Lumiose University - A Degree In Pokemon

Chapter 75: The IPL Finals!

Chapter 75: The IPL Finals!

Ckemont was overjoyed by the excitement of the packed arena, and as Trevor walked out to his platform, Sasha taking the place opposite him for Laverre, the Lumiose Gym Leader couldn't help but cheer along with the roaring crowd. It was the loudest it had been throughout the playoffs, and he had a feeling it was only going to get louder.

"This is sure to be a good one, folks!" Robby called out, his voice carrying throughout the arena over the cheering crowd. He had just finished the introductions of the teams, but he'd announced that Professor Sycamore and Diantha would be speaking briefly as well. "As Trevor of Lumiose University and Sasha of Laverre University take their positions, please welcome a couple of very distinguished guests! Professor Sycamore and Champion Diantha!"

The large screen to the side of the battlefield cut away from an image of the two teams logos and showed a booth where Sycamore and Diantha were seated, along with Aria, Wallace and Professor Goodshow. Sycamore and Diantha both had microphones. They waved, smiling, as the crowd cheered them on. Both had been praised for their efforts against the hunters in defending the city, and people were quite grateful to them. In fact, this battle wouldn't have even happened, at least not with this crowd, if Diantha hadn't defended the arena. And Sycamore had apparently protected much of the surrounding area after securing his lab.

As the crowd quieted down, Sycamore held up his microphone, waving once more as the crowd gave one last cheer. "Thank you very much, everyone," he said. "I know it's been a crazy couple of weeks with all of the IPL excitement and then the attack. We were admittedly unsure if it was wise to continue on with having this match after what happened. As you know, there was a great deal of damage around the city, despite the efforts of so many to repel the hunters. It is a great relief that we had so many brave trainers and Pokemon to keep them from doing more harm than they did. And not only prevent harm, but defeat the ones attempting to cause it. Thoroughly."

That brought another cheer, and Clemont didn't even mind as the screen flashed to images of him among those considered to be key in the defence of the city. They also included Ash and the others, fortunately. Clemont had finally made it clear to a reporter the other day that Ash and Serena were the ones who had actually landed the final blows against Raphael. His so called heroic rallying of the city was still adored, though.

"The thing is," Professor Sycamore then continued, "we realized something as we discussed the possibility of not finishing this tournament." The crowd was now surprisingly silent. There were a few murmurs here and there, but people were mostly quite focused on what Sycamore was saying. "We won. All of us. We worked together through a scary ordeal. When our friends were in danger, we stood up for one another. We couldn't forget that. Because of this determination, this entire arena was saved. In fact, many of our city's most important places were saved. Those efforts deserve something."

He looked to Diantha, who raised her microphone to speak. Clemont realized the crowd was even quieter now, the murmurs having stopped as well. "A Pokemon trainer's career is filled with many obstacles," she said, looking into the camera, and making it appear as though she was looking everyone in the eye. "Each of those obstacles leads to something new once it is surpassed. Perhaps it is a new obstacle. Perhaps it is a new place. Perhaps it is a new Pokemon. Perhaps a new friend." She paused, and the crowd waited. "No matter what it leads to, it is always an opportunity to show how you've grown and see where you may go next. We have two fantastic teams of trainers here today. Let us see how they've grown. We may all find out something about where we wish to go next. This battle is a celebration. Let's enjoy it!"

For a moment, there was silence. And then...the crowd cheered twice as loud as before. Clemont and the others couldn't help but join in.

"And there we have it, folks!" Robby called out, the announcer's voice shaking with excitement. "We go ahead with this championship match between Lumiose University and Laverre University with our eyes to the future and the opportunities ahead. Let's see how our two finalist teams fight alongside their Pokemon. They've demonstrated incredible bravery and heart so far in this tournament and the defence of this city. We'll see them take those skills to the battlefield now. Oh baby! Trevor! Sasha! Let the IPL finals begin!"