"Okay Calem, if you'll just hand me your Trainer's License I can get you registered for the League," the nurse behind the counter stated with a bright smile.

Calem nodded and handed over his license and waited for the nurse to register him. After a few minutes, the nurse handed Calem his license back.

"Alrighty Calem, it looks like you are all set. Your team is also in good shape as well. Good luck at your Gym match!" She chirped.

"Thank you. I will do my best," Calem replied with a chuckle.

Serena looked up from where she sat and smiled. "Looks like you're registered now. Good, now we can compete in the league together," Serena grinned.

Calem nodded. Competing in the league with her would definitely be a treat. She was skilled. She was the kind of rival he needed. The way she commanded her companion in their match showed him that there were others out there that would definitely give him the challenge he sought.

"So, are you ready to train? We're going to need to practice quite a bit before fighting against Viola," Serena queried.

Calem agreed. It was his first gym battle and it certainly wasn't going to be like the one's in Trainers School. With a smile, he turned to thank the nurse again before exiting the Pokémon Center to train with Serena.

X-X-X

"Alright, we have our rooms. All of them are near each other so we can all pick the one we want later," Trevor stated as he sat down in the lobby with the others.

"Awesome! So...what do you guys say we have a little fun with a certain two trainers?" Shauna grinned.

"Like what?" Tierno asked as he lounged on a leather sofa.

"Oh come on T-Man. Get with the program. I mean, why don't we set it up so that their rooms are right next to each other?" Shauna giggled.

Trevor and Tierno looked at each other and then back at Shauna. "Hmmm," they said in unison.

"You guys, Serena hasn't had a date since Arceus knows when, and quite frankly, she needs one. And don't pretend like you can't tell she's interested."

"She does seem to be smiling more..." Tierno added.

"There ya go Dancy-Pants! What do ya say Trevs?"

"I could get in on this, as long as we don't try to make her do anything. I guess giving her a little nudge here and there wouldn't hurt," Trevor stated.

"Then it's settled. Operation Hook-up is a go!" Shauna exclaimed.

X-X-X

"Pidgey, keep that gust going!" Serena ordered, watching Pidgey release blasts of wind towards her sparring partner.

"Pick up the pace Fletchling! Agility!" Calem commanded.

Fletchling's outline began to glow and in a brief moment, he was gone, darting around the small tornados, appearing to vanish only to reappear in another spot.

"Lookin' good Fletchling! Keep it up!" Calem commanded.

"Don't let him get too close Pidgey. Remember, the name of the game is distance. We don't want him in our face!" Serena shouted.

A powerful gust was issued forth, causing Fletchling to deviate from his path and culbit to gain momentum again.

"Peck!" Calem ordered.

"Sand Attack!" Serena countered.

With the increased speed and priority, Fletchling exploded forward, his beak lighting up with azure light as he closed in. A cloud of sand began to rise.

"Alright, halt!" Calem called out, causing Fletchling to pause the assault.

"Good work Fletchling," Calem affirmed, holding his arm out, watching as the sand cloud cleared to reveal just how close Fletchling was to Pidgey.

Fletchling lowered himself to Calem's arm, Pidgey following by perching on Serena's.

"Good workout huh?" Serena laughed.

"No kidding, you have some tough strategies to get around, even with the most basic of moves."

"You're pretty darn good yourself. I'm guessing you taught Fletchling that last maneuver?" Serena grinned.

"Yep. A culbit is always good to know how to do. It took a while to get the timing down but we worked it out," Calem replied.

Clapping sounds soon caught their attention, causing the two to turn around. A woman with dark green eyes, fair skin and brown hair, stood holding a video camera in her left hand. She had a black camera bag strapped on and wore a red and black top and grey tight fitting jeans with brown boots to finish off the ensemble. A Helioptile sat upon her right shoulder.

"Magnifique! What a battle!" She exclaimed as she put her camera away and walked towards the two.

"Salut! Je m'appelle Alexa. And who might you two be?" Alexa queried.

"Je m'appelle Serena. Ravi de vous rencontrer Alexa, this is my new friend, Calem."

"Nice to meet you," Calem replied.

"A pleasure to meet you both! I must say, you two look like you know what you're doing. I take it this isn't your first rodeo?" Alexa inquired.

Calem and Serena shook their heads.

"Nope. Serena and I went to a Trainer's School. Mine was in Hoenn though," Calem stated proudly.

"Hoenn? I've been there! Nice weather and a lot of water. Good for surfing or swimming, though there is another place more suited for that. Never been though," Alexa said with a sigh.

"Excusez-moi, but...why were you filming us?" Serena asked curiously.

"Oh! Daésolé, I was just caught up in the spar, I couldn't help myself. You know?" Alexa replied nervously.

"No worries Alexa," Calem laughed.

Alexa sighed in relief. "So, are you two going to challenge my sister?" Alexa inquired.

"You mean, you're Viola's sister?" Asked Calem, noting the camera and remembering the bit about photography.

"Oui! I am, and seeing as you mentioned her name, I take it that's a yes?" Alexa grinned.

Calem and Serena nodded.

"Doux! Well, what are we waiting for? Let's get you two there," Alexa beamed.

"Alright, just let me contact the others first," Serena replied, getting her holocaster out.

X-X-X

The group of friends all met up at the Gym with Alexa, and each of them were admiring the various photos that were in the gallery.

"These are amazing!" Shauna chimed.

"I know right!? Just look at the way she captured that Venipede. And that Vivillon looks spectacular!" Serena declared.

Calem glanced from picture to picture, taking note of the different Bug-types within. Each was more brilliant than the last.

"It's pretty lively out here," came an unfamiliar voice, prompting Calem and company to turn around.

Standing before them was a woman with light blond hair and a set of green eyes like Alexa. She too had a camera and it was hanging from her neck. She wore a white tank top with green capris and black boots with green laces. Beside her stood Alexa.

"Oh! Yeah, we were just admiring your photos," Shauna informed.

Viola nodded. "I see that. I'm glad to see you're enjoying what you see," Viola smiled.

A nod from the group confirmed her statement. "Good. Now, my sister tells me that I have a few challengers. She didn't mention there were five of you. Are you trying to wear me out sis?"

"Actually, you only have two challengers. Calem and Serena," Tierno gestured to the two, "will battle and the rest of us will be watching," Tierno pointed out.

Viola breathed a sigh of relief. "Thought I was gonna have a lot on my hands for a second there. So, I guess we should get started huh? So who's first?"

Serena and Calem looked at each other for a moment. "I'll let you have it Calem. I want to observe."

"I guess that settles it. I'm up first," Calem stated, turning to meet Viola's gaze, a challenging look in his icy depths.

"Alright then, let's make it a picture perfect battle. Follow me to the arena!" Viola grinned.

X-X-X

Calem stood across from Viola and glanced around. The gym had a glass roof which allowed sunlight to leak inside. He was getting a feel for the layout of the arena.

"This Gym battle is between the Santalune City Gym Leader; Viola and the challenger Calem from Vanville Town! This will be a two on two matchup. Only the challenger may switch Pokémon. Calem will have the first move! Contenders, send out your Pokémon!" The ref shouted.

"Surskit, it's time!" Viola called out.

Out popped a blue pond skater with black eyes and a single yellow antenna.

"Let's do this Froakie!" Calem shouted, firing Froakie's ball onto the battlefield.

The blue frog erupted onto the field and took a battle stance, his eyes focusing on his opponent.

"Begin!" The ref shouted.

"Froakie, Quick Attack!" Calem commanded.

"You too Surskit!" Viola countered.

Froakie shot off from his position, gradually speeding up as he raced forward. Surskit skated forward with nearly equal velocity. The two came to blows in the center of the arena before breaking apart and clashing again.

X-X-X

"Look at that! It looks like they're even in the speed department. What do you think Serena?" Tierno asked as he watched the battle.

"Even? Not even close. Froakie is just a bit faster here. Take a closer look at the impact point," Serena replied as she watched Surskit and Froakie collide again.

Froakie was clearly using more force due to his powerful legs aiding him. It was evident that he was the faster one of the two.

"She's right T-Man," Shauna pointed out. "Froakie weighs more and has stronger legs, enabling him to power into his opponents pretty hard with his speed. What I can't seem to figure out is this. Why is Viola so calm right now?"

The group looked back at Viola who seemed to be smirking.

X-X-X

"Gotta say Calem, it's not often people come in here with such speedy Pokémon. On top of that, he's a bit faster than my Surskit. Impressive," Viola complimented.

"Thanks, but I had a feeling you already knew about the speed advantage. Why do I get the feeling you were testing the waters?" Calem inquired with a serious tone.

"Very observant. I like that. You caught me red-handed. Lately I've had some boring challenges. I thought this was gonna be the same until I saw your Froakie's speed. Now I'm psyched and ready to kick it up a notch!" Viola grinned.

X-X-X

"Here we go," Alexa said with a grin.

"That doesn't sound good," Trevor replied.

"Oh, it's not. But it should prove to be interesting to watch Calem think his way out of this one," Alexa stated, keeping her eyes on the match.

X-X-X

"Surskit, Ice Beam the floor!"

"Froakie, jump!"

Surskit powered up her antenna and fired a massive beam of ice towards the floor, completely encasing it in a thin layer. Froakie landed and found himself stumbling a bit before regaining his balance.

Well, that's not good, Calem thought, watching Froakie concentrate on maintaining his balance. I'd switch out but, Fletching can't take an Ice Beam very well.

"Now, let's try this again shall we? Surskit use Quick Attack!"

This time, Surskit burst forth with notably increased speed due to the slick floor. She skated along and rammed straight into Froakie at alarming speeds. The frog slid back a great deal only to be bashed from behind.

Calem bit his thumb and narrowed his brows. This was quite the conundrum. He needed to think of a way out and fast. His mind flashed back to his and Serena's first battle. He remembered Froakie using his frubble to soften the landing. But that wasn't the only thing it was good for.

"Froakie! Use your frubble to slow Surskit down!" Calem ordered.

Froakie gave an affirmative nod as he faced the oncoming Surskit. He took his frubble in hand and fired it towards the speeding skater. Surskit's eyes widened as a barrage of frubble came crashing into her, sending her spinning out of control.

Merde! Thought Viola as Surskit struggled to move.

"Grab her with your tongue and fling her!" Calem commanded.

Froakie's tongue shot from his mouth and coiled around Surskit, restricting her movements even more. In a jerking motion, Froakie slung Surskit across the arena towards the wall. A loud crash resounded as Surskit hit the wall and slid down, out cold.

"Surskit is unable to battle! Froakie wins the round!" The ref announced.

"Great job Surskit, that was picture worthy," Viola smiled, returning Surskit to her ball.

"That was very unexpected Calem. It's been a while since I've had to do that in a fight. Usually my opponents have a harder time but you kept your cool," Viola stated, snapping off the next ball on her belt.

"It's one of the first things they taught us in Trainer's School. Never lose your cool, no matter the situation. Though I'll admit that I had some trouble getting out of that one. Surskit was moving too fast to catch so I had to slow her down," Calem summed up.

"Well you certainly did well. But now I think it's time I stepped it up more. Vivillon, the camera's on you!"

Out came a butterfly-like Pokémon with predominantly pink wings with a red, teal and white pattern on her. Froakie stared up at Vivillon with a focused gaze, ready to give it all he had.

Okay. It's her last Pokémon. This will be tough considering she's in the air. Still...Froakie can jump high enough to get her. I guess I'll just have to clip those wings. "Froakie, use Bubble!" Calem called out.

Froakie inhaled and unleashed a stream of bubbles towards Vivillon who remained where she was. A grin flashed across Viola's face as the attack closed in.

"Gust, Vivillon!"

Vivillon flapped her wings quickly and released a powerful blast of wind towards Froakie's assault, blowing it away and sending Froakie skidding along the slick floors into the wall.

"Time for a photo finish! Keep up the Gust and use Solar Beam!"

Vivillon continued to dish out powerful gusts while gathering in the sun's energy. A globe of solar energy sparked to life within Vivillon's mouth, vibrating before violently erupting, hammering into Froakie and blasting him into the wall even more. When the dust cleared, Froakie was unconscious.

Calem frowned and clenched his fists at this. Sorry Froakie. I wasn't expecting that, Calem thought as he knelt down to pick up his friend.

Froakie came to and looked up at Calem, his eyes showing sadness at the loss. "Hey, I'm sorry about that. You did great though, I mean it. Next time I won't push you so hard," Calem sighed.

Froakie smiled and nodded, placing a hand on his trainer's to show that there were no hard feelings.

"Rest up pal. Our friend will take it from here," Calem stated, returning Froakie with a smile.

X-X-X

"That was rough," Serena said with a sigh.

"Yeah, and right after he got out of my sister's tricky tactic. Now he has her ace to deal with," Alexa stated.

"Well, at least he has Fletchling left. Viola's in for a fight here," Trevor inputted.

X-X-X

"Fletching, you're on!" Calem bellowed, firing Fletchling's ball into battle.

The little bird immerged from his chamber, wings spread wide as he glided onto the field, hovering above the icy floor.

"Fletchling, peck!" Calem commanded calmly.

"Gust it away!" Viola countered.

Fletchling propelled himself forward with surprising speed, beak aglow with azure energy, nailing Vivillon on the forehead. Vivillon winced from the blow and turned around, firing off a blast of wind. The heavy wind blew Fletchling back towards the wall.

"Psybeam!" Viola shouted.

Uh oh! "Fletchling, get out of there! Agility!"

Fletchling's outline lit up, substantially increasing his speed, enabling him to pull up and culbit, avoiding the intense blast of psychic energy that was shot his way.

That was too close. She nearly cornered me there. Fletchling may be fast, but Vivillon is faster still. Gotta work around that, Calem mused as he surveyed the scene.

Almost had him. That little Fletchling is pretty quick. I need to be careful here. "Vivillon, Psybeam repeatedly!"

"Agility to get around it!" Calem countered.

Vivillon powered up and fired a volley of psychic blasts Fletchling's way. The little bird ducked and weaved around the attacks with increased speed. Meanwhile, Calem was looking for an opening.

X-X-X

"Well, Calem's in a tough spot. All he can do is keep Fletchling evading her," Serena observed.

"Yep. Not much he can do at this point, unless he finds a weak spot. But Viola doesn't make it easy for anyone," Alexa replied, watching Fletchling avoid another beam.

What are you up to sis? Alexa thought.

X-X-X

"Fletching, Quick Attack!" Calem ordered.

Gotcha! "Vivillon, Stun Spore!"

Vivillon flapped her wings rapidly, releasing tons of spores into the air, entrapping Fletchling in their paralyzing grasp. Fletchling struggled to stay aloft only to fall to the arena floor.

"Pose for the camera! Vivillon use Psybeam to wrap it up!"

Vivillon gathered in powerful psychic energy with her antennas before releasing a blast towards the arena floor.

"Fletchling, Agility out of there!" Calem cried out.

Fletchling struggled against the paralyzing effects, finding just enough strength to move out of the path of the beam, but not completely. The blast crashed into where he was, sending him tumbling along the ground, barely able to get up.

"I'll say this Calem, your Fletchling's got guts. But that won't be enough. Vivillon, Psybeam again!"

Fletchling stared up at Vivillon with a determined stare. His body suddenly began to glow a bright, light blue. Calem's eyes widened at this. He knew this move!

"Fire!" Came Viola's voice.

Vivillon launched her assault, sending an intense blast towards Fletchling.

"Fletchling, Acrobatics!"

Fletchling suddenly blurred forward with surprising speed, appearing to leave two after images of himself in the wake of the blast that shattered the ice where he stood. Fletchling closed in too fast for Vivillon to react and repeatedly rammed into her from different angles. The final blow sent Vivillon sprawling to the ground, but not before she released another Psybeam, clipping Fletchling from the sky. Two crashes were heard, first on Viola's side, then Calem's. Icicles and mist clouded vision for a few moments. Viola's side cleared first, revealing Vivillon to be out cold. The same was said for Fletchling.

"Both Pokémon are unable to battle. However, due to Vivillon going down first, the victory goes to Fletchling, therefore the match goes to Calem!" The ref declared.

Calem sighed in relief and returned Fletchling, Viola doing the same.

"Way to go Calem!" Serena cheered.

"Yeah! You rocked it Callie!" Shauna exclaimed excitedly.

Viola raised a brow. "Callie?"

"It's a long story," Calem sighed.

Clapping was heard as Alexa walked over, shutting off her camera. "Very nicely done!"

"Thanks Alexa," Calem laughed.

"You fought brilliantly Callie," Serena said with a grin.

"Yeah Callie, you did awesome!" Shauna chirped.

Calem sweat-dropped at his nickname. As much as it weirded him out, it was starting to grow on him. Tierno and Trevor both came to congratulate Calem as well.

"Hey Calem, that was a picture perfect battle. What a shot! I thought for sure I had that all wrapped up, but you caught me by surprise. And due to that, I award you the Bug Badge!" Viola grinned, handing Calem his first badge which he placed in his badge case.

"Thanks! That was one hell of a fight. I wonder how tough the other leaders are if you're this strong," Calem replied.

"Oh, you'll see. Trust me, they're tough alright. Be prepared, that's all I can say," Viola stated.

"I will be. And thanks again. That was a fun match," Calem said as he turned towards Serena.

"You're up next. Good luck," Calem smiled.

Serena blushed slightly and nodded. "Thanks Callie, I'll do my best. Maybe you'll learn a thing or two like I did," Serena winked.

"Well, I'll be back. Gotta heal up for the next one. I look forward to it!" Viola stated as she headed to the Pokémon Center.
================================
A/N: And Calem gets his first badge! I had a little fun with this one as you can probably tell. I may or may not do the full fight with Serena and Viola. I'll decide that later. Hope you all enjoyed it!