The Champion Stage {Path of the Aura Ranger: Book III}

I Lance's P.O.V

I walked through the buzzing corridors of the Orange Islands Pokémon League Headquarters, the infectious energy of trainers and Pokémon alike filling the air. My little brother had come a long way since his Pallet Town days, and I couldn't help but wear a proud smile on my face. The Orange Archipelago was now his turf, and he was rocking it as the Champion.

The gym leaders were scattered around, each engaged in their unique training routines. Cissy, with her powerhouse team—Blastoise, Kingler, Golduck, Wailord, Gorebyss, and Huntail—locked in an intense sparring session with Danny's crew. Nidoqueen, Machoke, Scizor, Electrode, Golem, and Dugtrio clashed in a cacophony of moves and roars, the battle cries echoing through the training grounds.

Rudy, always the powerhouse with his Electivire, Exeggutor, Starmie, Hitmonchan, Rhydon, and Pidgeot, was in a heated showdown with Luana's diverse team. Alakazam, Marowak, Magneton, Farfetch'd, Venomoth, and Ninetales showcased a range of moves, creating a dance of elements and strategies.

I approached the sparring sessions, my eyes darted between the two teams, catching glimpses of synchronized moves, strategic switches, and the occasional burst of laughter amidst the chaos. It was a living, breathing celebration of Pokémon training. As I watched, I felt a swell of pride for Ash and the entire league. I couldn't help but marvel at the dedication and skill of these trainers. The Orange Islands League was becoming a powerhouse in its own right.

"Hey, Lance!" A familiar voice called out, and I turned to see Ash walking towards me, his trademark hat slightly askew from the battles. Pikachu, ever the loyal partner, perched on his shoulder, cheeks crackling with energy.

"Hey, little brother," I greeted, clapping him on the back. "You're running quite the show here. The League's in good hands."

Ash beamed, his eyes reflecting the same passion I had seen in him since the first time we met at Lake of Rage. "Thanks, Lance! It's been a wild ride, but we're just getting started."

I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride as I looked at my little brother, Ash, who stood before me sporting a completely new and mature look befitting his role as the Champion of the Orange Islands. His outfit exuded confidence and charisma, and it was evident that he had embraced his champion status with style.

Ash looked dashing in his grape-colored dressing pants, a bold choice that reflected his adventurous spirit. The pants perfectly complemented the rest of his ensemble, giving him a sense of flair that set him apart. The grey short-sleeved dressing shirt, worn untucked, conveyed a casual yet put-together vibe, while a mauve short-sleeved blazer added a touch of sophistication. Underneath the dressing shirt, I got a glimpse of a black short-sleeved t-shirt.

Of course, Ash being Ash, he couldn't go without some signature accessories. Black fingerless training gloves adorned his hands, a nod to his enduring commitment to Pokémon battles. The hat, a significant part of his trademark look, had undergone a transformation. This time, it was completely white, with the iconic Poké Ball symbol boldly displayed in black. The simplicity of the color palette emphasized the elegance of the design, making the statement that Ash was no ordinary Trainer—he was the Champion.

As I observed him, a sense of nostalgia washed over me. It seemed like just yesterday when Ash embarked on his Pokémon journey, a determined and wide-eyed Trainer with dreams as big as the world. Now, standing before me in this new attire, he exuded a sense of maturity and authority that hinted at the growth he had undergone on his journey. I couldn't help but smile, my chest swelling with pride. The boy who once set out on a quest to become a Pokémon Master had evolved into a formidable Champion.

As Ash grinned at me, the newfound maturity in his expression added to the aura of authority. I marveled at the sight of my little brother, now a symbol of inspiration for trainers across the archipelago. He was no longer a rookie Trainer; he was the Champion of the Orange Islands. The weight of the title rested comfortably on his shoulders, and the confidence he exuded was contagious.