The Pokémon League had arrived.
The skies above Kanto were clear, the sun casting golden rays over the magnificent stadium nestled in the Indigo Plateau. A sea of banners waved as thousands of fans packed the stands—trainers, families, reporters, and League officials all gathering to witness history in the making.
Massive screens illuminated the faces of the 256 qualifying trainers. A mix of old legends and rising prodigies stood shoulder to shoulder on the field. Each wore the official League cloak embroidered with their regional symbols.
Among the trainers, Skylar stood silent, eyes sharp, his hands resting inside his black jacket. To his right stood Red, ever stoic with his cap pulled low. Blue was not far behind, arms crossed, scanning the crowd with a smirk. Tension lingered. Whispers spread like wildfire—some of admiration, some of doubt, and others… more conspiratorial.
Skylar turned to Red and Blue briefly. They exchanged no words. Just a knowing glance.
"Still here," Blue muttered under his breath. "Let's see if you're really what they say."
The opening ceremony began.
Trumpets blared. Fireworks erupted. Then came the voice of the announcer, reverberating through the entire stadium:
"Welcome to the Kanto Pokémon League Tournament! Today marks the beginning of a new era. A test of strategy, strength, and soul."
Cheers exploded from every corner.
But something was different this year.
Ash, the Champion of Champions… was not present.
Instead, standing atop the ceremonial stage was a figure clad in regal black robes, their face hidden behind a mask shaped like a Charizard's head. Their presence commanded silence. The League presented them as the interim Champion, but gave no name.
Even among the elite, murmurs swelled.
"Who is that?"
"Where's Ash?"
Skylar clenched his jaw. His heart felt heavier. He knew the truth—Ash was alive, but hunted. And the man now standing in his place... something about him sent a chill through the air.
Professor Oak, seated among the dignitaries, narrowed his eyes. Sabrina, next to him, whispered: "The League is pretending nothing's wrong."
"They're stalling," Oak muttered. "Or covering something up."
The ceremony continued with the flame lighting ritual. A massive torch was carried by Elite Four member Bruno, then passed through several other champions, until finally the masked Champion stepped forward and thrust the torch into the central pyre.
A pillar of fire shot skyward.
The crowd roared. But Skylar didn't cheer. He stared at the masked figure, his instincts whispering danger.
The matchups for the first round began to display on the screen.
Names flickered. Trainers shuffled nervously.
Skylar's name appeared: Skylar vs. Dorian, Field 3.
He exhaled slowly and tightened his gloves. "It begins."
Behind him, Giselle watched with arms crossed, her eyes not on the screen, but on the masked figure. "Something's wrong," she whispered to herself. "And I'll find out what."
As the crowd dispersed and trainers headed to their quarters, one thing was certain:
This League would not just crown a new champion.
It would unearth secrets.
And perhaps… rewrite the fate of the world.