The roar of crowd overtakes the stadium. Despite being in my private waiting room its walls rumble from the cheering and stomping of crowd. This circuits Challenger's Cup has been an exciting one. There's been a massive upset this year. Some young kid from the middle of nowhere debuted this season and boy have they caused an uproar. No fame to their name and no prior exploits before the season began this kid has become a fan favorite. Their diverse choice of partners along the way has certainly brought an edge to the matches. It makes fans and opponents alike always wonder "What else has this kid got up their sleeve?" Honestly, it's exciting. I haven't been this excited for a circuit match in a long time. Not since I ran through it myself all those years ago.

Looking up at the TV I see the match comes to an end, and of course the challenge from Boint has won again. The contestants shake hands and both start to leave the field. A knock comes from door.

"Sir?"

"Yes, I'm here."

"Your match is going to start soon. We need you to take the field and make a statement before the finals."

"Okay. I'll be right out."

"Thank you." The attendant confirmed.

Leaning my head back I roll it circles feeling the muscles in my neck stretch. My phone rattles against the padded seat beside me. Looking down at the screen I see a picture of Sterah. She's sent me a picture message.

Sterah: Look, your biggest fan came out to cheer you on.

The message arrived before what I assumed would be a picture.

*buzz buzz*

And there it was. The picture loaded up and a smirk stretched across my face.

So she was able to get the old bird out here eh? Heh. I was amused.

Turning my display off I tucked my phone back into my pocket. Dropping my head down as I rose to my feet giving I gave my back a stretch as I made my way to the door. I pulled a ball from my belt and set it on the table beside the door.

"Sorry, I'm going to have you sit this one out." I said to the ball.

Along the wall beside the door were many different colored balls. All different partners I caught along the way here. Running my eyes from ball to ball I finally stopped on a lavender ball. I smiled as fond memories of this ball filled my mind.

"She'll be happy to see you in action. Let's give her a good show eh?" I said to the ball as I shrunk it down and tucked it into my belt.

I stepped from my room and made my way pass the stadiums staff. People gave waves and smiles as I walked by. I turned to my left approaching the double doors leading out to the field.

"Are you all set?" A woman asked. She stepped over to me peering through her glasses as she looked up from her clipboard.

"Yeah, I'm good to go." I assured flashing a smile back.

She turned and nodded her head to one the staff behind the counter. They acknowledged and pressed the button to open the doors.

"Good luck out there champ!"

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"Thanks!" I replied. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. I passed through the doorway and started down the long hallway to the field. The voice of the announcer filled the stadium air once more.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, what a season it has been! Who would have that we'd be seeing a match up between these two opponents. The unknown underdog trainer made their debut this very season. Our challenger hailing from the small town of Boint our variety trainer who has taken the region by storm, Snow!"

I'm still making my way through the hall, but historically the challenger's are called to the field first. The crowd was going wild as the challenger made their way onto the field.

"And the moment you've all been waiting for."

The crowd fell silent and lights went out.

"Many have challenged this incredible trainer. Their matches are always one for the record books. Our 10 time reigning champion of the United Sanctuary Alliance. The cool, the electric..."

Murmurs from the crowd started to begin again. I was now standing at the mouth of the hall waiting for the announcer to finish. My heart was racing with excitement. Despite doing this well over a dozen times I always felt a little nervous before taking the field. I took another breath and slowly let it go.

"...Champion Mac!" The announcer dragged out the a of my name as his voice boomed throughout the stadium. The lights were hot and blinding as they came back on. Spot lights pointed on my very location I stepped out onto the grassy field. Despite their brightness I kept my eyes wide and focused on center field. There the announcer's arm stretched out in my direction. His long yellow hair standing straight into the sky. He wore a black suit. The crowd whistled and shouted my name as I walked across the field. Looking out into the stands I gave a wave towards different sections. From the field the crowded appeared as a dim sea of bodies moving back and forth. I stepped into the center field circle where the announcer shook my hand and leaned in.

"Champion Mac! I'm a big fan! Good luck out there today." He whispered into my ear.

I rested my hand on his shoulder and give him a nod. I reached up taping the ear piece on my right side.

"Hello Meadow City!" I raised my hand high above my head. The crowd roaring with another cheer. I signaled for them to lower their voices for a moment but the crowd roared on. I turned and shrugged at the announcer.

"Exciting isn't it folks! Should we give the champ a moment to say some words before the final match begins?"

The crowd roared again in agreeance and excitement. I gave a slight bow to the announcer and raised my hands again signaling for everyone to calm down.

"I'll only take a moment and then we'll get right into the match."

I took another deep breath and gently let it go.

"What a season, am I right? We've seen some of our best contestant's come far, only to lose out in this final tournament. Let's give a big thank you to all the folks who made this possible. From the staff members right to the trainer's themselves. Thank you for making these events run smoothly."

The crowd applauded with gratitude from my comment.

"And of course, we wouldn't be here if it wasn't for all of you. Thank you the fans for cheering us on and supporting us throughout the season and off season."

The crowd roared in excited again.

"Snow," I turned my attention on the challenger from Boint, jetting a finger out in their direction. "You've caused quite the fuss this season. We've all watched you come in with that kind smile and then tear the battle field up with your incredible team."

They smiled at me as they crossed their arms.

"But, unfortunately for you. My biggest fan came out to cheer my on today. As long as she's in the stands I'll be going all out. Make some noise from the Grandmother of your champion!" I pointed out into the usual section she sat. There she was, her black curly and fluffy hair. She had a hint of smile on as she starred in my direction. Sterah was standing beside her clapping as the cameras focused on the pair. She simply smiled and shook her head motioning for me to get on with it.

I looked back at Snow and pulled the lavender ball from my belt.

"I started my journey to become champion twenty years ago tomorrow. I set off from my hometown just any trainer does. And this, was my first partner. Like you Snow I started my journey from my hometown out in the middle of nowhere. We didn't have any professors around to give out starting partners. But my grandmother gifted me this one. "

I held it close to my face as the camera zoomed in on me and the ball.

Snow pulled a yellow and white ball from their belt and launched it out onto the field. From the ball a Morilla slammed its mighty hands onto the field as it let out a battle cry.

"Heh. Ready to go are we? Then let the finals begin!" I shouted as I threw the ball forward.

As my first partner emerged from it's ball my mind couldn't help but wander back to the day I set out on this incredible journey to become the USA's champion trainer.