Chapter 83: Let the Games Begin!
Fireworks exploded overhead as crowds made their way towards the newly built stadium. After 3 months of waiting, the Alola League was about to begin! Ash could barely contain his excitement as he and his friends made their way towards the building.
"Oh yeah, I've got this! This time, we're gonna take home the win, right Pikachu?"
"Pika Pikachu!"
His friends chuckled, used to his eagerness.
"Just remember Ash, pride always comes before a fall."
"She's right, you know. Remember Kanto?"
"Or Johto?"
"Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos..."
"Alright, I get it! But don't worry, my Pokemon and I have been training really hard for this. This one is ours, I can feel it!"
Max smirked mischievously.
"Well just remember, I'm competing too. Looks like we may get our match after all."
"Oh, it is on!"
Everyone had a good laugh as they approached the check in table.
"Names?"
"Ash Ketchum."
"Max Maple."
"Alright, Z-Rings please? Thank you, take this and make your way to the waiting area, please."
Ash turned the trinket over in his hand several times. It was in the shape of a Yellow Hibiscus Flower. A small metal petal was slotted in, with room for six more.
"Huh? What's with the-"
"Please sir, I have a lot more people to check in. All will be explained at the opening ceremony."
Realizing they wasn't going to get much more information, Ash and Co. made their way through. They found the waiting room packed with eager competitors, chatting or trading amongst each other. They soon found 2 familiar faces among the sea of strangers.
"Sun, Hau! Long time, no see!"
"Oh, hey Ash! You competing, too?"
"Sure am! So you might as well go home now."
"Hey don't count us out yet! Decidueye and I are gonna win for sure."
"Not if Primarina and I have anything to say about it."
"Well, well, well. Looks like mommy let the kiddies out to play. Too bad I have to beat you down."
Everyone turned to see Guzma stalking towards them, cracking his knuckles. Plumeria and several grunts flanked him.
"Guzma. Long time, no see."
"Not long enough, kid. All of you may as well just go home now, because ya boy Guzma's gonna beat you down hard!"
Everyone just rolled their eyes as the Team Skull crew departed, Tupp shooting the "I'm watching you" gesture towards Illima, much to the latter's confusion.
"What does he have against you, anyway?"
"I...have no idea."
"Attention, all competitors. Please make your way to the arena. All Competitors, please make your way to the arena."
Ash and Max turned to their friends.
"Well, guess this is it."
"Wish us luck."
Lillie stepped forward, giving Ash a quick kiss.
"Good luck, Ash. I know you can do this."
"Thanks, Lillie."
A few minutes later, all of the competitors were crammed into the stadium. While they waited for the ceremonies to start, Ash glanced around. The first thing he noticed was how small the stadium felt. Not just because of how little space he had, but the whole stadium felt cramped. With the other leagues he attended, there were multiple stadiums to house all the events and matches, but here there was only one and it was barely large enough to fit them all. He wondered how the organizers would manage to handle all of it.
His answers were soon answered as Charles Gooshow stepped forward, gaining everyone's attention.
"Welcome everyone to the first annual Alola League! May we have many more in the years to come."
Everyone clapped and cheered so loud that Hala couldn't even hear himself think.
"Now, on to the preliminary rounds, which will be held: out there!"
Almost as if on cue, the large doors swung open, revealing the vast Poni Wilds just outside. Everyone murmured in confusion.
"Here are the rules: at registration, each competitor was handed a metal bracelet containing a flower petal. Each piece represents our national flower, the Yellow Hibiscus. In Alola: It represents life, and the changing of time. But in this competition, it represents the battling spirit, and our will to continue forward despite obstacles. In order to compete in this stadium, all hopefuls must find 6 more petals to fill their bracelet. In order to do so, they must battle their fellow trainers in one-on-one battles, wagering as many pieces as they desire. Once they lose all of them, they are out of the competition. And you must find them fast, for only the first 16 to collect the seven necessary can enter the finals. Good luck, and may you all prosper. Now, without further ado..."
In jogged the torch runner, holding the flame of Solgaleo to the altar. Everyone watched with baited breath as he climbed the steps, reaching the top with eager anticipation. Before all the gathered contestants and spectators, he lit the altar, starting a tradition for years to come.
"May the Game's begin!"
As the crowd cheered, the contestants rushed for the gates, nearly trampling each other in the rush to be the first one out. The game was on, and it would be a cutthroat battle for the finish.
A/N: And with that, the Alola League officially kicks off! Don't worry, this story isn't over yet. There's still plenty of action coming. As for the whole Duelist Kingdom-esque setup for the preliminaries, I decided to do something different in order to better set up battles without the confines of a single stadium. Anyway, I'll see you next time!