Pokémon XYZ: Life, Death, Order, and Chaos (book 2 of the HBoD series)

Chapter 60: The Battles Begin in Lumiose

"We have to leave early so we can get our job done," James held a thumbs up. "Good luck out there kiddo! We believe in you!"

Jessie beamed at Alex. "Now we aren't forgetting about you dear. We'll be cheering you on as well."

"Yeah!" Meowth wobbled over, holding the mic aloft. "And we'll make sure to get all the best angles of the battles!"

"So," Preston muttered to Clara. "Ever feel like the odd one out amongst these kind of people?"

Preston wore a cap over his black hair, having cut it shorter, and wore beige shorts and black t-shirt with a Darkrai design. Clara meanwhile kept things the same for her looks. Even with this summer weather bound to get hotter, she continued to wear her leather jacket and combat boots.

Clara rolled her eyes. "You should see the trouble these three get into. It's unfreakin' believable. Just the other day we were hopping from one world to the next through these portals." Preston stared at her, likely unsure if she was making fun of him or being serious.

We stood outside the enormous stadium, people milling about with their Pokemon. There were trainers around as well and I had no idea how many would be participating. The stadium itself was built within a natural canyon with different areas of flat land being given a purpose. There were small parks, a cylinder shaped glass hotel that doubled as a Pokemon Center, and several practice fields for training.

"This place has everything," I muttered to myself. Then, "Hey, Clara!" I raised my hand after I had bid the Rocket trio farewell. "You coming or what?"

She nodded and made her way over to where Alex and I were waiting. Robert joined Preston and nudged his side. "Let's go find ourselves some seats. We need good ones and ones saved for them if they decide to join us."

"Man," Alex raised her hand, folding them behind her head. "Feels like yesterday we were climbing Mount Lanakila to get to the Alolan League. Then it felt new and sort of..."

"Unofficial," I suggested and she nodded. "I know what you mean. This place, this league, it feels more real, more of a challenge."

Clara rolled her eyes. "Yeah, you made it pretty far in a League already, but that was in the boonies. Here, it's for real. Be prepared for strong trainers all around. No one comes in here by accident."

"So where do we sign up?" Alex asked, glancing around.

"Follow me," Clara instructed, leading Alex and I over to a separate area away from the stadium. We crossed a bridge where trainers had gathered around tables with fine cloth and an assortment of foods decorating them. Once we got ourselves signed up, we settled on one of the few remaining empty tables.

"Well then, this is the competition," Alex glanced around at the trainers milling around. "Not a whole lot honestly."

"Maybe because of recent events," Clara mused. "Might have scared people away from the tournament."

I shook my head. "I can see why they would have."

"Ah, Zeno," Alex tugged on my shirt sleeve, pointing. I looked to see Ash and Pikachu at one of the tables. "He's here."

"Just as I had hoped," I grinned, already starting to make my way over.

"Who?" Clara was confused for a second, then sighed. "Oh, right. He's that other annoying person who rudely interrupted me way back."

"Ash," I called out. "Hey!"

He turned and grinned widely as Pikachu looked up from his ketchup bottle. "I knew you'd make it. Both of you. I wonder what our battle will be like if I happen to battle either you or Alex."