The stadium of Celadon was packed one last time. The giant screens lit up, announcing the official standings of the Intermediate Tournament. The crowd roared, their voices echoing like thunder.
On the massive podium at the center of the battlefield, three platforms rose into the air. The announcer's voice boomed with theatrical weight:
"In third place—Aurora Chevalier of the Chevalier Clan!"
Aurora walked onto the stage with her usual cold grace. Her silver hair glistened under the lights, her gaze as sharp as a blade. The crowd cheered respectfully, though everyone knew she had been forced into the third position because Kira had collapsed after her semifinal match.
Kira, still recovering, stood near the side of the stage, leaning slightly on her father's support. Aurora glanced at her as she passed. For the first time since arriving in the tournament, the icy young woman's voice carried a hint of warmth.
"This third place doesn't count for me," Aurora said plainly, her arms crossed. "I didn't earn it through a battle with you. Next time, Kira… we'll fight. And when we do, I'll accept nothing less than your full strength."
Kira straightened, despite her exhaustion. "I promise. Next time, you'll get exactly that. And I'll be the one to win."
Aurora smirked faintly, the coldness in her eyes giving way to a spark of genuine respect.
The announcer's voice cut through the murmur of the crowd again."In second place—Ritchie, from Pallet Town!"
The crowd erupted as Ritchie stepped forward, his expression tight, his eyes downcast. Sparky, perched on his shoulder, sparked faintly, but even Pikachu seemed subdued. Ritchie forced himself to lift his chin, walking tall despite the sting of defeat. He extended a hand toward Ray across the stage.
"You were better," he admitted, his tone carrying both bitterness and grudging respect. "But next time… it's my turn."
Ray clasped his hand firmly. "I'll be waiting."
The handshake drew a roar of applause.
Finally, the stadium went wild."And in first place—your champion, Ray Virel, from Glendale!"
The roar was deafening, the air trembling with celebration. Ray stepped onto the highest platform, Pidgeot, Charizard, and Dragonair appearing beside him in shimmering flashes of light. The sight of the three mighty Pokémon standing proudly at his side brought the crowd to their feet.
His family cheered from the stands, his sister waving a banner with both hands, tears in her eyes. Kira smiled faintly, pride shining even through her fatigue.
The League officials brought forward the prizes.
Aurora received a trophy of polished silver, along with a purse of prize money and a Dragon Crest, a recognition for her family lineage. She accepted with quiet dignity.
Ritchie received the silver trophy, prize money, and a Trainer's Certificate of Merit, a document that would elevate his recognition within the League's ranking system.
Then came Ray.
The official handed him the gleaming golden trophy of the Intermediates, shaped like two Pokémon locked in eternal battle. Along with it came a large monetary prize, a Trainer's Badge of Honor marking him as a top contender for future national-level tournaments, and a rare Technical Machine—its crystalline case glowing faintly.
The announcer's voice boomed:"This year's Intermediate Champion not only proved himself through strength, but also through brilliance and strategy. Remember his name, for Ray Virel has carved his place into history!"
The crowd roared again, chanting his name.
After the official ceremony, the finalists gathered in the waiting hall. Aurora was the first to leave, her long cloak fluttering behind her. Ritchie lingered for a moment, giving Ray a long, piercing look before walking away in silence.
That left Kira. Though she hadn't been able to stand on the stage, an official approached her with a case and a smile.
"You placed within the top ten, young lady. The League doesn't forget that. This is your reward."
Inside was a smaller trophy, a monetary prize, and a voucher for specialized training equipment to be claimed at the Academy.
Kira accepted, smiling softly. "It's not first place," she said to Ray, "but it's a start."
Ray shook his head, smiling back. "It's more than that. It's proof you belong at the top. Next time, we'll both be standing on that podium together."
Kira's cheeks flushed slightly, and she nodded.
As the night sky lit up with fireworks above Celadon, Ray looked up at the stars, his three partners beside him. The golden trophy was heavy in his hands, but what weighed more was the future.