stonecrandall Chapter 569 Post-War Award Ceremony
Chapter 569 Post-War Award Ceremony
The referee's voice announcing Ash's victory seemed to still echo in the arena after the match ended.
Ash, carrying Pikachu, slowly walked back to where he had been standing. Despite each step he took on the muddy and broken ground, he felt no fatigue whatsoever.
Lucario came forward, its eyes also filled with the joy of victory. Ash saw Lucario approaching and smiled, extending a fist towards it.
Lucario smiled back, as if sensing Ash's intent, and gently bumped fists with Ash's.
"Thanks to you this time, Lucario, for coming all the way here to help."
Ash expressed his gratitude to Lucario, because without Lucario, he would have had to find a way to send Mantis to battle Darkrai, which could have led to other unforeseen circumstances.
In that case, he wouldn't be able to fulfill the Abandoned Monkey's wish to continue fighting in this final match.
From this perspective, both he and the Forsaken Monkey should be grateful for Lucario's arrival.
Lucario responded with a low murmur, as if to say that it was nothing more than a small favor.
This time, Lucario overcame numerous obstacles to arrive here, not only because it wanted to repay Ash's kindness when it was still Riolu, but also because of its own selfish motives.
It understands the burden on its shoulders, but at the same time, it also longs to embark on a journey with Ash.
Knowing that the path ahead was impassable, Lucario had no choice but to settle for second best and choose to have its first, and possibly last, battle with Ash right here.
Although it's a bit of a pity that it only played one game, it's already quite satisfied.
I wonder if it will ever meet someone like Ash again, someone who gets along so well with it in terms of both aura and personality.
......
Just as Lucario was feeling sentimental about their impending separation, the sky, previously shrouded in thick dark clouds, was suddenly torn open by Pikachu's final attack. A beam of sunlight pierced through the clouds, striking the battlefield precisely and landing right on Ash and Pikachu.
The light was not dazzling; instead, it carried a warm comfort, dispelling the chill and oppression brought by the previous downpour.
Xiao Zhi subconsciously raised his head, squinted, and basked in the sudden sunlight.
Only then did he have time to look around. He saw that everyone in the audience had spontaneously stood up, and thunderous applause came from all directions, lasting for a long time.
Ash, holding Pikachu, bowed deeply to the audience around him, then waved and flashed his signature hearty smile in response to their well wishes.
On the other side of the field, Darko slowly walked to the huge crater where Lugia had fallen.
He crouched down and gently stroked Lugia's head, which still bore some charred marks.
Lugia struggled to open his eyes. Upon seeing Darko, a complex sense of apology appeared in Lugia's eyes. However, when he saw the figure bathed in sunlight ahead, that apology quickly transformed into a relieved smile. The smile did not contain the frustration of losing the match, but rather a sense of liberation.
"It seems that both my path and yours are still far from over. I boasted before that I could help you become the one and only, the strongest Lugia, but in the end, I haven't even taken that step. I'm really ashamed."
Dakdo's voice was soft, tinged with self-mockery, but also with a hint of enlightenment.
This defeat is not the end for him, and he will not give up his ideals after this battle.
This battle with Ash was like a mirror, not only allowing him to see clearly what he had been pursuing all along, but also helping him find something he had forgotten.
He turned his gaze to the same direction as Lugia, looking at Ash's figure bathed in sunlight. The pride and arrogance he had felt because of the power of the legendary Pokémon quietly crumbled, replaced by a heartfelt sense of emotion.
Perhaps only someone like Ash can become a legendary hero and truly be called a powerful person.
.......
Time passed slowly.
The daytime hustle and bustle gradually faded away, and night fell like a deep blue velvet blanket over the entire Lily of the Valley.
The battlefield, which had been shattered in the fierce battle, has now been completely transformed.
The Lily Stadium was brightly lit and did not fall silent as night fell.
The awards ceremony will also officially kick off in this newly renovated venue.
Under the spotlight, Ash and League Chairman Damar stood together on the awards stage.
President Damaran held Ash's hand, his aged face full of a gratified smile: "Ash-kun, your progress is truly amazing! In all my years in the industry, I've witnessed countless exciting battles, but none have been as thrilling as today's. I don't know how to thank you enough for the opportunity to watch this match live before I retire—"
President Dama Lanqi's excitement after watching the match had not subsided until this moment.
Ash humbly replied, "You flatter me. It wasn't all my doing. I couldn't have done this alone without the support and companionship of my teammates. And I'm also very satisfied to have the opportunity to compete against Mr. Darko in the League Finals."
President Dama Lanqi nodded in satisfaction, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes.
Trainers who can remain humble and composed, maintaining their individuality and clarity after a great success are truly rare these days.
He stroked his snow-white beard and said, "Although it's a bit strange to ask this in this setting, I still want to know, Ash-kun, would you be interested in coming to the League headquarters—"
However, before Chairman Dama Lanqi could finish speaking, he was interrupted by an even more enthusiastic cheer.
Cynthia slowly walked onto the stage, holding the golden trophy that symbolized the championship.
She had a faint smile on her face.
“Chairman Damaranchi.” Cynthia’s voice was clear and pleasant, with a hint of barely perceptible teasing, “I think we should forget about this suggestion. If some people find out that you are ‘secretly’ recruiting Ash here, they will probably come knocking on your door overnight to express their strong condemnation.”