Now it Begins

A/N: For your information -

- Square brackets ([...]) are employed to denote someone speaking into a microphone, conveying non-verbal communication that is understood by the character, representing internal dialogue, or to indicate non-verbal sounds or voices coming from mechanical devices, such as radios, speakers, or other electronic sources, like a song playing.

- Angle brackets (<... >) are used in some contexts to indicate dialogue or communication through a mechanical device like a mobile phone.

- Round brackets ("(...)") are used to enclose supplementary or explanatory information, to set off additional details.

- Quotation marks ("...") are used to enclose spoken words by characters, indicating dialogue within the narrative.

- Single quotation marks ('...') are used to indicate someone's inner thoughts or inner monologue, distinguishing them from spoken dialogue.

- Multiple quotation marks (""..."") are used to convey that multiple characters are speaking simultaneously.

- Asterisks (*...*) are used to draw attention to a particular point, to indicate a change in point of view (POV) or shift in time.

- asterism (***) is used to indicate a break or division between passages, similar to a section break.

- Dash (...-) after a word is used to indicate an interruption in dialogue or a sudden change in thought. It's also used to inform the start of a subject.

- Dash (-...) before a word is used to indicate a produced sound, such as onomatopoeia (buzz, moo, hiss, bang).

- This symbol (- : ... : -) is used to describe the current location of the ongoing plot.

- Exclamation mark (...!) is used to indicate strong feelings, emphasis, surprise, when someone screams, or to end exclamatory sentences. It adds intensity and emotion to the written expression.

- Tilde (~) is used to add sarcasm or cheekiness to a character's speech

- Ellipsis (...) is used to indicate the omission of words, a pause in speech or thought, or to create suspense or trailing off in dialogue.

Now, please enjoy your reading...

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[ Ladieeees and gentlemennnnn!!!.... Are, You, Readyyyyy???!!!!! ]

"""""Yeahhhhhh!!!!!"""""

In a gigantic stadium surpassing even the world's largest, Rungrado stadium, a thunderous voice reverberated, seemingly shaking the entire sky.

Who else could own such a voice but the spirited host and the electrified spectators?

No one could blame them; the world's grandest match in history was about to unfold.

No, this wasn't your typical football, soccer, or cricket game, beloved as they are.

This was the tournament. The world's grandest and most awaited tournament, held only once every fifty years. There wasn't a soul on Earth unaware of its significance. Because -

[ Welcome to the Pokémon World Championship! Or should I say, Pokémon Master League!! ]

""""Yeahhhhhh!!!!!""""

[ Go gather your popcorn, complete your homework, do your toilet or bathroom busyness, and tighten your seatbelts becauseeee!!! The most anticipated, electrifying, blood-curling, Pokéball-smashing, Giga Impact-dashing match, is about to begiiiinnnnn!!!! ]

"""Yeahhh!!""" "WoooHooooo!!" "Let's gooooo!!" "Love you, Jordan!!" """Hahahaha"""

[ Hahaha!! Love you too!! I am your host, Jordan Cylark, along with my colleague, Jhon Hektar, and the all-around colorful color commentator and referee, Rudy Beylum.

Boy, oh boy, look at the grandeur of this stadium and the massive audience! I've never seen anything like it, have you, Jhon? ]

[ Yeah! The P.L. World Corporation didn't spare any expense when they designed this baby!! And that's why it's called the 'Colossal Stadium'!! ]

[ Call me crazy, but it makes perfect sense to me, Jhon! ]

[ Of course, Jordan!! This is the biggest and most anticipated league, the dream of every Pokémon trainer. Because!!! Here, in this final match, we will decide who will be the Pokémon Master and the World Champion!!.....]

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***

In one of the two waiting rooms assigned to trainers preparing for their next match, a figure, appearing to be in his 20s, sat alone on a bench, eyes closed and taking long, deep breaths.

-Inhale..., Exhale...

Yes, he was focused. Because this match was the pinnacle of his career as a Pokémon Trainer.

He should have been nervous, yet despite the noise from the commentators and the roaring audience, his mind remained as calm as a lake.

But that was far from the truth. Because every cell of his body yearned for a worthy opponent, craving a battle to set his blood on fire.

And he knew his wish was about to be granted. Because in this final match of the grandest Pokémon League, his opponent would be none other than his childhood idol, A-

-Knock, knock, knock!

"Mr. Kai? It's time..."

A voice interrupted, breaking his concentration. He calmly opened his eyes, meeting the gaze of the intruder.

"Um, i-it's time for the match, they are calling you."

It was a league official, tasked with informing him of his upcoming match.

The official felt a sense of "don't disturb me" emanating from the guy, but duty called.

"Yeah."

Just that. The guy's voice seems to send a shiver down the official's spine.

The official, a big fan of the guy, knew it wasn't the time for autographs.

"O-Ok."

So he muttered and left the room quickly, eager to escape the strange atmosphere.

Alone again, the guy stood up and calmly walked towards a hanger on his right. Hanging there was a smooth, long, and thick white scarf.

He picked it up gently, wrapping it around his neck and tying it to his back with fluid motion.

If one looked closely, they'd notice not only the scarf but also a silver chain. Attached to the chain was a minimized Ultra Ball, a Pokéball known for its high capture rate.

Now, ready, he picked up the Ultra Ball dangling from his chest, looking at it with a slight smile.

"Let's go and win this f*ckin thing...

Partner."

The Ultra Ball seemed to resonate with his words, his smile turning into a devilish smirk.

Releasing the Pokéball from his hand, he walked towards the door, closing it behind him as he made his way to one of the two bunkers at the side of the arena...

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***

[.....Now what are your thoughts about yesterday's semifinals, Jordan? ]

[ Well, those two matches were nerve-wracking!! The clash between Ash's Mega Greninja and Alan's Mega Charizard X. Ufff! That match gave me goosebumps!! If I'm not mistaken, that was their official rematch. ]

[ Yup! That was their "official" rematch. Even when they battled in the Kalos League 7 years ago, the whole stadium was destroyed beyond recognition!!

But yesterday's semifinals? Sigh~, don't even get me started. Those last fusion attacks, sigh~. The whole stadium was in shambles. It took 3 hours to repair the roughed-up arena and start the second match. ]

[ Hahaha! Well, those two are not the only ones responsible for that state of the stadium, are there? ]

[ Hahaha! How can I forget the second match, Jordan? Those two gave me a heart attack!! If I describe the first match as Electrifying, then the second match was mind-shattering!! Even the damage indicators were damaged!!

The last round between Leon's Mega Charizard Y and Kai's Blaziken was the craziest match I have ever seen!!!! Did you see that Flame Burst?! I've never seen a Flame Burst attack of that magnitude in my entire career as a host!!! ]

[ The hell man?! Calm down!! ]

[ How can I calm down, Jordan?! There's no way you can calm me down or the millions of people out there, who are waiting!!, FOR THIS VOLCANO-IRRRUPTING BATTLEEE!!!!! ]

"""wooohooooooo!!!""" """Yeahhhhhhh!!!""" "Come onnnnn!!!"

An Earth-shaking voice rang out, causing the surrounding air to vibrate. The crowd was going wild. But the commentators seemed intent on stoking the audience's excitement.

The audience wanted them to cut the chit-chat and get into the real shit.

And they didn't have to wait much longer.

[ Now, Pick it up, Rudy!! ]

A man wearing black sunglasses, black fingerless gloves, a red hat, and holding a mic appeared out of nowhere, stylishly landing on a hoverboard floating next to the commentator's chamber with a superhero landing. And of course, Not without a front flip.

Then he said... Or more likely,

[ OUKHAAAAYYYYYYY!!! ]

He screamed with a high-pitched voice and the audience? Well, they were ecstatic.

""Yeahhhh!!!"" ""Rudyyy!!"" "Woohooo!! Finally!!" "Nailed the entry, Rudy!!"

[Hahahaha!! Now, the game is onnn!!! ]

"""Yeahhhhh!!!"""

[ Are you guys ready for an earth-shattering and sky-rendering battleeee??!!!! ]

"""Yeahhh!!"""

[ I can't hear youuu!!! ]

""""""""YEAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!""""""""

(A/N: What a pro.)

[ Hahahaha!! Well now Ladies and Gentlemen!! We come to the final event of the night, and no doubt the thing you've all been waiting foorrrr!!! ]

The crowd roared their approval as two individuals' faces appeared on the giant digital screen with a giant flaming 'vs' appearing between them.

Then Rudy the commentator announced -

[ And now, let's bring out our finalists to the field!! On the blue corner, the first trainer on the list, winner of yesterday's first semifinal match, hailing from Kanto Region, but bearing the monumental title of first-ever Champion of Alola Region and my "personal favorite," give it up foooooooorrrrrr, ]

He drew out the words like a pro,

[ Ash Ketchum!!! ]

-Boom!!

"""""Whoaaaaaa!!!!"""""