Chapter 175: Tenth Pokémon League Tournament! [Bonus]
~Third POV~
[Kanto Region, Next Day, Indigo Plateau - Stadium]
The next morning, groups of people and Pokémon were converging at the stadium in the middle of the Indigo Plateau. Along the way, Camper Evan and Super Nerd Miles are among the Trainers registering their names for the tournament proper at the Indigo Plateau.
They have a practice battle with each other before doing so to get much practice. But then they heard the announcers being called out, "Jr. Trainer Evan and Super Nerd Miles… please report to the registration desk."
The two were discussing amongst each other as Evan said, joining the long queue of Trainers waiting for registration, "Hey, lighten up! This is just a warm-up before the preliminaries! I needed to boost my confidence! Now I'm pumped up!"
After the registration, Miles notices the long queue of Trainers waiting for registration and thinks they will have many qualifying rounds as he muttered, "Whoa… all these trainers are in the preliminaries?! Wish I coulda have just earned all 8 Gym Badges so I could skip this part!"
He also remembers the new rule that permits direct entry into the tournament for those who have collected all eight Kanto or all eight Johto badges. The two eventually find their seats among the audience as the opening ceremony of the tournament begins.
The Pokémon Association Chairman greeted the audience as he appeared on stage in an excited tone, "Welcome, one and all! Every 3 years, we gather to determine who is the greatest Pokémon Trainer of all. Let the Indigo Plateau Pokémon League Tournament commence!"
"YAAAAY!!!"
The crowd roars out loud, equally excited for the news. From within the seats stood Blue and Green within the crowd as he asked her curiously, "You think that Azure would arrive on time for such an event?"
Green chuckled, hearing his response as she replied in a confident tone, "Doubtful. But I'm more than prepared to have my rematch against him."
Blue merely shrugged his shoulders as he was also prepared for this year's Pokémon League Tournament. He muttered, eyeing the battle stadium, "True. But this year it would be someone from Pallet Town winning this, and I'm curious how strong Azure and Red have gotten over the past 3 years…"
Both Blue and Green entered having been seeded into the top 256 contestants due to earning their Gym Badges of the Kanto Region. However, they weren't the only ones seeded into the tournament.
On the other side of the battlefield sat Karen and Will, both arms crossed. They've been seeded into the top 256, collecting the Gym Badges of the Johto Region as they waited for the chance to get their revenge against Azure, humiliating him on the big stage.
On the other side of the battlefield was Gold as he grinned, having collected 8 Gym Badges of Johto as he said excitedly, "Heh! I've finally made it to this! I can't wait to get this guy, ain't that right buddy!"
Standing next to Gold was Silver as he sighed out loud. Having collected the 8 Gym Badges, he met with Lance, telling him that the Masked Man originally needed to capture Celebi, the Time Traveling Pokémon, for his plan to succeed.
But once he informed Silver that Azure had already caught it, he froze in disbelief, wondering why the Masked Man hadn't found out or sent his forces if Azure had caught Celebi that early. But unfortunately for Silver, the Masked Man was no more and could only get answers from Azure himself to satisfy his curiosity.
Silver sighed as he crossed his arms, leaning his back against the wall, as he thought, gazing at the battlefield seriously, 'Sigh… I can't believe this kid managed to find me and rope me into being his training partner when I was collecting badges. His not bad, at least, so I've sharpened my skills, but I wonder how I stack up now against him…'
While Silver searches for his answer, he must admit a part of him wants this. He'd seen his big Sis Green enter, and both plan to use the Tournament to spread their names to search for their parents, hoping to find them.
At another part of the Stadium sat Crystal and Yellow saw the arena. Yellow gulped, muttering shyly, holding her Chu-Chu tightly, "Oh wow… gulp. I hope Red can win against so many of them…"
Crystal, being the friendly big sister, patted Yellow on the shoulder. She grinned as she stated in a proud tone, "I wouldn't worry so much, Yellow. I mean, he became a Gym Leader, and we get to see him in action. Not only that…"
Yellow shivered seeing Crystal's 'happy' expression as she stated, looking at the battlefield in a strained tone, "… I believe that your friend Sky has some answers to do. One does not ignore the rainbow Pokémon scene in Tin Tower and not expect the internet to notice him being around the incident, not once, but twice?"
Yellow shyly laughs at this as the appearance of Ho-Oh brought a stir to the Johto Region community. People talked and took pictures of the Rainbow Pokémon on the online forums discussing the possibility, along with a photo of Azure appearing at two separate incidents of the Beast Trio, and now the Rainbow Pokémon's appearance.
Yellow could only whistle innocently as she thinks to herself nervously, 'Sorry, Azure, but you're on your own explaining that… and I kind of want to know too…'
While Crystal gritted her teeth, wanting to know what Azure's connection to the Legendary Pokémon was in Johto, they weren't the only ones seeking him out. Other Ace trainers came to challenge the previous Pokémon Champion.
Ace Trainers from multiple Regions sat observing the scene with Volkner and Flint eyeing the battlefield curiously. Not only did they, former enemies such as Koga and Bruno, watch on curiously, wanting to see who this year's tenth Pokémon League Champion would be.
From within the announcer's box, Mary, the former singer and current radio show host, announces in an excited tone, "…And so the 10th League Games begin! Out of 20,000 applicants from all over Kanto and Johto, only 700 were selected to enter the preliminaries! Many will fight… but only one will prevail! This tournament is brought to you exclusively by Goldenrod Radio, and your host for this opening ceremony is yours truly, DJ Mary!"
The crowd goes wild for DJ Mary as Gold yells out loud along with some fans. Mary chuckled as she began to explain, "So far, every champion in the League's history has come from Pallet Town in the Kanto Region. But since the previous tournament, that winning streak has now been broken by the new champion born in Viridian City! Will the Ninth Champion defend their winning streak…?!!"
The Chairman then announces the current Pokémon League Champion in an excited tone, hyping the crowd, "Let's begin the ceremony by introducing… our previous champion! From Viridian City… Azure Sky!!"
*Click*
A hush fell over the stadium, a collective intake of breath as the whole stadium's lights were turned off. Trainers whispered amongst themselves, speculating…
*FWP*
Suddenly, the clear sky above the stadium began to shimmer. A golden light pulsed, growing brighter, casting long, ethereal shadows across the arena floor along with the sounds of wings flapping.
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd as a majestic silhouette began to materialize. It was Ho-Oh, the Rainbow Pokémon.
*FWP*
A creature of myth, its rainbow-colored wings spread wide, shimmering with an otherworldly radiance. Riding upon its mighty back, a figure stood tall and resolute – Azure Sky. His long, dark coat billowed in the wind created by Ho-Oh's powerful wing beats, his face etched with a calm determination.
The stadium erupted. Cheers, screams, and disbelieving shouts washed over Azure as Ho-Oh descended slowly, gracefully, towards the center of the arena.
*Fwp*
Gracefully flying down, flapping its wings, Ho-Oh unfolded its wings, shining brilliantly in a kaleidoscope rainbow light, and roared, "SCHEEEE!!!!"
*Woooosh*
The people were stunned seeing Ho-Oh appear. The Chairman, momentarily stunned, could only point, his jaw agape as he thought, 'Wha… what!! When did he capture Ho-Oh! No, rather a fucking Legendary Pokémon?!!!'
*Thud*
Ho-Oh landed with a gentle thud, its immense form casting a warm, golden glow across the field. Azure dismounted, landing lightly on his feet.
He met the gazes of the stunned crowd, a confident, yet respectful smile gracing his lips. Without a word, he reached for his belt, pulling out six Poké Balls in a swift, practiced motion.
He spun them once, twice, the red and white spheres glinting in the sunlight, before flinging them high into the air with a theatrical flourish. He called out excitedly, his voice clear and ringing even amidst the din, "Come on out, everyone!"
*POP*
Six brilliant flashes of light erupted, momentarily blinding the spectators seeing them materialize. When their eyes adjusted, they were met with a sight that solidified Azure's dramatic flair into legendary status.
Front and center, his ever-present companion Pikachu stood, tail sparking. Beside it, Eevee, its soft fur bristling with excitement. But behind them, arranged in a magnificent arc, were his main battle partners.
Shiny Gengar, its purple form shimmering with an otherworldly glow, floated menacingly, a sly grin on its spectral face. Next to it, the noble Dragonite, wings spread slightly, exuded an aura of immense power and gentle wisdom.
On the other side, Scizor, its red metallic body gleaming, sharp pincers poised as if ready for battle. And finally, the regal Arcanine, its fiery mane blazing in the sunlight, is a picture of strength and loyalty.
Behind this formidable lineup, Ho-Oh stood serene and majestic, its golden feathers catching the light, an ethereal guardian watching over the scene. The combined display of a legendary Pokémon and an entire team of powerful, perfectly conditioned warriors sent a tremor through the stadium.
For a moment, there was absolute silence. Then, as one, the entire stadium exploded. A wave of sound, a deafening roar of awe and excitement, crashed over them.
This wasn't just a challenger; this was a spectacle, an event, a statement. Azure Sky had arrived, and he was here to claim his destiny.
Everyone from the stands stood wide-eyed, seeing the flashy entrance. Azure smirked, taking the mike away from the stunned Chairman as he said to the crowd proudly, "Heh. I sure made a grand entrance, folks, but I'm sure you have your questions, but I'm afraid I'm gonna pin that. Now, as if my awesome entrance weren't exciting enough… we've got 16 gym leaders in a Kanto vs. Johto Exhibition Match!"
Recalling his Pokémon along with his Ho-Oh into their Poké Balls, Pikachu and Eevee took to their places on Azure's shoulder and head. DJ Mary caught herself as she continued in an excited tone, "Only the best of the best make it to this stage! This is as high-level as a Pokémon battle gets! Now we're gonna see a show to remember!!"
The crowd, being reminded after the stunned entrance, roared in excitement. After viewing the Champion, the Chairman managed to collect himself, getting the microphone back.
"Raaaaah!!"
"YEAAAAAH!!"
*TNGTNGTNG*
During the opening ceremony, the battle stage expanded as someone from the crowd pointed out, "Look! The battlefield's opening up!"
*Zzzhh*
*Rrlll*
The battle stage opened to reveal a rail, as someone from the crowd deduced, "A rail?! Could it be…?!"
*HOOO*
*VMM*
And then the Magnet Train line emerges from the void, with the train itself eventually entering the stadium too. DJ Mary explains to the crowd happily, "There it is! The new state-of-the-art Magnet Train! It's just been put into service for the first time! After the Tournament ends, this train system will bridge the gap between Kanto and Johto! It's made a special stop here today just for this ceremony… and transported the 16 warriors who are about to participate in this unforgettable exhibition!"
Hyping up the crowd, the Chairman composed himself as he announced out loud with Azure by his side, proudly declared, "And now… the moment we've been waiting for! Eight from Kanto! Eight from Johto! Bring out the Gym Leaders!"
*POP*
Backed by a fervent atmosphere, the Gym Leaders of both Kanto and Johto emerge from the train to opposing sides of the stage and are introduced to the crowd. DJ Mary gives each Gym Leader a brief bio and name, respectively.
"Falkner of Violet City! The elegant Master of Flying Pokémon!"
"Bugsy of Azalea Town… the walking Bug Pokémon Encyclopedia!"
"Whitney of Goldenrod City! She's nicknamed the incredible pretty girl."
"Morty the Mystic Seer of the future, from Ecruteak City!"
"Jasmine of Olivine City! We've heard her called the steel-clad defense girl!"
"The quiet leader of Cianwood City… Chuck! His roaring fist does the talking!"
"Subbing in for Pryce is the Gym Trainer of Mahogany Town, Carl!"
"And finally… From Blackthorn City comes Clair, the blessed user of Dragon Pokémon! Chosen by the director of the Pokémon Association as the Captain of the Johto Team!"
"Next up, Kanto!"
"The Tomboyish mermaid… Misty!"
"The rock-solid Pokémon trainer… Brock of Pewter City!"
"The hot-headed quiz master! Also known as burning Blain of Cinnabar Island!"
"The lightning soldier… Lt. Surge, leader of Vermillion City!"
"The mistress of Psychic-type Pokémon… Sabrina of Saffron City!"
"The poisonous Ninja Master… Janine of Fuchsia Gym!"
"The rookie from Viridian City… runner-up in our last competition… Fire Red!"
"And the captain of the Kanto Team… a teacher at Celadon University and… the nature-loving princess Erika!"
Afterwards, the Chairman announces the exhibition matches of the Kanto and Johto Gym Leaders. The draw for the exhibition match takes place, with Apricorns representing the lots to draw from.
Erika and Clair, being the Gym Leader team captains of their respective regions, face each other last, so the other seven leaders of each region pick a different-colored Apricorn to determine their opponents.
Azure took this chance to leave the scene as the Gym Exhibition matches were going to begin, as he thought to himself, 'Kanto is gonna win. Johto doesn't have Pryce, and we have Red representing. They're screwed.'
While the matches began, the people were excited to see the matches between Gym Leaders, as some had never seen them before. But few were still hung up on the fact that the appearance and existence of Ho-Oh were caught in Azure's possession.
But four people reacted, stunned by this. Will and Karen's eyes narrowed, seeing Azure obtain Ho-Oh.
But for Green and Silver… they trembled seeing that, Rainbow Pokémon. A traumatic past erupted from their memories as they steadily controlled themselves, as they both thought the same thing, '… I must know where he got that Pokémon! And learn the identity of the Masked Man!!'
Clinging to the past, the two held their breath and waited. They'll get their chance to get their answers one way or another…
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 250 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!