Ch.3: The Tournament Begins

2 weeks later, Mount Lanakila was full of energy. Hundreds of trainers had been invited to participate in the Champions' Tournament. Some of those trainers were Ash's ex–friends, accompanied by Delia. They were now entering the huge arena for the opening ceremony.

"I can't wait for the battles to start. I'm gonna win this thing without a problem," said Max arrogantly.

"Don't get your hopes too high. Don't forget that you might battle one of us," said May and the others nodded as they entered the arena through one of the entrances.

At another entrance, Professor Kukui and Samson Oak also entered the arena with their guests, who were none other than Professor Oak and Serena.(1)

When they took their seats, with Kukui, Serena, and the two cousins in the V.I.P section, they saw that there were one small and five big platforms on the battlefield.

After a minute, Charles Goodshow made his way to the small platfor ad started speaking.

"Welcome everyone to the Champions' Tournament. For those, who don't know me, I'm Charles Goodshow and I'll be your commentator. Usually, I'm the one who announces the battle formats, but this time it'll be the first ever Alola Region Champion who'll announce them. Now, without further ado, let me introduce to you to the Alola Elite Four," said Goodshow. "First, from the Unova Region, Trip and his Pokémon, Serperior, Chandelure, Jellicent, Unfezant, Vanilluxe and Conkeldurr."

No one was more surprised than Cilan and Iris as a 20–year–old Trip, who was wearing his dark purple shirt, orange jacket and gray pants, walked to one of the platforms, followed by his six Pokémon.

"Next, from the Sinnoh Region, Paul and his Pokémon, Electivire, Magmortar, Gliscor, Drapion, Torterra and Aggron," said Goodshow.

This time it were Brock, Dawn and Barry who were surprised to see a 21–year–old Paul, who was wearing his dark blue jacket and dark grey pants, walk to another platform, followed by his own six Pokémon.

"Next, from the Kalos Region, is a Mega–Evolution expert. Please welcome Alain and his Pokémon, Charizard, Metagross, Tyranitar, Weavile, Unfezant and Bisharp," said Goodshow.

Serena, Clemont, Sawyer and Diantha were the ones, who were at least expecting that. A winner at the Kalos League to be a current Elite Four member. The 22–year–old Alain, who was wearing his black jacket, black pants and blue scarf walked to one of the platforms that was closer to the middle one, followed by his Pokémon.

"And now, from the Kalos Region. She's not only the strongest, but also the youngest Elite Four member ever! Please welcome Bonnie and her Pokémon, Dedenne, Chesnaught, Volcarona, Tyrantrum, Altaria and Squishy, also known as Zygarde," said Goodshow and everyone cheered loudly.

Serena, Sawyer and Diantha were surprised, but this time Clemont's jaw literally hit the ground. His little sister was the strongest Elite Four member!? He could only watch as his 13–year–old sister walked to the other platform that was closer to the middle one, followed by her Pokémon, with Squishy being in his 50% form. He was also surprised that Chespin has evolved into a Chesnaught.

"And now, the moment you've been waiting for. The first and current Alola Region Champion, accompanied by his sister, Lyla and his girlfriend, Lillie, please welcome Ash from Pallet Town in Kanto and his most powerful Pokémon, Pikachu, Greninja, Charizard, Sceptile, Krookodile and Lycanroc," said Goodshow and the crowd erupted in cheers while the traitors', along with Serena's, Professor Oak's jaws hit the ground. But they weren't the only ones shocked. The Gym Leaders, Elite Four members and Champions from Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova and Kalos were also surprised to learn that Ash is the Champion of the Alola Region. But no one was more shocked than Delia, Ash's and Lyla's mother. She could hardly believe that her son is a Champion.

There was one person that was both shocked and heartbroken. That was none other than Serena. Tears have started forming in her eyes as she watched the 20–year–old Ash, with his sister and his girlfriend made his way to the middle platform, followed by his strongest Pokémon, with a white Ninetales walking next to Lillie.

"Well, what do you think," Samson Oak asked.

"I can't believe it," muttered Professor Oak and turned to his cousin. "So this is the surprise you told me about!"

"Yup," nodded Samson Oak. "Ash has been the Champion for the past three years when the first Alola League was held. He has hardly battled anyone, since the winners of the last two leagues didn't manage to get past Bonnie."

"Now, before I give the word to the Champion, I'd like to say that there will be an exhibition match between Ash and one member of the Elite Four going up against a Champion and their chosen Elite Four member from one of the other regions," announced Goodshow and the crowd started clapping. "And now, a few words from the Champion."

Goodshow handed Ash the microphone and the crowd cheered loudly.

"Welcome, everybody, to the Champions' Tournament! As Mr. Goodshow said earlier, I'll be the one who'll announce the battle formats. Now, only the first round battles will be 3–on–3 while all others will be full 6–on–6 battles," informed Ash. "The First Round battles will start tomorrow at 11am. Now, before the exhibition battle starts I'd like to say that it's my honor to see so many trainers and I can't wait to see some amazing battles throughout the tournament, but let's not forget that Trip, Paul, Alain, Bonnie and I will also participate, so good luck to everyone!"

"You heard him right, folks," said Goodshow as he was given the microphone back. "Ash and his Elite Four will also participate, so watch out, everybody. They're pretty hard to beat."

To be continued…

Hi, everybody. Sorry if I made you wait longer than expected. This'll be one of the shortest chapters of the story. I'll try to post the next chapter before 2019. I'll see you all next time. Until then, have a nice day.

R&R