The stadium vibrated with excitement as the final qualifying match of the day began. The lush Grass Arena stretched across the battlefield, sunlight filtering through the high canopy overhead, casting dynamic shadows that danced with the movements of the combatants. Spectators leaned forward in anticipation, whispering rumors of the trainer with the mysterious Black Gyarados.
Tharion approached with Nina still perched lightly on his shoulder, her eyes wide with anticipation. He calmly released Black Gyarados, its massive form rippling with dark scales and aura, the water channels around the arena shimmering in anticipation of the battle.
Across the field, his opponent exuded confidence. Three Pokémon had already been defeated in the previous rounds, but now he released his last, Infernape, its fiery mane flickering as it stomped the grassy battlefield. Its agile movements and fiery aura immediately contrasted against the colossal Black Gyarados, promising a high-stakes clash.
Tharion's hand went to his bracelet, releasing Lucario. The crowd gasped as the Pokémon materialized, its aura already glowing faintly in the sunlight. Unlike the typical Lucario, this one seemed subtly different — broader shoulders, slightly elongated form, and a faint shimmer along its fur where the aura resonated. The energy emanating from it radiated strength, precision, and an unspoken bond with Tharion.
The battle began cautiously. Hand-to-hand combat took precedence, each strike and counter demonstrating the precise reflexes of both fighters. Lucario and Infernape darted around the arena — spinning, striking, and dodging — while the Black Gyarados circled, ready to intervene if the ground or air opened a vulnerability.
Infernape lunged, fists ablaze with flames, while Lucario countered with rapid melee strikes, each connecting with the precision of a seasoned martial artist. Sweat and tension built in the arena as both Pokémon exchanged blows with startling speed. Spectators could hardly keep track, the fight a blur of claws, fists, and sparks.
As the duel intensified, Tharion decided it was time to shift strategies. "Lucario, Aura Sphere — charge it fully!" he commanded.
The Pokémon's aura flared, visible to the entire arena as it began levitating slightly, energy coalescing in its palms. The Infernape readied itself, flames encasing its fists in a defensive stance.
The crowd erupted — this was the first time many had witnessed Lucario's aura being channeled to such an extent. Tharion's eyes glinted. "Time to go further — Mega Evolution!"
The bracelet on his wrist pulsed with energy, Lucario responding instantly. The Pokémon's form expanded slightly, muscles defined and aura flaring around its body like a living halo of energy. Its fur took on subtle streaks of sapphire and silver, the spikes on its hands and chest sharper, aura radiating outward like a visible force. The stadium gasped — whispers spread through the audience: Mega Evolution!
Mega Lucario moved with even more fluidity and strength, its aura-drenched strikes now extended, energy pulses emanating with each movement. Its size had increased, though not drastically, enough to feel commanding yet balanced. The crowd roared, the first true showcase of Mega Evolution in Kanto.
Infernape reacted, flaring its flames higher, yet even its furious, rapid-fire moves seemed almost restrained against the aura-saturated strikes of Mega Lucario. Tharion's connection to the Pokémon was absolute; every gesture, every command, felt like an extension of his own body.
The first exchange of ranged combat began. Aura Spheres collided with Fire Blasts midair, energy and flames erupting in brilliant displays across the field. Black Gyarados circled, ready to unleash water-powered support if needed, while Tharion's focus remained locked on the Mega Lucario vs Infernape duel.
Lucario's Mega form unleashed a series of consecutive Aura Sphere strikes, weaving between Infernape's fiery counters. Each sphere moved unpredictably, homing in on subtle openings, reflecting Tharion's tactical mind and bond with his Pokémon. Infernape staggered, flames sputtering under the pressure of concentrated aura energy.
"Now, Lucario — Close Combat! Full force!" Tharion commanded, the stadium trembling as Mega Lucario's fists became streaks of light, striking Infernape repeatedly with the momentum of combined martial and aura power.
The final decisive blow sent the fiery Pokémon tumbling backward across the arena. Its trainer recalled it reluctantly, acknowledging the unmatched skill and power of Tharion and his Pokémon.
The crowd erupted into a deafening roar, chants of "Mega! Mega! Mega!" echoing through the stadium. Reporters scrambled, spectators jumped in exhilaration, and Nina clutched Tharion's shoulder, cheering loudly for the synchronized display of power and strategy.
Tharion's gaze softened toward Lucario. The Pokémon's aura shimmered, slightly exhausted but glowing with satisfaction. It had been a test, a display, and above all, a testament to the bond that had grown through every battle and every training session.
He crouched slightly to Nina's level, smiling. "One step closer," he whispered, scanning the arena where the next stage of the League would soon demand even greater strength.
The final qualifying round concluded, and the Grass Arena now echoed with the story of Tharion's first true Mega Evolution in action — a signal to all challengers that a force unlike any other had arrived in the Indigo League.
The final qualifying match had ended, and the stadium buzzed with excitement as Tharion and the remaining 63 qualifiers lined up in front of the grand stage. Spotlights swept across the arena, highlighting each trainer and their Pokémon in gleaming anticipation of the Indigo League's opening ceremony.
Tharion's eyes scanned the crowd while he stood tall, holding Nina carefully in his arms. And then he saw her again — the girl from earlier, the one who had caught his attention. Her black hair framed her face neatly behind glasses, and a silver necklace glinted around her neck. She had the same calm, focused aura as him, and Tharion instinctively knew she was no ordinary trainer.
From the glimpses he had seen during her qualifier match, only two Pokémon had been revealed — both Dragon-types, a Hydreigon and a Garchomp — commanding presence and raw power radiating from each. Unlike the other trainers who had shown a full roster, she had kept most of her Pokémon hidden. Tharion's interest deepened. "I need to talk to her after this ceremony," he thought, a determined gleam in his eyes.
The ceremony began, with league officials giving speeches, rules being recited, and the massive digital screens showing every qualifier's name and highlighted Pokémon. Reporters and fans roared in excitement, cheering for their favorite trainers while cameras panned across the arena, capturing every expression.
Tharion felt a mix of anticipation and focus. His own Pokémon — Charizard, Black Gyarados, Lucario, Tyranitar, Ferrothorn, Pupitar, and Noivern — rested within their Pokéballs, ready for the challenges ahead. Nina's Pokémon — Haunter, Luxray, Boldore, Butterfree, and the recently evolved Haunter — were calm and alert, sensing the energy radiating from the stadium and the tens of thousands of spectators.
As the ceremony progressed, Tharion's gaze kept returning to the girl. There was something familiar about her, a pull he couldn't explain. His mind raced with possibilities — had they met before, or was this some strange coincidence? Either way, he knew the moment the ceremony ended, he would seek her out.
The announcer's voice boomed across the stadium: "Trainers, the Indigo League officially begins! Prepare yourselves for the battles that will test your strength, strategy, and bond with your Pokémon!"
The crowd erupted into cheers as confetti rained down and the spotlights swept across every corner of the stadium. Tharion felt the familiar surge of adrenaline and anticipation. The real League was about to start, and all thoughts of qualifying were behind him now.
He glanced once more at the girl — her Hydreigon's three heads moved with synchronized precision, while the Garchomp flexed, tail swaying in controlled excitement. Both Pokémon radiated power, and Tharion's competitive spirit flared.
"After this ceremony… I'll talk to her," he promised himself, as the crowd's roar and the excitement of the Indigo League filled the arena.
On this moment of tension and anticipation, the final ceremony setting the stage for the battles, rivalries, and revelations that were about to unfold in the Indigo League.