Zinnia looked around the Vortex Auction House with wide eyes and a racing heart. This was her first time leaving the hidden valleys of Meteor Village.
The Draconid people had lived in seclusion for generations, tucked away in the mountains of Hoenn. She had grown up surrounded by ancient stone carvings, and the constant low rumble of sleeping Salamence and Altaria.
The world outside had always been stories told by the elders. Now, here she was in Kanto.
There were so many strong trainer around that she felt nervous. Zinnia felt small and exposed. She tugged at the edge of her cloak, pulling the hood lower over her face even though Aster had told her it was safe.
Her master walked beside her with calm, measured steps. Aster's own cloak hid most of her features, but Zinnia could sense the quiet strength in her posture. Aster had lived longer, and carried the weight of the tribe's leaderdhip on her shoulders. Zinnia wanted to ask a dozen questions but before she could open her mouth, the lights in the main hall dimmed.
A single spotlight snapped on at the center of the raised stage. The crowd hushed almost instantly. Out walked a young man.
Zinnia recognized him immediately as Gladion Vortex. The name had echoed through Meteor Village for some time now. Even the Draconid people, who rarely cared about outside affairs, had paid attention when word reached them that this trainer commanded the respect of Latios and Latias, two legendary dragons.
The village elders had debated for days. Some called it a sign of changing times. Others feared it meant the old ways were fading. The news of mega evolution had caused an even bigger uproar.
The tribe's ancient records spoke of such transformation, tied to sacred keystones long thought lost. To learn they existed again and that this one man controlled them, had shaken the council.
When the invitation arrived at the village, surprise had rippled through every home. No one had expected their existence to be known.
They had hidden even during the Infinite Pokemon War, staying neutral and unseen. Not even the proud Blackthorn Clan of Johto knew of the Draconids. Only Drake of the Hoenn Elite Four had ever been told, and that was generations ago.
The invitation felt like a bridge to a world they had chosen to avoid. Aster had accepted it without hesitation. "We must see what this means for our people," she had said. Zinnia had come along as her apprentice.
Zinnia knew her clan was strong in ways most outsiders could never understand. Every adult carried at least two dragon Pokemon, often more. Yet even they had felt a stir of unease when Gladion's name reached the village. To command Latios and Latias meant something else. Dragons of legend did not choose their masters or companions lightly.
"Greetings everyone and welcome to the first ever Vortex Auction. As you all know, I am Gladion Vortex, your host as well as the auctioneer for the auction." Gladion said.
He paused for a moment, letting the words settle.
"Now how would this auction work? Well, the attendants would all take you to a small private booth. You would find some refreshments there and from there you would be able to both see the items as well as bid on them."
He gestured toward the sides of the hall where staff in neat uniforms waited. "We are giving everyone a private booth for this because we do not want anyone to know who bought what. This prevents conflicts and stops anyone from hesitating to bid against someone else. Please note that your identity would be safe as long as you are in a booth and all booths are randomly assigned."
Gladion's tone grew firmer. "This is also to ensure that criminals like Team Rocket do not trouble you for what you have managed to win in the auction. Your privacy and safety matter here."
Zinnia turned to Aster, whispering softly. "He is very careful."
Aster nodded once. "He is cunning. As expected of someone who has great Latios and Latias as his companions."
Zinnia frowned in confusion. "What do you mean?"
Aster kept her voice low. "Zinnia, by giving everyone a private booth, allies would be able to bid against each other without breaking their friendship. One would not hesitate to bid against a champion even. They would not know who they are bidding against and thus status would not matter. All of this means people would not stop bidding just because they fear going into the bad graces of the other person they are competing against. He removes pride and politics from the equation. Only the desire to win remains."
Gladion continued without missing a beat. "You all would have a Pokedex in your booth from where you would place a bid on the current item as well as raise it. The current bid would be shown with the booth number on the screen behind me."
He looked out over the crowd with steady eyes. "Lastly, please do not try and spy on other booths. It would lead to your disqualification from this auction and a ban from future ones."
As he spoke the last words, Zinnia felt a faint brush of psychic energy leak from him. It was stronger than anything she had ever sensed from Aster. A small shiver ran down her back.
Gladion's expression softened into a small smile. "Now before we start the auction, we have a special performance by the Hoenn Champion and top performance coordinator, Wallace, for our audience both here and the ones watching from their home."
The lights shifted to soft blues and silvers. Wallace stepped onto the stage with effortless grace. Beside him came his Milotic.
Milotic rose into the air with slow, elegant coils. Water droplets lifted from its body and floated around it like tiny stars. Wallace raised one hand, and the droplets began to spin in perfect circles. They caught the stage lights and turned into a swirling galaxy of color.
Milotic sang and a melodic cry filled the hall like music from another world. The water droplets formed shapes: a soaring Dragonite, a blooming flower, a crashing wave. Each shape held for a heartbeat before dissolving into sparkling mist.
Zinnia's eyes sparkled with wonder. She had never seen anything so beautiful. She watched the performance that continued for another ten minutes.
Wallace bowed deeply as Milotic coiled around him protectively. Zinnia clapped until her hands stung. She turned to Aster with shining eyes. "That was incredible. Milotic is so graceful. I have never seen water move like that."
Aster smiled softly under her hood.
After the applause died down, Gladion returned to the stage. He waited until the room quieted completely. His voice rang out clear and strong.
"That was a spectacular performance. Thank you, Champion Wallace, for such a wonderful show." He paused, letting the moment linger. Then he raised one hand, and the lights focused solely on him.
"So now, without further delay…" His voice dropped lower, carrying a quiet intensity that made every listener lean forward. "Let us start the first ever Vortex Auction!"
-----Author Notes------
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