Lucario gave a soft moan as Wolf got to work, her body slumping further as the tension was eased out under his touch.
"Oooh, that feels so good Wolf." She sighed, her arms flopping over the sides of the table as he started work on her back. He smiled at her, enjoying the feeling of her fur between his fingers.
"I hope you're not expecting this all the time." He said, a playful tone in his voice suggesting that he wouldn't mind if she was. Though he couldn't see, he was sure that she was grinning too.
"I've gotta say, that does look nice." A voice from the door cut through their banter, Wolf turning his head enough to catch a glimpse of Flannery leaning casually against the frame. He didn't stop in his massage even while she approached them.
"Sorry Flannery, but this table's reserved for pokemon competing in the Star Tournament." He said, though she knew he wouldn't be adverse to the idea of massaging her. She rolled her eyes good naturedly.
"Fair enough." She said, resting one hand on his shoulder. She raised an eyebrow at him. "But it feels like you could use some time on there too, Wolf." He frowned, taken unawares as Lucky sat back up on the table.
"It's just like you to put everyone else ahead of yourself." The Lucario remarked, reaching a paw up to his free shoulder and feeling his tightened muscles for herself. "She's right, Wolf. It's your turn now." Not even given the chance to protest, Wolf was wrestled facedown onto the table by the girls and pinned there when Lucky straddled his hips, Flannery moving to pull his shirt up over his head. Before he could react they got to work, Flannery's hands rubbing his upper back while Lucky's paws worked on his lower back.
"This really isn't..." Wolf trailed off as the massage began to work. "Oh..." he flopped as they loosened him up, his body feeling limp and dead.
"Yeah, right." Lucky said, firmly pushing on either side of his spine. "I've felt rocks that weren't this solid." Flannery grinned at her, kneading his shoulders as best she could.
"She's not kidding Wolf." She said. "You really do need this. You've been working just as hard as they have by training with them, but you don't have that sort of endurance."
"I resent that." Wolf mumbled. Flannery arched an eyebrow.
"What was that?" she asked sweetly.
"Nothing."
"I thought it sounded like a bet."
"It did to me. Maybe we should test him on that later this week." Lucky interjected, a suggestive smile at Flannery.
"Uh, I'm not quite comfortable with that idea just yet." Flannery replied, a blush spreading across her face. The Lucario shrugged, still rubbing her boyfriend's back.
"Your loss." She said, before leering at the back of his head. "Yours too, Wolf." He groaned, a barely audible sound that still managed to make both girls giggle.
***
The rest of the week passed with little event, the team feeling that they had done everything in their power to prepare for the Star Tournament. Refreshed after the rest period, the pokemon were psyched up and prepared to do their very best, no matter how tough the competition was. Nurse Joy and Princess had given them all a thorough check up the day before they were due to leave, making sure that they were in prime condition for the tournament.
Finally, the time to depart came. Wolf, his pokemon including Caelas and Sephiria, Nurse Joy and Chansey were waiting patiently in the field on Route 120 where Scott, the tournament organiser, had arranged for them to be picked up by helicopter.
"Wow, this is so exciting!" Joy said, bouncing on the balls of her feet. "I can't believe I get to go to the Star Tournament! And with Wolf O'kai too!" She squealed in delight, Wolf tactfully refraining to comment. He grinned down at Lucky, seeing the excitement in her bright red eyes. He knew that as a fighting type she loved battling, and she was determined to prove to him that she wouldn't let him down. A quick glance around the rest of his pokemon showed the same determination in all of their faces. He knew that they would do their best, but he couldn't quite shake the feeling that the other competitors would be something else entirely.
After all, this tournament was for the most elite of trainers.
Wolf's thoughts were interrupted as the steady thrum of the rotors grew increasingly louder, the black helicopter with a single yellow star on the side cresting the treetops. He flinched as the craft came into view, visibly reminded of the helicopter attack on Sunburst Island and how close he'd come to losing several of his dearest friends. This time the helicopter landed in the clearing instead of dropping Electrode on the assembled group, the door opening to the canopy as it landed and a slightly chubby man with brown curly hair and sunglasses jumped out to greet them.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Wolf." He shouted in order to make himself heard, his blue patterned shirt fluttering in the draft of the helicopter's rotors. "I'm Scott, but we'll get to proper introductions once we're inside." Gesturing for the group to follow him, he climbed back up the stairs an assistant had folded out once Scott had jumped out, Joy Chansey and Princess climbing in first. Wolf returned most of his pokemon before gesturing to the others to proceed him, Lucky and Caelas jumping in first. Eve and Serenity followed, Sephiria cradled in the Gardevoir's arms as she climbed in. Wolf was the last to embark, Scott closing the door behind him. The trainer was surprised to find that the sound of the rotors was completely shut out while they were in the cabin, which was set up in the guise of a comfortable hotel lounge. Two couches were set up alongside each of the walls, with a tastefully plain table in between them.
Joy and her helpers took one of the couches with Serenity joining them while Scott sat down on the other side. Wolf and Lucky filled up the remainder of the one he had chosen, while Caelas and Eve preferred to sit on the floor. The helicopter tilted slightly as the pilot brought it up to speed before evening out and allowing the group a semblance of comfort.
"I'm glad you don't mind me bringing a few extra passengers." Wolf said, inclining his head in thanks. Scott smiled warmly back at him, waving a hand at the trainer.
"No problem." He replied, motioning for the assistant to find them some refreshments. "I'm always glad to meet a trainer who treats his pokemon as more than just battlers. The friendship between you all is something I really enjoy seeing." Lucky turned her head slightly to look at Wolf, a mischievous glint in her eye. Wolf raised an eyebrow at her in amusement, before turning back to Scott.
"I've seen a couple of trainers like that." He reflected, leaning back in his seat. "Can't imagine what's going through their heads if they think pokemon don't have feelings." Scott nodded thoughtfully.
"I can tell you're going to enjoy yourself at the Star Tournament." He said.
***
Wolf and his pokemon walked into the front of the stadium that was the venue for the Star Tournament, staring around in awe. While it was still a day before the tournament began only trainers and nurses milled around the black marble entrance hall, making last minute check-ups on their pokemon or chatting with each other, the air of tension and excitement so palpable that Wolf almost felt he was looking through fog at the assembled trainers. As he gawked at the impressive surroundings a blonde haired woman excused herself from the conversation she was involved in and wandered over to greet him.
"Wolf, it's a pleasure to see you again." Cynthia smiled, offering her hand for the younger trainer to shake. He grinned sheepishly, aware now that he had been standing there like some hick getting his first look at a city.
"Nice to see you too Cynthia." He replied, taking the proffered hand. Even as he did so her Garchomp came back with the nurse slated to take care of her pokemon. They began to talk about her pokemon, giving Wolf the chance to look around again. As he did so, he noticed that Garchomp wasn't the only dragon type in the room, seeing several other trainers with dragons in tow. Cynthia turned back to him to find a thoughtful expression on his face.
"I'm beginning to see a pattern here." He said, Cynthia spared having to comment as he spotted another familiar face, one from his days of roaming Johto. "Lance!" The dragon master turned at his call, a friendly smile appearing as he approached.
"Wolf." He said, reaching in to shake the trainer's hand. "It has been a while, hasn't it?" Any further exchanges were cut short by another trainer who rudely interrupted the reunion.
"So, you're the new meat huh?" the grey haired trainer drawled contemptuously. He wore a blazer in the same colour as his hair, blue eyes shining out from under his fringe. His black pants were immaculate like the rest of his clothing, in such a way that showed he held little but scorn for anything other than himself. "Why don't you just leave now and save yourself the embarrassment?"
"Suggested course of action highly recommended." His Magneton echoed, staring at Wolf with the same look his trainer had, that of seeing something disgusting on the sole of his highly polished shoe. Cynthia smirked at him, moving to Wolf's defence.
"Hello Ivan." She said, her tone staying neutral. "Defending your elite status again this year?" Ivan shuffled guiltily under her jibe. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but this is the third Star Tournament you've been to and you've yet to make it past the first round. I really don't see how that entitles you to speak to Wolf in such a manner." Ivan glared at her before spinning on his heel and stalking off, head still held high. The three trainers watched him go before resuming their conversation.
"Just ignore him." Lance said. "Like Cynthia said, he's really more hot air than anything else." Wolf grimaced, seeing his point but still worried.
"Maybe for you two." He said. "You're both champions. I've only just started scaling this mountain." A furry paw found its way into his hand, the trainer looking down to see Lucky smiling up at him, the rest of the team behind her and echoing her determined look.
"We'll do just fine, Wolf." She reassured him, her loving smile banishing his self doubt.
***
"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the opening of the Star Tournament!"
A massive wave of cheering and applause deafened Wolf as he stood on the tournament field with the other contestants. He could see Cynthia and Lance through the assembled trainers, along with Ivan on one side of the crown and he even recognised Wallace, the current Hoenn champion, not too far away from himself.
He shivered slightly, missing Lucky's presence next to him. Pokemon weren't allowed to accompany their trainers onto the field during the opening ceremony, to keep both the spectators and the competitors in suspense of what they would be seeing. It struck Wolf as odd, considering that they had already seen enough before the ceremony. He shrugged inwardly, deciding that it was Scott's tournament and the organiser had a better idea of what he was doing than he did.
"As you know," Scott continued, his voice carrying over the crowd as he spoke into the microphone. "The Star Tournament is where the greatest of pokemon trainers gather to test their mettle against each other, and to determine who will become members of the Elite Four and the champion for each region." More cheering erupted from the crowd, this time shot through with cheers for each individual trainer.
"The tournament is conducted in an elimination style," Scott said, indicating the scoreboard which now showed a tournament table with empty boxes. "Thirty two trainers will become sixteen, sixteen will become eight, and so on until the last two trainers face off on the fifth and final day to determine who will rank supreme among trainers!" He had the crowd on edge now, chants and applause threatening to drown him out completely.
"Without further delay, the match up will be determined!" Scott indicated the board again, the empty boxes around the very edges now flashing between portraits of each of the trainers. Wolf watched the board in apprehension, hoping that he wouldn't be paired up against anyone too tough in the first round. After what seemed like an eternity the images stopped, Wolf quickly picking his own out and checking to see who he would be against. His adversary was a grey haired man in a sea captain's hat and coat, even the image managing to convey a portion of the man's gruff nature. He swallowed, almost jumping out of his skin when a hand clapped on his shoulder.
"A pleasure to meet you, Wolf O'kai." A stern voice came from behind him, the young trainer turning to find it was his opponent addressing him. "I am Drake, currently the highest ranking member of Hoenn's Elite Four." He removed his hand from Wolf's shoulder as the trainer turned, offering a handshake instead. Wolf took it, trying to regain his composure.
"Nice to meet you." He said evenly, attempting to take a deep breath without seeming to do so. Drake noticed the movement, smiling under his moustache.
"I was nervous when I first participated in the Star Tournament as well." He said, the admission doing more to calm Wolf down than anything else. "I've heard good things about you, so I expect quite a challenge." With little more than a nod, Drake turned on his heel and left Wolf to his thoughts.