Sitting in the stands of the arena, Alex was barely even aware of the feud on the field. He and his friends were sitting in a row, allegedly watching Edward's majestic Pyroar battle Cooper's fearsome Machamp. Alex wasn't that interested though. The tension between Edward and Cooper had been rising, with arguments raging between them since the day they first met until Cooper had finally accepted the challenge of a battle. Both trainers' pride was on the line.

However, the tension on the field was nothing compared to that in the group of friends. Despite the break-up, both Alex and Megan remained in the group and so they saw each other on a regular basis. It would've already been awkward enough if there weren't rumours flying around between the others. In just the last week, Alex had heard through the grapevine that Megan was only seeing her new boyfriend Thomas to try and hurt Alex and everyone knew how he felt about his ex.

He wistfully glanced along the seats, suppressing a sigh as his eyes found the redhead, loudly chatting to Lucy about her latest progression in her relationship. The thought of it made Alex sick. He tried to get rid of the thought and the emotions it brought with it but it was no good. That was how everything seemed to go. He thought about Megan in a way he shouldn't and that just lead to sadness. Alex was very inexperienced in being sad and he had no idea how to stop.

"Um... Alex Murphy?" a voice to his left said. All conversation in the group ceased as they all turned to face the voice. Standing close to Alex were two girls in Mesprit house he'd never seen before. He'd later forget the details of their faces, all that he'd be able to remember was that they were exceptionally pretty.

"Yeah, that's me." he replied bluntly. The girl on the left giggled whilst the one the right took a step closer.

"How about you and me hook up sometime? Maybe catch a movie and then get naughty?"

Alex stared at the girl in disbelief. "I'm sorry, who the hell are you?"

"I'm Rebecca - but you can call me Becky." she added with a wink. Seeing that Alex still held a blank expression, she divulged further. "I'm the most popular first year in the school, I'm the sexiest girl in the school and between you and me, I'm a bit of a slut."

"Well as wonderful as your offer sounds I'm not really looking for-"

"If I'm not your type then how about Katie?" Rebecca gestured towards her friend who gave a shy smile. "She's such a goody-two-shoes, she's only ever gone all the way with one guy."

"Yeah, she sounds amazing but given that I've never met you before and, to be honest I've forgotten your name already, I'm think I might be forced to decline your offer."

"If you want to rethink, here are our numbers. Call us." She handed him a small piece of card before strutting away. When they were out of earshot, Bella began scolding him.

"That was very rude Alex. You could've let them down a little easier."

"Why should I?" Alex shrugged. "Two random girls who I've never met in my life come over and talk to me like we've been going out for a year and you expect me to do what exactly?"

"Ok, so they came on a little too strong." Bella conceded. "But it's your fault."

"How? How can it possibly be my fault?"

"Oh Alex, I know you're not the smartest but are you really that thick?" she rolled her eyes and Alex knew he was powerless to stop her oncoming patronising rant. "On the very first day of school you give a speech that shows you're a hero, you're an incredible battler and you've got an eye for the ladies."

"I did not-"

"Yes you did!" she cut him off. "'I wasn't trying to save the day; I did it just for the ladies.' Did you honestly expect that to come off like you had intended? Half the girls in the school have a crush on you and you don't even notice! People stare at you in the corridors and whenever they talk to you they drop hints like there's no tomorrow. Girls want you and it's your fault."

"Well they should... go for Lenny instead!"

"Hey you lot!" Edward yelled from the battlefield. "Keep the noise level down!" The argument ceased and everyone's attention turned to the battle at hand, the one they were supposed to have been following.

"Lenny, fill us in. What's happened so far?" Alex whispered.

"Well Edward's Pyroar is a Normal type so he's at a type disadvantage. He knows that one wrong move could cost him so he's keeping his distance and is only using ranged attacks."

"Smart move." Bella nodded.

"What's Cooper's response?" Alex asked.

"Other than a lot of taunting, nothing." Lenny replied. "I don't think he's got a single hit off yet. Maybe he was just all talk."

"Maybe." Alex shrugged. He doubted it though. The way Cooper talked, he sounded genuinely confident in his skills and given that he got into the school a year after trials, he must have had some evidence to back up his claims. Even just looking at his composed figure now, Alex could sense that the battle may already be over.

As if on cue, the battle took an unbelievable turn. Edward's lion continually roared at its foe, dealing decent damage with a strong Hyper Voice attack but Cooper looked as though he'd just been biding his time. A few quick commands and he was on top after Machamp shook the ground vigorously with Earthquake, knocking Pyroar off balance before following up with Rock Slide, crippling its opponent. The four armed creature wasn't finished yet though, striking the motionless Pokémon several times, beating it into submission.

"All bark and no bite." Cooper laughed, victorious. A furious Edward recalled his fallen monster before angrily throwing a second Pokéball onto the field despite the battle being a one-on-one.

"Beedrill go!"

"Ha! You don't learn do you?" Cooper smirked as the striped insect darted straight into Machamp's huge palms, taking a vicious beating combining rocks and fists until the poor creature lay unconscious. It hadn't gotten a single attack off. Edward dropped to his knees crushed.

"Beedrill... sorry." he muttered as he returned the swatted bee back to its ball.

"That's right Eddie." Cooper taunted. "Get on your knees and cry like the sorry excuse for a battler you are. Did you honestly think you stood a chance against me? You're weak and your battle strategies are painfully obvious. You clearly don't deserve to be on this island."

"Hey!" Alex yelled. He'd become very riled up. "There's no need for that! You won sure, but Edward put up a great fight. No need to be such a douche to your opponent; they deserve respect."

"Respect?" Cooper laughed. "If anyone deserves respect here it's me. I've not even been at this school for a month and I'm already the undisputed champ."

"You can't make that claim." Alex shook his head. "You beat Edward. He's a good battler. But if you want the title of the best you've gotta beat the best."

"And that means going through you Murphy? Alright then, I challenge you to a battle. Six-on-six in the main arena next Saturday that way the whole school can watch me trounce you."

"You're on." Alex replied, accepting the challenge. He'd never participated in a full battle before but if ever there were an opponent to start with it was Cooper. He was a very impressive battler but the way he treated his opponents was absolutely unforgivable. Alex took a deep breath and cracked a grin. This was the challenge he'd been waiting for.