Moon stared out from the mirror she was looking into, different, yet the same. The flower patterns she wore still wreathed her, a shirt of faded orange shapes highlighting her brighter dress – the Kahuna's gift for her twelfth birthday – a pale cream garment marked by spiralling Alolan flowers. Cascading over her shoulders and around her back was a shawl of red, gifted by Pitaya of the Dragon Tamers, the Guildmaster who had reached out to bring Moon back from the brink.
Her confidence, mixed with immaturity, had caused Moon to push herself and her Pokemon beyond health once before, and the Guildmaster recognising that – and in part her own complicity in approaching Moon once wrongly already – called out to her and asked for her trust. Desperate for something to hold on to as her belief in herself crumbled, Moon accepted the woman's offer. A month of training; the teaching of the ways of the Dragon Tamers; and the chance to slow down and see Alola from a further step back. A reframing that helped Moon, with her confidence in herself and her team repaired, go forward from that point. One of the most pivotal moments of her Island Challenge for sure.
Though still only the second most impacting encounter with a leader of Ula'ula Island.
Sandals, of similar pale colour to her dress. That watermelon bag, bought during Moon's first days in Alola. Things from the very beginning. Around her left wrist the black Z-Power Ring, her Z-Ring transfigured – whether by entering Ultra Space, or Lunala's will. At her waist six Pokeballs, those who'd journeyed with her to this peak. Around her neck the Key Stone, rainbow jewel hung from a simple cord, gifted to Moon by Kalosian Researchers come to Alola from afar. Half of the means of Mega Evolution. A power few in Alola would wield, with Z-Moves requiring the same investment to perform.
A difference she alone defined.
Dark brown eyes, staring into themselves by the mirror's aid, colour similar to that of her skin. Her black hair, cut short during her first time with the Dragon Tamers – to free herself of the change she'd accepted to hide from those who'd hound her for her difference – now well regrown. Tied back in a small ponytail, the way she'd been at the beginning. The way her mother had encouraged Moon to try, to match the woman's own image from her own journey.
So many things similar to how she'd begun. So many things different. Herself, but changed too. Grown. Taking in the gifts and spirit of Alola, of those who'd reached out to her, of those she'd reached out to. A little taller. A little older. A little different.
But still her.
Slowly, as the television in the room continued to play news coverage of the day, Moon lifted and placed a hat over her head. Red, with a white pattern on the front, and a strange chicken-comb shape. The oldest clothing she still wore. A memento from a visit to Johto with her family, both her parents, from a past impossible to go back to.
But Alola had welcomed her. So many had grown to care for her by their side. The number of people she was connected to here... was so many more than Kanto had ever been. Here she'd found her home. Her full family.
And the life she loved as a child of Alola.
As Moon completed dressing in the room she had been given, one of the competitor's suites in the Pokemon League main building at the peak of Mount Lanakila, the television's report repeated.
"The air is chill but spirits hot here at the entrance to the Alolan Pokemon League! Despite a tumultuous year the awaited day has come, with the opening ceremony of the first Alolan Pokemon League due to begin within the hour! Acting as final torchbearer of the League Flame, Kahuna Hapu of Poni Island, newest Kahuna of Alola, is presently en route from Malie City to the lift system that has already carried so many to the peak of Mount Lanakila, where the Pokemon League will be held! The crowds are filling the stands, and the League competitors gathered from across Alola and the world! Once the opening ceremony is complete the first battles of the first Alolan Pokemon League are due to begin, so make sure not to miss a second of our round-the-clock coverage!"
She was ready. Her mother, who had been here with her when the morning began, had already gone to the stands, the special seating for family of those taking part. Moon would go a different path, one that connected the League competitors' rooms to the waiting room they would stay within before heading out to the stage. It was time to join the others, await Hapu's arrival with the League Flame, and step out onto the stage of the Pokemon League.
Just as she had, from the very beginning, promised to do.
Across the world all eyes turned to Alola.
Gathered together the Elite Four of Unova, former compatriots of the competing Trainer Grimsley, would watch alongside the former champion Alder, each with a specific Trainer on their mind. Marshal and Shauntal of the Elite Four were each watching for Grimsley, the first to ensure the former Elite Four member would bring no shame to the title, the second to support a missed friend. Of the two others, Alder's focus was upon his grandson Benga, this his first international appearance, while Caitlin held her interest in the Unova-famed actor Sabrina. A famous Trainer of the Psychic-type before that, there had always been an interest from the former to the latter, one never able to be fulfilled.
At least this might be a good chance to get a proper look at just what made Sabrina the legendary Psychic-type Trainer that she was.
In Kalos Professor Sycamore would keep his eyes on the showing whether at home or at work, for with the invited Trainers from abroad the chance of Mega Evolution appearing and clashing with Z-Moves was high. A topic the good professor was always interested in seeing. His assistants, sent to Alola ostensibly as League Competitors, but more focused on researching interactions between Z-Moves and Mega Evolution, were to take part as well, and would hopefully be able to foster such further. They'd achieved some things over the past year but... it still felt as though the two had spent their time in Alola more as holiday than research expedition.
He'd work them hard upon their return to make up for it.
The Oak Institute, famed Pokemon research facility in the town of Pallet, region of Kanto, was always busy. Many Pokemon, many assistants, always things to do. But for a little while their youngest would be spared work, by the permission of Daisy Oak – granddaughter to Samuel and current manager of the laboratory while her grandfather was away – so that whenever she could, Lillie could watch the broadcast that reached to all shores.
So that she could see Moon and Hau fulfil their promise, to her, to each other, and to the world: to stand upon the stage of the first Alolan Pokemon League. Awake early yet again this day, her sleepy partner Charmander Sunny resting across her legs, Lillie waited for the opening ceremony to begin.
For the sight of those she'd cheer for to appear before her eyes.
Notes of music danced from guitar strings plucked by fingers tipped by claws, the gloves worn by the man known as Ryuki Oda the same as the rest of his ensemble – all red leather highlighted by gold and spines of red and black. An outfit of flair and impact by his own description. Few could argue against those specific words.
The song he was playing was one of tension, beginning notes of a grand endeavour. Moon appreciated how easily it mixed into the mood of the staging room the competing Trainers in the Pokemon League were waiting within. Gathered around Ryuki and listening to his song, a handful of Trainers didn't react as Moon entered.
One of the two from Unova: Benga, was seated before Ryuki, greatly enjoying his song and indeed entire aesthetic. Jackson, of the Pokemon Rangers, was there as well, nodding his head along to the tune. As Moon stepped further into the room, her eyes slid across it to take in the others gathered already. Most of those competing, but not yet all. Some still to go.
The Captains of Alola were gathered in a pack, Mina with them, across the room. Lana and Sophocles were still absent, but the rest were happily together. Tristan was wearing a wide smile, gatherings of the seven rare enough for this to be a treat he'd experienced only a few times so far. This was good.
In the centre of the room stood three, two fawning over an unimpressed third. Sabrina, other invited Trainer from Unova, looked past Dexio and Sina – each entranced by the master Psychic-type Trainer – to gaze into the eyes of Moon. Moon held the stare for a moment before the woman nodded her head once and returned to fielding the two most delighted to meet her. Moon stepped further into the room.
Oh. Hidden by Jackson's larger body for a moment, as Moon moved forward she spotted another near to Ryuki, leaning against the wall with eyes closed, considering the music alone. There was Plumeria.
It wasn't a surprise, not too much of one. Plumeria had said she was taking the Island Challenge. Had been up to her sixth Trial more than long enough ago that, with her strength, she would have had no trouble completing them all. It was solely the Final Trials that would test Plumeria, as they did all Trainers.
Seemed she'd passed.
Wait, was that-
Moon stopped, surprised, to see another girl by Plumeria, leaning against the wall attempting to mimic the older woman's pose. She was wearing the same as she had before in Mahihinu – that black and white outfit that evoked but wasn't quite the Team Skull wear. And the way she momentarily met Moon's eyes, then immediately jerked her head to break eye contact, it felt like absolutely nothing had changed about Riley at all.
Stunned, Moon stood there blankly, this particular participant in the League one she'd never seen coming. How had that even-
"Moon." The voice of Kahili drew Moon's eyes and attention, the sky-blue haired Trainer approaching the younger girl. "Today is the day." It was, Moon nodded immediately, the day they'd been waiting for. Working towards. Kahili wore a small smile to hear that. "You've done well." And that, she meant.
Others trickled in slowly, the last of those to join. While the Kahuna awaited Hapu, to accompany her and the League Flame to the Stadium Torch, the rest of the competitors gathered together. Lana and Sophocles, last of the Captains to rise, joined the others. Molayne, another former Captain and best friend of Kukui, strolled in casually after. Asuka, of the schooling system, and Pitaya, of the Dragon Tamers, appeared soon as well. Then came two more, chatting animatedly upon their entry. The first pleased Moon to see, having not yet heard he had made it, though she had to admit it had taken her a moment to recognise him. Never before had Moon seen Jace out of his Aether Foundation wear. This outfit, of dark and light blues, sleeveless top and shorts, was fine wear for an ace Alolan Trainer. Good.
The second, happily talking with Jace, paused at the sight of Moon before a wide smile crossed Hau's face and he raced to join her. Moon smiled back.
They'd made it.
Conversation swirled in the room, Trainers passing from one group to the next to introduce themselves to those needing introduction, Ryuki maintaining his seat and his song the one constant – though he was happy to talk to anyone who approached, and when Moon passed close enough gave her the biggest smile he could.
"Hey there Moon, how're you feeling?"
More excited, and more tense, than ever before in her life.
"Haha, that was me at my first League too! The excitement and the tension, it never goes away, but you get better at it every time! And you've got a lot of times ahead of you, right?"
Moon nodded and Ryuki's smile managed to grow wider still. From a chance meeting on the shores of Kala'e Bay to standing here together on the Pokemon League stage. Well, Ryuki was still sitting right now. Also they weren't quite on the stage together just yet. Just a little longer til then.
But still, his choice to go to Alola, it had been a whim at first. Just a little voice in his head that said this was the way to go. And now look at his reward. Look at the amazing things he'd seen. This stage, there was nowhere better to announce himself.
This was the place he was meant to be.
"Not distracting my student, I hope?" The voice of Guildmaster Pitaya drew Moon to stand at attention, a reaction honed in the time she had spent with the Dragon Tamers. Each of those within that hall had respected and followed Pitaya, and into that pace Moon had stepped. Even now she thought of the Guildmaster as a teacher of hers.
"That's a little unfair isn't it?" Ryuki didn't stand, or stop playing his guitar, but he did look up and make direct eye contact with the woman before him. "Aren't I the one who pushed little miss Moon onto the path of dragons? You're second-in-line as far as teachers go, Guildmaster."
For all the feeling of tension in the room, the League's opening just moments away, nothing compared to the ferocity Moon felt as Pitaya and Ryuki smiled calmly at one another. If those two met the resulting battle would be... Moon's skin prickled with goosebumps raising. Pitaya rested a hand upon Moon's shoulder, fingers brushing the fabric of the shawl she had given her. "Moon," the Guildmaster turned to look at the young girl beside her, "I wish you well. Though we will be opponents from the moment the League begins, I nonetheless have faith in the power and skill you and your Pokemon have honed. I look forward to seeing the fullness of what you together will unleash."
And as Moon nodded and gave her thanks, the Guildmaster stepped serenely away.
Instinctively everyone in her path stepped out of it.
"Phew," Ryuki, for the first time, stopped playing his song. "I've met a lot of scary Trainers out there, y'know Moon, but this League..." casting his eyes around those gathered, Ryuki couldn't help his smile. "It's going to be amazing." Still somewhat thrown off by the intensity Pitaya and Ryuki had just expressed, Moon nodded and, without being stopped, drifted back to Kahili and Hau, others around the room still crossing from group to group to greet and speak with one another.
One, remaining at the edges of the room, away from others as best she could, watched silently. And thought.
Long ago Sabrina had accepted the limitations of her psychic power, even as significant compared to the majority as it was. There were things she could not see, or do, with it and that she'd come to terms with. These days, rarely did she even express it. A part of her those powers were, and to many a defining one, but to herself... she was defined by her actions more. As a Trainer, and an actress, she'd better represented herself than ever as a psychic. That was far more who she was.
But just because that was true, it did not mean she had shelved those powers, nor the uses they still had. Today, she looked with sight beyond sight. Cutting off that interviewer with the truth – she hadn't been asked to investigate Moon – was all well and good, but a part of her still longed to know. So she looked.
To try and see the truth.
The Bonds Trainers shared with their Pokemon, to her they were as visible as the Trainers and Pokemon themselves. Many experienced Pokemon Trainers could make approximations, sense more than see the strength of such, but to Sabrina's focused sight they were as clear as could be. Strong Bonds. Not the strongest, other Trainers here holding far more developed, but for Moon's age they were... unreal. But that wasn't what Sabrina was looking for. She wasn't looking for those connections. She was looking for the source. The point of origin. The place they all emerged from. That core, in each individual, that the thread of a Bond reached out to in answer to a Pokemon's call. That point from which the power Trainers gave flowed. That centre each possessed, with as many differences in volume and potency as there were humans in the world. She'd wondered often just what that was, that centre. The soul? That was a strange thing to think. She chose not to.
Some mysteries even psychic powers couldn't reveal.
There it was. An infinity. Something that gave an impression of depth Sabrina had never seen before. But nothing more than that. No greater detail. Just a depth with no end. Was there more? Anything? Her stare, intensifying, broke, as an emotion not her own crossed Sabrina's mind.
She looked away.
People were not pieces stitched together: they were a whole unable to be reduced to parts. To gaze into another was an invasion, and Sabrina's curiosity had earned her an insight into Moon she simply should not have. The degree to which that young girl's heart was defined by missing others, three – no, four – was intense. She'd been through much already. And it was not Sabrina's place to look through such feelings in the heart of another. That invasion of privacy, she'd have to make amends. Despite lecturing others she'd let her own curiosity run rampant all the same.
Ways the power she carried acted as a chain she'd struggled with all her life.
"Looks like everyone's here, yeah!" The loud voice of Professor Kukui echoed into the room as the man made his entrance, coat flaring behind him, bared chest on full display. At the very least inside the Pokemon League dome, heated as it was, there was no lecturing him for his preferred wear. Pleased, the organiser of the League, as well as notable competitor, made a beeline for Kahili, still standing guard over Moon and Hau.
"How's it going, Kahili?"
"It's the moment I've been waiting for." As the minutes passed by, and the intent of those gathered began to harden, the mood in the air had energised Kahili. The smile she gave Kukui, it was the first of its kind Moon and Hau had ever seen from her. Something vicious, and excited. The look of a Trainer who'd found the battle they'd been searching for. The Flying-type expert's smile didn't drop. "This feeling, the moments before it begins, it's the same as the Kalos League was. It's happening, Kukui. You really did it."
"Thanks to you, and all of Alola," Kukui smiled back, his expression nowhere near as dangerous. "We all worked hard for this. Hapu and the others will be here with the Flame soon, and once they come through we'll head out with them. One of the announcers is just heading down to greet us first."
"Anna?" Kahili asked the name, this conversation one Moon and Hau weren't knowledgeable enough to partake in. Kukui shook his head.
"Not quite, she's still up with our special guest, the one coming through is actually from Kalos. She agreed to join Anna as secondary announcer since she has the experience."
The expression on Kahili's face, initially curious, rapidly passed from contemplation, to realisation, to light terror. A brief "oh no" made it through her mouth before, with a delighted cry of Kahili's name, a new woman swept into the room.
"Kahili!" Moon and Hau jolted at the loud voice, before turning to see a woman crossing the staging room, a beleaguered cameraman resting at its entrance. Kahili, who'd flinched the moment she'd heard her name announced to all gathered, didn't move as the taller brown-haired woman, a long curl of the hair hanging over her face, rapidly approached and threw an arm over the blue-haired woman's shoulders.
"It's been too long!" She trilled happily, Kukui taking a step back from the high energy display, neatly dodging the dagger Kahili's eyes launched at him for not warning her about this in advance. The taller woman continued without noticing. "Honestly, I haven't heard from you in forever! When are you coming back to Kalos to make an honest woman of my sister already? You know she misses you!"
"Hello Alexa." Kahili's tone wasn't exactly rejecting the appearance of the happy Kalosian reporter, it was just... Alexa was best experienced in controlled environments. Having her name shouted out in a room filled with those she was about to be competing against wasn't exactly Kahili's preferred situation. "As I've said before, once the Alolan League is over, I'll be coming back. And I speak to Viola often. I know."
"Well as long as you do." Seemingly pleased with that Alexa lifted her arm, turning to see whose attention she'd caught while Kahili, freed, took one menacing step towards Kukui just to give him the impression of impending doom. Dexio, hanging out in Kahili's peripheral with a wide grin, saved Kukui from further judgement by becoming the target of an intensely withering glare. He backed down. Alexa set her sights on the two by Kahili's side.
"You two are Moon and Hau, yes? Hi, my name's Alexa, I'm a reporter from Kalos and a League Announcer! I'm working with the Alolan League as a consultant and secondary, nice to meet you!"
"Hi!" Hau, naturally high energy himself, bounced back quick from Alexa's enthusiastic entrance. "Alola, Ms. Alexa! I hope you enjoy our Pokemon League!"
"Ooohh aren't you a charmer!" Alexa's wide smile only grew more delighted. "All that stage presence, are you sure you wouldn't like to be a commentator as well?"
"Alexa." Kahili's blunt use of the woman's name had Alexa immediately stand up straight. No playing here then.
"Sorry sorry," she gave a wave to the two, "I'm actually here to start checking in with the competing Trainers, finding out who's wanting to be part of our switching third up in the commentary boxes! We've got a special someone for the first match of the day already, but after that Anna and I will be nominating other League competitors to join us there! I should go do that!"
"You should." Another bluntness from Kahili, which Alexa laughed at – seemingly completely used to the woman's approach to others – before careening off to chat up a batch of Trainers who'd kind of been swept together by her own exerted presence. Kahili breathed out a deep sigh.
"Sorry." Kukui's voice was much more restrained than usual, as he stepped in back closer to Kahili, Moon and Hau still staying close. "I knew she knew you but that was... a lot more than I saw coming."
A long pause lasted before Kahili eventually managed an "it happens". Shortly after she raised her head. It didn't matter. She was here at the Pokemon League. Weird interpersonal stuff wasn't a reason to be thrown off her pace – she could be the very first battler today for all she knew.
She, the same as everyone else, needed to be ready.
Today was their day.
"Hey Professor Kukui?" Hau's questioning voice drew both Kukui and Kahili to look down at him, "Who's the special guest Ms. Alexa said was commentating first?"
"Ahaha," with a smile, Kukui raised a finger to his lips. "That's a secret, you'll find out really soon though, so just stay excited, yeah! We're really lucky to have them here today though, that's for sure!"
Left to wonder, Moon and Hau observed the room as Alexa, with the cameraman regaining his breath from the pace she'd led him by recovered enough to start taking initial photos, swept from Trainer to Trainer, introducing herself and getting a quick handle on each of them. She was effective. Much like a human whirlwind, in the way she swept into the room then out again once she was done, leaving the League competitors alone once more.
But only for a little bit longer now.
One by one the four Kahuna of Alola entered the room. First Hapu, holding high a torch lit with bright flame, second only to the bright smile on her face at the honour, before Hala, Olivia, and Nanu followed after. Hau whispered to Moon that his grandfather had put his foot down that even if Nanu wasn't taking part in the Final Trials, or the League, or most of Alola's traditions he could avoid, he was going to make an appearance for the League's opening and Hapu's lighting of the Stadium Torch.
Seemed the Kahuna of Melemele Island had been successful in convincing the Kahuna of Ula'ula to make the appearance.
And so with Hapu leading the way through the staging grounds, one by one and two by two the competitors of the first Alolan Pokemon League followed after. Out through the entrance into the stadium proper, where the roar of the crowd embraced them, the flash of cameras flickered like stars in a sea of people, and the energy, the tension of before, transfigured into an even higher form. Moon, walking alongside Hau, clenched her fists, fingers pushing into her palms. She was here. She was here.
She was really, really here.
From the nearby stands voices called out, lost in the noise of the arena but the callers not minding in the least. They were still lending their support. Happy to be cheering for her daughter, Jewellery smiled at her neighbour, the similarly to her own daughter blue-haired mother of Captain Lana, who was cheering for that daughter while keeping control of a younger pair, twin girls who shared the family's striking resemblance. Introduced by Olivia during one of her frequent visits to Konikoni City, Jewellery had been happy to become friends with another mother of a wilful Alolan daughter. The two found themselves having much in common.
It was good to be cheering here today for those they loved.
In the centre of the League battlefield stood Alexa, microphone in hand and a large cylindrical box by her feet, Kukui heading right for her as the other League competitors spread about the field. Hapu, still bearing the League Flame and flanked by her fellow Kahuna of Alola, set off to the steps that would lead up through the stands to where the Stadium Torch was waiting. To light it and signify the League begun.
Just moments away.
Looking over the stadium below, within an observation box at equal and opposite height to the Stadium Torch, two of the three announcers for the first match clutched their own microphones and stared down at the battlefield where their third stood with the League's organiser and noted competitor, Professor Kukui of Alola himself. Accepting the microphone Alexa offered him Kukui wore a wide smile, the voices of the crowd swirling around him higher and higher. Here they were. Great Trainers of Alola and beyond, gathered at the peak of sacred Lanakila to battle with everything they had. The vision he'd had in his heart made real. He really couldn't stop smiling at all.
"As begins every Pokemon League around the world," he spoke clearly, voice radiating from speakers across the stadium, over the gathered crowd within, and through cameras sending this moment to screens around the world, "I'd like to turn all our eyes to the Stadium Torch up above! Many great Trainers have carried the League Flame, from its Moltres-born source in Kanto all the way across the ocean to Alola, then Alola to this place! As Kahuna Hapu sets the flame, we of Alola announce our taking part in what the Pokemon League means! Here on Alola's most sacred mountain, with the blessings of the Tapu given, the greatest of Alola and beyond will meet in the greatest of battles! So from the moment that flame lights don't look away, yeah! This is the Alolan Pokemon League!"
And as Kukui's proclamation radiated, and the cheers of the people rose with it, Hapu at the peak of the staircase she had climbed lowered the torch that had passed from hand to hand, Trainer to Trainer, on its journey to this place, and ignited the Stadium Torch of Alola. Here was their announcement.
The first Alolan Pokemon League had now begun.
"And with that the opening ceremony of the first Alolan Pokemon League is on!" A woman's voice burst bright and cheery from the speakers next, its owner, a short green-haired Alolan woman in the announcer's box at the top of the stands, grasping her microphone with thrill. "I am Anna, your primary announcer, who'll be covering every battle, every single heart-shaking moment, of this Pokemon League! My co-host down below on the League stage is Alexa, a League Announcer from Kalos, who'll be joining me for the full length of this tournament! I hope you've all prepared yourselves, and cleared the rest of today as the first battles of the League are soon to begin! In just a moment I'm going to pass back over to Alexa and Professor Kukui, but before that it's time to introduce a special guest! Come to commentate the first match of our first League, all the way from the Kanto Region, may I thank and welcome the famed and esteemed: Professor Samuel Oak!"
The wave of noise that crossed through the crowd peaked to hear this, Hau beside Moon yelling out in shock. Professor Oak occupied the position of most famous Pokemon Professor the world over, a legend who over the length of his life so far had spearheaded countless breakthroughs throughout the world, from aiding in the development of the first Pokedex, to contributing to the expansion of the Starter Pokemon System across Kanto and many regions beyond, to the long worked upon study behind the mechanisms of Trainer's Bonds. A figure of that level of fame and distinction, to have him here to oversee the first battle of the first Alolan League meant so much. Another manner in which Kukui was thankful to the man, after agreeing to take on Lillie as an assistant. Samson Oak – presently amongst the crowd of the League, though he'd catch up with his cousin after this – had been key in helping everything run smoothly in both arrangements. The price – Kukui's assistance in Samson's own research projects across Alola – was more than worth paying. He'd be as busy as ever after the Pokemon League ended as well, but Kukui didn't mind.
To host the ultimate battles at the peak of Alola, there was little he desired more.
No complaints at all in his heart.
"I am thankful to be here!" The voice of Samuel Oak radiated from the speakers next, Anna ceding speaking to him in the announcer's box they occupied. "Alola has held a unique place in the world for so long already, to see this wonderful and beautiful region taking this step onto the world stage, I could not be more honoured or delighted to be asked to oversee that first step! For those unaware of what this region's Pokemon Trainers can offer, you'll see incredible things over the League's length, so make sure to keep your eyes on every Pokemon Battle you can! My best wishes to all competing!"
The roar of noise from the crowd broke so high Alexa, standing next to Kukui with the microphone in her hand, smiled and gave a shrug to him, an obvious sign that they needed to let this energy fall a moment before going on to what was next.
Eventually, as the Kahuna of Alola finished their descent from the lighting of the Stadium Torch, three moving to join the gathered Trainers, the fourth disappearing into a corridor off of ground level, the moment for the Kalosian reporter to interject came.
"To begin!" Alexa's own voice echoed over the crowd, pushing their volume down enough to hear what she had to say, "We will now determine the tournament order for this Pokemon League! The structure here will be a single-elimination tournament, with order decided by lottery draw! I have here:" keeping her voice loud, Alexa took a step to the side as Kukui hefted the cylindrical box that had been resting by her feet, "the lottery itself! One by one as called, I would like each competing Trainer to come forth and select a ball from within: the colour and number will signify your block and position! Now then: could I first have the competing Kahuna of Alola!"
The surging voices of the crowd throughout the stadium continued to wash as waves across all gathered, as one by one Hala, Olivia, and Hapu stepped forward. As each reached into the lottery box Kukui held, and each pulled forth a coloured ball, turning it to observe their number before stepping back. Their places set.
"Next: I call upon the Captains of Alola!"
Ilima, Lana, Kiawe, Mallow, Sophocles, Acerola, Tristan. Each Captain stepped forward, each Captain claimed their starting position within the League.
"Those Trainers representing Alola!"
First to step forward was Kahili, this crowd, this intensity, not the first of its kind she had faced. But the power of it, the heartbeat hammering within her chest, it was maybe more than it had ever been before. To battle here at the peak of the Alola she loved...
It was a feeling like no other.
After came Pitaya, Guildmaster of the Alolan Dragon Tamers. Asuka, Principal of the Pokemon Schooling System. Jackson, Captain of the Alolan Pokemon Rangers. Molayne, former Captain of Alola. Mina, even more recently former Captain. Figures known across the region. All proud to be here.
All determined to do Alola proud.
"Those invited Trainers from afar!"
Called to join the announcement of Alola on the world stage. To offer their strength for the best of Alola to prove themselves against. Carrying the determination to battle in a foreign land with everything they had. Ryuki, nominated by the Hoenn League. Sina and Dexio, nominated by the Kalos League. Sabrina, nominated by Professor Samuel Oak of Kanto. Benga, by Professor Juniper of Unova. And Grimsley, former member of the Unova Elite Four and resident of Ula'ula Island, invited by the Alolan Pokemon League organisers themselves.
All Trainers of note called forth. All Trainers that were known.
Trading the box he held, now slightly lighter, for the microphone Alexa carried, Kukui took over the last calls.
"Joining us at the peak, I would like to call forth a set of Trainers nominated by the Kahuna to take part! Each having completed their Island Challenge, each having passed their Final Trials, these Trainers are bright shining stars of Alola, yeah! They gave everything they had to make it this far, and they'll show you the greatest of sights on this stage, the same as the rest of us! Trainers of Alola, please step forward!"
The shouts of the crowd stoked to an even higher pitch as, one by one, those who'd sought and earned invitation stepped forward. Plumeria, known as second-in-command to the former Team Skull, a blue bandanna streaked by vibrant pink flames tied over her head, stepped forward and drew forth her place. Quick to follow behind her, shooting a glare at the three others to make sure none of them tried to go next, Riley rapidly shot her arm into then pulled out one of the remaining numbered balls within the box, just as quickly dashing off to follow Plumeria's footsteps.
Jace, spending a moment still, felt Hau nudge his side, looking over to see the young boy and Moon standing nearby. Hau shifted his head again, a request for Jace to go next. Nodding, the once-more Pokemon Trainer stepped forward and drew his starting place.
Just two left.
Moon and Hau stepped forward equally, stopping for a moment to look at the other, then smile and take another step all the same. As they walked Hau raised a hand, quickly flashing a trio of symbols to answer the request for who would take the next. With confidence Moon answered with hand outstretched, then stepped back so the victorious Hau could take his prize. Honestly. Every time.
Then it was her. The voices of the people surrounded her, but at this volume it was just a roar like the ocean – a sound Moon had grown to find comforting with the time she spent close to it – whether at home or abroad. Reaching her hand forward, slipping into the lottery box Alexa held, Moon ran her touch over the balls remaining. More than just one left. Fingers curling around one, Moon pulled it forth. Blue block, number two. She stepped back.
Kukui, nodding at the array of Trainers gathered before him, turned and reached his own hand into the box Alexa held, taking his position in the League as well. Almost done. Almost all the places set, all the players announced. All that was left was...
"Here in Alola," raising the microphone as he let his hand holding the yellow ball drop, Kukui spoke again, turning as he did so to observe the gathered crowd, "we give tribute to our Island Deities, the Tapu, Land Spirit Pokemon. Guardians of Alola, it was by their permission that we have built this Pokemon League here at the peak of Alola, upon sacred Mount Lanakila. For those Tapu, who each have a true battling heart as well, we will offer the sight of the greatest battles of Alola, and by this offering thank them for their care. And yet," here Kukui held a moment, a current of curiosity and uncertainty carrying through the crowd, before continuing, "for this first Alolan League, sight was not enough to sate them. And so, as the final competitors of the first Alolan Pokemon League, I would like to invite the four Tapu of Alola to take their places on this stage!"
The boom of noise from the crowd, from across all Alola as watchers shot to their feet in shock, was still not enough to overwhelm the four piercing cries of the Tapu, as each of the four Guardian Deities descended from the sky. Combative Tapu Koko, crackling with electricity, Land Spirit of Melemele. Mercurial Tapu Lele, a pink aura distorting its outline, Land Spirit of Akala. Mighty Tapu Bulu, a patch of grass forming beneath it as it stopped its descent just above the ground, Land Spirit of Ula'ula. Judging Tapu Fini, a stream of water loosely hanging around its shell, Land Spirit of Poni. The four deities of Alola, come to join this battle at its peak.
All eyes upon them.
Hala, one of the few not surprised, kept his sigh internal. In the initial talks with the Tapu, the Kahuna aiding Kukui in speaking to them, Kukui had not missed a beat in overselling the concept of a League. Promising again and again that it would provide the sight of battles beyond imagination, things the Tapu had never before seen, he'd really gone and gotten their attention with his boasting. And now here the Tapu were. Honestly.
This was going to be one heck of an opening show.
Taking the lottery box from Alexa once more, returning the microphone to her, Kukui held it up as, one by one, the four Tapu moved forward and took their places as well. Electronic boards, set at either end of the League, flickered on, and the tournament structure appeared. Names listed in pairs, thirty-two in total. Sixteen battles to close the first round. Eight for the second. Then four. Then two.
Then one final battle, here at the peak of Alola, to crown the first champion the region would claim.
Some viewed the board with apprehension. Some joy. Some excitement. Some tension. Some determination. Some distress. But whatever the match-ups, whatever the feelings, one thing all felt without question. What each knew, deep in their heart, was that the moment had finally come.
The first Alolan Pokemon League had finally, and truly, begun.
Tournament Structure (consider reading Eldritch on ArchiveOfOurOwn for visual tournament brackets and fight banners)
Blue Block
Ilima versus Moon
Sabrina versus Tapu Koko
Jackson versus Mina
Lana versus Tristan
Green Block
Sina versus Ryuki
Olivia versus Tapu Lele
Plumeria versus Jace
Mallow versus Tapu Bulu
Red Block
Hala versus Asuka
Pitaya versus Benga
Hapu versus Acerola
Hau versus Riley
Yellow Block
Kukui versus Molayne
Kiawe versus Sophocles
Dexio versus Tapu Fini
Kahili versus Grimsley
