EPISODE 154: A New Champion, A new Laurenburg!

On a small hotel, lies me, Glade and Camellia. Things and plans have changed after the death of the headmaster, and the rise of a new Champion. We were waiting for the public news report addressing the loss of Laurenburg's greatest champion.

Zhery left our team, with hopes to continue her journey alone. The rope of friendship between Camellia and Zhery has been cut. Once friends, now rivals as Zhery swore revenge against Camellia's father. Only time will tell when we'll meet Zhery again.

The Charghlem hotel, found near the center of the plaza is one of Aulmurus city's greatest and finest hotels. Luxurious is at its peak if you dare to stay here. As you enter the hotel, you'll be greeted by hanging golden chandeliers, grand staircases, fine craftsmanship and artistry tinted on windows, doors, and ceilings. While in the city, me and my friends decided to stay in the Charghlem hotel, for about three to five days.

Camellia's hand shivers while sitting on a small bench inside the room. Small tears fell off from her eyes as she remembers Zhery.

"Camellia, is there anything wrong?" I questioned with worry while watching her wipe off her tears.

"I... I wish that Zhery and I would be friends again. I didn't wish for all of this to happen, I hope Zhery would forgive me in the future." Camellia uttered solemnly.

"Her mother died, that's why Zhery is acting like that. Once time has passed, and Ms.Beatrice is history? Zhery will forgive you." I consoled and comforted.

The current news report was suddenly interrupted by a breaking news. The sign flashed in the middle of an interview about "Who is cuter, Pikachu or Eevee?"

"Good morning citizens of Laurenburg, this is the Pokemon News Report bringing you... breaking news!

Officials and citizens alike were shocked after Melody's plead to speak to the public. We will bring live coverage about the address later at around 10:00.

Citizens of the Laurenburg region have begun to gather at Macropolis city, the place where Melody will be addressing the whole region. No one knows the topic of Melody's address today, so stay tuned for further reports!" The News Anchor announced as the tv switched back to the original interview. Finally, I can now vote for Pikachu being the cutest Pokemon!

Camellia wasn't in a bright mood today, she felt stressed and sad for almost half of the day. I and my friends decided to eat first in the buffet downstairs while waiting for the clock to strike at 10 am.

The hotel's breakfast buffet was filled with loads of pancakes, butter, and bread. They also have eggs, salads, and even spaghetti. Orange juice was the drink of the day, the sweet flavoring and the bright orange color of the juice made tongue fizzy.

Once breakfast has ended, we rushed back to our room before the clock strikes at exactly ten. I had to carry Riolu since he was too lazy to walk. We turned on the tv and flipped it to the Pokemon News Report, or PNR for short. We made it just in the time, as the breaking news flashed again.

From the TV, we saw thousands of citizens watching the arrival of Melody and the Elite Four. Everybody who was not there, like the gym leaders, were eager to know about Melody's address.

"Good morning citizens of Laurenburg. I am sorry that I had to address the public this morning, but it is for urgent need.

Me and the Elite Four, would like to announce to the public the truth, about the champion's condition. For years, we have been hiding to the public about Beatrice's current health state.

Beatrice, the champion of the Laurenburg region has been experiencing Dilated Cardiomyopathy for almost six years now. She requested us to hide this information to the public, to avoid panic and worry among all gym leaders and citizens.

Yesterday, at around five in the evening, Beatrice, the champion of the Laurenburg region has ticked to her final moments. She lived a good life, and passed away at the Pokemon Center of Aulmurus city..." Melody announced as her voice vibrated. She and the elite four was crying in front of the public, they tried to hold their tears but the memory they had with the champion was deeply rooted in their heart. The crowd began to chat around, they didn't know whether to believe the Elite Four or if this whole address was a hoax. The gym leaders watching from their gyms started to cry and sob as they moan for the former champion.

"... Sorry, forgive me if I am crying in public. Today is one of Laurenburg's gravest days. The champion has been cremated in Aulmurus city as well, and we've scheduled her funeral together with the support of her daughter. Beatrice... Beatrice, was not only a champion, but she was also a friend, a friend who loved both people and Pokemon. If she can hear us now, I would like to say, that Laurenburg is thankful for being their champion." Melody added as she wiped her tears away. The Elite Four has done Camellia's favor, they have faked the reason of the champion's death. The citizens started to mourn for the loss of the champion alongside with the Elite Four.

"As the new champion of the Laurenburg region, I promise that Beatrice's death won't go in vain. She is a symbol of hope, and love for both the people and Pokemon. For now, it has not been decided who will take the leading elite position. The Pokemon League will continue, as so as the lives of our people. Beatrice has started her goal, and I will be the one to finish it!" Melody proclaimed as the crowd clapped for her. Some mourned for the loss while some sobbed heavily. The orphanage now falls to the staff with Mr.Copper as the new headmaster. Zhery returned to the orphanage to stay for a week or two before continuing her journey again.

"Laurenburg! Laurenburg! Land of the champions, twirl thy flag and sing the anthem, we citizens praise you as our alma mater..." Everybody sang the national anthem of the Laurenburg region as they mourned for the loss. Moments later, the PLC has arrived in Macropolis city to appoint the new champion. Other champions have heard the loss of Beatrice, as so as the other gym leaders. The president of the PLC went to Melody and asked her to kneel. The placed a red royal cape behind Melody's back. On her right hand she held a goldenrod and on the left she held a golden Pokeball. The president placed a golden crown on top of Melody's head.

"Melody, according to article 45 of the Laurenburg archives, a deceased champion shall be replaced by the leading Elite.

Do you solemnly swear to use the privileges of a champion for the future and greatness of Laurenburg?"

"Yes..."

"Do you solemnly swear to listen to the pleads of the citizens of Laurenburg?"

"Yes, for the people and the government must act as one."

"Do you solemnly swear to accept defeat once defeated by a league victor?"

"Yes..."

"Alright... by here on out, I declare Melody as the new champion and leader of Laurenburg! She will replace Beatrice's ranking and hierarchy. From now one, Melody holds the Elite, she may add or remove any current or new Elites. She now hols the Pokemon Police Department, and the Pokemon Health Department. Melody, the hopes of the people now cling unto you, make Laurenburg a great region!" The president proclaimed as the crowd began to clap their hands.

"People of Laurenburg, by the might of my soul and the current Elites, we will protect our freedom and salvation from our enemies. Those who wronged us will regret their decision, and those who help us live peacefully.

... and as for Beatrice's funeral, it will take place in Macropolis city as well, later this afternoon. 3 days has been given before placing her jar on the hall of fame!" Melody announced.

The faith and hopes of the people now lie on Melody's hand. How will she seal the fate of the people? Who will be the new leading Elite? From now on... Melody is the next Laurenburgian champion. Everybody has heard the news, except for the Chaos Regime. Their island is too far to receive any reports and news. Only time will tell, what will happen next, as the journey continues...