"Ladies and gentleman, I must say that this has been one of the most amazing tournaments that I have ever seen. I can safely say that the action that we saw here over these past few days has kept us all on the edge of our seats. The intense pressures of battle have turned these lumps of coal of battlers into glistening diamonds. The..."
"Does that guy ever shut up?"
"Adults don't become interested in things until they're treated like sports."
"Hey! What does that mean? I happen to like that announcer."
"It means that rambling on about statistics and commenting on things profusely is what it takes to get adults interested. They wouldn't like it if their mind couldn't wander around aimlessly."
"Well that's not always true," said Conrad.
A huge line of trainers were lined up haphazardly in the tunnel of the league's main stadium and were awaiting their entrance to the main stadium. A group of youths were about the business of trying to tirade the stadium announcer when Conrad intervened. The intervention didn't have as much to do with the announcer as it did with his respective age group.
"You, you're the champion, aren't you," put in one.
"Yes."
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Why did you use thunderbolt on tentacruel if you probably knew that he would be packing mirror coat?"
Conrad frowned and replied, "I was concerned about Marlow packing a particular set on his tentacruel. If it was going to be that particular set then I knew that I had to damage it as fast as possible."
"I'm still not convinced."
"I know. I'm not perfect because I won. Battling is alive and spontaneous, it loses its beauty when you sit down and pick it apart. Well, when you pick it apart excessively, anyway."
"What do you think of Marlow's nidoking?"
"That thing is a demon."
Conrad caught the eye of someone that he had seen before. It was Marlow's opponent in the semifinals. She was just about his age. Her eyes were a hazel green and she was a brunette. There was a handle near her pocket that seemed to be that of a knife.
"If you'll excuse me," said Conrad politely as he moved toward her.
"Hello, I don't believe that we've met," Conrad said, addressing her.
"We haven't. You're the one who beat Marlow in the finals. Conrad, right?" she asked.
"Yes. I am. Your name is Megan, right?"
"Yes."
I'd just like to tell you that I really enjoyed watching your battles. You've really got something there. You easily beat Julia for third place, didn't you?"
"A couple of booms and then I trumped her porygon with my own," recalled Megan.
"Splendid. I have to admit that it takes a lot of guts to try something new and different and uncertain. Most people just think about type matching and weakness covering. The people who usually win limit their choice of pokemon and strategies to what is standard and workable. You are unique. Blowing things to bits must also be thrilling. And then you get to exacerbate the tournament proctors by ruining league arenas."
"Thanks, but I've been booming for quite a while. It's nothing new."
"Forgive me for asking, but is that a knife that you have there?"
"I don't mind. It is."
"Judging by the blade, I imagine that you must like to get into close range as stealthily as you can and then take your target out," observed Conrad.
"Yes. That's about what I have t0o do. I can't really do anything fancy and it usually works."
Marlow, seeing Conrad in the crowd, came closer. Upon seeing that he was talking with Megan, started blushing. With the assistance of a deep breath he moved towards them. It was impossible to sneak up on Conrad, for he was caught by Conrad's perpetually scanning peripheral vision before he was even in speaking range.
"Marlow, it's good to see you. Have you met Megan outside of the arena yet?"
"No, I haven't. I'm pleased to make your acquaintance," stammered Marlow.
Marlow shot a death look back at Conrad before turning back to Megan. Conrad only grinned it away. He couldn't help blushing. Hopefully she didn't notice. He had to think of something to say to get out of this.
"I notice that you like porygon a lot."
"Yes. It's my favorite. I was really happy to see so many people packing one. Conrad uses porygon2, but at least it's a porygon," returned Megan.
"Where did you learn your explosive ways?" asked Marlow.
"It's just something that I picked up a while ago, before all of these new pokemon came into play."
"Do you think that you'll change your approach, say, next year, if you do compete next year?" inquired Conrad.
"I don't think so," returned Megan.
"Why not, if you don't mind me asking?" continued Conrad.
"I just don't like those other strategies as much. There are obviously other things to do out there that work, but I stick to this," said Megan.
"You mean to tell me that you won't change your style, even if it means not doing as well and risking defeat?" Marlow asked directly.
"Aye, sir," was Megan's terse reply.
"You're really special," observed Marlow.
"You are a rare find indeed," confirmed Conrad.
"Thanks. You guys aren't too bad yourselves," returned Megan.
"What are your plans for this next coming year of pokemon training?" asked Marlow.
"I don't know for sure. I might head on over to Kanto to see what the other gym leaders have been up to. It will be good to go back over there. I haven't been back since they officially switched the main gyms over to Johto."
"That sounds like it will be interesting for you. You'll keep getting better all the time, I'm sure. I bet if you didn't have to face Marlow's nidoking, your porygon would have easily taken him out," put in Conrad.
"She probably would have," agreed Marlow.
"Maybe."
"Ladies and gentleman, behold this year's league contestants!" boomed a loudspeaker.
Their conversation was immediately cut short as several league officials in black shorts and polo shirts in various colors began herding all of the trainers together and trying to assemble something that remotely resembled a line. By the time the shuffling and scrambling finished Conrad lead the pack outside of the tunnel and onto the field to be greeted with cheers of delight from the crowd.
"They're cheering for us," said Conrad.
"You mean they're cheering for our battling abilities and rankings," returned Marlow.
"It all just meshes together in their minds," returned Conrad.
Marlow didn't know what to feel as they advanced towards the winner's circle. He had to admit to himself that he came to this tournament with very few expectations and he had no idea that what he did was worthy of getting him as far into the tournament as he had gotten. There was surprise, gladness, and embarrassment for knowing that he would be singled out by a massive group of people. The most penetrating feeling that he got was that he really didn't know what to do next. He would go and face the elite four and then lose, but then what? What else did pokemon have to offer? What else did life have to offer?
"What now?" asked Marlow sincerely.
"We get trounced by the elite four," replied Conrad.
"Well, and then?" persisted Marlow.
"You make your own destiny."
Everything seemed to pass by dreamily. The names of the top thirty two trainers were read out loud, but that didn't stop audience members from yelling out the names of the persons that they had come to watch. Names, awards, yelling, certificates, more yelling. It seemed surreal that the ceremony was connected to the tournament. Now it came down to the top four.
The top four trainers were to come up to a raised platform. Plaques, trophies, and certificates were to be presented. The President of the League Tournament Committee was on hand to present the awards and Bruno of the elite four was on hand to congratulate the top four. Both men were dressed up with suits and ties. The Comittee President seemed to be much more comfortable in a suit than Bruno was. The two seemed to almost come from different worlds.
"Julia from Goldenrod City!"
Julia walked up the stairs to a raised platform where she cordially received a handshake from the President of the League Tournament Committee as well as a handshake from Bruno.
"Coming out on top in a tiebreaker for third is Megan whose home town I do not have handy!"
Megan was given a trophy from the President. Bruno said some things to her after shaking her hand that Marlow could not make out. She moved over to another raised stand that had 1, 2, and 3 conveniently labeled along the front end. Now it would be his turn.
"Coming in second place and going on to face the elite four is Marlow from Olivine City!"
Marlow was expecting to trip as he made his way up to receive his piece of metal. It would almost be nice to trip and fall on his face because then he could have distinct and irrefutable proof that what he was experiencing was real. It didn't happen. Marlow got a cordial handshake and something heavy and cumbersome to lug around. And then there was Bruno.
He had a huge muscular build and an intense, but thoughtful look on his face. His hair was more than a bit spiky and it came down to his lower neck. Bruno's face held a deep seriousness and an interest in the people that he talked to. Marlow imagined that he endured the awkwardness of these ceremonies so that he could get a word in with some of the upper tier trainers. Now he spoke.
"Congratulations," he said.
"Thank you. I hope to get the chance to battle you." said Marlow.
"You just might. Listen. You've done a really great job. I can tell that you've improved over the course of this tournament. Keep training to keep that skill that you've picked up. It's not too late to get even better before you face the elite four. Seek for wisdom as you develop your talents."
Marlow was more than a bit surprised. Bruno's comments seemed to be too specific to be canned and general, even if his intellect suggested the contrary. He really felt like he had improved over the course of this tournament. For Bruno to make that observation, he would have had to have observed his own matches with some particular interest. It all seemed to be some direct and true advice, unique to him. Seek for wisdom. Marlow knew what he had to do and who he had to go to for that.
"Also going on to face the elite four, our tournament champion, Conrad from Cherrygrove City!"
Conrad strode forward, exchanged pleasantries with the President and received his golden prize. Marlow pricked his ears and listened in on the conversation that his traveling companion would soon have with Bruno.
"Excellent. This is a great accomplishment," spoke Bruno.
"It is for me. Thank you."
"You're good, and you're also quite sharp. We could use you."
"I would like that opportunity very much," replied Conrad.
"We'll keep in touch."
In no time at all, the three of them, Megan, Marlow, and Conrad were all situated atop a raised stand and were now waiting for some lavish comment from the announcer that would signify that it was time to hold up their trophies.
"So Conrad, I noticed that you've got some interesting connections. Getting surf on raichu is no easy task."
"Ladies and gentleman, may I present to you the top three trainers from this years tournament!"
They held their cups up high. So Bruno was sincere.
"I've been around for a while," Conrad said to Megan.
The stadium erupted in cheers and Megan's reply became incomprehensible.
========================
Will tried to reach Koga's cell phone. There was no answer. It was decently late at night. Bruno would probably be at the league awards ceremony. Pulling him away from the festivities surely wouldn't be a crime. He needed to make sure that the rest of them knew.
"Hello?"
"Hi."
"Oh, hi Will. What can I do for you?"
"Am I distracting you from anything?"
"You know what I'm doing right now, but you obviously need something. How can I help?"
"I just wanted to give you a status report."
"Okay where are you and what have you left?"
"I just got back from Cinnabar. I'm at Pallet Town right now. I'll spend the night here and I'll be arriving tomorrow afternoon. The equipment is in the process of being transported and we think that we may have made some headway at unearthing part of the mansion. If you could pass all of this along to Koga, that I would very much appreciate that," said Will.
"That sounds like good news. I'll definitely pass it a long to him. How are you doing right now?" asked Bruno warmly.
"I'm alright. I need to ask you something."
"Go ahead."
"What measures do we have to address on committee?"
"I don't know where to start. Important things are going to be decided very soon. The two months that are going to be in-between now and when Marlow and Conrad come to face us are probably going to get eaten up by the time we're going to spend making these decisions."
"Marlow and Conrad?"
"They're going to be the two that will be facing us. I guess you didn't catch very much of the tournament. Like I said, you won't have much time to prepare before we'll have to face these guys. Have you been keeping up with your training?"
"I've fallen a bit behind," admitted Will.
"That's fine. Did you get a chance to familiarize yourself with what's going to be on the agenda?"
"No, I didn't."
"I'm sure you'll get more time familiarizing yourself with our agenda than you'll ever want over these coming months. There's definitely a lot going on. It sounds like you've been extremely busy yourself. I'll be sure to pass along that message. If you could get here as quickly as you can, then that would be great. Take care of yourself and I hope to see you soon. Goodbye," said Bruno.
"Goodbye," replied Will.
Somehow, it was a lot easier and pleasant for Will to deal with Bruno than it was for him to deal with Koga.
"Does that guy ever shut up?"
"Adults don't become interested in things until they're treated like sports."
"Hey! What does that mean? I happen to like that announcer."
"It means that rambling on about statistics and commenting on things profusely is what it takes to get adults interested. They wouldn't like it if their mind couldn't wander around aimlessly."
"Well that's not always true," said Conrad.
A huge line of trainers were lined up haphazardly in the tunnel of the league's main stadium and were awaiting their entrance to the main stadium. A group of youths were about the business of trying to tirade the stadium announcer when Conrad intervened. The intervention didn't have as much to do with the announcer as it did with his respective age group.
"You, you're the champion, aren't you," put in one.
"Yes."
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Why did you use thunderbolt on tentacruel if you probably knew that he would be packing mirror coat?"
Conrad frowned and replied, "I was concerned about Marlow packing a particular set on his tentacruel. If it was going to be that particular set then I knew that I had to damage it as fast as possible."
"I'm still not convinced."
"I know. I'm not perfect because I won. Battling is alive and spontaneous, it loses its beauty when you sit down and pick it apart. Well, when you pick it apart excessively, anyway."
"What do you think of Marlow's nidoking?"
"That thing is a demon."
Conrad caught the eye of someone that he had seen before. It was Marlow's opponent in the semifinals. She was just about his age. Her eyes were a hazel green and she was a brunette. There was a handle near her pocket that seemed to be that of a knife.
"If you'll excuse me," said Conrad politely as he moved toward her.
"Hello, I don't believe that we've met," Conrad said, addressing her.
"We haven't. You're the one who beat Marlow in the finals. Conrad, right?" she asked.
"Yes. I am. Your name is Megan, right?"
"Yes."
I'd just like to tell you that I really enjoyed watching your battles. You've really got something there. You easily beat Julia for third place, didn't you?"
"A couple of booms and then I trumped her porygon with my own," recalled Megan.
"Splendid. I have to admit that it takes a lot of guts to try something new and different and uncertain. Most people just think about type matching and weakness covering. The people who usually win limit their choice of pokemon and strategies to what is standard and workable. You are unique. Blowing things to bits must also be thrilling. And then you get to exacerbate the tournament proctors by ruining league arenas."
"Thanks, but I've been booming for quite a while. It's nothing new."
"Forgive me for asking, but is that a knife that you have there?"
"I don't mind. It is."
"Judging by the blade, I imagine that you must like to get into close range as stealthily as you can and then take your target out," observed Conrad.
"Yes. That's about what I have t0o do. I can't really do anything fancy and it usually works."
Marlow, seeing Conrad in the crowd, came closer. Upon seeing that he was talking with Megan, started blushing. With the assistance of a deep breath he moved towards them. It was impossible to sneak up on Conrad, for he was caught by Conrad's perpetually scanning peripheral vision before he was even in speaking range.
"Marlow, it's good to see you. Have you met Megan outside of the arena yet?"
"No, I haven't. I'm pleased to make your acquaintance," stammered Marlow.
Marlow shot a death look back at Conrad before turning back to Megan. Conrad only grinned it away. He couldn't help blushing. Hopefully she didn't notice. He had to think of something to say to get out of this.
"I notice that you like porygon a lot."
"Yes. It's my favorite. I was really happy to see so many people packing one. Conrad uses porygon2, but at least it's a porygon," returned Megan.
"Where did you learn your explosive ways?" asked Marlow.
"It's just something that I picked up a while ago, before all of these new pokemon came into play."
"Do you think that you'll change your approach, say, next year, if you do compete next year?" inquired Conrad.
"I don't think so," returned Megan.
"Why not, if you don't mind me asking?" continued Conrad.
"I just don't like those other strategies as much. There are obviously other things to do out there that work, but I stick to this," said Megan.
"You mean to tell me that you won't change your style, even if it means not doing as well and risking defeat?" Marlow asked directly.
"Aye, sir," was Megan's terse reply.
"You're really special," observed Marlow.
"You are a rare find indeed," confirmed Conrad.
"Thanks. You guys aren't too bad yourselves," returned Megan.
"What are your plans for this next coming year of pokemon training?" asked Marlow.
"I don't know for sure. I might head on over to Kanto to see what the other gym leaders have been up to. It will be good to go back over there. I haven't been back since they officially switched the main gyms over to Johto."
"That sounds like it will be interesting for you. You'll keep getting better all the time, I'm sure. I bet if you didn't have to face Marlow's nidoking, your porygon would have easily taken him out," put in Conrad.
"She probably would have," agreed Marlow.
"Maybe."
"Ladies and gentleman, behold this year's league contestants!" boomed a loudspeaker.
Their conversation was immediately cut short as several league officials in black shorts and polo shirts in various colors began herding all of the trainers together and trying to assemble something that remotely resembled a line. By the time the shuffling and scrambling finished Conrad lead the pack outside of the tunnel and onto the field to be greeted with cheers of delight from the crowd.
"They're cheering for us," said Conrad.
"You mean they're cheering for our battling abilities and rankings," returned Marlow.
"It all just meshes together in their minds," returned Conrad.
Marlow didn't know what to feel as they advanced towards the winner's circle. He had to admit to himself that he came to this tournament with very few expectations and he had no idea that what he did was worthy of getting him as far into the tournament as he had gotten. There was surprise, gladness, and embarrassment for knowing that he would be singled out by a massive group of people. The most penetrating feeling that he got was that he really didn't know what to do next. He would go and face the elite four and then lose, but then what? What else did pokemon have to offer? What else did life have to offer?
"What now?" asked Marlow sincerely.
"We get trounced by the elite four," replied Conrad.
"Well, and then?" persisted Marlow.
"You make your own destiny."
Everything seemed to pass by dreamily. The names of the top thirty two trainers were read out loud, but that didn't stop audience members from yelling out the names of the persons that they had come to watch. Names, awards, yelling, certificates, more yelling. It seemed surreal that the ceremony was connected to the tournament. Now it came down to the top four.
The top four trainers were to come up to a raised platform. Plaques, trophies, and certificates were to be presented. The President of the League Tournament Committee was on hand to present the awards and Bruno of the elite four was on hand to congratulate the top four. Both men were dressed up with suits and ties. The Comittee President seemed to be much more comfortable in a suit than Bruno was. The two seemed to almost come from different worlds.
"Julia from Goldenrod City!"
Julia walked up the stairs to a raised platform where she cordially received a handshake from the President of the League Tournament Committee as well as a handshake from Bruno.
"Coming out on top in a tiebreaker for third is Megan whose home town I do not have handy!"
Megan was given a trophy from the President. Bruno said some things to her after shaking her hand that Marlow could not make out. She moved over to another raised stand that had 1, 2, and 3 conveniently labeled along the front end. Now it would be his turn.
"Coming in second place and going on to face the elite four is Marlow from Olivine City!"
Marlow was expecting to trip as he made his way up to receive his piece of metal. It would almost be nice to trip and fall on his face because then he could have distinct and irrefutable proof that what he was experiencing was real. It didn't happen. Marlow got a cordial handshake and something heavy and cumbersome to lug around. And then there was Bruno.
He had a huge muscular build and an intense, but thoughtful look on his face. His hair was more than a bit spiky and it came down to his lower neck. Bruno's face held a deep seriousness and an interest in the people that he talked to. Marlow imagined that he endured the awkwardness of these ceremonies so that he could get a word in with some of the upper tier trainers. Now he spoke.
"Congratulations," he said.
"Thank you. I hope to get the chance to battle you." said Marlow.
"You just might. Listen. You've done a really great job. I can tell that you've improved over the course of this tournament. Keep training to keep that skill that you've picked up. It's not too late to get even better before you face the elite four. Seek for wisdom as you develop your talents."
Marlow was more than a bit surprised. Bruno's comments seemed to be too specific to be canned and general, even if his intellect suggested the contrary. He really felt like he had improved over the course of this tournament. For Bruno to make that observation, he would have had to have observed his own matches with some particular interest. It all seemed to be some direct and true advice, unique to him. Seek for wisdom. Marlow knew what he had to do and who he had to go to for that.
"Also going on to face the elite four, our tournament champion, Conrad from Cherrygrove City!"
Conrad strode forward, exchanged pleasantries with the President and received his golden prize. Marlow pricked his ears and listened in on the conversation that his traveling companion would soon have with Bruno.
"Excellent. This is a great accomplishment," spoke Bruno.
"It is for me. Thank you."
"You're good, and you're also quite sharp. We could use you."
"I would like that opportunity very much," replied Conrad.
"We'll keep in touch."
In no time at all, the three of them, Megan, Marlow, and Conrad were all situated atop a raised stand and were now waiting for some lavish comment from the announcer that would signify that it was time to hold up their trophies.
"So Conrad, I noticed that you've got some interesting connections. Getting surf on raichu is no easy task."
"Ladies and gentleman, may I present to you the top three trainers from this years tournament!"
They held their cups up high. So Bruno was sincere.
"I've been around for a while," Conrad said to Megan.
The stadium erupted in cheers and Megan's reply became incomprehensible.
========================
Will tried to reach Koga's cell phone. There was no answer. It was decently late at night. Bruno would probably be at the league awards ceremony. Pulling him away from the festivities surely wouldn't be a crime. He needed to make sure that the rest of them knew.
"Hello?"
"Hi."
"Oh, hi Will. What can I do for you?"
"Am I distracting you from anything?"
"You know what I'm doing right now, but you obviously need something. How can I help?"
"I just wanted to give you a status report."
"Okay where are you and what have you left?"
"I just got back from Cinnabar. I'm at Pallet Town right now. I'll spend the night here and I'll be arriving tomorrow afternoon. The equipment is in the process of being transported and we think that we may have made some headway at unearthing part of the mansion. If you could pass all of this along to Koga, that I would very much appreciate that," said Will.
"That sounds like good news. I'll definitely pass it a long to him. How are you doing right now?" asked Bruno warmly.
"I'm alright. I need to ask you something."
"Go ahead."
"What measures do we have to address on committee?"
"I don't know where to start. Important things are going to be decided very soon. The two months that are going to be in-between now and when Marlow and Conrad come to face us are probably going to get eaten up by the time we're going to spend making these decisions."
"Marlow and Conrad?"
"They're going to be the two that will be facing us. I guess you didn't catch very much of the tournament. Like I said, you won't have much time to prepare before we'll have to face these guys. Have you been keeping up with your training?"
"I've fallen a bit behind," admitted Will.
"That's fine. Did you get a chance to familiarize yourself with what's going to be on the agenda?"
"No, I didn't."
"I'm sure you'll get more time familiarizing yourself with our agenda than you'll ever want over these coming months. There's definitely a lot going on. It sounds like you've been extremely busy yourself. I'll be sure to pass along that message. If you could get here as quickly as you can, then that would be great. Take care of yourself and I hope to see you soon. Goodbye," said Bruno.
"Goodbye," replied Will.
Somehow, it was a lot easier and pleasant for Will to deal with Bruno than it was for him to deal with Koga.