The colosseum stands were packed as fans began to file into the massive arena. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as colosseum enthusiasts began chanting and shouting for the matches to begin. Below the stands was a massive circular arena with only two circles drawn on either end. Unlike the fields of most stadiums, this one had no white lines like battlefields in other regions. In the box above the stands, the announcer sat, waiting to call out the first competitors. In the stands, sitting close to where the action would go down, were Kai, Willie, and Valen. Kai crossed one leg over the other and leaned back on her hands as she waited patiently to see who would be first to fight.

"So...think he'll do well in here?" Kai asked aloud.

"Having battled him myself, I'd say he's got a really good shot in here. You saw him battle didn't you? He's got some major skill," Willie replied.

"True...he does have a lot of skill. I'd battle him myself but-"

"You don't wanna get wrecked?" Valen interjected, flipping the page of yet another magazine.

"Valen...I know you're a jackass, but do you have to be one twenty-four seven?" Willie quipped.

Valen shook his head and flipped another page. "No, I need some time to sleep...and weekends are my days off," Valen retorted.

Kai and Willie deadpanned.

"Goooood afternoon people of Pyrite!" The announcer bellowed, getting everyone's attention. The audience roared in excitement. "Welcome to another day in the pits! Are you all ready to see some action!?"

The crowed erupted into cheers and shouts. Chants exploded from all sides of the stadium. "Bring them out! Bring them out!" The crowd was restless.

"Well wait no longer! Today we have a treat for you all. It seems we have some new blood entering the colosseum today!" The announcer informed, causing murmurs to rush through the crowd. "That's right folks! We've got an out-of-towner here. We don't know much about him, save for his name, which is Wes!" The announcer echoed.

The camera men focused on the tunnel that Wes would be coming out of. Zooming in, they caught sight of movement. Out of the tunnel, the blonde trekked out, head held high with his hands at his side, shoulders relaxed and eyes focused forward. Everyone caught a glimpse of his piercing golden optics and the scar across his visage. His cloak came to a rest as he stopped. Wes adjusted his gloves and then waited for his opponent.

The Under. A subterranean city directly beneath the inhabitants of Pyrite City where Cipher influence reaches deep. It's a city filled with all sorts of entertainment, with the inclusion of popular clubs and of course, the Under Colosseum. But even that paled in comparison to getting a front row seat to a concert put on by their idol; Lady Venus. Within the confines of an apartment complex, situated on the top floor in a luxury suite, was the object of everyone's affection, Lady Venus. She sat dressed in an elegant pink dress that had slits on either side. Her hair was done up in a bun while some of her hair hung down in bouncy curls that kissed her shoulders. A tiara rested on her head. By her side was a creature with canine-like qualities.

The fur was primarily blue with white diamond-shaped markings. Its face was white and so was its underside. A thick purple mane flowed from behind the hexagonal blue crest upon its forehead. Two prongs protruded from the base on either side of the crest. Two white, tails that were similar to streamers, flowed forward as if being blown by the wind. Lady Venus stroked the head of the creature as she watched the colosseum match air in Pyrite Town.

The camera zoomed in on Wes for a few moments as the announcer called out his opponent, Hoks. Her gold ringed, auburn eyes shimmered with intrigue as she got a good look at the golden-eyed trainer. So this is the Wes that Gonzap bragged about. I heard the other day he sent some of Team Snagem running with their tails between their legs. And the day after he made a fool of Miror B's Trudly and Folly. Such a ruffian...I like it, she thought as she reached up to play with a stray lock.

Hoks stepped into the trainer's circle and adjusted his goggles. He wore gear that was similar to that of a hunter. Wes narrowed his eyes.

"So I'm up against a newbie huh? Well new blood, I hope you don't get scared easy, because in here, it gets brutal. So don't cry too much when you get beat," Hoks said as he threw his head back, laughing obnoxiously.

Wes didn't blink. He simply heaved a sigh and reached down to his belt beneath his cloak and snapped his companions off, readying himself to prime them. Hoks did the same.

"What's the matter new guy? Can't ya talk? Or are you just scared?" Hoks taunted.

Wes rolled his eyes and shook his head. "You know, the one's with the big mouths and egos are usually compensating for something," Wes replied.

"Shots fired!" Came a shout from the audience.

Hoks gritted his teeth and scowled at Wes. Taking a deep breath, he decided to calm down. "Tryin' to psych me out huh? You almost had me for a second."

Wes shrugged in response. The announcer cleared his throat and tested the mic before speaking. "This will be a no holds bar match! Trainers, begin!"

Straight to the point eh? That's fine with me, Wes thought as he primed his partner's spheres and released them. "Wake up you two, it's time to get to work!" Wes called out.

Espeon materialized curled up on the ground with his tail wrapped around his form. Umbreon slowly stood up and yawned. He glanced at his brother and thumped him on the nose with his tail. Espeon's nose twitched and the Psychic-type woke up and shot a glare at his brother who nodded to the opposition. Espeon stretched and shook himself awake before sitting in his usual manner.

"Octillery, Sandslash! Time to fight!" Hoks shouted, firing his companions out into the arena.

The colosseum erupted into a frenzy of shouts as the two squared off. Shouts of "place your bets," could be heard along with "no mercy!" Everyone wanted something from the two competitors. Kai and Willie were also excited to see how things would turn out. As usual, they all placed bets and received a ticket.

"He'd better win...I placed a good chunk of my gauntlet winnings into that," Kai mumbled as she looked at her ticket.

"This will be fun to watch. Wes seems relaxed. And he's not intimidated by his opponent either," Willie grinned.

"True...he did burn Hoks pretty bad," Kai laughed. "What do you think Valen?"

Valen flipped a page in his magazine and then looked up. "I bet on Wes...I'm not stupid..." Valen replied before diving back into his entertainment magazine.

"Sandslash, use Crush Claw! Octillery, Scald!" Hoks commanded.

Sandslash brandished his claws, lacing them with violet energy before rushing forward, Octillery covering him from behind with a stream of superheated water. Espeon and Umbreon waited for the opportune moment before acting. As Sandslash closed in, Espeon's eyes lit up and two Reflect barriers were set up simultaneously while Umbreon braced himself and conjured up a green globe of protective energy to deflect the blast of water heading his way. Sandslash smashed against the barrier and skidded back to dive in with an X-Scissor.

"Umbreon, intercept!" Wes cried out. "Espeon, Psybeam!"

Umbreon acted quickly and dove in front of Espeon who was Sandslash's intended target. Sandslash struck Umbreon hard in the right flank, causing him to stumble. Espeon reared his head back, charging up his gem before firing a wide beam of psychic energy towards Octillery who was in the process of firing off another Scald. The two blasts connected and exploded. Sandslash dove in for another strike only for Umbreon to suddenly whip around, cloaked in dark energy, and slam him hard with his tail, returning double the damage that had been done to him. Sandslash hit the ground hard and skidded, leaving a deep groove in the ground before he struggled to his feet.

"Octillery, Energy Ball! Sandslash, Drill Run!" Hoks roared.

"Umbreon, Helping Hand! Espeon, Calm Mind!" Wes called out.

Sandslash spun his drill-like claws and rushed towards Espeon who began gathering in power. His body sparked as power was channeled into him by Umbreon. Both were aglow with orange aura, setting off red flags in Hoks' mind. As the Energy Ball whizzed past Sandslash on the trail towards the opposition, the blast clashed with the Light Screen, only causing slight damage to the opposition. When Sandslash leapt, Espeon's gem sparked to life with powerful energy. He aimed and fired a power backed Psybeam that cannoned into Sandslash, sending him flying back and crashing right into Octillery. Sandslash was out of the fight and the last thing that Octillery saw was Umbreon releasing a blast of dark energy before it washed over him. An explosion resounded and when the dust cleared. Octillery and Sandslash were down for the count.

"Whoa! I certainly did not see that coming! Looks like we have quite the contender in the new blood! Let's hear it for Wes!!!" Boomed the announcer.

Cheers erupted from the stands as Wes turned with a swish of his cloak and exited the arena for a break.

"We will have a short, ten minute intermission before Wes takes on his next challenge!" The announcer called out.

Venus raised a brow in intrigue. She stroked the canine-like creature lovingly behind the ears, getting an affectionate growl of approval.

"He really does live up to his reputation doesn't he my dear Suicune?" Venus giggled, stroking the beast's nose gently.

Suicune nodded in agreement and licked Venus's hand.

"Ol' Mustacheo wasn't joking at all when he said Wes was good. I guess there are times when he can be right. Let's see how far he can go, shall we?" Venus said as she adhusted herself in her seat.

Who knows...maybe, if I played my cards right, he'll show in Phenac again. That's right Wes, don't think I didn't see you among the crowd. I've got my eye on you....

I think that's a good place to stop. Wes wins the first fight and has some cash flow coming in. The battles get harder as he goes on. Also, what could Venus be planning? Stick around if you desire to find out! Ciao!