TEAM
Lochness - Swampert
Leviathan - Gyarados
Juggernaut - Palafin
Vortex - Starmie
Riptide - Froakie
Britney - Toxapex
Kirby - Blissey
CHARACTER AGES(ROUGH AGES)
William 19
Shelly 20
Wallace 31
Juan 39
Steven 17
Maxie 34
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In the past few months, the Grand University has gone through some drastic but necessary changes. Whereas once before the university flourished for aspiring people of all professions, the previous champion's reign led to many budget cuts and issues that put a dent in the pristine reputation of Hoenn's most popular university located in Mauville City.
However, since Wallace became champion, the university has undergone many positive changes: increased budgets, the reimplementation of scholarships, an overhaul of the staff, and more jobs within the university. The previous champion had drained the university's funds dry in an effort to try and save other areas of the economy.
Wallace, on the other hand, put the funds back into the university and invested in it even more. Even if this came with some short-term losses, in Wallace's eyes, it was the future of the region—and it deserved to be invested in just as much as the gym challenges and the Conference League.
William strode through the campus—no masks or disguises—just his charming face and dark blue hair. A few of the girls stole glances at him, but he paid them no mind.
He was only here for one girl today.
The campus was pleasant and refreshing, with an overall positive atmosphere. Humans and Pokemon alike sat on benches and in the grass, enjoying the sunny day.
He walked through the main entrance, passing by a group of students talking about the Conference League from last year.
"The finals could've gone either way. It was a good match."
"Yeah, it was like the only good match of the tournament. Most of the trainers there sucked."
"There was that one girl—the Water-type specialist. I quite liked her."
"Then go and speak to her, she's right here on the—"
Passing through the hallways, he spotted a dozen different classes going on. There was a class being taught about the economics of the region, another class on Pokemon therapy, and another one on how to properly care for baby Pokemon.
All of them were quite interesting, but that wasn't what he was here for.
William entered the lecture hall—it was modestly sized and half-packed—where a lesson on Water-type Pokemon was taking place.
Because water dominated most of the Hoenn region, it was the perfect choice for anyone wanting to become a type specialist. There was an abundance of water and Water-type Pokemon, as well as a wealth of knowledge surrounding them. The University was the main place to access that knowledge—offering a course entirely dedicated to Water-types.
Pokemon of the same type often had similar needs and diets and training regiments, and were usually much easier to train collectively as a group. Generalists—those who didn't specialize in any type—were few and far between due to all the logistics of trying to train them all together.
There were also many other reasons one would become a type specialist other than it being much less hassle overall. Maybe it was an experience during their childhood which caused them to choose a certain type. Maybe it was tradition in a family, or maybe it was chosen by their overbearing parents who thought they knew better. Maybe a type relates to a hobby—such as hiking or swimming— they had, and they want to enjoy that hobby with their Pokemon.
In William's case he had always felt a natural connection with water, so that is why he decided to become a water type specialist. He imagined other people must have an affinity towards different types as well.
"All right, before we pack up, I have some quick-fire questions for you guys. Then I'll go over the assignment, which is worth 50% of your grade. Are you ready?" Shelly asked. She stood at the front of the hall—dressed casually—walking across the open area as she interacted with the class.
"We'll start off pretty simple—name a Pokemon that sets rain when it enters battle."
"Pelipper!" a student answered.
"Good, not the answer I would have chose, but it works." Shelly nodded. "Now, we've already gone over how useful this seemingly innocent bird can be, especially in double battles."
"Next question: name a Water-type move that has increased priority over typical moves."
Another student raised their hand, "Aqua Jet!"
Shelly nodded again. "If your Pokemon is slow, or simply needs to get close to the opponent, Aqua Jet is a good move to use to gain a quick advantage."
"Now for the last question. This is quite a tricky one. What is the most important feature for a Water-type Pokemon to have?"
There were a dozen different answers, but none of them were right.
Bulk, fluidity, grace, it's wide range of species—Shelly shook her head at each one. The students grew more and more frustrated, throwing out answers which were obviously incorrect.
One student said: "It's not a bug type." which got a few laughs. Statistic's wise they were the weakest type, but they definitely had their strengths.
"I'll let you guys think about it. Actually, the first person to get the correct answer will automatically get 100% on the second assignment." the classroom descended into a series of excited mutters. "Speaking of…" She turned to the projector.
ASSIGNMENT 2 (50%)
You have been tasked with preparing for a 3v3 battle against an opponent. The battle follows standard league rules and takes place on even ground terrain out in the open. The weather and temperature is neutral.
[ASSIGNMENT IMAGE]
The image above contains the details of both your and your opponent's team including the moves and abilities of each Pokemon.
[ITEMS IMAGE]
The following items, including TM, evolution stones, general items, and an ability change token can be used to prepare for the fight and during the fight.
Note: an ability change token and allows you to change a Pokemon's ability to an alternate ability it has. E.g changing Milotic's Marvel scale to competitive. You may only use it once. It is not required to use it. It also should be stated that this is not a real item and just merely tests your knowledge on abilities and its interactions with different Pokemon and types.
Using all of this information, both prepare for and actively write a battle simulation of the 3v3. Address move interactions, type matchups, status conditions, Pokemon interactions, exploitations and anything else relevant for this assignment.
"You have one month to complete it. I'll see you guys next week, where we will analyse a fight between a Water specialist and a Grass specialist. It's quite an interesting battle."
The students trickled out of the room while William remained seated.
"It's connection, right?" William asked once the room was empty.
Shelly, who had been packing away, turned to William with a startled look.
"I'm sorry?"
"It's connection, right? Regardless of a Pokemon's type, the most important thing a trainer can have with their Pokemon is connection. Without connection, it's no different than a wild Pokemon, and any Pokemon with a trainer will most likely beat a wild Pokemon. The bond between human and Pokemon is why this world can function the way it does."
"That's correct," Shelly said. "But that still doesn't answer my question. I've never seen you before in any of my classes—"
Shelly paused, eyes widening in realisation.
"It's you! From the zoo!" she exclaimed.
William smiled and nodded.
"Oh my Arceus! This is so unexpected. I've been meaning to thank you. What you said that day really opened my eyes." Shelly said.
"So I'm responsible for the charity you made?" William asked. Aquatic Animal Assistance—or AAA for short—a charity using its resources to assist water type Pokemon and help them in any way possible.
"You know about it?"
"Of course," William said. "I always keep track of promising trainers and what they do, especially water types specialists. You were the most promising trainer in last year's Conference League. If only you hadn't gone against a grass type specialist you would have won the whole thing." he explained.
"I run Neptune Shipping. My goal is to not just protect passengers and cargo at sea, but also the Pokemon in it. It's been quite successful. I'm sure you've heard of it?"
Shelly nodded.
"It's not often you meet someone who also cares for the water and its Pokemon as much as I do. It's why I've paid special attention to you and your charity."
William pulled out a sealed card from his pocket and handed it to Shelly.
"Special invitation…Wallace's party…" Shelly read.
"As I said, my shipping business has been quite popular—popular enough to be invited to a party to mingle with the Hoenn elites. Businessman, politicians, CEOs, and even the champion."
Shelly gave him a look, signaling him to continue. Her eyes were narrowed in slight suspicion. The excitement from before was gone—replaced with apprehension.
"I can bring a guest along with me." William clarified.
Shelly scoffed, "And you thought of me? Someone you met once half a year ago?"
"It was a memorable meeting for both of us. We have similar goals—to protect the seas and the Pokemon in them. I'd like to extend an…Olive Branch and invite you to the event—to represent not just yourself as a person and trainer, but also to represent your charity. What better audience to pitch your charity than some of the richest people in the region?" William asked with a smirk.
"It almost sounds too good to be true. What's your play here? Surely you're not offering something like this for free, what do you want?" Shelly said.
William raised his hands up in surrender, "All I want is for you to show up at the event. The more influential your charity becomes means you can accomplish more to make the seas safer and cleaner. And that helps me and my company and my conscience. It's a win-win situation. All you need to do is flash a fake smile and convince some of the rich old men to give you a fraction of their money."
William's bluntness caused Shelly to scoff again. She eyed the invitation and then William, biting her lip in contemplation, weighing the odds.
"Very well, I accept. But you're paying for my dress."