Prologue: The Start Of Something New! Enter Jake Milad!
"Aqua jet!"
"Frenzy plant!"
In the final collision of what appeared to be the finals of the Johto League conference, two Sinnoh starters unleashed their moves towards each with ferocity from their trainers. Both trainers stared at each other with a look of excitement and worry as both pokemon were in their last breath. The moves called out would either be the equalizer of the battle, or the end of the entire thing.
The Johto Elite Four, along with the champion Lance watched the battle from reserved seats up in the top of the stadium. The Elite Four was fascinated to watch this match, after seeing that two trainers that they've seen before battle it out in another league and boy was this worth watching. From start to end, both trainers were fighting with passion and determination, things they were looking for in a trainer. They all had a vote on who they think would win, but Lance remained neutral with them. Though they reached the finals, they didn't seem worthy of the champion league yet.
A trainer with dark green hair and honey brown eyes stood at one end of the battle field. He was wearing a plain black t-shirt, covered by a purple blazer along with black jeans. He wore a pair of black Nike shoes. He was soaking in the incredible feeling of competing in another Pokemon League final. It was amazing, hearing the sounds of people cheering for each side. The support he heard from the crowd got him pumped up and ready to tackle everything that came in his way. And his name, was Jake Suzuna Milad.
His Pokemon was an Empoleon, whom after hearing its trainers command, soon surrounded itself in water before rising up into the air. The Emperor Pokemon spun as it charged towards its opponent with rapid speed. It was giving all of the energy it could give into this move, but Empoleon was ready to counter anything if needed.
On the opposing side was a trainer with dark blue hair, but you couldn't recognize it as his hair was covered by a dark red hat. He wore a white undershirt with a black vest over it along with a red scarf that matched the look. He had on blue, baggy jeans with red and grey shoes. He too, was excited to be in another Pokemon League finals, but he had the more serious look in his face expression. He wasn't going to lose his focus this easily. His desire to win was something that he wanted oh so badly, and he wasn't gonna lose against the same person as before. He was gonna win, even it took forever he would continue battling. And his name, was Lucas Koki.
His Pokemon was a Torterra, who immediately shouted once it started using frenzy plant. The Continent Pokemon's body started to become outlined in green before slamming its two front legs into the ground. Giant roots with spikes on the sides then shot out of the ground and aimed for Empoleon.
Empoleon swiftly dodged all the roots that came in its way, spinning to the side or blasting right through it with force. It wasn't going down unless it was gonna be forced to stay down. Empoleon was close to Torterra as was about to strike it with aqua jet, but instead flew up above the Continent Pokemon. Jake smirked at the moment, before he called out the finisher of the battle.
"Now Empoleon! Finish this with hydro cannon!" Jake fired confidently as he looked up at his partner Pokemon.
Empoleon glared at his enemy, Torterra before Empoleon opened its beak and a blue flash of light appeared in front of it. Then, a glowing light blue ball of water materialized in front of Empoleon's beak where the flash was and fired it at Torterra.
"No! Torterra!" Lucas cried out worriedly.
The move successfully landed on its target and Torterra was blasted back in the stadium walls, creating a huge crack in the area where it collided. For a moment, Torterra managed to gain its footing once more. It stared at Empoleon exhaustively before falling to the battle field. Its eyes were swirly and the referee looked at Torterra for a moment before raising a flag.
"Torterra is unable to battle, which means Empoleon wins and the victor of the Johto League Conference is Jake Milad of Veilstone City!" the referee declared, and immediately everyone shouted and cheered for the astounding match they just witnessed here today.
The Elite Four and Lance slowly clapped at the deciding finish of the battle. All of them were pleased to see that Jake won, but they would have still been happy to see Lucas win. They now saw the potential each trainer had, and how far they went through in their journeys to become the best. They all stood up before walking down the steps of the stadium. It was time to give the awards for the four trainers that made it to the semi-finals and finals of the league.
Jake ran up to Empoleon before the Emperor Pokemon nearly collapsed. Jake managed to grab it before any more harm could be put into his partner Pokemon. He pulled out a few Sitrus Berries that he kept for times like this before he held it out for Empoleon to take.
"Thank you Empoleon, we won once more. And not just that, we beat Lucas just like we promised ourselves. Don't worry, it's all over," Jake assured as Empoleon nodded weakly. It grabbed a Sitrus Berry before eating it slowly.
Lucas sighed sadly, lowering his cap as he walked towards Torterra, who tried its best to stand up. Lucas went on his knees to level with his partner Pokemon before taking out its pokeball. He stared at Torterra, who looked in shame at his trainer before looking away. Lucas faintly smiled as he returned his pal.
"Thank you Torterra, you did so much better. I promise, this loss will make us stronger for our next beginning," Lucas assured as he returned Torterra. He looked up at Jake, who was celebrating as he waved towards the cheering crowd. Lucas walked towards Jake, who sensed his presence as he stood in front of him.
"Good match Lucas, you definitely improved from the last time. Even though you lost, you should be happy that you gotten second place today," Jake reminded, helping Empoleon back up to its feet. He grinned at his rival, Lucas doing the same.
"Thanks Jake, you and your Empoleon beat me once again. But don't worry, of course i'm still glad that i'm second place. If it's the best I can get right now, then so be it," Lucas replied gladly. They both shook hands, before Jake saw the Elite Four walk towards the two.
Lucas turned around and eventually they also saw two other trainers enter through the trainer tunnel. Those two trainers were the two people they challenged in the semi-finals. In Lance's hand were four medals, along with a trophy in another hand. Assistants were now getting ready the platform for the closing ceremony and everyone in the stadium were either murmuring of the aftermath of the battle or recording everything on their phone. Either way, everyone was exhausted from all of the suspense and action that took place a while ago.
After half an hour, the closing ceremony was ready to begin. Everyone was anxious to wait for the ceremony to start. In the platform were the Elite Four and Lance, the champion. In front of them, were the four trainers who prevailed in this years Johto League Conference.
Lance walked forward, holding a microphone that was given to him shortly and he cleared his throat. The entire stadium slowly became quiet and once everything was at peace, Lance began his speech.
"Well first off before we start the distribution of awards to these four trainers, I would like to say a few things," Lance began, pulling out a piece of paper from the back of his paper. He looked at everyone in the stadium before he continued. "This years Johto League Conference, has been nothing more than a spectacular event for all trainers around the world to compete in. I would like to thank everyone who participated in this years conference, and even if you lost there is always a next time. You all have worked hard with your Pokemon, pushing them and yourself to your absolute limits. And I couldn't help but smile every time I saw your determination shine the most. You all did your best to try and become the best. There is always a next year, and there is always other regions to try out! We all hope you enjoyed this years Johto League Conference! And thank you! Thank you very much!"
A slow clap was heard around the stadium, and the four trainers standing before them nodded as Lance cleared his throat. "And we will now start the distribution of awards towards these four trainers. May our first two trainers, Riley Clark and Akira Torijiri come forward please?"
Soon enough, two trainer started walking up the platform in front of Lance and the Elite Four. Jake and Lucas watched as Bruno and Karen placed a bronze medal in both the trainers necks. They began clapping and soon enough, the entire stadium was filled with cheers and screams.
Afterwards, Riley and Akira walked back to their former places and they both were staring into their medals. They both worked hard to get where they were, and they deserved those medals. Now it was only Lucas and Jake, where all the people were excited to see these two trainers get their medals and trophy.
"And now, may the next trainer, Lucas Kiko come up and receive his medal for making it to second place," Lance called out through the microphone and Lucas immediately rushed up towards the platform.
Lucas eagerly waved towards everyone, who cheered for him before he turned back to the Elite Four, where all of them smiled at the excited individual. Koga stepped forward before placing a silver medal he was holding over Lucas's neck. Koga bowed before stepping back. Lucas stared at his medal seriously before he sighed happily and walked back to his original place. One last cheer for Lucas was made before it was time for the final award to be given.
"And now," Lance paused for a moment, looking back at the Elite Four as they nodded in his direction. He cleared his throat once more before he continued. "We would like this years Johto League Conference winner Jake Milad up please!"
Jake turned to Lucas and gave a thumbs up towards his friend before they grinned at each other. Jake ran up to the platform and immediately, a rush of cheers were heard all around the stadium just for him. He waved towards the people in the crowds before he turned back to Lance and Elite Four.
"We would like to congratulate you for standing as the number one trainer here today. You worked hard and we were glad to see you as our next challenger," Lance said through the microphone before Will walked up to Jake. He placed a golden medallion over his head before bowing and walking back.
Jake stared at his gold medal and saw it as another relic he worked so hard for. After everything that has happened here today, he was happy to see that he ended up as first place. And that was already enough for him to soak in, but with everyone cheering for him, he couldn't help but smile the entire time.
Lance walked up to Jake as he stared at his gold medal. Jake looked up, noticing the Champion's presence before he was given the trophy for this years Johto League Conference. He stared at the trophy that was just given to him, and he looked up at Lance, who smiled at the lone trainer. Lance held Jake's shoulder proudly before he was given a microphone for his final announcement.
"And I would also like to announce something else," Lance proclaimed before he looked back at the Elite Four. They nodded with a serious expression on their face before Lance turned back to everyone. "Since this young individual, Jake Milad, has won the Pokemon League here today. I would like to announce that as of right now, he is eligible to challenge the Elite Four whenever he feels like it."
This announcement was soon returned with slow claps as Jake looked at everyone. It didn't come to much of a surprise to him, as he was given the same opportunity last year in the Sinnoh League Conference after winning the entire thing. Now he was given two opportunities to achieve his dream. It felt so close for his dream to be realized. It was soon no longer gonna be a dream, it was gonna become a reality.
"And thus, the Johto League Conference ends after an amazing battle and closing ceremony! We hope you enjoyed all of the battles presented to you all and we thank all the trainers who participated this year!" Lance announced and once more, the crowds of people cheered, this time more loudly than ever.
Everyone watched as the afternoon slowly turned to evening and the Johto Conference flame slowly died out, the same fire that was there since the very start of the competition. Everyone soon began filing out and so did the Elite Four and Lance. But Jake and Lucas stayed behind. They waited until everyone left so they could speak with other privately.
With everyone leaving, Lucas slowly approached Jake. They both stood in the side of the trainer tunnels. "Well, you won fair and square. After a year of training our Pokemon, it all came down to this," Lucas sighed, falling back to the stadium wall behind him.
"Hey, you did pretty well ya know. My Empoleon was just faster in the final collision," Jake replied as he looked around. He could already see the small outlines of Professor Rowan and Dawn, along with a few other people joining them.
"Well, I guess you're right. In the end you prevailed, once again," Lucas said, lowering his head disappointingly. Jake noticed the depressed sound of his voice and looked at his rival.
"I know that you lost out there against me, I know it can feel heart-wrenching losing at the finals of the conference. But you have to hear me out, you put as much effort as I did out there and you shouldn't be sad that you lost. You should be happy that you made to second place," Jake replied, trying his best to cheer up Lucas. Lucas looked back at him, before smirking.
"Tell me, how does it feel being a two time conference winner? You won twice, beating me twice as well in the process. You don't know how it feels, losing at the point where you hoped that you could have beaten your longtime rival in the process, but you lost because of one single mishap. And I know that today, we brought out the best of each other, but I just feel bummed losing once more. It hurts, and you can never understand," Lucas explained sadly, lowering his hat, hiding his face from Jake.
This time, Jake spoke nothing. That was something that he couldn't argue with. He beat Lucas twice, in a Pokemon League Conference final and Lucas won second place twice. He had the chance of being the victor but in the end, the opposing won. And that was Jake. He didn't know the feeling, of losing at that point, where you had your hopes up in winning, but lost so miserably. He had no idea how that felt, but just the thought of it hurt him emotionally.
Soon enough, Dawn and Professor Rowan, along with a crowd of people reached the stadium. They all ran up to Jake and Lucas, except for Professor Rowan, who simply walked towards them. Then, they were bombarded with screaming fangirls and news reporters along with cameramen.
"Well, w-we could agree to something here," Jake sweatdropped as they were being crushed from all the people squishing them with questions being asked from every person, along with squeals and screams.
"Y-yup, we both hate this part of the Pokemon League. All the people trying to kill us," Lucas replied, sweatdropping as well before they all stopped screaming and it soon became quiet. The sound of a cane hitting the ground was heard and then, Professor Rowan stood in front of them.
"I have to say, the match you two displayed there was phenomenal! You both showed more trust in your Pokemon, and you both have driven your Pokemon to their absolute limits. Nothing less but expected from my two proteges!" Professor Rowan congratulated, before hugging both of them. "My two boys are finally growing up!"
Professor Rowan was a professor for the Sinnoh Region and gave Lucas and Jake their first Pokemon back when they were only ten. And now they were both sixteen. The thing was that Jake spent most of his free time learning from Professor Rowan. He was more of a fatherly figure to Jake since he didn't have any family he could be with before. That was another story, but it isn't best to speak about it until when it was needed to be spoken of. Along with Lucas, Professor Rowan saw them as brilliantly taught children with a bright future. He saw them as his proteges, but saw Jake as the more outstanding one. Still, he believed that both would achieve great things. Fast forward six years later, and Professor Rowan was right. They both reached the finals of a Pokemon League Conference twice, and they have already achieved something in their life that they'll be known for.
Lucas and Jake sweatdropped at each other as they tried to pry Professor Rowan off them, but he didn't and just hugged them harder. It annoyed them, but Professor Rowan soon got the message and released his grip and let them ago. He dusted his clothes before he cleared his throat.
"Well, I would like to congratulate you two. You both did your best and I would think that both of you are hungry at the moment," Professor Rowan said and as if on cue, both Lucas and Jake's stomachs grumbled loudly. It was loud enough for everyone around them to hear. "As I expected. Come on, me and Dawn chose this nice restaurant where it's an all you can eat buffet. I'm sure you both will like it."
Lucas and Jake looked at each other before they shrugged. "Alright, I guess this can this be a good way to celebrate," Jake dismissed as he followed Professor Rowan. Lucas looked back at the group of people, who were still taking pictures of him.
"Okay guys, we can do the picture taking later. I'm gonna have dinner for now," Lucas waved at everyone before he dashed off and ran up to Dawn and Professor Rowan, with Jake following behind.
The crowd of people soon dispersed as the group went on their way to enjoy an already enjoyable time in the Johto League. Dinner was already enough for them to enjoy, as they were exhausted from all the action they experienced just half an hour ago.
With everything that just happened in front of them, with everything they've worked for a year, what will happen next? Will Jake challenge the Sinnoh and Johto Elite Four? Will Lucas continue to train and try once more to win a conference? It was something they wanted to answer so badly, but the fact was that they didn't know how to answer it. So, what now?