Chapter 275 -
The massive stadium in Indigo Plateau buzzed with excitement even after the final battle ended.
After the meeting with Steven Stone in Hoenn, Gladion had spent a few more days handling work at Vortex Industries and his gym in Moonwood Town.
Now he was back in the arena, seated in the VIP section with a clear view of the battlefield.
Just like he had expected, Daisy Oak had reached the top eight. She had breezed through her matches with smart strategies and strong teamwork. Her performance had been impressive from the start.
Daisy had made it all the way to the finals. In the championship match, she faced a tough opponent with a well-balanced team of dragon and flying types.
The battle had been close and intense. Daisy's ace and starter, Venusaur, had carried much of the load. It used powerful Solar Beams and clever status moves to turn the tide.
When Venusaur finally went down, Daisy sent out her Electivire as her last Pokemon. The electric beast unleashed Thunderbolts that overwhelmed the remaining opponents. Electivire's final Cross Chop had sealed the victory.
The stadium erupted as the referee raised the flag and declared Daisy the Indigo League Champion.
Now that the finals had been completed, the award ceremony began. Daisy walked onto the stage with her trophy already in hand. She had to give a victory speech.
She looked a little nervous at first. Her hands trembled slightly as she stepped up to the microphone. The crowd quieted down, waiting for her words. As soon as she reached the mic, the nervousness disappeared. She stood tall, smiled brightly, and spoke with clear confidence.
"I thank Gym Leader Gladion for supporting me. Without his guidance and sponsorship, I do not think I would have made it this far. He believed in me when many others did not. He gave me advice after every battle, helped me train my Pokemon, and showed me what it means to fight with real determination. I had always carried the expectations of my grandfather's name. Professor Oak is a legend in the Pokemon world. People looked at me and saw his granddaughter first. But through this journey, I learned that I can stand on my own. I made my own path."
She paused and looked out at the sea of faces. "Battling is fun, is it not? The thrill of strategy, the rush of a close match, the joy when your Pokemon pushes past its limits. That is what keeps us going. More than that, though, are the countless friends I have made during my journey. Fellow trainers who became rivals and then allies."
"We shared campfires, traded tips, and cheered each other on. My Pokemon are my closest friends. Venusaur has been with me since the beginning. It grew from a tiny Bulbasaur into the powerhouse it is today. Electivire joined later but became family just as fast. Every Pokemon on my team has its own personality and story. They trusted me, and I trusted them. That bond is what made this victory possible."
Daisy smiled wider as the crowd started clapping. "I want to thank everyone who supported me. My family, my friends, the people of Kanto who cheered from home. This win belongs to all of us. It shows that anyone can rise to the top with hard work, heart, and a little bit of luck. I promise to keep battling, keep learning, and keep making new friends along the way. Thank you!"
The applause grew louder. Some people stood up and cheered her name. Daisy waved to the crowd, her eyes shining with happiness. It was a perfect moment for the new champion.
Then it was time for the rewards. Daisy had already received her champion's trophy, a gleaming golden cup shaped like a Poke Ball with wings.
Now came the special prize Gladion had promised. He walked up onto the stage with steady steps. The crowd hushed again as he approached the microphone next to Daisy.
"Well done, Daisy Oak," Gladion said clearly. "You have made not only your grandfather and me proud but also the entire Kanto region. Your skill, your heart, and your determination were clear in every match. Now it is time for your reward. One of the ancient fossil Pokemon. You would become the first trainer to have one. In fact, I will be giving you a choice."
Large screens above the stage lit up. Photos of revived fossil Pokemon appeared one by one. Gladion explained each of them carefully so the audience could understand.
"First is Omanyte. This is a Rock and Water type from the ancient seas. It has a spiral shell that protects it like armor. Omanyte can learn strong Water moves like Hydro Pump and Rock moves like Ancient Power. When it evolves into Omastar, it becomes even more powerful with tentacles that can crush opponents."
The next image showed a fierce-looking creature with wings. "Next is Aerodactyl. This is a Rock and Flying type. It was one of the fastest predators in the skies millions of years ago. Aerodactyl has incredible speed and sharp teeth. It can learn moves like Rock Slide, Aerial Ace, and even Crunch. Its evolution stays the same, but it gains more power and aggression."
Another photo appeared, this one of a small armored Pokemon. "Here is Kabuto. Also a Rock and Water type. Kabuto has a hard shell on its back and sharp claws on its underside. It hides in the ocean depths and ambushes prey. It learns moves like Aqua Jet for quick attacks and Rock Tomb to trap enemies. When it evolves into Kabutops, it becomes a swift hunter with scythe-like arms."
Then he explained about the Hoeen fossil Pokemon. First was Lileep and it's evolution Cradily.
The final image showed a bug-like creature. "Last is Anorith. This is a Rock and Bug type from the ancient oceans. Anorith has eight legs and strong claws for digging and fighting. It is fast on land and in water. Anorith learns moves like X-Scissor and Brick Break. Its evolution, Armaldo, gains armor and becomes a tanky fighter with powerful physical attacks."
The crowd murmured in awe as each Pokemon appeared. Gladion spoke slowly and clearly. "These ancient Pokemon have been extinct for millions of years. Now they walk among us again thanks to the researchers and scientists at Vortex Industries. Each one brings unique strengths to a trainer's team."
It was also a marketing stunt. Gladion had planned this moment. By showing the fossil Pokemon on the big screens during the championship finals, millions of people across Indigo and beyond would see them.
The broadcast reached homes, Pokemon Centers, and even international feeds. Enthusiasm would spread fast. People would talk about the revived species in schools, online forums, and trainer groups.
The images would create excitement and demand. Trainers would dream of owning one. Collectors would want them for their rarity. Scientists would beg for research access. Vortex Industries would become the name everyone associated with bringing back the past.
Gladion knew the timing was perfect. The Indigo League finals drew the biggest audience of the year.
Daisy choosing one live on stage made it personal and exciting. Viewers would feel like they were part of history. The stunt would drive interest in the upcoming Vortex Auction House.
It would build hype for future sales of revived Pokemon. Profits would follow as people rushed to buy or bid on the ancient creatures.
Daisy looked at the photos carefully. She thought for a moment, then spoke into the microphone. "I choose Kabuto."
Gladion smiled warmly. "Good choice."
'A Rock and Water type would be a good thing for her generalist team,' Gladion thought. Daisy's team already had strong Grass, Electric, and Poison types. Kabuto would add balance with its dual typing. It would cover weaknesses and give her new strategies.
He then thought about the bigger picture. 'It is about time to start Vortex Auction House and for us to conduct our first auction with the best items we have.'
-----Author Notes------
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