ARE YOU A POKÉMON MASTER?

[shinsengumi]

Welcome to this year's Pokémon Festival! Here, you can participate in many different activities and events, including battles, musicals, triathlons, films, breeder shows, and the coveted CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT. Please enjoy your stay!

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TOURNAMENT SIGN-UPS

[bloodbath]

[A hooded young man is slouching about near the tournament sign-ups, apparently waffling about whether or not to enter. His fingers curl into the ruff of an Absol standing at his side, the Pokémon looking as ragged and worn as the trainer does.]

[daughterofsand]

[As a gym leader Shai doesn't have to go through the trouble of signing up, but it's a formality she appreciates. Better not to separate herself from the habits of others too thoroughly. Nothing good lies down that path.

It's the Absol that gives her pause, though she directs her words toward the scruffy trainer he comes attached to.]

If you haven't prepared for this then you're only going to embarrass yourself. And your Pokémon.

[bloodbath]

[There's a twitch in the shadow of the cloak, and then a hard statement in a voice that's hoarse, doubtless from lack of use.]

I have prepared. We all have.

[The Absol gives a soft coo of agreement.]

[daughterofsand]

Then you do intend to enter.

[It had been hard to tell, skulking figures that they are. But the Absol has given confirmation, and Shai finds that more reassuring than anything the boy might have tried to say.]

Do you mean to win? Progress far enough and perhaps you'll make it to the championship level. Are you prepared for that as well?

[It's her place as a leader to be encouraging. It's simple curiosity that prompts her to goad him toward competition.]

[bloodbath]

I want to.

[He turns away from her, and looks towards the list of entrants once more. At the bottom, in thick lettering, is the sentence that confirms her statement: The winner of the Trainer's Tournament will be offered a position in the Champion's Tournament, fighting alongside the regional Gym Leaders and the Elite Four!

He repeats.]

I want to. Win and battle them all.

[It isn't quite true, but it's near enough. If the tournament doesn't see him battle his cousin, he'll challenge Leonel before the festival is through.]

[daughterofsand]

Then I wish you luck, and good grace in all outcomes. If we face one another let's make it worthy showing, hm?

[Perhaps she'll seek his matches out, see just how reasonable his intentions are. She's always enjoyed the idea of battling a tournament wildcard - how funny it would be if this boy managed to make it that far...]