Luxen Stadium was empty.
To Kairi, it was an eerie sight. For the past few weeks, she had known it as a place of noise and competition. Staring up at it now, it glowed in the night's darkness, but the usual sound of it all was gone. No spectators were allowed in the Elite Trials as the entire Stadium was needed.
A Mark-Three had driven her and Dakota to the stadium just a few minutes prior as they were scheduled to go first. That night, only five of the nine groups would compete. Andrew and Taylor were part of the last four who would compete tomorrow.
While Kairi and Dakota stood outside, multiple small aerial cameras launched into the air, ready to follow them as soon as they would enter. A large portable holo-screen was also present to the side of them, currently displaying a live discussion on the League between a group of panelists.
"Guess we're the test dummies." Dakota stated. "Sheesh. Kairi, it's like a whole different place just out here."
"Yeah." Kairi replied. "I guess that makes up for me getting the first pick."
She looked up again at the large structure. The interior was completely hidden from her view, the windows being blacked out.
A member of the Elite is in there. What else?
A few League Admins were also there, including Nixon and Director Garrison. Announcer Cassidy called them over.
"Nice to see you two again." Cassidy greeted, smiling.
"Y-you, too." they both responded.
"In case neither of you are aware, Lady Hera has made a new rule." The announcer told them.
"Our Pokémon have to be out of their Poké Balls after the first five minutes?" Dakota answered.
Cassidy nodded. "The timer will be on your League Bands. They will warn you if time is running low. The entire interior has been covered by Reflect and Light Screen, so don't be shy about using your Pokémon's attacks."
She turned to Garrison who nodded and counted down with his fingers before pointing back to her. They were live.
"Ladies, gentlemen, and Pokémon of Arim! I am ,of course, your League announcer, Cassidy!" She introduced, cheerfully. "Our dearest Lady Hera made an extraordinary announcement last week, introducing the second phase of Arim's inaugural Pokémon League with the Elite Trials! The remaining trainers have split into groups of two and will have to complete a certain task in a specified time limit. At the same time, one member of the Elite-"
Kairi stared at the ground as Cassidy reminded the region of the rules. She could feel her heart pounding and her throat felt dry. In her palm, Zoroark's League Ball vibrated slightly.
I'm fine, don't worry about me. I'll get over it as soon as we start.
"The first Elite Trial's objective has been selected by Lady Hera earlier today, and it will also be the designated task for tomorrow's competing challengers as well." Cassidy informed. "Inside of Luxen Stadium, is a Cherish Ball that the challengers must collect and return safely back to the stadium's entrance in a time limit of 60 minutes."
"Kairi!" Dakota whispered worriedly, staring at her.
Kairi shakingly nodded. This was only the first Trial of the Elite
An hour to find a tiny Cherish Ball in Luxen freaking Stadium?
She quickly shook her head, mouthing "We can do it." towards her partner.
"And now, introducing the first pair of participants!" Cassidy called, one of the cameras hovering over them. "First, from Sector Gnis, Challenger 015: Dakota McIntyre!" She paused as the cameras flew around her. "And her Elite Trial partner, from Sector Xevl, Challenger 033: Kairi Gakuso!"
YOU ARE READING
Pokémon Swirl & Spiral
ПриключенияThe citizens of Arim don't know what it's like to have more than one Pokémon or even what a full party of six looks like. The right of owning any Pokémon is a privilege, and every individual of the seven Sectors knows it. For them, their only priori...
