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Chapter 86: Let the preliminaries begin!
🕑 Added 2025-02-10 17:12:59 +0000 UTC
The Indigo Plateau Stadium was buzzing like never before. Under a clear, expansive sky, thousands of spectators filled the stands, while scores of others tuned in via their television screens. Today was not just another battle—it was the inaugural League Tournament under a groundbreaking alliance between the Indigo and Hoenn regions.
The stadium was abuzz with excitement as trainers, fans, and media from all over the Pokémon world prepared for a day that would mark the dawn of a new era.
Giant screens around the arena flashed highlight reels of recent battles, behind-the-scenes training footage, and even humorous battle bloopers which had been collected from Pokégram and Pokéboom. They have gotten the most likes and shares on the social media.
Clips of a Snorlax sleeping through a gym battle with the caption “Gym? I thought this was nap time!” and a squirtle sputtering out a weak Hydro Pump with “When your attack’s all wet” went viral, drawing hearty laughs from the crowd.
Memes featuring classic Kanto and Johto Pokémon became instant hits, with one popular meme showing an image of a Pidgeot soaring majestically, only to be photobombed by a tiny Pidgey and labeled “Big dreams, small wings.”
At the heart of the excitement stood two figures on a grand podium at the edge of the stadium. The first was Champion Pryce, a figure both revered and reviled. Born in Johto, Pryce had ascended to become the champion for the combined Kanto-Johto League.
Though his expertise was unquestionable, his speeches were laced with a haughty favoritism toward his native Johto. This bias had not gone unnoticed; while many Johto fans cheered enthusiastically, the Kanto crowd’s cheers were sparse and filled with murmurs of disapproval.
Pryce stepped forward with a measured, icy calm that contrasted sharply with the heated atmosphere. His voice, cool and unyielding, echoed through the marble-lined corridors of the stadium. “Trainers, esteemed guests, and Pokémon enthusiasts,” he began, his tone dripping with pride and arrogance,
“Ladies and gentlemen, trainers and Pokémon alike,” he began, his tone cool and measured. “Today marks a milestone in our storied history. As we gather here at the Indigo Plateau, we celebrate not only the passion and strength of our battles but also a new era—a bold alliance with the illustrious Hoenn region.” His eyes glinted as he paused for effect. “Under my guidance, our legacy has been one of unwavering excellence. Let it be known that only the finest, the most disciplined, shall claim victory in this League. I, Champion Pryce, stand as the beacon of that excellence
A murmur rippled through the crowd. While the dedicated fans of Indigo cheered politely, many from the Johto and even some Kanto fans offered only half-hearted applause. Pryce’s arrogance, palpable in his every word and in the condescending inflection with which he spoke, had not won him universal admiration. Particularly among the newer generation of trainers and fans from Hoenn and Johto, his speech rang hollow—a relic of an old guard that now faced a changing world.
“Our battles have forged legends, and our values remain eternal. In this new era, while we welcome the innovative spirit of Hoenn, we must not forget where true strength originates—Johto and uh...Kanto. Under my guidance, excellence will reign supreme.” His words, though delivered with immaculate precision, rang hollow for many in the audience. The Kanto faction, representing a significant portion of the spectators, responded with a mix of sarcastic applause and murmured criticisms.
Then, from the opposite side of the podium, Champion Drake took his place. Representing the Hoenn region, Drake was the embodiment of warmth, openness, and innovation. His approachable demeanor was a refreshing counterpoint to Pryce’s frosty arrogance. With an inviting smile, he addressed the gathering, “Greetings, trainers and friends. I stand before you not only as the champion of Hoenn but as a symbol of unity—one that bridges tradition and progress.”
Drake’s voice carried a friendly authority, drawing genuine applause from both Johto and many Kanto supporters. “Today, as we embark on this joint League Tournament, we celebrate the diversity and strength of every region. I extend heartfelt thanks to Devon Cooperation, whose generous support has made this event possible. Thanks to them, the tournament reward includes a Beldum—a pseudo-legendary treasure that, with care and determination, will evolve into the mighty Metagross."
The announcement sent shockwaves through the crowd. Cheers erupted as fans contemplated the prestige of claiming such a prize. Drake’s enthusiasm was contagious. “And that’s not all,” he continued, “the runner-up will have the extraordinary honor of choosing from one of the three regional Hoenn starters—each a symbol of nature’s brilliance and the spirit of adventure. This is your opportunity to build a legacy that spans generations.”
Drake’s speech was met with an overwhelming response. The stadium erupted in cheers—boisterous, united, and hopeful. Even those who had been skeptical earlier found themselves swept up in the promise of the new alliance.
A wave of excitement swept over the crowd as trainers discussed the possibilities: owning a Beldum that could transform into a Metagross was more than just a prize—it was a dream come true for many. Social media buzzed with hashtags and memes celebrating the potential of the new tournament, with one meme showing a Beldum with the caption “Beldum: The Future is Now” and another featuring a Hoenn starter alongside the words “Choose Wisely, Champion.” Someone had replied to the post saying "Idiot, The champion is getting the beldum. The post should be Choose Wisely, Runner-Up."
As the two champions concluded their speeches, the stark contrast between them was clear. Pryce’s speech, steeped in regional pride and cold superiority, had alienated many Kanto supporters. In contrast, Drake’s message of unity, opportunity, and progress resonated deeply across regional lines. The cheers for Drake echoed throughout the stadium, a sign that the audience was eager to embrace change and new possibilities.
Amid the fervor, the announcer’s voice boomed once more, drawing the attention of every soul in attendance. The crowd quieted in anticipation as the announcer, dressed in a dazzling uniform adorned with the combined symbols of Indigo and Hoenn, stepped up to the microphone. His eyes sparkled with excitement as he prepared to deliver the final note of the prelude.
The announcer’s voice, clear and authoritative, carried across the vast expanse of the stadium. “Trainers and fans, you have witnessed the words of our champions—words that herald a new dawn for the League. Now, as we stand on the brink of history, let us prepare to witness battles that will shape our future. Together, united by the spirit of competition and camaraderie, we embark on this incredible journey.”
He paused for dramatic effect, scanning the sea of eager faces and the digital displays that captured every reaction. “And now,” he thundered, with a voice that sent shivers down every spine, “LET THE PRELIMINARIES BEGIN!”
