In the world of Pokemon, everyone at some point gets asked the question...
Are you going to become a Pokemon trainer?
Pokemon battling dominates the world. It's how champions are decided, how disagreements are settled, how regions are conquered.
But...
We find Ash and get seats way up at the top. "I didn't know this many people could get in here," I awe at the sight. There isn't one empty seat. Rows upon rows in a semi-circle pattern surround a black stage that's reflecting the spotlights.
"It's like a league tournament," Ash looks around. "I didn't know they were this popular."
"Coordinating is huge here," I say. "There was a rumour that the year end contest was going to be in partners. It sent the region into a frenzy of excitement but it never happened."
Gold nudges me, "If it's so big then why aren't your parents okay with this instead of battling?" Thankfully he says it quiet enough that Ash doesn't hear, but he is really starting to catch on.
I should probably tell him before he finds out some other way.
"Well--"
"Welcome everybody!" A voice overtakes the building. It's very cheerful and filled with excitement, classic host voice.
Once the cheering and waving stops I'm able to see who the host is. She looks like a popstar, long and straight platinum blonde hair. The hostess also has a sparkly silver dress which makes her look like a disco ball under the light.
"I'm your host Hannah," She glances around at the crowd. "This is our first contest of the year so get ready for a night of excitement. We will have one appeal round where four coordinators will move onto the battle round, but the battles will be a later problem. I say we waste no time getting to the appeals."
"Our first coordinator Jessica!"
Wow she's first. Jessica is this era's icon in coordinating, a master at appeals and an elegant battler with enough power to back it up. Her purple curls bounce about halfway down her back, working perfectly with the long red dress she has on.
Everyone with any knowledge of coordinating starts cheering like crazy, she has hometown advantage and this isn't her hometown. She's using her signature Pokemon too.
Gardevoir, a Pokemon with natural beauty and grace. It has a silky white dress that covers its green body, it also has a red spike in its chest.
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The Pokemon spins out of the Pokeball into the centre of the stage, its dress following the movement perfectly. Jessica lets the crowd get captivated by her Pokemon before starting the appeal.
The whole stage becomes a pink mist and then Gardevoir starts dancing ballet style through it. The particles from the misty terrain shoot off every movement, dancing with the Pokemon. It's so so simple but beautiful.
Now there's copies of Gardevoir following the same movements in perfect unison, double team. It's amazing how easy a coordinator can win over a crowd, or I guess how easy it looks. It's got to be the best feeling in the world down on that stage.
