Chapter 7: The World went Wild.
A group of people was traveling down the road toward Indigo Plateau. Paul, Misty, Iris, Trip, Dawn, Tracey, and last of all, Max, were heading toward the stadium and Pokémon League Village, en route to the annual Indigo Conference and Grand Festival that were being held. This year was notable in that, while they both coincided, it was the first of the yearly Indigo Conference held under a new Elite Four, and their mysterious Champion, known only as Phoenix Guardna.
Indeed Max, Trip, and Iris had each earned 8 Kanto Badges to compete in the Indigo League, along with the absent Barry and Georgia. In addition Both Dawn and Zoey had earned 5 Kanto Ribbons each as well, and were traveling to participate in the Grand Festival, promising to meet up at Indigo Plateau. Misty and Tracey were tagging along to cheer for the others. CIlan could not make it, but he and his brothers promised to watch the conference from the television.
Then there was Paul. Paul had been planning to go to Hoenn to try the Hoenn League again, and was taking some time off to prepare. While he was preparing back home in Veilstone City, however, he received an invitation from the Pokémon League, inviting him to participate in an exhibition match to open the Indigo League Conference. If he won, he would be granted an automatic spot in the Conference, without the need for the 8 Badges.
Paul had accepted the offer. Who wouldn't want this free pass into a revitalized League Conference? Of course, he would have to defeat the Trainer selected for this exhibition match. Paul, however, in his arrogance, felt he would be able to defeat this trainer with ease. Kanto's revitalization would no doubt attract a lot of less-powerful Trainers who were eager to have a chance at the Indigo League. Besides, according to Paul, Kanto was home of many trainers who were just big pushovers who only talked big, like Gary Oak and Ash Ketchum.
At last, Indigo Plateau came into view.
"There it is!" spoke up Misty, "Indigo Plateau!"
"And the Village!" Max added, "It's so busy!"
Indeed, the Pokémon League Village was full of Trainers bustling to and fro. Some were training, some were relaxing, and some were taking some time to visit the shops and restaurants. Few people, however, noticed that there were fewer shops than previous years.
"Huh, snorted Trip, "Vertress is WAY better."
"What was that?" growled Misty menacingly.
"Guys, don't fight," Tracey cut in, "We're almost there. It has been a long trip, I know, so let's get there and kick back a bit."
"You're right," answered Misty, after a moment, "Let's get there and check in. I'm soooo looking forward to soaking in a hot tub…"
"I'm looking forward to seeing what the other Trainers competing are like," Max put in.
"I'm sure looking forward to earning my spot in the Indigo League," Paul smirked. Suddenly, Iris shouted "Race y'all!" and run past, with Dawn in hot pursuit shouting "Oh no you won't!" swinging a rapidly dizzying Piplup along. Tracey sighed as Misty and Max followed suit, leaving Paul, Trip and Tracey behind to follow at a walking pace.
People were bustling to and fro around Indigo as the group arrived at the entrance to the Village. It was bustling and busy, albeit strangely tuned down. But Trainers were still heading to the Pokémon center to register for the competitions. Everyone in the Village was excited indeed.
"Hm," smirked Paul, as the group was looking around, "Not much in terms of Trainers."
"You sure?" asked Max, as he looked around, "There ARE many Trainers here. We could be surprised."
"I doubt it," smirked Paul, "Kanto has no surprises Never had, and never will."
"You don't know."
Most of the group jumped at this mysterious new voice from behind them, turning to see who it was. Behind him stood a tall, tan-skinned young man with short hair and glasses. He was wearing a tight-fitting blue shirt with long sleeves, which was under a white jacket with red sleeves. His pants were a light shade of blue, and had a pair of sun shades perched on his forehead.
"Who're you?" asked Trip with a raised eyebrow.
The young man didn't address Trip right away. "Never say never. You could be blown away in a second."
Trip growled, but Tracey put a hand on his shoulder to convince him not to do anything rash.
Paul, essentially the only one who hadn't jumped at this guy's voice, stared for a minute, then he smirked.
"I've been through this League years ago. It was my first League attempt. I may have lost in the Indigo Conference, but I saw enough. This is pretty much a surefire way to the Champions League now."
"Yeah! Isn't it rude, by the way, to not introduce yourself?" Misty cut in.
The man hesitated, and seemed to analyze Misty for a moment, before he responded.
"I'm terribly sorry. Ron Anderson," he stated, "and you, I believe, are Misty Williams?"
"How did you know?" Misty asked, a little taken aback.
"I've been following some information regarding your Gym. Cerulean, yes?"
"OH!," gushed Misty, "You've been following MY Gym? Oh, it's always great to meet a fan!" Misty Proceeded to begin almost fangirl-like gushing over this mysterious Ron: he was very hot, after all.
Ron seemed unfazed. "And the rest of you?"
"Oh. Dawn Berlitz!"
"Iris Dray."
"Tracey Sketchit."
"Trip Shooti."
"Max Maple."
"Paul Jiinju," Paul introduced himself last, "The next Kanto Champion."
Ron stared with an unreadable expression for a moment, before he smiled and responded.
"Well, great to meet you all. I guess I'll see you all in the tournament."
"Pray you don't face me," Trip taunted as the group turned and headed toward the Pokémon Center. Ron watched them as they walked inside.
'It's only a matter of time.' he thought to himself with a slight smile.
The Inside of the Pokémon Center was even busier than outside in the Pokémon League Village. Trainers were bustling to and fro, having their Pokémon reserves transferred, checking the condition of their Pokémon, and lining up to register for the Indigo League Conference with their 8 Kanto Badges.
"AWRIGHT!" exclaimed Iris, as the group entered through the sliding glass doors, "Time to register and check out the competition!"
"They don't look that tough," remarked Trip arrogantly as he looked around at the Trainers bustling to and fro.
"Wait," Misty realized, "where's Tracey?"
"Wasn't he with you?" Dawn asked Max, who responded with a shrug.
They proceeded to exit the building, and begin a search for Tracey. Luckily, he was not that far away, only at one of the battlefields right outside the Pokémon Center. He was observing a Nidoqueen, who looked to belong to an auburn haired girl who looked to be in her late-teens. She was wearing a deep-red sleeveless sweater over a dark blue long-sleeved shirt, a light blue skirt over a pair of beige pants, and white-and-black sneakers.
"You're Nidoqueen!" Tracey gushed, switching to fawning over the Nidoqueen, "it looks super strong! Maybe stronger than most other Nidoqueen I've seen!"
"Thanks!" replied the girl, "I really train all my Pokémon very tough. Try to keep 'em fighting fit. I'm Polly, Polly Todhunter.
"I'm Tracey Sketchit," responded Tracey, "Something seems very…unique about this particular Nidoqueen though."
A pause; "Yeah, my Nidoqueen has a Hidden Ability."
"OH!" exclaimed Tracey, "I've heard of those. They say that some Pokémon have an additional potential Ability called a Hidden Ability. Those Pokémon are very rare though."
"Yeah," remarked the suddenly approached Paul, "Very rare. My Drapion has Keen Eye."
"REALY," exclaimed Tracey, "I didn't know that!"
"Surprising," Paul remarked, "Let's go Tracey. The others are waiting."
"Oh yes!" Tracey flustered. "Pleasure to meet you!" I'll be looking for you in the tournament!"
As Tracey, Paul, and the group proceeded to walk into the Pokémon Center again, Polly Todhunter had an unreadable expression on her face.
"Purple-haired didn't even ask for my name…" she mused, as Nidoqueen leaned in. Scratching Nidoqueen affectionately, Polly pondered to herself.
'I wonder if it was a good idea to reveal Nidoqueen's Ability. Ah well.'
Zoey Margarine was mulling around Indigo Village, taking in the sights and attractions. She had already registered for the Kanto Grand Festival being held, and was now trying to scope out the competition.
"Litten, come back!"
Zoey was suddenly startled out of her thoughts when a Litten dashed across her path and under a stall. A small girl with long green hair and blue eyes suddenly appeared out of the crows as well, apparently pursuing the Litten, and apparently missing Zoey as well.
"C'mon Litten! Daddy is going to be worried!"
"Ruby!"
As if on cue, a young man with green hair who Zoey could only assume to be Ruby's father rushed into view. It took a moment, but suddenly Zoey recognized who it was.
"Ruby, don't run off like that!" the man said to his daughter, "You had me and Arthur worried!"
"I'm sorry Daddy," the little girl replied, "But Litten ran off. I didn't want to lose your Pokémon. "
So the Litten belonged to the dad. "Thank you Ruby, and Litten SHOULD NOT be running off like that either," The father replied with a relieved smile, "But please tell me next time, so we can go get her together."
"Ah. Andrew Hayden!"
Drew Jumped, and turned around to see Zoey. He protectively stood in front of Ruby for a moment, before seeming to relax.
"Ah, do I know you?" enquired Drew.
"Zoey Margarine," Zoey introduced. Drew proceeded to pick up his daughter before a handshake could ensue. "I won the Sinnoh Grand Festival about ten years back."
"Ah-hah," Drew replied, as he had the realization.
"I've heard of you," Zoey continued, "Though not so much in the last few years I'm afraid. I've been busily training, trying to get back in the Coordinating game, and I haven't had time to review the Coordinating circuit!"
"I see," remarked Drew, grateful that she didn't seem to be aware of his nerve wracking proposal and his marriage to May. He was the happiest he had been in all his life with May and their children, but he knew that May and Zoey were acquainted and he really, really, REALLY didn't want to talk to this woman too much (and frankly May didn't want to talk to her either). Especially given the rumors he had heard about Zoey. "You're taking part in the Grand Festival, I take it?"
"Yes! I've got my five Ribbons, and I'm hoping to make a grand reappearance. I'm also meeting up with a friendly rival of mine named Dawn. She's competing too, and I was hoping to run into her before the Tournament started."
'Brilliant.' Drew groaned in his thoughts. He had been following the Kanto Contest season, and was aware of Dawn getting five Ribbons. Zoey had apparently won five as well. He was really getting annoyed by this.
But he was subsequently saved by the wine glass.
"Oh!" Zoey exclaimed as she saw a girl with arrow-shaped purple hair waving, "That's another of my friends, Burgundy! We were also supposed to meet up here, and she doesn't like to be kept waiting. Excuse me, and I hope to see you in the Grand Festival!"
And Zoey proceeded to scurry off, apparently forgetting that Drew had a daughter in his arms, and a Litten under a stall. Drew sighed with relief: at least Zoey was gone for the moment.
"Daddy…"
"Yes, my dear?"
"That lady seemed rather fake."
"I agree," Drew smirked at his daughter's 3-year old bluntness. Ruby was both blunt and correct in this case.
"Litten!"
Drew looked down in time to see his female Litten jump into Ruby's arms, even though Ruby was currently in her father's arms. Drew smiled, and proceeded to hoist a squealing Ruby who was holding a rather miffed Litten onto his shoulders. Holding onto her arms, he walked back in the direction where they had come from.
Iris, Max, and Trip had all registered for the Indigo Plateau Conference, and Paul had registered for the exhibition match. After receiving instructions to arrive at the Central Stadium at 8 PM that evening, the entire group was currently walking around the central stadium where the exhibition match was going to be held in. Trainers and vendors were busily scoping out things, setting up shops, getting a bite to eat, and so on.
Iris, Dawn and Trip eventually broke off from the group to check out one of the other stadiums that would be hosting battles during the tournament.
"Not bad. To be honest, I've seen worse." Remarked Trip as he observed the condition of the stadium and facilities.
"Now that you mention it, the facilities DO seem a bit…Badly maintained," Dawn replied, eyeing the condition of the building they were currently exiting. Piplup was utterly sneering at said condition. Typical Piplup.
"It's by no means run down," Iris added, "But it could be in a great deal better quality."
"Just what I'd expect out here in the boonies," remarked Trip, "How path…,"
But he didn't finish his comment, because at that moment, all three heard the sound of bickering. And it sounded like one of the voices was…up somewhere?
"…she's not up there, now for the last time, would you get down?"
"No she went up here. I saw her float in this direction."
"Did you see her float into those shadows?"
"No. But she likes shade."
"Well Parker, she must be up there. No way any of the other spots of shade…say behind a building…would be equally appealing to your Mismagius."
"You're equally appealing to Mismagius, Soong."
"I have a ruddy first name!"
"Yeah, well, it gave me an excuse to do some Parkour. Views great up here, by the way!"
"Parker, seriously, we have to finish filing these finalization forms. They're impor…"
"Everything okay?" Iris ventured.
The voices were coming from two young men who looked to be in their early twenties, one of which was climbing up in the steel bars holding one of the secondary stadiums' bleachers. Both turned toward Iris, Trip and Dawn when Iris called out.
The guy on the ground had black hair, rectangular glasses, and purple eyes. He was wearing a black windbreaker which was zipped up mostly, with the unzipped neck area revealing a bit of a purple T-shirt on underneath it, dark blue jeans, black casual loafers, and rather odd grey gloves. He had a clipboard and pen in his hands.
The guy up in the bleachers had long blonde hair tied up in a ponytail, green eyes, a red hoodie sweatshirt, black pants, and blue-and-white sneakers.
"Yes," the guy on the ground, apparently identified as 'Soong,' stated, "We were just looking for my colleague's Mismagius."
"She has a tendency to go off and look for shady spots," the guy in the bleachers, apparently 'Parker,' responded. Parker. Parkour. Huh. Funny.
"Do you need any help?" Dawn asked.
"Nah," replied Parker, as he slip and maneuvered down the grid of steel girders, "She'll show up. She likes to explore."
"Still a pain, though," remarked Soong. He proceeded to turn back to the papers on the clipboard.
"Think fast," Parker suddenly stated, and cucked a softball straight at Soong. With a "whoah," Soong swiftly caught the ball with his left hand.
"What the…? Where'd you get that?"
"Found it up in the girders. Anyway, we would LOVE to stay and chat, but we have shit to do," Parker grinned, and he grabbed Soong by the other arm, and dragged him away. "See ya!"
As soon as they were out of sight, Trip muttered "Rude boonie punk."
"Did you see the black-haired one? Why's he wearing gloves?" Iris asked, as the group decided to head back in and meet up with the others.
"Dunno."
"Actually," Dawn spoke up, "Did you notice something?"
"What?"
"He was writing with his right hand," Dawn stated, "But he caught that softball in his LEFT."
"Hm," murmured Iris, "Not really." Trip proceeded to shrug it off.
Dawn pondered a moment, before shaking her head.
'Maybe he's just ambidextrous?' she wondered, but brushed it off.
"Gossiping. And even when we were still in sight."
"They really are a bunch of pricks, eh Parker?"
"Just like they were described."
"Mis."
"MISMAGIUS."
"Oh for fucks sake…PARKER!"
Later that night, 7:59 PM…
It was the eve of the Pokémon League Indigo Plateau Conference, and the celebrations were well underway. The Conference's Opening Ceremony would be two days ahead of the other Kanto Competitions, like the Grand Festival.
Spectators were either filling into the Central Indigo Stadium or watching the massive monitors projecting the events in the stadium. Excitement was high, and people were giddily talking amongst themselves. Many Kanto natives were overjoyed to have a brand new Kanto League opening its doors, revitalizing the region. But alas, many questions remained about this new League: Or rather the people behind it.
Who would be the new Elite Four?
Were they any good?
What kind of Pokémon did they each specialize in?
What kind of Pokémon did they use?
What kind of Pokémon did the Regional Champion use?
Where was this new Regional Champion from?
And most of all: Who was the face behind this new Regional Champion?
Phoenix Guardna was pretty much a mystery. He had seemingly appeared out of nowhere, beaten 8 Kanto Gyms rapidly, and risen to become the first Kanto Champion in a long time.
Regarding his Pokémon, there was a little more information, albeit not much. He had run through his gym campaign so quickly, that there had not been many spectators, and the Gym Leaders he had challenged were surprisingly tight-lipped. It was known that he used a Garchomp, a Grumpig, and a Feraligatr , and there were a good deal of people who said he used Vikavolt, a Wigglytuff, and a Gengar. There was a rumor he also had an exceptionally powerful Lucario, meaning he had more than the on-hand Pokémon limit of six. This meant he rotated, and that Guardna had more.
Another interesting note was that there had been no talk of him Mega Evolving a Pokémon, or using any Z-Moves.
This meant this new Champion was powerful.
The Kanto Region, and indeed the rest of the world, was waiting in eager anticipation for the opening ceremony to begin. Everyone was excited as the 256 qualified Trainers lined up on the Stadium floor.
Paul, Trip, Iris and Max, had taken their places among the competitors, Paul standing among as well because if he lost the exhibition match, the opponent he would have faced would be granted an automatic victory. It was a logical way to ensure Paul would be granted a position in the tournament if he won.
Paul was standing, looking Impassive, yet smirking on the inside, assured of his guaranteed entrance.
Max and Iris were looking around excitedly, patiently waiting for the ceremony to get under way.
Trip was smirking, as he too waited for the start.
At last, a voice rang out throughout the stadium's PA system, and indeed the Pokémon League Village, as well as being broadcast across the world on television, radio, and the internet.
"WELCOME, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, TO THIS YEARS POKEMON LEAGUE INDIGO PLATEAU CONFERENCE!"
Deafening cheers erupted from that stadium that seemed to vibrate into the ground.
"WE ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE BEGINGING OF THE GREATEST ATTENDED INDIGO PLATEAU CONFERENCE IN YEARS! YES, 256 TRAINERS HAVE QUALIFIED FOR THIS CONFERENCE, MORE THAN HAVE QUALIFIED IN YEARS. ALAS, FROM THE ASHES, OUR LEAGUE SHALL RISE AGAIN!
Another deafening cheer resounded.
"WE ARE EAGER TO BEGIN THIS CONFERENCE AS WELL! NOW, LET'S WELCOME THE CEREMONIAL FLAME OF MOLTRES!'
The cheering volume lowered significantly, but didn't die down, as the Torch Runner entered the stadium running with a Pokémon League escort. The volume rose again, as the Runner proceeded up the ziggurat-like stairs to the fire torch atop the Indigo Central Stadium. As the Torch Runner ignited the massive ceremonial fire, the crowd went wild.
"AND THE FIRE HAS BEEN LIT. THE FIRE THAT WILL BURN, AND WILL NOT BE EXTINGUISHED UNTIL THE CLOSING CEREMONY! 256 TRAINERS, FROM BOTH KANTO AND ACROSS THE WORLD, HAVE PROVEN WORTHY TO COMPETE IN THIS YEARS ANNUAL CONFERENCE. NOW WITHOUT A MOMENT TO WASTE, LET ME INTRODUCE THE PRESIDENT OF THE POKEMON LEAGUE ASSOCIATION! PLEASE WELCOME PRESIDENT CHARLES GOODSHOW!
Some could say the stadium rumbled as a massive round of applause echoed out, welcoming the aging Pokémon League President, he smiled and waved to the crowd, as he approached the center podium, before he addressed the crowd.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to welcome you all to the annual Pokémon League Indigo Plateau Conference!" I'm not going to lie; it has truly been a difficult several years! Our grand Kanto League, the First of the Regional Pokémon Leagues, was truly on the brink! But through the hard work, determination, and dedication of the Pokémon League Association, the Kanto Government, and the many Trainers who participated in this rebirth, we have truly risen from the ashes! I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate these 256 mighty Pokémon Trainers before us. Through the hard work, sweat, and tears of both these Trainers and their Pokémon, they have earned a spot in this truly historical tournament! May I have a round of applause for these Trainers!"
Almost immediately, another massive rumble of applause erupted from the Stadium as the 256 Competitors waved and cheered to the crowd. When the applause had died down, Goodshow continued.
"I hope we will have a heated and amazing tournament from you all and that you all will give it your best, win or lose! As you know, the winner of this Conference will have the opportunity to face the strongest Trainers in the Kanto Region, the Kanto Elite Four! There has been a great deal of secrecy regarding the new Elite Four and Champion, and I am honored to introduce them! So without further ado, please give it up for…"
"The Guardian, Polly Todhunter!"
Paul, Misty, Iris, Trip, Dawn, Tracey, and Max were utterly surprised, as the auburn haired girl stepped out onto the stage and moved to one of four podiums that emerged from the ground.
"The Shadow, Alexander Parker!"
Iris, Trip, and Dawn were surprised once again, as the long blond haired man stepped out as well.
"The Sentinel, Jackson Douglass Soong!"
As the black haired, bespectacled man stepped out and stepped to his podium, Iris, Trip, and Dawn were shocked for a third time.
"The Vanguard, Ron Anderson."
Paul, Misty, Iris, Trip, Dawn, Tracey, and Max were once again floored.
After the tan-skinned young man took his spot at his podium, Goodshow spoke once again.
"And finally! The Champion! PHOENIX GUARDNA!"
The world erupted into cheers as the man who revived the Kanto League emerged. With the addition of a royal purple cloak to his attire, gold mask and still hiding most of his face, he strode to a fifth podium, that emerged on a platform a step above the Elite Four's podiums. Goodshow then shouted…"
"WELCOME TO THE NEW KANTO ELITE FOUR NAD KANTO'S CHAMPION!"
The watching world erupted into an earth-rattling applause, as the most powerful trainers in the Kanto Region bowed to the crowd.
"Now, there is one more introduction I would like to make! Indeed, our mighty Champion has kept his true identity secret to many during his rise to the top! But no more! Now, our amazing Champion has decided it is time to reveal his identity to the world! So! MAY I PRESENT!
The whole world watched, as bot of Phoenix Guardna's hands reached up, and took hold of the golden Ho-Oh mask that adorned his face. You could hear a pin drop around the world, as the Champion of Kanto pulled his mask of his face, and brought it down to the podium.
In that moment, the world was stunned…
"THE TRUE IDENTITY OF PHOENIX GUARDNA: MAY I PRESENT, THE CHAMPION, ASH KETCHUM!"
A brief moment of stunned silence followed.
Then, the world went wild.