Chapter - 19

"Only with this endorsement and at least eight of Arcana's Gym

Badges" Michael continued, "will you be allowed to compete in the

Pokémon League Championships to be held at the Arcana

Colosseum. Those without both of these accomplishments will be

allowed in, but only as spectators." The screen soon began to

change and show a map of Arcana, highlighting the ten towns and

cities where badges were attainable. "In these ten locations, will the

badges needed to compete in the Pokémon League be distributed."

One by one, the map highlighted a village or city where Michael

would explain the Leader there and which badge to expect from

them. "In Craft Terrace, you can get the Aroma Badge, but only if

you defeat Victoria in a Gym Battle. Erin awaits challengers in

Alchemiburg, where not only can you win the Peace Badge, but you

can also register yourself for the Queen of Arcana Contests. Greg

looms in the always under heavy construction Terra Town, where he

will award a trainer the Tectonic Badge for besting him. Taghwan City

and Daniel also loom large, with the Frost Badge a reward for

besting him. Atop Iron Mountain, in the Iron Colosseum, you can

walk out with the Iron Badge, but only if you can defeat Billy. In

Trickton, you must not only navigate the haunted woods to reach this

gym, but you must overcome Shannon and her Pokémon to win the

Wiccan Badge. In Charizark Town, one must withstand the heat of

fire as well as that of competition, as Robert looms, capable of

rewarding one with the Inferno Badge should they prove worthy of it.

In the Magenta Grove, Madeline and the Enchanted Badge await

anyone clever enough to best her Pokémon. Knights and Princesses

are aplenty at the Faire Grounds of Cauldro City, but so too are the

Dragons controlled by the Jon, guarding the Medieval Badge with

care. Lastly, anyone who makes it this far must overcome the perils

of the oceans themselves and take on Renee and her Titan Badge.

Be forewarned, everyone. These gyms will do more than challenge

your Pokémon battling capabilities. They will also test your mind,

your own physical prowess and your courage." With that, the screen

slowly veered it's way up.

"The best advice I can give you" Michael called out to everyone

present, "is to give it your all. This is not a challenge for the faint of

heart. Assemble the bravest, strongest and most noble Pokémon

Team you possibly can, or you won't last very long in this

tournament. Anyone who makes it to the Arcana Colosseum with all

the Gym Badges and their endorsement in hand is free to compete

in the Pokemon League Championships and take on the Elite Four

and myself in battle. Only by defeating us will you earn the title of

Champion and all the advantages and spoils that come with it. I look

forward to seeing each and every one of you progress as far as you

can and master all of Arcana." He turned to Rhaegar. "Hey, Rhaegar!

Would you do the honors?" The Dragonite raised his head and

puckered his lips. Within an instant, a pulse of fire came out of his

mouth and spat into the skies, exploding in the shape of a star. "Let

the Arcana Pokémon League Season begin!"

The crowds erupted in applause as many filed out to begin their own

journeys. Ryan, Addison and Matthew made their way to the podium

to speak to Michael, who tossed a Piper Poffin into his Dragonite's

mouth. He eyed them and ushered them up to see him. "So, did you

guys like the commencement speech?"

"It was enlightening" Addison admiringly proclaimed.

"Yeah, I can't wait to get started" Ryan chimed in.

"Me too!" Matthew burst in. "I've got a bright future in front of me."

"I like your confidence" Michael told his cousins, "but it's going to

take a lot more than an Eevee and another small Pokémon to

compete in the Pokémon League. It's going to take guts, tenacity

and courage to overcome the odds."

"We'll prove we can take on the League" Matthew proclaimed.

"You bet we will!" Ryan answered in kind.

Addison shrugged. "Boys will be boys, I guess."

Michael nodded. "Good. I'd like to see some improvement from the

both of you." He knelt down to their heights to talk to them in private.

"Now, if you need my opinion, you guys should take the winding road

that leads to the Crafter's Forest and venture to Craft Terrace. Tori is

definitely no pushover, but she's going to be a bit easier to handle

than Jon, Greg or your father."

"I think we can take my Dad on!" Mathew boasted.

"Don't be dense, Matty" Michael warned. "There's more on that path

than just Tori's Gym. You'll also be able to catch more Pokémon in

the fields along the way as well as take within the Crafter's Forest as

well. Lots of Grass and Bug Pokémon that might be able to help you

on your journey." He also eyed Addison. "Of course, the registration

for the Queen of Arcana Contests is also there, Addison."

"Then I think that's the way to go" Addison said happily.

"Good" Michael answered. He rose upright and climbed atop

Rhaegar's back. "Now, that's all the information I can give you three

now. The rest is up to you. Don't let me down, boys."

"We won't" Ryan and Matthew said in unison.

"Well then, until we meet again" Michael grinned, saluting the three.

He hitched Rhaegar up and the Dragon Pokémon took off in the

skies, leaving the mesmerized and excited trio behind him.