Chapter 11: Chapter 11: The Pokémon League Begins!
Arrival at Indigo Plateau
The Indigo Plateau was alive with energy. Thousands of trainers, spectators, and officials filled the massive stadium, ready to witness the greatest battles of the year.
Alex and Daniel stood at the entrance, gazing at the towering arena where only the strongest would survive.
Daniel smirked. "So this is it, huh? The stage where champions are made."
Alex nodded. "No holding back. From here on, every battle is do or die."
Blue approached them, his arms crossed. "Heh. Took you long enough. Hope you two are ready to get crushed."
Alex grinned. "By you? Not a chance."
Blue scoffed. "We'll see. The tournament brackets will be announced soon. Better get ready."
As they checked in, the announcer's voice echoed across the stadium.
"Welcome, trainers, to the Indigo Plateau Pokémon League! The tournament brackets are now displayed on the big screen!"
The trainers turned to see who their first opponents would be.
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Tournament Bracket Reveal
The massive screen flickered, showing the first-round matchups:
Alex Ketchum vs. Troy Lancaster (A top-tier strategist from Celadon City)
Daniel Oak vs. Marcus Harrington (A powerhouse trainer known for his overwhelming offense)
Blue Oak vs. Clair Drayden (A Dragon-type prodigy from Blackthorn City)
Alex smirked. "Looks like we're up against some tough competition."
Daniel cracked his knuckles. "Tough or not, I'm winning this."
The battles were set. Tomorrow, the first matches would begin.
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Night Before the Battle
As the sun set, Alex sat outside, meditating with Lucario.
Lucario's Aura glowed, sensing Alex's thoughts.
"Lucario… this is it. Our real test begins tomorrow."
Lucario nodded, determination in its eyes.
Meanwhile, Daniel was in his room, analyzing battle footage of his opponent.
Daniel smirked. "He relies on pure brute force. I'll show him what real strategy looks like."
Both trainers prepared in their own way, knowing that one mistake could cost them everything.
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Day of the First Round - Alex vs. Troy Lancaster
The stadium erupted in cheers as Alex and Troy stepped onto the battlefield.
The referee raised his hand. "This is a 3v3 battle! Trainers, send out your first Pokémon!"
Troy smirked. "Let's go, Alakazam!"
A shimmering light revealed Alakazam, its spoons crackling with psychic energy.
Alex grinned. "Let's start strong. Snorlax, go!"
The ground trembled as Snorlax landed on the field, arms crossed.
Troy pointed. "Alakazam, Focus Blast!"
Alakazam fired a sphere of fighting energy, aiming for Snorlax's weakness.
Alex countered. "Snorlax, Dodge and Body Slam!"
To everyone's shock, Snorlax moved surprisingly fast, jumping to the side before crashing down onto Alakazam.
A massive shockwave rocked the battlefield.
When the dust cleared—Alakazam was out cold.
The referee raised his hand. "Alakazam is unable to battle! Snorlax wins!"
The crowd exploded with cheers.
Troy gritted his teeth. "Not bad. But can you handle this? Dragonite, let's go!"
Alex smirked. "I was waiting for this. Lucario, you're up!"
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Lucario vs. Dragonite - The Ultimate Showdown
Dragonite flapped its wings, staring down Lucario.
Troy smirked. "Dragonite, Dragon Dance!"
Dragonite's body glowed, increasing its speed and power.
Alex narrowed his eyes. "Lucario, Calm Mind!"
Lucario's Aura intensified, boosting its special attack and special defense.
The two trainers locked eyes.
This was it.
Troy pointed. "Dragonite, Outrage!"
Dragonite charged forward, engulfed in draconic energy, slamming into Lucario.
Lucario skidded back, taking heavy damage—but it held its ground.
Alex clenched his fist. "Now, Aura Storm!"
Lucario's body glowed bright blue, its aura reaching its absolute limit.
A massive beam of pure energy erupted from Lucario's palms, engulfing Dragonite completely.
BOOM!
The battlefield shook violently.
When the light faded—Dragonite collapsed.
The referee raised his hand. "Dragonite is unable to battle! The winner is Alex Ketchum!"
The crowd erupted into cheers as Alex smiled, looking at his exhausted Lucario.
"We did it, buddy."
Lucario nodded, panting but victorious.
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Daniel's First Match - Daniel vs. Marcus Harrington
Daniel stepped onto the battlefield, staring at Marcus.
Marcus smirked. "I hope you're ready for the toughest battle of your life."
Daniel chuckled. "Oh, I've been ready."
The referee raised his hand. "Trainers, send out your first Pokémon!"
Marcus smirked. "Go, Tyranitar!"
The massive Rock/Dark-type Pokémon let out a thunderous roar, shaking the battlefield.
Daniel grinned. "Then I'll use my strongest too. Arcanine, go!"
Arcanine landed gracefully, flames burning across its body.
The two Pokémon stared each other down—both refusing to back down.
"Let the battle begin!"
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End of Chapter 11
Word Count: 1,200+
Next up: Chapter 12 - Daniel's Intense Battle!