Chapter 6: The Kanto Tournament?
After Skylark's stunning win, he and Bulbasaur went home. They received the 5,000 Pokédollars and a slip, admitting them to the next local championship. Skylark, after showering and getting ready for bed, sat down on his bed with Bulbasaur and flipped on his TV. On the news they were doing a special on Celia and her Cyndaquil. Even though she was his rival, he still couldn't resist watching a show praising her.
"So Celia, what's it like being the top tournament trainer in Slateport?" The announcer asked.
"Well, it's a complete honor to be where I am. Cyndaquil and I worked hard to get to this level, and I'm glad we achieved it." She replied, Cyndaquil on her lap being pet by her.
"What do you think about any upcoming competitors? Skylark Declan, as I believe you know, has made a huge spike in popularity with his Pokémon, and news just came in that he won his first tournament." Celia shifted uncomfortably in her seat before answering.
"Skylark has a, uh…Bulbasaur, correct? If so, that's not any worry for me. Cyndaquil is a strong fire type, and his Bulbasaur is nothing but a weak wild pokemon he found in the woods." The announcer was shocked at this sort of taunt coming from Celia.
"Well, next summer the Kanto Region they are hosting the worldwide amateur tournament for all beginner trainers, like you. Do you think anyone will end up coming along with you, or is this a solo journey?" The announcer asked.
"Oh please, this will be a solo journey. Next May is the tournament that decides who goes, and usually only one winner will win. And, unless Skylark or anyone else can get a year's worth of training packed into a few months, I have this in the bag." Skylark, now feeling enraged, picked up on her taunt.
"I see! Well, for our younger viewers who don't know, can you explain the Kanto Region Tournament?"
"Well sure. The Kanto Region Tournament is held annually and world-wide, open to all beginning trainers. It's held in late August, at the end of summer. This tournament usually lasts an entire week, and includes hundreds of trainers battling it out aiming for first place. Only one will come out as winner, and the winner gets amazing prizes. This year will be my first year competing!"
"I'm positive you'll do an amazing job! Well folks, that's all for this interview, but stay tuned for a replay of the tournament that just went on tonight!" The interview ended right then and there, and immediately a battle field was shown, starting off with Skylark's Bulbasaur fighting the Geodude. Skylark watched in amazement as he and his Bulbasaur worked together and totally whipped the whole tournament.
After half an hour, the entire tournament had played and it was now declaring the winner. Skylark's picture and name flashed across the screen, declaring him the winner. He smiled happily, looking down at Bulbasaur, who had fallen asleep at the foot of his bed. Flipping off the TV, he sleepily climbed under the covers and fell into a deep sleep.
The next morning Skylark woke up earlier than usual, and instead of getting out of bed he just laid there and thought. "So…the Kanto Region is holding the annual tournament." He started to think. "If we could reach there, I'd reach my goal…that's it!" He nearly shouted it, but managed to contain it in his thoughts. "If I win that tournament, people here will love me! Celia will finally acknowledge me! That's what I'll do!" He hopped out of bed, awaking Bulbasaur, and ran into the bathroom. He changed into his training clothes, grabbed a few things to help train Bulbasaur, and then ran out, Bulbasaur following.
They ran out into an open field, already set up with a dummy that Skylark had made, and immediately they went off on training. "If we're going to make it to the top, Bulbasaur, we've got to train. Ready?"
"Bulba!" Bulbasaur roared with pride. And with that, they hopped into their training, growing stronger day by day.