In the morning, I woke up early and went downstairs to get breakfast. I spent some time reading a news article online. It was related to the previous week's events.
The gym leader seemed to win the regional championship. I guess I can't say that I was surprised considering the way he handled his Pokémon.
The article also mentioned the fact that he has been invited to compete in the Sinnoh League. Deciding I had already heard enough, I got up from the table and headed upstairs. I needed to finish my homework before heading out to work.
While going through my books, I realized an incoming message was waiting for me. I opened it up and clicked accept.
"Special offer!" I was about to tell myself to ignore it when I saw the next part of the message: "Now 50% off for the interregional tournament!"
I paused and stared at the message. Was it really possible that they were offering me a discount?
Maybe my luck was changing! I quickly read the rest of the message and found out that the price tag of the entry fee had dropped significantly.
I couldn't pass up such an opportunity!
I typed in my email address and accepted the offer.
For some reason, I was filled with excitement.
I wondered why I felt so satisfied. Maybe I hadn't lost hope yet. Things could change for the better. My life could get better.
Maybe I should try to focus on the positive side of things instead of dwelling on the negative. If I did that, then I might be able to put my problems behind me.
I smiled happily and sent the information back to the website.
I didn't know what to expect at the interregional tournament, but I knew I wouldn't be disappointed. I was hoping to see other contestants besides the gym leader.
I was also interested in seeing what kind of person he was. Perhaps he was a nice guy who simply wanted to compete. Or perhaps he was a jerk who only cared about winning. Either way, I wanted to see how he acted in a higher level contest.
Since the day I accepted the offer, I had been dreading the idea of meeting him during the week of the interregional tournament. It would sure be a blast!
I also would have a chance to speak to people who were interested in these topics. Maybe I could also meet some Pokémon directly! It seemed like it might be a good way to improve my self-esteem.
Either way, I had nothing to lose. If I met someone nice, then I'd be content with that.
I searched online about the event and confirmed it was just two weeks ahead! I just had to keep working hard until then.
I decided to put my plans aside for the time being and set my mind to studying for my exams.
I studied hard for the remainder of the day until I finished studying at midnight. I tried to sleep, but I was too excited. I couldn't stop thinking about the interregional tournament.
I couldn't wait to attend. Was it a signal? Would it be my first real step to get back on track? For me, It was time to dream again!
—
Two weeks later, the day arrived.
I dressed in my favorite clothes, which consisted of a black long-sleeved shirt, a pair of black pants, and black shoes. I always wore black outfits. It was a color that matches my personality.
I couldn't wait to leave home and head to the interregional tournament. I was anxious to see what would happen next.
I put on my backpack and took it with me. Along with my book bag, I carried my wallet, phone, keys, and water bottle.
I stopped by the fridge and grabbed a drink before leaving. But as I was about to leave, I remembered I forgot something. I went back inside and retrieved my power bank.
Finally, I left my house and took a bus to the place where the tournament took place. When I arrived, I stepped out and looked around.
This was the first time I was attending such an event, so, I was very interested in what I was going to find.
I glanced around and noticed the massive crowd. There were people everywhere. Each of them seemed to be having a great time.
I thought to myself that I must be the only person here who was nervous and worried. I laughed to myself, realizing how silly I was being. Truth was I was actually extremely excited to attend.
I walked further into the stadium and saw a sign pointing to the entrance's desk. I followed the arrows and entered through one of the doors.
Once inside, I found myself surrounded by different booths. They were all selling different things: food, beverages, toys, clothing, etc.
I wandered around looking at everything. I ended up buying a few items from each booth.
I picked up a soda, a candy bar, and a piece of fruit. I gave the clerk my money and received my items.
I continued to wander around. I then spotted a big screen showing matches between trainers. I started to walk over towards it. As I got closer, I realized that the screens were showing the games plaid by the trainers competing in the tournament.
I immediately began to watch the alignations of the trainers' Pokémon. I couldn't believe the number of strong trainers there were. They were definitely much stronger compared to the ones I usually saw each Saturday.
Just as I was about to glance away, I caught sight of the gym leader from my town! He was facing off against a trainer who was wearing a mask. Interesting.
But then, I noticed the alarm set on my clock. The event was about to start! So, without further ado, I quickly took a seat near the front and waited for the event to begin. Then…
"Hi!" I turned around trying to find the voice that called out to me. "Hey." I turned around to the seat near me and found a Typhlosion looking at me!
"Um... Hi?" I replied.
"What's your name?" The Typhlosion asked me.
"My name is Oliver," I said.
"Oh, cool!" The Pokémon said happily. "Do you mind if I sit here?" It asked, motioning to the seat beside me.
"Sure," I said as I pointed to the empty spot.
"Thanks!" The Typhlosion said as it sat down.
I stood still processing what just happened. Why would this Pokémon sit next to me? I looked at it and it looked at me.
"So, who do you think is going to win today?" The Pokémon asked.
"I don't know," I said nervously.
"Hmm..." The Typhlosion pondered. "You're not the only one who is wondering about it. It's hard to make a guess."
"Yeah..." I said awkwardly.
"Well, let's just see what happens." The Typhlosion said cheerfully.
We both sat quietly staring at the screen for a while.
Then, the announcer came on and welcomed everyone to the tournament.
"Greetings, friends, we have gathered together today to celebrate the beginning of the interregional championship. We will be hosting three rounds of competition, and the final round will be broadcasted live on our internet station as well. Now, please welcome the first match!"
The announcer brought us all attention to the screen.
The trainer on stage was wearing a helmet with a large red cross on it. His face was covered
in a black cloth.
"And his opponent is... Mr. Smith!"
The announcer announced the names of the contender, and the screen flashed red with the words FIGHTING! written underneath.
I watched as the trainer raised his arm up with his fist clenched tightly. The trainer's Pokémon was standing behind him.
"Okay, go!" The mysterious masked trainer yelled as Mr. Smith also commanded his Pokémon.
"Wow! How powerful!" I muttered under my breath.
"Are you impressed?" The Typhlosion asked me.
"Yeah," I told it.
"That's amazing!" It said, "Now, let's watch this fight!"
We both watched the match unfold. It was pretty intense.
Both team members' Pokémon were fighting fiercely. Their movements were fast, and they fought straight forward. In the end, Mr. Smith's Pokémon came out victorious. After the match, the announcer started to call the next two contestants.
"They're getting really good," The Typhlosion said.
"Yeah..." I agreed.
"I wonder who's going to win next?" The Typhlosion asked.
"Probably the trainer who has the most powerful Pokémon. If someone has better Pokémon, they always win." I said a bit infuriated as I started to think about my life again.
"You think so?" The Pokémon asked.
"I'm sorry but it's the truth!" I told Typhlosion.
"I don't think so. I bet I could beat some of those guys easily!" The Pokémon said smiling.
"Really? That'd be awesome!" I said in a sarcastic tone, as if telling it was a good joke.
"Let's make a bet!" The Typhlosion suggested.
"Huh?" I asked. Did I hear that right?
"Do you want to bet that I can defeat all of your Pokémon myself?" The Typhlosion asked.
"Why would I do that?!" I asked.
"To prove you are wrong. Even though I am a regular Pokémon in terms of power, I'm confident enough to say I can beat all your Pokémon, even though their combined power is sure to be greater than mine. And by defeating them, I'll prove to you that you should never underestimate any Pokémon, no matter how weak they may seem."
No, no, no. There was no way I could let this happen.
I wasn't certain if it was bluffing, or if it wanted to risk itself, but it's not like I don't want to take its offer. I CAN'T take it.
In fact, I had to do something to stop it. After thinking for some seconds, I decided to use reverse psychology. Maybe if I sounded secure about myself, Typhlosion would back off.
"Alright, if you want to try, let's do it!" I said confidently.
"Great! Let's do it!" The Typhlosion said happily.
Well… I think I need to raise the stakes if I want him to back off. "Wait... How much do you want to bet? I'm pretty sure five grand for each Pokémon fits your bank account." I said in a stern tone.
"Five grand?!" The Pokémon asked in disbelief.
"Um, yeah, I'm pretty sure you don't stand a chance against Firenado! I warn you, he's my best Pokémon, and hasn't lost a battle in his life!" I told Typhlosion, trying to sound more confident.
What a silly idea to invent such a silly nickname! And a fire type one! I'm the worst improviser in the world!
"Five thousand poke?! You mean it?" The Pokémon asked.
"Yep." I answered.
"I accept!" The Typhlosion shouted.
WHAT THE FUCK! It's crazy! It's completely insane! Now, what do I do to get out of this? I don't even have a Pokémon! But I didn't want to tell him that.
"Okay, good luck!" I said as the announcer called the third match. Maybe the bet proposal was forgotten by the time the battle ended.
The announcer had already called the next contestants. I only got to hear the end of the presentation.
"And his opponent is Mr. Brown!"
"What?!" I yelled. "It's the trainer from my city!"
"What?!" The Typhlosion asked as well. "We live in the same city! What a coincidence!"
"HUH?!" I thought as my eyes widened. It lived in the same city as me? Great. Now I just hadn't lied to a maybe very powerful Pokémon, but I would also have to check I didn't cross paths with Typhlosion from now on.
"That's great!" The Typhlosion exclaimed.
"Heh, yeah..." I sighed. "Looks like I'm gonna have to watch my back from now on."
"Hmm?" The Typhlosion asked, confused.
"Uh, nothing," I said quickly. I was fucking it up more and more each second.
"Oh okay," the Typhlosion said disappointedly.
The tournament continued for another three long hours, but I barely paid attention to the matches. I couldn't focus on them anymore.
I spent the time thinking about how to avoid meeting with Typhlosion ever again, and what to say to him when we did meet. I felt like an idiot, but I couldn't help it. I was scared.
By the end of the tournament, I was exhausted, but I still had to watch the last match.
"And his opponent is Mr. Max White!"
"WHAT!?" The Typhlosion yelled.
"Aaahhh!" I yelled as well ,fearing the sudden reaction of the Pokémon.
"Did he actually come here?!" The Typhlosion asked.
"Who is Mr. White?" I asked, trying to keep my voice calm.
"How the hell did he get here?" The Typhlosion asked, enraged. "He's a real jerk!"
"What?!" I asked, surprised.
"He tried to attack my family! He wants to kill innocent Pokémon!" The Typhlosion explained, as he looked like he was ready to explode.
"What!? Okay, calm down!" I told him. "Calm down! Calm down!"
"Calm down?!" The Pokémon exclaimed, as he seemed close to losing his mind.
"Yes, calm down! You can talk about that later!" I told him.
"I won't calm down!" The Typhlosion shouted.
"Okay, fine, calm down!" I said, exasperated. "Just calm down!"
"Fine, alright!" The Pokémon finally calmed down.
"So, why do you guys hate each other so much?" I asked, curious.
"Ugh! I can't stand talking about him! The Pokémon explained angrily. As I was fearing Typhlosion more and more, I only wanted to leave.
"Well, I gotta go!" I said hastily, rushing to leave the stadium.
"Are you leaving?" The Typhlosion asked.
"Yeah, I don't feel well!" I told him.
"Okay, bye!" The Typhlosion said, waving goodbye.
As soon as I left the arena, I took a last quick look at everyone. Everyone was watching the last match. So, I went towards the exit. Once outside, I stopped and stared into space, shaking my head as I tried to figure out what happened.