Flames of Fighting Spirit | Pokémon

CHAPTER THE FOURTH

Akira walked down the stairs in the Pokémon Centre, having settled down in his room for the month. The welcome ceremony would begin soon, and all participants were required to attend.

'C'mon, why do we have to go to the ceremony...' Akira thought, inwardly complaining.

Still, Akira continued walking, and finally arrived at the big auditorium.

'Hello, mister... Please show your invitation.' A man wearing a vest and formal clothing told Akira. 'If you don't have it, you aren't allowed to enter.'

Akira rummaged through the pockets attached on his belt and held out the black invitation Dark had found for him, handing it to the man. 'Here.'

'Thank you.' The man said, opening the envelope with golden linings. Pressing a stamp onto the invitation, the man handed the envelope back to Akira. 'You may enter. Take any seat inside, and in a few minutes, the ceremony will begin.'

Akira snatched up the envelope, as he walked into the auditorium. Finding a comfortable seat, Akira settled down, resting his head on his hands.

'When will this start...' Akira thought, until people started filing into the seats and the lights turned off.

'Greetings, Pokémon Trainers, and welcome to the 20th Annual Pokémon World Tournament, hosted in the Decolore Islands this year!' A man announced, holding a microphone while standing on the smooth, wooden stage. 'The tournament will consist of a Team Stage, an Elimination Stage, and a Tournament Stage! The first stage, the Team Stage, will have participants grouped into teams of four and participating in challenges and competitions. Five teams will be grouped into one block, and one team from each block will progress to the next stage. Thirty-two competitors, or eight teams, will progress to the next stage. The Elimination Stage will have competitors participating in different battles, such as Triple, Double, Raid, or Team Battles, and will narrow down the competitors to eight. Finally, the Battle Stage will have Full Battles, and the winner of the Tournament will have the title Master Trainer!'

Murmuring could be heard through the crowds sitting in the auditorium, many discussing amongst each other and forming teams.

'Things will be announced in more detail when the tournament begins. Now now, you'll have plenty of time to form teams and talk later.' The man wearing formal clothing said, his feet on the stage. 'Without further ado, I present our special event for this Welcome Ceremony, a Performance by the Kalos Queen, Aria!'

The man walked off the stage, carrying his microphone with him. The pink-haired girl twirled onto the stage, her Flareon following her. Aria jumped onto her Vivillon, Flareon creating fire pillars in the places that the Scale Pokémon had passed.

'I remember now.' Akira thought. 'The girl that I saved two days ago is the Kalos Queen. I remember I saw her performance when I was in Coumarine City and when I went to Gloire City on the way back from Snowbelle. I think I also won her in a Contest Battle when she challenged me back in Coumarine City.'

The performance resumed, the girl dancing while her Sylveon blew her into the air with Fairy Wind. Aria's Pangoro created a Stone Edge around the pink wind, before her Talonflame used Brave Bird and destroyed all of the rocks.

'Now, Pyroar and Flareon, dual Flamethrower! Primarina, use Sparkling Aria in the centre, Sylveon Sweet Kiss, Pangoro Arm Thrust, Vivillon Gust, and Talonflame Flame Charge into the air!' The Kalos Queen commanded, as she stepped back.

Pyroar and Flareon exhaled a great burst of fire, and the Primarina created a big bubble, absorbing all of the fire inside. The fairy-type Eeveelution blew kisses, stunning the crowd, while the Daunting Pokémon thrust forward his arm, popping the bubble. Vivillon let loose a big gust of wind at the bubble, sending it flying into the ground. Sparkles from the impact fluttering around in the air, Talonflame's body flared up as the Scorching Pokémon flew straight up.