Pokémon: An Unexpected Odyssey

Chapter no.18 Pokémon League

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•••••••••••••••••                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Austin stirred from his sleep, the soft sheets of the Pokémon Center's rented room clinging to his body. As his eyes adjusted to the dimming light seeping through the curtains, a craving for caffeine pulsed in his veins.

"I need coffee," he muttered under his breath, glancing out the window to confirm the evening's arrival with its spread of amber and violet streaking the sky.

He swung his legs off the bed, his movements sluggish and his hair tousled from sleep. In the mirror, Austin quickly ran his fingers through his hair, attempting to tame the spiky locks into something presentable. His eyes, still heavy with sleep, scanned his reflection before he nodded slightly, satisfied that he looked decent enough for a public appearance.

Grateful for the familiar layout of Pokémon Centers, Austin's feet carried him almost automatically to the cafeteria.

The scent of disinfectant mingled with faint traces of food guided him through the familiar corridors. Upon entering the cafeteria, he headed straight for the coffee station. He grabbed a plastic cup and filled it with steaming hot water from a large dispenser that gurgled and hissed softly. From his backpack, he retrieved a packet of instant coffee, the type that's more about utility than flavor.

Tearing open the packet, he poured the dark granules into the hot water, watching them swirl and dissolve into a deep, murky brown. Stirring methodically, he allowed himself a small, anticipatory smile.

Austin took his first sip of the black coffee, its bitterness spreading across his palate, invigorating his senses. He relished the warmth that flooded his system, driving the remnants of sleep away. With a contented sigh, he leaned against the counter for a moment, his eyes closing briefly to savor the moment.

Refreshed, Austin carried his coffee to a table near the window, where he could soak in the evening atmosphere.

Austin pulled out Inside Kanto: A Political Analysis from his bag and flipped it open. His eyes scanned the table of contents, his interest piqued by a chapter on the history of the Pokemon League. With a flick of his wrist, he quickly turned to page 30. The bold heading at the top of the page caught his attention: What is the Pokémon League?

The text mentioned the Holy Michina Empire, a term that made Austin pause. Michina... He recognized the name from the Pokémon movie —Arceus and the Jewel of Life.

A small smile crept across his face as he mused, "Looks like the movies might be canon. That means I can meet Arceus on my journey and get some damn answers."

His curiosity renewed, Austin continued to read about the ancient empire, learning that during those times, the practice of slavery was a harsh reality. Slaves had many roles, but most famously, they participated in the Ludi Gladiatori Sinica Monstra, or Gladiatorial Games of Pokémon, which were the precursor to the modern Pokémon League.

Austin paused to take a sip of his coffee. "Wow," he whispered, impressed by the brutal yet fascinating history. The book described how these early battles were not just entertainment but also a system of recruitment for the slaves who excelled as trainers, known as Lanista Monstra or Monster Trainer.